Now where did I put my bliss.....?

Every January we are bombarded by messages encouraging us to revamp, reorganize and reprioritize. The television talk show circuit is rife with professionals ready to help overhaul our finances, personal appearance, home, health, life. I'm compelled to make lists, read magazine articles, listen to the experts. Now, there is the added pressure of finding bliss. Bliss is a word I just can't wrap my head around. What are they talking about? Like most women, I'm starting to stress about falling short in yet another category...... the “bliss” scale. In addition to the sudden urge to lose ten pounds, look ten years younger, or check ten things off my new daily online organizational calendar, something else keeps popping into my head.... How can I find my bliss if I can't even find my car keys!

There are hooks by the back door, a basket on the hall table, and a key chain bigger than the one for the restroom at the gas station. What's wrong with me? According to the experts, an invisible army of perfectly organized women exists with everything they need at their fingertips. Why can't I do all that stuff? Should I take more vitamins, make a duty roster for the kids and post it on the bathroom mirror, hire a personal trainer? I'm starting to feel panicky. I put my coat on and slip my hand into the pocket and find bliss at that moment. The realization hits me: our bills get paid, the kids are happy, there's food on the table, a roof over our heads, and we love each other. This past year was challenging for my family in almost every way possible, but we pulled together and persevered. My bliss is, I'm still here, so is my family, and I'm holding my car keys. I have to run, I'm late for a makeover at the beauty shop.

January 20, 2009

My husband and our oldest daughter are together today in the nation's capital. Early this morning, they woke and walked together to the Washington Monument and beyond, to participate in the making of history. I spoke with them early this afternoon. They are elated, emotional and a little exhausted but are sharing and making memories today that will last a lifetime.

I thought this particular piece of vintage ephemera appropriate, considering the occasion and it's celebratory nature. It's this month's freebie - so please send me a photo if you are inspired by it to be creative.

Pace سلام שלום Hasîtî शान्ति Barış ...... Peace.

MACM - Button Heart Valentine's Day Card

I think this is a great card idea ~ especially after the holidays. I always end up with a box of those little "extra button" envelopes - mostly white and clear - which would look great on red, pink or purple cardstock. I do think you could send it through the mail - however, I would wrap it in tissue/bubble wrap and send in a padded envelope. More like a little gift? You could rubber stamp a heart in a darker or contrasting ink and mount the buttons on top - eliminating the need to sketch your heart or erase pencil marks (that would drive me nuts).

Do a miniature version of this and make a beautiful gift tag with tiny white dress shirt buttons (raid your husband's closet and remove the extras from the lower inside front tail of his shirt ~ the price is right and tucking the shirt in will be less bulky!).

Or if you've been really ambitious and have cleaned your closet to make room for the new things received over the holidays ~ some of those "throw away" items of clothing probably have some great buttons on them!