December 1 OLW blog hop: appreciating everyday blessings

OLWbloghop_LOGO_zps1135306cWelcome to December!!! Holy moly, that’s nuts.  I hope you’ve had a relaxing week.

Our assignment: use photos as a way to connect with your word this month by either going back through your own photos since we did something similar in April or taking new ones as a reflection of where you are with your word at this time of the year.

Stillness photos_Dec1blog

This time of year is another opportunity to practice gratitude and to check in with ourselves and see how we’ve progressed (or not) with our personal goals.  I think I’m much calmer than I was at this time last year, and part of the reason is my chosen word, stillness.  Far more frequently than ever before, I notice special moments and pause to appreciate them and really savor them.  I know more than ever how blessed I am to have such a positive mental perspective, a loving and giving family, an abundant home, and cherished people and experiences.

Stillness through nature: I filled our backyard with twinkle lights to bring joy throughout the year; driving home one evening recently, I noticed a very vocal meeting of these birds; this past week, my daughter and I took a walk through every pile of crunchy leaves we could find.

Appreciating everyday moments: I am grateful to have art supplies, a camera, and my computer, as well as time to share my thoughts and creativity here on the blog; On Thanksgiving morning, my sweet girl went outside to get this huge newspaper full of ads and as she was walking into the house with it, I remembered a photo we have of my little sister at age 2 doing the same thing; dinner done by 9am – what’s not to appreciate about that? My mom sent me the recipe so I enjoyed thinking of her and all the meals she has made for us as I prepared this one.

Noticing the blessings: This cat simply does not sit on laps.  Period.  When I picked him up and practically stopped breathing so he would stay with me, I could not believe how lucky I was and had to try to get a picture to remember such a rare moment; this fountain helps me tune in to the sound of water, which is something that calms me; those little hands lighting the Chanukah candles fill me with awe.  She is growing up all of a sudden and I can’t believe how mature she is sometimes.

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Be sure to visit these other participants to see what everyone is up to. You can see other posts about my OLW project here.

Lee: http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife/ (our amazing organizer!)

Cheri: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Margareta: http://www.paperpilekitten.com/

Naomi: http://www.poeticaperture.com/ <— You are here.

Missus Wookie: mrswookieswanderings.blogspot.com

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Come back on Wednesday to see what I’ve been reading this month!

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7 Responses to December 1 OLW blog hop: appreciating everyday blessings

  1. Tiffany says:

    This is a great idea to get more in touch with the special moments and take the time to actually enjoy them!
    Tiffany recently posted…I mustache you for a PR!My Profile

  2. Debbie says:

    I look forward to finding out what your new word will be for 2014. 🙂

  3. Cheri says:

    Your photo choices and little phrases are truly inspirational!
    Cheri recently posted…One Little Word Blog Hop – December EditionMy Profile

  4. Looks lovely – hope the dinner was good, I like my crockpot for the same reason. Dinner done by 9am :woot:

    Happy Hanukkah to you and yours 🙂
    Missus Wookie recently posted…OLW December Blog Hop (November’s Projects)My Profile

  5. Thanks for the check-in. I think you are doing a wonderful job with your word. I hope it’s rubbing off on me a little! I can’t believe it’s December either. Just SHOCKING!
    janet forrest recently posted…The Food/Love Connection – It’s Gotta GoMy Profile

  6. Gorgeous photos! It’s so relaxing just to look at them!
    Margareta Carlsson recently posted…One Little Word December Blog HopMy Profile

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