Gratitude List 2017
a work in progress . . . hoping to have this completed by January , 2018
2017 was filled with memorable moments - some were events and extravaganzas, others the little things in life that each day a treasure. I'm sipping a cup of Mycala's divine ginger tea as I put the final touches on my 2017 Gratitude List and feeling abundantly blessed. I hope you'll take the time to review and celebrate the moments that made this year special for you and your loved ones as you move forward into 2018! May the New Year be filled with love, laughter, abundance and joy!
A - Alley !!
The dancers in Alvin Alley's Alley II defied gravity! The choreography was spectacular. Circular and Breaking Point featured breath taking precision and agility and Revelations, including Take Me to the Water, I Wanna Be Ready, Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham, brought the crowd to their feet. Stunningly beautiful.
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B - Baltimore Inner Harbor
Mycala took me on the most phenomenal brunch cruise for my birthday on the Spirit of Baltimore!
Carrie and Izzy traveled from New Jersey to take me to brunch at the Rusty Scupper - one of my very favorite restaurants - and then we toured the historic Constellation and watched the St. Patricks's Day Parade!
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B - Berries
Edible Berries
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Decorative Berries
Beauty Berries
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Rowan Berries
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Actually, both of these are edible too but I haven't tried them The Beauty Berry is used to make a light lavender colored jelly and the Rowan berries can be eaten if you wait until after a frost. They'll upset your stomach if you eat them before they are frozen,
I've been told. One of these days' I'll try them and let you know.
I've been told. One of these days' I'll try them and let you know.
C - Courses, Coaching and Creativity
This category is a favorite! All of my time is defined by my values, and learning and education are high on the list. Whether taking classes, designing and delivering, or coaching, a creative approach enhances all aspects. One of my favorite courses this year was Creative Concept Camp! Coaching.
Nancy and I delivered a 6 week course on Musical Notes from Maryland, reviewing types of music, history, unforgettable musicians from Maryland,, movies, musicals and more. Our class enthusiastically sang along to Good Morning, Baltimore from John Water's Hair Spray and stood proudly as we celebrated the National Anthem! This year I'm giving a course on Colors. More Cs to come!
D - Ding Dongs |
Ding Dongs (the Sweet Silver Bells) pictured with Catherine Pugh, the Mayor of Baltimore, at the tree lighting event at City Hall.
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Being invited to sing with this talented group has been such a delight. The mayor invited us to sing at a special event at City Hall and have our photo taken with her! We went as the Sweet Silver Bells instead of the Ding Dongs. She wants a more refined name, but it was an honor to be invited so we didn't mind!
Eclipse, Solar - August 21st
E- Enhancing Your Life with Herbs at RI and Essex Community College
F - Fearless Choices
It was an honor for each of us featured in Barbara Krauss's book Fearless Choices.
Barbara documented true stories of women who made decisions to move beyond fear and say "Yes!" under difficult circumstances. Her book is an inspiration to all who are facing difficult life choices.
Barbara documented true stories of women who made decisions to move beyond fear and say "Yes!" under difficult circumstances. Her book is an inspiration to all who are facing difficult life choices.
F - Flow
A friend gave me some issues of Flow magazine and i've fallen in love with all things Flow! Later i discovered a book published by Flow called "A Book That Takes Its Time." I got one for my girls, friends and myself for Christmas and we are going to work through it in the new year!
Forum
The ceiling in the Forum in Harrisburg, PA is one of my favorite architectural treasures.
G - Garlands
Peacocks, cinnamon scented pine cones, and pine garlands were featured on the steps this year for holiday decorating.
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H - Hampden, Hon!
So many wonderful memories took place in Hampden this year! From shopping, lunches, lights on 34th Street, listening to Untra Faux play Ghost Jazz and meeting with the Ding Dongs after the tree lighting and caroling at City Hall at the Five and Dime . . .
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I - Iris
There is something therapeutic about painting iris.
J - Journals
I've been sewing and trimming faux leather journals for gifts this year. After the signatures of handmade paper are sewn in I layer them with fabrics and lace. I'm hoping to make a lot more in 2018.
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K -K is always a challenge. One year I used 'keyboard'. This year I can't think of anything, k?
L - Leopard Faux Fabric
What a fabulous find! 10 yards of fabulous faux leopard fabric. My first project was a queen size bed spread for Mycenea!
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L - Light City Baltimore
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M - Music
The year was over flowing with music! Singing in two musical groups, teaching a course on Musical Notes from Maryland at the Renaissance Institute, visits to the Baltimore Symphony, live music featuring my daughter Mycenea, jazz musicians - Greg Thompkins on saxophone, Carl Filipiak on guitar, Lafayette Gilchrist on keyboard, Rodney Kelley on guitar, Ultra Faux playing Gypsy Jazz, hosted tow events at Ryan's Daughter with Irish music, and Friday nights with Feet on the Street and Belvedere Square events.
N - NaNoWriMo
Spent the month of November completing a 50,000 word goal for the National Novel Writing Month!
O - Orchid
After dropping its blossoms over the winter, my orchid from Mycenea not only bloomed again but sent out a second flowering stalk!
P - Peonies
The peonies in my garden were spectacular this year!
They aren't often noted for their fragrance, but they are one of my favorite aromas.
They aren't often noted for their fragrance, but they are one of my favorite aromas.
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Q - Quotes
So many favorites! I could do an entire website on quotes. Here's a favorite by Mary Oliver.
R - Rose Roses
It's no secret that I love roses - this bouquet, the color of my rose couch - is a favorite!
S - St. Michaels and Sailing - Maryland's Eastern Shore
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T- Tail!
My gorgeous mermaid tail from Mycenea! The photograph really doesn't do it justice - it is absolutely luscious and the color is divine!
It's been years since I lived close enough to the water to think of myself as a mermaid, but I'm hoping to move along the water's edge again at some point. On New Year's Day I finally got the courage to join her annually in a fully submerged plunge to wash off the old and welcome the new year. I just watched the first year but after that I was all in - literally.
I miss the hours spent in the water, whether wading, swimming, floating or kayaking. My mermaid tale will keep me warm and remind me that warmer days are ahead and the water will be waiting!
It's been years since I lived close enough to the water to think of myself as a mermaid, but I'm hoping to move along the water's edge again at some point. On New Year's Day I finally got the courage to join her annually in a fully submerged plunge to wash off the old and welcome the new year. I just watched the first year but after that I was all in - literally.
I miss the hours spent in the water, whether wading, swimming, floating or kayaking. My mermaid tale will keep me warm and remind me that warmer days are ahead and the water will be waiting!
T - Tassels
How I love tassels! They are all over my home and decorate everything from door knobs to lamp shades, fabrics to packages, fabric rolled up and waiting to be transformed, herbal swags, belts, pillows, yoga bags . . . I'm always on the look out for new ways to use tassels! .
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U - Under an Armadillo Sky
by Mycala Worley
My fabulous Christmas gift from Mycala! She wrote it over the summer and I waited impatiently until Christmas morning! Well worth the wait! It is over flowing with her sketches, wit and wisdom. Pure delight from front to back! Mycala sees life differently and her perspectives are unique and insightful! Sequel!!!
V - Velvet
Velvet played a featured role in my sewing this year - yoga bags, outfit for Ding Dongs and Mycala's formal gown - still a work in progress! And my Victorian Velvet crazy quilt with a lavender sachet. Lovely Vs!
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W - Wands
These wands are made from the lavender in my garden. Full instructions are on the site if you'll do a search on the Welcome page for lavender or check under Herbs on my Today's Treasure Blog Page. A friend sent me a note telling me she has one that is at least 40 years old. The are lovely to make and the fragrance is divine.
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Y - Yoga Bags
Luscious shades of yellow yoga bags in velvet, tapestry and brocade. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of the completed blue and green bags before I sent them out, but the fabrics are below.
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Z - Zippy
Saving the best for last - Zippy! He had quite a year.
He attended many events, visits with friends, walks, and parades.
He was invited to events at Towson University and charmed everyone.
He even made the cover of one of their newsletters!
He attended many events, visits with friends, walks, and parades.
He was invited to events at Towson University and charmed everyone.
He even made the cover of one of their newsletters!