New Habits!

I am giving this a try! I am not too old to learn new things and I don't want to be living in the past, not all the time anyway!I have been stuggling each day this month to learn how to use Photoshop Elements. I started with regular Photoshop and got nowhere fast but I am trying. I watch Cathy Zelski's video's and I keep going! I will see how it all works out by the end of the month. If I have learned nothing else in my 53 years I have learned patience and that slow and steady wins the race.I did so well last month,I erged every day!!! and I made a scrapbook layout every day!! (although I must admit a few were pretty lame but none the less!!) It was fun to see my streak continue every day on the Lift app on my phone. So far in November I have exercised every day, walking, and I will row again soon. I have tried to do something creative every day and I can't wait to get back down in my scrap room! I want to add stretching or maybe some ab work like planking but haven't quite started that yet! I ahve also learned in my years how hard it is to gain new habit s that continue for very long! So everyday this month I will- do something creative and work on my Gratitude Journal - exercise! walk or row - stretch - plank or such! And also work on Inbox Zero!!! Wow, I hope I can continue this motivation!!! Mostly I want to read and eat and scrap what I feel like! :) I'll check in at the end of the month and let you know how it goes!

Halloween card for this year!!

Stationery Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Hello, my name is Karen and I was born in Chinon, France at a US Army hospital. I grew up in NY on Long Island. I now live in a small town in Washington state near Tacoma. I have lived in NY, DC, Georgia, Landstuhl Germany, and mostly in Washington state. What makes me smile is observing and receiving kindness and love. My children enjoying each others company, my husband laughing and chatting, the camaraderie of the groups I belong to- my church and my fellow Girl Scout leaders. Even noticing random strangers being kind makes me smile. I try to smile at everyone I meet because you just never know what they are going through. The life lessons I have learned in my 50 plus years are many, too many to share. Be kind to others and yourself, BE yourself, don't worry (as much as possible), life will go on, you will survive. I will have to think on this some more. My deepest fear is losing my loved ones but most especially my husband and children. I can not even think about that. My biggest dream is to be able to travel the US and the world and photograph and somehow share this with others so that all may know how very much alike we all are. Just reading the comments from all over the world right here on this post shows this. It's an amazing thing to realize that despite looks and language and lifestyle so many of us truly just want kindness and love and good health! I am a daughter,sister, wife, mother, dietitian, Girl Scout, volunteer, reader, eater, photographer, scrapbooker, a lover of life. Thank you for reading my story! This was written in response to a blog post on this website. I was so inspired by reading others posts from all over the world that I shared my own story. I hope you will share your story too! http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/08/13/one-question-you-should-ask-everyone-you-meet/

Project Life, memory and why?!??!

Another blog post that really touched me... MAY 14, 2013 Why I wish I had done this sooner (a short essay on my personal view of the value of Project Life) I am 47 years old and I don't remember things the way I used to. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. I probably didn't remember things all that well in my 30s either. Or maybe even in my 20s. In fact, if it weren't for the diaries I kept from ages 11–14, I probably wouldn't remember anything from those awkward tween and early teen years. And if it weren't for the journals I kept in my late teens through my early college years, same deal. Sure, I can remember sweeping events. But it's the little things. The details. That is the stuff that is pretty much gone from the old noggin'. A few weeks ago, Aidan and I were talking about doing a college campus tour to one of my two alma maters, the University of Washington. I was trying to recall stories of dorm life but the only one I could really remember was the night I downed an entire six pack of Olde English 800, passed out at 7 p.m. and woke up in the middle of the night on the bathroom floor. After throwing up a few times, I noticed that someone had drawn giant black bats (thank you, Billy Kincaid) all over my body with Sharpie. Sure, that's some detail. (It's also the last time in my life I ever got quite that schnockered.) But that's what I call a sweeping event. What I don't remember was daily life as a freshman at UW. I don't remember how I made my way through campus and found my classes for the first time. I don't remember if I was ever stressed out at the work load. I simply don't remember the little things. My daily routine. What I ate for lunch. What I thought of the weather. Hell, I even had coffee with one of the guys from a band that would later become Pearl Jam, but I can't even remember what he looked like, or what we talked about, though I know that his name was Stone Gossard and I sort of remember thinking: not my type. I don't even have many photos from that era. But such were the times in olden days, pre iPhone and Instagram. It's the same with my life as a newlywed. It's the same with my life as a young mother. I don't remember the every day aspects of those times in my life. It's all going to sweeping now. The specifics are so much harder to hold onto. Just last week I was telling a friend, who used to scrapbook but no longer does, "I wish I had done Project Life since Aidan was born at the very least." I went on to tell her that this past year-and-a-half contains more detail of the stuff I want to remember than anything I've ever done before. And it is so not about being some crazy Scrapbook Mom. You know, the Moms who are so busy documenting that they miss out on the actual living part of the memories they're making. I've been there and done that a few times over the years. Project Life is really about the little stuff… the minutiae… the specifics… the glorious mundane trappings of every day that I wouldn't trade for all the L-Series lenses in the Canon arsenal. I think many of us agree that this is the stuff we want to remember. Not the fence posts of life, but the slats that make up what contains our everyday existence. My therapist and I have talked a lot about the facts of a human life. We are born, we have a life span, we have emotions and we eventually die. It's not overstating to point out that this span of time is utterly and completely precious. Some of us get more of it than others. Some of us have an easier time in the process. But all of us can connect to the gratitude for the opportunity. Project Life is helping me to savor this time span. It's letting me report on my life in a simple way. It doesn't stress me out. It doesn't take up all of my time. It simply lets me acknowledge this life I'm so grateful to have. It's just something I felt compelled to share with you today. now here is my response on her blog... Karen said... Why do so many of us feel so alone and like we are the only ones who forget or can't start or get behind? Reading your post and all these comments just shows me how very alike we all are! I love the idea of Project Life and have all the stuff! but starting ? Not so much. I have tens of thousands of photos of my family but somehow writing down the words and thoughts is sooo much harder than snapping the photos. I wish I had learned to write things down sooner...I wish I could remember the everyday moments of my life...I wish I could just start now and not feel lost and behind... Thanks Cathy and friends for inspiring me!!! I will start today!!!!! Reply May 15, 2013 at 11:02 AM

A Tale of Two Rings!

Another journaling for a scrapbook page but such a good story I wanted to save it here! A Tale of Two Rings A Best Man has only a few important responsibilities. Get the groom to the church on time and hold on to the ring. Curt’s Best Man, Bill Burkhalter, a fellow medical school classmate and housemate got the first right but not the second! The night before the wedding is always exciting and stressful, family and friends are arriving, there’s the rehearsal to attend and a dinner to follow. Our rehearsal went as smoothly as these things ever go and Curt gave my ring, a simple gold band with a beaded edge, to Bill to hold onto until the ceremony. We had a fun dinner at a restaurant near the airfield, The 56th Fighter Group. I headed back home to try to sleep and Curt went off with Bill and his family to the hotel. The next morning all was going well, the tent was set up, my mom and sisters were decorating, Dad was working on the food. The kitchen phone rings…it’s Curt. “ I have to tell you something so you won’t notice at the ceremony and get upset.” “Bill lost the ring.” ! A high-pitched scream is heard from the kitchen! “Don’t tell your parents, they will be so mad.” “Don’t be upset, we have a ring but it’s plain, so I knew you would notice.” Oh, boy! At this point it was only a couple hours before our noontime wedding, I really couldn’t get too upset, it was just a ring and as long as there was a ring we could still get married! The wedding was perfect and no one noticed the different ring. Curt had even managed to get it engraved, although it looks like a 6 not an 8 for August. Now it is 28 years later, I have worn this simple gold band every day. Never once did I miss that other band, because this is the one he placed on my finger and pledged to love me for a lifetime with. It’s okay Bill, I forgave you then and I still don’t mind that you lost my ring, although I do occasionally wonder what ever happened to the other one! Story - August 11, 1984 Page- February 18, 2013

I can hear her voice...

Curt’s Aunt Dode, his father’s sister, my aunt for the last 28 years passed away last Saturday. We were with her when she died. I think it was especially hard to see her so quiet because she was so very full of life! Her voice was distinctive, perhaps a bit loud sometimes, but always glad to see you. I can hear her - calling on our birthdays to sing Happy Birthday. I can hear her – Oh, look at you, I haven’t seen you in a hundred years! I can hear her - If she needed anything she’d call, “ Tom, Tom, Tom! Come here!” Dode liked to dance and sing, she liked to play Yahtzee and card games. She loved dolls and Halloween and decorating for Christmas. She loved flowers and Uncle Tom’s garden and making pickles! Dorinne loved her family, her 4 kids, her 9 grandkids, her 19 great grandkids! And also her brother, her sister in law and her 2 nieces, 1 nephew, their spouses(me!) and our kids. I can hear her now and I will miss her so. Farewell Aunt Dode, we love you! February 15, 2013 Aunt Dode - 1930 – 2013 I can hear her voice…

Dear Mercedes CLK-

I have been participating in LOAD this month. It's been quite a fun one with some thought provoking prompts about happiness and what make us happy. If I do say so myself some of my journaling has been pretty great! I am particularly pleased with this letter to my car! Only got 1 comment because the layout itself was not to exciting, which I must admit makes me feel a touch peeved. Anyway, over my pity party heres the journaling! Dear Mercedes CLK 320- Just wanted to write a letter to tell you how much I adore you! I have been waiting all my life for you. Ever since I was driven around in your much older cousin as a child, I have loved you. As an adult I coveted you but you were too small for a family and too much money for our budget. But now, now that I have turned 50 and my chicks have mostly left the nest, I could have you! My wonderful adoring husband, who tolerates with much good grace my love for you, found you for me. From the moment I saw you on the lot, shining in the sun of that September day, I loved you. You are my dream come true! In the beginning I was nervous every time we went out together. My hands would grow sweaty on your smooth leather wheel. I would anxiously watch every other driver to be sure they didn't get to close to you. I parked in only the safest spots. I washed you carefully, shining up your lovely silver hubcaps. Now, I drive with pride, smiling at the other drivers in their boring, ordinary vehicles as I glide along, top down,wind in my hair, powerful engine at my control. I live for the days that it is warm enough with little chance of rain so I can take down your top. Feel the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, putting a hand in the air as I cruise the streets singing along to my favorite tunes, perhaps played just a bit too loud on your fine Harman-Kardon speakers. I love your gorgeous platinum color, the way you sparkle just a bit in the sun. I love your perfect figure, curving in all the right place. I love your smooth leather seats, warm in the winter and cool in the summer, that hold me oh so comfortably. I love all your buttons and controls, that tell me all that important information, speed, temperature, radio station, direction, and when it's time for your next tune-up. I love how you make me feel when we go out together, beautiful and sexy and loved and special. It's amazing what you do for me! Thanks for always being there when I need you, day, night, sun, rain, no matter, you are ready and willing and able. I hope that we will have a long, long time together, until I can no longer swing myself into your low, leather seats. I love you my Mercedes and I just wanted to let you know that. Yours forever, Karen

February goals for 2013

Where to begin? I know it’s not just me that constantly has too many goals. But it seems like others accomplish theirs. I think I’d feel better about my goals if I didn’t seem like I always fail. I am still overweight, I only exercise in bursts, my house is not organized completely….Sigh… My One Little Word for this year is ADAPT. I am not sure how I can set a goal for that though. I’ll have to think on that some more. I guess if I make it through the year without a stay at Western State I’ll have succeeded! I have been inspired by the book “The Happiness Project”. I will be working on some of her ideas this year. Already I have tried (albeit briefly) to show more appreciation, just do it, and be Karen. But the decluttering and tackling tough projects seems overwhelming to me. I think it will have to be a year long project for me too, and I guess it’s really a lifelong project. Well If I have learned nothing in my 50+ years it’s that every day is a new beginning! And I can accomplish anything with baby steps!! So I guess I will start with some baby goals. **Walk at least 28 miles this month – aim for walking 5 days a week. **Cut my portions by a 3rd, eat mindfully and a bit less. **Spend 15 minutes 2 times a day to tackle tough chores, de-cluttering , bills, phone calls etc. Just Do It!!! **Complete a LO every day for LOAD!! OK I am stopping there! **I will also try to show gratitude and appreciation as much as I can! Now really I’ll stop…and go finish this LO! February 4th, 2013 (Would be my Mother in law’s birthday and also the 30th anniversary of the week I met my husband!) I wrote this for ascrapbook page but thought I should save it elsewhere too, so here it is!