Embrace Life

ONE little WORD | January Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the 12th and final installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! This has been a wonderful course and one I've thoroughly enjoyed through the year. All of the participants are so very talented. Each hop, I look forward to see how they approached the monthly assignments.

DECEMBER 2013 | FACTS AND FEELINGS

The assignment for this month was to have us all reflect on how our word presented itself in our lives through the year. I enjoyed this opportunity to flip back through my album to see how well integrated my word was in my day-to-day through this past year.

FACTS

I entered 2013 knowing it would be one filled with challenge and transition. In choosing NOURISH I kept in the forefront of my mind my conscious desire to make healthier choices - encourage decisions that would serve my highest good and more patient approach. NOURISH found its way into all aspects of my life not just healthy food choices though that was a huge component.

FEELINGS

Each year my guiding word has become an integral practice and this year NOURISH did serve me well. It kept me on track and propelled me forward in all manner of health and especially self care. After a full year of mindful inclusion, I believe the healthy habits established will stick around for a long time to come. I feel stronger and healthier because of my full year of NOURISH.

AS I SAY GOODBYE TO MY WORD THIS YEAR I WANT TO REMEMBER

There was a lot of time, effort and energy spent my me, my friends, family and professionals to get me onto this path. I am worthy of good health and habits. Though the results might not be what I want - yet - the habits are well established and with continued practice will yield the desired results.

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Thanks so much for being here and for joining in the whole year!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife <<< You are HERE

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com/ <<< You are going HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com/

Naomi: http://www.poeticaperture.com/

Mrs. Wookie: http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

* * * * *

How did you see your word in your life? Have you chosen a new guiding word for 2014?

Ali Edwards is hosting this project for 2014 on her blog. Sign up for her workshop to keep your word visible in 2014.

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2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

ONE little WORD | December Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the 11th installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! This has been a great course and one I've thoroughly enjoyed through the year. All of the participants are so very talented. Each hop, I look forward to see how they approached the monthly assignments.

NOVEMBER 2013 | THROUGH THE LENS AGAIN

This month we re-visit the photo assignment first done last April. It a chance to revisit and see how far we've come with our word.

I enjoy this kind of assignment as it marries photos with words. I was really amazed at the differences found in just a few short months! So much has been packed into this year! 

(Click to enlarge)

I've enjoyed my connection to my word through this year. I've gone from some vague idea of what nourish meant and how it would work in my life. It turns out my focus has gone from me and health issues to so much more. Family and girlfriends, that's where nourish is at for me!

* * * * *

Thanks so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Naomi: www.poeticaperture.com

Mrs. Wookie: http://MrsWookiesWanderings.blogspot.com

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

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2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

ONE little WORD | November Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the 10th installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! All of the participants are so very talented. I look forward to see how they approached the monthly assignments each hop.

OCTOBER 2013 | GET MESSY

The assignment this month was to "get messy" and find the words to express how we feel about our word right now. The idea was to reflect honestly on our personal journey.

Guess what? I do not get a big fat FAIL this month - the words are there BUT I did not get messy. My life, with three consecutive big parties, was just not condusive to a big creative mess. I did the next best thing. I was messy on Photoshop Elements - which, if you know me, is often a messy process :)

(Click to enlarge)

* * * * *

Thanks so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

 

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Melanie: http://mellybirddesigns.wordpress.com

Mrs. Wookie: http://MrsWookiesWanderings.blogspot.com

Naomi: www.poeticaperture.com

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

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2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER

Hello and welcome to the 10th installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! All of the participants are so very talented. I look forward to see how they approached the monthly assignments each hop.

OCTOBER 2013 | GET MESSY

The assignment this month was to "get messy" and find the words to express how we feel about our word right now. The idea was to reflect honestly on our personal journey.

Guess what? I do not get a big fat FAIL this month - the words are there BUT I did not get messy. My life, with three consecutive big parties, was just not condusive to a big creative mess. I did the next best thing. I was messy on Photoshop Elements - which, if you know me, is often a messy process :)

(Click to enlarge)

* * * * *

Thanks so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

 

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Melanie: http://mellybirddesigns.wordpress.com

Mrs. Wookie: http://MrsWookiesWanderings.blogspot.com

Naomi: www.poeticaperture.com

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

* * * * *

2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER

ONE little WORD | October Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to another installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! All of the participants are so very talented. I look forward to see how they approached the monthly assignments each hop.

SEPTEMBER 2013 | THE INTERVIEW

Our assignment was to interview someone who knows us well about the presence of our word in our life. In my case, the word is NOURISH.

Guess what? I get a big fat FAIL.

September got away from me. There was plenty of my word in my world as I nourished a positive reaction to many things:

1. Life with my eldest away from home for the first time without anyone around to tell her to stop and think when maybe she should stop and think;

2. An older son with a lovely girlfriend and learning to navigate the subtleties of relationships;

3. Younger daughter just entered high school and realized that the "mean girls" of the last two years just might have been wrong and she can be considered pretty, smart and popular - heaven help me;

4. And, startled to realize my youngest son has just managed to "come out of his shell" in time for Grade 8 and he's sharing his wit and charm;

5. Me? I'm nourishing some new behaviours that include guided meditation and reformer pilates - in addition to making better choices.

In a life with few dull moments, there are even fewer lately!

Though the timing didn't work for the Blog Hop, I am having coffee with a girlfriend tomorrow, as it happens, and she's agreed to be interviewed :) See? I'm nourishing flexibility. Totally out of my comfort zone.

* * * * *

Thanks so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Mrs. Wookie: http://MrsWookiesWanderings.blogspot.com

Naomi: www.poeticaperture.com

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

* * * * *

2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER

ONE little WORD | September Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to another installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! All of the participants are so very talented. I look forward to see how they approached the monthly assignments each hop.

AUGUST 2013 | TAKING YOUR WORD INTO THE WORLD

Our assignment was to play with our word outside.

I failed.

August was very busy and the one opportunity I was outside regularly, I completely forgot to do what I had planned which was to write NOURISH while on the beach.

I settled for the next best thing. Finding my word out in the world around me:

With my Claire leaving for University, our cupboard was cleared out of her favourite teas and packed for her to enjoy while away. I went over to our local grocery store and bought a tin of each variety. I'm enjoying them. Tea is becoming part of my daily ritual for calm. I'm enjoying the process of finding a preferred blend.

* * * * *

Thanks so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Veronica: http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com/

Ruth: http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Mrs. Wookie: http://MrsWookiesWanderings.blogspot.com

Naomi: www.poeticaperture.com

Michelle: http://www.table-for-five.com/

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

* * * * *

2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST |

ONE little WORD | August Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the seventh installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! We've gone just beyond the midway point and I'm looking forward to how our our participants approached the assignment this month. These ladies are are all so talented and enthusiastic about their OLW journey. As always, I look forward to their posts!

JULY 2013 | THE STICKY NOTE STRATEGY

There were many options as to how to approach the assignment this month. Summer is a bit chaotic - more than I like - with kids coming and going with no real flow to our days. In short: the only thing my month brought me was inconsistency so I opted for the 7-day plan in order to give the assignment its best chance to be completed!

I took seven sticky notes and wrote the word "NOURISH" on each one. They were then stuck on my fridge - the perfect place for the word nourish, wouldn't you agree? The other option was lining them up along my bookshelf - another appropriate place to find nourishment in my home :)

At the start of each day, for a week, I set an intention in the morning. (A couple of months ago I started a practice to set an intention for my day every morning via Facebook, I simply incorporated that practice to my sticky notes!) At the end of the day, for that same week, I wrote on the sticky note how I connected with my word NOURISH that day.

Here is a summary:

DAY 1 | Intention to NOURISH SILENCE As an introvert, I regularly seek quiet time alone to recharge my batteries. Most people would dread the traffic-filled drive up the 400 to cottage- and camp-country. Not me! This was one of many trips and I enjoyed every minute of it. Silence reigned as I had much to consider and came to a lot of realizations on my way to pick up Chloé from camp.

DAY 2 | Intention to NOURISH CLEAN & ORDER This is directed specifically in my fridge. With so many people coming and going I want enough "fresh" on hand, but end up with the kids and their friends just popping in and then out as quick as they arrive. There has been a sad amount of waste - strawberries and watermelon being the biggest sacrifices. The fridge is now empty of everything but some condiments, champagne and lemons. I feel positively single!

DAY 3 | Intention to NOURISH HEALTHY CHOICES Ah, Monday, the start of a new week. Time to focus my effort (yet again) on walking more, filling the fridge and eating more protein than carbs. And more veg than protein. That empty fridge? Filled with enough to keep ME going for the week.

DAY 4 | Intention to NOURISH SELF-CARE For many years I sacrificed attention to myself in order to pay attention to everyone else around me - often to the detriment of my self-esteem. My friends (and one sister) still chide me over my fear of self-indulgence. The day was spent at the local spa. I'm all poked and plucked.

DAY 5 | Intention to NOURISH PLANS FOR MY FUTURE I have been seeing my Life Coach, Helen, for a few months. I'm sure some sessions have been harder on her than me! It really is time for me to figure out what I'm going to be when I grow up. This has been a powerfully liberating week. The plan? To take the rest of the summer and let it all settle in. I've decided that this is not the time for decisions, this is the time for me to relinquish control and enjoy some quiet introspection and hopeful revelation.

DAY 6 | Intention to NOURISH ENGAGEMENT We, the kids and I, joined our local club on a "trial" basis for the summer. We've gone a few times. Today was decision day - do we join or not? Given that we've enjoyed every experience - we're all new members!

DAY 7 | Intention to NOURISH MY CURIOSITY By reading The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. I've heard so many good things about this book AND it is in one of my many piles. I was a bit nervous with my last foray into books by a Swedish author (the late Steig Larsson) which I did not enjoy, but so far, so good. Still embracing the "read what you want to write" philosophy.

* * * * *

Thank you so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - scheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Michelle: http://www.table-for-five.com/

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Lisa: http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word/

Naomi: http://www.poeticaperture.com

Missus Wookie: http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

* * * * *

SERENDIPITY: A few days after I got this assignment I clicked a link to Hello Beautiful, an online magazine that featured the brilliant Danielle LaPorte on the front cover. I was further intrigued by the article "Is It Noise or Nourishment" so the magazine was quickly downloaded to my iPad. Once reading, I found another fabulous article featuring post it notes! Such good stuff :) Go and download some sticky affirmations!

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How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

* * * * *

2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY

ONE little WORD | July Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the sixth installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! We've reached the midway point and I'm looking forward to the observations made by all of our participants this month,they are all so talented and enthusiastic about their OLW journey. As always, I wonder how everyone approached their assignment forJune.

JUNE 2013 | MID-YEAR REFLECTIONS

We were asked to participate in a simple one-page sheet of reflections.

IN ONE WORD YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR HAS BEEN:

Consistent

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST SO FAR THIS YEAR?

That my word "open" from last year is still hanging on - and it is workng well with "nourish", my word this year.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF RELATED TO YOUR WORD?

I have fully incorporated it into my daily decisions - heart, mind and soul nourishment.

THREE THINGS YOU'VE ENJOYED ABOUT THIS WORD (WHAT'S BEEN GOOD, CHANGES MADE FOR THE BETTER, POSITIVE OBSERVATIONS):

1. It keeps me on a positive trajectory

2. It influences good health and self-care choices

3. It has me consider my life and surroundings in the abstract

THREE CHALLENGES YOU'VE FACED RELATED TO YOUR WORD (WHAT'S BEEN DIFFICULT, WHAT'S BEEN TOUGHER THAN YOU EXPECTED):

1. It is not a dynamic choice which has been an adjustment

2. I have not connected as well as in the past with "focus","do" and "open".

3. Being clear that "nourish" does not mean "nurture"

THREE THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH BY THE END OF THE YEAR:

1. Continue to make nourishment a positive daily habit, with no consciousness of the word

2. Complete my book outline

3. Build a business plan

ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO DOCUMENT AT THIS POINT IN TIME?

I'm already thinking ahead for a word to guide me in 2014. Weird. It feels too early, especially since "open" from 2012 hasn't quite left yet! I'm going with it. So far, my next word is evolving, and totally out of my comfort zone - TRUST :) There are a couple of others that are starting to resonate: shift, align, authentic, honour. You can see where I'm going with this!

* * * * *

Thanks so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Michelle: http://www.table-for-five.com/

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Michelle: http://www.table-for-five.com/ << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Missus Wookie: http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com

Amy: http://lemonandraspberry.com

Melanie: http://mellybirddesigns.wordpress.com

Naomi: www.poeticaperture.com

Lisa: http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word/

Veronica: http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com/

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

* * * * *

2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE |

ONE little WORD | June Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the fifth installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! There is a great group of participants this month - I'm so happy for them to share their talent and enthusiasm for our OLW journey. As always, I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone approached their assignment for May.

MAY 2013 | LITTLE (AND BIG) MESSAGES

The idea this month was to listen to the messages that are repeated in our lives and document them. As I am in the waning stages of my divorce and the amping up of my new life, the words I've been hearing are coming through loud and clear. I get messages from my children, my sisters, my friends, my life coach, the magazines I read and the sites I visit - particularly my boards on Pinterest. My word my not be on any of the cards, but within them I am nourishing a new, positive, transformative journey onward.

Thanks so much for being here!

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Naomi: http://www.poeticaperture.com

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Missus Wookie: http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com

Lisa: http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word

Michelle: http://www.table-for-five.com/

Melanie: http://mellybirddesigns.wordpress.com/

Veronica: http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com/

Kelly: http://www.septemberblue.net/

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

* * * * *

2013 One Little Word Hop FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY |

ONE little WORD | May Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the fourth installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! As always, there is a great group of participants this month - I'm so happy for them to share their talent and enthusiasm for our OLW journey. As always, I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone approached their assignment for April.

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

APRIL 2013 | CONNECT WITH PHOTOS

The idea this month was to see our word, in my case NOURISH, in photographs. I am very conscious of my word and I didn't find it hard to locate the photos I wanted to reflect it! I did not have a chance to have it printed off so here is my final assignment in it's submit-to-Persnickety-Prints form:

I'm looking forward to seeing what all the other ladies on the hop - sheduled to go live at 6AM Eastern - have to share:

Next up is: Margareta at http://www.paperpilekitten.com

* * * * *

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Missus Wookie: http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word

Michelle: http://table-for-five.com/

Melanie: http://mellybirdesigns.wordpress.com

Kelly: http://www.septemberblue.net/

Naomi: http://www.poeticaperture.com/

Jacqueline: http://blog.jacquelinewolven.com

Nikki: www.inkyart.com.au

Ruth: http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com/

And, Veronica: www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

* * * * *

How do you see your word in your life?

ONE little WORD | April Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the third installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! As always, there is a great group of participants this month - I'm so happy for them to share their talent and enthusiasm for our OLW journey. I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone approached their assignment for March.

This is a learning process coordinating this blog hop and my apologies for the frustrations of last month. I think - with fingers crossed - that things will be smooth and glitch-free this month! I can promise any frustration will be worth it!

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! After going through the hop, if you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

MARCH 2013 | TAKE ACTION

This month was a bit of a bust for me. Our assignment was "take action" and with my kids only in school 8 days this month, there was plenty of action taken - just not of a me-focused or creative variety! The lack of time combined with a killer cold left me flat.

For what it's worth, I did manage to write up my intention for the assignment:

 

I was just short on the execution of the plans!

My handwriting is atrocious, so here is the translation:

THIS MONTH I:

will focus on ME. It's time to carve out my space in our home to make room for whatever is next. No expectations. Things are so full there is no room for anything else. It's time to make space to foster a positive and creative environment for change.

DOCUMENTING MY EXPERIENCE:

Silly of me to think I'd get much done for me at home this month with us away on a cruise for 10 days! That coupled with my catching the worst cold in recent memory had me glat on my butt for another 7 days and by months end, still not 100%. Onward :)

I did manage a few things: (aka focus on the positive)

1. Trip with the kids - what an adventure!

2. All household file updated

3. Vanity purchaed for bathroom (gave up on Pottery Barn)

4. Lunch with girlfriends - TWICE :)

5. Watched Brené Brown on OWN online: INSPIRED

6. Smoothies & Harley Pasternak's "Reset" embraced

At least I know the 'plan' for next month :) always moving forward.

* * * * *

Oh yeah, all of the books in the photo? THAT is what happens when you are trapped in bed with kleenex, tea and internet access!

* * * * *

I am sure better luck was had with the other ladies on the hop! Let's go check them out ...

Next up is Cheri at http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Below is the full list of participants. In case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife << YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com/ << YOU ARE GOING HERE

Lisa: http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word/

Kelly: http://www.septemberblue.net/

Veronica: http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com/

Melanie: http://mellybirddesigns.wordpress.com/

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Nikki: http://www.inkyart.com.au

Michelle: www.table-for-five.com

Naomi: http://www.poeticaperture.com/

Ruth: http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com/

Kathryn: http://katlodesigns.com

Missus Wookie: http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com

Jacqueline: http://blog.jacquelinewolven.com

* * * * *

The hop is scheduled to go "live" at 6AM Eastern!

ONE little WORD | March Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the second installment of the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop! I'm so happy for all of the enthusiasm and the great group of participants this month. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's project.

My apologies for the frustrations of last month. Things were a bit wonky with the links as Blogger has changed it's format and I can no longer provide a simple list of links to participants. Truly frustrating when trying to fun a blog hop for the first time! Let's hope this time through things are smoother for everyone - blogger and reader!

If you like what you see us doing, it's not too late to join in! If, after going through the hop, you are interested, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

I sign up for a ton of classes and the best part is when I'm given an opportunity to do something I've never attempted before. In this case, a vision board. I've seen vision boards and dream boards made all over the place but I've only created one - years ago - digitally using photos found online and put in the spots provided. This was way more challenging.

TOTALLY OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE, it was time to get messy and tear apart every magazine I had lying around the house to find what I needed in order to accomplish this task. In the end, I had enough material - photos and words - to create 10 boards!

Sometimes choice, for me, can be paralyzing, so I went through and quickly selected my favourites - and then did it again, and again - and narrowed it all down to what you see on the board:

Click on the image to open in another window. Click again to enlarge enough to see all of the elements.

How does my word "nourish" fit into things? Well, I want to nourish all of the things on my board - from the central quote to all of the elements included.

I do hope something in this project, or how I'm participating in it, has piqued your interest. I'm sure you'll find a lot of great stuff along the hop. Head on over to visit the other participants. A One Little Word journey around the world!

Next up is Cheri at cheriandrews.blogspot.com!

This is the full list of participants, in case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife <<< YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: cheriandrews.blogspot.com <<< YOU ARE GOING HERE (and so on!)

Lisa: http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word/

Michelle: www.table-for-five.com/category/one-little-word/

Julie: www.eggsandherbs.com

Kara: http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com

Karen: http://womenontractors.blogspot.com

Nikki: http://www.inkyart.com.au/ 

Melanie: http://mellybirddesigns.wordpress.com

Angela: http://angelanoel.com/

Kathryn: http://www.katlodesigns.com/

Jackie: http://blog.jacquelinewolven.com/

Dona: http://orangegearle.blogspot.com/

Paige: www.approachingjoy.com

Ruth: http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Kathleen: http://jkplusthree.blogspot.com

Missus Wookie: http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

Naomi: www.poeticaperture.com

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and, please go visit Kelly at her blog www.septemberblue.net I blew it and completely forgot to add her as a monthly participant! She has a ton of inspiration to offer. Since her blog is last on the list, be sure to spend more time there and poke around a bit :D

and, as it goes it turns out I screwed up TWICE! PLEASE go visit Veronica at her blog www.veronicanorris.typepad.com. As with Kelly, take a look around - great stuff to be found there!

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The hop is scheduled to go "live" at 6AM Eastern. Have fun!

ONE little WORD | February Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the 2013 One Little Word Blog Hop where I am thrilled to be taking the baton from Margie, our fearless leader for the last couple of years. The class has changed up a bit with Ali Edwards offering up new prompts and creative assignments, as a result, I am really happy to have signed up again. It's not too late, if after going through the hop you are interested in joining in the fun, head on over and join the One Little Word journey with us!

I am sharing my results of the classroom assignment for the month.

This was cause for a lot of thought and consideration. My word for 2013 is NOURISH and what exactly did that mean? How do I think or want it to manifest itself in my life from month-to-month through the year? And then there is the creative component. How did I want to express myself in my album this year? Paper and glue? Digital? A hybrid bit of both?

By mid-month I had it figured out and it was determined and happy to carve out some time. This was the result:

Each month I've assigned a focus. In case you can't read it (plus my pen was running out of ink!) they are below:

JANUARY | Body: it's pretty simple EAT WELL & MOVE MORE every day

FEBRUARY | Heart: the walls have been up far too long It's time to relax my guard and allow my heart to open. TRUST YOURSELF :)

MARCH | Wandering: grab the camera, get up and GO. Discover new places and take time to wander and explore.

APRIL | Habits: nothing worth doing is quick or easy. Embrace PATIENCE and follow the plan with conscious effort. Those habits will stick.

MAY | Conversations: don't back away from the hard ones and welcome the fun ones. Stay open and listen more.

JUNE | Dreams: YAY! They're back. What do they say? How do you feel? Record them :)

JULY | Spirit: there is nothing holding you back. Set your spirit free and let it SOAR!

AUGUST | Silence: what do you hear in the quiet/ When the din of life is turned off, what's left? REVEL in the stillness.

SEPTEMBER | Curiosity: showing interest is not rude. Ask & engage. Give in to natural impulses.

OCTOBER | Mind: let's find something to really capture your interest AND imagination.

NOVEMBER | Words: get them out. Use your memories, stories & dreams to create the future you want.

DECEMBER | Relationships: Nuture the good and get rid of the bad. Stay OPEN to new :)

The creative cards started with the One Little Word | 2013 art received in class. I imposed it over the picture I found that, to me, best represents my vision of nourish. That decided on the green and gray pallet which needed a bit of a tweak so I added some pink.

Those cards, up close, look like this:

(The pink with the lemon gives me particular joy as we had Caden convinced that in Cape Cod they grew pink lemons for the lemonade at Captain Frosty's.)

Agreed! And very much the reason I chose NOURISH this year. More to oppose indifference than anything else :)

I do hope something in this project, or how I'm participating in it, has piqued your interest!

Head on over to visit the other participants. A One Little Word journey of the world!

Next up is Cheri at cheriandrews.blogspot.com!

This is the full list of participants, in case you get "lost" you can always come back here and find your way again:

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife/ <<< YOU ARE HERE

Cheri: cheriandrews.blogspot.com <<< THIS IS YOUR NEXT VISIT

Lisa: http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word/

Lynn: www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com

Nikki: www.inkyart.com.au

Kathryn: www.katlodesigns.com

Missus Wookie: mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com

Veronica: www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Eydie: www.whatwecreate.net

Karen: http://womenontractors.blogspot.com

Kelly: http://www.septemberblue.net

Melanie: http://mellybirddesigns.wordpress.com

Valerie: http://naughtystamper.blogspot.com/

Marya: www.lotustreecrafts.com

Nupur: http://woodpeckertales.com

Angela: angelanoel.com

Janet: http://lifeinsideascrapbookroom.blogspot.com

Dona: http://orangegearle.blogspot.com/

Ruth: http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com/

Naomi: http://www.poeticaperture.com/

Pam: http://pammiek.blogspot.com/

Kara: http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com

Clare: http://claresthomas.blogspot.co.uk/

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com/

Tricia: http://onecreativemom.wordpress.com/

Jacqueline: http://goodwolve.blogs.com/jacqueline/

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The hop is scheduled to go "live" at 6AM Eastern. Have fun!

Oh my goodness, I almost forgot, a huge THANK YOU to Melanie for creating our fabulous blog hop button! She stepped in at the last minute when I completely forgot to make one :)

Blog Hopping: Favourite Summer Salad

Welcome to blog hopping with Narrating Life! This is my first hop with this group of inspiring ladies - and I couldn't resist joining in after the last month Hostess Gift theme. This month I asked to participate and I'm looking forward to gathering some new summer salad ideas.

To me, summer means watermelon!

I will eat watermelon any way, seeded or seedless, sliced or cubed, but one of the best ways I've found is in this refreshing and unexpected summer salad I discovered a few months ago via the Canyon Ranch recipes database. Not only is it yummy, it's good for you!

WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD

Ingredients

3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
Pinch sea salt
2 cups seeded and cubed watermelon
2 cups seeded and cubed golden watermelon
1/4 cup Feta cheese
1 tablespoon chiffonade fresh basil

Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine vinegar and salt; stir until salt dissolves
2. In a large bowl toss watermelon and feta cheese with vinegar mixture
3. Serve 1 cup of watermelon and feta salad topped with fresh basil.

This was a delicious discovery! Try it. If you like watermelon and feta this is a knockout salad!

Thank you Miranda for including me in this Blog Hop! Now head on over and see what these other ladies have in store for you today:

Miranda
Lee <<< you are HERE
Stephanie
Kimberlee
Sara
Christina

(Note: Hop to go live at 12:00AM MST on Wednesday, July 20th.)

I also discovered another great watermelon recipe, one I'm going to try as soon as I can: Watermelon Granita. Imagine with a splash of vodka ;) Perfect summer refresher!

Now head over and see what Stephanie has in store for all of us.