My Full of JOY Vision Board for 2011

In December I was toying with the idea of creating a vision board. I had heard about them, but didn't really know how to do one. I had in mind the word I wanted to be mine for 2011. And then SERENDIPITY...Dayna sends me an invite to create a vision board in her studio along with some other ladies. She also sends a link to Christine Kane that tells how she goes about doing her vision board with some ideas of how to come up with your vision word. And the same word comes up again.

"JOY"

I find this saying which says exactly how I feel about it for the center of my board.

"Joy, to me, is those little moments.

You know the moments when you realize that you could
Just dance because of all the freedom you feel.

That moment when you don't worry about a thing, you just smile and feel wonderful.

Honestly, it comes in spurts for me, but when it does I know it's there and I never feel more blissful than in those moments.

It's joyful moments that make life worthwhile for me."

I want 2011 to be full of joy - if it doesn't bring me joy, then question why I am doing it (hence, no resentments). I will try to find the joy in all, knowing that sometimes you have to do things that will result in a joy filled ending.

I am also VERY determined to lose those pounds and to live more healthy. Hikes & Bikes, healthy cooking classes and added days at the gym. Also, traveling to new places and doing new kinds of art. A little decluttering and maybe, just maybe something new over at Buckman School.



And did I mention GREAT hair ?!!!!

2KXI and *8 Things...I Fell in Love With in 2010

A brand new year....it has that new car leather smell (or in the case of this year, a new Coach purse!). I always embrace what a new year will bring, and I am always thankful for what the previous year gave me.

I wrote about the 8 things I fell in love with last year. I had read an entry on Dayna's Alley Art Studio Blog. She had discovered this little game on Rachelle Mee-Chapman's blog which went:

*8 Things is a little game I made up for myself in an attempt to quieten down my monkey mind. I tend to be a little bit bipolar when it comes to creativity. Either I have a million ideas and passions, or none at all. In the times when ideas are flowing, I rely on lists. *8 Things is a way for me to keep collections of ideas, thought, quotes and quandaries on-hand for later exploration. . . .Want to play along? Grab a button and join me for *8 Things Thursdays. Because..well…why the hell not?

I copy and paste and am ready to complete my list of:

*8 Things... I Fell in Love With in 2010

1. Ava Miranda Randolph
2. Spending an entire day in August with Beth Johnson
3. Receiving my very first Trophy
4. High five from the BEST Trainer for achieving an over a minute PLANK
5. Seeing my name on Dayna Collins Creative Inspirations List
6. Sharing a nod with a kindred soul
7. Finding and wearing the cutest French Paris top
8. Becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa

...and 8.5 Getting to see Rick Glaser again!

My #1 Love for 2010 - Miss Ava



#2 My Wonderful Dear True Friend Beth



#3 Receiving My 1st Trophy



#4 BEST Trainer EVER (warrants two pictures - the tough nice guy!)




#5 My name on Dayna's Creative Inspirations List



#6 A Nod From a Kindred Soul (okay it actually wasn't Sidney Poitier from To Sir With Love but....)



#7 Finding the cutest top ever (the cuteness is actually in the length and pocket which the picture doesn't show, but it does show Dayna and Becky!)



#8 Member of Phi Theta Kappa



and #8.5 Mr. Rick Glaser



2010 was filled with many blessings and sadness with the loss of my friend Beth. As always, I am excited and ready to see what 2011 has in-store for me; those unknown adventures to places and meeting new people. Yes, I am giddy with anticipation about the *8 Things I'll Fall in Love With in 2011!

Pitter-Patter Mail Art & International Collages

Several months ago I happened to stumble upon the "Mail Art" created by Nikki Soppelsa. Every time she creates something new, pitter-patter goes my heart. My love for mail wanted to either receive or create such glorious envelopes (and then I came across her etsy shop).




About a month ago she asked if anyone would be interested in participating in a Collage Collaborative. You would start your own on a 5x7 inch board. Would I be interested? Heck yes!! I emailed her and asked if I could be in a participant, she graciously said yes. As the month went on the collaborative grew to thirteen people, all across the globe (USA, Philippines, Belgium, Ukraine, Uruguay and Canada). She set up a facebook page for the group to post their beginning collage, and for us and our friends to see their transformations. Each collage will be artfully added to by four other people and then returned to their owner for any final (if desired) additions.

I decided to keep my initial collage simple (that way there is more room for the other four's creativeness).



I sent it off to Michael this week. From the looks of his beginning collage, I know his creative addition(s) will be spectacular!! And I eagerly await the arrival of Ma.Nimfa's (from the Philippines).

Thanks to Nikki ~ 2011 is starting out to be a fabulously fun and exciting year!

A Warm Christmas in the Zone

It used to be that I could never understand how people leave their homes during the holidays for warmer climates. I totally understand now.

The two weeks prior to Christmas we were off to Waikiki. A different kind of trip this time being that I had not googled one thing to do - absolutely no plans except feeling the suns' rays!

Ten glorious days and nights of Happy Hour Edamame with Santa on the beach....



Sleeping on a submarine....





Taking long walks....



And best of all meeting Nate, my new pen pal!!

Back home dinner and get-togethers with best friends made the burr coldness more bearable.





And Christmas Eve was spent opening and receiving the best presents EVER!!

With my favorite gal....



Getting best ever T-shirts and beautifully wrapped gifts....




The feel and smell of a Coach Purse....




An autographed journal from Sabrina Ward Harrison....





And then the most Over The Top - In The Zone - All Aflutter present....




Yes, A trip back out to the island. Does Christmas and life get any better? Well, actually yes it does.....with a Christmas Eve kiss from my little Boo Monkey!



Merry Christmas Family and Friends ~ I love you!