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Sparkle and Shine!

2012-01-12T00:57:03Z

Hello there Gentle Reader,

January 11 and so far no snowflakes. Oh we've had a dusting or two in the city but nothing really wintery - yet! I'm ready though. I received a fabulous coat from my Love that will keep me toasty. Which reminds me, who wants cinnamon toast?! Yes, it IS all about food with me!

So far this year we've discussed getting out our fabulous journals and glitter pens. Speaking of which, you can find both on www.etsy.com where you are supporting artists and getting one-of-a-kind goodness.

The key to achieving your goals - aka REACHING YOUR DREAMS - is to make the process fun. Remember when you were a kid and got that huge box of Crayola's for your birthday? You couldn't wait to draw and colour every single wish you ever had. Well writing down your ideas should be just as enjoyable. Maybe even more so since we now live in a world where we are overwhelmed by the media - sights, sounds, and not always happy-ending stories fill each day and night. I'm telling you - a crisp bright journal and a sparkly pen can go a long way in the cheer factor. Trust me.

You should take your journal and pens with you everywhere too. Even those few minutes when you're waiting for the office coffee machine to finish brewing your first cup, you can capture a few ideas. Remember, no idea is too big or too small. Plus having creativity around can inspire you with other goals and plans. It's all good.

Today I want you to get used to taking your pen and journal out and about. The waiting room in the doctors' office or perhaps in a coffee shop for 10 minutes at lunch. These are going to be your tools of the trade! Re-reading your words can raise your spirits and let you know that it is POSSIBLE to achieve all what makes you happy in life.

Until next time, keep dreaming!

Linda

Stand Tall, Move Forward...

2012-01-10T17:20:55Z

Hello Gentle Reader,

Great to see you again. You're just in time for a snack too. Double chocolate chip cookies are just cooling now. Tea? Good. Time to chat about goals.

I was re-reading my Facebook statuses from 3 years ago (when I first joined) because of the new Timeline thingy (technical term). While I didn't actually forget that I was a member of Weight Watchers in 2009, I didn't really remember all the baby steps that it took to get to my 50 lb weight loss. I had the support of friends and family and the road was long and sometimes bumpy BUT I eventually got there and became much healthier. Dropped down 5 sizes too. That was a bonus!

Sometimes when you get all enthused about a new project or goal, you can also get that deer-in-the-headlights look (though ALL the Bambi's in my clichés make it safely back into the forest!) That scary thought of not knowing what to do next. Oh you may know WHAT you want but just not how to get it!

The key plan here is to move forward. Even if each step feels like you're going in slow-motion. Venturing ahead is better than turning around and going backwards. To that safe and cozy place but not always a fun and happy one.

Sometimes I like to accomplish a smaller task before I ramp up for the big one. Building your goal-setting muscles AND you don't even have to go to the gym! Gotta love that idea!

That Weight Watchers goal? Well truth be known (and I'm all about keeping it real, folks), is that I gained about 13 lbs back. I'm not worried though, as I've come to learn some things about myself since then. Everyone has their own natural pace and time frame. Also that I work best when I write my goals down. Wishful thinking is fun but never productive. You need to believe it AND see it to achieve it! Writing it down in your journal with your glitter pen is the SEEING it part. Your brain says "Oh, we are SERIOUS about this one I see. Groovy!" or something similar.

Your HappyWork (sounds more positive than homework) for today is start with that first wee baby step. Nothing too flashy or bright. Just that one phone call, or google search or email to start your goal in motion. Maybe it is to find more information on that art course you want to take or perhaps locating that perfect yoga mat for the gym. Whatever it is, however small, remember that they do add up. You WILL reach that goal and you WILL be smiling.

Until next time!

Linda

Inside the Box

2012-01-06T21:24:01Z

Howdy Gentle Reader,

Here we are at the end of the first week of 2012. How ya doing? Today's beverage selection includes lots-o-lattes - French Vanilla, Hazelnut Dream, and Creme Caramel. Or you can enjoy an espresso (for those who have A LOT of Tah-Dah-ing to do!), plus of course dark hot chocolate. Comfy cozy? Ok, now back to bizziness....

Are you a fan of boxes, containers, and baskets? Yeah me too. The dollar store is a beacon for people like us. So many choices for so little coinage!! Here's the tricky part (as the Big Fig Newton would say - 'member that commercial??), containers are only beneficial if you actually know what's in them. Sometimes I use mine like portable junk drawers. One houses a collage of assorted make-up samples, stamps, elastic bands, solo earrings, pens, and a plastic troll (uh-huh). Come to think of it, I have it on a prime shelf in the bathroom. While the box itself IS beautiful, I rarely look in it. I don't even use that make-up.

Same with a box of Christmas cards from holidays past, and a bunch of baskets with IT cords and old computer software (Win 3.1 anyone?!). To be honest, I don't think I'll ever use the tech items again but what if I need them???? Yeah that WHAT IF?!!

I'm a very visual person so while I like the idea of boxes stacked on a shelf, it's pretty much out of sight, out of mind for me. I currently have all of my paint tubes in baskets in the broom closet. They are organized by colour group which is great but because they are hidden away, I am not painting as often. Not good.

Clear baskets are fabulous for seeing items but also not great because you see the items! There are really two tasks here: 1) go through all your boxes, baskets, and containers to see what treasures are stored there and 2) decide what stays and what goes.

Even if you get through 2 boxes this weekend, that's fab progress! You might be able to consolidate all the items from two into one container after you decide which items are no longer of use to you. See - less IS more (please see yesterday's blog).

Until Monday, have a relaxing weekend and happy organizing!!

Linda

Up with Downsizing!

2012-01-05T21:57:27Z

Hiya Gentle Reader,

How's your year going? Yup, I still have a cold but I'm feeling much better each day. Hopefully I'll be 100% by the weekend. How about a nice cuppa this afternoon? I'm thinking Earl Grey and a gingerbread cookie too. Sugar is my pal.

You've heard the saying that "Less is More"? Well it applies to organizing too of course. The less items you have to maintain/insure/dust (eek), the more time and space you have for other things/activities. It took me a long time to be able to have actual room on a bookshelf and not want to cram an entire library in there. I used to be a huge fan of knick-knacks and little collectibles/figurines but when you have curious felines in your family, you tend to find many of these items misplaced or broken on a regular basis. Plus I find as I get older, I want/need/crave less. What is more important to me now is not tangible - love, life, experiences, etc. I've been very blessed in that area. *insert happy grin here*

So one of my mantras for 2012 is to make room just for the sake of well...making room. As I've mentioned in a previous blog, this is the year of big changes for me (yay!), I want to have room to grow too. About 12 years ago I discovered the simplicity movement http://www.simplelivingforum.net/ and read every book at the time on the subject. I love organizing (ok, I love the THOUGHT of organizing) and my favourite organizer out there is Hellen Buttigieg http://weorganizeu.com/ and you can purchase her wonderful book here
http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Hellen+Buttigieg - I highly recommend it! She definitely walks the talk!

Earlier this week, I said that I wanted to go through my clothes closet and weed out those items that no longer make me happy. That's my #1 on my list right now. My TAH-DAH list!! I bought a bunch of hangers from the dollar store in anticipation (would you believe they are CHARTREUSE!!?!). That way I can keep my work clothes organized together and my casual clothes in my dresser - rather than having to go through my regular morning ritual of trying to figure out what to wear (unfortunately Stacey and Clinton aren't up that early!) If that company GARANIMALS ever made clothes for adults, I'd be the first to buy them. http://www.garanimals.com/ Clothes already matched for you. Bliss!

So let's decide to make more room in 2012 for our lives and goals. Yeah, I like it.

Until next time!

Linda

Hello NEW year!

2012-01-03T21:54:51Z

Hiya Gentle Reader,

Here we are celebrating day 3 of 2012. YAY for us! Pretty fine indeed I'd say. Ok, we have white hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or Earl Grey tea ready in Fiesta mugs in the kitchen. Shortbread too. Yup. We got it all going on.

My holiday week was lovely despite politely asking my head cold to leave the planet. Persistent little thing. Soon I hope! Lots of family time in there too which I love and this included numerous movie marathons - bliss!

Today let's chat about your BLUE SKY DREAMS. You know the ones I am referring to - the goals that is all big and bright and shiny in January and then start to tarnish a bit by March. Everyone has at least one idea that they think about all the time. The drawing courses you're going to take at the art school, the baby albums you're going to organize for your sister (your nephew is now starting grade 1...), the clothes closet that is so stuffed that you can't possibly cram in another sweater (though you do try!), or those 15 extra lbs that seem to show up only when you want to wear THOSE pants to THAT event.

I have a couple of items on that list (yes MOI, the one that has the TAH-DAH list!!). I've been working on a photo book about kitty Jack since he was born in 2008. Yes, 3 years ago. The photos are all ready for me to select from AND I'm even going to use Blurb.com so you know it's easy-peasy for me to do yet still I hesitate. The other is my clothes closet. I have clothes in there that a) have never been worn, b) are out of fashion, c) are not the most flattering, or d) all of the above. Yup D! I keep telling myself that I need to make order and that I only want to keep clothing that I adore and feel great wearing. Seems simple enough rules but I haven't taken that baby step yet. I can't figure out why either *sips peppermint mocha and reflects*

So JANUARY (yessum THIS month) is the one to tackle those items first. Start with completing a long-time goal. The one that you have written on a post-it that moves from month to month (doesn't seem that bad when you're not actually crossing it out one week and writing it in again the next). The goal itself is usually quite small - ie. "organize vacation photos from the summer" - but seems more like "build a house on a mountain." Yeah, I'd-rather-be-napping kind of stuff.

Today I'd like to list at least one goal that you're going to accomplish this month. The task that will FINALLY be checked off your TAH-DAH list (BIG STANDING OVATION GOES HERE)!!!

Until next time Gentle Reader, keep smiling!

Linda

Days before the Year

2011-12-29T21:59:52Z

Howdy Gentle Reader,

Would you like a hot apple cider and a warm gingerbread biscotti? Snowy day here in MonkeyWorld. Very chilly too which explains why my layers have layers! The kitchen is always cozy though and there's always room for everyone.

There's something nice and lovely about those few days before the start of a new year. That "the skies the limit!" feeling when you decide what adventures you want to embark on in 2012. Oh and there's gonna be a lot this coming year. A lot, a lot!!!

My life has completely changed from 12 months ago. COMPLETELY. I still have my beloved Siamese feline duo, and endless passion for my art. My family and friends are amazing and their incredible support this past year was wonderful and appreciated. However, the biggest change came in the form of
L-O-V-E and something I have never ever experienced before - pure joy from falling in love with someone who makes you grin and laugh uncontrollably every single day. Tears running down your face laughing. We finish each other's sentence and can usually communicate with just a few words or a special glance. Someone who is beyond your bestfriend and partner. Yup. In that happy place and I am so grateful. Mucho gracias Universe!!

This year I am kicking it up a notch (you KNOW how much I enjoy doing that right?) and planning a Vision Board for 2012. I usually take my glitter pen (green of course) and write my goals in my new journal (rainbow coloured book this time - didn't want to pick just one!). This time I need more space to do...well...more!

We've chatted about Vision Boards before but here's a little reminder. You cut out pictures of things that make you smile and that you want to accomplish or acquire in the new year and then paste them on a board - 18"x24" is a good size - construction paper from the dollar store works well or even a canvas for painting. If you want to be healthier, you can tape up pictures of healthy people, nutritious foods, or perhaps write in the actual weight you want to be. If you want a new kitty in 2012, paste a photo of one on the board (or draw it - you talented Gentle Reader you!!) Continue adding things that make you excited and giddy. Writing the word BELIEVE could mean to never give up on hope and belief. A running shoe could represent that half-marathon you want to do in the summer or that you just love those particular Nikes and want to wear them! The more specific you are about your goals and dreams, the better it is! You'll see.

Tomorrow we'll discuss next steps.

Until then GR, have a fabulous evening and keep smiling!

Linda

Joy for 2012!

2011-12-22T16:50:48Z

Hello Gentle (and patient) Reader,

Whoa! When the monkey goes off the grid, she does so big time!

Just relaxing in the Diner now. Peppermint mocha anyone? *smiles* Thought so. The shortbreads will be ready in a minute. Please put up your feet. We're on quiet time here and everyone is welcomed.

Well this year has been quite the adventure! Incredible highs and lows. For every challenge there has been a equally wonderful outcome elsewhere to balance. Found beautiful true love in my personal world. Late bloomer but a happy one! Finally found someone who not only appreciates and loves me for me but encourages me to be my BEST me. Priceless! There's a first for everything in life. Now I want to live to be 100!!

SO as you can imagine, my goals for 2012 are pretty mega ones. Like a King-Kong-sized Tah-Dah list! (yay monkeys!).

The new year will be less equals more when it comes to things in my life. After a half century of living (yeah I admit it), you acquire all sorts of items. Twice in my life I have given all of my worldly possessions away to others but as time goes on, things have taken their place. I want to treasure 2012 and everything in it. Some other BIG adventures are on the list - more about those later! Why YES they DO involve cake...

So as we head into the last 10 days of the year, I want you to grab that glitter pen and well-loved journal (or snazzy notepad), and write down your top 3 "gotta be, gotta do, gotta love" items. For me it is learning a new language (I've started but want to be fluent), enroll in some more art courses, and start up an artsy brunch club (yup, you read that right - so pals can get caught up while enjoying French toast and lattes - calling it Project ABC). Most of my friends are comics, musicians, actors, and artists so they tend to work the same days/schedules. Thank goodness for FB to keep us connected. However, I know we all miss face-to-face time too. The new year will be about re-establishing connections.

Tomorrow we'll review your list. For today, take a deep breath and smile in knowing that 2012 will be YOUR most amazing year yet!

Linda

Now means Now.

2011-09-13T14:49:06Z

Good day Gentle Reader,

Hope your week is going very well so far. Sunny and warm here in the big city. Summer is taking her sweet time in leaving! Niiiiice.

Normally I don't chat about myself as much as I love to discuss YOU. However, this past week has been difficult because my dear childhood pal Kathy passed away from cancer. Always painful to lose a close friend but even more so when you've had a huge history together. She was the keeper of all my secrets and my sidekick in all my childhood adventures (since grade 1). We were a mini version of Lucy and Ethel. I will miss her tremendously.

So today is all about exactly that - TODAY. Being in the now. The present. Sure it can be tempting to put your projects on the backburner and take a break for a bit but it's always better to move forward each and every day. You can still take those baby steps but it's important to make them. Even a little progress each day will add up to a lot in just a few weeks.

It takes just 21 days to make or break a habit - that can be very good in turning those big dreams into even bigger realities! It's important to fantasize about how you will feel when you complete that project, write that book, or lose those 25 lbs (yay!) but the recipe really needs a mixture of action plus dreaming in order to equal success.

Your homework this week is to revisit some of those goals that you have written on those post-it notes and keep moving them week to week in your agenda book! I do the same thing so you're certainly not alone. However this time, we're going to write them in INK and assign specific deadlines. For today, acknowledge at least three and commit to finishing them by December 31, 2011.

I know you can do it!

Until next time, hug your loved ones a little tighter today.

Linda

When Sometimes becomes Always....

2011-09-08T17:35:46Z

Howdy Gentle Reader,

Another crisp day in the big city. Lovely weather though! This is my favourite time of year - the colours of the leaves (there will be LOTS of photos soon), the chilly breezes, and the "fresh start" feel of the season. I think of it as spring cleaning for the soul!

As we discussed yesterday, it's soooo easy to let discipline take a vacation during the summer. My "occasional" weekly sorbet treat suddenly became the daily norm. When the owners AND staff ALL know you by name at ye olde ice-cream shoppe, well you know it's more than a rarity that you're there. Including the cleaning lady!Yup true!

Same with my painting and photography. I am even lucky enough to have a studio in my home but it's also very easy to not see the obvious around you - blank canvas waiting for paint, boxes of art supplies staring at you from the shelves, etc.

So here I was happily enjoying my new sorbet habit and yet neglecting my usual painting routine that I love so much. It felt so good though - rewards for no work!

However, I'm all about loving the individual and never about guilt or criticism. There's enough negativity on the planet that you don't need to add more to your own personal world. Every day is the chance to start again and move in a more positive direction. I'm always about baby steps towards your goal. Appreciate the fun you had with the sorbet (or trips to the beach, buffet, or couch to watch tv!) and make changes to your life that will better enhance YOU!

Please take out your "ta-da" list (and that metallic glitter pen - oh I KNOW you have one), and I want you to add two NEW healthy habits to it. If you're like me and want your Fall clothes to fit a little looser (crazy that the humidity shrinks stuff over the summer eh??), write down that you'll take the stairs 50% of the time over the next 3 weeks and will walk for 25 minutes a day. I'm not suggesting drastic changes and certainly not going cold tofurkey (as we say in my family - Veganland!). Any shift that severe will not want to stay around for long.

Today give yourself a few extra hugs and enjoy a relaxing warm beverage as you write your "ta-da" list! I'm proud of you!

Linda

Back to the Basics!

2011-09-07T20:16:14Z

Hello Gentle Reader,

Did ya have a fun summer? Can you believe we're already into the cooler temps? Whoa! I have been wearing a jean jacket for days now. WTFall! Now who wants hot cocoa?

I always find that I am all over the map when it comes to the warmer months. My discipline tends to go on vacation in every area - health, diet, and goals! Soooo, here we are back at the front door of school. Time to put those shoes on again and start writing down plans in our journals. School supplies are on sale all over the place which is great since you can pick up some colourful notebooks and pens at affordable prices. Even the dollar store has lots of sparkley items! You KNOW how much I love me some glitter!

This season, my focus is on my home and my art. I am very grateful for having a fabulous person in my life who is incredibly supportive of me and my creativity. You really can accomplish a lot when you feel there is someone on your team rooting for you.

I'm like most people and have that never-ending list of errands that seems to follow me around like paparazzi! I always feel better when I get to check off each item, no matter how big or small the task. Some tasks are solo and others appear to have the Von Trapp family in tow (that's kind of like the Gosselins to you younger folk!)

As we've chatted about before, I call the list my "TA-DA!" list. Makes it more exciting and fun!

So the homework for this week (let's call it YOUwork) is to take inventory of the projects that have gone astray over the last few months and herd them back to our journals and writing pads. I like the pen to paper approach best. Makes it more personal. Something about writing items down makes them more real and reachable too. Oh yeah, and you have to use at least 3 different colours in your list. What can I say, I'm an artist. That's how I roll!

Until next time Gentle Reader. Keep smiling.

Linda

Writing in Ink

2011-07-13T19:44:36Z

Howdy Hey Gentle Reader,

FINALLY we have lovely summer weather in the big city. Lots of rain in there too with a few big storms. Still it is DIVINE for enjoying time outdoors!

You know, I am a huge believer of writing things in ink in my calendar - yessss I kick it up old school with paper rather than everything electronic. Have always had a love affair with journals and rainbow inks! Never met a journal I didn't love at first sight!

Don't even get me started on an e-reader. Just.walk.away.

There is something though about writing things down and not using pencil. I mean how committed does one have to be when you can always erase the goal? Not much, I'm afraid. However INK says I"m in it for the journey and not afraid to look back!! (ok, using white-out CAN hide ink but it's not as foolproof as an eraser and you always know that you're hiding something - symbolic no? Your Honour, I rest my case...)

Writing in ink makes you feel like you're signing a contract with yourself and baybeh, doesn't it feel FAB-U-LOUS when you check something off on your Ta-Da list? That's the best reward!

I like keeping my journals with the items checked off. A herstory of sorts that lets me re-live all the adventures AND inspires me to go on more.

You can get some great pens and notebooks/journals at your local dollar store. Doesn't need to be fancy BUT it should be fun! The brighter/louder/wilder, the better!

Your goals must sparkle like YOU do!

Until next time...

Linda

Kicking it up a Notch!

2011-05-17T15:47:00Z

Hey there Gentle Reader,

Got Sun? Yeah not much here either. Though we DO have a lot of rain. A lot, a lot. Still the flowers are smiling! One can always dream of warmer days....

Lately, I am finding that I am not embracing my "ta-da" list as I usually do. Maybe it is weather-related but more likely I have become a wee bit too comfortable in the "dreaming" stage. Visualizing about your life is fabulous but only if it's connected to activity - taking those baby steps forward to achieving whatever adventure you want to pursue!

So I am giving myself a shake (not chocolate mind you - this monkey is on a health plan now!) and getting out those sparkly gel pens. Journal Intervention 101. Always good to review your previous thoughts and plans with the goal to move to the next level. Ya know, kicking it up a notch!

Blue-sky thinking is always fun but without action, well those wishes will just fade like fluffy clouds. You need to get those amazing ideas out THERE (you know, into the Universe!) Plus every time you accomplish something on your list that YOU want to do, it gives you more energy to finish more things. The energy (synergy actually - when a combination of ideas is bigger than individual ones) is very powerful! Time to use it for the greater good to make your life the happiest it can be.

Your homework (yup) is to take out your journal (or a piece of paper - always better written down than typed - you'll be more connected to your words), and write down 3 new items on your list.

We'll chat soon about YOU!

Linda

Mo' of mo'

2011-05-09T20:23:00Z

Hiya Gentle Reader,

FABULOUS sunshine in the big city today - warmer temps too! Was getting a wee bit concerned since our winter seemed endless and brrrr - Canada Classic though I would have preferred Canada Lite! Ok, who wants lemonade? Yeah, me too.

I hope you have been working on your Blue Sky list this Spring - ya know, when you write down your dreams and desires and believe that EVERYTHING is possible, achievable, and obtainable! Sometimes when we're having fun with the list, we can feel we are asking for too much of the good stuff. Not true, GR, not true.

You can ask for more of more!

Here's the thing - you are entitled to be happy with your life and you do deserve everything that this joy can bring.

The key is being very grateful for all you have in your life today and what you will have in your world in the future.

We can lose focus when take things for granted. Life is ever-changing and that's really the only thing we can count on! Change.

So I've got a plan. How about if we spend the rest of the week just adding to the list each day. No revising - just writing as much as you'd like that would make your heart sing.

That should do it!

We'll chat soon. Mo' lemonade?

Linda

Got Joy?

2011-04-11T18:08:00Z

Hello Gentle Reader,

Happy Monkey in da house! Who wants a latte? Butterscotch scone? Please relax and put your feet up! Are we good now? Yeah, we're good.

Since early 2009, I've been on a lovely journey seeking happiness. Oh, I wanted a sunnier life before that time but two years ago, I announced to the Universe AND myself that I was going to find that blissful place (other than Disneyworld of course!). I'm at an age *mumble mumble cough* and decided it was time to finally ask for and embrace true love and passion in all areas of life!

So many of us accept the status quo even if it isn't what we want. Canadians aren't big boat-rockers (so to speak!) and tend to play with the cards they are dealt.

Well I am here to say no more!!!

2011 is the YEAR OF JOY. My OWN Monkey Zodiac!

No more settling for second best, the "other" less than satisfactory option, or the life that doesn't serve you or your dreams. I know that is easier said than done BUT now is the time to start requesting JOY from the Universe's menu. Anyone can ask for it. The supply is endless!

So your homework, yesssss homework, I would like you to write down 3 different scenarios for selecting JOY. In one column, write "current" situation and then in the second column, write down your happy scenario! Could be about your job, your home, your relationship, or even yourself (note from me to you, this is my fave one). I think it might be quite eye-opening!

Until we meet up again!

Linda

Supersized Dreams

2011-03-23T18:51:00Z

Hello Gentle Reader,

Greetings from Blizzard Central - seriously! Woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland. Major snow falling now. Crazy wild. Had to unpack my monkey hat again. I kind of missed it so that was good. Latte and sugar cookies? Seems fitting since it looks like Christmas out there!

I admit that being a Leo (and me telling you that I am a Leo is a Leo thing to do!) I tend to have some pretty "out there" dreams. I figure what's wrong with wanting it all? I used to be someone who settled in life - all the time. Supported the dreams of others but not my own so much.

2011 is my year to support myself as well as I do others! I have been painting but my photography has been in hibernation. Beyond the kitten photos, there hasn't been much activity with my camera at all. I was going to say "now that SPRING is here...." *looks out window at blowing snow and wind* I'm on it though. Last year I did an artsy trade with about 14 small paintings and it was fun! This year I will use photographs instead. Great getting art out into the universe and receiving treasures back in return.

The beauty of writing your dreams down on paper (and it's the only way you can anchor them into reality) is that one will inspire another. That "blue sky" thinking again that we've chatted about before. LOVE.IT. Nothing is too outrageous (remember LEO here!). It's fun when there are no boundaries or rules restricting your happiness. It should be the JOY LAW!

Until next time, keep smiling and SUPERSIZE your dreams!

Linda

MIA (Monkey In Action)

2011-03-22T18:51:00Z

Helllloooooo Gentle Reader,

Yes, 1) Aliens were involved, 2) They finally let me go, and 3) I'm baaaack (again)! Now who wants hot chocolate with multi-coloured mini marshmallows? Yeah, I KNEW you would!

Well 2010 ended kind of rocky for me and 2011 started out about the same. There is light at the end of the tunnel though and will arrive soon. For now, I am gathering thoughts, writing in my journal, still drinking lotsa coffee (my BFF), hanging out with the kitties (all grown up now!), and dreaming BIG BIG dreams. Like JUMBO BIG.

This winter has seemed especially long here in Canada and there is also considerable unrest and sorrow throughout the planet as I write you. Sometimes it feels very selfish to want to plan for your own life when so many would be happy with a fraction of what you have now.
You can still be concerned for global humanity while also focussing your own space. It's all good and it's about balance.

With Spring barely at the door, it is a great time to start your list about projects you want to complete over the next few months (or the entire year - you fabulous dreamer you!)

For me, it includes reorganizing and redecorating my home (nothing too fancy - mostly a few coats of paint and moving some furniture around). Oh and creating new paintings. Also getting my photography passion on the road again. Onward and upward I say!

Your homework, come on now, you knew I would go there....is to get our glitter pen and notepad (or journal) and list 3 new Spring projects that you would like to do this year. That's it. Then you get the hot chocolate. Win-win!

Until next time....

Linda

Walking The Big Talk

2011-01-14T21:03:00Z

Hey Gentle Reader!

Welcome to day 14 of the new year! Sparkly enough for ya? Yeah, I want more glitter too!

Soooo there comes a time, when "thinking" has to become "doing." You know, walking the BIG talk. This is the time of year that any resolutions made on January 1st start to fade into the sunset. That's why I never make 'em. Nevah. I admit I am a work-in-progress but creating a list of all the things that are wrong with me does not make for a joyful start to a new year. I always like to take a more proactive and positive approach!

One area where I really excelled in 2009 was becoming healthier. Of course the holiday season is always challenging when it comes to treats and wanting plenty of them (WHA? Nothing wrong with that idea right? Oh. Yeah.)

In 2010, I continued along with my health plan and all was very nice. However, lately, I have been indulging -- even a lot for a Leo like me! You don't wanna know the numbers. It's not pretty and you know we ALL like pretty.

So the exercise bike is my BFF again. Always good to be mindful of the journey and how you arrived at your present day location. Equally important not to take your current spot for granted! Numbers can go up AND down! Who'd a-thunkit?

Having a "Ta-Da" list is wonderful but only if the items on the page become a reality down the road.

Time to starting heading to that road. Care to join me? Good!! Let's go. Get that list ready and we'll chat next week.

Linda

New Year, New Possibilities....

2010-12-29T16:17:00Z

Hello Gentle Reader,

Hope your holiday season was a grand one (or GRANDE if you hang out at Starbucks as much as I do!)

Here we are, just 3 sleeps away from the New Year. All that potential just 72 hours away!!!!!!!! Can ya stand it?!! *giggles*

This is a great time to head over to your local dollar store (or stationery shop if you want something fancy - who doesn't like fancy?!) and pick up a notebook to write in your goals and dreams for 2011. I bought one yesterday at my local Dollarama. Small turquoise one with a suede-like cover and 200 lined pages. I'm good to go!!

You know, I am not a fan of New Year's Resolutions. What a way to end your year saying all the things you feel are wrong with you. I would RATHER you write in your notebook about all the things that are FABULOUS about you AND the dreams you want to fulfill over the next 12 months. To me, that is far more positive and happy. I think you are amazing just as you are NOW. Right now. *holds up mirror to monitor* See? The monkey speaks the truth!

Next year marks my 50th year on this planet (wha? you thought I was FROM here? HAHAHA!) so I have lots of big goals on my "Ta-Da" list (glitters more than a "to-do" zzz list dontcha think?).

Some art exhibits in the city, trips to visit pals in the US, and more commissioned works. Plus self-publishing a couple of photobooks. I like keeping busy!!!

What are your big dreams for 2011? You know I want to know!

Linda

All about the Sparkle!

2010-12-10T16:27:00Z

Hiya Gentle Reader,

Another chilly day in Chartreuse Monkey Land. Good thing the coffee is on and the cinnamon rolls are almost finished baking. Put your feet up, it's toasty in the kitchen!

Well here we are just 14 lovely sleeps until Santa!! SANTA!!!!!!!!!! I admit that I will just be starting shopping this weekend - wish me luck!! I do want to go to the Eaton Centre one of these nights to watch it snow indoors (7pm by the gorgeous Swarovski Christmas tree in the center of the centre!) I'm not making this up though my imagination during the holidays can be pretty dazzling!!

Friday is always my time to plan for the weekend with my "Ta-Da!" list - slightly shorter than Santa's (literally).

Time to put more "sparkle" in there!

There are so many wonderful organizations that help kids this time of year. My long-time favourite is the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish:

http://shows.ctv.ca/TheWish.aspx

100% of the donations (new unwrapped toys or cash) go directly to the kids in need. Every deserves a happy holiday! Please help to make a child's holiday really special! Thank you!!

So this weekend will find me doing my holiday shopping, seeing a movie with some friends, and my hair appointment for Christmas. Yay!!

You can always add more glitter to your weekend projects. Tuck in a hot chocolate with a pal or a lovely gingerbread cookie between "put flannel sheets on bed" and "take boots in for repair." Life is meant to be enjoyed and not just an endless (ENDLESS ENDLESS) schedule of chores.

What's on YOUR "Ta-Da" list this weekend?

Linda

Forever Flannel!

2010-12-06T17:39:00Z

Hello Gentle Reader,

Canada in da house! Just so you know, where Canada is hanging out, flannel is not far behind! It's one of must-have's each winter, along with hockey, hot chocolate, long-johns and toques!

Winter is definitely a huge deal in this country which gives us lots of indoor time to do things! Oh say, like our "Ta-Da" List!!!!!!!!! Yes, I am wee bit excited about projects this time a year. The holiday season is upon us and that always makes me giddy. However, I am equally happy about some art projects I want to accomplish before 2011 begins. Some of those lingering ones that I keep moving from week to week. Nothing is on fire but I would like to cross them off the list. This monkey is far from perfect!

For example, the photo book of my kitty cats. A portion of the sales will go towards helping other less fortunate animals.

Another is getting that dang leather coat tailored to a smaller size. The one that is waaay too big to wear (and not warm enough now too).

A third project is organizing my studio and rearranging a few paintings. Also updating my website - I totally want to change the look.

Plus learning to balance my home life with work and social too. Lots on that list of mine.

What items on YOUR "Ta-Da" list need some little TLC? Your homework today is reviewing your list and we'll meet back later this week to discuss!

For now, who wants hot chocolate?

Linda