Saturday, December 31, 2005

New Year Resolutions

Sea Change for 2006

It has become a tradition for me at the end of each year to write the mandatory list of New year Resolutions. This year I am changing to something much more satisfying and adventurous! I'm going to collect my abandoned dreams. Seek them out like wild flowers lost in the green meadows of my fertile mind! Gather them into a beautiful colorful fragrant bouquet of hopes and desires.

Isn't that much more interesting than laboring over a list of resolutions that I will forget in a weeks time? That I will carry around the guilt of not trying harder to achieve, of being a quitter, not being committed enough?

The more outrageous that better!!!!!

I want to go to Cuba! I know that it is almost impossible and that Americans suffer great fines if they are flushed out. Yet, I think of Cuba as a lush forgotten island full of beauty and music and wonderful people. I truly think that Castro will be gone in the next 10 years and that the portal to that country will be opened up. I want to be first in line.

I need to return to Ireland. I felt like I had returned home when I first visited. When that strong emotional bond is just so fierce it can only mean one thing! I belong there.

I want to own a "house car" as my young step daughter would call it. A home on wheels that Joe and I can travel around this country to anywhere and everywhere. Our hearts desire. Watch the sun go down over the beautiful deserts of the American West. That's what I want.

I want to go to Italy. I want to go this year! I'm not certain I can talk Joe into it, but who knows. If not this year, then soon.

I want to write short stories. I know I have a book in me, maybe several. I think the short story is the first baby step for me. Not that this blog has not been the major step for overcoming my shyness in having my words read! It truly has. I have just become too addicted to this format and the wonderful feed back I receive from the community. The real world is not so forgiving, not so caring.

I want to write travel articles for a living!! The adventures of Joe and Mary on the road. Nothing can be as lively and entertaining with my soul mate by my side giving me the best material imaginable.

I dream that I will bite the bullet and just buy that expensive DSLR camera I want so badly but cringe in horror at the price. I am too much of my mother. If I would just do it!!! Do it do it do it. Never look back.

I dream of completing a half marathon. I have done it before and I can do it again! I love to run and have left it behind for some reason.

And that is a small collection of the dreams I have found among all the weeds of trying to lead a responsible and mature life.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm approaching resolutions in the same way...like a roadmap.

Buy the DSLR...

JUST DO IT!

You'll be so delighted, you won't even notice the hit to your bank balance.  I promise.

Anonymous said...

Go for it!!!  What a great idea for the New Year!  Keep me posted...and WRITE that book!  JAE

Anonymous said...

I hope you collect all your abandonded dreams into one hugh boquet and fulfill each and every one of them....and may you do this in the New Year....Have a Happy one.....Ally

Anonymous said...

Good for you!  Go for it! - Karen

Anonymous said...

I would also love the traveling.  I have yet to go to Ireland and it's my first dream vacation. I am so hoping that somehow this year I can pull it together!! I don't know what kind of camera you are talking about but if you can pay for it, get it!
Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

You GO Girl!

;)

and happy new year too!

andi

Anonymous said...

This post has a different tone, not just because you are talking about your hopes and dreams, but because it COMES FROM a very happy excited point of view . . .
BRAVO on this entry and GOOD LUCK on accomplishing some of these very doable dreams!

Happy New Year, Karen!
                               Cyndy

Anonymous said...

I can relate to your concept of resolutions.  If something can change for the better in my life it will have to be a revelation that will occur in due time.  I am determined to make myself clear and unwavering in my resolve.  I hope that my depression has been at rock bottom long enough it will subside.   May I become one physically and spiritually atuned to enduring whatever life presents me with.  Every day will be my proving ground, and every effort no matter how small the gain, will allow me a sense of advancement.  If I am struggling then I am a survivor, never giving up, and I am satisfied to know I have accomplished all that I can for the day.   Wishing your family the best of everything in 2006.    mark

Anonymous said...

All of them excellent ideas!
http://searchthe sea.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

These are all great "wants".  Have a great year!
Lori

Anonymous said...

dear alpha woman, I think its mary, right? any how, i hope all of your 2006 dreams come true, i really do. they are wonderful places and things to do..happy new year....roberta

Anonymous said...

Mary, Can I hitch a ride on your hope and desires ... they sound so exciting and frankly, desires that will build desires of even more desires.  Pennie

Anonymous said...

ah Mary, "Sweet Dreams Are Made of These, who I am to disagree?"   Anne

Anonymous said...

OMG, Mary, you have the greatest dreams ever! Especially the traveling and being a travel writer!  I myself is a gypsy and traveling to foreign and domestic locales tickles me to death. You will be a great travel writer. You already are an accomplished photographer so you'll be a great photo/travel journalist. I'll buy your books. I'll be the president of the Mary fan club!  Make sure you go to Madrid and Barcelona because I'd like to live my dreams of going there vicariously through you. Happy New Year and here's to hopes that you will realize your dreams ASAP! Cheers!!! http://journals.aol.com/dcmeyer420/DearDiary/  

Anonymous said...

You are off to a great start! I am looking forward to reading about all of these being fullfilled.

Anonymous said...

You can go to Cuba via Canada, but yeah, you can get in Big Trouble. Last time I drove to Toronto I heard a radio station giving away trips - to Cuba. I am not used to hearing that! Cuba is on my short list, too. Castro's brother will probably take over, so I don't know if we will be allowed to go or not once Castro dies.

I like that your resolutions mostly revolve around travel. I can relate :)

xoxo