A New Day, A New Year!

Happy New Year!  We all say it over and over, but what does it mean?  Is it like Happy Birthday, referring to a day? Or like have a great year? Should I wait and see if it will be a happy year? What if sad things happen? Can I still have a happy year?

In my younger years, I went with the flow-observing where I was going, but not sure if I influenced the flow too much. When I began practicing Buddhism and discovered the idea of cause and effect, I started to realize that I made my own flow by the causes I made. I became a person who decided to do something, then actually DID it.  I eventually realized how that thinking puts me in the "driver's seat" of my own life. I'm writing the script, I can make it be what I want.

The next thing was to want something. I had to work my way out of complacency into a person who makes goals. It took me weeks to start writing down what I wanted, then I turned it into an art project I call a tag journal.

First I altered 5 tags with two different scrapbook papers. On the tops of one I wrote I AM:,  on the next one- I LOVE:, then continued with I DREAM OF:, I WANT: and I NEED:. I had a nice fine-point marker, so it was fun to start the word association on I AM. I am cool, music lover, artistic, gray haired, etc. You get the picture! I took me a few days to complete the tags, as I really opened my mind and started a dialog with myself. By the time I got to the I Need tag, I knew what my goals were.

Next, I made a large tag out of chipboard and altered it with nice scrapbook papers. (it is about 10" by 18") I put a picture of me on it and some pertinent quotes and journaling. I made two rows of pockets to put my tags in, so the tops show. I hang that one on the wall. It has accumulated a few other tags over the years.

Finally, I altered a small Tag Journal with the same papers as the large tag, and filled it with meaningful quotes and pictures of me. Many old ones (when I was cute) and newer ones, even though I didn't like my looks. I stamped and wrote on the front. I made a pocket at the back for my tags to reside and hung fibers from the tag holes. This is the portable version!


I did that project 5 years ago, and in those years, I have accomplished many of those goals. When I slip back into complacency, which is apt to happen in the dark of winter or when sad things happen, I look back at my tag journal and refresh my goals. I never want to forget what I can accomplish if I set my mind to it. My art has progressed a lot in 5 years, and I know I will continue to advance. So Happy New Year to me means--Create a happy life! 

Winter Blanket

Today ushered in the first real snowstorm in our area, blanketing us with 8-12 inches of wet white stuff. I already miss color! I know people miss the light in the winter, but for me it is color. I need to surround myself with lots of color to keep a positive spin throughout the black and white season. I have purple sofa & loveseat, light green walls and lots of turquoise in the living room. My kitchen is red, yellow and white, retro style. I have always loved to wear bright colors, they make me happier!

What's it all about if we don't strive for happiness? I started really striving for it, not waiting for it, 5 years ago when my Dad died. After heart surgery and many strokes, he lost the struggle, and I began mine. I realized that I wanted to live better and healthier, so his issues would not be mine. I got off antidepressants, had lap band surgery, lost weight, adjusted my diet to a more healthy one. My Buddhist practice really helped! I guess I needed to get inside and really examine myself, to find out what makes me happy. I know I'm the one who controls my mind-nobody else can do it for me. So I started with small things--the light bright green walls, purchasing music I love, getting my brows waxed~it all contributes to a better life condition!

So, as the snow turns to rain and makes our white blanket a soggy mass, I will turn up the music and neaten up the red, yellow and white kitchen before tucking into a good book (this one about pioneer women). Stay Warm! Sherry