Recap of Holidailies

So tonight last of Holidailies...I always enjoy Holidailies. I am thankful for Chip and Jette for hosting and doing all the work they have to for it! I like it because it really makes me write but December is crazy and I don't always get to write what I really want to write about...

That said...I do have a few posts this month I liked this past month...

Let It Snow -- talking about the magic of Christmas as a child
The First Ornament on the Tree -- talking about my dog that died this past year...I miss her
Favorite Recipe - my favorite Christmas cookie recipe...they are so yummy!
Lower Than the Cats - hard for me to write and share -- includes photos of me in the cage so again hard to share
Him - about Him
The Gift of Love - my favorite Christmas gift

I don't do resolutions but just try to be a better person, treat people with kindness and respect and try my best in all I do....

I hope everyone has a VERY Happy New Year!

New Years Meme

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I keep having things come to mind because they were scary big things but then I realize that I did them before....it has just been a while. Selling art and taught a class are those things that are coming to mind. But as for doing something I had never done....I suppose shooting film for Master.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never make New Years resolutions.....though I did make a goal of reading more this year and I did do that. But over all I just try to become a better person, try hard, treat people with kindness and respect.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES! just a few days ago!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
my dog -- we also had several friends that lost loved ones

5. What countries did you visit?
We didn't go outside the US but we did road trips to Minnesota and Louisiana

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Well I didn't lack but I would love to what we have built on this year to just keep growing...in regards to business and our personal relationship...as it was a really good year for both.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Family celebration in July.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Selling art. I am also going to say my depression really stabilized.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not keeping up with my art as much as I would have liked

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Migraines as usual.

11. What was the best thing someone bought you?
Beauty and the Beast DVD --- was awesome! Master bought that for me! Master buys me a lot great things though but Beauty and the Beast was a great surprise!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Master for just really getting his business

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Too many politicians but Bush of course is topping my list.

14. Where did most of your money go?
I don't have money but when I spent money it was at Michael's Arts and Crafts or Amazon for books.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Christmas!

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
I don't think I really listened to any new music this year. Oh I did listen to Carbon Leaf and Death Cab for Cutie....and enjoyed both!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? thinner
c) richer or poorer? We were just discussing that the other night and I don't think we can really say but probably poorer as you know owning a new business money goes into it. And there were a ton of expenses this year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I had challenged myself a bit more in my weight and art.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
eating, being quiet when I wanted to say something. I struggle with that constantly.

20. How did spend Christmas?
We spent at Master's family. And then had our own Christmas celebration yesterday and it was GREAT! We had a truly wonderful day!

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I did not fall in love with anyone new this year, but I always keep falling in love with Master. And this year was really good.

22. How many one night stands?
None.

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Battlestar Galactica - we watch quite a bit of tv shows on DVD -- West Wing was my favorite this year. We watched all 7 seasons.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
There are some people who I found out I couldn't trust or that are just people whose ethic match my own. But I do not hate anyone.

25. What was the best book you read?
Oh so many good books....top 5 -- Collage Discovery by Claudine Hellmuth, The Reunion by Laura Antoniou, He said, She said by Marge Percy, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Death Cab for Cutie is someone I listened to quite a bit this past year

27. What did you want and get?
Just to get closer Master again as 2006 was pretty rough. And 2007 definitely brought us back to us.

28. What did you want and not get?
Just making time for my art....mostly my own fault with my time management

29. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Assassination of Jesse James was really extraordinary and set apart from the other top movies we saw -- that were still great - like the 3rd Ocean's, Bourne and Pirates movies...all really good!

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent it in Denver with my parents, Master and Master's parents. We went to the art museum and I turned the big 40!

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I am not sure....I guess getting us closer to our financial goals but I know that we will reach it eventually.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
comfortable but girly

33. What kept you sane?
Master, meds, reading

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I prefer people that are actually attainable :)

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
um where do I start...the war, global warming, AIDS, world hunger, the pending oil crash.

36. Who do you miss?
My family

37. Who was the best new person you met?
I am not sure I met anyone really new this year. Although she can be a pain sometimes there is an art contact that we made this year that can/could prove interesting.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007?
People who can't accept you for who you are.....aren't really people who you would want in your life anyway. Which should be a duh but it hit a few times this year.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I am not sure at the moment.

The Gift of Love

This morning I woke up seeing the Christmas tree in the living room from our bedroom...all the lights on it were sparkling. And Christmas music just starting to float through the air. It was Christmas! We were out of town with family on the actual Christmas so decided to have our traditional Christmas celebration today. The stockings were packed full, the presents spilling out from under the tree and it really did feel like Santa had visited our house last night.

We opened our stockings first....I pulled out a folded piece of paper...that had me in tears the first line. Master has a way with heartfelt feelings coming through in words. It basically was a reflection of this past year together and just over all our time together that touched me deeply. His words were beautiful and full of love. We may be Master and slave but we are romantics at times too. Today was definitely filled with that romance and love.

I am very grateful for each moment together. As I said in my last post there are moments everyday that make my life truly special. And of all the gifts under the tree that letter will be one I cherish and remember always. Because it is the gift of love. I know I am being all mushy...believe me I am sitting here in tears as I type. I am very blessed and grateful for being a part of His life. And I love you very much Master!

2007 Review

Going through each month of my blog subject/titles to get quick highlights of the year....

January
a death
a wedding
trip to Utah
contact from an old friend
sold a piece of art that really meant a lot to me

February
4 year anniversary with Master
Sent out several Valentine's cookie packages
My sister's came so Master could tape us for a video
zipping through books

March
March was Q&A month for blogging
A friend lost her infant son
Started a round robin with altered book -- but that has kind of stalled now - and really hope eventually I will get my book back as I really liked what I did with it.

April
BDSM Easter Eggs
Wrote about hood and included pictures of myself -- which always wigs me out some
Had a really heavy and great month of SM
Wonderful day trip
Remembering our friend that died in 2006 in April

May
My dog died
Read a really good book by Marge Piercy
Art & Jazz Festival
Bought some really great art
Trip to Denver

June
Painted the deck...which was oh so fun!
My sister sent me old letters my Mom wrote when she was pregnant with me and when had just been born....they were great stories and really such a treasure to have
Leaving for our trip

July
visited the town I grew up in
family celebration that I will remember always
The Mermaid Chair
Goodbye to one of my favorite vibrators
Really starting to feel connected to my tarot deck

August
Celebrating Master's 1 year of owning his own business
Really starting to think about turning 40
Made amazing scones with whole wheat and
Redesigned our website
Contacted by an old friend
Master had to go out of town
I taught a class

September
Out of town with Master
Finished West Wing
Getting ready for a big trip
Heavy art month for me

October
Out of town for a couple weeks
Hair really cut off!
Lots of fun decorating for Halloween
Out of town for my birthday
Master spoiling me like a Princess
Seeing my parents for my birthday
7 years of blogging

November
Wrote an article to be published in March
Project Runway starts! yay! my guilty pleasure
Thanksgiving! Yummy!

December
Master's BIRTHDAY! yay!
Holidailies
Decorating for Christmas!
Post about the magic of Christmas when I was growing up
Baking Baking Baking
Christmas!!
A good friend has her baby! yay! So happy!

Now there were countless times not making the list that were just so special and important to me. There were times of quick afternoon fun with Master. Times snuggled up in bed laughing and talking. Times that just are truly are the moments that make my life special everyday.

Deck the Halls....

Prompt from Holidailies: Tell us about your strangest or most unique holiday decoration.

I think the most unique holiday decorations in our house is the bears all around the bottom of the tree. I started out with the little red flyer wagon from Hallmark and the Teddy Bear Trevor. They were given to me by my ex-husband. And then after that I added a few and he gave me 2 more and a little sled before we parted ways. Another decoration that is unique...I think....is putting the paper garland in the glass cupboards so they show through.

I love to decorate for all holidays but especially for Christmas. When I was married, we had a really cute old house that was fun to decorate inside and out. We never went all out with lots of lights or yard decorations but we did outlined our porch and the pillars on it had lights going around them plus big red bows. I had "fake" potted mini ever green that sat right as you came up on the porch decorated in lights and little silver and red ball ornaments. And then I made a wreath for the door....it was one of those wood vine wreaths that wrapped with plaid ribbons. And then some handmade felt ornaments in different shapes were attached to it. I think the felt ornaments were a mitten, christmas tree, candy cane, a heart with some holly leaves and berries on it...and I think there were 2 more but I can't think of them at the moment. But that was the only outdoor decorations really. It was simple but my ex and I liked it. Master and I discussed our next house -- if we will decorate or not. And we want simple too....white lights and wreath...not much more.

It is my hope when we move that we can have more the one tree too. When I was growing up we had several trees. Two to four depending on how much time my Mom had....one in our entry that was tall skinny and was done in whites lights, ribbon and all angels. And then the one in the family room was done in all the ornaments we made as a kid, paper chain garland mixed with popcorn and berry hand strung garland and LOTS of multi-colored blinking lights. The living room had one that kind of changed over the years....always had lots of different ornaments on it...hallmark to handmade. But light colors changed over the years....one year white...another blue....one kind of a goldish color. And then my Mom did bows on the tree. Then the forth was at the top of the stairs on the landing you could see it from our living room. It was a little mini tree that just had lights and bows on it. So it is my hope to be able to have more then one tree when we get a bigger house.

We are going to celebrate our Christmas Saturday. So right now there are presents under tree and lights sparkling. And I hope to be able to enjoy ALL the Christmas decorations just a little while longer.

Merry Christmas...(a day late)

Well I missed yesterdays post....but we were a little busy with Christmas!

Master and I were at his parents. It was a nice day but a full day of family coming in and out all day. We were up really early because well Santa came! And our cats couldn't wait to open their stockings. All in all it was a good Christmas. A nice time with family and Master.

We will be celebrating our Christmas on Saturday. Opening gifts and having our traditional dinner -- well mostly because we have had a lot of ham the last few days so thinking of doing a pork tenderloin in the place of the meat.

I was able to go shopping this morning. I love after Christmas shopping. The decorations, home decor and paper goods are things I enjoy buying after Christmas so Master took me out and spoiled me. Everything I wanted Master bought me! I am a very lucky girl. I got some little hand towels for the bathrooms, cards, tags, mailing labels, stickers, napkins, napkin rings....AND STOCKINGS! Master and I have been needing new ones. These are a wool - one red one green with our initials on them...very simple but Master and I like them!

After that we hit a few more places plus had breakfast at on of our favorite places over there. We also got a chance to go to World Market. They had 75% off all their Christmas items so I got a few ornaments really cheap.

We are now home. Master looked at the weather and realized tomorrow is suppose to get bad so we came home early. So it has been a long day with shopping and then 4 hours of traveling.

I am exhausted and we have to get up early tomorrow to run errands and get ready to celebrate our Christmas on Saturday.

I hope everyone had a VERY Merry Christmas....filled with happiness and love!

Reading List

So today we went to see The Golden Compass! Although of course not exactly like the book it was still a good movie. CGI great...because the animals were just amazing. It was a nice way to spend Christmas Eve!

As I have mentioned in previous posts I really didn't read much last year as my depression just wouldn't allow me to concentrate enough to get into a book. So I getting back into reading I thought might be hard a set a loose goal of 25 books this year. Well I was thrilled when I went past 25 and now I am past 50. yay! I have enjoyed reading so much....it is a nice way to relax and I read a lot of page turners this year.

My Reading List 2007

1. Collage Discovery by Claudine Hellmuth
2. Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
3. Danse Macabre by Laurell K. Hamilton
4. The Crimson Petal and The White by Michel Faber
5. Artists' Journals & Sketchbooks by Lynne Perrella
6. Creative Utopia: 12 Ways to Realize Total Creativity
7. The Academy by Laura Antoniou
8. The Reunion by Laura Antoniou
9. Bondage by Patti Davis
10. The Rapture of Canaan by Sheri Reynolds
11. Kink by Darcey Steinke
12. Suicide Blonde by Kathe Koja
13. The Marketplace by Laura Antoniou
14. The Slave by Laura Antoniou
15. Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coehlo - I really enjoyed the story. This is the first time I really have read one of his books and not felt I learned something after. This was just entertainment. It was a book about prostitution and also had some SM in it too. I found it interesting since I was a prostitute. And well I like SM. :)
16. He, She, It by Marge Percy - EXCELLENT book! If you like anything set in the future - this book was very interesting. If you like history also you will like this book as it does go through Jewish history of 1600 Prague.
17. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
18. Collage Discovery Workshop: Beyond The Unexpected by Claudine Hellmuth
19. My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due
20. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
21. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
22. Circus of the Damned by Laurell K. Hamilton
23. Lunatic Cafe by Laurell K. Hamilton
24. Bloody Bones by Laurell K. Hamilton
25. Killing Dance by Laurell K. Hamilton
26. Burnt Offerings by Laurell K. Hamilton
27. Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton
28. Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K. Hamilton
29. Cerulean Sins by Laurell K. Hamilton
30. Incubus Dreams by Laurell K. Hamilton
31. The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kid
32. The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kid - yes again
33. URGENT 2nd CLASS by Nick Bantock
34. Griffin & Sabine by Nick Bantock
35. Sabine's Notebook by Nick Bantock
36. The Golden Mean by Nick Bantock
37. To Love, To Obey, To Serve by Vi Johnson
38. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
39. Bitten by Kelly Armstrong
40. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova --- really good book about Vlad. I really liked reading the letters. I really liked the fear created at the beginning.
41. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
42. The Living Blood by Tananarive Due -- the sequel to number 19. It really didn't grab me like the first book - at first. But about mid-way through then it became a page turner for me.
43. Lucky by Alice Sebold - it is her own story of when she was raped - I am not sure how I feel about it yet
44. Book Arts by Mary Kaye Seckler
45. The Harlequin by Laurell K. Hamilton - yay! I think there was only one sex scene. Some good action. I got lost in some of it - didn't understand the sequences of what was happening at times but in the end I could kind of piece it together. I like where the ardeur went in this book. I like Haven and hope to see more of him in the next book.
46. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
47. Claiming of Beauty
48. Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
49. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
50. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
51. ? There was a book on framing photographs that I read and I can't remember the name at the moment. And I am not at home to go look. So will add that when we get home. But it was good and gave me a lot of ideas.
52. Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
53. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Update and Traditons

Well probably be quick post as I am out of town and not really a lot of free time.

We had a good day although very long. We are just ready to go to sleep for a few days. We went to bed at 12:30pm and got up at 5:30am. Then it has been a day of celebrating with family. Although very good.....very long.

We had a TON of food. Really I think I am going to suggest a change for next year -- that we all bring less. As really the food could feed all 13 of us for a week I am sure. But it was all great! The mint thins I made were the surprise hit....not that it was surprising really --- the surprise came when I told people how I made them.

Tomorrow we might go see The Golden Compass. yay! I have been wanting to see it so excited when Master suggested it!

There was a prompt that asked what holiday tradition means a lot to you and why...

I mentioned on Friday we went out looking at lights and that is one of my favorite holiday traditions with Master. Really Christmas Eve traditionally is my favorite time/tradition. We have a really nice dinner, wine, at times dance and then go out and look at lights. We come home and just enjoy the time with each other....knowing how blessed we are to be together enjoying this journey. So although we aren't going to be home tomorrow....I know I will look at him throughout the day tomorrow and still reflect, remember, and remind myself how truly blessed I am.

Recap....Update

So in the post the other day Lower Than the Cats....I think some probably felt "how horrible that she feels lower than the cats." Feeling lower than the cats is a good mindfuck that at times is running under the surface, some times it is in my face clearly and other times I don't feel it. It was established early on in our relationship so it just has kind of lasted without it being re-enforced even though sometimes he does like to remind me that I am not free and am property instead of his pet. I am glad he established those feeling early on in our relationship. In its own way it has helped me remind myself of my place and help me keep my mindset.

I feel very tired tonight so probably not making much sense but anyway life is good and really that is all that matters.

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How come it is when we are about to leave town that I get extremely horny? I want to be fucked hard. And of course tonight we are really busy and we will be leaving early tomorrow morning. And then staying with Master's parents for several days --- so no chance of that kind of fun!


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Well we will be leaving tomorrow morning and of course I will be posting from there for holidailies but they will probably be shorter posts.

Just Life....

Doing an update of what is going here...

I talked with my Mom on the phone tonight. It was a long and good conversation. We hadn't talked in a couple of weeks so glad to be able too just chat. She told me I was on the ball this year as they got their present way early and card. I told her I really thought it was because the tree and decorations around the house were up earlier then usual. Most of the time things kind of fall all together...where I am rushing to decorate, shop, do cards and bake all within a short time frame of each other. But this time it was like one thing ended the next started and it wasn't a rush between. Last week was pretty busy but it still wasn't like years past. So I got cards out, did letters with a few of them, got shopping, baking and mailed out packages and this week really I haven't had much Christmas stuff to do. I actually have had a pretty laid back week - and thank goodness for that as I had 2 migraines.

So it has been a very pleasant Christmas season for me. I have been enjoying it thoroughly.

My Mom sounded really tired and that bothered me. It sounds like she really hasn't done her usual Christmas things. She hardly baked. Sounds like she didn't have as many parties this year either. And one she is having on Sunday doesn't sound like she is thrilled about it at all. And if you have read this blog for anytime you know my Mom is the reason I love Christmas. She just made it very magical and fun. So that has me a little concerned. I know some reasons for it but it still made me feel sad.

What else...

Tonight Master and I went out looking at lights! We got some starbucks, turned on XM Holly, sang and went looking at all the pretty lights. There is one neighborhood that really has great lights. They have a pond and the lights reflect on the pond.

We reflected on the last year a bit. It has been busy. I do remember though last year at this time he was just starting to use a cane after his knee injury. So I am glad his knee healed and is better! Another I am thankful for is that it has been great year for his business. It just keeps growing and I am VERY grateful for that! We got to go see my family this past summer and have a celebration that was incredible. One I know I will always remember and cherish. There are many more moments of course. But I should wrap this up...

Tomorrow is packing and just getting ready to leave on Sunday for Master's parents.

Ivan

This is a prompt from Holidailies: Your best experience getting rid of something.

When I moved from Ohio to Colorado, I had a Teddy Bear that meant a lot to me...for many reasons. One being it was the last bear my ex-husband gave me. And there is more meaning behind that but too hard to explain. The bear is deep chocolate brown with a blue knitted sweater. I named him Ivan. I thought I had a picture of him but I am not finding it at the moment.

I always sleep with a teddy bear and he is one I slept with for years. But when I moved from Ohio to be with Master, I felt he was one thing I should let go of...I had good reasons at that time but still I miss him at times. But am very thrilled that he is in a good home with someone that loves him. She is someone very special to me and I love her and miss her too. So leaving Ivan with her...she has a little piece of me that she can hug and know that I am hugging her back.

Him

From Kindlings: What is your favorite thing about the person you serve?

Oh one thing...not going to do that. I need more then one thing.

He is intelligent. I like having discussions with him. I enjoy his perspective and that he teaches me new things!


He is a very generous man. He gives so much to his friends, family and clients. Right now he is working on a project and he is giving them so much more then they paid for because if he didn't it wouldn't feel right to him. He wants them to have the BEST quality and he is giving them that. He enjoys giving gifts just as much as I do and so buys friends and family gifts because he wants too remind them how special they are to him.


He has an amazing amount of patience. His Mom got a camera last year and every time he has the opportunity he takes time to teach her new things about it. It makes her feel so good to learn those things and that he just gives her that one on one time. He also taught his parents to use a computer. They had never touched one before but at 70 years old now are able to do more things then some of the clients I design websites for. It required a lot of patience and he gave them that always.


He is my Daddy. Which to me means....that he makes me feel safe and loved. He allows me to play and have fun with dolls and toys. He takes care of me when I am sick. When I am tired, he tucks me into bed and gives me kisses.


He is sadistic! Oh yeah I had to include that right? I am kinky! He has incredible hands that hurt me in delicious ways! I am a lucky girl!

My list could go on and on. I just feel very priveledged to be owned by Him and serve Him! I love YOU, Master!

Christmas Quizzes

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 85%

Your Christmas spirit is almost as big as Christmas itself. Christmas is definitely your thing. You celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm. You love every minute of the holidays. Your Christmas spirit is inspiring to everyone who runs into you during the holidays. You make everyone's day just a little bit brighter. And that's what the holidays are all about!

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

Home Corners

A friend of mine started a tradition on Tuesdays called Home Corners. I have been lapse on posting them. But I do so enjoy them so with the house being all decorated for Christmas I definitely wanted to do at least one!


Okay please ignore the crooked pictures. When I was hanging the garland I bumped them and didn't straighten them before taking the picture. The Santa in a Sleigh is a Jim Shore. Master and I both saw him at the same time. It was an after Christmas sale where we had already been to the cash register 2 times before seeing it. Soooo the clerk asked us if wanted to just stick around all day. :)


There are quite a few glass cupboards in Master's house and so I put garland inside on the shelves of each so you can see it. I have some with snowmen, nutcrackers, angels and santa's.


Bears under the Christmas tree. We have kitty cats that sit under the tree too and you will see their faces peeking out from between bears. It is so cute of course hard to catch a picture of it though.

Positive Monday

I haven't done a Positive Monday in a while so....

5 good things in my life...
1. Christmas cards and gifts coming through mail and email!
2. The Christmas tree sparkling in the living room!
3. Snow...this is the first year we will really be having a white Christmas in several years.
4. Naps in the middle of the afternoon with Master
5. Tea...a cup of hot tea to warm me up!

Today was a pretty light day after last week. I just did some chores around the house. And that is about it. Tomorrow I want to get some goodie trays together for neighbors and such. I was going to do ironing today and didn't so need to get to that still. And figure out what to pack for Christmas away. That is about all that is going on with me right now.