Today was another lesson -- actually the same lesson -- that I need to be learning from the quote in this pic. Drove miles and miles on a dirt road seeking a landscape that I'd thought I'd seen. Once there, it was nothing like I'd remembered, and really not even photo-worthy. What I came back with were a few shots of the billowing clouds that were cruising through the afternoon sky. Clouds that could have been shot from nearly anywhere in town. I want to tune in to the beauty around me.

Kim Klassen's readers shared some of their favorite quotes, and I wanted to capture a few:

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa

Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.
~ Mary Oliver ~

Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again." - Bill Morgan, Jr.

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." -Picasso

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late --Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” Miriam Beard

And that's enough for now,

Its time to get this list in writing!

In no particular order:
Visit Crested Butte in the winter
Paddle Napali coast
Photograph Yellowstone in the winter
Backpack the American Basin in wildflower season
Spend several days at the Smithsonian
A month or more meandering the Pacific coast from South to North
Plant a fruit tree (and make jam from said)
Buy, learn, use a DSLR
Build a little cabin in Ouray

That is a start. I'd love to hear about some of yours!

It seems like there is never enough time to explore the beaches and the coastline when I get a few days to visit California. After our Skyline to the Sea marathon on April 10, we had a few days to relax. We stayed at Costanoa, just south of Pescadero. Poppies were blooming along the hillsides, like little pots of gold. What a treat!

This shot enjoys a texture treatment of Serendipity from Kim Klassen. I've enjoyed learning about using textures and layers from her site and her online courses.

Here I am, 15 days into January and still sorta floating about. I expected myself to have a focus, to become productively creative and more organized, but --- not so much.

So, to encourage myself, here is what I've actually done:

Bagged numerous items for Salvation Army and gotten the bag into my trunk.

Signed up for a photoshop elements class and am doing the lessons and homework.

Written and sent four actual, physical letters.

Not much!

Here is my short list:
- take vac in for annual service/cleaning
- buy a duvet cover (I'd like to make it, but must have it sooner than that)
- investigate, select and purchase a printer/scanner
- buy my ticket to California

I've decided to go the "baby steps" route, at least until I build up some momentum. Perhaps I'll write a mega-list and just pull off 2-3 things at a time.

Those are my ramblings for now!

I've been enjoying several blogs by some very generous artists lately. Kim Klassen has highlighted a "one word" project, selecting a word to use as a focal point for the year.

After some contemplation, the word I've chosen for 2011 is "Prepare." I have several changes I would like to see in my life, and I feel there are things I must do to make way for these changes to occur.

In 2011, I want to prepare for a career change that will allow me to focus more on activities I believe are important. I am also preparing for two grandbabies this year! And a marathon in April will require disciplined preparation.

As I meditate on the idea of this word "prepare" I will share my thoughts on this blog.

Blessings to you and yours in 2011!

The first day of trip, when Lonney goes off on business, is the hardest for me. I quickly fall into a slump. Today at least I started off well. After a hug and kiss goodbye at the airport, Rio & I hit the trail. It was a beautiful morning and I took it easy due to post-run soreness. This was the first time I've brought my camera in a while. We stopped at one of my favorite little falls. But then once I got home it was downhill. Pasta. Movie. Facebook. The one bright spot was a visit from David.

Things I did NOT do:
water the tomatoes
laundry
grocery shop
transcribe meeting minutes

I will try to get a focus tomorrow because I want this time to be well-spent. I want Lonney to come back to a more organized home with less stuff in it, a fridge full of healthy food, and a dog that has not gotten fat (which means I need to stick with my training schedule!).

This was my whine time. My next post will be more upbeat!

Purified

I like what this artist does, especially with Herkimer diamonds . . . good stuff!

Mr & Mrs!

Morning photo shoots!