Merry Christmas!

     Merry Christmas to everyone!!  I know that the best present of all is the real reason that we celebrate.   However, I do hope that everyone got a taste of some of the other wonderful presents that you deserve this Christmas.  Good health, good times with family and friends, happiness, peace of mind and fun...Can't find these in boxes with ribbons and bows!
     And with that, I leave you with only one final comment.  As Saint Nicholas said in Twas the Night Before Christmas, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

    

Reflections

     There are many events in our lives that can make us take a step back to get a better perspective on how things are going.  Graduations, birthdays and becoming a parent can make many people choose to hit the pause button for a little while.  Taking a closer look at how close we are to the life we want to lead and determining what to prioritize is what keeps us going toward what we value the most.
     Sometimes, though, it can be events outside of your own life that will have the same effect.  Sadly, tragedies as well as can cause the same kind of reflection.  My own questions are probably on the minds of many right now.  Have I spent enough time with my child?  Does he know how much I love him? Do I show all of my loved ones enough love and give them enough of my time?  Or do I brush them aside because I have things to get done?  Have I spent so much time just trying to make a living that I forget about making a life, too?
     Everyday, I have been trying to make changes that will lead me down the road that I want to take.  The changes may be small, but even those changes begin to add up sooner or later.  A few years ago, I started thinking about learning to become a better writer.  Since that time, I have started writing a few things, started a writer's group at the library and created a blog. 
     Who knows what will be next?  My husband and I are starting to look into keeping rabbits and possibly chickens.  We are taking steps to start living a more sustainable life.  Nothing big at this point, but we have started composting and we do more recycling.  I have gathered rainwater for watering my indoor plants.  Bigger projects down the road may be using renewable energy in our home.
     As you take a closer look at your life, just remember what is most important to you.  Is it spending more time with your family and friends or is it having a huge house and expensive car?  At the end of the day, what is it that you value the most?  Please start living the life that you value.  It's the only life you have!

Thanksgiving: all year long!

     I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving this year.  I know that many people think that Thanksgiving is all about the turkey and pumpkin pie, not to mention all that football.  However, it is so much more than that, and also simply that: Thanksgiving. Giving Thanks. I know many people that spend the majority of the year grumping and complaining; and only on Thanksgiving Day, will you hear any hint of gratitude. 
    If there is only one change that you make this year, let it be this one: Start living life with an attitude of gratitude!  Instead of concentrating on the fact that you can't afford designer clothes, be grateful that you have nice warm clothes to wear as it gets colder.  Say thank you to the person that held the door when your hands were full.  Forget about the one that jumped in front of you in line. 
    I am not suggesting that anyone should become a doormat.  You have every right to stick up for yourself.  Just learn to channel your focus on the good in life.  There is a lot more of it around than you realize. Remember an attitude of gratitude this year!

Dream Support Team

     Ahh, a beautiful day to be outside!  Today, the hubby and I are going camping. Okay, honestly, he's going hunting and I will stay near the camper! Our friends let us use this property throughout the year and are trying to talk us into buying it. We can't right now, but it has been tempting. It is over 25 acres and has endless possibilities.  Our idea is to find several different ways to draw an income. That way, if one dream gets blocked somehow, we have other ways to make a living.
     I know that it might be difficult finding a way for dreams to work for us; but isn't it so much nicer to be able to make a life, not just a living? And if we can both do the things we like, together and separate, then that just will make our marriage stronger.
     How do you and your family work on supporting each other's fledgling endeavors?  I know that down the road, I will probably be helping him with beekeeping.  I might not be too much help, if I am determined to stay away from the bees!! He has already been a help to me as I am trying to get started with raising rabbits.
     Single or married, I want to hear about your support team. Who keeps your dreams moving forward. How do you work at making your dreams reality everyday?

What inspires you?

      What is the one thing that gets you motivated to try new adventures? Is it some that you know or someone famous? Maybe it's the tried and true clichés or great quotes that you find. No matter whether it's Grandma or Gandhi that gets you trying daring adventures on the road to happiness, it's important to pay attention to your own instincts as much as you do to people and quotes.
     But I am a firm believer in meeting the right people or finding the perfect words  at the time you need them the most. This past year, I read Randy Pausch's book, The Last Lecture, right when I needed it. Several months later, I spoke to an author that I have come to admire for following her own dreams. Jenna Woginrich has written several books and articles, as well as her own blog (coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com). In reading her works and speaking to her, I have been encouraged to try new things.
     Since one of the first questions that we ask ourselves is "where do I start?", I will share Jenna's words with you~"Accepting where you are today, and working toward what's ahead, is the best you can do...But the starting point is to take control of what you can and smile with how things are.  Find your own happiness and dance with it." (Made from Scratch, p. 12)
     So, please share with me what (or who) inspires you? Maybe you might have the right words for someone else! 

A Daring Adventure...

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." ~ The Open Door by Helen Keller

     I read this quote the other day and it struck a chord in me.  There are many days that I am so busy that I just barely make it through the day...today being one of them!  But, I am slowly, but surely, trying to incorporate a little more adventure into my life.  My first leap into adventure was putting my writing out in the public eye with this blog.
     I have been contemplating my next adventure for a little while now. For the last few years, my family has enjoyed raising our little pet rabbit.  Since I am always trying to talk people into getting rabbits, obviously (at least in my mind!) the next step would  be to start breeding and raising them, right?!
     Does anyone else make giant leaps like this?  Or am I just a little insane? I will hold off on any sudden decisions, especially since we are going into winter weather.  But this now gives you plenty of time to weigh in on my sanity, give me rabbit-raising advice or just let me know what you think in general about daring adventures!
     What daring adventure will you embark on soon?

Teenagers + Cars = Am I ready for this?

     As parents, we go through many stages with our kids. As babies, we can't wait for them for walk and talk. As they get older, we continue to encourage that independence. Slowly but surely, we have to accept the fact that they aren't little any more.
     Then as soon as our minds and hearts have finally accepted one stage, they are taking off again ready for even more independence. But as they hit the teenage years, this also means driver's permits and cars.  Now, I don't know about anyone else, but I have very mixed feelings regarding this.
     On the one hand, it will actually help out tremendously for him not to need a chauffeur all the time.  But I am also terrified out of my wits!  I mean, it seems like just yesterday that he was just running his bike into the wall just because it was funny!  Now, we are going to let him take a 2,000 lb. vehicle out by himself??!!  Are we crazy??
     I  know that I am not alone in feeling this way.  Are you the parent of a teenager? Or looking at those years in the rearview mirror? I would like hear about your fears, your stories, ...whatever might help me to look at this new endeavor from all sides.
   

Small changes count, too...

     Today, I made a small change that might make a difference in someone else's life.  In all my years, I have never let my hair grow long enough to be able to donate to Locks of Love. I have had good intentions in the past, just not the patience!  I would let it get so long, and then it would just drive me crazy.
     Now, to many of you, this may seem like a small thing. But one of my passions is helping people that really need it. I try to do whatever I can. So, if taking the time to let my hair grow out and then getting it cut helps someone dealing with cancer and chemo, I am happy that even the small things add up!!
     My beautician told me that soon it will be put in a container with other donations and sent to Locks of Love.  If you, or someone you know, would like to make a difference, consider helping fill up those containers just a little faster. The sooner they arrive there, the sooner they can be made into wigs for people that truly need them.

We've only just begun...

     As I was trying to brainstorm a brilliant name for my blog, I will admit that I resorted to consulting a few of my best friends: Merriam and Webster. They both agreed that the words "fledgling" and "endeavors" were completely on the mark.  Fledgling generally means new or inexperienced.  That covers it all!  The endeavors are new and I am completely inexperienced!  But that's what will make everything fun and interesting; most likely, finding the most difficult, crazy way of gaining the experience.
     In all of my future endeavors, I urge you to join me.  According to the definitions, it means to strive or attempt (verb) or an activity directed toward a goal (noun).
     In all my fledgling endeavors, I plan on following my heart.  I hope that you will do the same.  Who knows, the "activity" may not produce the results you wanted, but you are still aiming for a goal: following your heart!