Chat…Just Because

We are settling into our newest routine now that there are two teens, instead of three, at home. Madeline is well on her way in LA, and while I know she misses us, she is immersed in doing something she adores. How lucky?! Would that we all could be as passionate and engaged in our interests. Elyse is already in rehearsals for the first play of the school year, and Parker is well into hockey games, tourneys and practices. It’s still quiet at home: Either the kids aren’t there, or they are studying. Not a big change from when Madeline was home, just less ‘stuff’ laying around. Tucker, our littlest fella, is always reminding us with his darling personality and boundless energy, to live in the moment and not take anything too seriously.

While jewelry production has been limited the past few months, it’s only because it was important for me to make my time with the kids a priority. I think many people may assume that once your children have reached the point where they are self-sufficient, you have all kinds of time on your hands. True, some time IS freed up when you don’t have to care for them 24/7, the way you used to when they were infants and toddlers. For me though, I’ve found I wanted to spend as much time with my teen kids as possible, because once college, jobs and life happen for them, there may not be as many opportunities to be with them. Such is life. And so it follows that I’ve tried to fill my time listening to them, being there for them and just appreciating the young adults they are becoming. Make no mistake though, my creative outlet is still on solid ground and is about to enjoy a resurgence in the coming weeks. So be on the lookout.

While we’re on the subject of changes, I’ll make this smooth segue into the new season. I always enjoy the settling of summer into fall. I could speculate about why for hours, but I’d rather keep things simple at this point, so I made up this little list of what makes me happy about this season. In no particular order, of course.

1. Crisp air
2. Cinnamon and pine scented candles
3. Colorful trees
4. Sweaters
5. Chili
6. Pumpkins
7. Boots
8. Messy leaves on the ground
9. Carmel apples
10. Bonfires outside; cozy fires inside
11. Pinecones
12. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
13. Scarves
14. Flannel sheets
15. Blue jean jackets
16. Bright blue skies
17. Vibrant sunshine

Do you agree? What did I miss?

I have a thing for dragonflies. I’ve known it for a while, but who else really needs to have this information, right? Ah, but a blog is for sharing, so share I must.

I’m not talking a freaky, obsessive dragonfly thing. It’s just that every time I see a dragonfly or a picture or other representation of one, I usually stop and consider its beauty. On a very few occasions, I have purchased items that include dragonfly images, but nothing over the top or even remotely noteworthy.

So what’s the attraction? I mean, we’re talking about an insect for heaven’s sake. A bug, for all intents and purposes. And anyone who knows me, knows I’m a totally girly-girl, who while I don’t faint, flee or shriek at the sight of small crawling or flying creatures, I also don’t go out seeking their company on purpose.

There just seems to be an inherent beauty and freedom about dragonflies for me, I guess. I don’t think about their life cycle, what they eat, how they survive, or even how they look close up. I just see them for what they are at that moment, flying in front of me or illustrated on the pages of a publication or in a piece of art. They catch my eye and pull my focus. Their delicate wings are a blur, their flight pattern is fleeting and unpredictable. I think I like them because they remind me to stop and appreciate them at that precise moment in time.

Since I have this little issue with dragonflies, I decided to research the symbolism behind them and found that they represent different things for different cultures, but the ideals are similar: Happiness, renewal, positive life force, hope, change and love. Ah-hah! These are all of the ideals I strive to embrace and project in MY life! No wonder I’m so enamored of them. Coincidence?

I wonder what other beauties of nature catch your eye? Hummingbirds? Swans? Eagles? A rosebush? A simple daisy? A cherry blossom tree in full bloom? A bubbling brook? A majestic snow-capped mountain?

Over the Fourth of July holiday, Don, Madeline and I went to see Pixar’s animated movie, ‘UP’ in 3D. I don’t usually head out to the movies with any regularity, but I was glad I did for this one. My brother had seen it a few weeks before and highly recommended it. I figure, he’s into making movies, so his suggestions are usually on target. Elyse had also seen it with her friend and thought it was adorable.

So sweet it was! What I found interesting was thatwhile it was a well-written piece, there seemed to be a minimal amount of dialogue, yet I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Much of the storytelling and sentiments were depicted with the expressions of the characters faces, funny and breathtaking action scenes or beautiful visuals. It was so nice not having my ears assaulted with incessant jabbering or gratuitous dialogue. The story was completed with the perfect combination of resolution and hopefulness. And of course the animation was beautiful.

Many reviews say it is the best animated movie that has been completed to date. Go see it though for the story and the messages. Although billed as a children’s movie, adults will be more than happy that they experienced it as well.

Ahh, a fresh new year! It’s like all of the past year’s less-than-stellar occurrences are somehow erased, and we now have a clean slate with which to work. I’ll remember all of the good stuff that happened in 2008, and move forward with an open mind toward all of the wonderful things that will happen in 2009.

I’m not one for formal resolutions, but I do take time to reflect what personal goals I would like to accomplish this year, what home improvement projects we can tackle, where we might like to travel, and make a fun list any other big projects we’re contemplating. I’ve also got a running list of Just Because Jewelry goals and business objectives to examine and put into action. 

Photo by Elyse

This is my way of mapping out a loose game plan, so that I don’t lose sight of what I believe to be important at the moment. Of course, the list is subject to change and flow, just like life, and so I look forward to that too!

So far this coming year, we know Madeline will head off to college in the fall, Parker will get his driver’s license, I’ll turn 44, Elyse will get her driver’s permit, and Adam will be home from Iraq. Beyond that …

What big plans or changes do you see on the horizon for yourself?

Happy New Year!

I came across some more quotes that I enjoyed and thought I would share with you.

Life begets life. Energy becomes energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.
- Sarah Bernhardt

Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.
- Danny Kaye

To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone.
- Reba McEntire

Sometimes in the daily goings-on of life, it helps me to keep these little gems in mind. They give the gift of perspective.

What are some of your favorite quotes or mantras that you live by?