December Challenges -Days 11 and 12

Jamie and Shannon posted these prompts for Days 11 and 12:

Day 11

What makes you weepy?

Death of a loved one, a sad movie or book, joy, pain – there are many things that can cause tears.

Day 12

What 10 things do you know for sure?

Ten things I know for sure:

1.    My husband will always be there for me as I will be for him.

2.    My children are my greatest gifts.

3.    Love is the most important thing.

4.    Faith and prayers can move mountains.

5.    Christmas is a time for love and miracles.

6.    “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

7.    We all need laughter, love, music and art.

8.    I will always be a teacher and a learner.

9.    There is always something positive or something to be learned in every situation.

10.  Every day is a chance to start anew and to be thankful.

Kat had these prompts for us:

Day 11

What challenges lie ahead in 2014? How might you meet them boldly?

The main challenge for me in 2014 will be to really focus on getting fitter and to deal with the pain in my knees. I am going to work with a personal trainer throughout January to set me on the path to better fitness.

The other challenges will be to create and write daily. I have to make the commitment to work on the craft of writing and art.

Day 12

I'm a big fan of muddy experiences. They become our greatest teachers when we're wise enough to exfoliate with them; roll around in the deep until we finally feel ready to get clean. 

Today, identify something muddy that kept recurring for you throughout 2013, and then ask yourself this: What's the clear truth underneath this damn mud if I finally wash myself clean?

 For me the mud was health and pain and lack of consistent exercise. It was a start and stop, start and stop  process of knowing I needed to exercise and eat better.  I need to really focus on the positive and take control of my poor habits.

December Challenges - Days 9 and 10

Jamie and Shannon posted these prompts for Days 9 and 10:

Day 9     Share some favourite movies:

Since it is the Christmas season, I'll start with my 3 favourite Christmas ones:

One Magic Christmas
Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer (with Burl Ives)
It's a Wonderful Life

I'll be watching most of the other wones as well - it isn't Christmas with all those wonderful movies.

Some of my other favourite movies  (which I've watched several times!):
Mrs. Doubtfire
It Could Happen to You
When Harry Met Sally
Sleepless in Seattle
The Green Mile
The magnificent Seven
Some Like it Hot
Star Wars - original
Hunger Games


Day 10 Show and Tell

I've taken several courses this past year and here are three pieces I am proud of:

Waterolours:

(first time I tried layering)

 (using India ink with watercolours)


Acrylic painting

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

Kat has given us these prompts for Days 9 and 10:


Day 9   

Who inspired you in 2013? And why?

What gifts did they give you? And how will you carry these forward in to 2014?

It was the inspiration of Joanne who inspired me to retire. She was the sister of a dear friend and it was her death and funeral that made me realize time was so very precious and I needed to be doing what I really needed and wanted to do. Leaving teaching was one of the most difficult decisions I have made for a number of reasons, but it was Joanne's death and how she lived life that inspired me to re- evaluate what it was I wanted to do with my life.
As I head into 2014, I want to be more focused on using my skills and really go after my dreams.



Day 10
Meredith writes:

Living life on auto-pilot can feel disorienting and dull. How did you cultivate a life worth loving during 2013?

How can you turn off your auto-pilot button in 2014?

It was retiring that forced me to look at what I was and wasn't doing and to be more determined to fulfill my dreams.

December Challenges Day 7 and 8

Day 7:
Jamie and Shannon posted this question:

As best you can, capture your day in one sentence!

As I am late , I am writing about the weekend.

This weekend was all about family - A Christmas reunion in Toronto, with 60+ family on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday for 14 for my husband!  Such lovely times!


Day 8

and they posed this request:

We hope you don't mind if we invite ourselves over. 

We'd love to see where you blog!

 

I work on a PC at a desk, with a roll chair. I like using a mouse and having a big screen.

 

 

 

 

Day 7

Kat asks us to:

Please post your favourite picture of yourself from 2013, self-portrait or otherwise!

 

I can't believe this is the only picture I have on my camera for this year. I had a number taken in June at the retirement dinners but I don't have any available. So this will have to do. It is the most current.

Day 8

What went right in 2013?

Maybe you didn't quit smoking or lose those pounds or go to Paris, but something did work, did happen, and/or was realized. What was it?

 

Some of the things that went right:

completed NaNoWriMo in November and wrote 3 short novels (50,000 words)

completed PiBoIdMo and have 30+ picture book ideas to work on

I retired and am enjoying retirement

I completed many art projects and took art courses

 

December Challenges - Day 6

Today Jamie and Shannon ask:

Whether you've been blogging for 5 years or 5 days, share with us your first post. What inspired you to start,

what have you've learned or

 how you've changed since then?

 

 

  Here is my first post:

 

 

 

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

A First - Still a few left at My Age!!

My first identity was as Bunny and John's daughter. I am an orphan now. I lost my Mom last May; my father 36 years ago. My mother's influence is still very strong. Hence the title - a homage to her.

I always said that when I grew up I wanted to be a teacher, writer or an artist. I have written, I am a teacher, but I have only dabbled in art. Well, at 57 - when will I be grown up and be an artist- if not now?

I have been following The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women blog, hosted by Jamie Ridler.
All the advice points to "Just do it. Create.".
So "do it" I will.
My first step was to create my "101 Things in 1001 Days" list. I want to challenge myself to try new things and be creative.
My second step was to start a media collage online course. More on that later.
My bravest step thus far though, is the creation of this blog, to put myself on the line.
My goal is to explore my adventures in art, education and life. .
Join me in my explorations.

 

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

 

Even back in March 2009, I knew I needed to do something more. Creating the blog, taking classes, creating, all helped me move past grief and discover what I truly needed.

I continue to take course, to create and to write and am enjoying the journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kat's prompt today:

 

 

Today's prompt and image come from my dear friend and sister wordsmith, Alana Lawson, whose friendship, support and inspiration continues to be one of the most precious things in my life.

Alana writes:

“True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out of each day as it goes by.”— E.S. Bouton

There are so many “precious things” that are presented to us each day; discoveries and treasures found in simple moments, memories we wish to store in our hearts and keep with us forever.
What precious things have you gathered in 2013?

Which memories from this year do you wish to keep with you always?

Memories are special. We often take pictures to remember what we were experiencing or what we saw. We want to capture  our children and family members so we have those moments always. As we look at those photos we remember the feelings and it is those that actually anchor the memories for us. Happiness, pride, sadness, even anger are relieved.

Memories I want to cherish from this year:

 times with my husband, even just simple ones of walking and holding hands

seeing my children, playing "Scattegories"

opening a card  and gift she made from a special student

receiving a ceramic plate from my class with all their names drawn on it

special words spoken by a friend at my retirement dinner

dinners with all the family gathered round

watching a play or movie

reading good books

 

All these add up to happiness and joy.

 

December Challenges -Day 5

Today Jamie asks us to share 10 things about ourselves.

1. My first home was on Cambridge St. in Winnipeg 61 years ago and I now live in Cambridge.

2. Between these 2 places,  I have moved over 25 times.  The longest place I lived in was a small place near Lindsay for 20 years. I moved from Winnipeg to Montreal( lived there 5 years and moved 3 x)  to Toronto (12 years, moved 5x)  to Ottawa (3 years,moved 4 x)  to Kingston (1 year, 1 place)  to the NWT (3 years. 1 place) back to Toronto (1 year, 1 place) to Alberta (3 years, moved 6 times)  and to Pontypool (20 years, 2 moves) and now to Cambridge (9 years, 2 moves).

3. I remarried at age 50 in 2002.

4. I have 3 children and 5 stepchildren (3 with my present husband)  and 8 step-grandkids (5 with my present husband)

5. I donated a kidney to my husband in 2003 - he has had it now for 10 years and is doing well.

6. I finally retired after 36 years in education at the end of June. All I ever wanted to be was a teacher.

7. I love reading and have waaaaay  too many books. I am trying to read what is on my shelves but I am too tempted by new books. That is my addiction.

8. I have returned to creating and writing and now have the time to pursue them.

9. I drive but I have a real fear of driving on major 400 series highways or going places I have never been. I have never had a panic attack - I just won't (or can't) drive.

10. I love tea and hate coffee. Unfortunately I love treats with my tea - something I am trying to change.

Kat asks us:

What was the greatest risk you took in 2013? What was the outcome?

For me the biggest risk was retiring. It took me a long time to make the decision. I knew I loved teaching but it was getting to be physically a challenge everyday. The arthritis in my knees caused pain everyday and since I cannot take anti-inflammatories, I usually just bore it.
I knew we would have been better off financially if I had worked another year or two but a few things swung the decision to that June:
* a close friend had just lost her sister that winter. Joanne was 62 and a teacher
*the upcoming class for September that I would most likely get was a definite challenge
*new principal, new challenges
*I was getting tired and I felt I was just not as effective as I once was

So I retired and I am glad I did. The pain is still there and I miss teaching every day, but I am writing more and creating more and I can pursue other interests when I want. Hopefully, finances will be okay for us in the future.

December Challenges - Day 4

 

 

Jamie asks us to share the weather today.

We are lucky here in Waterloo region to have escaped the extremes of snow and freezing rain hitting parts of Canada this week. We had some rain (!) but the temperatures are a mild 6 C. Can't complain about that.

I walked outside in a long sleeved shirt and captured a few photos around the yard - even saw a chickadee.

 

 

                                             (A puddle of rainwater)

 

 

                                          (grey sky, chickadee, drops of rain)

 

The weather all over North America has been extreme this past fall. Scary really when we really don't know what to expect. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kat states:

 

This past year, we have all experienced so much loss and experienced so much grief -- in relationships, through sickness and death, from mental illness or abuse, because of finances, even due to the need for healthy change. 

It is good to honor those shifts, to fully feel them, so that we can let go of what needs surrendered, and remember what is worthy of our love and gratitude.

What have you lost, what are you grieving?

 

 

What I have lost this year is my teaching career. I retired at the end of June and it really wasn't til September that I realized just how much teaching defined me, filled my days and gave me so much joy (ok frustration too). I am doing some tutoring but it is not the same.  I miss the sharing of books, of helping young ones learn.

I also gave away or sold or threw out a large majority of my teaching books, units and files. I still have some to process through, but it hurt when teachers didn't want some of what I used for my teaching.

I am still grieving the loss of my Mom. It has been 5 years and the grief isn't as sharp. But Christmas is a time when I miss her the most.

December challenges

Day 3 of Old Skool and Jamie poses some interesting colour related questions:

RED ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of red? heart
2. Closest red thing to you? feather
3. What is the last thing that made you angry? PM Harper
4. Are you a fan of romance? Yes
5. Do you have a temper? Sometimes

[ GREEN ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of green? Grass
2. Closest green thing to you? Book cover
3. What's your favourite green environment? A rainforest
4. Are you jealous of anyone right now? No
5. Are you a lucky person? Sometimes

[ PURPLE ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of purple? grapes
2. Closest purple thing to you? pencil
3. Do you like being treated like royalty? Sometimes
4. Do you like mysterious things? Yes
5. Are you intuitive? sometimes

[ BLUE ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of blue? water
2. Closest blue thing to you? Computer screen
3. Are you good at calming people down? Yes
4. What's your favourite body of water (i.e. lake, ocean, etc)? Ocean
5. What was the last thing that made you cry?  Reading a book
6. Are you a logical thinker? Not very

[ YELLOW ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of yellow? Sun
2. Closest yellow thing to you?  pencil
3. What was one of the happiest times of your life? Getting married, having my children
4. What's your favourite holiday? Christmas
5. What makes you happy? Family, friends, reading, art

[ PINK ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of pink? Piglet
2. Closest pink thing to you? card
3. What sweet things do you like? Desserts of most kinds
4. Are you sensitive? Yes
5. What is your favourite flower? Rose and carnation
6. Does you have a crush on someone? Just my husband

[ ORANGE ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of orange? Pumpkin
2. Closest orange thing to you? DVD
3. Do you dress up for Halloween? Of course
4. What gives you the warm fuzzies? Hugs and kisses
5. What would your superpower be? Curing illness

[ BROWN ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of brown? Mud
2. Closest brown thing to you? My desk top
3. What is your favourite type of chocolate? Dark Chocolate bark with pumpkin seeds
4. What makes you feel grounded? Music, a hug
5. Paint the wood or always leave it au naturel? Depends on what its for

[ WHITE ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of white? Snow
2. Closest white thing to you? paper
3. Do you always try to keep the peace? YES!
4. Do you like to play in the snow? Love it – live in Ontario after all
5. Are you afraid of going to the doctors or dentist? Dentist

[ BLACK ]

1. What's the first thing you think of when you think of black? Midnight
2. Closest black thing to you? Computer mouse
3. Are you sophisticated or silly? In between
4. Do you have a lot of secrets? No
5. What's the new black? Katie Perry's hair???

 

 

 

Kat posted this for Day 3:

Each day for 31 days, I sat quietly for a few moments with my eyes closed and my hand on my heart and asked, “Heart: what do you need?”

And then I listened. Sometimes the answer cam in the form of a word. Sometimes an image. Sometimes a sensation.

Try this today. What does your heart have to tell you?
My heart has been trying to tell me to feel the joy of the season; to take part in all the events; to sing the carols; to celebrate with love and joy and keep the reason for the season.

December Daily Challenges

December brings two challenges - one I have done the last 2 years (Reverb) and a new one started by Jamie Ridler.  

The month of December is the perfect time to reflect on the year that has passed and start to manifest your dreams for the new year.

What is Reverb?

Reverb is a reflective writing challenge held in December every year. It provides a sacred space for participants to celebrate the successes and honour the challenges of the year that’s passing, as well as plant the seeds for a rich and rewarding new year.

Day 1 

How do you feel, on this first day, in your mind? In your body? In your heart? In your soul?

 Yesterday was a lovely day, very busy. It was my daughter's birthday and we took her out to a new restaurant in Kitchener. The food was delicious and it was wonderful to share lunch with my daughter and husband.

Then we shopped and I bought more books!

Then we got all the Christmas tubs from our attic (12+) and set up the tree. Normally we would have decorated as well, but lights had to be fixed,  and it was late when we finished.

So, I was in a very joyous mood, sharing a meal, seeing my daughter, getting read for Christmas. A wonderful way to start December.

 

Day 2

The way we nourish ourselves determines our ability to shine our light in the world. And nourishment doesn't just come in the form of food and drink and sunshine; it's equally important to nourish your spirit.

What made your soul feel most nourished this year?

 

This year I made the momentous decision to retire after 36 years in education. I loved (and love) teaching, but health issues and the whole political climate in education wore me down. Now I am free to read, write, create and do volunteer work.

As Jamie Ridler introduced "Old Skool":

31 Days of Old Skool Prompts - we're talking memes, pics and even a swap!! 

31 Days of Sharing! 31 days of FUN!!         31 Days of Blog-Spiration!!

First The Rules!

1. Be Nice.

2. Have Fun.

Day 1 - Share a selfie

I really don't like getting my picture taken and so for me to do it, it was a challenge. ut here goes:

Day 2      Let's capture this moment in time.

1. What are you reading?
I have been taking part in a reading challenge "Reading down the House" - trying to read the many books that are overflowing on my shelves. I posted the first 26 I wanted to read here, and have actually read a couple. Trouble is, I am addicted to books and when a new one is reviewed I have to read it or at least buy it for later. I just finished "The Rosie Project" and Loved it. Next is "The Hobbit" -if I want to see the movie!

2. What are you watching?
I have started to watch Christmas movies and specials. I love them all. My favourite is "One Magic Christmas".
I also love "The Voice" and "Elementary. And I am a bit of a news junkie.

3. What are you listening to?
Christmas music of course. My radio station plays it all day! Love it!

4. What are you loving?
Christmas, my husband, my children and stepchildren and their children, reading, writing, creating.

5. What are you wearing?
Jeans, a long red top and sandals.

6. What are you creating?  
I have just completed NaNoWrMo - writing 50,000 words in November. Now comes the hard part - editing and revising. But I am determined to send in the 3 novels (short ones mind you - a lot has to added) I wrote.
I also completed PiBoIdMo - and have 30  children's picture book ideas from which I hope to choose 2 to write a script for.
I am also working on a number of ATCs this month for swaps coming do.

7.What are you looking forward to?
Celebrating Christmas with family and friends, writing and creating.