Aspirations and Enhancements for 2019

Living Coral is 'Colour of theYear!

Pantone Evokes Sea Reefs and Sunsets in its 2019 Choice

Reporting from New York in The Associated Press, Leanne Italie writes:

It's the colour of underwater reefs hanging on for dear life. The sky is dusk. Pantone's vice-president considers this saturated orange base with a golden undertone, not only warm and welcoming, but versatile and life-affirming. It energizes with a softer edge than its pastel and neon colour cousins.

Marc Jacobs'spring 2019 collection showcased garments

in the Pantone 'colour of the year'!

Alone for the Holidays? There are Plenty of Ways to Find Joy!

In the Tampa Bay Times, Patti Ewald reported, “Holidays are always a time that helps bring loved ones and families together. But when those special people in one's life live at a distance or unable to be a part of the holidays, it can make celebration more difficult. Yet, many can find holiday joy celebrating

within their community. Some suggestions:

Make Merry! Do eat and watch what you want. Curl up on the couch to watch a favourite movie. Roast a Small Tturkey or share with friends for a post-holiday 'Friendship-giving'.

Start New Traditions! Do things you've never done before ~ take a walk or think about getting a dog. Start the day off with a mimosa instead of coffee and Christmas cookies instead of oatmeal.

Catch Up With Friends! Drop notes to them or video-chat.

Tackle a 'To do' or two! Be productive. Organize closet and drawers. Paint the kitchen a new colour

.

Volunteer! One of the best ways to feel joy, is to bring it to others. Help serve meals somewhere...be a visitor to someone in hospital or nursing home...a local pet shop may appreciate assistance.

Any of the above, will chase away 'the blues'.

Keeping a 'positive attitude' is key. Focus on the present and be grateful for what you have.

Eat Healthy...Keep Moving...Get Enough Sleep.

A Few Quotes from a 2018 Calendar

accompanied with 'mouth-painted scenes' by various artists.

Peaceful Dawn:“Life closes in the Twilight, but opens in the Dawn.” (Victor Hugo)

Gone Fishing: “Joy and looking and comprehending is Nature's most beautiful gift.” (Albert Einstein)

Summer Doorway: “In summer, the song sings itself.” (William Carlos Williams)

Enjoy the Ride: (illustrated with red and white 2-door car).

“One's real life is so often the life one does not lead,” (Oscar Wilde)

A Perfect Afternoon: “Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” (Anne Frank)

Autumn's Bounty: “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.”

(Robert Louis Stevenson)

Secluded Harbour: “I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude.”

(Henry David Thoreau)

Spirit of the Season: (depicted with a Christmas sleigh). “Blessed is the season

which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” (Hamilton Wright Mabie)

“You will be exactly as happy as you decide to be.

Life is uncertain ~ eat dessert first! ” stated by Ernestine Ulmer)

“Stuck between “I'm proud of myself ~ and I gotta go a little harder!”

(Unknown Author)

“I pray what is coming is better than what is gone.

Seek respect, not attention; it lasts longer!”

DARE TO BE! Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

When a new day begins ~ DARE to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness ~ DARE to be the first light to shine it.
When there is injustice ~ DARE to be the first to condemn it.

When something is difficult ~ DARE to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down ~ DARE to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope ~ DARE to find some.

When you're feeling tired ~ DARE to keep going.

When times are tough ~ DARE to be tougher.

When love hurts you ~ DARE to love again.

When another is lost ~ DARE to help them find their way.

When a friendship fails ~ DARE to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another ~ DARE to make them smile.

When you feel great ~ DARE to help someone else to feel good.

When the day is ended ~ DARE to feel as you've done your best.

DARE T0 BE THE BEST YOU CAN ~

AT ALL TIMES ~ DARE TO BE!

(Author Unknown)

When all is said and done:

totday is another chance to get it right.

I am thankful for nights that turn into mornings...

friends that turned into family...

and dreams that turned into reality.

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...December 18, 2018

Comments appreciated: mbairdkerr@bell.net or inezkate@gamail.com