random reflections

Thanks--Two Challenges

I managed to eek out a few minutes this afternoon and make a thank you card. I'll need a couple while we're away, and this one meets the requirements for two challenges. Completing two challenges a week is a 2013 intention, and although I meant that there would be two cards, this will do under the circumstances.

The first challenge is CASual Friday:  create a Thank You card, and I used the new RetroSketch that was posted this morning. It would have met last week's CASual Friday's challenge as well as it took under 10 minutes to make. Love the RetroSketches! Here's the sketch:

And here's my interpretation:

I started with Neenah White cardstock, used a scrap of Dear Lizzy Neopolitan patterned paper that was laying on my desk and die cut it with Spellbinders Small Labels. Two pieces of Washi tape, a Basic Grey "Small Details" embellishment, and "thanks" (AMuse), and it was complete.

 

Christmas Journal: Part 4

This is a photo-heavy post, but I thought I ought to get the rest of the Christmas Journal posted. I finally finished it last night. This might be the first year I ended on December 25th, but given my current "to do" list, it seemed like the appropriate decision.

Documenting a couple of other Christmas paper crafting projects beyond the Christmas cards.

I don't think I've ever copied an entire blog post for an album before, but I loved Rinda's meme and decided to add it to the journal.

My original intent was to take photos of all the beautiful cards I received from around the world, many of which were hand-crafted. But I really wanted to use the stamps, and there were so many that I decided that would be the entry. For all of you who sent me beautiful cards and holiday greetings---THANK YOU. You have no idea how much I appreciate your talent, kindness, and friendship through this blog.

My annual page on the weather.

Matt's first day home and a wonderful visit with Betsy and Skylar.

After setting the table for Christmas dinner (for 18 this year as it turned out), we go out to dinner on Christmas Eve. Matt decided to change clothes for the church service at 11:00. I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to get his photo all dressed up.

The first page of six pages for Christmas. This is when I really appreciate the Simple Stories album. The lower right-hand pocket holds a transparency so you can see through it to the next page.

The end. Jessie and I took over 200 photos in six hours. I narrowed them down to about 100 which I posted on Smug Mug for the family. Once I had a photo of everyone at dinner, I decided I was done with the journal.

The last three days before we leave to drive Tracy's mother's van to Florida for her are jam-packed so I'm not sure if I'll get any more posts up before then. (Although I do have an idea for Sian's Story-telling Sunday. I've never participated with that before and would like to get it up.) I'm sure I'll be checking your blogs while I'm away, but I'll be reading them on my iPad and find commenting on it a bit of a trial. We'll see how I do. 

"DO" in 2013

I didn't expect to choose One Little Word for this year, but this morning it leaped out at me as I was going over the lists I made a week or so ago after reading similar lists on Karen Grunberg's blog (although now I can't seem to find the specific post). I made three lists for 2013:  What Do I Want to Learn? How Do I Want to Spend My Time? and What Do I Want to Read? This morning "DO" popped out of all three questions, and it seemed like the right word. There is a lot I want to do in 2013, and all of it is not covered by my lists. I tried to be more realistic about my intentions for this year. I've read repeatedly that if you devote just 20 minutes a day to an activity, your performance will improve greatly. I have always had trouble with that, so this year I'm aiming for a few times a week, rather than daily. I made a very quick layout this morning as one way to hold myself accountable.

I couldn't be simpler:  one piece of cardstock, the printed lists, some AC Thickers and three vellum arrows that came with a Studio Calico kit. 

Here are a few books (some were Christmas gifts) I hope to use as resources:

Three of those books are already on my nightstand (and I've started all three). I have a huge list of books I think I'd like to read, but most of these have been on my list for too long. Both Mary Oliver's book of poetry and Alice Munro's book of short stories are new books. My sister-in-law gave me Happier at Home since she knew I'd loved The Happiness Project.

Keeping myself accountable is always a challenge. I ordered a gift for Betsy from Lisa Leonard and received this lovely calendar. It's quite small, but I think I can code the things I do each day in it, and hope to do some regular  summing up on the blog as well.

I've always like the start of a new year. I like setting intentions (rather than resolutions), and I'm always ready for a fresh start. We're leaving on a 10-day trip on Monday, so most of these activities will have to wait until my return to become part of a routine.