And what about YOU?

The New Year is two weeks old. I have received two acceptances and a request to participate in a literary event, behind the scenes.

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Making new discoveries and participating in new activities can be exciting AND create fear. But if you don't try, you'll never know how successful you can be. Don't compete. Encourage one another!

Alex and Charlie thought they were just playing, but they were actually honing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they pounded golf tees into a chunk of styrofoam. This activity has to be monitored at all times for styrofoam choke hazard.

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Thrill at what someone else might consider mundane, unimportant.
Find the uniqueness in a word, an object, and use them creatively.

Everything is exciting and new to Charlie. He is inquisitive.
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 Even if you have no previous experience, try anyway. Prove to yourself you can do it. If you fail at first attempt, try-try again!

Alex shook his head NO, thinking he could not insert the ends of pipe cleaners into the colander holes. He has excellent dexterity.                                                            ~
Be proud of your accomplishments, no matter how insignificant they seem to others. Pat yourself on your own back. 

Once he got going, there was no stopping him. He named colors and made a creative design. He was amazed to discover he could also insert the pipe cleaners into the sides.

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     All work and no play is not good! HAVE FUN. Get exercise.

I cleaned out the closets and discovered 10 old pillows. What on earth was I saving them for? A DAY LIKE THIS! Trapped indoors on a rainy day, I took the boys swimming in the "pillow pool." I did not name it; Alex did. He and Charlie jumped, swam, tickle-tickled me (they were so excited) and giggled for half an hour.
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When you feel exhausted, rest you body, mind, and soul. Remember to replenish (feed) all three. Drift away to your happy place. Images in your mind, or on a pillow can calm and refresh.

How is your new year shaping up? And let's not talk about shapes until all the cookies are gone.