This quote was on a tall sign, along the road, in front of a tractor shop in our town. It immediately caught my and attention and I couldn't help but think about this quote as it applied to me. I found myself asking the question... "what do I talk about when I am with family and friends?"
I am happy to report I don't talk about people, at least not in a negative way, usually. I don't like gossip. It's just plain harmful. But let me talk about my kids and grandkids, and I can do that all day long!
I do talk about events. Events I have gone to, events I want to go to, and events I plan.
I do talk about ideas... all the time. When my daughters and I get together, we bring our "idea books" to the table and jot down ideas for projects and adventures we have swimming around in our heads. It is fun. It is one of the best memories I have with my daughters.
We always have these awesome ideas that we pen out on paper and before you know it... someone else comes out with the idea, which is usually 5 years later, and our opportunity for fame and fortune is squashed! We just can't seem to get them off the paper! But... it's always fun to know we were smart enough to know what would be "hot on the market" down the road.
Ever since I read this prompt, I've been thinking about some really great ideas for the year. Ideas that would make this the best year yet! Here are my twenty great and brainy ideas --
Climb my Family Tree. I don't mean literally. I mean get more active in genealogy. Find my ancestors. Make some connections. Learn their stories. Familysearch.org is an easy and friendly place to start.
Learn some Spanish terms and sentences before going on my trip to Peru. Can't wait for this one!
Read a Biography – Ezra T. Benson. He served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under the leadership of President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953-1961. He also served as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1985-1994. He dedicated his entire life to service--to country and God. He lived in Midway, Utah, for many years. My husband's family lived a few miles away in Heber City. My father-in-law, Paul, served as the county Extension Agriculture Agent and so it became a natural fit for Ezra and Paul to become good friends, both following the same career path in agriculture. Ezra signed his biography book and gave it to Paul. We now have the book, and I'm so looking forward to reading it this year.
Traveling Suitcase adventure with the grandkids. Fill the suitcase with all the necessary items that will take us on a grand adventure to......??? The element of surprise is the best part of the adventure.
Create something original. I've got some creative juices flowing. If I actually do this, I'll let you know.
Humanitarian Project. I've always wanted to participate in some Humanitarian project. I'll make this my year!
Make a habit – walk a mile a day. Or often.
Study up on Peru and China cultures before going to make my trips more meaningful.
Do something new and stick to it – painting lessons that I started last year.
Quality Sister time! I want to have a day with them... no interruptions. I miss them!
Conquer a fear. Mine is flying in airplanes. I don't know how to solve that one. Any suggestions?
Strengthen my relationship with the Savior through scripture study and following His example.
Outdoor project – Shaniel’s garden. It's going to be beautiful! I've been working on it for a couple of years.
Christmas Photo project – scan photos, organize, and put on external hard drives (years 1975 – current) and give to kids as gifts. They are going to love this! Got to get this project done.
Advocate for Domestic Violence Awareness – Shaniel’s Story facebook page, workshops, writing, and other opportunities that present themselves.
Writing workshop, or at least a self-help book so I can write more creatively and finally get my Personal History done. And, I am so lucky to have found Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. I'm thinking, I'm writing, I'm loving it!
Day Adventures. They can happen anytime of the year. Family fun!
Random Act of Kindness throughout the year. Keep track of how it changes our family and the people we randomly pick.
Make a Blurb Book or Shutterfy Book of last year. Once and for all. Maybe this will give me the courage and experience needed to do the rest of my personal history.
Express and practice Gratitude and keep a Smash journal. Pinterest has lots of ideas, too. No perfection here! Just smash it all together.
I don't know how many projects I can realistically complete this year. It doesn't matter! I'll do what I can and let the rest follow where they may. With that said... it's going to be my best year yet!
What great ideas do you have for the year?
Writing prompt 2: A list of 20 ideas to make this your best year yet.
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Wow, those are some great ideas you are working on!. good luck. I like to talk about people. I love sharing memories about my kids and grandkids, parents and grandparents. It makes me happy. They are the most important part of my life. I think I talk about people more than anything else. I don't like to gossip either, I think gossiping and talking about people are two different things. I like doing a gratitude journal. President Eyering had a great conference talk not too long ago on what should be in our journals to make them whorthwhile to our children. I followed his plan all last year and I really liked the way my journal read back to me. I really liked the part about expressing gratitude everytime I wrote in my book. This year I am writing down one word gratitudes! I'm trying to do it everyday. Nothing helps the outlook of the day than being thankful for something. Looks like you'll have a good year if you follow through on these plans. Love you.
ReplyDeleteI like your response on "talking about people". I never thought of it that way. And, oh... I do plenty of that! I do love talking about my kids, and grandkids, and family. They are my pride and joy. So, if I think about it that way... it's good. What is the talk by President Eyring you are referring to? I'd like to read it. I'm looking forward to expressing gratitude and writing it down. I think it will bring a lot more sunshine into my year. Good luck with your plans, too! We need some serious sister time!
Deleteyes we do, need some serious sister time! https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/08/recognize-remember-and-give-thanks?lang=eng
DeleteThis is a great list of things to do in 2015! I want to get more things done this year - I have a couple of sewing projects that I totally need to finish - I'm not a sewer by nature, but I've been working on it...and I always have my mom to draw on when I get stuck.
ReplyDeleteI have quite a wide variety of writing books at home; teaching writing to children is what I do in my "other" life. There's one that I think might help you on your journey to getting your story down, but of course I can't remember it right this minute. I need to check my shelf and get back to you on it...although I'm afraid I might have loaned the book to a student. Hmmmm...
Jen - Pierced Wonderings
Thanks Jennifer! So hope you find the book and give me a recommendation.
DeleteGood luck on your projects, too. I used to sew a lot. But I try to avoid it as much as possible these days. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be.
Hello Carol!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post. I like to talk about all three -but no gossip. And your TWENTY things to do this year! Wow! I have, uh, two: listen to the Bible daily at...well...the Daily Audio Bible.com! And integrate my watchword for the year into my body, mind, and spirit. The word the Lord gave me is MOVEMENT.
:) m & jb
I love that... movement. You surely can move in all three areas. Mind, body, and spirit. I'd love to hear about your goal at the end of the year.
DeleteI'm so glad you found me too! I always look forward to reading your latest entry. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that quote...I think I have the capability of being all three of those things depending on the people and mood of the moment. I'm pretty sure that puts me in the "Brilliant" category that I just made up. ;)
hahaha... what a "Brilliant" idea... a new category you just came up with! I love it! I'm going to have to add this to my quote. Thanks!!!
DeleteI love your list! Have you been to Peru before? We went to a Peruvian restaurant in St. Louis for NYE and it was AMAZING! You are in for a treat with the cuisine!
ReplyDeleteAlso, love that you want to do random acts of kindness. A few of my friends do "homeless care bags" ready in thei car with goodies and essentials to give to the homeless if and when the opportunity arises. I'm thinking that may be in my future too.
Thanks for your inspiring list!
I have not been to Peru before, but am so excited to go! I hope the opportunity comes up to report on it.
DeleteAnd, I am anxious to see how Random Acts of Kindness plays out this year. If you do some, you will have to share them with me, too. I think that is wonderful... what your friends do. That is such a great idea. Maybe I'll make up a couple of bags and be prepared to do the same thing. I'll put you on my blog list and keep in touch!
I love your list! Have you been to Peru before? We went to a Peruvian restaurant in St. Louis for NYE and it was AMAZING! You are in for a treat with the cuisine!
ReplyDeleteAlso, love that you want to do random acts of kindness. A few of my friends do "homeless care bags" ready in thei car with goodies and essentials to give to the homeless if and when the opportunity arises. I'm thinking that may be in my future too.
Thanks for your inspiring list!