New Year's Resolutions

2012! Another year...... more resolutions. I will be a better daughter.  I will be a better mother.  I will be a better grandmother.  I will be a better friend. I will exercise more and eat less and healthier. I will spend less money.  I will finish my projects.  I will read more.  I will hold my temper. I will keep my house cleaner.  I will walk Cooper more.  I will cherish each day.  I will, I will, I will.  Too many to think about. I can't do them all.  Cooper cocks his head to the side and wags his tail.  I know, I know Cooper.....don't smile at me.  Too much, too much. I've got a couple of days yet. Let me prioritize.  I know Cooper.....don't laugh out loud.  Maybe I'll eliminate some of the items on my list  and I won't feel so much pressure.... I know Cooper.....don't hide your face.  Oh the pressure.  Maybe just one resolution.  That's it, I'll just make one and then when I finish that one, I will feel a sense of accomplishment.  What do you think of that idea Cooper? Cooper!!!  Cooper where are you?  I think Cooper has left the building!

Cooper Conundrum #12

"If I get in Mom's chair with her and keep scooting over, will she finally get up and and let me have it all to myself?"    Cooper Carter 12/29/11

"Wistful" Thinking

As I stated in my profile, I do a lot of wishful thinking. Lately it has been more like "wistful" thinking.  In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I find myself thinking about warmer weather and calmer times.   I love the actual celebrations.....it's just the getting ready that's getting harder.  A vet told my friend recently that dogs have no concept of time. She said that "two hours is like five minutes to them."  I asked Cooper if that was true and as usual he just cocked his head to the side and stared at me, wagging his tail, wanting so desperately to answer my question.  He revels in the moment, not caring what is ahead or gone before.  It occurred to me, that there is a lesson in that.  Cherish each moment that God has given you as if it is your last.  Treat your loved ones each day as if it will be the last time you see them.  Get your spiritual life in order as if it is your last day on earth. These are the good times, even if there are ups and downs.  They will never come again! Don't "wist" them away.

Cooper Conundrum #11

"If I lay here very still and close my eyes real tight, will Mom think I'm still asleep and not make me get up and go outside? Uh Oh........too late!"  Cooper Carter 12/18/11

Forget Me Nots

Well the hectic Christmas season is moving fast.  Stores are crowded with increasingly grumpier people. (I'm one of them this year)  I'm trying to keep upbeat, but the pressure to get all the presents bought, wrapped and under the tree gets harder with every passing day. Then there are the forget me nots.  These are the traditions each family has developed throughout their lives together.  As we grow and evolve, some traditions have to change too.  Sad, but necessary, as much as we'd like, it is not possible for things to stay the same. We can remember Christmas pasts, however, and the memories fondly recalled of loved ones that life has chosen to take away from us. Know that they are watching over us and whispering in our ears, along with the Real Reason for the Season, JESUS, all of them saying softly......"Forget Me Not".

My Christmas Card

"One of my fondest memories growing up was receiving that first Christmas card in the mail.  It heralded the beginning of a wonderful and festive season and I looked forward to it with great anticipation.  Everyone sent them, not just friends that lived a great distance, but even neighbors that were right next door.  An unsaid message accompanied these gifts in an envelope. " You are thought of and loved, especially this time of year, even if we haven't been in touch lately."  It gave me reason to pause and reflect on the blessing of friends both old and new.  So here's to you my dear friends.  Have a blessed Christmas season!  You are thought of and loved!

Too Much Time

Ok, when you see this project, your first reaction will be... too much time on her hands.......really?  The truth is I was inspired by a dear friend after I saw the results of her beautiful pantry makeover.  My house is open concept and my kitchen and pantry are in plain view of the living area.  I have always tried to keep the storage area neat, but never really considered "decorating" it.  I must say, I am pleased with the result.  All I really did was hang some pictures on the bare white wall and do a little organization. My friend did a lot more work on hers and it is much more elaborate and beautiful than mine, but I have to say, when I open the door to my new look, it makes me smile!

Cooper Patrol

My Cooper has once again earned his keep.  When he is on patrol I never have to worry about those dreaded newspaper ads!

Cooper Conundrum #10

"If I sit like a sphynx with my big paw on Mom's arm, will she get off that dang computer?"
                                            Cooper Carter 12/2/11

Old and Rusty but Not Useless

While going through some boxes in my garage, I found these two rusty iron locks.  I started to throw  them away. After all, they were both frozen, one permanently open, the other permanently shut.  Even if I could budge them, I didn't  have the keys.  Useless, I muttered, and  in the trash they went.  A thought brought me back.  What if God discarded us when we got old and rusted.  When our joints quit working properly, He could just put us in that trash pile, but God doesn't work that way.  When others think we are useless, God knows we are beautiful works of art. I retrieved  those rusty locks from the garbage to bring enjoyment to another day!