by Kat | May 2, 2017 | General, Words
Looking back at April there was so much joy!
There were 10 days with Michelle_GD and her Just Five Things. This brief but spectacular (to coin a phrase from PBS Newshour) class has become my favorite “re-focus-er” She manages to cut away the clutter of the day and focus you in on the simplest of things, but in that simplicity – incredible growth happens. Just Five Things continued for me through the remainder of the month. I have incorporated her process into my meditation time. While, I am not doing three check-ins every day – I have found it to be a stunning way to start the day.
The joy from this class was multiplied by having so many friends in ‘class’ with me – and a huge thanks to Mary for the gift of the class. It was so lovely sharing bits of ourselves in class.
There was also the joy of my son really finding his niche at work and finding success (he was #1 in his district in March and April) And, April saw him purchase his first home!
There were some knitting successes, but there were also some knitting failures. Why is this on the joy list? Well, learning through failure is always joyful. It is as important to cheer yourself on through failure as it is when you succeed, perhaps it is even more important!
April brought my gardens back to life – from the rhubarb, to the raspberries, to the strawberries (which are now growing fruit!) There is much joy in seeing things bloom and grow after a long winter’s nap!
There was also Easter, and singing and ringing (in the Bell Choir at church…) I am thankful that these small things bring such joy to my life!
by Kat | Mar 28, 2017 | General, Words
The Joy Journey in March had some bumps in the road. The warm weather that caused things to bloom early was followed by some crazy bitter cold weather the following week which killed many of the buds and blooms. However, it did not get them all! And, while they look forlorn and bedraggled and the blooms have been greatly diminished, those that persevered are amazing! This is an excellent reminder to me that despite adversity, persistence is a worthy attribute to have.
There was also much joy in the Tom and Dara’s wedding weekend. It was truly a blessing to be included in their gathering. And, even though I only managed to drag Steve out to the dance floor one time, I did not let his lack of dance desire dampen mine!
There is joy in my weight loss journey as well – that scale that was in a holding pattern is not any longer. I am happy that it is moving in a downward direction again!
Joy in my daily stitching continues to grow as does my creativity. This is perhaps the best thing I added into my life thus far this year. I am learning how to be okay with things I do not like and rather than being halted by this, I am learning to turn what I do not like into something I do. I am learning that sometimes, creativity is a process and if I allow it to happen, amazing things occur in me!
by Kat | Feb 28, 2017 | General, Words
As I close the door on February – a blessedly short month that was not short on joy.
There was an abundance of joy over the past month.
Joy in the lengthening days – over the month we have gained 64 more minutes of daylight!
Joy in the stunning lack of winter – out of the 28 days, we were above the historical average 21 days during the month. (Although, this joy is tempered by the obvious nod to Global Warming)
Joy in the books read and listened to during the month: I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak (I gave this book 5 Stars), I am No One by Patrick Flanery (3 Stars), and Into the Woods by Tana French (4 Stars) – only 3 books this month, but they were most enjoyable!
Joy in my continued stitching – this has been truly the thing that has been bringing the most joy! Through these moments of stitches, I have opened the door to my creativity. It is an incredible feeling – this unleashed creativity. Today I will fill in the final stitches for this month and this morning offered a beautiful sunrise that will be reflected in my stitches.
Joy in letters, written and received. It was my inaugural participation in MoL, and while my involvement was not perfect it was incredibly joy-filled!
There was joy in flowers and laughter and yes, even weight loss plateaus.
I hope that February was joy-filled for you as well!
Happy Tuesday everyone!
by Kat | Feb 21, 2017 | General, Words
I am immersed in the Month of Letters and enjoying every moment. I have gotten letters from dear friends and letters from new friends! Every moment has been so much fun.
I have written letters, postcards, and even birthday cards!
But, I have not done blog letters in quite some time – so today is your lucky day!!
So, let’s get to the mailbag…
Dear Senators Mc Cain and Graham,
I would like to take a moment to thank you for standing up for a free press (although, why this is even a thing is beyond me)
Good reminders from you both last week on the importance of the press being free, adversarial and worth dying for.
Now, I would like you to focus some of your attention on the importance of education so that we are no longer a nation that cannot discern fact from fiction.
Sincerely,
A Believer in the Fourth Estate
Dear Mother Nature,
I am not sure what is up, but you do realize that it is February, not April or May right?
Because, it is still winter for a few more weeks not to mention you are making Punxsutawney Phil look bad.
Oh, and in case you are thinking winter in April would be a fabulous joke – I promise you I won’t be laughing!
Signed,
A Global Warming Believer
Dear Bathroom Scale,
For months you have been giving me such great encouragement. It was almost as if you were cheering me on in my change in eating and exercise habits.
However, the past couple of weeks you and I have seemed to hit a wall. The encouragement has stopped and we seem to be at a standstill.
As in an actual standstill… a holding pattern… maintaining status quo…
I promise you I did not call a halt to our journey!
Sincerely,
Seeking Losses
Dear Hitchhiker Scarf,
I know that I have not knit you – ever. And, that is truly an error in my judgement.
However, the urge to cast you on has been increasing almost daily.
Except, I have these other projects going and this infatuation I have with you is not a good thing.
All these amazing photos of you on Ravelry is not helping either.
I am not sure how much longer I can resist…
Love,
Infatuated and Trying to Resist
That’s all I have today – I hope you have a great Tuesday and maybe write a letter – it is good for you!
