Starting Fresh

For a lot of us, this has been a year of losses, growing pains and “stretching”.  Feeling capacity has maxed out at times.  I’ve referred to my 2013 year as a whirlwind. 

Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes Whirlwind as 1) “a very strong wind that moves in a spinning or swirling motion and that can damage buildings, trees, etc..” 2) “something that involves many quickly changing events, feelings, etc.”

Traditions changed, relationships have come and gone for a season, expectations - a continual flow of alterations.  Finding it difficult to catch my breath at times...

Going out of my comfort zone (on purpose!) on many levels has stretched me in (positive) ways that can’t currently be explained…

I began this year with three focus words that have contributed to personal growth: Gratitude, Presence and Discernment.   

Gratitude for:  home, food, health, family and friends, each new day with God.

Presence – being “present” (with attitude, attention, “on time” and with an expectant heart to see what God is going to do).  Whether it is a meeting, with family or friends, outdoors – make it count. Putting away the techy stuff, giving "face time" and listening to other people speak, asking questions - being a friend.   

Discernment – Making good choices on what I read, see (visuals), hear, writing in text or online.  The company I keep – it all affects my atmosphere and those around. To be cognitive of my words before spoken, and thoughts entering my mind.  Selective and intentional.  Time is a gift. 

End of year reflecting - things planned to do, people desired to spend time with… It didn’t happen this month.  The swirling of activities, being pulled in multiple directions… this is one of the craziest Decembers experienced in a long time.  Feeling just shy of a “breakdown”, I could become upset with myself - but I’m not going to do it.   

Another one of life's learning experiences.  Let's call it "end of the year stretches”.   God desires for me to rest upon Him.  Refocusing and looking ahead, God is revealing to Start Fresh.  

 

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; 

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; 

they shall run, and not be weary; and 

they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

What are my focus word(s) for this New Year?  Still listening to my Whisper (God).  What word(s) do you plan to use?

2014 Isn't a new beginning - It's a Fresh Start.  I like that. 

Happy New Year ~ Peace & Joy ~ Suzanne

Once Upon A Time Suzanne Fernald Guest Posting via Artist Laly Mille!

Happy Summer!

I am thrilled and privileged to be highlighted as a guest this month on Laly Mille's blog.  I would be honored if you would visit, read my story and comment.  Take a look at Laly's site - her art is AMAZING!
http://www.lalymille.com/2013/08/once-upon-a-time-from-beauty-to-tears-by-suzanne-joy-fernald.html

I met Laly through my first online creative class (via Kelly Rae Roberts).  That class opened up many opportunities to learn from a world-full of talented new, established and upcoming artists!  I purchased some of Laly's art earlier this year and proudly have it displayed in my dining area as inspiration.

May your heart soar and believe, that you too can begin a dream, you just need to move forward in those baby steps to begin.  

Peace & Joy,
Suzanne Fernald

Steady As We Cross

 Photography & Writing Copyrighted By Suzanne J. Fernald

  Steady As We Cross

There sitting next to the stone

Blades of grass grow around

Gurgling flow

A stream

Rays of sun filter in clouds scattered

“Step Lightly,” she whispered.

Come and See

Steady as we cross

To the other side.

How the sun dances upon the water

Colors of whites and blues

“Take my hand, its steep at this point.”

“Here we are, step up.”

See the Splendor

It’s a New Life

 anticipating your arrival.

What Do You Hear?

Photograph & Poem Copyright By Suzanne J. Fernald

What Do You Hear

Do you hear the quiet

Are you alone?

Do you hear outside nature calls or busy traffic?

Are you yearning for another?

What do you hear

When you talk with another?

Is it your voice you hear

Can you stop and hear another speak?

Do you hear

And listen – really listen? (self control)

What do you hear?

Compassion, Grace, Worthiness

You are valuable and have a voice.

A voice to hear, a voice to care.

An ear to Hear, Learn, Seek, Transform

Can you hear?

It’s the call

Waiting for you to listen and act.

Tis' the Time

We had a time change recently here in California. It caused me to think how time is so precious and can affect us in many areas...

The benefits are lighter days earlier - Yay!  The first week or two, the "springing forward" and loss of one hour of sleep can affect us too.... well, it did for me anyway.

Also, I don't know about you, but I like thinking of things I would like to accomplish, especially in the first several first months of the year.... What do I want to "DO", share with my family, etc.  I call it my "2013 Bucket List" which are items to look toward accomplishing this year... but, heck, if I don't - no big deal.  There are fun things I would like to do with family and friends, items to spruce up for my home, and of course... creative goodness!

I joined the 2013 Lifebook class with Tamara Laporte and LOVE IT! You know what?  Ever since I was a teen ager, I've desired to paint.  I've been a photo enthusiast... and thought, "how cool would it be if I could paint the pictures I've taken?!"  Guess what has held me back? Embarrassed to say... the FEAR of failure... Sheesh!  I am taking baby steps in learning to draw and paint... and am amazed at how relaxing and fulfilling it is to actually TRY!  You really don't know until you take that first courageous step...

Here is my first drawing/painting project with mixed media.  It includes three words that I'm focusing on for this year... Gratitude, Presence and Discernment.  It's only March, I already feel those words making a difference in my thinking... =)

If you would like to learn more about the 2013 Lifebook online class... you can register until September - new member joining every day. =) 
Here is the link to review and sign up:  http://www.willowing.org/life-book-2013/

Maybe I'll see you there!  Peace & Joy,
Suzanne ~