Last Month – November
Before I talk about December, I’ll begin with a customary reflection on what happened in November.
I have done my death meditation, continued with steps, mantras, affirmations…
10,000 Steps
I only missed one day of not getting 10,000 steps. In fact, I got more steps in the month of November than any month since I started the project. Now that it has gotten cold and it gets dark so early, I find that walking in the cold and dark isn’t that appealing. I have started “jogging in place” at home while watching something on Amazon. I have come to really enjoy these morning exercise sessions after meditation. (Don’t forget, my “smart” watch never counts the first day of the month.)
Meditation
I am wrapping up practicing the death guided meditation. I have actually enjoyed it, but I’m ready to get back to silent meditation. Each of us is different and different styles of meditation work better than others for all of us.
For me, I definitely, DEFINITELY prefer silence. I’m not even sure I enjoy having a candle lit: I relish the darkness in which I can delve deeply into meditation and see where my mind goes. I don’t worry about having a clear mind. I just try to re-focus on my breathing when I can remember to do so. No judgement there.
It bothers me when I can’t focus on my breathing because I either can’t hear it or because I’m focused on something else, such as the words in a guided meditation.
I’m sure that guided meditations help a lot of people. I’ve even created a few of them.
I forgot to set my meditation timer 3 different times during the month, and so those days don’t show up, but I can tell you this: meditation is so important to me that I MUST get up and do it each day upon waking up.
It is now an ingrained habit thanks to this project and I do it every day without fail, the only exception being when I was traveling earlier this summer.
Reading + Journaling
Did I finish the book? Yes…and no.
I had read The Magic before. For some reason, re-reading it just didn’t seem that beneficial to me. I kept writing about gratitude in my journal and each day.
I also go around thanking people and expressing gratitude such that I have to wonder if people think I’m a broken record. Thank you for this. Thank you for that. I appreciate you.
Not that that’s a bad thing.
Just that it makes me smile how integral gratitude is in my life.
So, I picked up another book from the library: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.
Since I was contemplating the whole idea of death, reading this seemed fitting. It was a neat story about a man who dies while trying to save a little girl on an amusement park ride. He then embarks on a journey to meet five people who had intersected his life in some way.
It was a good story. Do I feel completely differently about death after all this?
Eh, I’ve never feared it all that much. Perhaps the process of dying gives me more fear than the actual event. But even still, I do feel less anxious about all that and realize that now is as good a time as any to think about writing a will, and figuring out how I’d pay for my own funeral.
Such weird things to think about, but I remember the relief my own mother felt when her mom passed away and we all learned that she’d already paid for her own funeral. That’s ideal: to have your death not be a burden to anyone else.
As for journaling, through the third week of November, I kept a gratitude version. But then I started writing more daily flash fiction stories, all of which were 850-1000 words.
The December LIFE Project
Back in April when I created the LIFE project, I had no idea how much life would change and how much more I would be intentionally living.
I’m in the process of working a part-time job I love, writing and creating four days per week, and making a “go” of it through the process of intention.
Little by little I’m getting there.
But, these were the original parameters of what December was going to look like:
31 days of no FacebookWork no more than 4 hours (other than for regular work) on any given daySundays are screen-free days altogether- create a painting for
charity donate to a charity (either with the painting, time or money)- Continue 10K steps, journaling,
20-20-20meditation and mantras
Where you see the strikethroughs are where I have to modify this project.
Why?
Because my part time job and my writing/creating/blogging all necessitate that I spend significant amounts of time in front of a screen and using social media.
While that’s not a bad thing, I’m also aware that if I’m not mindful about it, it can lead to imbalance and addiction.
While I don’t consider myself addicted, I incorporated this into the project as a way to check myself, and as a way to make myself be more mindful of the time I spend on a computer.
I thought I would modify the project to reflect the fact that I’m a digital marketing manager for a school, as well as someone who makes a chunk of her living online.
The Good and Bad: Using Technology
Technology is here to stay.
Personally, I use my computer to pay bills, to write, to take notes, to record meditations and other things, to meditate with, to use as a calculator, to use as an alarm, as a way to track my daily steps, as a planner, for entertainment, for research and information, to find recipes, to connect with people around the globe, to send and receive email, to order products, to get ideas for stories and novels, to download software…and the list goes on.
There’s also the fact that I work on my employer’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, as well as update their website as well as send and receive communications to all staff.
You could stay that technology is pretty integral to my existence.
And yet I recognize its detrimental effects on sleep patterns, on face-to-face communication, and how much “sit” time a person has, causing deleterious effects on health, and there’s even the “dark side of the internet” to contend with. There are the social problems that technology can antagonize, not to mention the potential of addiction.
I suppose you cannot have the good without having the bad.
Or in the words of Luis Marques:
[bctt tweet=”Light and darkness. One cannot exist without the other. There is no true Master, without the power of balance. – Luis Marques” username=”n2itvnspiritual”]
Such is the case with technology.
Using Technology Mindfully
Due to the need to use technology (and avoid taking a month of from all my work), I’ve had to modify the intentions of the December LIFE Project. I intend to:
- Create a calendar of days and times for tech mindfulness
- Create a painting to donate to an Intuitive and Spiritual subscriber
- Continue 10K steps, journaling (stories!), silent meditation and mantras
- Donate to the blog and to the school where I work
It seems I’ve made this list shorter.
I have…BUT…that’s because I’m still doing LOTS of things for the website here, and all the standard intentions for the LIFE project.
The Calendar for Tech Mindfulness:
Regarding this calendar, I’m looking at all my activities for the month and have planned these days accordingly. For example, I know I won’t be working on December 30. It will be a tech-free day. Let me know if you’d like me to send you a Microsoft Word version of this calendar.
Day 1 starts with December 1 and continues to December 31.
- Research mindfulness and technology
- Install “Breathe” app on phone and use it to send me reminders to breathe mindfully.
- Use a paper planner and not Google calendar for the month of December
- Get off of all screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- No tech in the bathroom. Yes, it’s a thing that many of us do – admit it! 🙂
- Go on a walk and not bring any technology (cell phones, headphones) with me.
- Get off of all screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- Refrain from using Google to find the answer.
- Turn off all notifications on my cell phone.
- No tech for 2 hours before bed.
- For one day, keep phone on silent.
- Keep my cell phone in my backpack while at work.
- Drive to work without listening to any radio (1 hour round-trip).
- For 10 minutes, just do nothing: just sit and stare. Not meditate – just rest.
- Practice mindfully breathing while holding my phone several times to help get in the habit of taking breaths each time I use my phone.
- Install calm wallpapers on my lockscreen that asks the question, “why am I in your hand?”
- Streamline all my apps
- Make sure bedroom continues to be a tech-free zone (I already do this.)
- Turn off all technology for four hours.
- No technology and no television on (even in background) for three meals.
- Instead of sending an email, send a letter.
- Don’t check any email account for 24 hours.
- Take three 2-hour breaks from technology.
- No tech for two hour upon waking (this should be easy: I’m doing silent meditation for 1 hour)
- For one day, “forget” my phone (keep it at home, not in my pocket)
- For 8 hours, no technology: no screens, no phones
- For 1 day, do not check social media
- For 24 hours, no music (via the use of technology)
- For 12 hours, no technology: no screens, no phones
- For 24 hours, no technology: no screens, no phones (unless there’s an emergency, such as a medical event)
- Take hand-written notes instead of using the notes app on my phone/computer
Donating
My form of “donating to charity” is the idea that I intentionally give monies to the annual campaign to the school where I work to help create scholarships for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. I also volunteer on that same committee to help look for grants, transportation and food sources for families who need it.
In addition, I have made the commitment to create a mandala painting each month and then donate it to someone who is subscribed to the blog.
Journaling/Meditating/Steps/Mantras/Affirmations
These five things form the cornerstone of the LIFE Project. It goes without saying that I continue all of these.
I will continue writing flash fiction stories (which are 1000 words or less), and getting my daily steps in either by exercising at home in the mornings, or getting out with my doggie.
To be sure, mantras and affirmations continue to be a daily part of my routine.
Reading
This month I have two books I’m reading: The Stranger by Albert Camus. It’s a classic in which a “strange” man commits a crime and well…I don’t want to give the rest of it away. It’s a classic and I started it after I finished my November reading. It has to do with him facing his own demise and thought it another fitting book for reflecting on death and gratitude.
Then I will begin The Emissary of Light by James F. Twyman. From the blurb, it’s about a man who seeks peace in war-torn Bosnia and brings his guitar to sing prayers of peace in the Yugoslavian mountains. There’s love, mysticism, enlightenment and more.
I thought that seemed a fitting December LIFE Project book.
Upcoming Changes
You may have noticed that I’m doing things a little differently here on the blog. Next week I’ll be back with another flash fiction story, followed by the mandala giveaway, then a poem or a guided meditation. I’ll continue to write posts on meditation and mindfulness, as well, but that will happen as the LIFE Project winds down.
Y’all, I have four months left on this project. Much writing fodder. I’ve walked and meditated staggering amounts of distance and time.
I am slowly but surely molding my life into the intentional existence I want it to be and I couldn’t have done this without being accountable to you all and to your support!
I read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom a few years back. I also recall enjoying it and something about it made me feel a bit more at ease at the time with the notion of death (if that makes sense). That said always enjoy your updates here and can’t thank you enough for always being so forthcoming with all going on in your corner of the world. Hugs and once again wishing you a wonderful Monday and week ahead, too xoxo <3
Janine – that’s awesome that you’ve read that book! Yeah, it was pretty good, no? Feeling more at ease with the inevitable – yes that makes perfect sense. Dang…I can’t believe that I’m nearing the 40 years mark already. Life goes by so fast, doesn’t it? Whew! Thank YOU for always being supportive, and being a cheerleader on my ever-evolving journey. You are a gem, sweet friend! I am so glad we’re connected. I’m grateful for you and hope that you have not only a wonderful week, but lots of fun with the girls and a fabulous holiday season! xoxo
I love how you are intentionally molding your life, Lil Sis! There’s a lesson for everyone in your actions . . . we can bring change in ourselves for the better, but without willingness and determination it will not happen. Bravo to you…big hugs…and the pride of a big brother!
Big Bro, hehe, it’s taken awhile. I’ve taken some shortcuts and longcuts and for the longest time I wasn’t sure what all I wanted to do. But these days, I enjoy everything I’m doing and yes, I’m intending more of that into my life. 🙂 Having the willingness and determination are two keys to success in any endeavor, no? Thank you so much for always being there. You are a special human. I’m grateful for you!
Kudos on your continuing dedication to living mindfully and intentionally Cynthia. Technology is tricky. I like your intentions to limit and use it mindfully. I realized that I didn’t want employment that put me at the computer so I left my digital marketing position. I hope you find the balance.
Brad – thank you for your kind words! Technology is tricky, isn’t it? I didn’t know that you were a digital marketer. That’s exactly what I’m doing. I admit it makes me check and respond to FB less now that I’m “on it” a bunch, but then again, I’m also loving the challenge at cracking its algorithms. But well…I’m always thinking about and aware of my technology use. Thank you for your encouragement – always – and here’s to intention and balance. 🙂
Good post. Nice balance between the doing and the not-doing*
Liked the idea of doing hand-written notes. I have clients who are looking at a very well-defined area and I decided to do a mailing. I wrote the letter and signed each copy (and made a comment about ‘old-fashioned’) and I got two phone calls from people just to compliment the fact of the letter. There weren’t interested in selling but thought that it was nice that I went to the effort.
Encouraging.
*borrowed from Castenada**
** as is half of my vocabulary for things to do to improve my reality
Clark – nice to see you! Doing and not-doing. That is the question. Or answer. Or Castanedan proverb. LOL. That’s so interesting about the mailing you did: signing those copies and making statements about “old-fashioned” – you know, those folks might one day turn into clients just by doing that. Even if they weren’t interested in selling just now, that human (and not automated) touch can work wonders. I also read somewhere today that if you’re trying to sell something at a person’s house, if you can get in the kitchen and talk there, I hear that the whole process will go better for everyone. Something about the kitchen. lol. Of course, having “personally made” chocolate chip cookies might be pretty awesome…
Castaneda. He’s become one of my favorites to read. I must find more of his books….
Hi Cynthia…
Great article on finding that balance it is hard to find in the lives we live daily. When you stop and think it has been 25 years since the first text message was sent. All it stated was “Merry Christmas” and yet today billions are sent each day. It seems we have become separated in so many ways with all the demands we place on ourselves.
Technology has gained the upper hand in most peoples lives as we are all connected. Many years ago I used to carry a radio phone the size of a shoebox and look at us all today. When I first got the thing people would stop in just to see the thing. I used to carry it with me on my sojourns into the wilderness. Most times there was no signal unless you were very high.
We have certainly come a long way since then. Today I carry a cell that is amazing and I can reach anyone and visa versa. My Mac Book Pro is an incredible piece of technology with a full terabit of space, marry it with a home corporate network speed of 400mps and you have instantaneous communications with blinding speeds. The wealth of information we have at our fingertips is incredible. One could never consume the buffet we have at hand. As a writer it is truly amazing what I have for access to the outside world.
I started a paradigm shift a few years ago limiting my time online and focusing more on seeking that balance, thus using the net for research and yes playing a bit. Getting together with others has become far more important as it is with others and those alone times deep in thought which truly count.
Hugs as always…
Sweet Rolly – I apologize for the delay in responding…I caught a cold and have been nursing it. lol.
25 years since the first text message was sent!? I didn’t know that. 🙂 And it said Merry Christmas. ha. Fitting for tis time of year. But I think you’re right: so many demands we place on ourselves. I’ve done that with this project, but I’m almost finished. I’ve learned so much in discipline…I was thinking about that with my cold here…since yesterday I’ve had to scrap all my “work plans” for the weekend. Ah, well…
Technology does have the potential to rule our lives doesn’t it? I sometimes dig up my old cell phone from 1999-2000 – holy cow that thing is a relic! How neat about you having that big ol’ cell pone and being the talk of the town. Ha! Now…just look at phones. They have hundreds of functions now. It’s incredible. It’s fun to think about where we’ll be in 20, or even 50 years. 🙂 But it’s also a little scary. I mean…I love keeping up with it, but I can imagine how it could get overwhelming for those who are older and didn’t use it much beforehand…
I’m envious (in a good way) about the technology and speed that you have there. I have cable internet and top speeds are between 60-100mps. And…you’re right to think about your online balance. I’m glad I had to “slow it down” this weekend. 🙂
Hi Cyndi, it makes sense that along the way you will adjust your goals, including those for December so I’m not surprised by there being some strike-throughs. As bloggers, social media is part of our existence and helps us create community. I commend you for not using technology 2 hours before bedtime – let me know if this helps with your sleep quality xo Another great post, inspiring friend!
Christy – hey there, sweet friend! Yes…planning a project out a year in advance can be tricky, especially when it comes to unforeseen circumstances. But I have enjoyed this project and this journey. But, yes…back in the planning stages, my work didn’t depend so heavily on social media. As for not using technology before bedtime…as of yet, I haven’t totally noticed a difference, BUT I have been sick with a cold and the past few days…sleep has been a little interesting. lol. But I will keep you apprised. 🙂 Sending you big hugs and thank you, THANK YOU for your sweet words! xo
Excellent post… I guess that keeping your notes and goals in such an organized way must help you accomplish what you have in mind… I am not so into lists but I think I might implement them!). 10,000 steps: that´s great… are you planning to gradually increase the amount?.
I agree with you as to Social Media. I personally enjoy using Twitter and Instagram… But I totally get you: I can become addictive and it could lead us to spend lot of our valuable time checking in.
It all depends on how we use it, don´t you think?. We have the power to use it for good or bad. It can also be great!.
Love & abrazos, amiga 😀
Querida Aquileana, aww, thank you for your visit! I embarked on this project eight months ago (I can’t believe it’s been that long) to push myself – intentionally – in more of the direction I want to go with myself. I never thought I’d become a “list” person, but my school trained me to do so early on. lol. I’m not planning on increasing the amount of steps I take, but I do want to attempt a walking marathon in the not-too-distant future. I had wanted to do that as part of this project, but alas…I couldn’t find one that fit in with my schedule and the project.
As for social media, I have come to really love Twitter. 🙂 Indeed, we all must keep vigilant of internet addiction and it does depend on how we use it. 🙂 With everything good, there can be the bad, as well. I will see you on the internets, friend! Te mando abrazos fuertes. xo
I have to agree with you Cynthia on preferring silent meditation. Though when I first started, I enjoyed a meditation which led you into a visualisation. I still have a few tapes which I enjoy drifting off to with those.
I am pleased you feel less anxious about death, but I think you and I agree, death never really scared me.. Its how we may die that hits the spot, not my actual passing. That I look forward to as my next great adventure 🙂
Wow, reading All that you do, besides your dedicated spiritual pursuits Cynthia just when do you find time to write a blog LOL..
I know I have been on catch up mode since my hols here in the techno world and its draining me to be quite honest..
I am one of those who turn off the modem when I sleep and on only when on line..
Love the Calendar .. And your intentions throughout Dec .
Wonderful.. 🙂
Loved all that you plan to do, and what you have achieved. You are one dedicated beautiful soul
Enjoy your week dear Cynthia.. SO much love your way.. I admire you so much..
Love and Hugs Sue xxx <3 <3 <3
Sweet Sue! Oh, I could *hug* you – just look at all these beautiful comments! I apologize for the delay in responding – I have had a cold that effectively knocked me off my feet the last few days. I guess I needed the rest, hehe.
Yes…silent meditation. I’m with you – when I can’t sleep, these days, it’s the only thing that will calm my mind enough to find sleep again.
You’re right about the process and not death itself that can invoke a little anxiety there. But the beyond – WOW! – I have a different vision of what that looks like after all this.
As for finding time to do all the things I want to do – writing, drawing, etc. – I at once feel like I need extreme discipline and yet more at the same time. Ha! I knew by taking this project on, it was going to be an extreme mental, physical, and spiritual exercise. I knew that I would need to invoke a lot of discipline and that I would likely want to quit at times due to what I have asked of myself. To be sure, that has happened, but I remain committed. After this, I think I will have to take some days off of technology, writing, blogging all together. HA! But this journey – without a doubt – has changed my life. In the past year, I have achieved things I had always wanted to do, and I have begun creating a new life for myself in terms of my work and living intentionally. I get goosebumps thinking about it. To be sure, I’ve had to use some LIFE days the past few days because of my cold, but…I’ve still used less than half. I have thought time and again that it seems counterintuitive to push myself like this and not have a lot of time to relax. But that part was intentional: I knew I had to get out of my comfort zone to change things up. 🙂
It took awhile to create that calendar, and it’s definitely made me more mindful about my technology use. And I realize that I had already been trying to be mindful about it before: no technology in the bedroom, setting my phone away from me on do not disturb at night, not using technology while eating at the table, that sort of thing. Hopefully more folks can work on that for themselves so that their minds remain sharp and objective….
Love all that YOU do and have achieved. A beautiful soul YOU are and I’m so grateful for our friendship! Enjoy your week as well and sendig you big, squishy hugs! I’ll talk to you soon! xo
The adaptability and accountability you show us with your LIFE project is beyond commendable, dear
Cynthia.
I’m proud of and grateful to you for sharing these monthly updates.
Hope you are having a peaceful week. Love and hugs, Maria
Maria – thank you, sweet friend! I so appreciate you kind words, your comments, your support and encouragement. I can’t believe there are only four months left in this project. Getting there, right? It requires a lot of discipline and…I think I’ll have to take a big rest afterwards, hehe. I hope you are also having a wonderful week. Sending you peace and hugs, sweet friend! xoxo
OMG I LOVE your tech mindfulness calendar for December…. such simple things that you can incorporate every day to just relieve a bit more stress and be more mindful. Very nice! Keen to hear how it went at the end of the month. I really need to start focusing on injecting more “away from screen” time during the day. I’m getting there… little breaks outside or making tea help a lot. Thanks for this reminder – what a brilliant idea! Can totally see people using this blueprint for themselves. Hope you’re having a wonderful week friend. Talk soon 🙂 xx
Sweet Melanie! Thank you for your sweet, sweet comment. You know that cold I thought I had? Well…it was the flu. OMG…hehehe, I’m on the mend, but still in bed. Gotta love technology and laptops for being mobile. Ha! Who knew that I would spend 3 days in bed – making it pretty easy to keep my end of the technology mindfulness deal. lol. Away from screen time is a good thing. Take those breaks and make that tea! 🙂 I think I’m going to have to drink more tea myself. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. Sending you big, squishy hugs! xo
Dear Cynthia,
Oh my, 10,000 steps a day! What a wish! I hardly manage 1000 steps a day, as bookkeeping, writing, and genealogical research keep me flat on my bum in front of a computer for the better part of the day, and then pain keeps me horizontal for the rest of the day/night.! If I use my treadmill, I would perhaps be able to manage 2000 at the most, but laziness and an obsession to get our family’s register up to date keep me from doing this. This physical inactivity has only negative effects on my body and mind. I have to discipline myself. I know I should at least follow a program that includes exercises.
At this stage of my life I avoid meditation, as I become too aware of my pain and the sorrow in my soul when I don’t keep my mind extremely active until tiredness and sleep overwhelms me.
I love the technology wonders of our time. But yes, one could easily become addictive and totally unproductive.
Thanks for a lovely, interesting, and encouraging read, Cynthia!
Sweet Martie! Thank you for coming over! Hehe, 10K steps is about 4 miles a day, or about an hour and forty minutes of walking time (total). Oh, friend, I’m glad you do get some time on the treadmill. It’s so good for the heart to move around: both mentally and physically. 🙂
And meditation: it’s one of those things that is different for everyone. There are so many different types and even prayer can be considered a form of meditation. Just getting outside and taking deep breaths is meditation. And that works for lots of people.
We do have lots of technology wonders now, don’t we? It’s incredible stuff! I love, love my little gadgets and gizmos. And I’m aware that the potential for addiction – which I think a lot of us have – is very real.
Thank you for coming by! I appreciate your thoughts! Have a wonderful day! Sending hugs!
I will try again, as I got a message saying (invalid security token ) 🙂 Good job I now learn to type in my notes so the comment was saved haha.. 🙂
So sorry to hear you came down with a cold.. But you are I guess in the firing line for viruses. I am pleased you are seeing that some days you need to pace yourself, and are not hard on yourself when you targets of achievements are not met. I too am seeing just how long I am using technology. and so am mindful of pulling back every now and again into my own creative space..
I treated myself to some new art materials, all thanks to seeing you and your creative mandala’s and later today I am going to set up my art and paint.
As it snowing a blizzard outside.. I have to stop myself from feeling guilty to not getting around all of my wonderful subscribers and the sites I follow.. And learn that I am important also..
This took me a long while to achieve and I still struggle with that, I guess because we are both ‘Givers’ in many ways the same, we have to learn to ‘Give’ time to ourselves..
So enjoy your days of relaxation when you can..
And I am so blessed to have met you dear Cynthia. xxx Love Sue <3
Sweet Sue – It bothers me about your commenting troubles. Little by little, I ask around and do some digging and I’m now thinking it’s my particular theme. I’m toying with the idea of revamping my theme over the holidays for this reason. When I contacted BlueHost recently, they couldn’t see anything on their end, and one of their tech folks thinks that my theme may be the culprit as that is often the case in other similar scenarios. So…I’m going to try that.
As for art materials, this is wonderful news! I can’t wait – CAN’T WAIT – to see what you come up with. I am creating a mandala for next week. Squee!
But…I’m going to have to post a story I wrote a few months ago (and haven’t published) because I’m definitely not back to normal, yet. I should get off of here, but I couldn’t resist commenting back. We had a blizzard here on Friday and Saturday. If ever I had to pick some days to be sick it would be the past few days because I didn’t have to go anywhere and I got to watch all the pretty snow coming down – at least when I was awake. 🙂
It’ll be another chill day over here…I think this afternoon I’ll get my pre-written story ready for tomorrow. Sending you love and light and so much positive energy your way! xoxo
I look forward to your pre-written story, and you must concentrate on getting yourself back to 100% I think it may have been the browser I was using too, as my first comment I had logged in via Microsoft Edge, the second comment I used Google Chrome. That is what I am using right now..
Enjoy and have a good week and keep warm in-between the snow showers.. <3 Love and Hugs xx
Sweet Sue! You know, I’m glad I write those stories when I feel inspired – so that when I don’t have the energy to post, I still have something to share. Haha.
As for the browser you mentioned, well, you taught me something: I hadn’t heard of Microsoft Edge. I like Chrome, though. Finally feeling human again. Whew…I’m chilling out at home again today, and doing more writing (yay!) but bouts like that make you appreciate your health so much! Have a wonderful week, sweet friend! I look forward to seeing your creations and writings! xo