Caretake This Moment

Each year when I begin a new journal I, like many people who journal, choose a word or phrase as the journal's focus. In the past I've chosen grace, savor and intention to name a few. This year I've chosen the phrase "caretake this moment" from the poem by Epictetus.

Caretake this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.

Quit the evasions.
Stop giving yourself needless trouble.
It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now.
You are not some disinterested bystander.
Exert yourself.

Respect your partnership with providence.
Ask yourself often, How may I perform this particular deed
such that it would be consistent with and acceptable to the divine will?
Heed the answer and get to work.

When your doors are shut and your room is dark you are not alone.
The will of nature is within you as your natural genius is within.
Listen to its importunings.
Follow its directives.

As concerns the art of living, the material is your own life.
No great thing is created suddenly.
There must be time.

Give your best and always be kind.

It's prompted me to, again, start the Every Day Matters drawing challenges. Here are two I've done lately. The first one is a little over worked. I'm trying to loosen up in my watercolors. We'll see how I progress!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I spent a delightful birthday "day" sketching at the Field Museum with our Monday sketch group. My intention was to focus on the architecture but I was quickly distracted by the people and exhibits. Maybe after ALL these years I should just accept that that's who I am and what I do. LOL
The second sketch was done waiting for the bus home. I huddled in the shelter. These brave souls stood out in the late afternoon cold!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's cold in Chicago! The sun did come out for about five minutes today.

Even though our Christmas decorations are down I just can't remove the holiday greenery from the planters on the back deck. Since we moved to the Midwest my favorite color has become red. I think it counteracts the long gray winters. Those berries will keep me smiling for awhile!

I want to thank Raena for reminding me how long it's been since my last post. My apologies to all who stop by to visit! One of my goals this year is to post more often - not off to a good start but that leaves me plenty of room for improvement. How's that for spin?