Breaking Old Habits and Creating New Ones

hab·it [hab-it] 

 –noun

1.

an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary: the habit of looking both ways before crossing the street.

2.

customary practice or use: Daily bathing is an American habit.

3.

a particular practice, custom, or usage: the habit of shaking hands.

Yesterday I celebrated the anniversary of being clean and sober for 4 years. I figured what better day to start a new. I started with yesterday's post on peeling back my layers and facing fears. There are several bad habits I would like to brake and other habits I would like to practice.

I need and want to quit smoking. Ok, I really don't want to quit but deep down I know I need to exchange that habit for a better one. I really would love to start working out and get into great shape. This will not happen until I brake the habit of smoking. I have given myself the deadline of September. The past 2 days I have done pretty well and will continue to persevere. 

I would also like to create a new habit of blogging everyday. The more I put it off, the easier it is to just not to write. So here is my second day in a row of writing. 

 

HERE IS TO CREATING NEW, LAYER PEELING, LIFE EXPANDING HABITS!!!!
















Until next time-

Peeling Back the Layers

Lately I have been thinking about peeling back my layers. Every time I think of that phrase it reminds me of this great dialogue between Shrek and Donkey. (Hey, I'm a mom- alot of my references and A-Ha moments now come from children's movies!)For those of you who are not familiar- here is a clip- the best one I could find.





I have been feeling quite stuck for awhile, creatively, and could not figure out why. I had plenty of excuses- most of them being I am tired. Now that is very true to a point. Being a stay at home mom to a 4 and 3 year old is very mentally, emotionally and physically draining but should not always stand in the way of my creating.
I finally came up with the real reason and surprise- it is the most obvious, slap you in the face reason:

                       FEAR FEAR FEAR

Now, I could have pointed that out in someone else, or someone could have told me- but I would not believe them and deny it till the cows come home. This was a conclusion That I had to come to on my own. Fear of rejection, fear of making crappy stuff, fear of making things people don't like and just general fear of the unknown. I got down to the heart of it and asked myself-
Why do you create?  Well, because it makes me happy and makes me feel alive.
Then a voice inside of me said, "That's all that matters"
So, that being said, in order for me to conquer this fear I will start posting pictures of all my artistic endeavors. What I perceive as good and what I perceive as crappy!!! EVERYTHING!!! Unfinished projects, barely started projects, and experimentation with new mediums. Once I realize that the world will not crumble underneath my feet I will be on my way to conquering a great fear.

Until next time peeps-

Magnolia Bloom

The other day the girls and I went on a walk to see if any of the Magnolia trees had bloomed- and they had!!! We picked one flower and here are some pics. I think the core of the flower is just magnificent and they smell awesome!
Magnolia trees are very special to my husband and I because we were married under a 100 year old Magnolia tree in a little town called Monroe, Ga. We are aiming to go back there on our 5 year wedding anniversary in January so the girls can see the "infamous" Magnolia tree!!!

Butterflies Emerge!!!

The little butterfly larvae that arrived at our house first cocooned and now they are butterflies!!! Painted Lady Butterflies! Here are some pics!

Pretty cool, huh? The girls and I released them and are ready for our next little creature. They really want a Praying Mantis!
Until next time-

Metamorphisis- Part 2

The little caterpillars that we received a little over a week ago have begun to make their journey to the top of their container to begin the chrysalis phase!!! Here are some pics!!!!

Until next time-

Metamorphisis in Action!!!!

My girls and I were at Walmart the other day and were cruising down the "As seen on T.V." aisle and we saw the grow your own butterfly kit. I thought that it would be pretty cool, so we bought it.

We sent away for our butterfly larvae and it came in the mail. I think that it may have been in the mailbox a couple of days so I was a bit nervous that when I opened it I would find a bunch of dead little caterpillars but they were all alive and well. I have been documenting their growth.

In the last 2 photos you can see that they have made their way to the top to start making their cocoons. The girls are totally fascinated with this and cannot wait to see how they make their chrysalis.
I definitely recommend you try this with your children because it is truly awesome!!!

As a little side line- as I am typing this I found it extremely interesting that I have been going through a "dead" sort of time and space. It occured to me that perhaps I am just climbing right now and am fixing to form my own little cocoon of sorts. Even times where it seems as though nothing is happening- IT IS!!!!
I am confident that I will emerge- once again- on the other side, transformed. Perhaps I am just in a chrysalis stage, forming and changing into a butterfly! I am ready to fly!!!

Until next time-

Best Family Ever!!!!

I sat down to post a new blog and saw the date of my last blog.... Omg!! Almost 1 whole month since my last one, but I will get to that later. I was sitting down to write about how grateful I am that I have the most awesome family! I have been feeling rather poopy for well over a month now. I have had no desire to do anything at all and just feeling over all crappy. Yesterday after my husband arrived home from work he said- go take a nice long hot shower it will make you feel good. So- I did. When I came out I had the most special, heartwarming awesome family moments!

You're Special and cheer up balloons!

My Willow and Wren

The girls and my husband were waiting for me with balloons and a plate of powdered donuts and little Hershey drops! Talk about big time happy cry!!! I truly lucked out when I met my husband and we created such an awesome family! Until next time-