balance...

My life has been busy...more than I ever imagined it could be.   New projects, new classes, new kits, plus business obligations have definitely unbalanced the scales.  For me, one of the best ways to bring back the balance is to take time to enjoy the little moments that surround me every day, to find things that make me laugh, to hug someone...

Being in Northern California and teaching at My Daughter's Wish definitely provided me with lots of those moments.  There were so many fun and funny women in the classes...quite a few of them I had previously met when I taught at Wishfest last year.  I had such a great time with them all.

Sheri, owner of the store, graciously opened up her home to me...that was a total blast.  I felt totally welcomed into her family and it's a lively one to be sure.  I loved listening to her 6 year old daughter earnestly telling me a story and sitting on the floor of the playroom with her 3 year old daughter, playing blocks and listening to her chatter away in her high pitched voice...then there were the laughing moments when they covered me with fairy dust...glitter from head to toe.  I trailed glitter all over Sheri's house, into the bed, into the suitcase and now into my home.  Of course, I can't forget about all of the laughter that came from the clown, Sheri's six month old Great Dane puppy who thinks he's a lap dog.  Lots of laughter, lots of hugs, lots of fun.  Thanks, Sheri and OT, for your hospitality!

On the home front, how can you not laugh when you see this little group of pooplets...4 baby doves sunning themselves on the path by our pond.   The mamas carefully watched them from the overhead tree...the babies had all been clustered together but when they saw me and the camera, they started getting a little concerned and broke apart.

What a sight!

Then there's Fred...Mr. Peach Face!

He's totally enjoying the salmon and peach meal...check out the peach hanging from his face.  Charming!

I'm learning to live in the moment...to enjoy and savor the right here and now...to not spend countless hours dwelling on the past...to not focus on the future so much that I lose what's here today.

How do you find balance in your life?  What special moments have you recently savored? 

Comments

[Regina]

Hi Carol. My word of the year is Balance. I've been making a mini album highlighting the months and how I've been keeping Balance in my life. I've been balancing full-time work, art and scrap classes, family, pets, and ME time. I've recently savored making a bird pin cushion from wool felt. I enjoyed every minute of it and completely lost myself in the process. What a great feeling.

Regina

[Jeanette]

I strive for balance every day. And when I achieve it, it feels great. Unfortunately it does not happen every day, like I wish.

And when I'm out of my usual routine, it throws me for a loop. Gee, is that a sign of aging or what?!?

[Cricket]

Such wonderful pics Carol! Fred is adorable! I'm working on keeping in my present and enjoying all the little moments it has to offer me. I read somewhere something that was along the lines of this: you can't change the past, the future isn't here, all you have is now. I want to enjoy my now and am happy to hear you are doing the same thing!

smiles,

[Sheri]

Carol, we had so much fun with you too! The girls want a date to mark on the calender to come and visit you, Ashley and Fred! OK back to my own balancing act :) hugs

[Dee]

Balance? Whats that? I think its a constant juggling act.As for special moments, I found some new courage this weekend. And a strength I didnt know that I had, when I jumped from an airplane, for charity.
It was life changing. I have realised how strong God is in me!!

[pamelajane]

What an affirming concept -- balancing each and all the carefully chosen moments as though on the tip of your tongue to savor. Hope I can do the same!