This is the very first Christmas that I’ve been ahead of the game. Most of my presents are bought and WRAPPED! And all the decorations are out and up. And yesterday I spent four hours bringing down every bin and box from the attic. I went through all of the old things that I’ve had for years and have 3 boxes to go to Goodwill tomorrow. Yippee!
December 09 | Spontaneity
What was your last act of spontaneity?
When my sister and I were in Richmond last weekend we decided to go to the Botanical Gardens to see the beautiful light displays.
December 10 | Accomplish
What are the 10 things I'm most proud of accomplishing this year? What are 10 things on the to do list for next year?
Last year:
1. Served as Literary club president
2. Made crock pot apple butter for the first time
3. Took some online photography courses.
4. Tried to eat in a more healthy way
5. Kept exercising
6. Practiced being a better photographer
7. Created an office space for me
8. Got better organized
9. Learned to make videos
10. Learned to let go
Next year:
1. I’d like to take a formal photography course to improve my skills.
2. I’d like to take a vacation to Provence.
3. Get in shape for the trip
4. Plant a wonderful English garden
5. Take a trip with my family on a great vacation
6. Go on more house tours
7. Get stronger physically
8. go to more movies
9. Read more
10. Continue journaling by blogging
December 11 | Money
Where did you spend money through this year?
The two biggies were the landscaping and my new car.
December 12 | Joy
What activity brings you the most joy?
Being with my family always makes me the happiest.
December 13 | Try
What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try 2012? What happened when you did/didn't go for it.
I wanted to find a time to paint and I didn’t do it because I’m fearful of the results and let that hold me back.
December 14 | Relaxed
Where did you feel most relaxed?
Shopping with my sisters always relaxes me. We have such a good time and laugh a lot.
December 15 | Make
What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?
I made a photo of my grandchildren into a black and white tinted canvas for my daughter in law. Yes, I wanted to make watercolor paintings but didn’t.
December 16 | Disappointment
What was the greatest disappointment of the year and how did you let go?
My greatest disappointment was that friends can let you down sometimes.
December 17 | Spark
What in your current life or context provides the spark for the future that you want to create? Where do you see your future beginning?
My future looks fantastic. I want to do more of the same things that I have done since retirement and enjoy each and every day.
December 18 | Bouquet
If you were to be brought a bouquet, what flowers would you want it to hold? Colourful? Monochromatic? Traditional? Modern?
A beautiful bouquet for me would include hydrangeas, tulips, Queen Anne’s lace and all the flowers of an English Garden.
December 19 | Cry
When did you cry?
Once in a while there is a day when tears come to my eyes for no apparent reason. Mostly it’s when I’m thinking about my parents who have passed and missing the times I shared with them.
December 20 | Health
Do you consider yourself to be in good health? What changes can you make to be at your most healthy?
I have had a number of issues heathwise since retiring. I had a cyst in my eye which developed into a macular hole which caused my vision to have huge waves in it. I thought that I would never get my eyesight back the right way. It’s not one hundred per cent, but much better now. I had skin cancer on my head which required a major surgery and skin graft. I have a recurring problem in my mouth called lichen planus which I have to fight monthly. I’ve had knee surgery. Despite these obstacles I consider myself in good health. Every checkup has numbers that come back great.
December 21 | Song
What were your favourite songs?
I like a variety of music from reggae to pop. Mostly easy listening, broadway show tunes, and groups like Celtic Thunder.
December 22 | Discovery
Did you discover something that surprised or delighted you? What was it?
It surprised me that I found the perfect statue for my garden at Lockwoods nursery.
December 23 | Alone
Have you had any alone time this year? Do you seek it? Does it make you comfortable or uncomfortable to be left alone with your thoughts? Where is the best place for you to be comfortable by yourself?
I rarely get alone time, but I like it that way. I’ve never been one who likes to be by myself. I prefer a lot of company, love entertaining, and get jazzed up in a crowd. I’ve always been an extrovert and get energized by being around people. But as I’ve gotten older I’m very contented to be alone and enjoy my own company.
December 24 | Photograph
Take some time and wander through all of the photos taken over the past year. Which is your favourite? What emotions do you associate with it? 
December 25 | Gift
At this point in the year gift giving is everywhere. What is the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
My most emotional gift is the constant love of my husband.
December 26 | Return
Is there a time to which you would like to return? Describe it: the sights, sounds, smells, who was there, what was going on. Why would you like to return?
I’d like to return to our vacation in Florida with the hustle of Disney and the relaxation of being in the rented house with all the family close together.
December 27 | Compliment
What is the greatest compliment you could give? Are you worthy of the same praise? I think saying you can trust someone with your inner thoughts and feelings and they will love you anyway is the greatest compliment. I hope that I am worthy of the same.
December 28 | Space
We all surround ourselves with the things we love. A few favourite things - a blanket, a lamp, a piece of art, a chair, a lovey - something inanimate that brings us happiness. What do you have in your personal space that brings about happiness? What is the story attached to it that has it in your sacred space?
My favorite things would be books and magazines, a nice cup of tea or a cold drink, beautiful views during each season of the outdoors, And of course my computer which links me with wonderful creative women all over the web.
December 29 | View
Imagine that you can view yourself from above. Watch carefully. What are you doing? What are you trying to accomplish? As objectively as possible, are you going in the right direction?
I hope that I am going in the right direction which is to savor life.
December 30 | Year in Review
As you reflect back on the happenings of 2012, what were your high points and what were your low points? What do you notice as you look back on the year as a whole?
The high points of this year were definitely involving my husband, sons and their families, my sisters, and my in laws. There is nothing more important to me than family. The lows were being disappointed by someone.
December 31 | Moving Forward
Close your eyes and imagine yourself on January 1, 2014. Where do you want to be - in your heart, in your soul, in the world?
I would want to be just where I am now…happy and contented with my life.
If you are reading this and would like to tell me your answers I would love to hear them. It’s not easy sharing this intimacy with you but self discovery is a good thing.
December 08 | Reading
What has been your favorite book or blog or magazine you've read this year?
My favorite book has got to be Eternal on the Water. My favorite magazine is a new one that I have just subscribed to which comes every season The Cottage Journal. . I currently received the Winter Cottage edition.
The larger tree is at the window. 
Nor the new lights for the top of the baker’s rack. 
Linda gave me an early present..these beautiful snowflake dessert plates. 
More Christmas jokes
December 07 | 7 Minutes
Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2012 in 7 minutes. Set an alarm for 7 minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2012.
I want to remember all the happy times with my family. Sitting on a towel at the beach in Florida with my two little grandchildren. Playing with them in Disney and enjoying making a moment while watching the bubbles fall down from the roof of the Finding Nemo show. Talking with my two older grandsons and learning how they are changing and maturing as they grow. Talking on the phone each Sunday to each of my sons and catching up on their lives. Visiting with my sisters and enjoying that special bond that we have together. Our weekly visit to Rose’s and playing cards just to keep in touch with family. Just relaxing during the hot summer with a good book and a cold drink. Finally having the satisfaction of getting our landscape work completed. The trips I’ve taken. Enjoying my Literary Club activities. Being comfortable just sitting at home with my husband. Shopping with friends. I want to always remember how blessed I am to have love all around me.
Are you ready for Christmas? Are all your presents bought and wrapped? And all your cookies made? Nah, me neither. But that’s ok. KISS (Keep it simple, Santa). This morning when having coffee at the local bakery and viewing the large cookie tray on display I actually said, “This year I should just buy my cookies”. This morning I found these prompts which encouraged me to reflect upon 2012. If you wish I would love to hear your reflections in the comment section below. More prompts will follow.
December 01 | One Word
Encapsulate the year 2012 in one word. Explain why you're choosing that word. Now, imagine it's one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2013 for you?
Peaceful. This last year I tried to rise above all the fray and not let what is happening in other people’s lives affect me so much. I allowed people to “row their own boat” and avoided giving unwanted advice. Next year’s word for me is “energize”. I would like to gain more energy by lightening up my weight and my spirit.
December 02 | Limits
We often learn our limits the hard way. Were there any limits you realized this past year? Alternately, what self-imposed limits were you able to move beyond this year?
I find as I’m growing older that I limit myself in doing things that I once did without thinking. I’m not as self assured as when I was younger. I was president of my Women’s Literary Club and it showed me that I could push past my limits of feeling like I am not leadership material. I also took some online photography courses which pushed my ability limits.
December 03 | Remember
What is one thing you did this year you think you'll remember for the rest of your life?
We took our first family vacation together since the boys were married. We went to Orlando in April and went to the ocean, visited Disney and enjoyed all the fun activities together.
December 04 | Fear
When were you most scared? Why? How did you respond? How do you wish you would have responded?
I had a car accident which really frightened me. My car slipped on wet pavement covered with leaves and went out of control traveling from one side of the road to the other and finally landing on its side. I was not hurt but now realize that there is no where I have to go that needs to be in that much of a rush.
December 05 | Worthy
Who have you taken for granted? Write to them a handwritten letter expressing how you truly feel about them.
I don’t mean to, but I take my husband for granted. He is so capable and does so much for me. I always thank him, but I do count on him being there for me always.
If you could change one thing that happened this year, what would it be? Why?
I would learn to keep some things about my life private from those who can’t keep secrets.
She designed the arch and shelf over her burners. 
Every time I visit Fredericksburg, Virginia a stop at Jan Williams Florals is a must. She once decorated the White House. Her shop is on the bottom floor of an old historical home and her gift shop is filled with pretties. This weekend I attended a demonstration that she gives annually at Mary Washington college to raise money for their museum. 
Hello again. I’m back from my wonderful visit with my sister in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In the next few posts I’ll tell you all about the fun we had.
On Friday we went to Richmond. In the evening we went to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to see the lights.
It was so beautiful all lit up. The theme was East meets West and in the conservatory there was a 30 feet tall tree with oriental ornaments as well as displays. 
In the library there was a display of doll houses. Not only were there doll houses but also greenhouses, flower shops, old general stores all with miniature furniture in darling displays.
We had our dinner in the Japanese Tea Room. We only had soup and zucchini cakes so had room for the peppermint brownie ice cream sundae. 
Linda had read about the Bizarre Bazaar for a few years and we decided to take the trip to Richmond to go to this large craft show. (450 vendors). It was fantastic with home made food items, clothing, jewelry as well as craft items. I found a tee pee for the little ones in Tennessee. And I bought a mercury glass garland for my French tree. We had a wonderful day!
