Anyone else notice the new trend of having New Year's "intentions" rather than resolutions?

I first read about this concept on Ali Edwards' blog, and I really like the idea. It definitely takes the pressure off. I've always liked the idea of resolutions, but knowing myself, I usually never made them because they'd most likely be New Year's Procrastinations.

(An aside: I was trying to find the entry in Ali's blog about this, but now I can't find it. Sorry folks!)

Anyways, as I was rambling along...

a few posts ago I was whining about the whole creative process and how I fit into it. And some of my goals. Namely, the insanity of trying to do something creative every day.

I like the idea of making that my intention. Not like some intense *thing* I have to *accomplish* or it becoming *who I am*... just something that I intend to do, to become more me.

As part of this process, I'm excited to say that I'm going to start an art journal this week. I'd been watching the chics over at Personal Velocity this fall, and I wanted to take part... but now I'm taking the time.

(Another aside: I'd love to take one of Shimelle's classes, but for now I'm going to satisfy myself with this free version.) :)

I've got the prompts all printed out, and I'm ready to go. Gonna use an old book- possibly "The Clue in the Diary" (an old Nancy Drew book I picked up at the thrift store). Can't wait!

It was good for so many reasons...

• a husband that is my best friend in the world- being able to share this time with him
• a little girl who was silly and is loving her new toys
• little moments here and there where I could see the reality of Christmas- the Savior and the joy He brings
  
• family & friends that blessed us with love & awesome food & gifts galore
• chilling out time after it was all over
  

My sweet husband, who knows his wife so well, also got me a very cool organizey thing for all my scrap stuff. I spent the better part of last night getting all my stuff "just so." Pictures to come soon. :)

I also got a TON of loot, and I feel majorly spoiled. Today it is very hard for me to focus on getting back into the swing of being a SAHM, because I just wanna play with all my new stuff.

One of the things that Shaun gave me is the book "Inkheart", which is incredible so far. I'm totally loving it, especially the fact that the main characters are all book affeciandos (is that spelled right?). It's very apposite for me. It's got a cool quote at the beginning of each chapter, most of which are about books or reading or just from a good story. Love it. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my favorite books.

Speaking of books, JK Rowling has updated her website, and it looks like she is beginning to write book #7 this week. Can you imagine that task? It must be sad for her... I think Harry has been an active part of her life for like, 15 years or something crazy like that. (I could be a *bit* off on the number of years, so don't quote me on that.) To finally close that chapter of her life (no pun intended) will be very hard indeed... although I'm sure her life will probably always have something Harry related in it.

Some little tidbits on her site (WARNING- while these aren't spoilers, these are rumors that she's refuted, so if you like to speculate and don't want to know, DON'T read any further!!) :

~Aunt Petunia will not perform magic (and hasn't ever).
~Lupin will not be killed by Wormtail's silver hand.

There are several other little juicy tidbits on there, but I'll leave those discoveries to your own wanderings.

Need to go get some stuff done while the little one naps... either that, or delve back into "Inkheart."

I am still thinking about entering the HoF. I don't know, some days I am so discouraged about it. I have no actual hopes of winning or getting an honorable mention, but I know it's a good challenge for me. A way to stretch myself. Conform myself to some deadlines and assignments.

It's just that I feel like I'm not disciplined enough. Not creative enough.

Discipline:

I've been reading a lot of stuff lately by people who have been pubbed, or are on design teams, and what has stuck out at me is how much these people create. I mean, sure, my brain is always bubbling over with ideas, but I rarely make the time to sit down and create.

So I think, for 2006, (and I already know this is crazy and won't be accomplished, but heck, a girl's gotta try, right?) I am going to try to create for some amount of time. Every Day.

The more practice, the more defined my style gets. Which is what I need.

Creativity:

I know that everyone is their own worst critic, and I have lovely people like my Grams who cheer me on, but I feel like my stuff isn't different or creative or whatever enough. Isn't great enough to really inspire others.

But I also keep hearing: "they" are always looking for new faces, new takes on old ideas, etc.

Maybe I'll be able to give them something a little different.

I guess another thing is realizing my goals. I don't want to be the next Heidi Swapp or Elsie Flannigan (although, heck- if I could look like them, or have an eense of their creativity, I wouldn't mind it!) ; ) I don't want to be "famous" or have my name be the talk of the message boards.

I think I just want my work recognized, in some small way... validating me. Yep. Isn't that kind of sad?

I also want the free goodies that come with the deal. ;) Heh heh

I think really, what I'd really like, is a gig with a small design team. Nothing prestigious, just something to support my habit.



Well, that's all been in my mind lately... just needed to ramble for a while. Sorry for all the self-absorbedness (whoa is that even a word?)


Speaking of words-

check out dictionary.com
and their "Word of the Day."

It's pretty fun. I subscribed to their email service so I get a new word to add to my vocabulary each day. Shaun and I like to sneakily insert it into conversation with each other to see if the other one notices.

Yep. We really are that nerdy.

We went to the doctor this week to have my ultrasound.
So very exciting!

We discovered that we are having a son!!!!

I have to say, I wasn't 100% shocked by this news. Almost everyone we know kept telling us it was a boy. I kind of had a gut feeling it was a boy- but I always second-guess myself with this kind of stuff too.

Anyways, needless to say, we are so happy and can't wait to welcome him into this world.

It's weird... writing the words "my son." Just like when we found out that we were having a girl, I keep trying out the words. It's so amazing- it really is a miracle.

I've started feeling him kick around some this week. I love that feeling. The little "Hey! Mom! I'm in here!" kicks.

I can't wait to meet you, Atticus.

(We are naming him Atticus, after Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird.")

So I'm a little insane and decided to do a Christmas Cookie Exchange party at my house this Thursday night.

Like we really needed one more thing to do, right?

I'm really excited about it, actually. A fun time to get together with girlfriends, eat yummy food, listen to Christmas music...

I'm making Orange Spice Cookies with Orange Glaze and Rudolf Cookies. I have to say, although the Orange Spice cookies were very yummy, the Rudolf cookies are my faves- just look at how darn cute they are!

I have lots more to blog about, but I just wanted to post these little yummies before I forget. More blogging to come tonight. :)

Ciao!