Family Fridays~Early Morning Sunrise*

Standing in front of the french doors, looking across the deck through the bare forest trees over to a distant hill…I see the sun rise this morning. *

At first a beautiful rosy glow crosses the eastern sky, changing to a paler warm orange…

Until the light disperses the color, and the sun finally peeks over the horizon.

DSC02041PeekingOverTheHorizon

Thinking about the arrival of 2013, I assess the joys and challenges of this past year.

This reflection provides reminders…,

a possible change in perspective…

a sense of renewal…

And, taking a breath,

I decide I can slowly begin moving forward with courage…

peeking over the horizon into the New Year

*Do you have a sense of newness as the New Year begins?–For your life, family,or creative pursuits?

Family Fridays~Finding Balance For the Holidays

As the holiday season has arrived, the schedule of parties, events, and celebrations are being finalized.  It can be a challenge for individuals, and those of us with families, to achieve a balance.

DSC02005ChristmasWreath60sStyle

We have to decide which activities give us a sense of enjoyment, peace, and happiness, and which demands and expectations only result in high stress and discouragement. Individuals and families can choose to follow past traditions to celebrate the joys of Christmas, or decide they need to create new ones!

Many grandparents and their adult children may face this challenge of finding a balance in expectations and plans for the holidays. Family situations are varied and change overtime. For example, some families live year-round together in the same town or general locale, while other families with grandchildren may live a long-distance away. I believe this article about family changes at About.com Grandparents discusses this topic well.

Christmas is a time of the year that most of us have many memories connected to our families and friends. Because of these memories, we may hold on to certain traditions and practices. But, as time goes by things change over our lifetimes…We can honor the good memories of the past by remembering and creating new joyful times for our present holidays.

Regardless of the schedule, may we all find a way to choose a balanced way to celebrate the holidays…and life…, which gives us a sense of renewal, peace, hope, and joy. Adding to our future…good memories of the past.

 ***Happy Holidays! *** 🙂

Autumn, Oh the Colors of Life!

To me Autumn means new color!

Actually, a change of the the colors of life–the bright, vivid summer greens, yellows, and blues give way to twinges of burnt oranges, rusty reds, and tawny yellowsThe air becomes crisper, cooler…the daylight has a noticeably different look to it. I am reminded that nothing in life ever really stays stagnant, but continually changes, either quickly or very slowly–but, surely!

In the studio, today I am quilting the Lifeweavings #3 piece. The loose fabric strips have been a challenge to hold in place, even with many pins. A better method may have been to use a fusible batting and iron the two layers–the woven top and batting–together before stitching.

Progress is also being made on the yellow flower. Here it is on the design wall as I fill in the design.

Pinning the pieces in place has worked the best for this, though I am undecided whether to piece a background for it or to add the background pieces around the centered flower?…do I turn the edges or leave them raw edge?…making these choices along the way is all part of the design process.

I am slowly creating new art in the studio…                                                                                                                Just as Autumn is slowly changing the colors @ us and life moves on into a new season…