2011 THOUGHTS-HOW WAS YOUR YEAR?

As one year begins to end and we anticipate a new one, it is always time for reflection. If it has had difficulties, there are is always the hope things will get better. Sometimes I have heard from others next year can't be worse than this one. Well don't bet on it! I usually suggest to think about what you have been able to survive, look at your strengths, and do not look too far down the road ahead! Things can always get worse, get better or stay the same! Funny but in the real world there are often fewer choices than we think. Even in some of our darkest moments, there have been rays of hope, positive people, funny twists and turns. 2011- a 40th anniversary for Adolph and me, crisis with my folks, same job that I love, challenging myself through whatever has come my way, a loving family and being there for others dealing with stressful and painful situations. Feeling good about a cousin's wedding, attending a grandson's first birthday, knowing a niece is pregnant, seeing my granddaughter start to get her second teeth, reading to two other grandsons and keeping up my blogging- even if some days it is a real stretch to write something, anything! Learning a new tech thing- well maybe I will finally know how to use my new RIM Playbook before 2011 ends! There have been many normal moments that make a life. I have learnt to stop and enjoy the little events in life-perhaps it is an aging thing! To feel good about just being, doing and noticing the world around me. Trying to turn any regrets that sneak into my life by looking for a solution, a challlenge, a positive twist! The half finished writing projects- to keep plugging away- even with all life's interruptions! To honour those that have touched my life! On those days where it is a struggle to get out of bed, to put one foot down at a time and move forward. Like someone said Seize the Day! Have a purpose, a goal, a task, and a life will evolve. Oh yes, remember to dream and then think about how to make those dreams a reality! 2011- what will be your thoughts and memories of the year?

NUMBER ONE

Number 1 can be a significant number to many. " I want to be first in line!" Finishing first in a race or a golf game can mean the difference in a significant amount of money and status. Second does not cut it even though status comes with it too. The first choice for a job. Being the bride and not the bridesmaid! The best sales record in your division! Winning the beauty talent, best dancer, best singer contest- " the winner is!" Participating is fun but being the winner is even better. "We're number one!" However, Canadians seem okay with not being number 1 in the world. It's okay for us that we place wherever we place. Even number 10 is okay with us or how we rank. Except with the 2010 Olympics- we did get a little assertive! First job, first love, first marriage, first child, first bike, first car, first vacation outside Canada, first house-these images can bring so many memories to us! Then there is the First Birthday of my littlest grandson! He is not my first grandson but like the rest of the grandchilren very precious to our family! Do you have some firsts that are significant to you? Do you care if you are number 1! Have you ever been number 1? How did it feel?

THE GREEN SCARF

My daughter had been trying to find a green scarf for my little grandson for months in all the children's stores. He wanted a green scarf. Okay, I knit and crochet so she finally asked if I had any green wool to make one. Well , with only 7 shades , one colour was chosen. It took less than a day to knit one for him. I am a crafter so my children are used to my homemade items but they usually prefer the factory line made things. I tried to make it look like a store bought one. Bless my little grandson! Something made from loving hands is timeless!