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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