I had a totally different blog post for today. I wanted to post about a number of unconnected acts of kindness that I have received in recent days. Not earth shattering, but through the gloom of January, each have lifted my spirits in their own way. I want to cherish these moments.
Although I do have a lot of Karma to pass on now. No, today I am more struck that I don’t always practise what I preach. Tonight I was talking to one member of the family about the last words my History teacher said (pointedly) to me – “They can who think they can”. I have fallen back on these words so many times, in the intervening years, when faced with a challenge. And they have helped.
To me, it is a question of believing in myself and, potentially, changing my attitude to a challenge. Grabbing opportunities when they look me in the eye.
I have some great opportunities available to me at the moment, but they are all daunting. Now if I practise what I preach, I need to turn my attitude, towards them, on its head. Maybe it is dull January making me want to hibernate, but I am an optimist and I usually can see these opportunities for what they are.
So here I go. Just as we light a candle at breakfast time, at the moment, to bring some much needed light in the morning (So difficult to get up in the dark), I’m going to throw new energy at these challenges. It does mean that I may not have much time to blog as the challenges are not craft-related, more’s the pity! Then again, maybe I’ll surprise myself. (Like I would be able to resist rushing out and photographing the next bit of nature that catches my eyes!)
(Explanation of (dimly-lit) photos from the top: flowers from a friend as a thank you, beautifully decorated bottle of wine from a friend, hens coming back into lay, a friend lending AJ a harp to practise on, an unwell daughter quietly playing Lego beside me while I did my work today, home rolled beeswax candle on the breakfast table. I’m thankful. Also thankful for a daughter that reminds me that I should practise what I preach.)
So, what’s motivating you at the moment? I’d love to know.
Oh I love that quote. I will definately be using that one a lot, in fact I might put it up on the wall as an insipration to the children when they think they can’t. Thankyou for sharing it.
I love the pictures, especially the fantastic candle holder, what a lovely idea to light a candle in the morning! And how exciting is it when the hens start to lay again, there is nothing nicer than a homelaid egg, whatever you do with it!
I can still hear my teacher saying it. If the challenge is a really tough then saying it through gritted teeth helps. 🙂 A Vergil/ Virgil quote originally.
Lovely, and a great quote.
And oh my what a lovely Harp, I’ve always wanted to play one and hope to one day fulfill that dream.
Dawn x
AJ has been on and off asking to learn since she first saw/heard one at about 3 yo. I’m just so thankful that a whole lot of bits fell into place, at the right time, so that she can fulfill her dream. Absolutely beautiful sound. Much easier than I imagined to play and rewards the beginner with beautiful music straight away. I’m going to be waxing lyrically about this for a while, I think. I apologize now!
The quote is excellent! Good luck in the new enterprise/challenge whatever it may be. I’m sure the creative forces will find you even in the duller of the tasks… And how lovely to have a child who plays the harp!
Luciana
Thanks Luciana. I certainly hope I can incorporate creativity into everything I do. AJ is loving learning the harp.
It’s surprising where courage comes from sometimes ..that quote is both daunting and inspiring.
I shall send you good wishes for both Courage and a bit of luck too in whatever you find your challenges to be.
Oh and if you manage to post to your blog when you can … that’d be lovely and appreciated too :0) but if you can’t then just strain your ears for the shouts of “You go girl” from the frozen North …lol
I’m not disappearing totally, I hope. Maybe a little more quiet. I just need to concentrate more on the geeky side of my life, which believe me, would make terrible blog posts. All the glueing, painting, knitting and sewing will still go on and I will post them up. I’d miss it too much…. and everyone!
Thank Goodness for that! :0)
😀
Oh I love that quote! Perfect words to look upon when you’re feeling like you can’t accomplish something 🙂 I must share this with my children *grin*. How wonderful that your daughter is learning to play the harp to. Such a beautiful sounding insturment.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my socks. I’m so happy to hear that with practice the kitchener stitch becomes more easy. I had quite the giggle over the ‘ninja maneuver’ to! *grin*
Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
I think every sock knitter has tried on their unfinished socks with the needles still in. I had to laugh at the description too. Enjoy your weekend.