I Will . . .

In a few short weeks . . .

I will have the courage to start again.

I will be braver. Stronger. More determined than before.

I will paint something new. Many things, actually. I already see them in my mind, soon I will bring them to life.

I will return to my blog, this place that has always housed my truest self, and I will fill it with dreams and possibilities.

I will write more from my heart . . . like I used to, not so long ago.

I will inspire. I will motivate. I will do the things that make me feel good.

I will believe.

I will listen. I will support. I will encourage.

I will begin something new.

I will read your words, grow through your stories, and let you know that I am doing so.

I will find my passion once again.

I will listen to those quiet whispers in my heart . . . and keep moving forward.

2011, you've been quite good to me. But 2012 . . . oh, I've got some plans for us.

It's going to be wonderful.

I will never stop believing.

No Magnificent Monday Vlog post today. So many loose ends to tie up, and lots to get ready for in the next few days. I am happy to announce that I WILL BE RETURNING with our Magnificent Monday Vlogs in 2012!!!! Just taking the next couple weeks off from them . . . to nurture the soul, you know? I think I will start 2012 with a couple of guests on the Vlog. Oh, I've got something up my sleeve, for sure.

I've been doing much of that this past week, since my "bah-humbug" rant on Tuesday. Nurturing the soul, that is. I've been reconnecting with dear friends from a lifetime ago, spending time with my family, laughing and laughing and laughing. I haven't baked a single cookie so far this year . . . and you know what? It's OK. It's better than OK . . . it's darn near PERFECT.

Yesterday we walked through the Brookfield Zoo for their Holiday Lights Festival with PG's Aunt, Uncle and their granddaughter. It was such beautiful night and the holiday lights would put any Scrooge into the very best of holiday moods.

Phil's Aunt Rose is a dear woman whom I admire so very much, and I always cherish time spent with her. I recently shared my blog information with Aunt Rose, who wasn't very aware of the whole blogland world until talking about it with me. As we strolled through the zoo, she said "I've been reading some of your blog posts. Your stories and writing leaves me with a 'feel good' sort of feeling. Is that what it's all about?" and I responded, "Yes, Aunt Rose. That's exactly what it is all about."  I thought about it more and more as we continued our walk. Feel Good. Yes. That's what it is all about.

I will FEEL GOOD.

How about you? Any plans for your New Year? What will you? Leave a comment and let me know . . . or write a blog post about it and share it with us (we'll come visit. It will be fun!)

Peace, my friends.