Intentions for 2014

 All through the holidays, the youngest grand children were only here when their parents were, so I've had time to catch up on some organizing and cleaning tasks that had been slid aside for far too long.   Last week we returned to our regular schedules of school with the added bonus of a flu bug visiting.  Poor lil' PGS#3 looked like he belonged in the movie, The Exorcist with all that violent up chucking.  I felt so bad for him and we cuddled alot.  SO natuarally he passed that germonto me.   Thus giving me even more time to just be and keep still while retreating to my own sickbed.   I am now well rested and am anxious to begin anew.
In all the years past, I have noticed many people using a word symbolizing  their intentions to challenge their growth during the year.  A good friend, Trudy has been doing so for many years and I always admire  and enjoy her dedication.    Even pointing out to during her during her year of "re" words like a synchronistic fortune messaged just for her, when the words like  Renew, rejoice, etc......  were contained within a messages.   This year I intent to use a word to ease and challenge my own path. 

My word for 2014 ....

FOCUS.

 

With projects, interests and life, it seems like I scatter or scamper around so much at times I feel like my head is spinning.  So I am hoping that this word will allow me to slow down and finish what ever task I'm doing with my full attention, intention and dedication.

 

Saty Well and keep warm,

 

Jane

 

PS:  After that wicked Polar Vortex (I heard it only comes around every 200 years, so it won't occur again until many generations, TG!) visiting many areas throughout our country, it feels nice to get a reprieve.  Ahhhh... a balmy 26F  right now and the sun is shining.  That always feels nice, I hope it's rays melt some of that ice that has covered everything.   

 

 

Looking back at 2010

Since participating with the OPAM (One Project a Month) it seems like that was just what I needed to get going. Before that I would linger on my projects enjoying them but not pushing to get them completed. Since I heard of OPAM, I think it was a quilter and designer's blog in Australia,(if you know, please let me know so I can give credit) I have been able not only to complete one project a month, but most months two! Doing my own little happy dance about that. Anyhoo, Here is the list of projects I completed for 2010.

QUILTS:
Alien Invasion
Dragonfly Star Baby Quilt
My Montana Log Cabin

QUILTED ITEMS:
Chubby Charmer Tote Bag
Long Lines/ and the Happy Scrappy Table runner
Maggie Bag- A lazy girl design
Redrafted and Enlarged Maggie Bag
Miranda Bag - A Lazy Girl Design
Patchabilities - January, Hot Chocolate
Patchabilities - Candy Hearts
Patchabilities - Chocolate Bunny
Patchabilities - Garden Pots Stacked
Patchabilities - Tulip Time
Grocery Bag Holder for Son & DIL



SEWN:
PGS#3, toy holder for crib
Valance for PGS#3
Customized Jaki's wedding ensemble
Gathered Clutch Bag complements the Miranda Bag

BEADING:
Hyacinth w/ gunmetal Bangle Bracelet
Peridot and Silver Bangle Bracelet
Dutch Spiral Rope Necklace
Needleminders made 12 from cabochons
Onyx Silver wrapped necklace and earrings

COUNTED CROSS STITCH:
Alphabet Heart framed - freebie of net
JOY - Country cottage Needleworks, oops, not yet framed!
Lil' Peep FF - The Silver Needle
Scream Girls framed - Just Nan Whimzi
St. Patrick's Pot O'Gold FF - The Silver Needle
Winter Whites - LHN

Not a bad listing, that's 28 projects completely finished in 2010, exceeding the one a month goal. I didn't count the Joy CXS since I realized that is still waiting fo rme to frame, so when I finsh it I'll be including that in the current numbers, hopefully for 2011! Some I realize are small but there are a few larger ones and as far as I'm concerned, any finish in my book is GREAT!
My goal for 2011 is to continue to shop my stash first, continue with the OPAM finish as well as participate with Judy Laquidera's UFO challenge. I also plan on continuing my efforts of prioritising my life with friends and family, with organizing my home and my life. By thoughts, exercise, and better health choices I can't wait for 2011. I know it's going to be one of my best years yet! Happy New Year!

Jane

Published post on January 25th, it was sitting in my drafts.

Goals for 2010 - FOCUS

With the New Year fast approaching I've been contemplating how I want 2010 to play out. Feeling great with my tiny successes for 2009 I am ready to embrace 2010 with the same fervor.

No Buy Challenge- I consider myself very successful (Thanks Stasshbusters!). Only buying the B's backing, backgrounds, borders or bindings or if I needed something to finish a project that I would then have to use it in the next 7 days. How refreshing to stop the cycle of frivolous or spontaneous purchases.

One a Month Challenge - I surpassed this challenge with completing at least 2 each month. Most not large projects, but still finished projects. Doing a Happy Dance Now! I will still attempt the one a month challenge to progress the never ending list of UFO's.

Move more, eat less - A little bit of success with this lately, despite my body hurting so bad right now. Because of playing outdoors with the PGD#1 2 days ago I guess I moved too much and my back injury is really letting me know it didn't appreciate it. I need to really focus on my health more for 2010 and live a more balanced life.

Organizing - attempts have improved ten fold this past year that my home is becoming more like the home I always had before my injury. Thanks to the Flylady yahoo group, it helped me pull myself up by the boot straps and the premise was really simple. I just tried to keep my sinks clean. Amazing such a simple chore could do so much. Thanks Flylady- I am flying now and still have a long way to go, but my attempts are showing and it is making a difference. (Note to self - How do you eat an elephant? ......That's right, one bite at a time.)

Connecting with friends - Has improved this past year as well. With all the drugs and pain issues it surprises me how it crept into this area with a negative impact. Thanks to some good friends, I am feeling more like myself again. It's good to reconnect and find time to play. I want to do more of this in this next year too.

Economics - I have improved in many ways of my spending habits and I want to become debt free in the next 3-4 years. So, I will be focusing our monies into that and limiting some more of my frivolous spending with groceries, new hobbies, going out, etc.... Now mind you, travelling and connections are still important so I will talk with DH and we will come together to figure out a budget on how to do this and stay on track. We both heard the amount of a burial with the recent loss of our friend on Decmber 4th and it makes us aware that we should get our burial plan prepaid. That way when the time comes for either of us, it will be easier to burden the loss with most of the arrangements made and paid. NO - I AM NOT planning on exiting this world any time soon, but you never know which direction life brings you. Our lives our living proof of that!

Lastly, my blog has helped me journal my life. Trying to stay positive and not dwell on health issues. This venue has helped me tremendously and I appreciate all the new friends found through the internet. Your friendship and imput has been appreciated, considered and treasured.


2010 The Year to ”FOCUS”:

Finish at least 12 UFOs
Organize my home and studio
Can buy fabrics to finish a UFO or project
Utilize my scraps more
Shop my stash first


I will continue to do this and all I can say is stay tuned, it will be interesting to see what 2010 brings.



Smiles,
An optomistic Jane