Wednesday Wellness: Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Friends!

Taking a page from my new Bloom planner, I’m reflecting on how I bloomed in 2015 and how I plan to bloom in 2016.

How I Bloomed in 2015

This year included many memorable moments, including the blessing of world travel to Guam, Italy, France, and Spain.  2015 saw my book promotion and getting to know so many cool authors and booklovers.  I watched my children continue to do well in school, bees, music and dance.

I went zip-lining for the first time ever, on Guam.  It was thrilling, though I could barely let go of the cable on my first run! Seeing the Vatican and the Colosseum for the first time was especially memorable and meaningful.

I read so many enjoyable books, including The Missing Alchemist by Caldric Blackwell, The Nanny with the Skull Tattoos by Elizabeth Barone, Lifeblood by M. Kate Allen, The Little Book of Manifesting Big: The Gift of Your Own Power by Reba Linker, Author Identity: Build Your Brand. Sell More Books. Change the World. by Angie Mrozcka, Tea & Madness by Cee Streetlights, Jane Blond: International Spy by Brianna Schatt and Stan Schatt, Christmas Confessions and Cocktails by Vicki Lesage,  Love: It’s Own Testimony the Poetry of Ralph Hall.  Still listening to  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and reading along with my dear son (it’s been like two years).  Went to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens with the entire family- what a blast to share the experience with our young padawans.

How I Plan to Bloom in 2016

Next year I am going to continue work on my jukebox musical, start the island novel, oh, and start and complete my latest book project idea!   I am going to make time for creating art and music (other than writing).

I would like to travel someplace I’ve never been, as well as bring the kids to a familiar, favorite place.

I would like to try painting with acrylics.

I would like to practice and rehearse music so that I am prepared to perform.  Maybe another mini-recital, maybe near the end of the year.

I would like to make peace with my things and continue donating many of them away, recycling when possible.

I would like to eat, sleep, and exercise better.  Meditate more.

My word for 2016 is Believe.

How have you bloomed in 2015?  How do you plan to bloom in 2016?

Wishing you Peace in the New Year,

D.

 

 

 

My Mediterranean Journey, Day 8

This morning my dear son is wearing his Paris t shirt and his Strasbourg baseball cap.  He is ready to see France!   My daughter, despite weeks of practicing her one French sentence: “Excusez-moi, je voudrais acheter un chapeau rouge, s’il vous plait!” is staying on the ship with me and my niece.  The rest of of our family disembarks after breakfast.  I look forward to hearing their reports of Toulons!

My neice, my daughter and I head to the International Café.  We brought along some new water colors, watercolor markers, and art quality papers. We are painting scenes from my photos taken, as well as art displayed in the Princess Gallery.  This is something I wanted to do along this vacation: watercolor in memory of my dear friend who used to paint on her vacations See my post Dear Diary We enjoy chocolatey drinks as we paint.  We paint for hours, and I am delighted with the insights both girls offer.  Dear Daughter has grown very good at copying paintings and reinterpreting them for herself, as well as copying patterns and designs for borders.  Dear Niece offers sound advice when I am stuck on my own painting of a café: “How about a plant?”

We tour the deck perimeter and  the girls play shuffleboard.  The rest of the family returns and there is some ping pong challenge.   I believe it is declared that my sister-in-law reigns supreme on the court. (table?) They tell us of their adventures on the water taxis and walking around the port, particularly enjoying the percussion marching band they found.  On this last night of the cruise, we celebrate Dear Husband’s birthday (the Asian “Italian” strolling guitarist sings) and we enjoy the prerequisite Baked Alaska on parade.  This is kinda cool:  lights are dimmed and the waitstaff parades around the dining restaurant with flaming Baked Alaskas.

After dinner, I head to the karaoke lounge – I missed the karaoke opportunity, however.   I do enjoy a beauteous sunset, whilst the hubby and all kids enjoy staff comedy hour in the Explorers Lounge.  We pick up more souvenirs and gifts, as we admire the professional photos of the ship.   It really looks awesome.  Someday we will travel by cruise again, maybe it will be less hectic.

We are required to pre-pack our luggage and have them in the hallway by 10pm.  Hopefully we won’t oversleep like we did that first night!  Looking forward to Barcelona!