My Word for 2021: Committment!

Today I completed my 100 day challenge!!!

I wrapped up the last One Hundred days of 2020 with a commitment to self.

To complete 100 days of something changes you.

For me, I gained a new confidence in myself. 

I learned to prioritize my own commitment to self...with no excuses. 

I remember when I first started I read: You have to have a Day One to have a Day One Hundred! Then pretty soon, I was on day ten, twenty...soon not wanting to miss a day, not wanting to break my '"trend". This in itself increased my sense of purpose and self. 

I gained a sense of control during a time when we feel like we have no control.

So what fuels you? What is your Bliss?

I begin 2021 with a continued commitment to self.

This intentional effort to exercise and be healthy fuel me.

I handle stress better. I handle loneliness better. I handle our ever-changing world better.

Isolation, social distancing, distance learning as an educator have created an independence and freedom like I've never before experienced.  I tire of daily ZOOM meetings and do not like spending so much time on a computer. I walk on my lunch hour and workout when I get home to keep my body active and strong.  I have learned over the past nine months to nurture my faith and vision of self.

What are you taking control of during these uncertain times?

What are you being intentional about?

I've come to realize blogging is not in my Wheel Well right now.

As I personally move into 2021, I wanted to leave some words that will hopefully inspire you to take control of that which you can during this Coronavirus pandemic we are experiencing.

 I have no New Year's Resolution, yet choose to move forward 

continuing my wellness habits and just breathing through so much that we can't control.

Instead of thinking "I'm giving up this and not doing that" think about replacement.

Success requires replacement:

So far, I've:

Replaced complaining with gratitude.

Replaced toxic people with mentors.

Replaced junk food with nutrition.

Replaced overthinking with action.

and now, I'll focus on replacing alcohol with water.

Hoping 2021 finds you inspired to become the best version of yourself as the world needs more strong, healthy, happy people that are non-judgmentally kicking-ass in their life!

With SMILES! Val

A NEW sewing machine!!

Hello my dear blogging friends!!! 

I'm so excited for the new year as I forecast much more sewing in my future!

Yep!  I just upgraded my sewing machine! I patiently waited for the "after Christmas sale" 

and treated myself . (Hubby was so good to come and be my "carry" guy.)

It's literally been TEN years since I bought  my first "real sewing machine":

...and we bought our daughter her FIRST sewing machine!

I've often been very frustrated with the small arm on my current machine, yet didn't want to give up my comfort level with it. Soooo with a little help and guidance from a dear sewing friend, 

I just simply upgraded my machine:

 

She's going to come over tomorrow to give me a quick tutorial and I have a new table on order.

I'll spend a good part of this evening just reading the manual and playing.

But! I am soooo excited! 

I honestly don't know why I waited so long to do this. I can only imagine how much easier it's going to be so sew borders and bindings onto my quilts with this 10" arm. Anyhooo....wow! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to me....as I look forward to sewing in 2021 with this new "toy" .

With Smiles!

Val:)

Happy Day and a Yummy Recipe!

Just loving everything Pumpkin right now....

...and enjoying afternoon walks through the Fall leaves.

How about you?

Here's one of my Fall Favorites:

A LIGHT RECIPE, RIGHT FROM OUR COOKBOOK, FOR YOU TO TRY.

With Smiles! Val

Aughhh....

The first rainy day of Fall....just makes everything feel so much better!

New slippers in the mail from my mom also keep my toes warm for a cozy afternoon of binding.

I have found teaching in a comprehensive distant model to be weirdly exhausting emotionally.

Zoom, Google Meets are common place forms of communication and teaching.

By the weekend, I'm just done. I hoping as the rain clears tomorrow to go for a long mountain hike to enjoy the fresh air, beautiful Fall leaves and rejuvenate my heart and head. How about you.? How do you keep yourself rejuvenated as we continue to find ourselves living a new normal?

With Smiles! Val

It's Monday! Today let's:

Here's a peek at Comprehensive Distance Learning from a teacher's point of view:

Our teachers are ROCKIN' IT!!!

Their dedication, creativity and hard work remind me to:
   Attack this day with enthusiasm.

                                                                            Stay Positive.
                                                                             Be thankful.
                                                            Replace "Have to" with "Get to."

        Be a blessing to others. 

With Smiles! Val