Nourish...

I began this year with the idea that I would pick a word to define and shape my goals for 2012.  Simple enough.  I chose "nourish".  And as with most of my endeavors, I started off full of good intentions and  a bang...and then once the novelty wore off and daily life set in...I sputtered and slowed down...considerably.  BUT, I am glad to say I didn't stall completely, and I wound up ahead of the game.  Actually, I was quite successful.  Definetly more nourished in December, than I was in January. And I'm not  talking about my weight.

Nourish?  Yep.  I embarked on a couple of photography classes and challenges.  Including a self portrait project that I WILL complete...but am a few weeks behind on. I nourished my creativity by blogging consistently for the full year.  I found it interesting that my "photography" blog has morphed into both photography AND the written word.  2012 certainly was a year where I felt I had lots to say and figure out (altho my "Things" would tell ya 2012 was no exception to the norm).  I am also in the process of compiling my first year of blogging into a book. If for no other reason than to PROVE to future generations that great-great-GREAT grandmom (insert a yet to be determined COOL name for an old geezer) had a pretty well-nourished sense of humor and outlook on life.   And gosh darn she was full of wisdom to. I've also sold a few of my photographs this year and NOT said "are you sure????". I AM learning to take compliments a bit better and more graciously as I nourish my self confidence.  AND,  going thru two pair of running shoes is proof that I continue to nourish my physical well-being.  Altho, the apple crisp on my stove and the mounds of holiday left overs in my fridge might beg to differ at the moment.

2012.  It's been a challenging year.   I found I nourished my fortitude and strength in ways that I never even considered possibilities in January when I chose the word.  I learned life has it's own plans regardless of MY agenda.  Maybe "nourish" actually chose me?  2012 would have been even more challenging had I not focussed on nourishing different aspects of my life.  And I close out 2012 by nourishing my sense of well-being.  I have been hunkered down for most of the holiday with my family.  Haven't even ventured out that much.  Heck, some days I haven't even gotten out of my pj's.  I'm enjoying being a homebody.  I'm enjoying being a wife.  I'm enjoying being a daughter and sister.  I'm enjoying being a mom.  And I'm enjoying being a future mom-in-law (yep...Thing #1 got engaged last week).  I'm enjoying nourishing my soul.  I'm still NOT enjoying cleaning and laundry tho.  And my family would probably like me to "nourish" my make up and hair on occassion.

"Merry Christmas"

"Home Sweet Home"

I haven't even picked up "James Dean" until today.  And I found that putting James on the back burner for awhile was a welcome break.  Sorry James, I didn't even miss ya.  Nope, not one Christmas photo this year.  It was kinda fun just enjoying the moments without feeling I needed to document any of them.  Plus...I kinda looked like crap.  THAT is documentation I do not need.

But today as I was curled up on my couch the snow began to fall...

"Looking Up"
Ambler PA

...and without even thinking I found "James Dean" sitting on my dresser, dusted him off, and clicked off a few.  There was such a sense of quiet, stillness and...peace as I ventured outside.  I could even HEAR the snow flakes hitting the trees and ground.  The beauty and softness enveloped me like a blanket.  Which is EXACTLY what I had been doing the past few weeks.  Wrapping myself up in the blanket of my home and family.  Cocooning myself.  Protecting myself.  Nourishing myself.

As I looked up to the skies, and watched each of those huge snowflakes float towards me I realized...life goes on.  There is a time for cocooning, and there is a time for re-birth.  So while 2012 was the year of "nourish" for me, I decided today that 2013 will be the year to "live", no excuses allowed (EXCEPT for the laundry).

"Cheers"

Not sure exactly what that will entail yet, heck...just thought of it today folks!   And I'm sure, as I am inclined to do, I will start off with good intentions and a bang..only to sputter and stall at some point.  But the point is to have a goal and keep moving forward towards it, right?  And you all KNOW that when I figure it out, I will find a way to laugh about it, and share it here.

So here's to "living" and 2013. Cheers my friends...

--Kathy 

linked to:  Weekly Top Shot, Project 52, Sunday Snapshot, Simple Things Sunday