Lake Arrowhead

Facilitated a Change Management Process weekend for a non-profit group in Lake Arrowhead.  The group I worked with was very talented and diverse, super friendly and open to learning. I know they are going to do well.

Lake Arrowhead was cold and so pretty.  I love the way the trees look against the sky and can't wait to return for some more fresh air.  Whenever I am in nature, I find God and am reminded of His greatness and creation.  I am so grateful for the time I spend there and for the opportunity to be an instrument of His peace.  It's the one thing I thank Him for everyday, being able to work in His light.

EnVISIONing

Created a Vision Board with the guidance of my co-worker, Verenisa (Thanks!).  Now I'm working my way towards realizing all those images in my life.

Casting Shadows

Sammy and I were out walking today and enjoying the warm California weather.  Love this pretty dog!

I (heart) Succulents

I do!  I really do love succulents!  They are hardy and easy to care for and come in so many difference varieties.  What amazes me most is that these plants will bloom unexpectedly and with beautiful results.
The last picture above is from a plant I've had for at least five years.  This week, out of nowhere, it bloomed.  What a delightful surprise!  

Impressed myself

Thanks to Aunty Lindo for the thoughtful and inspiring Christmas gift of Geninne Zlatkis' beautiful book.

I made the stamps out of regular pink erasers- pretty cute, huh?

It's not super easy to make the stamps, but it is a creative practice in patience and precision.

Walking . . .

Walked another labyrinth this weekend.  This one is super local- right in Bellflower- at the Library Park.  And, of all cities, guess which one is Bellflower's sister city?  Straight outta Sinaloa- love it!

My love walking.

Home Sweet Home

From the "Mar Collection," found on California's beaches.

Love how much light comes into the house.

I surprised Juan with this vinyl wall art- so easy to put up, so beautiful to look at and such an important daily wish and reminder.

Rosca de Reyes

Today I celebrated Día de Reyes with a rosca, coffee and great company.  Thanks to my mother-in-law, Cristina, who keeps this tradition alive in our family and generously brings all the grandchildren gifts from the wise men.

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I went outside to give thanks and looked at the sky that was clearing from rain earlier today, so pretty.

On Friday, I hosted a real old-fashioned birthday celebration for my son and his classmates.  We went to the park after school for home-made cupcakes and juice.  The cupcake toppers were easy to make (stickers, tags and toothpicks) and the party favors were simple (no candy) but heartfelt.  I loved that there was no jumper, clown or magician, wii to play or taco guy to pay.  It was a park with a play area where the kids had fun running around, playing tag and being children.  My sons had a great time and asked me to have a birthday party like that every year!

Thank you

Finished the image transfer thank you postcards for grandparents and aunts.  I love the way the watercolor looks on the black and white image, so nostalgic and dreamy.

And while I'm sending gratitude... want to give a big THANK YOU to God for blessing me with a son ten years ago today.  This has been a decade of love, laughter and a lot of learning.  It is said that your children pick you to teach you something and so I thank you too Roque for raising me while I raise you.

(Roque, when you were little I sang you a song about an Elephant Shoe, a great big enormous gigantic gargantuan elephant shoe.  It was too big and it didn't fit, but your momma bought you an elephant shoe!  Well, if my heart tried to measure the love I have for you, it would certainly burst trying to complete the task.  Thank you for being here, himbis!)

Happy New Year 2013!

... and we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne...

I rang in the new years with the most important people in the world- my family!  We started a new singing tradition and continued an old one of dancing into the wee hours.

As with all things traditional, I thought about new beginnings and an opportunity to make resolutions.  Therefore, I resolve to: 

       ~ express gratitude more often, and
       ~ be more creative in my thoughts and actions.