Zentangle classes again

Teacher Caryn in red and new students l-r Juanita and Charlotte

With just one lesson, Charlotte created several Zentangles.

Here's one in color, so intricate and interesting.

Charlotte is an artist and makes up her own designs.

Black and white shows more intricate patterns, I think.

Two sisters both artistic absorbed in creating designs.

Juanita's first try at Zentangle is successful!

(Excuse the blurry photo...)

I used this page as a pattern.

Here's my version of the design using colored pencils.

Article #235 Synergy

             Synergy is where individuals or organizations compliment and work together rather than competing. The result is greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities. Developing SYNERGY is not easy. It takes openness and a creative attitude that not everyone has in our competitive world.

            A family could be a great example of this process, but that doesn't always happen. It’s an ideal to strive towards in marriage or any relationship. My best friend and I have this at times when we support one another in our ideas and value the talents we each have. When we are communicating on the same wave length, it's awesome the ideas and insights we develop. Guess that's why we are such good friends.

            When two people working together are able to accomplish more than the sum of each person working alone, it’s called synergy. It’s one of the reasons we form friendships, alliances, partnerships and marriages. Finding someone with similar goals who is supportive and increases our productivity is important whatever the challenge: raising a family, starting a business or accomplishing any task or objective. We naturally think of life as a competition or win/lose situation, but synergy reminds us it’s not a race, but a journey where we can both win/win. (Steven R. Covey concept.)

            What stops you from developing synergetic relationships? Natural competition, envy, jealousy, lack of self-esteem, etc. can sidetrack you. Perhaps an attitude change (or paradigm shift) is all that is needed to see others in your life as partners not opponents, especially in marriages and families. Each person brings their own strengths and weaknesses into a family. Too often we find ourselves competing for status or recognition at home, work, church or in the community instead of working as a TEAM.

            After spending most of my life as a working parent, being retired brings new challenges as I find myself facing the job of planning, cooking and serving three meals a day to my spouse and me. My husband since he’s retired too, has volunteered to cleanup after my cooking chores are done. This is a good example of synergy. Because there are two of us involved, mealtimes aren’t as much of a chore with his help. Sometimes, it even leads to offers of taking me out to dinner cause he doesn’t want to do the dishes…lol! Is there some area of your life where you could be more synergetic? NEXT TIME: No Regrets

On to the NEXT HOLIDAY?

It's February I know-see the calendar, but 

there's a little snowman leftover from Jan.

Not to mention our Christmas tree which we

are calling our Valentine tree-see top ornament.

Today it  finally came down, but the living room looks empty!

 Valentine decorations are still up.

Hubby want to change this sign from heart to boat.

Home is where the boat is....well, it's in the garage!

My Valentine bouquet from hubby and

our Christmas cactus finally blooming!

I found this frog in a second hand store and couldn't resist it!

Photo of hubby 20 years ago when we got engaged!

New OUTFIT

 After all our second hand store shopping, I bought a new outfit at

 Deseret Industries-a LDS store for recycling clothing, etc.

This fun lined skirt is a Coldwater Creek brand, cost $5.

This new white top is 3/4's sleeve with a beaded neckline-cost $5.

I'm wearing it layered with a blue t-shirt and jacket I already had.

So fun to have a new outfit to wear for only $10 total!

Judgements and Choices

You are faced with choices EACH day which are really judgements. 

What to do with your precious TIME? Each choice a crucial decision

shows your selected priorities, determines the QUALITY of your life.

We can't do it all. It's possible to become too busy with SMALL things,

forget important PRINCIPLES like: self development, relationships,

developing your FAITH by religious practices and service to others.

I'm amazed at the VARIETY of decisions that come my way each day.

Want to make the BEST choices over BETTER & GOOD opportunities.

Remembering why I'm here and my PURPOSE in life which guides me.

Shopping AGAIN

A fun day for Caryn and me checking out the second hand stores in town.

Did lots of looking and photography, but not buying today.

Kolob Terrace

Time for a late winter/early spring drive in Zion Park

Kolob Terrace is located on the NW area of Zion.

Looking east outside the borders of Zion Park

High enough for snow on the north slopes.

I love the red-pink colors of these cliffs.

Ah Utah-land of awesome beauty!

Fabulous vistas in every direction

Emptiness yet stark beauty and shadows

Article #234 Co-Dependency

              While it can be healthy to be dependent or connected to someone else, there comes a time when it’s also important to be independent. As an adult you need to realize your own strengths and talents separate from a friend, parent or partner. Many individuals seem to get stuck in co-dependent relationships where one person is non-functioning because of destructive behavior (rebellion, addiction, abuse, etc.) and the other person enables that misbehavior at their own expense. The goal is to be two fully functioning independent individuals.
            Co-dependency is …a relationship in which a person is controlled or manipulated by another. It often involves placing a lower priority on one's own needs, while being excessively preoccupied with the needs of others. Codependency can occur in any type of relationship, including family, work, friendship, and also romantic, peer or community…and may be characterized by low self esteem. (Wikipedia)

            It’s not easy to change a co-dependent relationship, even when there is extreme emotional pain going on or physical/emotional abuse. At some point the hurting person or victim needs to take a stand to break the co-dependency cycle. i.e. Making a decision and staying with it. i.e. I will not permit you to misbehave by... You will get help or I will leave. There are groups in every community who can assist a person to escape to a better safer situation and learn coping skills.            
            Many individuals find themselves trapped in a relationship where their partner is unresponsive to the needs or family members because of an addiction (drugs, alcohol or pornography) or  acts out with uncontrolled anger. While these are extremes, it’s important to know that a healthy relationship should enable both individuals to achieve their potential, not just one person at the expense of the other.

            In our desire to help others, sometimes we rescue them from the effects of their own misbehavior-–be it an addiction, breaking a law or not being responsible. With our adult children, it’s easy to want to help just a little too much thus weakening their abilities. We rescue them at our own expense. It’s a delicate balance to just advise when asked, not jump in and solve all problems for others thereby making it a codependent relationship. It’s important to analyze your personal interactions making sure you are balancing your needs against the agency of others involved. NEXT TIME: Synergy.

Museum (continued)

 In back of the museum is an outdoor museum.

Small cabin, now used for a workshop.

Harnesses and tools necessary for farming

Click to make larger and read details

I love old barns with it's weathered wood.

Primitive electric service added years later.

Outhouse...always a necessity in those days.

Look at the size of that yoke to pull something.

Always a need for repairs, horse shoeing, etc.

Cowboys and farmers stuff!

Sorghum was grown and ground into molasses.

Quite the industry in those days for this area.