Letting go of grudges

Recently here in Oberlin a community project was put on hold, possibly because of someone with a grudge. What a bummer. Holding on to anger and grudges steals energy from your life. I believe that every time a person complains to others or even to themselves, about what someone has done, they make the wrong worse. If we could all let go of grudges it would sure make life simpler. Easier said than done, I know. I try to focus on more positive thoughts by being thankful for what's right in my life instead of rerunning the wrongs. I sure have more energy to enjoy my life by doing so. Grudges...........stop........let go........forgive and move on.

blog, blog, blog

I have been catching some grief because I haven't blogged!! Sorry! :-(

I'm relaxing...........
I'm letting go........................
My life is in flow.............................

Pen Pal

I have recently became a pen pal with a lady, probably in her late 70's, that lives in Brush, CO. I have not had a pen pal since grade school but I am having a wonderful time writing to this lady. She hand writes me a letter about every other week or so and I hand write one back. We have common interests. I had sent my laundry soap recipe to the Countryside magazine awhile back and she picked up my name from there. I believe she graduated from Oberlin years ago. Anyway, I had forgotten how much fun it is to get a letter in the mail and share thoughts, ideas, etc. with someone who has similar interests. Email is great, don't get me wrong. It's a fast way to keep in touch with family and friends, but receiving a letter through the mail is great also.
I have gleaned a lot of information from my new friend. She has shared with me ideas pertaining to gardening, raising chickens and the fact that you are never too old to go after your dream. Find a pen pal. You might be surprised.

Snow and Sappa Park

5 inches of snow, our first all winter! Friday afternoon, beautiful. Even Owyn loved it!

Vision

Here is the start of my vision board. It is a little large but then I have big visions!! Pretty cool idea. I hung it up at home where I can see it each morning. LaVern thinks it is a great idea also although he did comment that now he will be thinking about everything on the board when he goes to sleep at night!

We went to the Denver home and garden show this past weekend with my brother, his wife and my niece. Met a nephew there at the show. Had a great time. LaVern met someone who knew something about solar so he spent a great deal of time in that booth! Hadn't been to downtown Denver in several years. Traffic is crazy!

I love going to the city periodically for a weekend but then am always ready to get back to small town living.

I love the vision quote that I found. To me it nails what a vision is all about, without the board!

Barter Network

With the economy in its present state we should all consider a barter network. I have always bartered for things. You don't have to pay full price for things or service. Brainstorm with friends and create a list of their skills and their needs. Then trade! I use to tell people that LaVern would work for pie because I do NOT like making pie crust. I believe you could get just about anything through a barter and it is amazing all the talented, crafty people in our community. Just go to craigslist........and check out the barters!

Quality not quantity

Just because something is cheaper by the dozen doesn't mean that you need a dozen of whatever it is. This includes toilet paper. Recently bought some of the "cheaper" stuff, in a rather large quantity, at one of those dollar stores. This morning we finally used up the last of it, thank God. I think I was unrolling at least two yards every time I needed some. If you have a choice between several cheap items or one quality item for the same price, don't be fooled into thinking that quantity makes up for quality. Go for quality every time. And don't forget to ask God to help you discern true quality in every situation you encounter. Get wisdom, it's worth more than money.

Begin

On your mark, get set, go! Whenever I have to get up and speak in front of people, even when I auction, my heart pounds and my hands are clammy. But always the rush of adrenaline propels me forward and I begin. 25 years ago I ran 10k races competitively and the last leg of the race was always run on adrenaline. Life's race should be approached the same way with our heart pounding and legs ready to carry us across the finish line. Sure, there will be stumbling blocks along the way. Who said life is fair? My niece in Omaha recently blogged about a "vision board". I guess it might have been on Oprah and is something many people are doing now. I've always had a "mental vision board" but a visual is an excellant idea. The important thing is to stay focused on those goals and keep going. Ready? GO!

Clear Clutter

I just finished my year end book work for my business and my desk is piled high with paperwork. I noticed this morning that my closet looks like a tornado hit it. Clutter makes my life feel like a constant obstacle course. It is distracting and wastes my energy.
We should all make decisions to begin clearing clutter in our lives. That includes old attitudes, grudges, negativity. Cleanse your spirit. I believe that organizing my personal life gives me more energy to focus on the things that are important to me. Today organize one small area of clutter.