Random Thoughts...

“Good writing is always about things that are important to you, things that are scary to you, things that eat you up.”—John Edgar Wideman
I discovered The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor this morning. I'm surprised I hadn't found it before. I've been a fan of Keillor for a long time, through public radio. His voice is soothing to listen to, and on this site there is a short reading each day. Listening to it makes me want to read more and also to write.
As I sit typing, I can hear a flock of ducks overhead. The sound cut through the silence of this Monday morning, this Martin Luther King Day. A typical Monday, at this time of the morning, would be filled with traffic noise. Cars rushing by on their way to who knows where. Jobs, school, shopping. This morning is so quiet. In the distance I hear a solitary vehicle. It takes me back to my childhood home, a peaceful place. Peace. A beautiful word. A state of being. A dream. Wishing you peace today and always.
© 19Jan2015 ajj

First Post of the New Year

My year began without a lot of fanfare. After three weeks of having both sons at home, and all of us taking turns with some kind of cold/flu bug, we finally got out of the house on New Years Eve! As we have done for many years, we spent the evening at the home of some close friends, playing games, eating, laughing, watching the ball drop on TV, and welcoming a new year in. It's a tradition I treasure.

This week I needed some rest, so I indulged in catching up on some favorite programs, watched a couple movies, finished one book and began another. I'm currently reading the first Maisie Dobbs book by Jacqueline Winspear. The book was a gift from a friend, and I am really enjoying it!

I've been thinking about all the things I want to accomplish and wondering if I'm being realistic. It's a long list. I have added some exercise to my day. If I'm going to get myself in shape for my 40th class reunion next summer, I will have to be much more disciplined than I have been. Wow, just typing 40th class reunion is shocking to me! A good reminder to treasure every day, because it goes by so quickly.

I'd hoped to infuse this post with a bit of humor or some fantastic revelation I'd discovered, but this is my life. No bells and whistles, no big fireworks display, just me living life one ordinary day at a time. As always, thanks for stopping by to visit me!

Intentions for the New Year...

My cousin created a list of resolutions on her blog, found Here, which are similar to some of my own goals. I wanted to share Laurie's with you, because it inspired me to put mine in writing, which I had not intended to do. Maybe it will inspire you as well.

Too often, resolutions fall by the wayside. After a slip or two, the goal seems insurmountable. One of my former supervisor's gave me a tiny pebble when we were facing a huge project. It was a reminder to approach a mountain of work, one little piece at a time. That is how I'm approaching this year, a pebble at a time, being thankful for what I do accomplish, and remembering my joy is also in the journey, not just the destination.

My focus is on:

Health - Making better food choices. Exercise daily. Listen to my body and rest when needed. Don't be afraid to make changes.

Spirit - Pray with thanksgiving. Sing. Laugh. Love. Forgive. Be generous.

Soul and Mind - Write daily. Read more. Make time for family and friends. Learn something new. Tap into my creativity. Be true to myself. Be inspired!

It sounds like a lot, but many of the things listed are what I have already been working on. I want to continue improving, learning and growing. There is no downside to making these resolutions, because failure is also a learning experience. I'm ready to greet 2015! It's going to be an amazing year! Believe it!


© 31Dec2014 ajj