• Blog

    T Tuesday: Super twos day edition

    February 22, 2022 - By 

    Yep I’m still around. I took a very long break from blogging or even exploring other blogs. It was not intentional, it just became the norm after a while. I could go into dozens of reasons or excuses that could explain but who really wants to hear another person complain or justify something.

    I have been flexing my creative muscles a little bit. A few journal pages, handmade journals, sewing projects, and prep for upcoming projects…maybe?!?

    A page in my wonky junky journal.

    A bit a scrap busting making a master board.

    A bit of contemplation on a personal ephemera journal that really needs to get completed before I forget the when, who and why of the items.

    A travel journal from before COVID to finish.

    And a bit more scrap busting while watching tv. I don’t often watch much tv but when I do I try to justify it by doing something else while watching. Yup…sad but true.

    I have been keeping my word of the year in mind. Taking a moment to treasure the little things…not take them for granted. Treasure time laughing with friends…its good for you.

    The depth of the word I chose this year is coming to light. I’m reaching the age where sickness and loss are more prevalent in my circle. It’s a great reminder in the midst of grief and sadness to remember those treasured memories and pause daily to treasure the now.

    How’s that for a somber thought. Again this may be a reason I have paused my posting. I find myself very gloomy when I write…and who wants to read that!

    School keeps me busy exhausted most days. We recently reached our 100th day. Not something usually acknowledged at the middle school level but we’ll take any reason to celebrate that we can.

    Yesterday was Presidents Day so I had the day off. I used it to get my house clean. Not the most fun task but it was so good to get everything done all in the same day.

    Marvin kept me company until he felt a bit of a chill and decided to lay on the heating vent. So much for washing the floor right then. It likely was on purpose…he hates it when I mop…his paws get wet.

    I found this really funny this morning. I was making my breakfast as I always do before leaving for work. I cracked my eggs and came up with a double yoke on 2/22/22. Must be my lucky day. Maybe it was…we got a two hour early release due to a winter storm.

    You’ll just have to imagine my cup of coffee on the side of my eggs and toast.

    T stands for Tuesday
  • Blog

    WOTY 2022: Treasure

    January 1, 2022 - By 

    I thought long and hard about my word for 2022. I had a handful of contenders. Nothing really seemed to be right until I read the word Treasure.

    Definition below from Mirriam-Webster

    Full Definition of treasure

     (Entry 1 of 2)

    1a(1): wealth (such as money, jewels, or precious metals) stored up or hoarded buried treasure
    (2): wealth of any kind or in any form : RICHES
    b: a store of money in reserve
    2: something of great worth or value also : a person esteemed as rare or precious
    3: a collection of precious things

    treasure

    verb

    treasured; treasuring\ ˈtre-​zh(ə-​)riŋ  , ˈtrā-​ \

    Definition of treasure (Entry 2 of 2)

    transitive verb

    1: to hold or keep as precious : CHERISH, PRIZE she treasured those memories
    2: to collect and store up (something of value) for future use : HOARD

    If the past couple years has taught me anything, its to treasure all things in life.

    Time is a gift, a treasure. We don’t always realize it until the time is done. Time with friends and family. Time with a beloved pet. Time spent laughing. Time spent alone. All treasures.

    Sometimes it’s the little things that we didn’t realize that should have been treasured. Full store shelves, for example. Being able to visit with friends and family. Travel.

    I have had my eyes opened wide. I see the treasure in the little things. The treasure of moments, of laughter and even tears. We don’t cry for no reason. We shed those tears because we loved. Because we were joyful. All of it is to be treasured.

    The gift of creative time and inspiration is also something to be treasured.

    The beauty of nature and the bounty she provides also is a treasure.

    Treasure in the old things and ways but also in the new.

    My aim is to see the treasure all around me and acknowledge as such…

  • Blog

    Strength in 2021

    December 31, 2021 - By 

    It’s that time once again to reflect on the year. How did I do with my Word of the year?

    One thing is for certain…strength played a huge part in 2021.

    Somehow I mustered the strength to return to the classroom while most every fiber of my being was telling me not to.

    I had strength in my resolve to get vaccinated as soon as I was eligible.

    I used my physical strength to grow more food in our garden and amend the soil so I am ready to plant again in the spring. My physical strength also got me out walking and participating with coworkers on weekly step challenges.

    I had strength to let my baby girl go off to college. The strength to let go.

    I was really hoping I could somehow find a way that strength played a role in my art but I’m drawing a blank.