I am sitting in my living room listening to oldies and trying to figure out what to make for Christmas for each member of the family. I have been working mostly on cards so have not had much chance to think about what projects I can start for Christmas. I kind of enjoy making presents because I know that no one else will come up with the same thing and at the same time, I get the satisfaction of giving something from the heart which I think is what Christmas is all about, don't you?
It is Labor day weekend (a long one - Yay). It's been a while since I've written in this blog so I thought today would be just as good a time as any. I have been busy trying to think of different ideas for my home made cards. Sometimes the inspiration comes easy, other times not so much because of too many distractions. This weekend I decided that I would take a good look around and get some ideas from nature and wherever else I can find inspiration.
I have also been thinking about a family member who recently moved to a place where they are not familiar and have no family connections and I can't help but remember when I first came here to Philadelphia from Puerto Rico. I knew exactly 2 people and had no job or job prospects! I persevered but it was not easy in the beginning. I had to get used to speaking and thinking only in English, where before I thought and spoke mostly in Spanish and some English when with American friends. Then there was the weather. It was difficult to get used to the cold when coming from a climate where the coldest it might get is 65F. During the cold spell, everyone stayed indoors and that was an adjustment because I was used to being outdoors most of the time. There were many times when I thought that I would return home
At some point in time, I did resolve that I would only go back to the island because it was a conscious choice that I made and not because I was homesick or could not find gainful employment. Here it is so many years later and I am happy with my life choices. Granted, there are a few choices that if I had the chance, I might change but in retrospect, they have made me the person that I am today so without those experiences I would not be who I am (whew, that was deep).
I also found my faith again. For a while there I was not sure what I believed, but life has taught me many lessons and I think I have learned them well. My faith is stronger than ever. I currently work in a field where I see all kinds of crimes committed against good folks and I am glad that I can assist them in any way I can. I feel that God put me here so that I could learn from these experiences.
On a lighter note, I'm getting excited about the holidays. When fall comes and the weather turns cool and crisp, I feel invigorated, full of all kinds of energy. I know that Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner and this is a time for family and friends.
A family member put me on to a great song - "Lemonade" by Alex Boye and I have not stopped playing it since I downloaded it on i-tunes. It is such an inspiring song. Love it.
Before I leave, I would like to include some of my card creations so here goes...
