Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up

It has been an unsettling week. My hubby had surgery Monday, was in hospital for 2 nights and then went back yesterday. He is doing okay - just some complications. We missed 2 special Christmas celebrations and decorating our tree. At least it is up - with lights. And we have gotten some extra time together. Even sat and watched "Larry Crowne" last night.

I have read a lot this week ( I discovered and read "Kate Morton's "The Distant Hours"), with just a bit of art done .

After 2 1/2 days away from school, my class were quite happy to have me back Thurs. (and I was very happy to be back).

Now we just have to wait for follow-up and for my hubby time to heal.

The Artist's Way

I did a few more tasks with Chapter 11. It was by far the most enjoyable.

My journal is slowly filling up with lists and tasks done. I still have to go back and do a number of tasks throughout the book. My art dates were the few times I actually got to create art.

The morning papers still elude me. I was able to write a few times at night - still my preferred time.

It is hard to believe there's only one chapter to go.

 

Heart Exchange



I took part in the "Heart Exchange" through Louise Gale's blog. What a lovely experience. We each had a partner for whom we made something from our heart to theirs. I received a gorgeous heart book from Jenna. What a thoughtful gift - one that I am going to use to inspire me in 2012!









(thanks so much Jenna and Louise!)





Planning for 2012

There is so much available to help in planning for 2012.


I just signed up for Ali Edwards "One Little Word 2012" online course, which will run all year. I have been choosing a word to help guide me with intention throughout the new year for a couple of years.








For 4 weeks in December, at "Myles Ahead", you can start a weekly process of visioning for the year ahead.

The 100 questions exercise was very interesting and has resulted in 10 questions/themes I hope to pursue in 2012.



Reverb 2011 has begun again, although through a different organizer than last year.



With all three of these groups, the primary goal has been to choose a word of intention for 2012. I made a preliminary list of 20 words and have finally chosen my word. Actually, it is one small phrase, as it encompasses so much of what I want 2012 to be.

I turn 60 in early January and so begins a a new decade, one that I want to be healthy, eventful, and exciting.

The phrase is "Seize each day" from the Latin "Carpe Diem". (A fellow teacher has this as her license plate and I always feel it deep inside when I see it.) It can mean so much. I hope it forces me to reach out and do more and see more.



The 2 ATCs I created above hold 2 quotes that very much fit this phrase.

Multitudes on Monday (on Tuesday!)

Yesterday, I spent most of the day at the hospital, as my husband had surgery. Scheduled for 4pm it didn't happen until 5:30 and I didn't get to see him til 8. He seems to be doing okay and may come home today.

It is strange though coming home to an empty house.

I missed posting my gratitudes and with his surgery, I really need to:

I am so grateful for:

51. my husband

52. skilled doctors and nurses

53. our provincial health care

54. Rose, my step-daughter, who drove me to and from the hospital

55. family and friends who care

56. books that can occupy your mind and keep you from worrying

57. comfort food - chocolate brownies and tea

58. Christmas lights shining all the way home last night

59. art - that keeps my mind and hands busy

60. for prayers -mine and others

Sunday Weekly Wrap-Up / The Artist's Way

This past week has passed in a flurry of parent interviews, volleyball practices and a tournament, and a wee bit of time for art. The interviews went well, although not all parents showed up. It made me think of an article from the NY Times I read this week about how we need better parents. A very interesting read.

The volleyball tournament turned out disappointing for the kids at the end as they lost the semi-final round. Cheating by another team was not addressed and my group were very discouraged. It definitely was a learning experience - for all of us! They did extremely well though. I did write a long letter to the coordinators - but haven't heard back.

The Artist's Way

I am back on track, finally. Chapter 11 was filled with wonderful messages:

"Creativity is oxygen for our souls."

Creativity is its own reward.""Creativity requires action and part of that action must be physical."

"As artists we are spiritual sharks."

"I need to create what wants to be created."

"Creativity is not a business."

This chapter was inspiring and so positive. I love the idea of a creativity notebook and listing the wishes for 7 areas of our lives. I intend to do this, but connect it with the planning for 2012 (see below)

Lots of nurturing is encouraged for the week ahead and I intend to do that.

As for morning papers - that still is not consistent and is done at night, to unload thoughts and ideas so I can sleep! My artist date continues to be time to create.

It is hard to believe that we are almost done the book. This group of people who have shared the journey are so supportive. Be sure to check out Paula's blog for others of the group.

AEDM

Leah of Creative Every Day offered a Survival Guide for AEDM and it has been very helpful. It has given me prompts and ideas that I can continue to use after November is over.

I have done a bit of sketching and more photography this week. Here is a cat based on an Escher print:

My favourite model:






A sky I couldn't resist:








2012


Both Jamie Ridler and Glenda of "Myles Ahead" both have started the planning process for 2012. Check out both for some ideas and direction. 2012 is only a month away!

Shadow Shot Sunday

As I walked into the kitchen this morning, light was streaming in the window and making lovely lace shadows on the wall. Perfect shadows for the day! Within a few minutes they were gone, but now preserved here.

Be sure to check out all the wonderful shadows at Hey Harriet - that addictive meme created by Tracy.

Multitudes on Monday

Once again it is time to express gratitude for the many wonderful things that have happened this past week, even if they were only simple pleasures.

I am very grateful for:

51. medicine and doctors - that have helped me clear up an infection

52. family get-together - to celebrate a birthday

53. playing games, along with laughter and talk - if you haven't played Mexican Train (with dominoes), play it!

54. more lovely ATCs received in the mail

55. a delicious turnkey dinner

56. a caring dentist

57. a ride to a workshop today

58. homemade banana cranberry bread, fresh from the oven (just made tonight -the smell is heavenly!))

59. new shoes that relieve pain in my knees

60. Christmas lights already shining

Be sure to stop by "A Holy Experience " for more "Multitudes on Monday", with the list that never ends!

Wishcasting Wednesday

Today from Jamie Ridler, comes the question:

What is your greatest wish?

Each week Jamie poses a question that has us look deep into our hearts and minds. This week is no different.

As I thought about it, I realized that what has been on my mind a lot recently has been my upcoming birthday and what the years ahead will bring. Turning 50 was not difficult - I was getting remarried that year and had much to anticipate.

Turning 60 though is different. I had hoped to be retired and healthy. I am still teaching and probably will for another year or two at least. I have been battling health issues for awhile and am so tired.

So for my greatest wish - to enter my 60s with a positive outlook, with health, creativity, friendships and love, and a passion for living and making a difference.

From Diane Ackerman, comes a quote that resonates with me:
"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."

As Jamie says:
"You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt above on your blog. Support wishes by visiting other participants. It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together."

Multitudes on Mondays

"There are blessings in the moments - if we look"

This small quote sums what what showing gratitude is all about. It is looking at that those blessed moments in the day when we feel love, compassion, thankfulness.

This past week, I have been grateful for:

41. a very moving Remembrance Day service at school

42. the beautiful voice of Adele, whose music always stirs me

43. warm apple crisp, a comfort food when I am feeling achy or down

44. time to create art, especially through AEDM

45. talks with my daughter

46. friends who I can laugh and share things with

47. the secretary at school who always helps me

48. my sons who phone to just say hi and "I love you"

49. the first sighting of Christmas lights on our street - gorgeous!

50. my husband, who always takes care of me

Stop by "A Holy Experience" for more "Multitudes on Monday", with the list that never ends!