fulfilled

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” - Forest E. Witcraft

One goal of our new homeschooling adventure with our youngest son was to cultivate his love of science.  Allowing him to guide the curriculum is proving to be exciting.  While working on mathematics, spelling, reading, we are also exploring microbiology, chemistry, geography, photography, roman numerals, and Latin... all chosen by him.

The result is bigger smiles, a soaring self-esteem, and an unstoppable desire to learn.  Think about how happy, content and fulfilled you would be if you had been able to pursue passions meaningful to you.

What would you choose to learn?

my word

It's here again.  That time of year when I ponder my word for the year. The one word that will define everything that I want to accomplish in the next 12 months.  

Last year, I selected the word PURPOSE.  I sit here and review my list of things that I wanted to accomplish. I feel so inadequate.  All the healthy meals that I planned on making, all the practice time at my harp that did not happen, the books that I wanted to read... 

Then I shake myself off and remember... The joy of helping our oldest sons complete home-schooling and start their new lives.  The excitement of building new communities with amazing women.  The quiet times in our "almost empty" nest with just one son still at home.  It was in these moments that I found my PURPOSE and more fulfillment than I ever expected.  

As I embark on a new adventure of home-schooling our youngest son and with the knowledge of what made me the happiest, I am selecting my new word for 2012... NURTURE [nur-cher] 1. to feed and protect   2. to support and encourage   3. to bring up; train; educate.  

I am inspired by my selection and look forward to helping those around me.  Have you selected your word or did it find you?  Share with me your thoughts for the upcoming year.

loved

A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,

A song is no song 'til you sing it,

And love in your heart

Wasn’t put there to stay -

Love isn’t love

'Til you give it away.

~Oscar Hammerstein

There is usually one holiday gift each year that speaks to my heart.  Sometimes it is a handmade card from one of the boys, a silly trinket in my stocking, or that perfect gift that only Santa knew I wanted.

This year,  love came to me in the mail from Camp Sister, Chelsea.  A tangible reminder that I can wrap my hands around, feel the warmth, and bask in the knowledge that I am important to others.  

Today, share with us a photo that reminds you that you too are loved.   It is such a wonderful feeling.

Holiday Memories

When my brother and I were growing up, we would help my mother make desserts for the holidays.  She would dig out her favorite holiday recipes and we would bake dozens of sugar cookies with sprinkles, homemade fudge, Peanut Butter And Butterscotch Rice Krispies Treats, and milk chocolate marshmallow treats called Church Windows.  It was the one time of year when a silly contraption known as the Cookie Shooter came out of the pantry. 

It was always an afternoon filled with laughter, love, holiday music featuring Gene Autry on the record player, and mugs of hot cider with cinnamon.  Each year, the memory of this tradition brings me back to my parent's kitchen and fills my heart with warmth. 

Today, I invite you to share a favorite recipe that fills your family with cheer, year after year.  

open

through my lens i see

a beautiful world because

my heart is open

________________________________________

Do you remember when you first fell in love?  Life and everyone around you became beautiful.  Each moment was precious.  Any differences were easily overlooked.  The silliest things made you feel like a kid again.  I have found that you can feel the same way when you open your heart to creativity, you will fall in love with the world around you.

Since returning from Camp Shutter Sisters, my passion for photography has been re-ignited.  Now, as I go about my day, I find that I view everything as a photo opportunity.   A simple raindrop, the little flower that is blooming, the tiny dew drop in the grass, the view that I have seen for years... all are now shiny and new as though seen through lovers' eyes.   The true beauty in the simplicity of life is there and you will certainly find it... if you just open your heart to it.  

Today, I invite you to share an image, a poem, or a quote that has spoken to your heart recently.   Let us all bask in the glow.