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GOOD-BYE 2008 Looking back, this has appeared to be an uneventful year. At least compared to what's coming in 2009. But, I think this was the year that set the groundwork for a great 2009. Jake getting a job, my getting pregnant, and David being fully in school is each a promise for an interesting, exciting new year that will take our little family to the next level. I am excited about 2009. Worried, too, of course, as it's my style. But mostly excited. For now, I am happy to say good-bye to a great year. Tomorrow, we'll say hello to the new one. I hope you and your loved ones have a fantastic New Year's Eve. We're planning a quiet one over here, filled with Turkish food, cuddles, and great TV. Happy Happy New Year!  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 31   and a look at the finished book.  here's the full book. This has been the best December of my life. DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 30   DAILY DAVID - DAY 366   DAILY DAVID - DAY 365   2009 PROJECTS - PROJECT 1 - A YEAR OF CATALYSTS  But, of course, if I didn't set a few goals, I wouldn't be me. So over the next few days I'll be thinking of and committing to these goals. On the scrapping side, I am thrilled to have come up with a project that combines a few of my goals: 1. I loved doing the December Daily album this year. The restrictions of the precut pages was liberating and gave me more creativity. But I knew there's no way I could do it all year round and I've been searching for a way to continue the magic. 2. I wanted to use up some of my paper stash that's been building. I have a lot of "old" paper I love and I don't want to keep buying and never use these. 3. Like 2008, I wanted to make sure I do each week's creative therapy prompt. The other artists do them on a schedule but I've done every single one so far and I really wanted to find a way to continue that in 2009. I love the therapeutic aspect of CT but the pregnancy took away all my mojo and between that and the baby, I was worried there was no way I was going to get to them all. I needed a simpler solution. So today, I decided to combine all three. I made a 7x8 minibook that is prefilled with a lot of the "old" papers I love. Cut and placed in random order. This is my 2009 Creative Therapy book. Each page will be one catalyst. I'll do the catalyst on one side and print out the date, topic, and my thoughts that go on the site to adhere on the other side. This restricts me to a 7x8 page and pre-chosen paper. I know it's working because I've already completed four catalysts today! This might mean my pages aren't as varied next year but I am ok with that and I reserve the right to change my mind. So far so good. Here's a glimpse at my book:     DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 29      DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 28   DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 27     DAILY DAVID - DAY 364  DAILY DAVID - DAY 363  DAILY DAVID - DAY 362  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 26     DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 25     DAILY DAVID - DAY 361  DAILY DAVID - DAY 360  MERRY CHRISTMAS I hope you're all enjoying the holiday season. Over here we celebrate Hannukah, Christmas and New Year's so it's a long month of merriness. We had a marvelous morning of waffle breakfast, opening presents, painting David's new solar system and now he's napping while Mommy relaxes for a bit. Hope yours is going wonderfully as well. DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 24   DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 23   DAILY DAVID - DAY 359  DAILY DAVID - DAY 358  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 22   DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 21    DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 20    DAILY DAVID - DAY 357  DAILY DAVID - DAY 356  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 19     DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 18     DAILY DAVID - DAY 355  DAILY DAVID - DAY 354  DAILY DAVID - DAY 353  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 17   DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 16     DAILY DAVID - DAY 352  DAILY DAVID - DAY 351  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 15     DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 14   DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 13   DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 12    DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 11  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 10   DAILY DAVID - DAY 350  DAILY DAVID - DAY 349  DAILY DAVID - DAY 348  DAILY DAVID - DAY 347  DAILY DAVID - DAY 346  DAILY DAVID - DAY 345  CATALYST 42 - EVERY MOMENT LEADS TO NOW  I have a strong belief that any particular moment couldn’t be possible without all the ones that came before it. So to pick on moment without acknowledging the others wouldn’t be fair since, without them, I could have never had that particular moment. I’ve had many magnificent moments in my life: coming to the US, graduating from college, getting my green card, marrying my husband, giving birth to my son, being pregnant with my second. There are too many to count. But at this moment, I am happiest I’ve ever been. I feel content, peaceful, optimistic and thankful. I know it wouldn’t have been possible without all the moments that came before this so I am thankful for every moment that led to this one and for this very moment. CATALYST 41 - JUST BECAUSE IT IS RINGING  This might sound funny but the best piece of advice I ever got was from husband. Before I met him, if the phone rang, I had to get it immediately. It didn’t feel like a choice, more like something I was required to do. He taught me that just because it’s ringing, I don’t have to get it right now. It sounds silly, but it’s actually a statement about priorities and owning my own life. Deciding when to do what and not letting others dictate it for me, not even a telephone. It might sound silly but, for me, it was profound. CATALYST 40 - BE THE CHANGE  This is the quote that resonates the most with my principles. People are quick to complain about the world we live in; they are quick to judge. Yet they are not nearly as quick to jump in and help make change. I believe we’re all part of the problem and we all need to be part of the solution. Change begins with you. Be the change you want to see in the world. If we all did that, imagine how amazing things would be. CATALYST 20 - KAREN THE ORDINARY  Yes, Karen is an ordinary name but when you remember that I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, doesn’t it seem so much less ordinary? I love my name cause, in my own way, I feel like my parents must have known that I was going to end up needing a nice, American name so I love my name to bits. CATALYST 19 - I ADMIT IT  I never learned how to really drive until I was thirty. I left Turkey before the legal age to get a license (eighteen) and then went to college where I didn’t need a car. And then I lived in New York for seven years, where, again, you didn’t need a car. So I was almost thirty by the time we moved to San Diego where you couldn’t do anything without a car. Let me be the first to say that learning to drive at thirty is not the same as when you’re sixteen and dying to have some freedom. It’s scary. So here we are, four years later, and now I can drive. Well, just barely. I still don’t get on the freeway. I am still pretty nervous. But, I can go to work, to the library, and grocery store. I can also go to David’s doctor’s and mine. That’s about all I need. For now at least. OH, have I mentioned I can’t ride a bike either? Yes, I know. I am transportation-challenged. Then again, I can walk just fine. Most of the time. CATALYST 16 - YOU ARE MY HOME  I have many things I dream of when I think of my ideal home. I have a size in mind, a style in mind, and a place in mind. But then I change my mind. I loved New York. I dreamt of living in Tuscany. Over a lake. With a big yard. Several stories. Overlooking the ocean. The places, the sizes, the colors, even the locations change. But the one and only thing that doesn’t change is who’s there with me. Jake and David are my family. Anywhere they are is my home. They are my home. Journaling Reads: Each time I look at this photo, I smile and feel a strong sense of peace. It reminds me you two are all I need and want out of life. You are my why. My home. DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 9  On the back is the lights we got to see last night in Sunnyvale. I love love love Christmas lights and I expect a bunch will end up in my book.   DAILY DAVID - DAY 344  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 8      DAILY DAVID - DAY 343  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 7    DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 6     CATALYST 39 - SHE WANTED TO PAVE HER OWN WAY  Here're my words: Since as far back as I can remember, my biggest dream was to leave home and go pave my own path. I wanted to make my own mistakes, live my own life, make my own choices. I certainly did leave my home (Istanbul) and moved very far away. I made a new life for myself here in the United States, and I am really lucky to say that, so far, I’ve loved every moment of it. I miss my family a lot but I love paving my own path, even with its bumps along the way. THANKSGIVING 2008  Journaling Reads: Thanksgiving isn’t usually a big holiday for me. I didn’t grow up here and even sixteen years later, I still don’t really feel excited by it. I like having family around so that you can learn about its importance and start your traditions around it. This year was a special surprise for us because both Mommy’s and Daddy’s parents decided to come visit us. We went to the park, we watched Wall-e, we played the Wii, we went to restaurants, ate lots of cake and candy, everyone read to you and played with you and brought you tons and tons of presents. You got to stay up late. Not to mention the delicious Thanksgiving meal Papi cooked for us. This was a special holiday, indeed and I wanted to make sure that you didn’t miss a moment of it so I made a minibook and this little page so you can look back and remember our rare and special holiday with the whole family. OUR MEMORY  Journaling Reads: I remember this day so clearly. It was one of those rare occasions when I was home and wanted to enjoy the sun, so I took my book and sat in my chair in the backyard. Within seconds, you had all your toys outside so you could play next to me. I am so happy that I have a best friend like you; someone who always like to be with me and likes to play near me. You bring so much joy into my life and you have the perfect balance of being able to entertain yourself and yet stick close-by so we can share lots of memories together. SAN LUIS OBISPO  Journaling is about our quiet and lovely weekend in SLO. LOVED FULLY  Journaling is about how I love David wholly and full all my being. HALLOWEEN  Journaling Reads: When I went to shop for Halloween costumes this year, there was nothing for your size, except this dinosaur costume. I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out but, as always, you wore it with much joy and it was a big hit. While you loved the Googleween, and going around the neighborhood for candy, your favorite part of this Halloween was opening the door when others came to visit us. “Trick or treat!” you would cheer loudly, even though I told you many times that you weren’t supposed to say that. They were. You didn’t care. You had fun and that’s all that mattered to you. Well little boy, that’s all that matters to me, too. It was so much fun watching you give candy and tell people that they could only have one! PISMO BEACH  Journaling Reads: Pismo beach is one of your Dad and my favorite places on earth. I can’t even explain why we love it so much but we do. During our trip to San Luis Obispo, we took one day and drove down to the beach and it ended up being the most magical day of the whole trip. There’s something, maybe the air or the water, that relaxes us and puts us in a happy mood. It must have worked its magic on you, too because you loved walking around and playing in the sand and watching the water. At the end of the day, we sat at a restaurant and ate a delicious meal, putting a perfect end to a perfect day. When I look back at these photos, they still make me smile in memory of the warm, beautiful, and relaxing day we had as a family. It also reminds me that we need to take more vacations like these. We need to take trips and spend some quality family time together. After all, what’s more important than that? PLAYIN  This is the first time I ever saw David playing with sand! DAILY DAVID - DAY 342  DAILY DAVID - DAY 341  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 5     DAILY DAVID - DAY 340  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 4    DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 3      DAILY DAVID - DAY 339  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 2     DAILY DAVID - DAY 338  DAILY DAVID - DAY 337  DECEMBER DAILY - DAY 1      HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS             ALWAYS AND FOREVER  Journaling Reads: some people come into your life for a reason i still remember the day we met. the day we went to the mall. we watched lion king. the way we laughed for hours together i remember thinking we would never last it all felt too normal too nice it wasn't supposed to be this easy but i was wrong you were the perfect man for me all along you are so much more than i ever dreamt of, so much more than i deserve you are my best friend you accept me the way i am crazy as i am. you are the only person with whom i can be myself and not worry you stick by me you love me i don;t know what i did to get so lucky but i am so thankful thank you for always being there always being you always letting me be me thank you for fourteen years for the love friendship for always being by my side i love you always and forever PERSISTENCE  Journaling Reads: you teach me lessons everyday. watching you live life so fully and simply and today you taught me the importance of trying and not giving up the way you kept trying to blow bubbles even though you couldn't do it and the joy in your face when you finally figured it out made me remember that sometimes it's important to keep trying thank you, my son. CARRY YOU IN MY POCKET  Journaling Reads: when i was a little girl, my mom used to tell me that she wished she were a kangaroo so she could carry me around in her pocket all day long. i thought she was crazy. now that i have you, i know exactly what she meant. i look at you and wish i could hug you so tight and carry you with me everywhere because i love you so much my little boy. CATALYST 38 - I AM BLESSED  I wrote: I don’t know what I did to be the luckiest Mom in the world, but I really feel like I am so blessed. Maybe every Mom thinks her kid is wonderful but so many strangers tell me how special you are every day. You’re kind and generous. You are sweet and helpful. You are pensive and quiet. Yet when I go out with you, you talk to everyone. You can walk up to a stranger and start a conversation. You go, “Hi, I David. I three years old.” And people can’t help but laugh. Which you then take as your cue to keep talking. You can play with anyone, you’re not choosy. I love all of this about you. But my favorite thing is what I see when I watch you when you’re not looking. When you’re lost in your own little world, playing with your cars or trains or blowing bubbles. You have such a rich fantasy life; you can play for hours by yourself and you tell yourself stories. Sometimes I interrupt and ask you what you’re saying and you say, “I talking to myself Mommy.” I guess in that way you’re my little boy. A self-content little boy. David, I don’t know how I got so lucky as to have a son like you but I want you to know that I will never take any moment of it for granted. CATALYST 37 - YOU AND ME  I wrote: There are always so many things on my to-do list but if I had one extra hour I would want to spend it with my son and my husband, I can never get enough of either in my life. I wanted to note that after I made this art journal page, I immediately felt like it wasn’t that good. Certainly not good enough to be in the company of these amazing artists, but then I remembered my own words: this is not a competition. It did make me feel better to make the art. I do love my son so much and I really do want to spend all my hours with him. So my art was therapeutic and true. That’s all that matters in the end. I’ve heard some comments that people don’t want to participate because they feel their art isn’t good enough. I promise you that your art is good enough. If it’s authentic to you, it’s absolutely beautiful and I hope you choose to share it with us so we can enjoy it, too. THANKSGIVING 08 DAILY DAVID - DAY 336  DAILY DAVID - DAY 335  DAILY DAVID - DAY 334  DAILY DAVID - DAY 333  DAILY DAVID - DAY 332  DAILY DAVID - DAY 331  DAILY DAVID - DAY 330  DAILY DAVID - DAY 329  DAILY DAVID - DAY 328  DAILY DAVID - DAY 327  Daily David - Day 326  |
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