Day 7

....On my 30 day clutter reducing challenge.

Here's my thought for the day:

He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.

(Raymond Hull)

Part of my de-cluttering, body detoxing etc is also linked to how I manage my time and relationships. Let's face it I can't do it all, have it all or be all things to all people. Right? I aim to please but have come to realize that I simply cannot, nor should I, aim to please everyone at all times. Talk about energy draining.

So in my focusing I'm adding what I do with my time and how I enjoy my friendships etc. Not always an easy task. Saying NO has never been my strong suit. I am learning.

Today I am going through my planner and trimming what I really cannot logically do or manage.

How about you? Are there areas in your life where learning to say no would be a blessing? If you've been able to do this in your life, please share how you arrived at that point. I'm still learning.

Sending warm sunshine and love,
Doll

Day 6

Well, if you check the date it's really day 7 but since I'm still up and having totally closed out day 6 yet then that's where I'll stay for now.

Today I took a couple of really nice sweaters out of my closet and put aside as they are no longer part of my wardrobe. Going through clothes is relatively easy for me. I tend not to buy much and if I don't wear it in a couple of years it's out the door. Part of that comes from moving around a lot and not wanting to pack and unpack and repack. I'm sure you get the drift.

Any how...not sure what my number of objects is as yet. Perhaps I'll count tomorrow. lol

My household detox is alive and well. A wee bit each day...that's all I need to do.

Well, the pillow is calling my name and I'm ready.

til again,
Doll

Day 5

As I've been moving through my house I realize that one of the things that I need to do is use the stuff I have! That meant moving my exercise bike out of the basement...way too dark and gloomy down there and put it in the major activity area of my home. Now really, how can anyone walk by something this big in the way, in the middle of the room and not get on it? At least that's my plan. If this monster of a piece of equipment doesn't get used these 30 days it too will find itself out the door!!! So, my plan is to come up with a name for it, other than Monster!

Ideas anyone?

Here's a contest for you: Name my exercise bike!

The winner will receive.....??? Gotta think about that for a wee bit but I'm sure I can come up with something fun.

For now...off to find something yummy for a late lunch.

til again,
Doll

Day 3

Day 3 of my spring challenge! Today I have a bag of bed linens put aside to give away. I've had them for 1.5 years and it's time they were used. Why do I need them taking up space in my closet when I don't need them?? Right? So, off they go!

This is going to be an interesting journey taking me through my home and my memories! I'll share as I go!

hugs
Doll

New challenge???

Ok, so the whole posting each day hasn't happened, yet!

So far:

1 mid sized crock pot
1 small computer desk

These two items are slated for a yard sale in May!

The only purchases were for a few items to hand out as gifts at my Green Smoothie Party tonight. So much fun. More about the event tomorrow.

For now I'm off to find my pillow and gear up my head for a great retreat day tomorrow with the Goulbourn Jubilee Singers!

hugs and love
Doll

New challenge

I face many challenges throughout the course of my week; my day and now have taken on something new.

I'm going to do a 30 day detox of my stuff! What this means for me:

1. each day for the next 30 days I'm going to recycle or free-cycle something in my house.

2. there will be no purchases other than necessities for the next 30 days

3. I will post each day as to how my day went.

Parts of this look really easy...at least on the surface. Let's see if by day 15 I still feel this way.

When Nick and I moved here from AK we had all our precious things in the back of the Mazda Pick up. In it was "everything we needed" and "nothing that we didn't". Simple? On the surface yes.

We have been very fortunate to have been able to furnish our rented home with gifts from many friends (both new and used). Now we have to face the fact that if we needed to move in a hurry that we have way too much STUFF to pack! Here's my thought: why wait until there is necessity before we clean out our clutter? There is no reason at all.

Perhaps with a clutter free home my mind will release some of it's own clutter.

Care to join me? Please leave a comment if you wish to jump on board. I think it's going to be a grand 30 day ride!!! I wonder just how many people we can have all taking on this challenge??

til again,
Doll

Do you believe it?!

Happy St. Pat's Day

I love spring. I can hardly believe how wonderful the weather is. Warmer temps and bright sunshine are making me feel light and springy! Can you believe that we made it through the long winter?? Reading the temps in Fairbanks today at -25F goodness that's cold. Another month and they'll be feeling springy too!!!

The robins are singing up a storm here and our friendly pileated woodpecker has been back and has carved some new holes into one of the trees on our front lawn. Heard the sound again this morning as he/she calls out!

Heading out the door here shortly. I'm on a mission to get some fresh potting soil to get my new batch of wheat grass growing.

I pulled some heads off the winter-over marigolds and some seeds off the morning glories on the pool fence. Going to check them in the next week or so and see if they'll sprout indoors. If so then I won't need to buy more seed this spring. The morning glories completely covered the fence where we planted them giving us great privacy so the plan is to continue with more of the fence this year. The front half will have beautiful morning glories and the back fence will have the pole beans that did so well there last year. Isn't it great to be planning the summer garden.

I'm anxiously waiting for the first of the dandelions to pop through the lawn. Crazy? Well maybe just a bit but fresh foraged greens like that in my salad or smoothie is wonderful!

Enjoyed my green smoothie this morning and will have a great salad here in a bit. Also, managed my walk this morning! That's 2 days in a row!! Go me!

Off to Canadian Tire to get my planting supplies!

Enjoy this great day. Lift a grew brew for me! Dance a jig or two!!

We're all Irish on a day like this!!

Til again!

Green Smoothie Blog

I've just posted here I'm one of the regular posters for one of my favorite drinks. Check it out!

Are you green this week?

hugs
Doll

Waiting for Spring!

I think it's here. Well, at least it's trying. We woke this morning to a loud call outside. Nick thought at first it was a flicker but when I looked there it was larger than life: a pileated woodpecker. We saw one around here last spring and I am thrilled to see it return. Not sure he stays around here. Long enough to put huge holes in the trees on the front lawn though.lol Not sure it's a male either since I haven't done the research to see what the difference is between them.

Did I have my camera ready or nearby? Not likely. Perhaps next time.

This picture was taken yesterday afternoon. That's ice in the pool and hopefully in another month it will all be gone. Can't push the season too fast that's for sure.

On the green journey: full jug of green smoothie today. Recipe:

3 bananas, 5 strawberries, 4 handfuls of baby spinach and 1 stalk of celery. This was brunch as I generally don't eat anything Sunday morning.

For Monday: another smoothie,
great big, huge salad
slaw
nice long walk

Going to enjoy the weather as it's shaping up to be a wonderful week!

Til again,
Doll

Getting better

Starting to feel more like myself! and boy do I like it so much better.

I'm heading out soon to do some teaching and some writing..(have a song to finish tonight).

Wishing all a great day/evening.

Sending blessings....

til again
Doll

Too busy to be sick!

I really dislike having the flu. I'm working at changing my attitude about it by accepting that my body needs to heal something and relax. No guilt. Just me, taking care of me.

There are times that no amount of positive thinking is going to make me feel better at this given moment. What will make me feel better is to release the guilt and let nature take it's course.

This is the second bad bug I've come down with this season. Not great but better than some years.

Ok...so I will relax, curl up with my knitting and just be. At least for another day or so.

Perhaps a nice fruity smoothie is on my horizon!?


hugs,
til again...when I know I will be all back to my lovable self!
Doll

Blog fun!

Or not! I've tried posting a few times with blogger coming up with errors. I am not defeated! lol So, will try again.

I worked on my life purpose and this is what I came up with:

My purpose in life is to let people know that they are loved and cared for as I help build them up through their experiences with me either through my teachings, songs or presence.

There are many areas of my life that take my focus...this is a good thing. I tend to do better when I'm not totally focused on one aspect. I need variety!

So whether I'm working on my business, teaching, music or food I am happy and ready to face the day!

til again,
Doll

Feeding my cravings!

I had this huge craving for a milk shake today. This is what I came up with: My strawberry smoothie supreme!!

I took:

4 ripe bananas
1 inch ring of fresh pineapple
5 strawberries

Blended this all up until it was thick and smooth.

Did it stop my current craving? You betcha!

I have my water bottle there to remind me that I'm not taking in enough H2O. In the back you can see the mini-tramp. Yes, it works much better when lying flat on the floor and when I actually get on it. Do I like it? Yep! Do I use it regularly? Not enough. lol

To keep me in shape today my objective is to eat raw and healthy as well as some sort of cardio activities. Guess I should choose this eh?

Have a remarkable day!

til again
Doll

Crystal Garden

Ain't we sweet!

Rogers is the sponsor for the Crystal Garden Ice Carving area for Ottawa's Winterlude. If you look closely you can see Nick's arm behind the large ice cell phone! Too cute.

We had a great time wondering around on the ice; enjoying beaver tails, hot chocolate and lots of tourists!

I am now home and slightly chilled.

It's Katie's birthday so tonight (my now, 23 year old daughter) we going out for Cajun food. (thanks to the Rotary Club's gift certificat that was won last night)

The party continues all weekend long!!

til later
Doll

Boy does time fly

The last week just flew by! Do you ever feel that way? Sometimes I find myself so busy that each day blurrs in with the next.

This weekend is filled with fun family time.

Katie and Diane (my 2 youngest) are right now on a bus heading here. We have a weekend full of activities. Trivia tonight;, Winterlude on the Canal on Saturday; spa time; winter fun time in Stittsville on Sunday; oh yes and ... it's Katie's Birthday on Saturday so yes, this raw gal is going to make a chocolate cake with white icing. For me...I'll make myself something yummy just for me.

Pictures to follow for sure...


Have a terrific weekend everyone!

Clarity

This song says it all for me today: Clarity

Today's rain is washing away all the cobwebs and messiness inside my head. A bright day awaits. I am clear and purposeful. I live my life ON PURPOSE!

Do you have plans for this great day? What is your purpose?

Watch out! The lady in the red hat is on her way!

Love to all
Doll

When things really don't matter.

Goethe advised us: “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least" This came across my desk today and really hit me right between the eyes! Boy did I ever need to hear this!!

So here's my thought: Why do I let things that don't matter, matter to me? There's something deep inside of my that likes to push this to the edge.

Here's what matters most:

1. Nick, my husband
2. Beth, Vickie, Katie and Diane (in order of age)
3. My church friends and family
4. The great work I have in and outside of my musical life
5. The music that's in me waiting to get out!

The rest? Of course there is much more that matters to me. Some things are quite serious ie world peace, global warming, feeding the starving. The book I would write listing all these important things will still bring me back to my own universe and how I affect change for me and those I love.

What doesn't matter:

1. how many years will my car last (or weeks lol)
2. do I really heat my veggies to 200 F or just 110F?
3. will I be heart broken if I don't get some fancy jewelry for the 14th????

Ok...silly things, but true. There is so much in my life that doesn't matter. For what's important see the beginning of this post.

For now signing this,

tired but happy
\Doll

Happy Sunday!

Nick decided that a picture was in order this morning after we arrived at church. So, here I am jaunting my red hat and coat!

The day is sunny, bright and warm...so you will find me outside in the fresh air.

Enjoy your day!! I leave you with this thought from Deepak Chopra:

"Human beings are made of body, mind and spirit. Of these, spirit is primary, for it connects us to the source of everything, the eternal field of consciousness."

I welcome your comments.

Button Holes??

OK, so it's not that I'm lazy and can't/won't write being that it's late Friday night and I really should be finding my bed; I've decided to share a post with you.

This odd, you might say even rare post, has absolutely nothing to do with "Doll's Journey" or anyone else's for that matter.

I does have to do with knitting and button holes.

But, enough of my stuff go HERE to read up on the Yarn Harlots thoughts on said button holes.

Do I have an opinion? Not really. Actually, I can't remember the last time I knit something that needed them and I really have no problem with which side the silly things are on. Even though I'm terribly right handed/right sided. That's for another post/another day.

Have a terrific weekend everyone!

hugs to all
me

One of my favorites!

Each week I plan to show case one of my favorite authors and their books.

Up first: Dr. Wayne Dyer. I first started reading Dr. Dyer back in the late 80's. I've enjoyed his perspective and ideas for a very long time. Currently I'm enjoying the following:



Change your Thoughts, Change Your Life! I haven't gotten very far as it seems my reading time is limited. Perhaps that could be a February resolution.

What do you think?

Have you read this? If so, do you have any comments? Let me know.

Here's to great reading!

hugs
Doll