Finding Your Passion

It's a new year.

What's your passion? How do you go about finding it and making it a way of life?

Discuss.
Image by Neil Conway

Mama Has Another New Bag

Just had to share one of my Christmas presents: a new Henry Brown bag. I've posted about Henry Brown in the past and how much I like this brand. First of all, it's the creation of a Kentucky gal and made locally. And, they are so darn cute! I have two of the totes, but this time I wanted a smaller option, the Charlie Bucket. I loved the red with brown trim, but couldn't decide on the monogram color. HB recommended a couple of colors, but said that turquoise adds an unexpected punch. So, I presented these details to Hubby and low-and-behold, it was under the tree on Christmas day. ;) Drop by and see what they have to offer.

So, is everyone ready to return to school and work tomorrow? Yeah, me neither.
I've put it off long enough, so today the Christmas decorations will come down. It's very cold and there is a chance of snow showers, which makes it a good day to stay indoors and work on bringing the house back to normal. It's a little sad. I hate to see the lights go away, especially as we head into the cold, gray season.

The new year is off and running as I've already committed to join a book club and assist with my daughter's school's gala fundraiser. I must have been high off the University of Kentucky's win on Saturday to agree to not only serve on the auction committee, but also host a stop on a progressive dinner that will be up for auction. Oy, vey.

So, friends, is 2012 off to a good start for you? Any New Year's resolutions you'd like to share?

Happy 2012!

Image property of JMW A Place to Dwell blog

Countdown to Midnight

So, after many of you told me time and time again about your favorite films of 2011, I finally sat down and watched "Midnight in Paris." All I can say is: Thank you.

What a wonderful film. That's certainly how I would want to experience Paris. And, given the date, can you imagine ringing in the new year with the likes of Scott and Zelda, Hemmingway and Dali?

Oh, how much fun. Although, it would likely result in far too much drinking, crying and fist fighting with some odd illustrations as parting gifts. You know, your typical New Year's Eve.

As 2011 comes to an end, I want to say thanks to all of you who have left wonderful comments on my blog and continue to return to each day. While I don't always respond to each and every one of you, I can tell you that it thrills me to read comments left on my posts and to know that people are actually reading what I put out there.

I thank you, as well, for creating such wonderful sites to visit. Each of you have great insight on the world and bring a smile to my face with your wit, charm and accounts of everything and anything.

May 2012 bring you the happiest of days. May you  be able to meet the challenges head-on and come out better on the other side. Each day, may you have a good laugh, a delicious meal and a quiet moment with your thoughts. And may you always feel loved.

Happy New Year, friends.
Images from Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris"

Best Wishes in 2010

From my family (Hubby, I need a photo with you!) to yours, Happy New Year! May 2010 be a safe, happy and healthy year for all of us.

Cheers,

Jen

A Toast to the New Year

Where did the time go? Still trying to wrap my head around the fact that 2010 is knocking on the door. It's been quite a year for our family: Hubby and I celebrated 10 years of marriage, the kids grew at rapid speed, Hubby got a new job, we said goodbye to our beloved dog, I ventured into Junior League and met some amazing women along the way - the list goes on and on.

It also was a tough year for many, as the economy continued to nose dive, our close friend continued to fight cancer and our country was still at war. While I can reflect on my happy year, I must acknowledge that it's not been that way for everyone. And, I keep those people in my thoughts and prayers daily. I hope 2010 brings comfort, rest and joy to many.

Thanks to those of you who have stopped by A Place to Dwell over the last year to comment, say hello and even become regular followers. I'm still in awe that people stop by each day to read what I write. I'm honored that you consider my daily ramblings worthy of your time. I've gotten so much out of your blogs. You've been an inspiration and I thank you for it.

So, in honor of New Year's Eve, I raise a virtual glass to all of you and leave you with this Irish toast:

"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions."
Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Finding "it" in 2009

Okay, so 2009 is almost here and many of you are making New Year's Resolutions. I'm trying to think of something that I can commit to that will last, yet have it be something that I can look forward to doing. I could exercise more or try to stick to a budget, and while I need to do both, those things feel a bit like chores. I'd like to take up a new hobby or activity, and perhaps this could involve exercise. But, something out of the ordinary. Fighting the hoards at the gym for a place on the tread mill does not appeal to me.

Not sure what to do. I know it's out there, just not sure what "it" is. I work full time, I'm a wife and mother of two little ones. So, I'm in great need of some me time. In the short period after finishing his masters a few weeks ago, Hubby has already taken up skeet shooting, which he hopes to make a Sunday afternoon ritual (we'll see about that). Mom needs an outlet, too. So, dear readers (I know there are a couple of you!), what do you do that's totally for you, that is fun, engaging and doesn't get old? Have you made a New Year's Resolution and what is it? I would love to hear what folks are doing out there. Drop me a line!

New Year's Eve

So, readers, how are you ringing in 2009? Hubby and I have not made any plans due to our recent bouts with illnesses, so we're likely staying in and making it a low key New Year's Eve. In the past, we've done dinner with friends at a nice restaurant and then returned to someone's house for drinks and board games. Gone are the days of the big blow outs. Last year, we met family for breakfast at a local restaurant on New Year's Day. If you're not a big partier, this is a good alternative to ringing in the new year.
Photo courtesty of Martha Stewart Living.