Shadow Shot Sunday

As I stepped out to get our morning paper this morning I saw shadows from our almost life-size nativity set. As this is "the reason for the season", I thought what better shadow than to show shadows from the wiseman - casting shadows on Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus.

We have had this creche gracing our front yard for many years now and at night when they are lit up and the spotlights are on, it is a lovely sight. I never tire of seeing it when I come home. We have had many people remark on it. It is truly beautiful with snow surrounding the figures.

Be sure to visit the other shadow chasers at Hey Harriet!

Wishcasting Wednesday

Yesterday was my daughter's 25th birthday! A quarter of a century ago! I reflected back to the me that was then and also my 25 year old self. I remember making a big statement to a friend that there were so few "firsts" left! How naive I was. There have been so many firsts since then (having my daughter a few years later was one of them - and what a memorable first it was. Happy birthday my darling girl!)

This year alone has seen several firsts - most resulting from plunging into the blogging world - my blog, creating ATCs, taking part in challenges.

Jamie asked us to do a relection of the year and I have so much to be thankful and still reflect on. I am working in my journal to really reflect on her great prompts.

Today Jamie asks us to reflect on a great question:

What is your winter wish?

I do love winter - in all its variety. The lights celebrating the Christmas season, Christmas itself, New Year's, the snow, the crisp air, rosy cheeks, snowmen and snowball fights, even my birthday. There is so much to appreciate.

There is a downside - driving in bad conditions, the lack of sun, the dark days of February, but there are more days of glory than not.

My wish for this season is to focus on well-being:

to continue my healthy eating (10 lbs. down so far!),

to keep creating,

to continue with keeping my gratitude journal and giving each day,

to make a special effort to connect with family and friends this season.

I also want to really feel the joy of this season - I know it was difficult last year.

May we all experience true joy throughout this season!

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. There is great power in wishing together."

Be sure to visit the other wishcasters at Jamie Ridler Studios.

ABC Wednesday - T is for Table loom

Time again for ABC Wednesday - the challenge being to find something for the letter of the week.

This week we are focusing on T. I thought it appropriate that, since last week I used sheep, that this week I use Table loom. One leads to the other!

I have used different varieties of looms, but this size is really nice to work with.

Be sure to visit the other great participants here.

Affirmation for the Week - X

This week's affirmation letter is X and I decided to focus on eXplore!

I was playing with papers and paperweaving - enjoying the eXploring.

There is so much to explore and discover - this week I want to start December with creating a wish list of creative, spiritual, physical, social and intellectual eXplorations for 2010.

A new decade, a new outlook.

I will turn 58 in early January and as I near the 60 mark (yikes!), I know I will need a lot of positive eXplorations to keep me focused and creative.

This coming month I should also reach the 200th post for my blog for which I want to plan something special! Stay tuned.

ATCs

I am so enjoying the creating of ATCs for ATCsforAll. The swaps are fun and I have received such wonderful cards in return.

This week I have finished the Christmas cards.

I am also working on funky birds. My first one is below! (My first real critic - my husband thought it was a fish! lol)

I have signed up for quite a few more swaps - that will keep me challenged and busy!

This is also the First day of Advent -Hope .

May we all have a joyous holiday season filled with hope, joy and love!

Shadow Shot Sunday

This week has been a cloudy, rainy one - with few good shadows. It has also been a busy one. Today we spent until after 3 at our church's luncheon/bazaar. So I chased shadows inside!

Be sure to check out the other great shadow chasers at Hey Harriet! - a great place to share your shadows. Once you are bitten with this bug, you won't see shadows the same way!

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today at Jamie Ridler Studio, Jamie asks us:

What step do you wish to take?

As I thought about this question, I realized that I had been taking many tiny steps this year, often nervously - starting this blog, taking part in ATC swaps, trying to lose weight and get healthy, among other things.

It has not always been a steady uphill climb - many times it was a step forward and 2 back.

But I do see myself now moving forward and I feel it is time to step out with more confidence and embrace that which I want to achieve:

*more art

*daily writing

*daily movement

So here is to bigger, bolder steps! There is so much to see, do, create! I want to study more, find a mentor, create daily.

The bigggest step I wish to take will come in the New Year - to open an Etsy shop! There I said it - now I am committed!!

Be sure to check out the other wish makers and give them your support here. As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. Support wishes by visiting other participants. There is great power in wishing together."

ABC Wednesday - S is for Sheep Shearing

Here we are again - sharing our take on the letter S for ABC Wednesday.

There are so many possibilities - but I had to settle on sheep shearing! Our trip to the Fergus Scottish Festival was a wonderful event and the sheep shearing was amazing. I talked with the shearer after - a very interesting man. I also came away with the part of the sheepskin that was not really wanted. I will be using it with my Grade 3s during out Pioneer unit - for carding, spinning and weaving!

It is a very fast process! I was impressed.

Be sure to visit the other great participants here.