2016 : Quality

I've noticed several blog mavens (Natalie Creates and Emily McDowell among others) instead of doing resolutions for the new year are attributing an inspirational word to 2016. While I first thought this was a little too new age-y, I've come around to the idea. 

For 2016 I'm adopting the word Quality. 

For me, this is in terms of time spent and goods purchased. So, more intentional time, being more present in the task at hand, and generating an output that I can be proud of, both personally and professionally. I really want to try to not multi-task if "being with my children" is one of those tasks. And, in terms of goods purchased, I want to try to better avoid the disposable culture, surrounding myself with quality items that I purposefully choose to have in my life, in my house, on my plate.

Perhaps more broad than typical resolutions, prescribing a word to the year is also more universal. I hope to apply this to most situations where I need to make a deliberate choice. Here's to the best in 2016.

Donut Party

This past week my son turned 4. He asked for a party with a couple of his friends from school, doughnuts, and dragons. Clearly a young savant in terms of understanding "concept", these are definitely good criteria to build from.  

On Saturday we invited a couple close family friends and three schoolmates to a "Dragons Love Donuts" brunch party. Loosely based on the book "Dragons Love Tacos", the party was about an over abundance of baked goods. 

Usually party games are not my forte, but we did an activity that turned out well. Purchasing several rolls of thin washi tape and these donut balloons from Amazon, the kids decorated their doughnuts with sprinkles. Turned out to be a hit, as they then bounced the balloons all over the living room. 

Even though it was a breakfast party, we still had cake, per request of the birthday boy. I made a chocolate cake and added doughnut sprinkles, which were actually decorated Cheerios. It wasn't as laborious as I thought, and a few went a long way. 

Pure joy on the face of this birthday boy.

The best part of a doughnut party? It's over before lunch and you can get on with your day. (And, of course, the leftovers!) 

Dragon decorations available on Amazon.

I found some inspiration via Pinterest - see the board I put together for details. And see all the party pictures here.  

Traditions 2015

Last year I began a tradition of having those at my thanksgiving table make a formal list of what they are thankful for. This activity creates a platform to talk about the meaning of the holiday, and provides a written record of those in attendance. And showing gratitude is good for both society and the soul. 

This time, Søren could write his own list. It's truly been a great year.  

Perpetual

In November I try to slow down a little and be more grateful. Being in a perpetual state of Thanksgiving sounds arduous to start, but rewarding to succeed.  

I recently read a New Yorker article about Thoreau's Walden which reframed my context of it. Sounds like Thoreau might have wished his ideals more than he acted upon them. But his sentiments are none-the-less still ponderable.  

Octobers

I'm not a big fan of Halloween (Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday), but I'm completely in love with October.  

Anniversary

Today is my 8th wedding anniversary. To date, it is still one of the best decisions I've ever made (and the best party I've ever thrown).

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

I'm a pretty big fan of new beginnings, clear outlooks, endless possibility. Which means I really like the arrival of fall, with all of its promise and opportunity. (Wool sweaters, new school supplies, apple cider, and pumpkin patches aren't bad either.)

And as the leaves fall, autumn is a beautiful lesson in letting go.  

Harriet Tubman

In September of 1849, Harriet Tubman escapes to freedom. In September of 2015, the first black woman to receive an Emmy for best leading actress quotes her in acceptance speech. #harriettubman lives on. 

Do better.

Some Monday truth from Maya Angelou.  

Morning flight.

Headed out early this morning. Back tomorrow.  

Art

Enjoying some time at the drawing table with my son on a Saturday afternoon. 

Quote by Pablo Picasso.  

Before I Sleep.

Sometimes, when I don't get any sleep from staying up with an adorable and helpless baby, I recite this poem to myself. It's been one of my favorites since I learned it in high school at Cross Country running camp, from an English teacher coach. It applies to so many life scenarios, and contains such familiar imagery. Amazing that Frost wrote it in minutes after spending a long winter's night toiling over another (much less remembered) poem.

Whose woods these are I think I know.   
His house is in the village though;   
He will not see me stopping here   
To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   
To stop without a farmhouse near   
Between the woods and frozen lake   
The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   
To ask if there is some mistake.   
The only other sound’s the sweep   
Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   
But I have promises to keep,   
And miles to go before I sleep,   
And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”