Christmas Time

So December in Texas is not what I remember Christmas time being like as a kid in Vermont, or even more recently Christmas time in Denver.  But for my son and daughter the lights and the decorations are magical.  They aren't going to grow up with the snow and the heavy coats and boots, but the magic still exists.  One year when they're older I'll make sure they get a New England Christmas, but just because things may feel a bit off for this Mama doesn't mean her kids will feel anything less than the wonder of childhood.

Resolutions

I know it's another month before the new year, but there's nothing wrong with getting your resolutions written down.  I know I won't be able to pay off all my debt in a year, but I can sure try!  So here they are written down where I can see them anytime I want:
     1. Do not buy anything unnecessary.
     2. If I do need something wait a month before buying it (exceptions being gasoline, food & the like).
          During this month ask:   Is there somewhere I could have use of this item for free?  Do I already own something that can work for this?  Ask other people if they have this item and do not want it or are willing to trade? Do not discount the power of networking!
     3. If I do buy something it must be used or bought from an independent business.
     4. Make my lunch for work, everyday.
So there they are, written down.  And I intend to start now to make it easier in the future, okay yes there is Christmas and birthdays but I am going to bring my lunch everyday to work.  In fact I am going to make a sandwich now and put it in the fridge.  See?  I'm already doing much better.
Maybe this is too strict, we'll see but I want to make myself realize how much I really do already have, and how very little one really needs.  I'm sure I'll fail sometimes, but I will keep going.  Just cheer me on a little, encouragement is a powerful tool for success.  So go me! Go!

New Town

So it's been just 2 months now since I moved from Colorado to Texas.  I know, it seems like an odd move, but there it is.  I still have no idea what's really around neat little places, but last night I went to a place I think I am going to love.  It's called Mozart's Bakery and it's in Plano my new town.  They have bubble tea and all kinds of yummy baked goods.  On Friday nights there is a knitting and crocheting group that meets there, that's how I found it.  It was pretty quiet so I think they need my business.  If I needed a place to study I'd go there, or a place to meet up with a friend, or just a place to get some dessert.  I wonder what other gems are hiding in the strip malls around here?

Love at First Stitch or Destiny

Whatever you call it I would like a dose of it. I want to find my true calling. I want to find that one thing that makes me want to, no need to get up in the morning. I'm sick of reading about other people's aha moments. Like the woman who learned how to knit and 3 days later sold her first sweater, or the one who decided to make a doll for her niece and just felt this amazing connection, or the one who took apart a t shirt and found her life's calling in deconstructed clothing. I just want to find what makes me just say yes this is what I was created for...this is my passion and my meaning. I guess grandma Moses waited a long time to pick up a paint brush I only hope I find mine earlier.

Experiences

I don't have much time for my crafting these days,  I'm still trying to find a family rhythm after the move.  I do however have time to think while tickling babies and picking up O cereal from the floor.  Sometimes you find inspiration in odd places, and this time for me it was from an episode of CSI from a couple weeks ago.  It was the episode about hoarding.  One of the characters said that life is made up of two things experiences and stuff, and the US has gone too far into thinking of stuff as making up the whole.  I mean, what do you carry with you from childhood?  What is better a wonderful memory or the actual bear you slept with as a child?  I've been called rather nonsentimental before... but I'd rather my children grow up knowing I spent time with them and we stopped to smell the flowers and pick up the acorns and not that mama came home from another business trip with another toy for them.  I am making choices each day to make my childrens' and my life richer in experiences that they can never lose.

Imitating

My little girl is 10 months now, and she loves to copy everyone.  We had her doing evil Bwa ha ha laughs yesterday!  I just can't wait until she can really talk and I can know what's going on inside her little mind.  My son is always saying silly things and helping me see the world in a new way.  Right now I am just enjoying her arm waiving and vocalizations, plus trying to figure out what we can have for dinner that she can share in fully.

Giving

I recently received the December issue of Whole Living magazine, and there is an article about giving that really connected with me.  There is one quote in particular "Generosity is a way of telling the subconscious: I already have enough."  I really feel this is something I need to work on in my life.   I've never been a very generous person, I'm very prone to writing budgets and worrying about having enough.  Yet, I've never been without enough.  I think being more proactive about giving could give me more peace of mind about where I am now. Selfish reason to give?  Perhaps, but whatever the motivation I can spare some for others.

Christmas in July?

Yes, I am already planning out Christmas gifts.  I love Christmas and start planning out months in advance as I usually try to make most of the gifts I give.  Also this year I am moving in October to another state so, things will be a bit different.  So, although I won't be making all of the presents it still requires some planning.  I'm thinking of having a "reusable lunch" theme for the kids and a "cooking" theme for the adults.  I got a really good deal on some metal water bottles, and am now trying to go along on that theme.  I think I'll use the PEVA fabric I bought to make a bib with and make sandwich holders/placemats.  I'll have to buy another print for the boys.  My goal is to have most of this done before I move, as I'm not sure what the craft setup in the new place will be...

Here, now

So, I haven't had much time to make things, the weather is nice and we've been spending our time in other ways.  H loves being outside and L enjoys getting his energy out.  I did however make L a cape out of the cute hedgehog print mentioned earlier, and he looks very handsome when he wears it, mostly he enjoys throwing it in the air.  As always I have more projects in the cue than time.  I started a skirt for myself out of the book Alabama Stitch Book .  I'm making it out of some old sheets and a t-shirt.  So far not much progress, but I like doing some handsewing.

Time

So working full time is taking a lot more out of me than I thought.  I will hopefully start posting more regularly.  I've barely had time to pack my lunch.  My most recent projects have been making a cupcake purse for my niece's birthday and reading some long neglected books.  Hope you have been having some productive weeks as I've been hiding out.