Poof January 09, 2011

Here's an older painting that I made a few years ago that I'm sure I've posted before, but couldn't resist posting it again. Something about it makes me feel really good, and kind of embodies what I'm hoping for in 2011...giraffes and secret campfires? Yes and yes. And a bit more...

Gabe and I were sitting around one night a few weeks ago, and he half jokingly asked me if I'd made any resolutions for 2011. The joke is, of course I have. I'm notorious for lists and more lists of things I want to do.  "So, if one of those resolutions could....poof, magically come true.." Gabe asked, "Which one would you pick?" 

I sat there for a long time, pondering it. I mentally went through every single thing on my resolution list and imagined what things would be like if I was living its reality. I sat there for so long in concerned silence, that Gabe started to laugh. "Are you still thinking about it?" 

"Yes." I answered. "This is serious. If I could magically make one of them come true...it's a big decision."

How could I maximize everything I want to do this year, and what is it that I really want?

So, after much silence and brow furrowing, I decided that I simply want to feel happy and good. That's it.  Too simple really. But maybe not? What if I just choose to do the things, in every moment, that are healthy and joyful and good... even if it's the hard thing to choose? 

In 2011, I want to choose to do the things that make me feel happy and good.

Poof. Poof. Poof.

Gabe liked it. I liked it. We talked about it for a long time.

I feel like I've come to a point in my life, where there really isn't any mystery about what makes me feel happy and good. I mean really happy and good, true joy...not the fleeting stuff that makes me feel crappy later. The list is surprisingly simple and short, and seems entirely possible to attain. Of course I can't help listing a few things, so here goes...

1. Swimming (Definitely in rivers and oceans and lakes, but a pool will do in the winter.)

2. Yoga (Especially the hot kind...)

3. Cooking (Who knew? I've never done it much in my life, but now I'm really enjoying making meals and breads and things, and hanging out in our little kitchen with the baby in her bouncy seat and some NPR on the radio.)

4. Children's books, and middle grade books, YA too. (Making them. Reading them. Gazing at them. Plotting them. Writing them. Holding them. Hanging around friends who make them or write them or like to talk about them . I love it all.)

5. Connecting (Having friends over, making dinner with friends or hanging out in their backyards. Playing music with awesome people. Going to events and book signings and craft fairs...)

6. Being with family. (Learning and watching and growing with them. It's the best. Right now I have two snuggly cats beside me and I can hear Gabe in the kitchen washing dishes and telling Juniper about molecules. Happiness.)

7. Being outside (Going to the beach being a priority, with hikes and waterfalls and mountains and snow and camping mixed in there too. And campfires, of course...the secret giraffe kind and otherwise.)

8. Making stuff! (Painting and drawing and music and daydreaming.)

9. Making our house cozy. (This is a new thing for me too. Now that we have this super cute, big, old house, I want it to be special. I want it to feel organized and beautiful and cozy...and it's fun to think about making that happen, and actually making it happen sometimes!)

10. Relaxing (Yes. This made the list. I've noticed how easy it is to stay in work mode these days, with lots of new arty and baby responsibilities around here. So it's extra important for me to remember to relax and just do nothing sometimes.)

So *poof* magic wand, do your thing. I choose to do the things that make me feel happy and good....is it cheating? Is it like wishing for a million wishes? Maybe. Or maybe not...maybe it's just a new way of living that combines everything I already know, but don't always do. 

Here's to a very bright and beautiful 2011...