Uphill idealist

Image found here It's been said that the first step in dealing with a problem is admitting that you have one. Last Christmas, after all the baking was done, the presents were unwrapped and the tree needed to be taken down, I was overwhelmed by a huge wave of sadness. I bumbled about for the few quiet days after the holiday and kept trying to shake the overwhelming sadness. It wasn't until I admitted to my hubby how I was feeling that I felt any better. For the most part I felt very guilty for feeling bad when I had so much to be thankful for. After taking some time to work through some of what was weighing my heart down, it became easier to deal with and the burden subsided. In all reality the less hectic more restful holiday gave me time to dwell on some things that I hadn't had the time to even consider in several years. The time of quiet allowed me to begin to come to terms with some long standing holiday related stuff. This year, I've again had the benefit of having

In the restful days after the post advent rush I'm most thankful for the non-rushing aspect of the past couple of days. I've not set the alarm clock or ran tons of errands. I have had time to enjoys lots of hot tea with my new Aroma electric tea kettle . Ian got me a new Indian cook book called, Five Spices , with a great basic Chai recipe in it and I had the opportunity to test it out on our good friends Brian, Erika when they came over for a visit the other evening. Note of warning: Don't overfill the tea kettle and add sugar to the boiling contents. The result is a sugary tea volcano all over the kitchen counter and a tea soaked cook book. As the New Year comes closer, I hope I remember the importance of unhurried cups of tea and chatting with friends. What a lovely Christmas gift: rest. Click here to join in on NaBloPoMo 26 thankful posts down, 5 to go!

In an effort to not chase after material things, I wasn't planning on making a 'wish list' this year. I have so many people and good things in my life, its hard to ask for anything more. But, then I remembered the fun of looking through the Sears wish book as a child and circling the items I most wanted. I think my parents would say: "Choose ten things you'd really like, but three that are your favorites." So here goes my jumping back to childhood wish lists and wonder with the three favorite things I'd like for Christmas... A cuddly dog friend to go jogging with me: A movie to unwind with: Mamma Mia and SHARPIES! In all the colors of the rainbow to doodle with. Have fun this holiday season with your family, friends and wish books. Merry Christmas! Tara Click here to join in on NaBloPoMo 25 thankful posts down, 6 to go!

I’ve been tagged for the first time with the Honest Scrap Award thanks to Sheri my new blogging friend thanks to taking part in the 'Blog every day for a month' efforts. So, what does this award mean? It means – “leftovers, fragments, discarded material, and many times truth and honesty is discarded material, considered fragments and left over.” We tell it like it is and let the scraps fall where they may. The honorees are to: a) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep! B) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap. 1. I love going to the salon. There is something restful and fun about playing with hair color and sharing in conversation in the atmosphere of a salon. My best friend told me the other day that I should buy stock in the local salon I frequent. Maybe so. 2. Music is so much fun that I can never decide what song, style, or artist is my favorite. Lately I've been

This lyric has been in my notebook since 3/12/08. In light of my musical expereince this last Saturday, I thought it appropriate to post. To all the gypsys out there, we are playing together even though the corners of our worlds may be far far apart. Melody placed at center stage looking to engage the hands and hearts that would love to come and play. Where are the gypsy's to sing and play harp, to the music I hear in my heart? Where are the gypsy's to dance circles of notes around the tunes that we impart? Invitations have been given but the room is quiet and still. I'm waiting for those to become aware of its living and join in creation of song. Where are the gypsy's to sing and play harp, to the music I hear in my heart? Where are the gypsy's to dance circles of notes around the tunes that you impart? How long will I wait for the passionate pace of my fellow gypsy's gathered for for music's romance? Where are the gypsy's to sing and play harp, to the

In the days before Christmas it's hard to think on the areas that I'm least grateful - but it's honest to air out what is challenging and encouraging in life. So here go's the raising of the yeast filled dough for this week: Least grateful - Loss: It is difficult for me one month (a little more) after the sudden passing of my friend, William, I realize how often my thoughts turn to our last few conversations. While I'm grateful for getting to meet and get to know him in 08' - I'm sad that all we had to spend together was July through November of 2008. Bill we all are missing you. Change: Although it teaches me something new each new day, I'm frustrated that 08 has had so much of it. In fact the only consistent thing found in 08' was change. Change, change go away find someone else's place to stay...at least for a while please. Most grateful - This year I finished by B.A. program, read a ton of books, wrote and recorded my first album , had a poem

My friend Julia tagged me to participate in this "Take a photo now!" meme. Oh my, it's my day off, a snow day for the kids and I've just come back from running some errands. So I'm all natural faced and bundled up even in snow pants for the 12 degrees and foot of snow outside. Hopefully, you still love me this way! Next time I get one of these, I'll be more prepared - or maybe that is the point. Rules 1. Take a picture of yourself.. riiiiiight.. NOW! 2. DO NOT change your clothes. DO NOT fix your hair.. Just take a picture. 3. Post that picture with NO editing. 4. Post these instructions with your picture. 5. Tag 10 people to do this and leave their pics as a comment! I tag: Ian , Mary Lue , Jay , Aaron , Shannon , Mel's Dream , Elizabeth , Nenni , Lisa Samson , and Sarah Louise !

Butterflies in tummies filled with cookies and juice. Glitter and feathers strewn afoot. Lambs, a donkey, a camel and straw. All center stage and looking towards the star. Sweet angel choirs surround Joseph, Mary and the babe. Retelling the wonder of that miraculous day. Part of me wonders if we'll ever understand; God coming to earth as an infant to live on this land. With darkness and struggle and need all around. Yet we remember His light in the darkness that surrounds. In candy cane wishes and sugar plum dreams, help us to know you better in remembering You in the wonder that we sing. Click here to join in on NaBloPoMo 21 thankful posts down, 10 to go! Photo taken at First Lutheran Church Christmas Program December 21st, 2008