Looking back, being now, hoping forward

2011 was a year of empty spaces: creating them, exploring them, letting go of the need to fill them. Twelve months of new moons: darkness, letting go, purging fruitless thought patterns. It was a year of self-love: acupuncture, therapy, practicising saying "no." A cycle around the sun of expanding spirit: playing piano, meditating, spending time with me. A year of parenting: kindergarten, swolphins, my son as a mirror shining light on my inner child.

My hope is that 2012 will be a year of clearer spaces: less dust, discernment, welcoming what is desired. May it be twelve months of full moons: lightness, joy, receiving blessings. A year of love: myself, my family, opening up to "yes." 365 days of: shining, joyful, bold bountiful beautiful being.  A year of mothering: first grade, coaching, a cycle of meaningful and memorable rituals.

And, I intend to take Neil Gaiman's advice and make mistakes...and enjoy the wisdom that comes from learning rather than the criticism of imperfection.
Happy new year and much love to you all.

Zeb's first sparkler - video

Description: Zeb's first sparkler is lit while he's sitting on John's lap. John encourages Zeb to stand up. After he's up, he's tentatively holding onto the sparkler. A breeze blows some smoke from the sparkler into Zeb's face, he grimaces and turns away from the camera. As the sparkler gets uncomfortably short and close to Zeb's hand, John and Wendy both comment that this doesn't seem too safe and the clip ends.