Challenges

So I am technologically challenged! I do have the necessary equipment with me. If I had thought about it earlier I could have used it. Instead I used the tried and true way, my camera, which uses an XD card instead of an SD card so it does not readily fit into my computer. I could have used my iPad. It was in my purse…. Sigh. Technology makes all kinds of things possible, like this blog!! In the midst of a learning curve it can drive some people to drink. I am at the brink, not really, just annoyed. I will learn. One of the more important things I will learn is how to use my iPad to remind me of appointments. Lately there has been a significant increase in missed dates with various people. So there is a choice in all this: I can choose to become cranky and make everyone around me wish they were somewhere else or I can accept what I cannot change and move on. Sometimes that can be funny. I missed a funny episode this week because I chose to be cranky. As I was explaining to some friends of mine, I had discovered just how little counter space I have in my kitchen when the roaster with the turkey in it fell into the sink and the stuffing escaped onto the floor in the rescue attempt. I had to laugh too as they were all doubled over. After all, it was funny. Life is good, the new snow is redefining beautiful and I am warm and comfortable. Celebrating thirty years with my wonderful husband is good too. Life is very good.

Preparations

It is a little over one week to Christmas and the lights are sparkling everywhere. Our tree is up and there are even a few presents beneath it. My creativity will be focused on Christmas cards and composing a letter to accompany it, baking and making curtains. It would be so easy to get frazzled. Frazzled steals our awareness and our time. Yesterday while driving to one of the myriad of events we are attending at this time of year my husband noticed how green the lights were, and red too on the other side. I mentioned something about it being Christmas at any time of the year. Red and green. Bright and flashing. Yes. Being present to the moment allows us to appreciate the delightful colours, the quiet moments and the peace in our hearts. That is my present to everyone this year, a peaceful heart. There is joy in a peaceful heart, patience, forgiveness and love. My gift to you. Life is gloriously good.

Moving

Moving is the prime test of virtue. I am not going into my shortcomings or how many times I failed the test; suffice to say, judgment apart, moving provides many opportunities to smile and rise above…. My daughter caught me in one of my favorite places these days, atop a step stool. In this case ‘favorite’ is measured by the amount of time I spend there. I enjoy the challenge of fixing things. Lately I have had to remember that. ‘All things in moderation’, there is wisdom here. Excess leads to a tipping point where one chooses to growl or smile and rise above. My husband does not like to hear me growl and I have been doing too much of late so he has sent me into exile today: I am going to my studio for the first time in a month. I can hardly wait. Tomorrow I will continue to fix and arrange. It will be easier to smile with a dose of painting under my belt. I think I will indulge in some printmaking… By the way, I am very remiss in getting out my invitations for the VASA member show which is on now until the end of January. My computer problems will be fixed and arranged shortly, not today. The opening was last Saturday and a very pleasant time was had by all. I intend to send out the invitation I have created some time before Christmas as a reminder that the exhibition is still on. My mailing list is still under construction. VASA is closed Sundays and Mondays, open 10am to 5pm the rest of the week. 25 Sir Winston Churchill Ave. St. Albert AB, just in case you are interested. Also, I would like to apologize for last week. My blog got lost among the screws and hammers. Life is still good.