BUCKET LIST

As I was thumbing through ...I'd like to visit websites.... I came across a website exploring the idea of a bucket list..so I followed the link and thought that perhaps it would be fun to start my own bucket list. There are certainly many things that I would like to do before I die, and several that were on the example list that I have considered as well as have completed I just never really sat down and made a list of things I would like to do before I leave this earth. So I thought it would be fun to make a list...and scrapbook it. I plan to start my list first...and see if there are any that I have done...and any that I could do again...like enjoy a sunset/rise was on several of the example lists.....Now I have done that....most of us have.....but maybe do it with more thought. Another was build a snowman or catch fireflies...again I have done that, but when was the last time I truly enjoyed those simple things... OF course I have my BIG things as well....like visit Italy or ride a camel in the egyptain desert...but I think that a bucket list could have daily events too. Like snuggle with your child, or tell a friend how much you care about them, make friends with a stranger, help someone else out, give of my time. I don't think that the idea of a bucket list is to see how far you can go or live in the etreem....but more to live in the NOW and to the fullest....I'm off to start my bucket list....

a few more layouts....

The Rock Star is for SC#40- All papers and supplies are CTMH

Never a dull moment....

These last few weeks have been so busy. Last weekend we enjoyed a church carnival, A friends bowling party, the folk march and Alice In Wonderland 3D. This weekend I was able to slip away Friday evening and enjoy a CROP. Sat was all about the cub scouts as we enjoyed a pancake breakfast, a tour about Maple syrup and later that evening 2nd row seats for the Syracuse Crunch Hockey Game. I was able to do a few layouts Friday so here they are.

Wednesday evening

It's Monday again....already?

While I was looking for directions on making the flip flap mini album to demo for my girl friends in a few weeks..I came across these adorable and EASY, Easter Baskets. I made six of them one for each of the girls..the pattern can be found on the splitcoast stampers website. This site is an great resource for anyone looking for ideas. I used Veranda creative basics and paper flowers for accents. Now I just have to add the grass and goodies. FUN and easy project to do for the spring Holiday. I did some additional layouts this weekend at my uplines home on Sat. but left them at her house...so no new pictures at this time of layouts. Weekend was busy...we enjoyed the YMCA on Friday evening then we watched the movie 2012, I am not good with those....This could really happen movies...and my nails are a little shorter since. Saturday we enjoyed the out of season warmth as well as a local church carnival. I spent Sat. afternoon at my uplines home scrapping, and Sat night in my jammies with the girls playing the wii for GIRLS NIGHT OUT. Sunday was much more low key...after church service I got a little creative and made my Easter baskets...and enjoyed my family. When I look at how busy just my weekend was.....it's easy to see why I say....it's Monday again...already?

SC#3 better late then never.

I started the Scrapbook challenges at least a year ago, and never kept up with it...now I don't know where or what the pages I have done are, so I re-started, and here is #3... ASPEN paper pack, and the snow is added with LIQUID APPLIQUE and a heating tool to make it look like snow. The challenge; Cherish "NOW and THEN" p. 100-101

Wed is my Monday!!

gonna make a quick note this am, as Wed is the only day I work in the morning. I find it much more difficult to drag myself off to work now a days.... one would think that I would be so excited to have some work to go to, but this part time here or there hours really make wanting to go to work a drag...I feel like it inturupts my day...Anyway...although I did not work yesterday I do have to make my weekly presence with my supervisor, it takes me about 30 minutes to drive into town and 10 minutes meeting with him. this gig has me feeling like the unwanted step child. At current, I have only worked one hour in the last three weeks. My Wednesday gig is every wed. and I always have hours. After many weeks of stressen over this....I finally surrendered and decided well maybe I should just be where I am with my unemployment situation, and one political power has decided that NOW would be a good time to decline the unemployment bill....THANKS!!!! So here I am again, seriously thinking McDonalds shift!!!! Who would have thunked after six years of higher education, ten years of specific credentialing, and over ten years in the field...I'd be sitting here without a full time job. So I guess Wed. will continue to be my Monday for the time being. Cross fingers, keep calling, keep sending out resumes, pray....that somehow all of this will work out...although I do have Micky D experience (over 20 years ago) I have to say that was one of my past jobs....I would perfer not to return to.

meditation

about 8 minutes later.....Okay so i was not anywhere near what I had planned for meditating, but I do it, and I am sure that each time will be more focused. I am feeling pretty calm and relaxed just the same. I just found that while I was meditating I was focused on so many ways that it just would not work....the dog didn't know what to do with me and after a few laps around my lap, he finally found a soft spot to lay down, whew.....then I noticed the humming of the computer which brought my thoughts to my husbands anger earlier about the computer being on all night....push it away can't undo the past...I then found myself forcing it...just stop it already visualize for goodness sake....where am I??? Oh yeah I'm here in my livingroom attempting to meditate...NO NO NO....I am in a green field....I took several redirective breaths....focus, repeat meditate, meditate, meditate...green field, warm breeze, flower smells. Finally I just sat..eyes closed, darkness surrounding me, house sounds, car driving by, furnace turning on, no forced anything I just allowed what was...to be, no judgements, just let it go. WOOSH!!! Perhaps that is what meditating is all about, not some supernatural out of body experience that promices to bring infinate wisdom. Perhaps meditating is just simply being.

Monday....

Okay...so I have officially have begun....Wendy's new way of living. I started off this am, doing some journaling. Easy enough, then I read from two different inspirational daily readings. Interesting that they both mentioned Meditation. I have never been one to just sit. Prolonged meetings, lectures and even waiting at a Dr. appointment has me a wreck....I find myself stirring in my seat, fidigeting, crossing and uncrossing my legs, doodling, giving heavy YOU CAN TELL I've had enough sighs and even pacing if given the option. So the idea of meditating seems extremly foregin to me. In my profession...I have been taught how to lead others into a state of relaxation, and I do this well...I have even taken my own counselor wellness courses to assist in my own stress reduction, and when I think about prayer I realize there is a part of meditation needed. I recognize the value and the benefits of meditation. Thing is..... I just can't seem to do it. I strongly believe that things happen for a reason....therefore two readings referencing meditation has to mean something. Today I will attempt to meditate....I will just sit in stillness, appriciate the calm and quiet, attempt to block out any intrusive thoughts that may develop and bring myself back to this state of one within myself. PEACE, SERENITY......imagine that. Start small, and I have been told that there is no wrong way to do this, if thoughts wonder...then that's okay I will simple blow them away and focus on the calm. Feel the floor under my feet, the hardness of the chair against my back, listen to the silence and the slow pace of my shallow breathing, breath deep I smell the familular sent of home bringing me a sense of safety and love, I will gaze into the darkness of my minds eye, perhaps there is some light....my mind will drift into a state of comfort and assurance that all things will be as ment to be, time will become non existant I will not feel rushed, I hear the dryer buzzer...and I briefly question if I remember to wash the blouse I plan to wear later today..........I divert.....breathe a little heavier now....bring myself back...I say to the air more then to myself....Everything is what it shall be...all is okay. I am back again...I attempt to visualize an open pasture a warm breeze blows across my face, the smell of wildflowers tickle my nose, I hear the rustle of weeds being blown in a calming rythym. I sense the warm sun beating upon my face and embrace it's arms. I breathe again, feeling as if I am truly there in the sun, in the field, smelling the smells, engulfed in the serenity of it all. I am one with all things, no question of where my life SHOULD be, as I am right where I need to be!!! I have no doubts, no fears, all is welcomed, I can be authentic to myself, I can be me!!!! That was fun......feeling pretty confident now....... I 'll let you know how it all works out later!!!!