52 Books in 52 Weeks

At Serendipity I discovered a new challenge - 52 Books in 52 Weeks. Not that I really need a challenge to read - I love reading. But usually through the school year I don't read as many books as I'd like. I am still working on the "101 in 1001 days" so this will fit in here.

Here is the format for this challenge:

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2010
The goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks. The rules are very simple:
The challenge will run from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
Participants may join at any time.
All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2010.
Books may overlap other challenges.
Create an entry post linking to this blog.
Come back and sign up with Mr. Linky in the "I'm participating post" below this post.
You don't have a blog to participate, I can set you up as a reviewer.
I'll be adding a post with Mr. Linky for participants to post book reviews.

Sign on and share your love of reading here.

New Giveaway from Craftside

The twists and turns of blogging. You go to visit one blog (in this case Creative Every Day) and then you are following a path via several other blogs. I ended up at Craftside and not only enjoyed craft and art ideas but there is an awesome giveaway going on there right now. They are into day 10 of 19!

Here is their info about the giveaway:

"Holiday Goodness Giveaway Time!
Here's how it works:
We ask a question each weekday.
You leave your answer in the comments section each day to the question (and you can enter each day!).
We will randomly pick a winner each day to send a free book to! "

Hurry over!

Wishcast Wednesday

It is Wishcast Wednesday once again and Jamie Ridler poses a very searching question once again:

What is your spirit wishing for?

To go deep into one's core is tough. It takes a lot of courage to look inside and really see your desires, needs, fears.

This past year and a half as I have dealt with a number of issues, the overriding desire of my spirit, of my soul is to have peace - in myself, and in my family. I feel torn by so many issues and feel pushed and pulled by conflicts.

So - my spirit seeks peace.

As Jamie says:

"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. I wish for her/him also. There is great power in wishing together." Visit the other wishcasters here.

AbC Wednesday - U is for Upside Down!

This week the letter to focus on for ABC Wednesday is U.

Being overtired last night, I got into a silly mood and my first thought was "upside down" . So I captured a few Christmas decorations upside down!

We have many animated Santas and snowmen! Our latest is a singing Bing Crosby!

Another U is the UCW - this is an organization I belong to - the United Church Women. This group is part of the United Church of Canada, which as a religious organization has been a protestant denomination since the 1920's. Visit their website here as well as their Wonder Cafe.

Be sure to visit the other great alphabet chasers here.

New affirmation

I am nearing the end of my Abcs of affirmations. This week the focus is on Y.

The only word that stood out was YES. I have used this before as part of a dreamboard.

As the end of 2009 draws near, I am trying to find a word of intention for 2010 and YES just might be it! There is so much to say yes to - rather than the negative no. I want the positive in my life - there has been so much negativity in the past few years.

So - Yes, Yes, Yes!

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.