Serious Play

April OLW Blog Hop

So, we have flown through April and I am still going strong with my One Little Word.

 

Having my word OPEN has been very empowering over the last two months. Throughout both March and April, I have been training for a half-marathon...my first! I used my OLW to choose to do the marathon in the first place as I was challenging myself to OPEN my mind to something new.

I still have a few page protectors from last year's OLW project which were divided as pictured below, so I used those again this year, giving it a slightly different look than Ali's assignment example. 

 

 

On the back of last month's 'goal sheet', I added another goal sheet and continued mapping my training progress through April. On the left hand side I inserted some map paper from an old book and used word stickers that applied.

 

 

My self-portrait was taken on my iPhone. I tried to take it from an interesting angle, resulting in a sun flare and my hair blowing in the breeze. I kept an OPEN mind about using this picture even though you can see right up my nose!

 

 

On the next two-page spread are my letters to myself. I just want to keep doing what I am doing. Life is good right now.

 

I run my race on May 20th and then I am not sure where my word OPEN will take me.

I am curious to see...

 

 

Thank you so much for visiting today!

I am so encouraged when you visit.

 

 

If you are following along with our OLW Blog Hop through the BPC class with Ali Edwards,

your next stop is Naomi at http://poeticaperture.com.

 

These blogs go live at 8am PST.

 

Margie   http://xnomads.typepad.com/blog/one-little-word

Monica   http://scrapinspired.com/

Jamie    jmpgirl.blogspot.com

Lisa     http://backtoallen.com/category/challenges/one-little-word/

Jenn     www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Jill    http://jillconyers.com/

Veronica     www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Cheri    http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Monica B    http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/

Ruth     http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Kaylea    www.myscrappylife.com

Cindy    http://www.cynthiacrysdale.com/

Donna    http://holimess.blogspot.com/

Kelly    http://mindingmynest.com

Carolina    www.micinnamons-en.blogspot.com

Cindy    http://seriousplay.typepad.com

Naomi    http://poeticaperture.com

Nikki    www.inkyart.com.au

Amanda    http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Rebekah    http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/

Tere    http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Kimberlee     http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com

Brighton    www.dearbrighton.com

Kristina     http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.ca/

Missus Wookie    http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

 

 Enjoy the month of May!

OLW Blog Hop 2012 :: Mar

So, my One Little Word for 2012 really spurred me on this month.

 

My word this year is OPEN. I just wanted to be open to the many changes that are taking place in our family this year, and open to new ideas, challenges, thinking, etc. But I had no idea back in December when I chose this word what would be coming my way!

 

 

At the beginning of March my cousin posted on Facebook that she was going to run a half marathon. I was so proud of her. I have always said I would like to run something like this, but just have never had the nudge I needed. She was my nudge! Before I knew it, I was agreeing to train with her and see how it goes before actually committing and signing up for the race, which is in May.

And then I was reminded that this is exactly what my OLW is for...to push me, make me reach for something that is just out of reach, to stretch me, to make me stronger.

 

Well, I started training on my aged dusty treadmill out in my dingy garage. Every time I finished a run I texted my cousin to tell her my time and really just to stay accountable. And every single time she flooded me with praise and encouragement. 

I would text her when it hurt and didn't feel like I could go through with it. I would text her when I felt amazing. I would text her with questions about shoes and clothing and water sources and paces and bathrooms on the course. She was always there with an answer and a little more motivation.

 

Then last week, the text came from her...the earlybird deadline for the half marathon was at the end of the week. Decision time.

I am proud to say that I filled out that registration form, sent off my money to secure my spot in the lineup and committed whole-heartedly to running this race with her.

 

My cousin lives an hour away from me. We train during the week at our respective homes, sometimes on the treadmill, sometimes outside in our neighbourhood. But it always feels like she is there with me. Then we compare times, and paces and mileage through texting.

This past weekend, however, she drove down to my house. We had a girly weekend of shopping and giggling, but we also got serious and she helped me buy new running shoes (up until this point I was running in my crosstrainers!), explained about needing fuel on the course (as we will be running for over 2 hours), explored options for carrying water on us and shared her energy powder with me (which was disgusting, but I was grateful).

Yesterday morning we awoke to sunshine and birds chirping. We ate a solid breakfast and head out to run together. She started her training a few weeks ahead of me so her run was to be 9 miles and I was only needing to do 6 miles. We discussed options for me to walk after my 6 miles and she would continue then double back to catch up with me.

However, I was so inspired and happy to have a running partner that I ended up doing all 9 miles with her and we completed it in 1 hour and 45 minutes!

 

When I asked her why she decided to do this half marathon in the first place, she responded by saying that she wanted to do something beyond herself, something so challenging that it would be difficult, but that she would look back and be proud to know that she had accomplished it.

I liked that thinking, as it fit so well with my OLW and wanting to be OPEN...and I am forever grateful that I have her by my side.

 

Thank you so much for visiting today!

I am so encouraged when you visit.

 

 

If you are following along with our OLW Blog Hop through the BPC class with Ali Edwards,

your next stop is Beth at www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com.

 

These blogs go live at 8am PST.

 

 

Margie           http://xnomads.typepad.com/blog/one-little-word

Monica           http://scrapinspired.com/

Jill                http://jillconyers.com/

Jenn             www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Kara             http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com

Cheri            http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Catherine      http://myview-catherine.blogspot.com

Nikki            www.inkyart.com.au

Cindy            http://www.cynthiacrysdale.com/

Lisa              http://backtoallen.com/category/one-little-word/

Donna          http://holimess.blogspot.com/

Coley           www.coleybelle.blogspot.com

Naomi          http://poeticaperture.com

Stephanie     http://playinghouseinmaryland.blogspot.com

Ruth             http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Eydie            www.whatwecreate.net

Janet            http://lifeinsideascrapbookroom.blogspot.com

Orange Gearle    http://orangegearle.blogspot.com

Amanda       http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Jen              www.jenritchie.com

Melissa S     http://blog.mshanhun.com

Kaylea          www.myscrappylife.com

Missus Wookie    http://www.mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.co.uk/

Cindy            http://seriousplay.typepad.com             <<< You are here

Beth             www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com       <<< Now go here

Tere             http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Kelly            http://mindingmynest.com

Heidi            http://mommy.heidimdavis.com

 

 

Have a super day!

 

 

 

OLW Blog Hop 2012 :: Feb

So, here is February's assignment for my OLW class at Big Picture Classes.

 

Welcome if you are visiting on the OLW Blog Hop!

My word this year is OPEN.

With two teenaged daughters that are about to graduate from high school, there is so much that is changing for me. Some is good...some not so good. Actually it is all good, I am just struggling with some of the changes. Hence my word. 

I am using my word this year to approach all that will transform over the next months. I am going to try to stay open...to change, to possibilities, to letting go, to giving my girls independence, to the many evenings and outings without them.

 

There are so many signs around to remind me to stay open. Since Ali gave the assignment to photograph our word this month, it seemed only natural to capture those signs. Not only did I photograph them, but I took note of them. 

At first I was searching for the open signs simply to complete this task. Soon, however, I began to notice those signs without looking. I took this as a sign, a reminder, that maybe I needed to be more open, or to just chill as my girls would say.

 

It seems like it should be easy. All mothers before me have let their children go. But for some reason, I am struggling. These are my girls. I have made decisions for them and about them and with them for 17 years. Now, I have to let them make decisions. I have to let them go out with their friends instead of having family movie night at home. I have to let them choose their clothes even if it is not what I would pick for them. I have to hold my tongue when they say they have too much homework to help with dishes. I have to let them make mistakes and learn life lessons and not try to fix everything for them.

I have to be more open.

 

I guess Albert is right. If I had my way, which to me seems like the best way, I may be holding them back from what they should be.

Every day is a struggle right now. But I am trying...

 

 

Thank you so much for visiting today!

I am so encouraged when you visit.

 

Welcome to all of the new ladies joining this class and our little Blog Hop this year!

If you are following along with our OLW Blog Hop, your next stop is Kaylea at http://www.myscrappylife.com

 

These blogs go live at 8am PST.

 

Margie                    http://xnomads.typepad.com

Melissa S                http://blog.mshanhun.com

Sharyn                    http://LaVieEnChic.com

Kimberlee               http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com

Jill                          http://jillconyers.com/

Cheri                     http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Cindy                     www.cynthiacrysdale.com

Jenn                      www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Monica                   http://scrapinspired.com/

Catherine                http://myview-catherine.blogspot.com/

Naomi                    http://poeticaperture.com/

Jamie                     jmpgirl.blogspot.com

Coley                     www.coleybelle.blogspot.com

Melissa C               www.smudgetime.com

Donna                    http://holimess.blogspot.com/

Monica B               http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/

Veronica                www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Heidi D                   http://mommy.heidimdavis.com/

Lisa                       http://backtoallen.com/category/one-little-word/

Nikki                     www.inkyart.com.au

Devon                    http://www.youhadmeatneurotic.com

Amanda                 http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Brooklyn                 www.everysnapshot.com

Kristina                  http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.com/

Jen R                     http://jenritchie.com

Kara                      http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com

Eydie                     www.whatwecreate.net  

Ruth                      http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Missus W              http://www.mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

Marilee                  http://rose-brier.blogspot.com           

Cindy                    http://seriousplay.typepad.com     <<< You are here

Kaylea                   http://www.myscrappylife.com     <<< Your next stop

Dawn G                 www.sunshineandcreativity.com

Rebekah                http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/

Becky                    www.becky-handforth.blogspot.com

Orange Gearle        orangegearle.blogspot.com

Katrina                   www.katrinasimeck.com

Jo                         http://www.mrsbeee.blogspot.com        

Nicky                     Www.seejanebake.blogspot.com

Beth                      www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com

Kelly                     http://mindingmynest.com

Tere                      http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Once again, I thank you for visiting and I hope to see you again real soon.

 

 

 

OLW Blog Hop 2012 :: Jan

So, this launches another year of One Little Word for me.

 

Welcome to my blog and this amazing project by Ali Edwards.

I participated in OLW 2011 last year, as well as this Blog Hop, and I am excited to be doing it again.

 

My OLW this year is...

Like many of you participating in this project, I tossed around several words before settling on the word that would sum it all up for me. I was not one of those people whose word 'chose me'. 

My word had to be something that embodied what my year would hold and what attitude I want to carry throughout the year. The challenge is not knowing what is ahead.

 

My life is changing as my family is growing up. My girls are both in high school, with my eldest starting University this fall. They are driving themselves around now, meeting friends, filling their lives with activities that will define them. Now, when I head out the door with my husband, I expect that they will not be coming with us.

Realizing that I can no longer be in control of my girls' lives, I needed my word to be one that would soothe me, give me a positive attitude, allow me to let go but stay connected.

 

Perhaps I am asking too much from one word.

My OLW 2011 sat on my shoulder and whispered its name in my ear whenever I needed a reminder. It spoke to me when I wanted to give up. It provided inspiration when I had none. It gave me a reason to make the next move.

I am hoping that OPEN will live there too.

 

Knowing it will take me on a journey that I can not yet see, my OLW will be a filter for things to come.

I am ready.

 

 

Thank you so much for visiting today!

I am so encouraged when you visit.

 

Welcome to all of the new ladies joining this class and our little Blog Hop this year!

To see more January OLW projects, visit the blogs of the following very talented ladies,

starting with Margie at her Xnomads blog.

 

These blogs go live at 8am PST.

 

 

 

Margie              http://xnomads.typepad.com

Sharyn             www.lavieenchic.com           

Jill                   http://jillconyers.com

Lynn                www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com

Jenn                www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Carmen            http://www.carmenpaulsorthner.com

Marilee             http://rose-brier.blogspot.com

Kristina            http://hrinspirationfromthe403.blogspot.com/

Cindy               http://www.cynthiacrysdale.com

Kelly                http://mindingmynest.com

Cheri                http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Amanda           http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Cindy               http://seriousplay.typepad.com       <<< You are here 

Brooke             http://everysnapshot.com                     <<< Now go here

Naomi              http://poeticaperture.com

Melissa            http://www.smudgetime.com

Karen               http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com

Melissa S         http://blog.mshanhun.com

Devon              http://www.youhadmeatneurotic.com

Donna              http://holimess.blogspot.com/

Dawn               http://www.sunshineandcreativity.com

Katrina             www.katrinasimeck.com

Sam                 http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com

Monica             http://scrapinspired.com

Kimberlee         http://scrapsandsass.blogspot.com

Missus W         http://mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com/

Kaylea              http://www.myscrappylife.com

Nikki                 www.inkyart.com.au

Erin                  http://erinsparkes.typepad.com/optimstic-fascination/

Jo                    www.curlyscrapbooker.blogspot.com

Coley                http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/focus-word-for-2012.html

Beth                 www.thesingularlyordinary.blogspot.com

Veronica           www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Jamie               http://jmpgirl.blogspot.com/

Monica B          http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com/

Lisa                  http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog

Rebekah           http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/

Jan                   http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com

Veronica           http://www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Cate                 www.lifebehindthepurpledoor.com

Stephanie          www.scrapworthylives.com

Orange Gearle   http://orangegearle.blogspot.com

Tere                  http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Junelle              http://yesandamenblog.blogspot.com/ 

Ruth                  http://suburbansahm.blogspot.com

Becky                www.becky-handforth.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Let the path be open to talent.    -Napoleon Bonaparte

 

 

 

OLW Blog Hop Coming...

So, this is a reminder to come back for a visit of the full OLW Blog Hop taking place here at 8am PST.

 

 

One Little Word

So, I have joined the One Little Word 2012 class at Big Picture Classes once again.

 

I participated in the OLW 2011 class with Ali Edwards last year and loved every minute of it. I do not expect any less this time around.

Essentially, instead of choosing a long list of New Years Resolutions that may or may not be kept, I choose ONE LITTLE WORD for the entire year! As the days and weeks and months play out, I learn and grow around my OLW. It is that simple.

My word this year is...

I have completed the first assignment for January and am excited to share it with you.

On the first of every month I will be participating in a OLW Blog Hop full of wonderfully creative ladies who are also taking part in OLW 2012. Since this Wednesday is Feb 1, I will be sharing my first assignment here on my blog on that day. I will also be posting a list of the ladies that are involved in the Blog Hop if you would like to go visit their blogs as well.

 

I hope to see you back here on Feb 1st for my OLW 2012 posting...