Random (and wandering) Thoughts

Christmas was interrupted by 25 inches of snow falling during the snowstorm last week, but my family was finally able to gather at my place today. It was a wonderful day of family, food, presents, kids, dogs, and a little X Box 360 racing.  Max and Ginger evidently got a little exhausted by the festivities.

Unlike the dogs, I got busy after everyone left and packed up Christmas, making way for the new year.  And now that Christmas has been celebrated, I can shift to contemplating 2010.

 I have run across a number of bloggers talking about their 'word' for the year.  The word that keeps popping into my head is JOY.  That is probably because I am a pretty happy camper with lots of things to make me thankful.  But I wonder if JOY is a frivoulous word and I should find something more serious, some word with more weight.  Or will I lose the joy in my daily life if I make it a focus?   Yet, as I think about possible words, that is the one that keeps inserting itself in my thoughts.  So perhaps, I can be thankful for the joy I experience in my life.  And work to act in a manner that can bring joy to others lives.  And find ways in which to bring more joy to tasks not usually associated with that description.  Tasks like working towards healthier eating and activity, staying on top of cleaning and organizing, being more purposeful about finances.  Actually, maybe if I work on creating and finding joy in those areas of my life I want to improve I can stay on track and find greater success.  So there it is, my word for the year will be JOY.

 True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.

--Antoine de Saint-Exupery--

(Picture borrowed from Treasures from the Heart--and check out her giveaway)

And since I am totally wandering, here are some of the things I am dreaming about for 2010.  I don't do resolutions, I just do dreams and directions to head.

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  Being better at staying in touch with family and friends and adding more people and interaction into my life
  
  
  
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  Getting the gardens in shape in our new yard.  The bushes need mega trimming and I want to add some apple trees, roses, clemantis, and more fall blooming flowers.
  
  
  
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  Placing in some reining horse competitions and getting my pleasure horse back into competition
  
  
  
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  Keeping up with my creative endeavors and expanding my skills and individuality
  
  
  
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  Convincing my husband we can add more animals to our menagerie and that I don't have an animal hoarding problem (hi sweetie!)
  
  
  
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  Exploring ways to increase my income without increasing my work hours
  
  
  

And last, but not least, here are some of the things I am sending to my daughter and hopefully adding a little joy to her life.

How is that for joyful randomness?! 

Wishing you much joy and creativity in 2010!