Music!

This past year I discovered several new-to-me artists.  I also used my standing desk more often than not.You put the two elements together and voila - happy writer. Or productive writer.But if one of those elements is missing, I struggle to put words on the page.

I let a lot of stuff get in my own way.  My responsibilities and obligations are more than some people's and less than others. It was more a matter of putting it all first. Now my stuff is a priority as well.  (You'll get the hang of it, Susan, I slowly am)

Music is a distraction for some but it motivates me.  Right now, I'm listening to Hozier while typing at my standing desk. I'm further into the current scene than I have been in weeks.  Partly because I remembered to just let the story out instead of worrying about how it all fits together. But also because I can lose myself in the music.  It keeps one part of my brain busy while another part creates.
May you find the things in life that bring you pleasure.  There's always something that will block that if you allow it but it's okay to put yourself and your needs first once in a while. Crank up the music and dance or turn it on low and let it mellow you out. Whatever suits your current mood and need.

Happy New Year, Friends!

Dav rain boots

I've been pretty sick the past week, not thinking in complete sentences.  The good news is I dropped a couple of pounds. I couldn't find the belt the nipped in my top so I used a pin. It actually looked pretty good, all the drape and flow was flattering.

My Dav Rain boots arrived two days after I ordered them online. I loved them! But they were tight so I ordered the next size up. They arrived yesterday. Too big.  I walked around the house in them for hours debating whether to keep them. Too big means heavier socks in the winter.  However, they hit me right in the back of the knee so sitting down with them on wasn't a real option. Holy smokes were they warm. I didn't need heavier socks. I was wearing knee highs.  Other than bare skin I couldn't get much cooler. I decided to suck in the massive disappointment and return both pairs. The nine were too small and the ten too big.  This is why I don't like ordering things online.
Honestly, these are beautiful boots. Beautiful. And comfortable, stylish and versatile.  They were everything I was looking for in a boot.  Well worth every penny - if only they'd fit.  I'm going to spend some time perusing the website and see if there's any other style that might work better. I might give these a try.

New Year

Last night at dinner I did a much better job of articulating what the past year of Good Things has meant to me than I wrote on the blog. Let's pretend you were all sitting at the table and heard my concise explanation.

If 2013 ended up being the Year of Balance, what does 2014 have in store for me? What will be the focus of this blog?  I've been thinking about it a lot for the last few months.

Should it be about sources of inspiration?  Things that fill me with pride? Being accountable for personal goals?  Do I stick with daily posts?

I'm not sure.  I considered posting a photo a day that best summed it up. My grandfather was a good photographer.  I still have the telephoto lens he gave me in my first year of college. I still have that camera.  Film m is hard to find these days. Getting it developed even more difficult.  While I like the ease and convenience of digital,  I don't think I compose as well now that I can't afford to waste a shot.

I'd like 2014 to be the Year of Creativity. Whether it's crafting a fine piece of writing, knitting up a warm pair of socks, shooting a glorious sunset or problem solving with a patron, I intend to be creative, to approach things from an angle that only I can reach, to share a perspective that comes from my vision.

No matter my mood, my expression will be creative and stretch me into areas of growth. I hope you share the journey with me.