A spontaneous project and a surprise

Oh boy, do I have a lot I want to say today... It was such a great day!

As I mentioned in this post, my word for this year is sunshine.


One of the things I'm trying to do, besides trying to silence my inner rain storms, is focusing on the warmth each day brings my way, no matter how little. Something else is trying to be kinder to others. Today these two goals came together in a wonderful way.

I met an old student of mine who had been... challenging. This is a very sensitive person who was adjusting to working with others in the US and who felt very out of sorts in many ways. In any case, I tried to listen to him while his teacher, but I was also very firm with him at times, too firm I think.

He emailed me a couple of times this month asking to meet, and I was reluctant. But following my goal, I decided I would not only meet with him but give him my ears and my heart during our meeting, really listen to him. It was wonderful. He was beaming with joy, and he had some great news to share. He doesn't know many people here, and it felt good to give him an ear so he could talk. I left with spirits lifted.

My point is, being kinder brought sunshine into my life, not only his. (am I being full of myself by thinking I brought him any sunshine? I hope it made him a bit happy to talk)


I apologize for the long post, but I really wanted to share that bit of sunshine with all of you.

***********************************************************************************************************************************

I came home invigorated, wanting to create. This is the result. It's the first piece of "toy" sewing that I make completely on my own, no patters or instructions. N's reaction? "Mama, I love the lion!"

Then, when I thought the day couldn't get any better, my husband surprises me with this:

A brand new sketchbook! (N. took my last one for herself...) Isn't it lovely? All recycled material, handmade, and just perfect. I love the feel of the pages and will be using it as soon as I am done writing this.

So, here's to more sunshine coming into our lives!

What has made you happy lately? What sunshine are your days bringing you?

Even in the middle of a cold winter...

... the sun sometimes shines.

Yeah, I know I'm being superstitious, but I believe this is a good sign. 2011 is starting with sunshine and mild weather. Let's hope it stays its course.

This year I want to keep a record of my goals, so that i can go bak to them, remind myself of what I set out to accomplish. There's power in the word. Once it's out there, it's no longer just a thought, it's a plan, a setting into motion of events. So here it goes:

• I will let go of guilt and hang-ups about things I can't change.
• I will join yoga to help me relieve the stress and tension I feel in my body.
• I will be more loving to those I love, and kinder to those I don't.
• I will give more (attention, time, patience) to those around me.
• I will listen more and speak less.
• I will publish an article based on my current research and present in at least one national conference. 
• I will pay more attention to my subjects when I take pictures, represent them more instead of my own vision (see listen more, speak less)
• I will work on crafty endeavors for at least half an hour each day.
• I will continue to work on the blog and help it evolve into what it needs to be.
• I will give more of my time to volunteering and helping the community.

That's a start. Some are more concrete than others, some are more challenging. But I have them down now. *Blog, help me remain accountable to myself.*

I also hope to connect more with those of you out there, who love to make things, to create, to interpret, to represent what you see, feel, and imagine. Let's be friends in 2011.

Cheers!