Sweet Christmas Tree 2009

Finally a follow up to my “Being Thankful” post. I had to share the Sweet Family Christmas tree. We enjoyed the lovely fragrance and beauty of the gia-normous tree the entire month of December. On Christmas morning when the whole clan met, the overflow of spirit and the physical gifts were a testament to the abundance that is always available to us. Blessings to all and much happiness and success in 2010.

At the end of the year I have always found it helpful to review the previous one for the successes and losses that will help me to set goals for the new year. Following is a list of great questions to ask yourself when you have a few private moments to reflect. These questions pertain to all aspects of life, not only business, but personally and spiritually. I hope you find it beneficial and I wish you much success, love, peace, and prosperity for 2010.

These insightful questions were offered by Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing. Take time to ask and explore these simple questions:

What shall I now release from my life?

What or who no longer works for me?

What am I holding on to that holds me back?

What thoughts or beliefs belong to the old me?

How am I being unloving to myself?

Am I ready to let go?

What do I believe that really works for me?

What is going on in my life that is terrific and wonderful?

Where am I being very loving to myself?

Where am I most content?

Let me acknowledge myself for all the growth and change.

What do I want to bring to my life?

What do I want to create?

How do I want the next year to be?

Who do I want to bring into my world?

How do I want to look?

What image do I want to project?

How healthy do I want to be?

How prosperous do I want to feel?

How much love am I willing to experience?

What kind of world do I want to live in?

Affirm:
I know that where I am is the totality of possibilities . . . not just a few possibilities, but the totality of all creation.
I am not limited by statistics, medical opinions, time, or authorities.

I am one with the infinite wisdom and capabilities of the Universe itself.

All good is available to me, right here and right now.
All I have to do is to use the power of my thoughts to create that which I desire. I know that. Now let me live it!

Louise Hay – www.hayhouse.com

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. 
If you did, what would there be to look forward to? 
Be thankful when you don’t know something, 
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. 
During those times you grow. 
Be thankful for your limitations, 
because they give you opportunities for improvement. 
Be thankful for each new challenge, 
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. 
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, 
because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. 
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who 
are also thankful for the setbacks. 
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. 
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, 
and they can become your blessings.

Be prepared for a random entry, I realized chances of fitting a post in before months end (as I promised myself) was getting slimmer so I am filling the page with weekend musings. (Wish I had photos for all that I did – there would be a lot less reading for you)…
First and foremost is the securing of the most enormous Christmas tree. Okay, its not the State tree huge, but it fills the space and the fresh pine holiday scent – oh so cozy. We did not take the time to decorate yet and so it’s a shot of green life in the space we’re bonding with. (I know, this entry does so scream out for visuals… maybe later.) Anyway, Thanksgiving and the weekend left-overs filled us with holiday spirit and bringing the tree home welcomes in Christmas.

Much goings on with family and holiday prep. Thad traveled to Ford Field to watch his Lowell Football team capture the State Championship…(..and more great visuals.) A happy day, Lowell Wins, Lowell Wins!

It all ends with Sunday devoted to creating a web site from scratch…a few bumps along the way but mostly energetic and inspiring. I am so grateful for All that Is. The end of the night was an injection of tv that was actually time worthy, the HBO 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert. Inspiring to see so many great musicians sharing a stage – can’t imagine the energy at the Madison Square Garden that night.It was heartwarming to see Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby and Nash, harmonize on stage. Stevie Wonder, touched with emotion while performing a Michael Jackson tune. The passion and the love for music radiated from many of my very favorite story-telling songwriters – who can rock out.

I enjoyed the flashbacks and wondered, who are the story-telling song writers like Sting, Bruce, Petty and Fogerty during these times? The ones who can also rock a bit? (…hmmm, maybe next time I should add some audio…).

Those of you in my Facebook Friends list received live comments while we enjoyed the artwork in and around downtown Grand Rapids as part of ArtPrize. Absolutely enjoyable art filled day – even in the rain. Speaking to those working in the local shops and restaurants ArtPrize has brought people downtown in droves over the last few weeks. Based on the traffic even on this chilly and wet Saturday I have no doubt downtown businesses have enjoyed soaring sales as a result. As an economic an community benefit my guess is it has surpassed the original hopes the organizers sought. As an artist however I can’t help but address the wonderful benefit provided to all the artist who had opportunity to have their work displayed in such a successful and exciting event. A great job by Artworks youth job-training program and all the volunteers, organizations and sponsors who came together to organize this grassroots tribute to art.  A thank you to Rick Devos for his vision and dedication to bring the contributors together to bring ArtPrize to Grand Rapids and award artists for their talents. The top ten have been chosen and there is still time to vote at www.artprize.org. The exhibit goes through Saturday Oct. 10, 2009.