Be prepared for a random entry, I realized chances of fitting a post in before months end (as I promised myself) was getting slimmer so I am filling the page with weekend musings. (Wish I had photos for all that I did – there would be a lot less reading for you)…
First and foremost is the securing of the most enormous Christmas tree. Okay, its not the State tree huge, but it fills the space and the fresh pine holiday scent – oh so cozy. We did not take the time to decorate yet and so it’s a shot of green life in the space we’re bonding with. (I know, this entry does so scream out for visuals… maybe later.) Anyway, Thanksgiving and the weekend left-overs filled us with holiday spirit and bringing the tree home welcomes in Christmas.
Much goings on with family and holiday prep. Thad traveled to Ford Field to watch his Lowell Football team capture the State Championship…(..and more great visuals.) A happy day, Lowell Wins, Lowell Wins!
It all ends with Sunday devoted to creating a web site from scratch…a few bumps along the way but mostly energetic and inspiring. I am so grateful for All that Is. The end of the night was an injection of tv that was actually time worthy, the HBO 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert. Inspiring to see so many great musicians sharing a stage – can’t imagine the energy at the Madison Square Garden that night.It was heartwarming to see Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby and Nash, harmonize on stage. Stevie Wonder, touched with emotion while performing a Michael Jackson tune. The passion and the love for music radiated from many of my very favorite story-telling songwriters – who can rock out.
I enjoyed the flashbacks and wondered, who are the story-telling song writers like Sting, Bruce, Petty and Fogerty during these times? The ones who can also rock a bit? (…hmmm, maybe next time I should add some audio…).

This was just too good not to share. Thank you Charmaine for sending it my way!

In response to a video contest this video was submitted by a 20 year old. The contest for young people was titled “u@50”. This video won second place – it will be interesting to see the first place winner. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. It is simple and brilliant. Take a minute and watch it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA

Each year end I look forward to setting a time to reflect on the previous 12 months. Along with reflection I also use this period to do some forecasting and set goals personally and professionally. If you can snag a bit of time by yourself during the holiday season for this practice I guarantee you will reap some powerful insights. If you are not good at writing things down or journaling, try a dream board to identify some goals you are seeking. A dream board is a great visual reminder to drive your actions throughout the year. Check WikiHow if you are not familiar with dream boards.

To help you on the year end reflections I have included some questions from a coaching professional below to get you started. Cheryl Richardson is a life coach who has helped bring coaching into the mainstream. Her guidance and best selling books resonate with wisdom, courage and gut-wrenching truths we must all embrace to truly become the people we want to be. Below are some questions from her Life Makeover book and community to help you as you reflect on the past year.

Reflect on the year by answering the following questions:

1. What hidden part of you have you awakened this year?
2. What positive changes have you made to your home or office?
3. Are you getting your creative needs met? How?
4. What changes have you made to better honor your integrity?
5. Have you added any small pleasures to your life? If so, what are they?
6. Have you forgiven yourself for something you did that’s been bugging you?
7. How have you taken better care of your body, your mind, or your heart?
8. How have you been a better partner, spouse, friend, or co-worker?
9. What have you done to help others improve the quality of their lives?
10. Are you letting things be easy?

During this season of giving it is easy to get caught up in materialism. New home decor, sparkling jewelry and gadgets galore fill the gift lists of all ages. Thanksgiving allows a time to reflect on the blessings we have and express our gratitude. Our families, our health, our jobs come to mind and we are grateful. Most of us have our basic needs met and I think some of us take them for granted. We know there are people in other countries who do not have the luxury of the basic necessities of life and people in our own country who do without some of the “extras”, the proms dresses, ipods, and fancy cars. So we give to the third world nations and maybe pick an ornament off of the local Angel Tree and feel good about giving back. There are a lot of good causes we can all support with money, resources, talents. If you are looking for one close to home, in the U.S., for people who are without the basic necessities we may take for granted, consider the families of Hale County, Alabama. View the link below to get more specifics. It is amazing to me how so many here in the United States, the richest country in the world, live without water. Buy a meter yourself or get a group together.

“Our dreams carry with them the energy for their achievement; our fears carry with them the energy of our defeat.”

Animal lovers, this is pretty simple… Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free fooddonated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on the purple box “fund food for animals” for free. This doesn’t cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donatefood to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here’s the web site! Pass it along to people you know.http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com

“At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.” – MLK

In this month of love I want to pass along a link to an article in the January, 2008 issue of Healing Garden Journal. Visit the link below to enjoy Martin Luther King Jr