Birthday Cards ... #writebravely #WriteTribeProBlogger #FridayReflections

It was only a few years ago that I would receive so many cards on my birthday from family and friends around the world.

Now I get txt messages, whatsapp messages, facebook messges. I am grateful that I receive so many wishes, blessings, and greetings on my birthday. But I miss the cards. There is something about holding a card from someone who took the time and effort and sent or gave it with love.

So since last year I have started making birthday cards for family and friends. I get a lot of pleasure out of it and it keeps my creative juices flowing.

Here are cards I received this year on my birthday from my dearest loved ones. These are so special for me.

And here's a card I made for my daughter for hers. Still haven't completed one for my mother (tomorrow's task) and then I'll start on all the November birthdays. I love making cards. Even when I was little I was always making things - cards, little notebooks, art work.

To cultivate joy, pay attention to what you like

~ Billy Fingers (from the book The Aferlife of Billy Fingers)

What do you think? Has social media taken away that personal touch ? Share your thoughts.

Written for
#WriteTribeProBlogger Challenge
#FridayReflections


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Goodbye 2016 and Hello 2017 #FridayReflections #WOTY

Today is the last day of 2016 and here in New Zealand in less than an hour we will clock over to 2017.

So how was my 2016?

All in all it wasn't a bad year. Work wise it was an extremely busy year. I like being busy but I hope that in 2017 I find more time to do the things I want to do.

My writing took a backseat this year and though I did post fairly regularly, the satisfaction of having done well isn't there. Don't know why, but I just felt my writing was too fragmented. I seem to be catching up rather than planning well and a little too much free writing (probably because I was always trying to catch up). I also feel my writing needs to take on a new direction. Let's see what 2017 brings forth.

My word for 2016 was "Creative" and though I didn't do too well on the writing front, my other creative pursuits like mixed media and crafting brought me great joy. I will definitely keep up with that in 2017.

And I did a little travelling too.  Spent Christmas in Nelson in the South Island of New Zealand. Such a lovely place. Will write some more on that in another post.

What's my word for 2017? 

Creative came to me so easily as my word for 2016. But my word for 2017 seemed so elusive. I thought of a few - focus, persevere, enjoy. But none of them seemed to resonate. I thought I might have to go with no word this year as nothing was coming to mind. That unfortunately made me very uncomfortable. Words have a way of forging a path so I was determined to find one.

Then a couple of hours ago, I stumbled upon a video on Mozart. Prior to that I sent up a prayer and asked for a word. And as I listened to Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor, the word andante came flashing into my mind and would not leave.

So having looked up the meaning of andante "music tempo - at a walking pace" I decided that it was really the perfect word for 2017. 

Andante for me means, in general, slowing down the pace of life. 2016 seemed to fly by and I felt I didn't really savour the moments. Andante also signifies exercising but not at a crazy pace that puts my back out and perhaps I will pursue my desire to learn a musical instrument. On the writing front I hope I will not have to rush things and do some focussed writing.

So let's see how Andante unfolds for me.

What's your word for 2017?  Write a post or share in the comments

Wishing you all a Happy New Year. May 2017 bring you good health, success, prosperity, peace, joy and love.

Linking to:
#FridayReflections at Everyday Gyaan -  Reflect on 2016, the year gone by
#WOTY at Ramblin' with AM
New Year prompt at BlogChatter


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#woty My Word for 2016 is Creative

Having been through many inspirational and mystical words over the last few years, I decided to embrace the more artistic side of life this year.

So my word for 2016 is Creative.

I really didn't think too hard about my word. The moment I thought I had better choose a word (as I do each year), Creative just came into my mind - loud and clear.

My blog too might have a new category added to it as I start to showcase some of my arts and crafts.

So here are a few I've been experimenting with this year

Watercolour and silver crepe paper

Watercolour painting which I've made for my friend in Canada who loves cats. Loving watercolour painting.

Watercolour and acrylic (gold) abstract - maybe abstract is not my forte

And a card also for my friend in Canada which I truly enjoyed making.

I'm also planning to start an art journal and this year will be making all my cards instead of buying or sending e-cards.

I've been neglecting my blogs so I  hope I'll be blogging more regularly and I also hope to read and comment more on the blogs I enjoy. I'm also looking forward to finding some new and interesting blogs.

And who knows how else Creative evolves over the year. Really excited about my word.

So what's your word for 2016? If you've written a post do link up to Lauren's My word of the year linkup below.  Or share your word in the comments.

An InLinkz Link-up

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