Linking up with Hodgepodge

Linking up with Joyce over at her blog

"from this side of the pond"

www.fromthissideofthepond.com

Every Wednesday Joyce features a few questions. 

Everyone is invited to stop by and link up or just read.

Today, I stopped by and I linked up.!

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?

I'm afraid I dropped a rather large ball throughout this entire past year and I hurt some people's feelings. This has been a year for change for me on a very personal level.

I made a bucket list.

One of the items on that list was to be a blonde (insert phrase: before I die). So I did, for the entire year. I also chose to eat out at a restaurant on a large holiday, a first in 35 years for me, and I was just so glad we did. This holiday was a day for no work, just relaxing, taking the time to visit and get to know one another.

I also decided to slow down but I may have slowed a bit too much. And I sort of distanced a relationship that just left me drained all the time, to tell the truth, I distanced more than one. Thereby making room for other relationships to build, ones that lift me up.

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?

I actually felt that

I had made time for myself.

I paid more attention to the people I love. I listened more. I gave more compliments and encouragement. I redirected my own reaction to negative conversations and stayed in a positive place. I actually felt that I had made time for myself, even to think and react, and to say no. Saying no is not as easy at it looks.

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why?

I had prayed for guidance

so hard my knees were sore.

I neither agree or disagree, it's not that simple for me. I have been blessed with times in my long life where the inspiration was pouring down on me. Right after my Dad died, I filed for divorce and was out on my own for the first time. I had prayed for guidance so hard my knees were sore. Then everything I needed and wanted became choices set before me. I had lived most of my life without choices, and I felt so blessed that my creativity just flowed. I guess I don't think that you can go after inspiration with a club, but you sure can use it to pry something out of the way.

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

Thing?

One thing?

Oh, you know I can't narrow it down to one thing.

I guess it would be the Kobe steak at the Fisherman's Wharf in Little Rock, Arkansas. I was able to cut it with my butterknife it was so tender. It was topped with a mustard reduction and braised asparagus spears, laying across a potato souffle. It was also very pretty.

I ate all of it, then dessert too.

5. Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

I am keeping my traveling suitcase in the closet and ready to pack anytime. I want to see more things, meet more people, go to new places and then come back home and rest.

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid.  Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

Yes, I love it. I have always been a purple fan. When it is done right, it is gorgeous. When it is done wrong, it looks like my old kitchen, a color mistake (note to self - not every color you love is meant to be on 3 walls). I think I will get a new radiant orchid scarf to keep me warm in winter, and to tie around my straw hat this summer. Function, utilization and getting the most for my money is my motto.

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013.

A better me.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

They say life comes in seasons just like the earth. I feel that I have entered a new season and it is fall. It is time to be open to change, in everything, in people, and in myself. I also think fall is a time to just stop and breathe, good deep breaths.