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Sunday
Nov012009

« gratitude and calendars »

Am I the only one, or do you also feel like once Halloween's over, it's just break-neck speed until the end of the year?  I find this feeling both exhilarating and horrifying:  I love year's end, with its gift-giving and feast-eating and merry-making; on the other hand, there's just way too much I want to accomplish before the end of the year!  I'm not ready!

Ultimately, though, really, the good outweighs the bad:  the temperature has finally dropped here in Houston, family visits are imminent, and overall, I'm really so grateful for my life -- both the good and the trying, combined.   For these last couple of months (and every day otherwise, really), I just need to remember it's all about taking it in step-by-step.

Breath-by-mindful-breath.

* * * * * * *

 

In other news, I wanted to tell you that I finished designing the Chookooloonks 2010 calendar -- I finally got on the ball earlier this year, and I'm really pleased with how they look. They come in a CD jewel case that folds backwards to form an easel (so they don't take up too much real estate in your workspace), and each calendar page features one of my favourite images from this past year

I hope you enjoy them.  You can see all the images here, and if you're so inclined, purchase them here.  Also, I'm happy to ship internationally.  Of course.

And as always, thanks so much for all your support -- not just the calendars, but coming here daily to read the blog, and cheer me with your comments.  I don't say it enough, but the truth is they make my day more often than you know.

 

SongThank you by Alanis Morrissette.  I've featured this song once before much earlier this year, but in the spirit of mindfulness and going through our days moment-by-moment, it just seems fitting to feature it again today.

Reader Comments (7)

Yes! This year it felt like once we hit October 1st it was all I could think about: 90 days until the end of the year. Eek! There's so much to be done, so much I what to have started before January 1st...and then I have to remember to take a breath and just enjoy the good moments that happen now

November 2, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterBea

I know exactly what you mean...I have so much still that I want to get done before we move into 2010.

I'm looking forward to a trip home to see family and friends in a few weeks which will have its own dead lines both, before and during.

Add projects and house remodeling and finishing an addition before my husband and I celebrate our first Christmas together complete with house guests and that's a situation for some over the top stress.

I'm determined to let go of expectation and perfection and just enjoy the lessons and gifts of everyday living.

Love the calendar!

November 2, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterElizabeth Harper

I feel like I barely have a grip on the panic monster in my gut. Today's mantra during meditation: "What is essential; What is important". It's a reminder to myself that I can only do what I can do.

November 2, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterCindy

such wonderful images...your calendar is amazing!

November 2, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterjacqueline

Beautiful pumpkins, and the calendar looks lovely. I'm with you on having lots to do before 2010...but the holidays are such a wonderful time.

Your blog makes my day more often than you know.

2009 has been a full year. I did not know so many life events could fit into one year. It's been a great year, and we've had a few tough times. I'm a little sad to see it go, but really, I'm ecstatic about starting a new year and the possibilities that will come with 2010.

November 2, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterRenee

seriously, the year has been lightning speed. can't believe it's almost over. your calendar looks beautiful.

November 2, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterlouloupink

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