2012: Balance | Life | Photography | Art

Today is the beginning of something new for some or just another day on the calendar for others.
I love happy endings and new beginnings.  I absolutely take this change to reset my thoughts and actions.  If not today, when?  I need New Year do-overs :-)

It is a bit hard to read, we took this photo free-hand at night with a bounced flash and my arms outstretched... read as: not still for crispness!
I snagged this FREE pdf printable from Thirty Handmade Days where I grabbed the kids DIY printable that is similar, see my post here.  She also just put up a neat iPhone calendar for January!!

WANT: What I really want in 2012:  P a t i e n c e. . . .  I blow up easily with my kids, especially if I am stressed or lack sleep or am experiencing hormones at their worst.  I don't want to be that person.  My kids are good kids.  They deserve a mom that can see things for what they are and not let her reaction always be a scream or yell.  This is what I really want to work on.

NEED: What I really need in 2012:  B a l a n c E. . . . I am juggling many things.  All choices I made willingly but just the same, I need balance with in these choices.  I discussed it here in more detail.

SHARE: What I will share in 2012:  T i m e. . . . This goes along with the balance and patience.  I want to give more of my time to my kiddos and my husband, more time to friends and family.  There are limits each day.. I need to absolve those limits with balance and share my time.  It's a FREE gift like smiles, laughter and hugs.

SUCCEED: In 2012 I will succeed at:   H o n e s t y with myself. I don't think I'm dishonest with myself... I think I just need to pay attention to the truth more.  Does that make sense?  Part of this goes along with my balance theme... honest with how many minutes are spent on the computer, honest with how many minutes are spent with my children, house-charming, Towler Photography oh and let's not forget... time with my main squeeze!

Add: time to read, art, guilt-free play, new clothes, sexy boots, healthy lifestyle, road bike, beautiful fit body, blogging, generosity, love, a happy family, a successful photography business with some studio lighting and possibly a new camera and a Gorgeous Home Office!  That is what my 2012 IS going to bring me.  I will fight for it all and make it happen.  It is a choice after-all.

Here are a few photos of our treasure box painting.  My daughter and I are doing the Brave Mother's and Daughters class by the Brave Girl's, discussed initially here.  The 3 week course is over but it is open for 3 months which is perfect for us.  We have to carve out time to do fun stuff like this.  We will finish them today and also work on our journals more!!

Isn't she beautiful

Artists in war paint

Another artist in war paint

Cheers to a new year of unknowns and the optimism to see the good in it all.
~Ivy