My vows of 2011

The time has come again for a new year; in many ways, this is one of my favorite times of the year, because this is a time for re-evaluation, a time of self-discovery, and a time of change. It is in many ways a chance to become the person you want to be; I think that no one is really satisfied with themselves, and we're all trying to be something else, or at least something we think is better. I am on a ever-going mission of self-improvement, and I am going to use this coming year to do more things that make me happy, and things that make me a better person. So every month, I'm going to commit to doing something everyday, be it practice a new skill, or just make time for things that I love dearly but don't do often enough (like reading).

That being said, here are twelve things that I will commit one month out of 2011 to:

• Writing letters

• Blogging

• Doing something nice for strangers

• Crocheting / Knitting

• Making art

• Clothing modification / Sewing

• Cooking / Baking

• Taking pictures

• Going for bike rides / Hiking

• Giving gifts

• Eating something healthy

• Reading

I'd also really like to do more things for others. I would like to make someone's day every once in a while, and partake in some positive pranking, and just be more forgiving in general.

Also, I have spent way too much time in my comfort zone this past year, and that needs to stop. I whole-heartily agree with the idea that a life in the comfort zone is one which is not truly lived; and I need, with every fiber of my being, to live. So this is my vow: I will break through the walls of my comfort zone; I will do things that scare me; I will talk to strangers; I will take risks; I will travel; I will try new things; I will prove my existence; I will make a place for myself in this world, and I will make it a better place and I will decrease world suck (+1 for nerdfighter references!).

All of this will happen, and it will be great, but the most important thing I will do is see rightly, as is depicted below:

image is not mine, i found it on weheartit, and it is from my favorite book,

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I could go on (and on and on), but I think I've made my point. So here's to a year of love, change, self-improvement and discovery, all things happymaking, and seeing rightly! ♥

The result of my latest joy ride

Sometimes it is so easy to forget just how much beauty lies within our own back yard, especially when you're born with such a ravenous appetite to travel (gee, I don't know anyone like that.. *ahem*). I went for a little cruise today (as I so often do), and while driving along I was amazed at what I saw; it wasn't anything I hadn't seen before, but it was as if I was looking for the first time. I mean really looking, like you do when you're seeing with the heart. It was a nice little reminder that I don't have to go very far to see pretty things if I'm really looking.

Just another addiction.

So as if I couldn't find enough ways to waste time that I don't have, I now have my very own tumblr. I just couldn't resist anymore, so here I am. With a tumblr account. Here goes another addiction! (:

It's the most wonderful time of the year...or something like that.

Hot chocolate. Snowball fights. The smell of pine. Electric lights on strings. Bows and wreaths. Cozying up next to the fire place. Fuzzy slippers and mukluks. Dressing up your ca—I mean..decorating cookies. Watching the snowflakes whirl about. Writing letters to Santa. The way the trees look without their foliage. Finding little paw prints in the snow. These are only some of the wonderful things that make this season magical. And what would the holiday season be without some not-so-classic tunes? So here's to December and all of its magic!

On a side note, I've made a commitment to myself to make some form of art for every day in December. Last night I was sketching an owl, and I felt that spark. That spark that only comes from creating something. I felt like I got a piece of myself back. So there it is. I, Amylynn, solemnly swear that I am up to no good...or something like that.

Snood-doodle

Even though I finished this project a few weeks ago, I wasn't able to get any decent pictures of it until just a few days ago. I am absolutely, positively, in love with my brand new snood! It feels really good to actually finish a project, especially one that I can enjoy. It is perfect for the brisk autumn days we've been having lately. The pattern was nice and easy, it made for good tv knitting. So now the question is, which project do I choose next?