2013 ~ Looking Forward


May health and joy and peace be thine
Upon this New Year's Day, 
And happy faces round thee shine
As plenteous as the flowers in May!


Cozy Kitty
It has been a lovely quiet start to the New Year here.

Painting supplies
Time to think and to create!

Painting in progress
I've been pulling out old unfinished paintings to work on while my painting skills get refreshed.  To be painting again is such a joy!

Amaryllis and Crocus
The Christmas decorations are being put away and the rooms simplified.  The amaryllis, which had gotten lost among the Christmas decor now take center stage.  It won't be long and the basket of crocus will be in bloom as well.

While in England and Scotland, I spent much time thinking about the life I had been living, about the lifestyle I was experiencing in the UK and what I wanted to be different when I got back.  The trip changed me, clarified what I wanted out of life, and though I was already headed in that direction - it sped it up.  It made me realize that I don't want such a busy life that I don't have time to pause and reflect daily.  I loved being able to walk everywhere.  I realized that I was living comfortably, adventurously even, with just the contents of a suitcase and backpack, and that I lacked for nothing.   I also realized that I need to watch the books!  They are too easy to accumulate in large numbers!  There was also the realization that the fabric arts, lovely and beautiful as they are, don't stand the test of time... sadly.  But that paintings do, something my mother had been trying to tell me for years!  I found that I reveled in the time spent in worship in the big cathedrals and small churches across the UK and in the glorious music I found there.

My goals for 2013 are to pursue some of these things.
~ Spend time with my journal or blog daily, to pause and reflect
~ To walk more
~ To spend more time with people and to broaden my circle of friends
~ To live simply (which includes the subcategory of continuing to downsize my belongings!)
~ To not buy every book I want to read ~ try the library instead!
~ To paint more in both oils and watercolors
~ To spend more time in worship, which means finding a new church home in my new community

And the big goal for the year
~ To find a job that facilitates living the quiet, relaxed life that I want, with time for travel, writing, introspection and art


Wishing you all a Blessed New Year!  

Comments

Such a comfie looking kitty! Happy 2013 to you - may all your goals be met, and it be all you hoped for and more.
Devon said…
I think your kitty has the right idea and I love your goals,,I am excited to see what you do in the coming year,,espically on the painting department, Happy New Year..
Devon
Willa said…
I really enjoy and appreciate your blog. It gives me hope that someday I can again carve out the place and time to paint and to sew as I want.

There are currently many roadblocks--both internal and external. I must address what I can and figure a way 'round the others.

Thank you.
Laurie said…
Your cat is so beautiful, I love the colors. An awesome list of goals, Lisa. I hope the New Year is kind to you. Blessings, Laurie
Marty52 said…
Such a good list, Lisa. Have to say that I love the hollyhock painting... one of my favorite flowers.
Adrienne said…
Your goals for the year are similar to mine. Change painting and art projects to spending time at my piano and it seems we have some of the same thoughts. Praying for the perfect job to come your way - in God's perfect timing!
~Adrienne~
Susan Elliott said…
The photo of your cat is wonderful.

I'm with you on some of those goals. I know I NEED to adopt the No books one...but I'm hopelessly attached to my library. I hope that will change over time because I just got two new bookcases for Christmas and I don't have much room for too many more!!

I always enjoy your flowers blooming in January and February...

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