Daily Archive

You are currently browsing the daily archive for July 5, 2011.

New traditions

July 5, 2011 in family | Leave a comment

Some of my favorite times have been spent in a car with my mom and sister.  We always enjoy the conversations and laughter we share.  My mother in particular seems to open up more during those times.

My sister finally uploaded her pictures from our road trip to Pittsburgh last summer.  Among the usual suspects, we found several clips of video she had taken in the car during those conversations without my mom or I knowing.

I love them.  Together the videos perfectly encapsulate our individual personalities and our relationships with each other.

Also, I haven’t heard the sound of my recorded voice since I was a teenager.  It’s not as bad as I thought.

*** Having trouble uploading, so I guess you’ll have to take my word for it.

My wildlife

July 5, 2011 in house, photo | Leave a comment

I came home after work the other day to find tiny, perfectly formed toads sitting on my lily pads across the pond. (Note the tadpoles just under the lily pad.)

I love my pond for moments like these.

Cannonball Read #19-22: A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

July 5, 2011 in book, CBR | 2 comments

So… I need an e-reader. I never thought so before, but I’m a new convert after lugging around A Storm of Swords while traveling. I love this series, and I’m caught up just in time for the new fifth book release later this month.

I can say that this series is not for you if:

1.  Thinking about reading 800+ pages makes you ill.

2.  You hate authors who meddle with your favorite characters – or worse, kill them.

3.  You get lost in books with more than three story lines and main characters.

4.  You roll your eyes at things like dragons and magic.

5.  You want recaps at the beginning of each novel.

6.  You can’t handle the awesomeness that is an epic tale.

It’s hard for me to discuss the books individually as they all run together for me now.  I can say that I’ve now had three completely unexpected moments that took my literary breath away.  The series is an interesting character study as you learn of motivations and back stories during the sprawling struggle for power.

*****

I reread Bird by Bird while waiting for the library to reopen after a holiday weekend.  It’s a charming book on writing that I think I’ll make a habit of reading every year.  It is full of gentle advice and a soft elbow to my side reminding me to do what I want to do.

July 2011
S M T W T F S
« Jun   Aug »
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  

My Happiness Project

1. Set a bedtime.
2. Make my bed every morning.
3. Always be reading something.
4. Move more.
5. Toss and organize.
6. Give proofs of love.
7. Leave the past.
8. Fight right.
9. Don't expect praise or appreciation.
10. Kiss more, hug more, touch more.
11. Aim higher.
12. Find some fun.
13. Ask for help.
14. Smile.
15. Realize it's possible.
16. Don't compare;be inspired.
17. Focus on what I have.
18. Beware of drift.
19. Take a chance.
20. Listen.
21. Be mindful.
22. Cultivate gratitude.
23. Spend out.
24. Do good, feel good.
25. Show up.
26. Have the courage to be imperfect.
27. Find joy in the ordinary.
28. Work smart.
29. Enjoy now.
30. Talk to strangers.
31. Go outside.
32. Start where I am.
33. Show up on time.
34. See art everyday.
35. Love with abandon.
36. Be colorful.
37. Dress the part.
38. Revel in accomplishments.
39. Learn something new.
40. Fear less.
41. Take pictures.
42. Speak with integrity.
43. Don't be critical about small things.
44. Manage my pain.
45. Surround myself with creative people.
46. Practice, practice, practice.
47. Don't force it.
48. Deal with something once.
49. Trust my instincts.
50. Avoid gossip.
51. Choose to see the best in people.
52. Take time to be silly.
53. Throw my own party.
54. Be a mentor.
55. Lean into my fears.
56. Find the others.
57. Do the unexpected.
58. Don't break the chain.
59. Do things others aren't.
60. Slow down.
61. Be cool with not being cool.
62. Be kinder than necessary and more generous than reasonable.
63. Pretend I'm good at it.
64. Keep in touch.
65. Row my own canoe.
66. Do what only you can do.
67. If it doesn't work out, find something that does.
68. Dream bigger.
69. Notice what's right.
70. Stop talking. Start doing.
71. When in doubt, choose laughter.
72. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
73. Respect everyone.
74. Be early.
75. Delete the unnecessary.

Three Simple Rules

1. If you do not GO after what you want, you will never have it.
2. If you do not ASK, the answer will always be no.
3. If you do not MOVE forward, you will always be in the same place.

Decisions, decisions…

Ten years from now, what will I wish I had done?

All I Need

1. Someone to love.
2. Something to do.
3. Something to hope for.

Cannonball Read 2013

13

Upcoming Reads

???

Countries I’ve Visited

Mexico
Colombia
Thailand
Vietnam
Bermuda (British territory)

I write about…

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 26 other followers