It's Sophie's Choice

It looks like Sophie has found a new place to catch up on her beauty sleep, or maybe she's planning to help me with the laundry.   What do you think?

She was just starting to get down when I snapped the picture.  

I guess I spoiled her nap. 

Quote of the Week

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't.  - Frank A. Clark

It's always nice to gather with those of like mind.  We feel understood and validated.  However, sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone, to stretch our minds and reach a new level of understanding.

This is our Comfort Zone

Happy New Year - Welcome 2011!

Photo credit: Mike Gifford

As 2010 prepares to slip away, what can we say to celebrate its passing?  Was it a stellar year filled with exotic getaways, and a new adventure around every corner?  No, it was a year with the normal ups and downs, some good times and some not so good times.  It was a year filled with friendship, love, laughter, and shared moments of both joy and sorrow.  Here's a little bit about what went on in my world in 2010.

Early this year, we were touched with sadness by the loss of several friends due to illness.  My best friend and her husband lost his father to a long battle with ALS, and another friend and fellow wine society member, passed away unexpectedly. 

My cat, Rosie, has experienced several bouts of diabetes this year.  The "fix" that controls it for him is Fancy Feast canned cat food.  No insulin shots is a good thing.  I'm thinking I should buy stock in Fancy Feast.

In spite of the busy year, we had a wonderfully relaxing vacation in Florida, our favorite vacation spot.  Great weather, great food and just chilling out together - could it get any better?

This winter, we had the most amazing gift of a white Christmas.  Yes, a white Christmas in the South.  It was truly beautiful.

I also celebrated my first anniversary in the blogosphere by sharing some of the things I'd learned over the year.  This has been a very positive and eye-opening experience for me.  I've met some really great people through blogging, and I would like to thank everyone who comes by my little hole in the wall to read what I have to say.  Every visit and every comment means a lot, and helps keep me motivated to continue along my journey.

As we move forward into the New Year, I wish each of you a great year, and many blessings for 2011.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Lightly Falling Snow

White Christmas 2010

Lightly falling snow

Dusts the ground like

Powdered sugar doughnuts

Leaving sweet traces

On little faces

Wrapped up in pretty colors

Bright blue mittens

And shiny red boots

Children's happy cries

And their mother's sighs

Remembering the days long ago

Of lightly falling snow

This was our White Christmas.  It began snowing at 11:15 Christmas morning.  We had 6 inches on the ground the morning after Christmas.  What a beautiful Christmas present.

Written for One Shot Wednesday

Quote of the Week

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.

- Anatole France

When you dream, dream big!

Our goals, or that which we wish to accomplish in our lives, begin as a dream that we plan for and work at, and most of all believe in our ability to reach.  Never stop believing in yourself.