Monday, January 23, 2012

Determine Your Living…

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.
Khalil Gibran

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So I have finally finished my November entry for Nicola’s book in our Sistahhood of the Traveling Sketchbook project.DSC06054

Life happened while we were all making plans. But now, we are all trying hard to get our swap back on track.

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Thinking back to November from January was harder than it should have been,

but there was a lot of living in between, I think.

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This piece does represent how I felt in November when the last of the brilliant Fall leaves were gone and the bare branches I would be looking at for the next 6 months were exposed.

The crow is bringing her the message that winter is on its way and the time for nesting is here.

It also shows how I am still feeling as we live in January; that desire to bundle up against the barren elements is still very present.

I imagine that under her cloak is all the color needed to fill her up and keep her well until Spring.

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The second spread includes the photo that inspired the pages,

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taken back in November, when the branches went bare…

I have to say I am a little sad that these pages are in Nicola’s book, and not in my own journal.

It will be hard to bundle them up and send them on their way.

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This week is going to be all about friends and being there for one another, in the good and the bad.

Tomorrow, I head up north again. One of my dear friend’s lost her Dad last week and I am heading up to be there at the visitation and the funeral, and to give her some extra big loving as she faces this sad, sad loss.

I called some other friends when I found out I would be making an unexpected trip to Montreal. Now, I will be sleeping in 4 different places between Tuesday and Saturday, and seeing quite a few of my favorite non-family peeps back home. Of course, I will squeeze in a big hugging session with my Mom, as well. Putting out love and getting some of that rich medicine back as well.

David will keep the home fires burning and the furry kids well while the Rogue-y and I head out on the highway.

Life is a bittersweet journey, isn’t it, Beautiful Ones ?

But I am grateful everyday to be traveling it…

Big Love !

18 comments:

Sherry said...

I hope you scan those pages before you send the book on its way!

Life does happen and much of it bittersweet...I can't help but make the connection between your November pages and death -- the trees barren,the leaves gone. You bundled up and holding yourself...in a protective way. A hug. And you are heading off to offer comfort and warmth and hugs to a dear friend.

Enjoy spending time with friends and loved ones...you give so much love and comfort...make sure you get some for yourself!!! xoxox

Unknown said...

wow...your post fit right into my life at the present. My dad is very ill and I have been driving back and forth.

I see light now at the end of the tunnel...thankfully

hugs to you and your friend.
x..x

Anonymous said...

YOur pages say it all. Safe journey, keep the warm cloak of color around you. xox Corrine

rachel awes said...

life is bittersweet!
i gently walk into this scene and sit next to you in november...i've been under the weather for sometime now..and long for spring.
oh kim, your pages are so beautiful. i adore the swirl on her cheek. it feels like a kiss.
+ she is, indeed, easy to love. xo

Nicola said...

Hi Kim, like I said on your facebook page I truly am honored that these beautiful pages are in my book! Thank you sooooo much! I love the way you have drawn the tree and your colour choices are perfect even though it's a wintery scene it is still beautiful!!! :0) Safe travels xoxoxoxo

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

i am very sorry for her lost and i am glad you will be giving her company and also you will be in good company as well.
sometimes i feel the same way when i personalize something that is going away like those journal pages but i guess that's how much they can give meaning to others and give too.
bless your heart you are a light and you are gifted
hugs!

beth said...

you're the kind of friend everyone should have....i hope you know that!!
xoxo

Kate Robertson said...

Love love, love the crow page. I would make copies and put them in my own book.

You are such a good friend to go and give moral support to your friend.
Enjoy seeing everyone and your mom too. See you when you get bak,

Kate

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

See you soon, my friend. It's hard to let go sometimes, now you are on a mission to help a dear friend take the first steps in letting go. My love to you!

Olivia said...

I wish the Queen a wonderful trip and a safe return home. Life is indeed a bittersweet journey and a great gift is having the ones we love to accompany us through. I am sorry for your friend's loss, xoO

EVA said...

They are fabulous pages Kim! Beautiful.

I think November is the hardest month to do. I haven't got my November yet but I am clueless as to what to do... Something will come to me when it gets here I guess...

Sorry to hear of your friend's loss. Safe travels.

Jess said...

You've really captured the feeling of winter and the girl snuggled up in her shawl is just how I like to be on these cold evenings. :)
Jess xx

jgr said...

Lovely pages, I agree you should scan before sending. My fave is the tree on left hand side with text behind it. It just speaks to me, even though 'Winter' is almost a non-event here. :-)
I'm sorry to hear of your friend's loss. It will mean the world for you to be there. Safe travels, my friend.

Unknown said...

love love love your way <3

michelle ward said...

Love your pages my RF friend. Love your full heart, even though it's heavy with grief for your friend and her family. May rays of light follow you to and fro. xo

Fallingladies said...

Wonderful blue pages! Love the crow and the photo, enjoy your trip, even if it is for a sad reason....

Deb said...

I love the honesty of your pages. I also appreciate that it allows one to reflect...something we don't always allow ourselves the time to do. Safe travels, and much love to you and your friend during this difficult time. Take care.

Elizabeth Halt said...

I am sending love and comfort to you as you travel to be with your friend during her loss.

xo