Monday, January 07, 2013

Project 365–Day 7

Simplicity

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Had a tough time with “simplicity” – finally got it.

Is anything more simple that a beautiful crisp red ball lit by a beautiful tree?

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But I couldn’t decide.

So, the candy cane won a spot as well.

A nice pretty traditional simple old fashioned candy cane on a beautiful Christmas tree.

Every year we put our tree up, and I step back and look at it and just love what it means to me.

There is not real “theme” to the tree, except – simplicity, honest. It’s not fussy. It’s not perfect by means. 

Red balls still tied up with the red string remaining from when the kids were small.

Lace bows, Sir Fartsalot and I have had since our first tree in 1987 or 1988 I believe.

Popcorn strung so long ago I don’t remember.

Red and white candy canes. Not fussy, not fancy.

And the remainder are yearly memories, bought for the kids every  year. Gifts given by friends and patients. Nothing matches. Nothing belongs together. But yet, they all blend to a beautiful glowing representation of our family.

The simple red and white elements, tie it all together. Just like the simple daily rituals that tie our family together – dinner around the table, errands run together, favorite t.v. shows shared, family trips and vacations. Nothing special in their individuality, but together, blend to make a wonderful life for us.

Sunday, January 06, 2013

It’s a new year!

Time to challenge myself a little bit.

Been letting some things slide lately.

Blogging is one.

Photography another.

Spending far too much time on Facebook.

So this seemed perfect….

http://projectlife365.com/blog/

It’s a daily photo challenge.

Today’s challenge – Still life

I have missed a few days.

So tonight I grabbed my camera and just snapped a few things that were striking my fancy right now.

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Two more additions to the snowman collection. This is a Mr. and Mrs. that were a gift from Sir Fartsalot this year. I love them and they make me smile. Ergo, they make the cut for my first blog post of the year!

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Picked this guy up for next to nothing at a warehouse sale. He is supposed to be a bank. But I have him sitting on the window sill, so every morning he greets me and makes me smile. Once again, he makes the cut!

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Went down to the wine shelf tonight to treat myself before “healthy eating armageddon” hit tomorrow….I smiled to myself when I came upon a bottle we had gotten nearly two years ago, at Lake Seneca, on our anniversary trip. It made me smile, and seemed very fitting to open, since we are now planning and working on returning this year. Happens that I am googling some things this very night. The thought makes me happy, so made the cut as well.

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This simply documents my every day. But, as much as you don’t want to believe it, makes me smile. (See a trend here?) I adore nice orderly piles, neatly folded, fresh warm laundry. Not only does it mean my family is clothed and warm, but I do enjoy the repetition and familiarity of the folding process. To me it is very relaxing and a very zen process.

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Just in the past few months, I took a class and learned how to make this yummy fresh bread. Guess what? Yup! It makes me smile. My family ADORES it, looks for it, and I love that I am making them something fresh, and healthy (well as healthy as white bread can get). I know what is in it, I know how old it is, and it won’t keep on the counter for three months. I plan on exploring different varieties and additions to widen my horizons. The biggest caveat – it’s SO easy.

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Shhhhh…don’t tell. Dude in true fashion of always surprising me, has decided once again to take up his guitar. Want to know why? Shhh…don’t tell him I told you. He discovered he can learn how to play *their* song, if you know what I mean. It is only five cords apparently. I asked why he was still using this fartosmall guitar – turns out two reasons. One, his larger guitar is broken.  Two, he said he prefers this one anyway. This one was his uncles. He gifted it to him years ago when he first decided to try the guitar. Dude says, “it means more to me, so I like to use it” – who is this boy, where did he come from? Some days it is hard to believe he is mine!

So, that is today’s challenge. A small glimpse at the “still life” around my house right now.  Didn’t really make an resolutions this year. Just to continue to be a better person, as I have been working all in the last year. Continuing to love myself more and put myself first more often. One challenge for myself this year, is to return to a bit more creativity. Time will tell I suppose!