double dog dare : february
We have officially completed the first month of Double Dog Dare! Congrats to everyone who participated! We celebrate those who have completed their dare, we celebrate those whose daring efforts will continue into the months to come, and we celebrate the strength found in a supportive and caring atmosphere.
I have loved all the support that has been generated here and I look forward to the celebrations to come! A loving community can generate acres of courage.
For those of you who are new to all of this Double Dog Dare stuff, Elizabeth explains it in full detail HERE. In short, you know those things you really want or need to do, but for whatever reason you can't make yourself do them? We have started a Double Dog Dare challenege to give you that extra nudge and support to get you rollin'!
Double Dog Dare is about doing something that is good for you, doing something that will make your life better, or easier. It may be about confronting a fear, or challenging yourself to try something new. Double Dare can be something totally fun and exciting. YOU design your dare in a way that best fits you. And we will all root for one another along the way!
So today we begin again. Everyone is welcome to join us! You may choose a brand new dare, or recommit to one that is already in the process. But remember to Name it, Claim it, and Grab your DDD Badge below! Tell us about your daring adventure in the comments and if you have written about your experience last month please email us or leave a link to the site where you have posted it. Oh, and be sure to join the D.D.D. Flickr Group to share photos from your dare!
Leave your challenge in the comments and be sure to fill out the email* & blog fields so we can stay in touch and email you received your I've been Double Dog Dared button!
We hope you'll join us because chances are-- something you take on as a double-dog-dare may be helping someone else who is watching from the sidelines wanting to try the same thing. And, sign up again the next month-- as we'll have prizes for multiple dare-devils!
GRAB YOUR BADGE! You can either right click on our sweet Daisy-doo DDD badge and save it to your desktop or drag it there...then upload it to your site and link back here:http://www.squamartworkshops.com/double-dog-dare
You've Been Double Dog Dared!
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Since I know this month is going to be extra busy for me, I am going to choose a dare that will be light and and easier for me to manage…I'm taking the Double Dog Dare Challenge to begin to learn a new language. At the end of this month I would like to be able to say at least ten basic terms or greetings in Italian. I know I won't do it unless I dare myself so here goes! Doppio dog osa (double dog dare!)
I need some accountability, y'all. I'm recovering from the wretched Lyme, and I have joint pain and fatigue and I tend to think that getting out and walking, even a little, will probably help, even if it hurts, even if I really want to close my eyes in the afternoons. But I close my eyes for 10 minutes and I spend the next hour trying to fight my way out of it--this isn't restorative at all. I have no excuse--there is no snow on the roads (right now, anyway, knock wood!) so I can put my 3yo in the stroller and go for a short walk, let's say 3 times a week? 2-3 times a week? Twice a week to start, working up to three times? And maybe by the end of the month I will not feel so sluggish and cranky. Lyme + winter, even a mild winter, is sapping me something awful.
I've never taken a Zumba class. My gym has an intro session coming up later this month for people brand-new to Zumba. My February DDD is to try Zumba!
so my DDD last month was to move for an hour every day.
and though i didn't say it...i was mostly hoping i'd be in the gym hitting weights or doing classes like yoga or zumba or running. then i went to provy, then NYC...and finally three weeks later i'm home again with the knowledge that traveling throws a wrench into my works (though for two of those weeks I did get to the gym twice! yay me!).
so for this month the desire is still there to be more active, but i'm going to choose something a bit more manageable...so...i'm with AMY and i think 3 times a week should be my goal for the full hour...and the other days, it would be nice to just do something. even if it's a short walk in the dunes, or rolling out my mat for 10 minutes. so there it is!
oh and JEN buongiorno princepessa!
mine is go somewhere i've never been at least once a month....(i realize with traveling right now that seems silly....but i need it to continue to be something i do, once i travel back home)....
so while i'm traveling it will be "do something i've never done at least once a week"..............yesterday i went snow sledding for the first time! :)
elizabeth, you go girl. you can do it. i know you can.
and jen, i'll be your italian coach ok. se hai bisogno di aiuto, ti posso aiutare. va bene? dai, cominciamo...
il verbo essere (the verb to be):
io sono
tu sei
lui/lei e
noi siamo
voi siete
loro sono
esempio (example):
tu sei una donna meravigliosa - you are an awesome woman!!
io sono contenta - i am happy
loro sono i miei amici - they are my friends
and fellow DDD'ers, as for myself, i'm embarassed to say i failed miserably in my jan DDD - getting outside to walk more with my pup, at least 3 days a week. there was so much emotional upheaval this month that....ok. i know no excuses. suffice to say, i'm going to give this another go... as in go right now for a walk. me and my pup. pics on the flickr group will be posted - so you know i ain't fakin' it. lol
happy DDD'ing..
francesca xoxo
I never did get around to posting my DDD last month but it was re-opening my blog and guess what?! I did it! I had abandoned it for so long and I'm so glad I started it back up again. Now to think of one for this month...Oh, actually I had a 2nd DDD and that was to sign up for Squam by the Sea and I can check that off my list too ;)
love this idea... so my DDD for myself is to form a 'guild' .. get my friends together at least once a week and have fun crafting... just spent 8 months in cold Alaska ... and now that I am back in sunny Florida... need to get busy again crafting and creating! So this Souper Bowl sunday will be the first meeting of the 'CrockPot Crafters" ...
Hi all! Yay! A new month!! My DDD is to continue along my path of losing weight. I have something else to share.....last month one of the things I struggled with was putting a picture of myself on the flicker page because I hate seeing myself in pictures.....SO I signed up for an ecourse called You Are Your Own Muse.....it's a photography course centered around self portrait.....it starts next Monday and I am DDD myself to work through this course with COURAGE and LOVE. I am so glad to have this space to come to for support.
first off...jen, your video made me so, so happy!!!! i'm going to watch it again after i type up my comment...
last month's DDD was to look myself in the mirror each day and let myself know that i honor *me*. it was much harder than i thought...not because i felt goofy sometimes...i realized it was more than goofiness...it was just downright uncomfortable to take that moment for myself. ??!!
for february my DDD is something i did not pick last month because i was so sure i would get it done without being dared. HA!!!! i never did it, so...
i DDD myself to make an appointment for an annual gyn appointment. i am sadly long overdue...hasn't been exactly annual.
ps.....Jen....YOU ROCK!!! I LOVE the video....it made me smile BIG!!!
P.S. Freakin awesome video!!
Love everyone's DDD and updates.. I finished 1 out of 3 art projects.. I did go gluten free, its been a week and I walked the pup everyday this week which is way more moving then I have been doing. I have some health issues I am dealing with and my DDD this month is to just breathe and release, to not worry so much about the future and just be moving towards better health which each day..
much love and DDD'ering to you all..
Jen..Love the video, love you.. as you celebrate us I celebrate you right back!!
xo
Karen
deldino
PS--- Elizabeth.. love that you video your DDD with the pups.. brings joy.
xo
Karen
deldino
My February Double Dog Dare is doing Yoga and to meditate every day. I know both are good for me, I feel much better (not kidding, much better) when committing to both but some days I find tons of excuses not to. This year is about doing what is best for me and allow myself to shine.
1) Thank you Jen and Elizabeth for fun and inspiring videos!
2) Thanks everybody for your notes with updates and encouragement (to everybody) all last month -- it is a great pick-me- up when they come to my inbox.
3) January update: the cardigan is "resting" again. I decided while figuring out what I want to do about the lining to add the button bands... which led to a discovery that one side of the front is now *1 1/2* inches longer than the other! Despite blocking the pieces before lining/ joining them!!! So. The cardigan is regrouping. I had to recognize that this is part of the way I process things (like snags in progress) and not procrastination and let myself not just plow ahead to "finish" for the sake of getting done because I said I would. I want something I can wear and love when it's finished. More updates to follow...
4) February: scary. I've had a few thoughts about what I might DDD myself to do this month -- all three are "dailies," and as Elizabeth said, anything daily is huge.
My DDD for February is some daily progress in decluttering my home Today I will set the timer for 5 minutes and start with sorting that stack of magazines and catalogues and papers right... over .... *there!*
OK, taking a deep breath here...
After Squam by the Sea in 2010 (my first!), I was inspired to start learning about blogging. My first post was Dec 5, and seven posts later, on Jan 1, I stopped. Don't ask why--prolly sheer laziness (about going further with learning) and fear (now that I've stopped, how do I start again?) on my part.
So! I'm going to start again, and commit to learning the ins and outs of the platform I've chosen. I'm also signing up for Susannah Conway's Blogging from the Heart for more incentive. The other incentive is to get one of these cool DDD badges! *grin*
My DDD is to write at least ten (10!) posts in February.
Another deep breath...
Yay, DDD #2!!! I have 2. Ambitious, I know.
1) To laugh everyday. Not a chuckle or a smile, but extended laughter. I'd love for you to help me by sending any video links/sites/pics/etc. to goofy things that make you laugh.
2) To gather all tax info for sending to tax helper lady. Got a really busy March, so would be really psyched to get this out before then, or else... stress.
Thanks all, for support last month and glad to be back!
Elizabeth, here's a link to a friends yoga podcasts (there's a 35 min quickie one) http://sarahbyoga.com/view/podcast/
Jen, super sweet video. Made my heart sing! I think watching old Italian films will aid you in your DDD! Have you seen Boccaccio 70?
oh shirley, i didn't know you started up a blog... please give us the linkey-link. perhaps if you had us cheering you on at your blog it'll motivate you to keep going.....
if there's anything i can help you with, let me know... blog headers, etc, anything.... let me know..
xox
So my DDD last month was to get my 2010 taxes done. Which I did - and I ended up owing a TON of money. So while it felt good to get it done (and hoo-boy am I glad I didn't wait any longer since 1/4 of what I owed was late fees!), it was a mixed bag of emotions.
I actually did a little video about it which you can see here: http://vimeo.com/34886683
(pw is: 30days30ways)
Thank GOD for Chocolate!
For February I am DDD'ing myself to get my photography e-course content 75% done, and get the word out so that it fills up QUICK when registration opens in March! Weeee!
xoxo
Crissy, I love your laughter DDD! I'll try to remember to pass the humor along.
I did my decluttering almost the last thing before going to bed last night, but I said I would do it here, so I couldn't blow it off! :-)
I promised 5 minutes, and did 7, so today I am pledging at least 6 minutes focused on the declutter.
Happy Saturday, everybody!
Sisters!
Well, I did a lot towards my January DDD in creating a space for my badge. I signed up (at wordpress) and even did one post! But it needs so much more work before it is ready for prime time (honestly I haven't even figured out how to add the badge :-P). Like Jen, my Feb is going to be super busy so I am being gentle with my DDD this month but it is to get my blog really up and running, looking the way I want it to, even if I don't have a regular space in my day to post quite yet. Scamp, I am right there with you!!
Jen! Thank you for the video! I am smiling and smiling. Also it is on my bucket list to learn Italian! Francesca, I'd take classes with you any day. Italian for Beginners e-workshop?
Elizabeth, always so wonderful to see your face and hear your voice and get a glimpse of those beautiful soulful dogs.
Crissy, totally checking out that yoga podcast! She's near Boston, me too!
Wow, I could go on and on. Thank you all, for bringing it!
Came back to view the videos and my oldest & youngest began dancing to yours, Jen. We are all smiling.
ok, that video totally rocked Jen :) You are such an inspiration for us all!
Last month I dared myself to walk 30 min a day and for awhile I did and then I slacked and then I went on a road trip and well..now it's February! I want to still continue to get outside and WALK.MOVE MY BODY for at LEAST 30 min every day. But I also want to DDD myself to GO TO A YOGA CLASS! JUST GO. 1, that's all I have to do at first. Just go! then I am DDD to go to a 2nd one!
That's it...I'm crossing my fingers and really loving this support!
here I go lovely ladies!
xxx
Hello DDDers!!!
I wanted to check in on my Double Dog Dare with you all. I have decided to change what I've been doing in the afternoons at least 4 times a week. I have been going to a spin/fitness class run by the PE teacher where I work- he and his wife offer these classes for free to those who work at his school- isn't that awesome? I've been going to 3 of their classes and one yoga class for one whole week. ;) I'm working on week number two. My blood sugars are down and soon I'm thinking my weight will be too. It's taking a daily love of myself to get there, so I'm pleased with the progress so far and asking for more support as I go forward. :)
Much love and support to you all!!
Eileen
ok...i'm changing my DDD for this month.
there are a ton of little (& big) thing nibbling at me that i just never seem to be able to get to because always some bigger priority comes up and shuffles them out of the way. i started making a list of them...and my DDD this month will be to get through that list. it is totally doable if i just commit to it and consider it one big project...
so...there it is!
so HAPPY to have all of you here...knowing i can come and be inspired...
and EILEEN...love seeing you on video :)
xo
So much energy swirling around Double Dog Dare this month, I can feel it! Lets try to check in with one another as much as we can, lets continue to encourage and support one another. I love the thought of us all working on something, scattered all over the place, and meeting here to touch base... Im thankful for this community!
xo
jen
Hi all! I just to come here and tell you something.....yesterday I went out and tried on a pair of jean in the next size DOWN and they FIT!!! So...I bought myself a new pair of jeans in a SMALLER size! The next size I go down into will take me out of the Women's department and back into the Petite department!! Woohoo!!
Oh Celia! We are celebrating with you !!!!!! So happy !!! HOORAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!
xoxoxoxoxo!
jen
You all have been so motivating and supportive, just reading your posts makes me feel a little happy :) I continue to struggle,no battle, with depression which causes me to isolate myself. My January DDD was to reach out to people in some way during the month. I didn't :( I couldn't :( I started thinking "why would she want to hear from me" and "its been so long it doesn't matter now"and worse. I became paralyzed and overwhelmed so did nothing. I didn't respond to emails I received-so sorry about that,it's not personal.
But I will not give up. My February DDD is to reach out,in some way, to four people this month. Now just a question-If you had not heard from someone in a long time would you want to? if you met someone briefly would you want to hear from them? what if you think maybe people wouldn't remember you?
Thanks for hanging in and reading all this. And Jen gray-your video brought me to tears,tears of love and happiness-for that I that you.
Dear sweet Sharyn, you did reach out, you reached out here ,and there is a lot of us in this group so way to go! I don't know about the rest of you, but I know I love hearing from someone even if it's been years. And I love it when people reach out. (Sometimes people do not remember me and sometimes I do not remember them, but I just write it off as sometimes our heads just get so cluttered with daily life that we cannot possibly remember everything, I forget my address and my phone number a lot! :) Still here and still rooting for you! You are doing a good job!!!
xo
jen
Dear Sharyn,
Thank you so much for sharing. Your posting here is so brave and open and honest. I honor that so much. I am with Jen. I love it when I hear from someone I haven't heard from in a while, or only met briefly whether I remember them or not. To feel oneself cared about is the greatest gift. I think most people are seeking connection and would just simply love to hear from you. I know how difficult it can be to hit that "send" button or dial that number, and it is almost always sooo worth it.
Dear Sharyn,
When depression strikes, it can be so hard to take the reigns back. I know how you're feeling, as do so many of us here, I'm sure. You are brave to speak up and let us know how you're feeling, and for that I give you a tremendous hug. I want to share my thoughts about you as a reminder, and so you can see who I see you to be.
Sharyn, you were there for me when I needed BIG help by so generously and effortlessly lending me ALL OF YOUR ART SUPPLIES at this past Squam Fall after I could not find any of mine 2 days beforehand. I was in a panic and felt disheveled. You brought me calm, friendship & creativity. I felt joy whenever our paths crossed (many times! Lucky me!). And you made a gorgeous, special necklace in Alix Bluh's class, one that gave me inspiration and encouragement to sign up for her class this coming Squam Fall.
Thank you, Sharyn. You actions of kindness and generosity speak louder than words.
Love, Crissy
Okay, first thing's first - Jen, that video will be my Monday Morning ritual! I have the biggest grin on my face but an even wider, radiant one in my heart. WOOT! The best way to start off a week.
I am plugging along with my January DDD ... I have 2 months of images left to sort through to finish my blurb book of images from a 365 self portrait project. Can you hear me tap dancing now? Because as I've moved through those months of files (arghhhh!) I've been discovering images I had forgotten about and am writing notes down so I can find them for the poetry/photo book I also have planned. Yep ... crazy wild! (I do this all for me - to have everything in one tangible place rather than in the murky world of my computer drives.)
Am so inspired reading everyone else's projects - photo course (hello?!) blogs and self care - yippee! And Sharyn - yes, I love receiving notes or cards from people I haven't heard from in eons or only just met. Really brightens my days to have those connections acknowledged. Which reminds me that my new DARE is to return to my 1-piece-of-real-mail sent out every week. I was good about doing it in the past ... need to bring consciousness back to it. So thank you for that nudge :)
xo Lis
Sharyn...I love hearing from you and I am always here if you want to talk, I struggle with the same anxiety as you do and sharing a cabin with you these last few years, I see you growing stronger and stronger, standing more in your truth..you are loved!
Celia.. way to go and everyone else love hearing all the updates.. celebrating you all!
Still trying real hard not to worry and take my health issues to the worse case scenerios, that is a spiraly slippery slope for me. After dentist and Dr visits this past Friday my Doctor put me on nexium for acid reflux and I may have either a sinus flare up or tmj causing this terrible head/neck/ear pain. So another goal for me this month is to not worry about having to go on medicine (which makes me feel like I have failed with my health) and instead set the intention that it will be a short term thing that I can get off on and continue on my wellness journey as naturally as possible.
xoxoxo
Karen D
deldino
Thank you. Thank you all so very much. I can never thank you enough or tell you how much my Squam connections have helped,even saved,me.
I am feeling a bit braver and just may send those emails yet!
Sharon -
How I do hear you re depression and beginning to form a cozy cocoon for oneself. I am often times there myself and I know all the reasons why but the cloud does surround me at times and I need to inch out somehow. Thanks for letting us know we are not alone.
Would I want to hear from a person whom I had not heard from in a long time - Hell Yes! The art of a long phone call, slow long lunch or dinner, walk in the city or woods and a hand written letter have seemed to vanish with smart phones and online videos. Yes, I am dating myself to the rotary phone era but I am who I am.
I have a mental list of older folk that I want to visit before it is too late and somehow I keep forgetting or not making the time. They are treasures in my life that I am not appreciating in person.
You want to reach out to 4 people this month, that is just about one a week. I live in RI, you could add me on the list as it would do me good to navigate away from my own safe and certain circle. I think you are in Boston area. I am 50 minutes down rt. 128 South.
I have some photos of my Dish DDD -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmillie/sets/72157629230520911/. It is all underway. Ebay is my friend and three items of the 10 or so groupings I have listed thus far have bids on them. Oh and a nice aside, one set - the blue floral - was given to me outright from the owner. She did not know what she had and neither did I save they were English vintage china which I adore. The blue set is very - well to me - valuable. The 5 piece service dishes are valued at replacement.com for 500$+. Yes, I can pay for my two Squam trips this year. Unexpected findings are a joy. Of course I am simply assuming these will all sell - both sets. Yes, yes and yes they will sell.
I have not recd’ any emails from this forum and wonder if I hit a wrong button.
How about a DDD Mail Box at Squam this Spring? DDD’ers could send real notes to fellow DDD’ers. You’ve got real mail. We would need a mail person who can walk a lot.
Happy February DDDing
Judy
I just looked at Jen's video - OMGosh - what a smile maker. Such fun. Hmm we need party blowers and glitter. Jen where do you get that energy?
I am spurred on and am sharing this with anyone that is important to me.
Judy
-sprinkling glitter-
Hello All: I am a little behind this month, but I know it isn't too late! I DDD myself to take my supplements. I don't know why I do this, spend money on expensive vitamins and herbs and then just let them sit...so as small as this one might be...I'm going to take my vitamins (along with my juices and smoothies). Congrats to everyone on the progress made so far!
Fantastic video Jen!
It has taken me nine days, but I have finally committed to my February DDD -- I will walk for 20 minutes, at least 3 times a week (not including walking to and from public transport!). I did my walk today! So, forward on to the next 20 minutes!
Love all the videos! And, sending lots of positive energy to all the DDDers!
Hey all - It's Friday and time to check in on how's everyone doing with their DDDs! Here's a rah rah rah, sis boom bah cheer (complete with pom poms and a high kick) for all of you!
Laura, I totally get you with the supplements. What is it with buying all these great things for ourselves and then not taking them? I'm inspired by your DDD and will go take my vitamins. ^_^
My DDD is "To Laugh EVERY DAY!" I'm doing it, but it's challenging! Thank goodness for YouTube! Fuzzy Fuzzy Cute Cute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2F4EFYM_MA
My 2nd DDD --- TAXES --- haven't started yet. Yesterday, I wrote it in my calendar for next week, so that's progress!
Oh Crissy! Your cheering already has me going this morning! Yay!
Thank you!!!!
How is everyone else doing today??
xo
jen
last month I was working on taking one thing a day OUT of the house. I did get a lot out of here, mostly books that I passed on, not every day but consistently. Now we have new carpet and I have empty book shelves that I am putting things back on that I love and want for a long time.
My DDD this month is to give up resisting and feeling so darn anxious and sad all the time about the prospect of moving from my home, St. Louis to Boston where family and friends await. I have been a wreck about it. Now, I DDD myself to let go, enjoy how all unfolds, and let my body mind soul and heart have peace and have faith that all is well and all will be well and that I am ready for what happens next. So there. Thank you Jen for the GREAT Fiesta video.
I love it so much it makes me want to sing and dance. :) love to all, louise
Hey everybody!! I walked twice this week. It took me nearly the whole week to get to it because I was home with sick kids nearly every day. (I have three kids. It just goes thru 'em, you know? Drags out the sick time!) On Friday I put my 3yo in the stroller and walked up the street and back, for a total of about a mile. I was really sore after that, which is discouraging, as we used to take long walks no problem, pre-Lyme. All my trouble joints ached Friday afternoon. But on Saturday we got up and went on a RI Families in Nature hike. It was just a short ride from our house, and I'd decided we'd finally make one of their hikes. I'd written in on the calendar, and it would mean two walks this week and a successful DDD Week One. This was shorter--1/2 mile total--and on a nice path in the woods, and I wasn't pushing a stroller, and I wasn't all achy afterwards. It's a start!
Sharyn, it's really hard to reach out to people, isn't it? I like hearing from people, but it is hard to be the one reaching out. If you don't get the reaction you're hoping for, I hope you remember that it reflects on them, not you. So many people seem so busy in their lives that they don't have room to open up and expand, and that is their loss. It looks to me that every person here would be happy to hear from you. Think of all of us, standing with you.
And hurrah for everyone else who is making progress, big steps and small!
Tracey - what a great way to start an exercise program. Three times a week for 20 minutes is so very doable. Good for you.
Laura, I so hear you re supplements and follow through. I forget too forget at times to take mine. I have prescribed meeds that I must take and one would think I would remember the supplements. I have tried using the 7 day medicine boxes but I forget to fill them up. Thanks for pointing out how important it is to follow through on a regimen for health.
Crissy - to laugh every day. Makes me smile. Can we see a photo of you laughing?
Louise - I am liking the idea of cleaning out a box a week. I might try that for March. It seems so much easier than tackling a whole cellar with 37 years of stuff.
Amy - good for you re the one mile walk and the family nature walk. Good way to begin. A walk in the woods, with birds calling and a lovely view around each bend is enticing. Have you tried water walking to ease inflammation from Lyme and to help you get back into walking on land? I have use water for over 25 years and I can do much more in water than on land. I have back problems along with fiber.
My own February DDD is almost half way done - the Royal Albert Old Country Roses Dishes that I am selling for another individual. Ten auctions ended, 8 more are active and I have to list 4 or 5 more give or take. This will finish off one batch of dishes. There is another set to go. Thankfully DDD gave me the nudge I needed to get this done am I am relieved to be packing these babies to ship out of here. I might even end up paying my Spring Squam a month ahead of my schedule!! My dilemma now is that the owner is not returning my calls. I don't have her address nor email.
Hi everyone, just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing/feeling... When you have a moment, fill us in on how it's going :)
I felt a wave of the Februrary mid winter lumpishness, not with just DDD but with many other things... I decided today that I needed to shake it up a little but so I'm scheduling a full two hours of creativeness. Im going to do the things I love to do, make a cd for a friend, write a letter, make something for the squam love banner, decorate my journal with goodies....etc... I know whenever I make that kind of time, I always end of feeling more inspired and more energized..... LOVE TO EACH OF YOU!!!! jen
Hi everyone. I love reading all of your updates. I lost 1.6 pounds last week....I've been having back spasms and haven't been able to exercise this week and I didn't go weigh in this week. But I'm happy with my progress. I made my second payment to Squam toward my Fall Tuition.....yay! I've been kind of down in the dumps for a few days...and I know my back hurting hasn't helped that.....but I've been trying to spend more time in my art room.
Celia, Doing the happy dance for you!! I suddenly don't feel too good about woofing down 1/2 of a vegan cupcake from Wholefoods and the bit of chocolate ice cream in the freezer. But, I will exercise at the pool tomorrow - saved!
Yay and sprinkles for the 2nd payment. I am still working on Spring payments but it is looking gooood.
Ummm, this is taking a little bit of courage here...no one but my sister knows about my blog. I've just put the link in here. Deep breath...another deep breath...
I may or may not make it to ten posts this month. But I have posted twice, and I did sign up for Susannah's ecourse Blogging from the Heart.
Now that I know that updates are posted in here (yes, I know, sometimes I'm just really slow that way!) I'm going to read through and connect up!
Celia - Yay yay yay! Is your back feeling better?
Scamp - Go you! I too have recently started linking to my blog and can share the anxieties.
Judy - Woo hoo! See you in the Fall!
Jen - Love that you gave yourself 2 hrs of creative time. How did it go? I'm not doing that and want to; there's always March!
#1 Laughing everyday - This week was tough. I was a bit blue toward the beginning (in part because I was about to get my period) so there was a whole day when I did not laugh, not even a chuckle. I looked at my husband as we got in bed and said, "I didn't laugh today, and it's not going to happen." I wasn't going to force it. On with the next day. I've gotta say, most days it's my husband who makes me laugh; I'm thankful for that. On the other days, I resort to searching for funny things online. We're watching a comedy series called "Trailer Park Boys" which is incredibly funny to us.
Judy - I love your request for a picture of me laughing. I accept this dare.
#2 Taxes - I'm dragging my feet on this one. Have all the tax forms (that have been mailed or emailed) in one pile, including charitable donations. Opened up tax organizer. Am going to sit down after finishing this comment to go through the organizer and see what we're still missing.
I created a big motivator for myself to get going on my taxes... I decided on my DDD for March! Starting to work with the Right Brain Business Plan book! Anyone want to join me? Ok, back to taxes!
Two walks so far this week! One 1-mile walk, and one 2-mile walk. That 2 hours of creative time sounds awesome, Jen. It's easier for me to walk (I can take my daughter with me) than manage that, but I'm already thinking about DDD for March. This is so great. :)
michelle - I went to the Right Brain Site - interesting stuff there and will read it all when I have more time. On the right side of the page about midway down is a 'badge' Licensed Facilitator Directory. I think we should have a ' Squam Facilitator Directory' badge to put on blogs!!! Are you going into crafting or are you already there?
Yes, I wanna see a photo of you laughing or even a short vimeo of you laughing in each and every way you can laugh.
I took my own DDD this month a step further. Found a lovely set of china on Craigslist and thinking of buying it to consign! It all has been such fun and feeds my love of China, but it would not be squirreled away in my own home with my previous purchases as I simply become the middle man to feed another's passion. Waiting to here from the china owner.
My DDD for Feb. was to try Zumba. I did it today, and I survived! My knees are still in one piece, though I will be curious to see how they feel tomorrow. I had a sort of good time. The teacher was really nice, but overall I just felt like a fish out of water - so uncoordinated. And this was an easy intro session! I will have to get a DVD or something and practice steps on my own before I would feel ready for the regular class.
I'm kinda on the fence about whether I will try to do more Zumba. But I'm glad I gave it a try.
Bonnie, I think that's great and I think trying something deserves to be celebrated in and of itself!
Okay, am I the only one who just realized that March 1st is just around the corner?? I need to get hustling on my DDD! :)
Wishing you all a beautiful day!
xo
jen
I'm sure everyone is nose-to-the-grindstone on their dares :)
I received my "dare" completed via Fedex today. Yup, I finished putting together a year's worth of self portraits into a blurb book (the excavation of said pictures from computer purgatory being the challenge!) and while there is my usual gaff (my husband always chides me "don't you proofread?" yes, yes I do and STILL I miss things!) I am chuffed to have a bound copy of one year of my life.
AND being on a roll ... I also worked on a shutterfly scrapbook for my girl ...I had been good about putting pix into albums but fell off the wagon a few years ago. So I sloughed through more pictures and completed a spring/summer book ... was really proud of myself until I realized I'm through August of 2009 ... only 2 1/2 years to go! But I will do it!
Thank you for the support. Just knowing I made this commitment publicly has really helped me to push through the inertia. Now I turn to what I know is my next wanna-do on my UFO list ...
xo Lis
Congrats and yahoo and high fives all around!!!!!! Will you post a photo of it on the flickr site? http://www.flickr.com/groups/squamddd/
So proud of you!!!!!
xo
jen
Oh my gosh, end of the month, deep breaths. Good luck all!!!
1) Taxes: Making good progress; the main thing left is to calculate expenses, which I am writing on my calendar RIGHT NOW to do on Monday.
2) Laughing everyday: Today was a sad day, but I just watched a bunch of ELLEN video clips and they totally made me smile, laugh & feel happy. If you're feeling down, I highly recommend. FYI, I watched clips of Zac Efron & Taylor Swift, Justin Theroux breakdancing, and those two little girls Rosie Grace & Sophia Grace. I'm not very "mass media" but this really hit the spot for me right now. And I just uploaded a photo of my laughing to the DDD flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/frogwosh/6927261405/in/pool-1835973@N25/
Good morning daring girls! With the third month of DDD approaching, we have planned some extra goodies for all of you...
*if you would like to receive some DDD snail mail support and love, please email our Program Coordinator, Lauren at: lolaksen@gmail.com and leave her your home mailing address. Please make mention of your dare for the month.
*if you have completed your DDD, please make mention of it and what specifically your DDD was. (We have a little something for you!)
*if you have a story you would like to share about your DDD experience, whether you have completed your dare or are like me, still working on it, please email me at: jen@squamartworkshops.com (include photos if you have them)
Be sure to tune in next Thursday for the kick off of our third month of Double Dog Dare!
Much love to you today!
Jen gray
****And hey, it is never too late to join our DDD community! Get all the details here : http://www.squamartworkshops.com/double-dog-dare
I've added pictures of my completed double dog dare (and indeed, i doubled the dare!) in the Squam flickr pool.
here's one picture (not sure if the image or just the code will show up here ...)
Thanks for the accountability! And for helping me to jump start these projects! xo Lis
oops ... well, nothing showed up! Well, the pix are over in "Meet me at the dock." :)
Okay ... the blog post is up:
http://dandelionseedsanddreams.blogspot.com/2012/02/double-dog-dared.html
now I need to watch Jen's happy video again :) Doing my dance over here (while I await the arrival of materials to complete my next dare!)
I just emailed Lauren, although really, y'all have done plenty already. I've succeeded with my February dare!! At least two walks per week. Yesterday I got up to 2.6 miles pushing the stroller and I tell you, I felt awful afterwards, sigh. Used to do that walk with no effect whatsoever. But I started the month all achy after a mile, and ended the month with two miles being just fine. And walking improves my mood *so much!* I'm not falling into those groggy quicksand naps in the middle of the day, either, anymore. Screw you, Lyme. (Hope it's okay to say that here?) Lyme doesn't get to win.
Already thinking of next month's dare, as I continue to walk my way into Spring!!!
I'm not going to make it to 10 posts on the blog this month, but you know what? I feel like I made huge progress on several levels just because I started! Indirectly connected to exploring the blog, I hooked up with a couple of swaps and have COMPLETED the work! For me, that's big.
I'm looking forward to March...
Lis, Just read your blog article regarding your photos. It was such a good read. The image of a terrier with sock in mouth is branded in my mind. Well, that and my actual golden retriever who runs around with sock, towel, ball, bone in mouth as well. Yes, they are so proud with the simplest of accomplishments. Food for thought.
Amy - You are doing wonderfully on increasing you're walking distance and pushing through the pain and fatigue. I can appreciate your work due to my own physical limitations. Perseverance does pay off.
Scamp - Perhaps it is not about the # of things we do but the quality of what we do as it relates to our own self-fulfillment.
March - I have not a clue what to do. That does not mean I don't have stuff to do, but am stuck in what will provide more meaning to me. I am in a slump a downward slump. One day yet to find a goal!!
Judy
Hey Scamp (aka Shirley and former fellow denizen of Everest)! You've succeeded in my book. Your blog is alive and well. For me, 10 posts in a month would be a lot. I only try for one a week. If I manage more than one a week, I feel like a blog superhero!
You are brave and you are a success. Congrats!