Advent 2010, Day 23: A cookie by any other name

December view:Tati and her friend Lara on their annual Christmas cookie baking season. Look at them baking back in 2006! or the 2007 cookies. In 2008 we were so late we had New Year´s eve cookies and we were back on track in 2009.
Reverb 10 prompt for today:

December 23 – New Name Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)

Leila Haribus.

That was my pen name when I was about 10.

Leila because I had misheard Princess Leia´s name. Yes, I watched the original Star Wars movie at the theatre! When I found out Leila meant "lady of the night" it totally pleased my inner night owl.

Haribus was the surname my dad used for writing. As his daughter, i was absolutely logical to use too. It is our surname backwards with an H in front. I never knew why the H.

Advent 2010, Day 22: What is your summer wish?

Today is Wednesday and Jamie asks the Wishcasters: What is your winter wish?

Living in the Southern Hemisphere I need to "translate" the question. :D

My wishes for this summer:

* I wish to be able to set clear intentions for 2011 and make it count. So far I had seen the next year as a transition year, with my eyes firmly on 2012 which by some unkown reason I´m convinced is going to be one of the coolest ever. :D I wish to make 2011 an interesting one too.

* I wish to learn a lot from the sketchbook challenge

* I wish to read a lot. I have already chosen my first seven books for the summer hols in January.

* I wish to take a gazillion cool photographs in Bariloche

* I wish to have the most fun friends gatherings for Wii championships in February

December View to be added later today, as we will be baking Christmas cookies. :)

PS: Here they are. Almond biscotti.

Reverb 10 prompt:

December 22 – Travel How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? (Author: Tara Hunt)

We started the year going to Las Leñas in Mendoza and then Bariloche for our summer holidays. We will be returning to the same log cabin next January.

For the winter holidays we took the kids to Disney World. Who am I kidding? They took me to Disney World! Lol!

Next year we are planning on doing micro trips to places near home. A bit of camping maybe.

Advent 2010: Day 20 & Day 21 Happy SUMMER!

December Views:

December 20th. Our home looks Christmassy and so does our breakfast table with this delicious panettone.December 21st: funny how the season is already starting to dwidle at the shops. Christmas tablecoths and napkins were 50% off at the supermarket today.
Reverb 10 prompts:

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?) (Author: Jake Nickell)

Isn´t it a bit like the things we didn´t try from day 18? And he used the S word! (That would be Should. ;) )

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

Time to sow. Invest time & effort in others and also in your yourself. It is worth it. Study. Be open to make some mistakes, they are part of the process. DO something!

Bonus: You are on the right path. Don´t loose the rythm. Enjoy these two years! And after that ... don´t worry so much, it will turn out quite ok.

Advent weekend: Days 17, 18 & 19

December Views:

Friday 17th. School´s BBQ for teachers and administrative personel. Both Daniel and Karl (that is Tatiana´s best friend´s father AND they played handball together when they were teens) volunteer for the school´s commitee. That meant they were part of the team in charge of the party. In this picture: Karl, Sabine (you may have met her at Art Every Day Month), me and Daniel.

Saturday 18th: Tati´s new bike helmet. We needed to upgrade her size to adult.Today: our niece V & daughter Tatiana.

Reverb 10 prompts

December 17 – Lesson Learned What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward? (Author: Tara Weaver)

That sometimes I can keep up. Structure works better for me to get things done.

2011 will find me with old tried routines and some new touches.

December 18 – Try What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

For 2010 I had planned on taking up knitting. No place was the right place. Not cute enough, not close enough, not whatever enough. Maybe it was not really something I wanted to do.

For 2011 ... I was going to say knitting ... now I´m not that sure.

December 19 – Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

The whole of 2010 brought a lot of changes. Big things, small things. Habits, new routines. The first half of the year was all go, go, go. The second ... was a bit of mushy. I lost focus and stamina. I wanted to read and explore so much that what was supposed to be helpful was a drain.

2011 will start with a trip to the Andes. I´m counting on restoring my energy there. I´m taking my camera, my books (including Jamie´s Wishcasting Journal) and my art supplies.

Advent 2010, Day 16: Friendship

Reverb 10 prompt for today:

December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was

this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

Locally:

* I made the energy flow as a women´s circle at the school doors with the moms from Tati´s class.

* I also reconnected with the moms from Mati´s class. As the kids are already in the secondary school, we don´t gather at the doors (even if some of us wait for them at the car in the same street. It is so NOT cool to have your mom pick you up ;) )

Worldwide:

+ my UK friends, including the Padders and UKScrappers.

+ Jamie´s tribe, including the wishers and the dreamers.

+ Leah´s gang, a host of creative artists.

December Views for today Melina´s birthday party. Seven today.

Advent 2010: Day 15 How do you wish to soar?

It is Wednesday, so it´s time for the Wishcasting Wednesday post. Today Jamie asked: HOW DO YOU WISH TO SOAR? To read what other wishers had to say, click HERE.

I wish to soar by creating. I wish to finally get my act together and put paint/pencil/marker to journal. I have BIG plans for 2011. :)

Talking about creating: today I finished The Sound of Paper, starting from scratch by Julia Cameron. It took me three months and a half, working on a prompt each day from Monday to Friday. Some chapters took longer as I bumped into a resistance wall, specially those talking nicely about myself (yea, I know, *hangs head*) or asking for things (ditto).

I wrote the exercises in a pretty school folder and my Morning (usually afternoon or even evening, if a t all) Pages in a cute A4 notebook that I had around.

More news: I won a copy of the Cloth Paper Scissors Gift magazine at Kathryn´s site Collage Diva give away. When I first saw the cover my reaction was a happy squeal. As in "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!" *giggle* It was such a happy looking magazine, with tons of pretty things to try out. And I have already told you about having plans for creating in the near future. :)

Thank you Kathryn! :)

Reverb 10

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

I already wrote about this on December 10th when I chose one moment per month for the What made you happy? prompt from The Happy Book, part of The Next Chapter book club led by Jamie Ridler.

December Views for December 15th:

Watermelon as dessert for dinner.

P.S: yes, I cheated a bit and wrote most of this on Thursday and added to the Wednesday post. You know I neeeeeeeeeeeeed my posts in order. ;)

Advent 2010, Day 14: Appreciation

December views

A trip to the supermarket.

December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

We had some financial ups & downs this year. When we juggled the downs, I learnt to appreciate the everyday necessities that were covered, not taking anything for granted any more. Glad to say the downs are over this year. At least until next fall. ;) (Drapes & curtains being quite a seasonal business).

Advent 2010, Day 13: Action

This has been the less Christmassy Christmas season ever.

Maybe it had something to do with the crazy school schedule of the last few weeks. Maybe it had something to do with my not going out much, except for very focused errands. Maybe ... I just don´t know.

The prompt for Reverb 10 today is: Action

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

I took some action and went to the mall with the kids for some Christmas muzak and sightseeing. :D

December View: Santa at the shopping mall.

PS: I´m already compiling a list of art projects for 2011, including a summer sketchbook. It´s in the making and a first step into taking thei deas into action.

Advent 2010, Day 12: Body & Soul

The December View has a double take today:

One for my hubbie who was in the mountains running a race this morning in Chile. Picture taken by his friend Pato. In the pic: my cousin Pablo on the left, my hubbie Daniel on the right.

One for me, the chocolates hubbie brought back for each of us. ;)

Reverb 10 prompt for today:

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

In April I started walking. I took a lot of steps, including buying a runners manual and also some Pilates & Yoga Dvds.

That being said, feeling a cohesive ME? No, not really. I still remember I have a body and do something about keeping it fit in a mindful way.

Advent 2010, Day 11: Things

New things, old things, things to get rid of.

December Views

My friend Sabine had a stall at a Christmas craft fair today. There were sooooo many pretty thinhs there! I bought a few. :D Some I will receive for Christmas, others will be given as gifts for others.

Reverb 10 prompt:

December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

I´ve been working on getting rid of things that I don´t need/want/like for some time now, so I´m quite up to date with this. Plus, I´ve been streamlining housework chores to be more efficient and win those precius minutes for connecting with others, craft, exercise. Let´s see if I can find eleven...

A few pounds of weight.

Some old shoes that are not totally tattered but I don´t want any more.

Some T shirst in colours that are out of fashion. {But they always come back!}

Dirty floors. In fact, dirty anything but the dust insists of entering home day after day. *Roll eyes at dust*

Advent 2010, Day 10: Wii are family

For Reverb 10 Day 3 we had to choose one moment for 2010. I chose the whole month of January. :D Yups, one looooooong moment. ;)

Today for "The Happy Book", which is this year´s choice for The Next Chapter book club, lead by Jamie Ridler:

What made you happy in 2010?

January: the log cabin in San Carlos de Bariloche

February: at home. Hubbie with Frida and our doggie guest Candela.

March: classes start on March the 1st.

April: I started walking with the intention of running.

May: our traditional Book Fair visit for our anniversary.

June: acrylic paints to join Connie´s workshop.

July: trip to Florida.

August: Ooooohhhhh, myyyyyy! Don´t they look grown up!

September: the Year 9 tribe. How I´ve missed these girls!

October: teh annual pic with the azaleas.

November: new car

December: a new Universe opens up with the Wii.

Every story can be found in my archives. There on the right hand side. --->

Reverb 10 prompt for today:

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

We had been against having a games console for years. You know, kids ... computers ... school ...

As Mati had a brilliant report card, plus passed his Sprachdiplome in the top 5 (less than half the students who sat for this exam actually succeeded) and his results look promising for the PET exam ... we finally bought a Wii for the summer.

Now Wii are family. :D

December View for today

ETA: you recognize us, right? The blonde one (hubbie), the plump one (me), the tall one (son), the pretty one (daughter)

Advent 2010, Day 9: Parties and ornaments

December View for today:

Our new ornament for this year. An acrylic looking multipoint star with bling and feathers. Very pleasing to my eyes, touch and mood. :D

Reverb 10 prompt for today:

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

This was my favourite of all! A total impromptu party in our garden that got bigger and bigger as the hours went by. :) As I said in that post, at that time I didn´t DO spontaneous so it was totally unexpected and a great lesson in letting it flow. Quoting myself for the prompt:

Now a little note in case you don´t know me much: I don´t DO spontaneous. I fret and I worry in advance. I overwork and worry some more before doing anything like inviting someone home. Not that our home is messy, but I want "Beautiful homes and gardens" perfect before letting anyone through the door. We do invite people and our parties are lengendary in the sense that everyone comes and they stay waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy longer than at other places. But I worry for days in advance.

Another lesson in change of plans took place at Mati´s birthday party, when it started raining at 5am and their tent got floded (not to talk about some strawberry cake that somehow got in there too). Now imagine hubbie and me transfering four very wet teens laughing their heads off from the tent to our living room improvising a new camp.

There were also school parties that were cool. One sports one that started my running plan and another arts & crafts one.

Family parties are lovely, I like meeting my cousins for a chat. And of course parties with friends are also nice.

Advent 2010, Day 8: What do you wish to transform?

Wishcasting Wednesday. Jamie asked today: What do you wish to transform? (By clicking on the question, you´ll be able to see what other wishers have to say)

I wish to transform my entry hall into Christmas Central. :D

December 8th is Virgin´s Mary´s Day and it is traditionally the day when the family trees go up in Argentina.

At home it is a full family thing. Starting by the Christmas Carol cd that I bought in Holland in 1993. It is played through all the decorations time. :) The first ornament to go on the tree is our doves heart. It was the first ornament we bought in Past Times (a store in the UK) for our first Christmas. The last is the Nativity scene. On top of the tree our beloved Gloriana.

My girl, Tatiana. My boy Matias provided a very special moment for me when he asked "Do you remember the STORY behind this Santa?" My eyes welled up. Our family stories are finding they way to stay alive. *heart*
My hubbie, Daniel.Me. :) ~wave~

Even Frida was around. She is very well behaved and idn´t try to eat any ornament this year. ;)

December View for today:

Reverb 10 for today:

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

I´m the Soul Hugger of the Universe. *giggle* Yups, that could be my new siggy line.

I´m the one who jumps for Joy when you are happy and will hold your hand if you are sad.

I´m the one you can count on and knows what you need, sometimes even before you do.

PS: from Jamie´s post in Facebook: OSHO Zen Card of the Day: This moment carries a gift for hard work well done. Your base is solid now. Success & good fortune are yours.

Advent 2010, Day 7: Community

December view for today: our neighbour´s tree. For the past few years I have planned on taking pictures all year long to see the seasons change. Not every month I succeed on taking it on the same day. It is more a "any day of the month I remember" affair. :D This year was the best one in remembering.

Reverb 10 today:

December 7 – Community Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

Local communities:

Patricia, Carina, Paula, Sandra. Missing from this pic: Silvina & Karina. Every Mon to Fri at the school gates. Pic from this past winter.

On line communities:

My dreamers (who post pictures of their boards on the full moon) & Wishers (who make a wish every Wednesday) tribes leaded by Jamie Ridler.

The AEDMers( that´s the artists making Art Every Day during the month of November each year), coordinated by Leah Piken Kolidas. Of course I will be joining the Creative Every Day, 2011 edition. :)

My beloved Padders and UKScrappers teamies.

Advent 2010, Day 6: Making

Upload Monday. This week´s choice: Robbie Williams / Intensive care.

~Did you ever try to change your life? ~ Spread your wings

Reverb 10 project

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)
Chocolate pudding for dessert. Just add milk and voilá. :D If you want the real thing (as in food that doesn´t come ready made in a box), visit my foodie friend Suzie. :)

December view for today: Tati´s new bike. She had completely outgrown her previous one so it was in the cards. She brought her annual report card today. Brilliant! We took her to the local bike shop where she chose a girly model in pink and white, with technical touches which I don´t know how to say in English. :D
Frida was happy too. She usually smiles when we are outside running around. *heart*

Advent 2010, Day 5: Letting go

December view for today: the arch at my in laws garden. Perfect for dreaming of sacred doors to other spaces. Today it had a few light blue flowers and my mother in law had just hanged an "aljaba" plant from the top.A close up of the new plant.

Prompt from Reverb 10:

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

I guess the most honest answer is: nothing.

We let go a lot of material stuff this year. As we have replaced most of it, I feel it doesn´t really count. Yes, it was slow and almost painful to let go lots of old travel papers, pieces of evidence of good moments but in the great scheme of things, it was not that big. Old books, old clothes. Gone and forgotten.

I could let go of enviromental drama (the type that other people want to share with you, when they try to get you to experience the high strung reactions to situations in their own lives) for short periods of time. Longer than before, still a lot to learn.