A New Beginning

So how is the new year treating you so far? Until today it's been all about people for me, getting caught up mostly, relaxing and enjoying quality time with someone each day. Today, though, I'm lying low because a cold is trying to majorly take hold. I will fight the good fight!! (When I'm sick I don't feel like drinking coffee so this morning it's tea!)
I glanced back at my blog and noticed an October posting about 'stirrings'. It is interesting the different times that God has for us in life. '08 - more emotional healing. '09 - I was sick. '10 - appreciating and learning to walk in greater freedom. Now there is '11. I'm ready to move forward into new things. I have a couple of ideas that I will be researching of a more business like nature. Although in the end, I hope they will set up a relatively passive type income. Nothing big but over the years there will be a some extra money. No get rich quick scheme here! I'm pleased that it seems time to focus on some other things even if they might not pan out as I hope. Who knows what will turn up along the journey!
In the realm of spiritual connections, I guess I'm still in the waiting mode. It's not something that one can force! I still do dream about a group of people connected and walking through life together, like in the book I've mentioned earlier. Well, the new year stretches before us. God is at work. Looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds!

Holiday Time

Christmas is basically just a week away! Silly me, I didn't think December would be all that busy. By and large, it was busy with people which is a great thing. I like people!! :) They are the best part of any time of year! I just wish I had the same stamina I used to, but on the other hand, I feel like the time spent is of greater quality.
Oddly enough, it doesn't yet feel like Christmas. Is this because I'm getting older? Is it because the hub-bub of activity right around the holidays is a little overwhelming these days? Or is the feeling still coming?
I'm sure most of us are feeling the economic crunch. I have always enjoyed the gift giving part of the holiday. It's something, I think, I have inherited from my mother! No matter the budget I enjoy the process! I also like that Brian and I don't exchange Christmas gifts. It's kind of odd I think since I'm so about wrapping and opening presents. We might get some stocking stuffer presents, just little things, but otherwise we've decided to spend money on ourselves throughout the year with a vacation or going out on dates! I love that about us!!
Not sure how much I'll blog in the coming days. It's been rather lacking all of December. But I do want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I pray it's filled with laughter, family, friends and the joy of Jesus.

Wide-eyed Wonder

OK, seriously it's been a REALLY long time since I blogged! I checked out a new blog to me - Emma's Adventures . It's a child's blog so her mom "helps" her out a bit! Quite delightful though as we try to see life through a child's eyes. I wouldn't want to go back in time if you paid me but there is still something of that era worth holding on to. What wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm! Total abandonment and focus on whatever they are doing.
Me - I can get so distracted. Sometimes it feels like there are a million things running through my head. Nothing much that is profound or probably of any great substance either. Nonetheless, it flits through and I'm distracted, and if anyone were to ask me what some of that stuff was... Well, at this stage of my life who can remember!!
I think guys can generally be more focused than women. As Brian puts it, it can be like ripping velcro to peel him off something he's really focused on to bring his attention to something else! However, male or female, as adults we could embrace a bit more wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm. At least I could. There is a lot to jade us in life or even just the mundane to bury us in survival mode. Take time for a cup of coffee with a friend! (A shameless promotion of my favorite beverage!) A beautiful sunset (rarely can I enjoy a sunrise - it's before my coffee!) Or take a bit from Emma - put everything aside and do something creative. She likes to paint. And of course there is the joy of a new pair of shoes!! You get the idea! :-)

Shooting!

Tomorrow is a day begging to be shot! I'm getting back to my photography roots. It's been a long time. How did that aspect of me slip away? Actually it's not too much of a mystery but the times they are a changin'! Let's hope I walk away with one or two really good shots!

A Time of Promise

It's been a few days of gray, rain and relative cold. Now today the sun is out and I feel new promise inside. Sometimes I wonder if I would really catch these stirrings in me if I weren't writing, checking in with myself.
There has been a lot of changes in my life the past couple of years - by-in-large very positive! Let's see, a brief list: I got married, moved, got sick (for a year), marched into menopause, left the church I'd been attending for 5 years (still no settling somewhere else) and started a business (now a bit in limbo). My life's "routine" is difficult to pin down and there are aspects that seem to be in "no man's land" that is to say they are unfinished. I'm in the midst of an adventure where it's logical to imagine both blahness and the feelings of hope and promise exist, especially for a woman going through menopause! :)
Today is a good day as everyday is - I'm just able to see it better and experience it more fully in that way! It's OK to be blah. I like this better, though. I just want to be faithful through it all. The promise is before me and I'm moving forward.

Update Report

It's true; I wouldn't say I feel like I did on Wednesday. The blahness is not so acute. No big drive to do something either. Painting has been put aside for the time being, and yet I know when it gets done it will be such a huge relief!
My car still hasn't sold yet. We do so hope to get a good price for it, but as time goes by... In any case, we will see what the Lord has for us. We've had a couple of nibbles but they have changed their minds (for different reasons) even before seeing the car. :(
We also started a 6 week Bible study at a new church. We have moved on from the one we used to attend so a new adventure awaits us. I enjoyed the first meeting and getting to know a few people. We're still not sure exactly where the Lord is leading us but no matter what I look forward to this first step and the people He'll bring across our path.

Blah

There have been some very positive posts, some just informative and others somewhat reflective. You should also know there are very blah days, as well. This is one of them so instead of not writing because there isn't anything 'exciting' to write - I'm letting you know it's a day of blahness (new word) and lack of motivation. After all, you experience days like these, don't you? I guess if you don't - don't tell me! That might slip my blah days to the depression side.
My house is still half painted and let me tell you I am BORED with the painting of molding in particular. I could paint but there again that lack of motivation is kicking in or rather blanketing any desire. I love the results of fresh paint although...at the moment...
General cleaning is needed as we are having guests this weekend, however,...
I did walk over 2 miles today but...
I really think this is a day for the sun, reading and playing! No, probably not with any gusto because I'm too blah, nevertheless...
It is absolutely gorgeous outside, I have to say. That really helps on days like these. I'm so thankful God continually gives us a new day, new possibilities, and the potential for a new outlook! I don't have to be stuck or resigned to anything. Tomorrow is a new day!

Downsizing

Got a new car!! Well, new to us. :) Lately we've been rather consumed with car shopping. What kind of car fits who we are, as a couple? Then, what make of car fits that description? Finally, what's out there and what can we afford? We brought 2 cars into this marriage. Brian - a sports car, a very nice one! Carol - practical, economic car with a little zip or flare, if you will! Saturday we traded in Brian's car for a Nissan Rogue. This week my car gets cleaned up and put on Craig's List. No favoritism here. Both cars are going so we will have one for the both of us.
Part of the reason for our change is something that fits us both. But we also have traveling as a priority. In order to do that we have to downsize and cut some corners to make it financially possible. In life it just seems time and time again that flexibility is the name of the game! I don't mind doing what's necessary for us to travel! I love traveling or at least being somewhere different. We both love the Rogue and are totally satisfied. Yes, we have to keep track of our schedules a bit more with only one car but it's a small price to pay!
We are well cared for!