2011 ~ A New Beginning

Life is a journey of change ~ a constant flow of beginnings and endings.

One of the greatest lessons of 2010 was the importance of embracing change and realizing no matter how difficult it can be at times, it happens and finding a peace with the circumstance is far easier than resisting the path life offers.  

There is a reason for everything, and every moment of each day are tiny impressions upon life's grand overall scheme.  Ups and downs, dreams and worries, setbacks and giant leaps all combine to create the beautiful portrait of our individual journeys on this planet.  

We truly do have the power to make our lives what we want them to be, and this takes courage, hard work, persistence, and a passionate belief system in one's self.

So 2010, thank you for making me a stronger person.  You offered up a load of changes, and now I know they were all for the good.  I'm going to bundle up this year's memories and lessons learned and use them as stepping stones into 2011.   I am ready more than ever to take chances and try out new territory.  My creative juices are ready to flow, my reveries are going to blossom into realities, and my heart is going to embrace everything that comes my way.

Here's to happy endings and new beginnings!

[Alphonse Mucha ~ Reverie]

Dear Christmas ~

 Dear Christmas,

Thank you for always bringing good cheer and magic to the end of a year.

You have a way of making the young and old believe  ~

And you bring a much needed dose of hope to those who deserve it most.

Pretty presents, sparkling decor, and sweet treats are lovely accoutrements to the season,

Yet the things which warm my heart the most are not really things at all.

It's the memories of my mom giddy as a child to decorate for her favorite holiday of the year,

The way my lil' brother takes such time and care in choosing that special gift for his beloved,

How a complete stranger will break into an off-key rendition of Jingle Bells while standing in line,

Smell of Christmas breakfast being cooked in my grandmother's kitchen,

Waking up early to my dad saying, "Mornin'! Merry Christmas!"

My sweet crumb's excitement over Rudolph's red nose,

The extra kisses stole underneath the mistletoe.

An increase in exchanged smiles and friendly chit-chat with most everyone you pass,

The true goodness of humanity.

Goodwill, magical cheer, joyful spirits, loving hearts, helping hands, family and friends ~

Traditions new and old, a wish of peace, and believing that dreams do come true.

Christmas, thank you for the visit ~ you always leave behind a blissful heart.

Love,

Mel

[Paris 2010 image by my wonderful friend Sherry]

That Moment ~

Do you ever wish you would have followed a particular dream?  

There are times I find myself thinking a lot about 'what if', and then I have to refocus and flood my mind with all the dreams I have followed and all those I plan to keep chasing. 

But still, a girl can't be denied that pleasurable wonder of what that moment must feel like right before taking center stage.

[Image by Erik Tomasson]