New Year's Resolutions

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Bryson's Christmas (77 photos), by Paula Grabowski-Elli

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Getting Ready

I am always excited to finish things. I have finished two classes and am looking forward to a nice break from certain school-oriented deadlines. I hope for a time of refreshment and renewal filled with reading books that are not textbooks and exercising further than from the car to my office chair or college student desk. Currently, I'm excited to try a new fun pocket book called Undead and Unwed recommended to me by a coworker. I am also inspired to make simple Christmas crafts, decorate a tree on my front porch and (if I don't feel too pressured with time) to make an online Christmas Collage to share with family in lieu of a paper Christmas greeting. This Christmas is going to be about me and my husband. No fancy gifts planned for anyone this year. Sending blessings of peace, health and love to all. Happy Holidays!

My Favorite Book right now!

Listen to the Wind: the Story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am finishing reading Three Cups of Tea - the book that this children's book is based on. In many ways, I enjoyed this children's book even better than the adult non-fiction. I recommend this to everyone. There is much to learn about helping cultures grow and change as well as learning what we can from them. This is my favorite book right now.

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Easy Reader review

The Tortoise and the Hare - A Tale About Determination by Joanne Barkan


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
These books, though hard to find, have awesome interactive new/relevant play instructions in the back for parents wishing to help drive home the concepts told in the fabel.

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Life's A Beach!

Life's a Beach by Claire Cook

My rating: 4 of 5 stars I think Cook's books are whimsical and fun. It's what I need to lighten my days. Her sense of humor is really helpful for our times, even. I wish there were more of her books for me to read. I fear I'm through most of them. I'll have to wait patiently for the next. View all my reviews >>

I need to wrap my brain around change. Usually I really like it. I'm having a hard time enveloping it this time. How can I relate this to past events? What changes that I have encountered unexpectedly worked out for the best? Moving to Texas. Starting piano lessons. Accepting humble life goals - simplifying my idea of success (not lowering, but simplifying). Overcoming anxiety - this is a big one. Bigger than I give it credit for. I was ready to accept a certain amount of anxiety in my life as a given. I wasn't even aware enough to understand that it was something that could be overcome. This meant big, overwhelming change. Also, joining my church. It was sooooo time for me to be more aware of the world. Life is not my small life. Life is bigger than even the world. My church helps me stay grounded in everything. The point is that I know it's there and I just don't see it yet. The thing that I am missing will help even if I never recognize it for what it is. That and time. Time heals all wounds. This too shall pass. Know that it is there. That I already have it.