New Year natterings...

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

From a fellow we should all be acquainted with, for his wit and insights: Mark Twain.

I love this quote, it turns me loose mentally, creatively, emotionally, and when the weather cooperates - physically!

A fellow artist tells me she chooses a "word" for each year. It becomes a sort of lode stone for how things happen in a life - or doesn't happen, as the case may be. I think this year I'm choosing "PONDERING".
There's a LOT to ponder, during the course of a day. Little things. Like what happened here?

And big things. Like what to have for lunch...

Mostly, to take time to notice, think about what is noticed, and how to apply it to my life. SLOW DOWN. Yep. I think Pondering may be a good thing for this year.

One of the things I've already been pondering...past memories that bring me pleasure. Here are a few memories from January of 2009. It was a great year...

"You woke me up for THIS??? Can I go back to my nap now? Sheesh."

My little buddy Nigel. His mom let him come hang with me at the cabin when she had to be out of town. I miss him... He was much more cooperative about lap cuddling than the current CAT who condescendingly shares HER home with me.

Another memory. Puzzles. I mention this rather mundane activity only because above mentioned CAT has made puzzles a thing lucky to be done in the wee hours, behind closed doors. I miss doing puzzles...

I treasure memories of the few years spent living at the cabin on Saxonburg Road. January was always my Snowman month. And "Create a Soup" month! They kinda go together - especially in Wisconsin.
Another cabin treasure: Chef J came frequently to cook and bake. Cookies were high on the list. For Briston, too.
Speaking of Wisconsin - the next few photos are for the gang in Arizona. Miss anything, guys?



Ah well, shoveling snow - and ice - had it's own rewards. Like warm cinnamon bread right out of the oven. The shoveling allowed for extra calories, doncha know...
Making memories is an ongoing pursuit. Memories shape our lives.

I'm looking forward to what memories 2012 has in store.

Might even slip in a snowflake somewhere.

Oh - trivia is important, too: the world's largest known snowflake was 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. It was found in Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1887. And if you know who Fort Keogh is named for, you get bonus points!!

So go forth - make some memories. Catch some wind for your sail. And perhaps ponder what comes your way.