Friday is the day I take each week to reflect upon the things that make me happy and that I am grateful for.  I believe simple pleasures are often the best.  Yesterday was one of those simple special days.  I began by training with a friend.  It makes me feel good to stay as strong possible.  Then I got to paint with my grandsons.  Noone cared if the elephant had six or eight legs and was blue and pink.  He was perfect just the way he was.  We laughed and painted and laughed some more.  Then I ended the day sitting with my husband at the lake watching a beautiful sunset.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.  What special moments did you experience this week?

It is Wednesday which means that the wishes of many are cast out to the Universe.  Today Jamie of Jamie Ridler Studios asked, "What do you wish to begin?"  At first I was not sure what I wanted to begin and then it hit me.  I want to begin each and every day with a sense of accomplishment for what I did and learned the day before as well as with a great sense of curiosity, joy, and anticipation for all the special moments that I am about to experience that very day. 

This weekend it was finally time to plant some flowers in the backyard.  All of the other work outside had been completed and it was  time to add color to what I hope can become a place to think and meditate and create.  As I was working in the garden, I began to think about how I nurture my own creativity or wonder if I do.  I have come to realize, or maybe accept, that if something is to grow or develop it not only takes time but it also takes work and effort.  The flowers I planted yesterday won't grow if I don't plant them in the right soil.  They won't last long in the summer heat if I don't water them.  They won't flourish if I don't make sure I give them my time and attention.  And neither will the creative side of my personality.  I need to take care of it just like I do the other things that are important in my life.  I need to make time everyday to write or draw or paint or take pictures.  It needs to be just as much a part of my life as breathing or eating.  Noone can do it all everyday.   But if continuing to grow as a writer or an artist is as important to me as I claim it to be then I need to make sure that I give myself enough time to not just see what happens in this area of my life but to actually flourish.  I would really love to know how you nurture your creativity!!

          "If we did all of the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves."  
                                                                                                                                        Thomas Edison
I liked today's quote because I want to be sure that I don't limit myself from accomplishing anything because of the way that I think. 
For me living a healthy lifestyle takes a little more effort and focus on what I am doing but I know that it is worth it.  To be sure that I am moving enough each week, I have decided to create a calendar that chronicles two things.  I want to know how much time I spend moving and how much time I spend writing my book.  I know I spend time on both but I am not sure of exactly how much time.  Since they are both things I want to accomplish, I thought a calendar where I plan ahead and then record exactly how much time I do spend on these activities will help me to stay focused on my goals.
Last week I said I would walk more and I did.  I did not hit my five days but I came close.  I walked four days and now I need to walk a little more and a little farther. 
I loved everyone's comments last week.  It is nice to know that others are on the same journey and that we are supporting each other's efforts. I hope that you will take the time to share your accomplishments or frustrations no matter how big or small with us.  And I would love to hear what strategy worked best for you this week.  For me it was focusing on moving more and eating less. 

I have been a bit nostalgic this week.  Tomorrow is my 44th wedding anniversay. It is a time to celebrate of course but I have also been thinking alot about all that we have already done and wondering what will come next. When I was young I used to love reading the Sunday paper and looking at all the wedding pictures.  Usually there was at least one picture of someone who had been married forty or fifty years.  I always wondered what that would feel like.  Back then those people looked so old to me. 
Yesterday I had one of those AHA moments. I was looking for an anniversary card and the man next to me said, "Did you find a good card?"  "Not yet," I replied as I turned to look at him.  It was the man from the gym who I have never spoken to but who inspires me to keep on working out.  He is at least ninety and continues to work out with gusto.  He was a fighter pilot who was shot down but made it home to build an incredible life.  (I know all of this from the trainer)  I asked him how long he had been married and without hesitation he told me 71 years.  He quickly picked a card and was on his way but once again without knowing it he made such a difference in my day.  All of a sudden 44 years was not so long.  I realized that although my husband and I have experienced and accomplished alot separately and together there is the still the very real possibility of so many more exciting adventures to come if we continue to dream, to think, and to plan big.  So today when I think about celebrating our anniversary I take time to look back fondly on all that was, I take time to celebrate the moment and experience that is, and I look forward to the future with anticipation and excitement.  Who knows, with the way the world is changing we may be able to celebrate another 44 years.  That certainly would be interesting!!
What brought you happiness this week?