Free Class in Inspiration and Character Strength Survey

Today is the last day to sign-up for her free class with Inspiration Everywhere http://jessicasprague.squarespace.com/  This is from her blog and enter for another free class by playing the challenge.

Positive Psychology, Gratitude, Character Strengths (and Winning!)

If you have some time this weekend, I recommend taking the VIA Character Strengths assessment. It’s a very interesting look at 24 different character strengths that have been identified by researchers in a field called Positive Psychology. The idea is that after you discover your strengths, you can work to improve ones you’re weaker at, but also play to the ones you’re stronger at. It’s been truly enlightening for me to have my top 5 strengths posted at my computer so I see them every day. One of the secrets to happiness - and I really believe this - is finding ways to be able to operate in areas of strength as much as possible.

Here is the link: http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx

You have to create an account so it will save your assessments. After you make your account, click on the test called “VIA Survey of Character Strengths” to take the test. It’s 240 questions long, but it goes fast, and I promise it’ll be worth it!

After you take the test, please share your strengths with me in the comments. I’ll pick a lucky commenter to win a FREE CLASS from JessicaSprague.com - your choice! I’ll pick the winner on Tuesday night, so you have until 6 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday to take the assessment.

You might be surprised!

Mine are:

Curiosity and interest in the world
Love of learning
Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Kindness and generosity
Self-control and self-regulation

Free Class in Inspiration

Jessica Sprague is having a free class called "Inspiration Everywhere." 

It starts Monday, November 29 for 10 days. You do not need any special computer programs. It could add dimension to your life.  Come and join the class with me. So what are you going to be thankful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving! Leave a comment below.

Ali Edward's December Daily

This week Ali Edward's had a post, if you were participating in her December Daily to list your blog and post your pictures of your album. That day, I had been gathering and making pages for the album but nothing concrete to show. So far, I have the cover made, and foundation pages made.  I need to figure out what will happen on what days to decide what page would be more appropriate for that day. But, I am more ahead than I have been the last two years. Last year, I did Jessica Sprague's "Holiday's in Hand" as my December Daily, got half of the pages made. I am going to use her book to find activities and place that on Ali's Advent cards, then use those on that days cover. I plan to do the second page as a digital page, that is why you do not see those. They will be printed the night of that day. Those pages will be photographed and added to this blog.  So I have a plan and with that I should have a completed album. Here is to a GREAT December and a wonderful holiday to be remembered.

Here are the pictures that I have taken on making the cover and transparency foundation pages. Pictures taken in my work room. I am also working on making a leather purse and a fleece jacket, pattern by Marcy Tilton, for Vogue. I used my dressform with its new cover. It worked great. So maybe I will have more luck in getting clothes to fit.

 

Patience and Wisedom

I came across this picture this week. It is something to take in and slow down.

Books, Live with Intention

Today I received a message from Amazon about a new book being released.  It is Live with Intention by Mary Anne Radmacher. She is a good author. I have read some of her other books, so I am looking forward to reading this one. Check it out.

    Live with Intention: Rediscovering What We Deeply Know
Mary Anne Radmacher
List Price:    $16.00
Price:    $10.80
You Save:    $5.20 (33%)
Release Date: December 1, 2010
Product Description
More than two decades ago, noted author, artist and teacher Mary Anne Radmacher, was beginning her chosen path--to live with purpose, to make a difference. She lost a dear friend and she wrote these words, which have appeared wrapped around mugs, on carry bags and journals, day planners, refrigerator magnets, and posters. In her new book she expands these words to invite readers to explore what it might mean to live each day with intention--to figure out what counts for them, what will make their lives richer, allow them to make a difference, and bring verve to each and every day. Radmacher shares the ten qualities she considers essential to intentional living and offers readers exercises, inspirations, and promises to help them find what's important in their lives.

 

I really try to live my life with the above words. I hope more people would try to follow this advice instead of waiting until retirement or when they have time.  Just seize the moment, later may not happen.

Johnson County Young Matrons Show Houses Tour

Today, I went to the Johnson County Young Matrons Show Houses Tour. There were five homes on the tour, in Lions Gate community of Johnson County. This area is a richy area, homes start at $500K and up and over $1M. The last home was the nicest in how it was laid out. The other homes looked nice from the outside, but unlivable from the inside. Ceilings too high about 15 feet, furniture too big for the room, even though the house looked big from the outside the rooms were small. I like my house better. Easier to keep clean. One house had a theater in it, that had 10 chairs with a bar in the back that had 5 stools that one could watch from. Then off of that room was a living room that had a TV, in fact, most rooms had a TV. This house also had a swimming pool, Olympic size.  Now, I have been to a lot of Designer's Homes over the years, and I must say, this area seemed to have too much money and no taste. Some rooms were just too tacky. But, what was really noticeable was the vulgarness of the people that were touring. Push, Push as if they were going to to do all five homes in one hour. It took me five hours and also going to the bazaar boutique. Came home with a jar of Mango Chutney. Yum. Also, got some ideas at the bazaar to update my wardrobe, I already have items that are similar just need to update.  I was not the only one disappointed, one young lady said, I am never coming again, and that is how I felt when I left. I only have one picture to show and it is of the backyard. No pictures were allow in the houses.

Backyard of House #2 Red Cedar did the decorating

Mothers on Facebook

I came across this link this morning, so to all the mothers out there on Facebook this is for you.  Click this link.  http://www.hulu.com/watch/184577/saturday-night-live-moms-on-facebook

I hope you enjoyed the humor.

What was that saying that was on pillows a while back, that our goal is to live long enough to create revenge to your grown up child, or something like that. I think this is the ticket.

Today, on Ali Edwards site is a list of people taking part of "December Daily" and by clicking on there name you will go to that person's blog and there concept of the album.  If you are looking for my post about December Daily, I am still working on it. I will post about it later. This is a wonderful process if you have not done one, it so nice to look back. It is funny how the mind forgets the small stuff, and the way no one has time for anything anymore, this is a good rememberence of what there is.

Finishing some unfinished projects

Yesterday and Today, I have been working on unfinished projects.  One, I built a vegetable garden where the sun killed the grass so instead of replanting grass, I turned that area into a vegetable garden.  Plan to plant tomatoes in that spot. Used leftover stones from the front retaining wall. I have the North side to finish still, it will take five stones, then I can place the landscape fabric and landscape stones. The retaining wall on the South is working out it is not holding any water and the slope rain did not wash away  of the dirt. So things are going well.

Inside, I have been working on the office and have half of it finished. I need to do some filling. I need some place to store folders. I also, have been making a cover for dressform that I made two years ago. I put mod-podge on it to harden the form but never had time to make the cover, I really thought I could get by without it, but no, it need it. Need something to place the pins into.

Tonight, I am going to study some video tutorials for a website.  Software is consistently changing. So I to study to keep up.

The Old Retaining Wall Gone Completely

Yesterday, I finished removing the old retaining wall.  Earlier I had removed the stones but was left with the shape of the dirt. So after several days of chiseling that the dirt the removal is final accomplished. The dirt went into the new section which I need to add a little more dirt to. That part will happen later. Last night, yes in the dark, I planted grass seed to help hold the new shape to stay where I have reshaped. It is to rain later today. So here is a picture of the finished project for this year.

Removal of dirt on past retaining wall with new wall border

So now on to finishing other projects.

Yoga Filming

Today, I am filming yoga.  This way I can get the learn the routine.  This is a picture of the community center were I am taking exercise classes and water aerobics.

2011 Prairie Village Jazz Festival

Yesterday, I met with the director and web developer of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival 2011. I am now have the job of maintaining the existing website.  I need to learn all the ins and outs of the software, very different then what I learned in school but I like challenges.  I am so happy to work with people who know web.  Now, I just need to find a company who will pay for my services.

Today, I am going to water aerobics and have my hair cut and then work the ground around the area where the old wall was. Move dirt and maybe get some grass seed planted.

Today is Clean the House Day

The house told me it really needed a cleaning, so we are working one room at a time. Now, where did I put those cleaning products.

Exercise Classes

Yesterday, I attended two yoga classes.  I am checking out the community center, but I have one issue about the teacher.  Are teachers suppose to have their eyes closed during class?  This one did, she had no idea if the students are doing the moves correctly or if they are even doing the exercise. Today, I am trying out the water aerobics. Maybe this will be better.  It would be convenient if it would workout.  Looking for some exercise to do inside this winter.

This was on Ali Edward's site this morning.  Need some inspiration?

 

I just returned from the Wellness Center, in which I joined.  Today, I tried out the Water Aerobics.  It was a lot of fun and it is easier to accomplish with out pain.  I am going to try another yoga teacher tomorrow. I hope they are better. 

Trending

Trending is twitter word for telling about new products on people's sites. So here are some trends that I have come across:

• Blendtex Blender

I have been enjoying my Blendtex Blender since last Christmas, yes it was a Christmas present to myself. It is an emulsion blender.  I can grind rice into flour, to making the hot soup. I does not cook the soup but the friction makes it hot.   The drink below is a great way to get your five fruits in a day. So easy and time saving.

Morning Smoothie in Blendtex Blender

1/4 cup of orange juice

1 banana 

1 scoop of Vega Smoothie Infusion

1/2 cup of water

1/2 cup of frozen mix fruits, any flavor or mixture you like

Blend until smooth.  That is what I have for breakfast.

• New Cookbooks

I came across these cookbooks yesterday:

It is a vegan cookbook. It has great pictures of the food and ingredients you have on hand. The food items hit the areas of food that other cookbooks miss. This is on my list to purchase.

This is the book I bought yesterday.  It has easy recipes and not too many ingredients. Also, is by the same author as the first review. I wish more people would wake up and learn exactly what they are eating, and what that food will do to you. It is time to wake up, people.

These are also on my list of cookbooks to buy.

• Ali Edwards' Halloween Minibook online class.  It is a wonderful class on making minibooks.  She shows you the process of making and constructing a minibook.  The information can be used on any kind of subject, not just Halloween. I took the class and I plan on using the process in the future. Click on the link above or to the side icon.

The Day to Vote

Yes, today was the day to vote.  In Missouri we made the change.  I am completely happy in how the changes that have been vote in.  Here is a picture of my neighbors yard, changes are not of his liking. Hurrah! Now, maybe he will take care of his yard. He has not mowed in over 8 weeks.