This and That

It's been a while since I've blogged.  The vacation was unintentional, but actually very nice and much needed, all the same.  Over the holidays, I pretty much did everything possible to avoid touching the computer; choosing to read, play with my Girl, enjoy the outdoors, spend time with loved ones, work on my condo and make progress on the various creative projects I have going on instead.  I used my camera quite a bit, but getting words or photos up on the blog just didn't make the cut of where my time went.

I'm completely fine with this.

Still, since it's been a few weeks and it's a new year and all, I thought a little 'update/where my head is at post' might be just the thing for tonight.


-- One of the projects I am committing to this year is to take at least one 'good' photo a day. I use the quotations because I imagine my idea of 'good' is vastly different that others' ideas.  But my version is what matters here, so I guess we'll see where that takes me.  I take a lot of photos, but often a lot of the same thing or the same event.  I'm interested to see what I find to photograph in my everyday, not-so-exciting-but-lovely-nonetheless life. I'm not sure yet if or where or how I'll post them.  hmmmmm.....

--I had the chance to snuggle lots of babies over the holidays, and there is just something in my heart that slides right into place when I get to hold and play with a little one.  This photo is one of the newest babes (and right in my neighborhood, too!)  Miss Fern Noir (isn't that a beautiful name?)  I had the honor of snuggling her when she was only a few hours old, and it was such a healing, soothing, heartwarming experience.  There is something magical about a child that fresh from heaven.

--I bought several little new plants (mostly succulents- I love them!) for my home (a couple are shown above.)  I used to think I had a black thumb, but so far, all my plants are doing ok.  I love having them around -- cleaner air and a nice little reminder of life and growth. 

--My big project right now is going through all my digital photos, deleting ones I don't want, editing any that need it, and backing them up.  It's a monster undertaking, but I'm trying not to think about it and only do a small chunk at a time.  It might take me a few months, at this rate, but it's important to me and I want to do a good job.

--We've had seriously bizarre weather this winter so far - no snow, temps in the 40's and 50's - and while my snowshoes and skis are a bit lonely, I've enjoyed the sun and the chance to be outside a lot.  I've done some hiking, lots of walking and was able to enjoy a few kick-ass trail runs this week.  I won't complain when it does snow, but I can't say I'm sorry it hasn't yet.


--I'm trying to come up with an oatmeal pumpkin breakfast cookie/bar recipe that isn't too sweet and is  healthy.  I'm really working to try to bake most of our baked goods and get rid of as much processed food as possible from our diet, but I really am struggling with this for breakfast.  I hate to eat first thing in the morning -- takes me a couple of hours to even think about it, so I need something portable.  Fruit is great,  but sometimes I need something a bit more substantial but that can sit in my bag until I get to it.  I don't know how it will go...first experiment is tomorrow.  If you have any great ideas, send em my way!

 That's about it for tonight.  I'll be around more this weekend to tell you about my word of the year.  Until the, Happy Friday!