My morning workout...

Hello!

As I sit here typing, I can see the outside view from the big arched window in our dining room.

On a typical day, I am out for my morning walk and jog...

Taking in all of the beauty that surrounds me here on the prairie.

Today is different.

It is a cooler morning.

The wind is harsh.

The sky is darkening.

I tell myself to just go!

Put on those running shoes and toughen up.

But then, I take another sip of my coffee. It's oh, so hot and filled with goodness.

I have unfinished business to tend to with my art journal and new watercolor pencils.

But my thighs are getting flabby.

Should I?

Should I dig out my fuzzy thermal underwear and go out?

Afterall, it's not snowing...

Or raining as it was yesterday when I skipped my exercise routine.

My mind is bouncing all over the place this morning. (One would consider that in itself a good workout)!

Yesterday I had a genuine excuse.

I had a morning hair appointment.

Do you like my stripes?

*giggle*

I needed some change.

Later in the day, I had a date with my hubby.

Nothing fancy.

In fact, it's just an A&W/ Long John Silvers. Fast food...

But so retro.

More photo opportunities!

Oh dear.

The sky is nearly black now.

I need another cup of coffee...

or a brisk walk.

Enjoy your day!

XO

 

Love Life!

Good Veteran's Day morning to you!

Thank you all who have served our country.

This glorious country!

The husband and I paired up with another couple for a weekend getaway.

Two Polaris RZRs...

Deep into the woods- Mark Twain National Forest located between Missouri and Arkansas.

Words, not even pictures, can describe the serenity. The beauty.

I played "Miss Photographer" as I walk along the streams of crystal clear water. The sound of crunching leaves beneath my feet, birds singing, and water splashing onto the rocks. This is all that I could hear. All is quite calm here.

I do much thinking.

The bold, red berries made me think of Christmas! I am looking forward to this holiday season, having more time at home to decorate and cook. I enjoy playing Martha Stewart too! Ya know, making things for the home, clever gift wrapping, cards, elaborate meals served on pretty dishes. I must admit, it certainly does take more effort, time, and energy to do such tasks when employed full time.

In just four days, I will be unemployed and much happier!

Friday November 15, 2013 means a new beginning to me. I will create the life that suits my husband and I best.

Choosing a new path is frightening, risky...

But in my case, looks so much brighter already.

We must love our life.

Blessings to you, dear one!

I shall return very soon!

 

CHANGE...

Hello, dear ones!

It's been awhile, I know.

Too often, we allow ourselves to "get lost" in life's busy shuffle. The enjoyable things are put on hold. Yes, I hate it when this happens!

Last week I could have found the time to blog, but chose not to. It was a challenging work week and sucked every bit of creativity right out of me! My spirit...

broken.

 

I would drive myself home, taking in all of the beauty surrounding me. Wiping a tear or two from my face.

The leaves have changed to an Autumn palette. Words nor pictures can even begin to show you how breathtakingly gorgeous it is here in the hills. It's a real treat to take this daily drive.

Change.

I could not get this word out of my thoughts.

Our life here on earth is constantly filled with change and challenges. Some of us try to hold on to the routines that are comfortable to us because we have been at it for so long. I'm guilty of this. No matter how difficult and unpleasant the routine becomes...

We fear change more. We stay. Stuck.

My divorce, a few years back, changed me.

I no longer fear change as I did.

I truly do embrace it.

Sometimes it must come sooner than we wanted.

This week, I turned in my resignation at work.

After doing so, I panicked.

What will I do now?

I prayed about it.

Folks, after only one day of worrying...

I have experienced joy! A ton of weight was lifted from my heavy shoulders! My supervisor even said to me, "You seem happier already"! I replied to him, "I am. Ya know, I'm getting closer to fifty, and I must be happy at what I'm doing". I have two more weeks to go, but it will certainly go smoother now that I see the end date.

I can breathe again and my heart isn't pounding at a rapid pace!

My wonderful husband has supported me more than I ever anticipated. He actually told me that he was happy for me!

Change.

Hello, change!

Oh...

It's also time to change our clocks!

I will see you back here, very soon!

XO

 

Creating Yourself...

I once had a friend who gifted me a refrigerator magnet...

It was a large, square magnet with bold lettering that read, "Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself".

At that time, I was going through a divorce and uncertain as to what I was going to do next. I was in my mid forties and starting all over just wasn't in my life plans at that age.

I sat the magnet aside, not really processing just what those bold words were telling me.

 

Today,

I completely get it.

 

We do have the ability to create the kind of life that we wish to live.

It may not all come together instantly...

We may have to settle for working unfulfilling jobs or possibly living in places that just don't feel like home...

But if we have a vision and set goals to achieve,

Those not-so-pleasant things are temporary.

We can create the life that we so desire.

I'm still working on my life, but I always new that I wanted to live in the country. Being a wife is my favorite "job", and I have been blessed with marrying a very sweet, country boy!

I am a person who must be creative.

I am creative, in some way, every single day. Sometimes I force myself...

But I do it!

I do it because I want to live a creative life and only I can make that happen.

I might get fancy with a meal...

A splash of color on a plate.

I may just grab my camera and step outside in search of a pretty picture.

I journal.

Press flowers.

Garden.

Collect junk and turn it into something cool!

Sometimes I add whipped cream to my coffee and drink from a special mug.

I love to play in our five acre yard.

Early, early mornings are my favorite time of day...

If I don't have to work!

I adore shabby chic style...

And ripped jeans.

I don't pay attention to what is in style. I wear only what I like. Sometimes, it's weird and mixed-matched!

These are the things...

The simple things that make me smile.

Things that I always wanted for my life.

Hubby and I prefer homemade vanilla ice cream over store bought ice cream.

He likes to make it!

Finally, at age 47...

I get it.

I can create a serene atmosphere and enjoy the simple pleasures to find contentment.

I am true to myself.

Living a creative life.

I hope that you are fulfilling your desires!!!!

Today, while starting on my Halloween clay characters...

I was also having a conversation with a friend who is experiencing some big, life changes.

This is what led me into my art room...

To retrieve that square magnet with those powerful words on it.

It was that magnet that inspired the art journal entry (above).

I remembered feeling quite scared and confused back then...

When the magnet was given to me.

Soon, I realized that I was powerless at that moment, to "fix" everything and be instantly happy....

But discovered that once I let go of the constant worry and fear...

I was able to embrace the new adventures that awaited. It was fear that kept me stuck and feeling so hopeless.

I wasn't even able to create at that time. My mind was on overload!

Creating ourselves is a fun journey!

Step by step...

A little at a time.

We can create ourselves and the life that we want!!!!!

Blessings to all...

XO