Catching Up

I just haven't had time to post.  Ever feel that way? I have been trying to keep up reading most of my favorite blogging friends but to actually write a post...haven't found the time.  So grab a cup of coffee/tea as this might just be a long one.  

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary of my very first post.  I haven't reached 100 posts yet, but I may put together a giveaway.  Check back to find out.  

In the meantime...first up...a surprise in the mail from Gran over at Knot-y Embroidery Lady.  What a wonderful Christmas gift!  Thanks Gran!

Here are some pictures of projects finished and just getting around to showing you.

I finished the fishing game [I showed previously here] with a little drawstring bag I made to keep everything together.  

And this cute necklace that I made for my daughters [only showing one].  The pattern was from here.  

Next up, over at Charming Chatter, the Charming Girl's Quilt Club new theme.  

We are to pick a word for the year.  As Kelly explains, "We're choosing a word the identifies what we'd like to see more of in our lives in 2011 - what we want to cultivate in our lives!  It's a word to reflect on throughout the year - and to help us "live our best life" as Oprah would say!"

I have been having a bit of trouble coming up with MY WORD! The first 2 words I wrote down were savor and perspective. I love the word savor but Polly is using that word.  Perspective just didn't feel right.  A couple more I tried on were contented and delight.  Both good words but not the right word.  So I waited for my word to come.  And it will be...

Joy is defined as

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.

3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

4. a state of happiness or felicity.

It's not like I haven't had joy in my life but I really want to find the joy in every situation...even the hard ones...to look for the good.

I want to find joy in moments spent with my family and friends. 

This year we will celebrate the wedding of the first of our daughters to get married.  Although planning a wedding can be stressful, I want to enjoy the process, enjoy the day, and enjoy welcoming a son into our family.  

I want to find joy in quilting/sewing/creating and not feel guilty or pressured into getting this done or trying this or that.  If I want to try something, great!  There is so much inspiration that I can guilt myself into trying/doing everything. I refuse to let that happen.  I want to stitch with joy!  I joined! 

And finally, I want to find joy in rest/relaxation.  Rest is Kelly's word and I love what she has to say about it.  She defines it as a calmness of spirit, a peacefulness soul that pervades all that I say and do!  

I have a hard time not always moving and doing, keeping my hands busy. There is always so much to do/accomplish!  I need to give myself permission to just relax. 

To find joy in resting.   

So there it...

I'll leave you with some pictures of a joyful winter time, spent with friends and family!

And a little saying I found [don't remember where]...

Create Joy and Satisfaction - Feeling good is good for you, so have a laugh, find a hobby or just kick back.

If you want to read other Charming Girl's Words check here.