Day 42 - Blessed

Watercolor


Watercolor. Photographic images courtesy of my friend Ana.

I sometimes feel the word blessed is overused. I am a Christian who is respectful of other people's beliefs (and non-beliefs). I don't always feel blessed because circumstances aren't what I would like them to be, but, today I felt what it was like to be in that state of grace. I spent the day with my son, talking, laughing, crying and watching our favorite shows (Community - hilarious and Rescue Me - funny in a serious way). He was gentle, kind, admonishing in a son kind of way and just oh so smart about life. As he left and I watched him get into his car and drive away, a huge sigh came over me that said, I am blessed...for this moment, this day and this life - even if circumstances are never what I hope for.

Day 41 - Plans

The best laid plans went awry today, but still a good day. I read all day. I haven't done that in so long. Articles, books, magazines. It was wonderful. About 8 hours of reading.

Found this on GOALS from Livestrong.com:

Step 1

List all the projects and goals you would like to complete during the new year.
Step 2

Cluster similar goals together to organize this large "wish list."
Step 3

Trim your goals to the top five most important---or desirable---goals.
Step 4

Create a specific time frame and action plan for each goal.

Step 5
Re-evaluate after a month. After 30 days, if you find you no longer have a burning desire replace it with another goal or simply use that surplus time for your other goals.

• Create a journal.
• Form precise goals.
• Set time-based goals.
• State goals in a positive manner.
• Be realistic.

Day 40 - Disconnected

I painted all afternoon. I disconnected from my phone for most of the day. Didn't even look at it (sorry anyone trying to reach me). I wanted to stay focused on projects. I finished the cat images, set up the basic structure of the book and will submit it tomorrow to the printer for two hard bound copies. One for me and one to give to my dear friend who lost her Liam. I hope to complete several pages of my children's book tomorrow too. Can you say, SNOW DAY!?

Day 39 - Everyday

I found this list on a Yoga Master's web site and liked the simplicity of the ideas. There are many pieces of good advice out there, but this one jumped out at me.

10 Things You Should Do Everyday
For a Happy, Meaningful & Good Life
by Anmol Mehta

1. Wake up Early

2. Sweat Everyday

3. Daily Meditation (or prayer)

4. Spend Time in Nature

5. Complete Your Daily Affairs: Don’t procrastinate, don’t delay, don’t put off what needs to done.

6. Spend Some Time Alone: When one is alone in this way, not escaping into some entertainment, it will give one visibility into the self in action.

7. Do Your Daily Accounting at the End of the Day: Look back and see how you acted, what you said, how you said it, what you felt, and what you thought. Especially reflect on situations that posed a challenge or were emotional in nature. Were you overly reactive, did you respond too quickly, did you really listen, and were you honest and forthright?

8. Do at Least One Good Deed: Everyday do something good for someone else.

9. Get Some Entertainment

10. Do Something Difficult: Everyday you should take on the challenge of doing something which is outside your comfort zone.

Day 38 - Liam

My friend's cat recently passed away and she wrote a beautiful letter about his life and passing. I just love this woman and she has helped me in so many ways since my husband died that I was inspired to create a little book for her. Shhhh - it's a surprise : )

Watercolors of Liam and Photoshop layouts.

Day 37 - Footsteps

In facing life's hardships, come what may, there is always something better, something waiting around the corner. No matter what your circumstances are today, no matter how far away your goal may seem, achieving what you want is little more than putting one foot in front of the other, come hell or high-water until you get there. Georgette Mosbacher


'Nuff said.

Watercolor

Day 36 - Students

My Mondays are LONG. I have to talk for about 6 hours straight, answering questions, teaching and solving problems. I am so tired by the end of the day that I just want to go home, eat and snuggle with Mickey. Today I must have had 8 students ask for my attention all at the same time, all asking different questions. Somehow, I answered them and they finished the very long demos I gave them. Above all the tiredness and brain frying, I love my job and above that, I love my students. They make my days fun and interesting. So next time I can't think, I'll try to remember that.

Two tone Watercolor.