Quote of the Week

May you have warmth in your igloo, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart.

 - Eskimo proverb

On the surface this is like a New Year's toast to one's physical comfort and peace in the new year.  By taking a deeper look at it, this is what I came away with.  If home is where the heart is, then to have warmth in your home you must have warmth in your heart.  The light of the lamp is representative of the light of your life, and if you have peace in your heart, then you have peace in your home as well.

In other words: Home is where the heart is, so let there be warmth in your heart, a light in your life, and peace in your home.

Orbit Interrupted

On a daily flight around the sun, I paused to consider what would happen if all remaining flights were canceled, and we were stuck in this moment in time forever.  Doing exactly what we're doing now.   A scary thought, don't you think.  Let this be a reminder to do what you enjoy. Happy New Year!

 Written for Friday Flash 55

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!