Living In the Moment

Yesterday was My Birthday ...  So it has me thinking about numbers ...  So I thought I would write a fun list ...  # 1 - Number of rings I own that belong to my Grandmother # 2 - Number of Cameras I Own  #3 - Number of Nephews I Have # 4 - Number of wisdom teeth removed # 5 - Number of Carribean Islands I have visited # 6 - Number of pets owned  #7 - Number of houses I have lived in  #10 - Number of blocks I used to walk to work   # 22 - My Lucky Number   #26 - The date that my Grandmother & Mother-in-Law were both born on  #29 - My parents lucky number #30 - The year I finally felt like an adult #40 - Number of addresses on my Christmas Card List  & #45 - The year I hope I am older & wiser!

This past weekend was spent in Woodstock, NH in a beautiful rustic inn with my Mom. We were celebrating my 45th Birthday. I was asked if I wanted a gift, or a getaway ~ Realizing how precious time is, I chose the getaway!  We had a wonderful time eating, shopping, going up to the top of Loon Mountain, and taking our time heading home.  The pictures above are only some highlights of the weekend, but they come with memories that I will cherish.  I have two wonderful parents to thank for this amazing weekend & I look forward to making more memories in the near future!  Love You, Mom & Dad Xo 

Living in New England my entire life, you would think I would be used to snow. I love looking at it from indoors, just not driving in it. I do have a four wheel drive, so you would also think I would be fine with it, but each Winter brings on some anxiety. I took this photo in my kitchen window during our last snowstorm. The visibility was just as you see it, and I wanted to see how this would look. As I am sure you have figured out by now, I love playing with photography ...It brings me great joy! What anxiety are you trying to let go of in the New Year?

Another Year is Behind Us ...  If I look over this past year ... I ...  Worked at a few new companies  Made some great new friends  Expanded my writing, poetry and photography  Learned so much about family and myself  Was invited to be on a talk radio show reading my original poetry  Took a few wonderful online creative courses  Grateful for a few local getaways  Enjoyed a reunion with my first cousins   Created some new memories Celebrated my Mom's 70th Birthday All Together in Maine and  Experienced Our Deepest Loss All of these events have made me more mindful of what really matters ...  I have acquired a better understanding of "Letting Go" & "Acceptance" ...  Wishing my Family & Friends All the Best In the New Year! 

  Looking Forward to 2014: As many of you know, 2013 was the saddest year for my family losing a Husband, Father, Son and Brother. Doug will remain in our hearts each day and will never be forgotten. Looking back on 2013, I learned a lot about myself. My Family. My True Friends. How I want to spend more time with them in the New Year. Start some new traditions. Do more. Life is short. It is meant to be lived. I hope to capture intriguing photographs, write about unique things, meet new people, try something adventurous, be fearless and above all find the good in each day! What are you looking for in the upcoming year?

To My Family & Friends,  Wishing All of You a Very Merry Christmas!  Joy ~ Love ~ Peace