New Year.................

Here is comes, 2016. Can you even believe that? Time passes so quickly now. Maybe it always did but it seems childhood was forever and a day. That summers were so long and free. Now they spin on by like I am on a slide getting ever faster and faster. My Dad was 68 when he died and I have lived longer than him. It does not seem very "old". Mum was 71 when she died. Will I do better?
Do you have traditions? No, we don't I don't even bother to stay up most New Years Eves any more. There was a time long ago when we would go out and party. Seems like another lifetime, a different person.
The most fun and memorable New Year was while living in London and I have told that story before

I can't think of any others that even came close. For a few years we would go out with friends to parties and stay for breakfast but they are really not memorable. Just fun times long ago.
I don't go in for watching parades or any of that stuff, we have no traditions for NYE.

When Tristen was small he was obsessed with the fireworks. At that time we did watch fireworks around the world.
Now one thing I do, that I have done for as long as I can remember is to keep a diary. That turned into keeping a journal. It helps me to keep track of birthdays and other important things. When to pay bills etc. The first thing that goes into the new book is my list of goals for the New Year. Not resolutions but ideas, things I would like to try or get done. When the end of the year comes I can see what I have accomplished, or not. I love doing that. It gives me a sense of fulfillment. One thing that is always on the list is weight. That is a given. I did loose 18 pounds last year but put back about 6. So my goal will be the same this year, lose 20 pounds.

some people keep art journals and I do a sketchbook but this is different.
I don't mind sharing some of my goals.
I need to get back on my diet and loose 20pounds to keep my blood under control (sugar)
I want to paint some pictures with the idea of selling in an ETSY or Facebook shop.
Same thing with sewing. I want to make felt objects and small quilting projects to sell.
I need to use up my "stash"
I have not set this goal in awhile, but I would like to try a new recipe at least once a month.
Use those dang cook books I have piled up.
Make all my Christmas gifts for next year out of things I already have on hand.
Pay off my main credit card or at least pay it down.
work on the house and update it.
Get out hiking as much as possible this summer, collect things from nature for inspiration in art.
learn to make jewelry
OH and so much more that I will share in due course. That's enough for now. My journal serves to keep track and to inspire. I like it when they have inspirational verses, I had a nice one last year but this year I got a Marjolein Bastin

I like her art work. I find that inspiring because she draws and paints things I enjoy. I like to see a lot of goals, the more I write down the more I am likely to see completed.
I need to go through all the packed away boxes downstairs and see what I can put in a Spring garage sale. I have plenty of time to sort and price ready for that. Then towards the end of the year I will go through my Christmas stuff and see what can be given away to Kids and grandkids.
All I have to do is get rid of this dang cold/cough so I can get started.