Happy New Year

New Year's Day is always a day many of us feel it's time for a fresh start, a clean slate, a beginning.  I feel that way too.  Many times  I have tried resolutions and have failed miserably.  This year rather than being so specific about what to change I am focusing on what I am grateful for.  I feel very grateful for the year that passed.  For one, my family was all together for the holidays.   They came far and wide and I am so happy we had that opportunity.  I am grateful that I set a goal to be more proactive in my art work and I was in a show at a local college with several other artists showing work of the Jersey Shore before and after Sandy.  It gave me a goal to reach and I did it.  I even sold several prints of some of the pieces. 

Becoming more active is something I have been trying for and I am happy that I had the chance to join a gym.  Black Friday gave me a great discount and my mom and I joined up and we are still going!!!!

I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many friends and plan to take more time connecting with them.  This year one of my friends passed right before Christmas and while I miss her I know we have been so lucky to have had her in our lives. 

So, my goal is to continue to be grateful.  Grateful for my family.  They are my world.  Grateful I have a full time job.  It is a challenging one, but I hope I am making a difference in the lives of some of the children I work with.  I am grateful for my health.  I can live with the aches and pains, at least I am up and working.  I am grateful for my friends, ones I have known for years an the new ones I have made the last few years.  I hope to continue painting and making art.  What direction it is taking me, I have yet to see, but I am open for wherever it goes.

Happy New Year!!!!!!