I considered Gratitude, and I know many people have been successful with the concept, but it doesn't demand the kind of proactive energy I need right now. When you've developed the habit of living in survival mode, hanging on by your fingernails, gratitude feels a little tacked on. As in: barely getting through the day, but at least the cat found his litterbox this time. Celebration isn't a salvage operation for a hard situation, its a way of choosing a whole new one - at least, that's my intent. I see it as a form of mindfulness - marking seasons and cycles and milestones - taking notice, paying attention.
Like the Solstice project. I love the comments that you all contributed - the ideas, stories, ways of marking meaning and passage. And as promised, I took the list of contributors in order, used random.org to pick a number, and..... (drum roll).... the winner is: Linda M. You've won three skeins of yarn of your choice - anything at all in the store that strikes your fancy. Congratulations! (I'll email you, but you know where to find me :))
I'm pretty sure this won't be the last contest of its kind, but I'll say more about that another day.
Above: the happy outcome of Very Cold immediately following Very Wet.
Magic.
I've never seen anything like these bits of frost before. Beautiful.
Posted by: Jocelyn | 01/01/2011 at 05:34 PM
Ruth, those are absolutely amazing. I'm trying to think of better words. Captivating, how's that?
Posted by: random Cindy | 01/01/2011 at 05:50 PM
Stunning! They look like jewels!
Posted by: Kerri | 01/01/2011 at 09:35 PM
Beautiful pictures!!
I'm disappointed that I missed your give-away, I have purchased and knit socks from your beautiful yarn and would love some more! I'd never thought about "celebrating the solstice" before but I was prompted to experience the eclipse by my oldest son. That was such a neat experience and glad I took the moment to enjoy that with him. I will give new thought to the solstice and maybe I will celebrate this year.
I think Celebrate is an excellent word for 2011!
Posted by: Karen | 01/01/2011 at 10:05 PM
That's the right word - magic :)
Posted by: Bullwinkle | 02/01/2011 at 02:24 AM
Hi Ruth,
Wow, thank you! I'm delighted to be your winner. Like a kid in her favorite candy store! I'll be in touch directly.
Happy new year to all,
Linda
Posted by: Linda M. | 02/01/2011 at 08:46 AM
Magic indeed.
Posted by: Marji | 02/01/2011 at 09:04 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! I thought they were crystals for your jewellery pieces.
Posted by: Sheila | 02/01/2011 at 09:42 AM
Crystals are one of the fun bits about being a synthetic Chemist, I so miss working in the lab. Your pictures have reminded me of just how much I love crystallizing stuff in the lab. Thank you. They are beautiful.
Posted by: Leonie | 03/01/2011 at 12:12 AM
A few years ago I felt totally lost and drowning. I started finding myself over the course of about 2 years, and the switch from surviving to thriving was a really important one.
One of the big moments: realizing that if I was paying myself to be my Life Organizer, I'd fire me. That simple. Fired. I'd never put up with paying for the life I was living. So, since I couldn't fire myself, I decided to do a fabulous job.
Posted by: PrairiePoppins | 03/01/2011 at 12:39 PM
I'm inspired by your "theme" of Celebration. It has that spark and joy that simple Gratitude, though wonderful, can lack. It is an action word rather than a reflection word. I need that this year, also.
Thank you!
Posted by: Karen | 05/01/2011 at 06:50 AM