New Beginnings to Old Things

A new year means new resolutions. I've never been a keeper of resolutions. I don't like to be limited to obligations that remain unfulfilled by the time next January rolls around. BUT, this year, I've decided to take a shot at being resolute. (Perhaps my first resolve should be to faithfully attend to my blog? Anyone notice how it has been over a year since I've posted on here?) Perhaps its foolish to make my intentions for 2013 public.  However, knowing that I am at least accountable to a smattering of blog followers means that the chances of my resolutions being accomplished are slightly higher than if I kept the list muddled up in the back corners of my mind. So, here it goes...

1. Two thousand and thirteen will be the year that I write more. Whether I write one sentence in my tattered Moleskin journal, whether I tap out a blog post, or whether I hunker down with my silly imagination and scratch out a story, this is the year that I will write. Today, alone, I have been encouraged on three separate occasions by three separate people to write. Being reminded of something that once was a passion and that has now fallen by the wayside is sad. And so, I am going to tap into that wordy creativity that used to possess an awkward teenage girl, and I am going to write. 
2. I came across my box of oil paints, tucked away in a dusty suitcase that was shoved carelessly behind bins of Christmas decorations. Three months from now, my Husby and I will be proud owners of our  first home.

   

   Me, standing in front of the "shell" of our townhouse

    With our first home comes walls and walls of blank space, waiting for pictures to be hung. I used to paint and draw and sketch. Painting, along with writing, is something that has long flown out the window. However, I'm determined that this is the year that I will paint at least ONE piece of artwork to hang on our newly acquired wall space. 
3. Eating locally has always been important to us, however, over the past couple of months, our busy schedules have loaned themselves more to frozen pizza and 5-ingredients-or-less-in-30-minutes-or-less kind of meals. In 2013, I want to be more aware of what we are eating. Though I seem to have a love/hate relationship with my itty-bitty-dysfunctional-postage-stamp-size-kitchen, I am going to purpose to spend more time in there, experimenting with ingredients from our local farmer's market.

   

   My itty-bitty-dysfunctional-postage-stamp-size-kitchen. Not exactly enough space for culinary magic.

   Maybe (if I remember to write!!!) I will share a few recipes that I have stumbled upon. 
4. Our church has recently been doing a sermon series on what it means to be a disciple within our church body and surrounding community. My prayer is that this is the year that I will stop and spend more time listening to the needs of those around me - that I will look for ways to reach out to others, to be a friend to those who need a friend, and to be a disciple of Christ in the less glamorous situations around me daily. 
5. I want to become more aware of how I spend, or rather, waste my time. Lately, it has become very apparent that there are many things that I allow myself to "indulge" in for hours on end...Facebook, Pinterest, the Ikea website, Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest....Before I know it, I raise my bleary eyes from my computer screen to the clock on the wall and realize that a good couple of hours has just slipped through my fingers. Perhaps I need to take one day a week where I remain "unplugged." Or maybe I need to limit myself to an allotment of time each day - nothing more, nothing less.

Some of these resolutions may be easier than others. Some may take a bit more courage and confidence, while others will cause me to gain a more inward, quiet grasp of what is important. When written out, these ideas seem like a tall order.Then again, it is 2013, and I have only ONE 2013 to live. Here's to making the best of it!