My End of the Year Post!

The Christmas Season is

fast approaching.

Less than a week to go and I'm still

scampering to finish it all!

The tree is decorated,

most of the presents are wrapped,

the Christmas cards were mailed

and yet I feel so unfinished!
Let's not even mention
NO holiday baking yet!

The holiday season can zap us of

all positive energies if we allow it to.

I'm afraid I got in that rut a few days back.

The quiet time disappeared,
the list kept growing longer and

there was always 

"one more thing to do"

I am a creature of habit,
a fault of mine I know ...

I need my quiet time,

my creative time

and 

my weaving time!
Boy do I crave an afternoon nap!

I don't like the feeling of being

out of sorts.
I feel unsettled when life keeps doing life,
and I can barely keep up,
especially with a holiday
right around the corner!!!!!

I was able to complete my holiday ornament,
it is a keepsake reminder of our 
OBX Thanksgiving vacation this year.
I spun the flax,
wove the small tapestry,
I mounted it to a small piece of driftwood I found along the beach,
and finished it off with a keepsake shell,
I look forward to pulling it out every year in the future,
a sweet reminder of time with my precious family,
all under one roof!

So I am slowing myself down, 

enjoying this last week before the holiday

flies into our home!

I can't wait to share the holiday

with family,

and this year we have a new name

under the tree,

our Zoey will turn 7 months old on

Christmas Eve!

So there is another stocking on the mantle,

and more presents under the tree!

Zentangle® has been my creative choice lately,

it is portable, calming and reminds me

to slow down and breathe,

during a most busy time of year.

I am especially proud of this little

3T tile, full of Paradox tangles.

As I was finishing the very last space,

I decided to leave it blank

and entitle it

"Because Life is Unfinished"

What do you think?

I look forward to 2018

and sharing more Zentangle classes

with others.

I'm working on a day long retreat soon!

Not sure of any details yet, but it looks promising!

I am excited to warp my empty Mirrix Tapestry Loom
with a Tapestry Diary Project,
it will be a form of weaving discipline for me.
Weaving a small section of something,
each and every day in 2018!
I will be re-visiting my online weaving courses
with the amazing Rebecca Mezoff,
and deepening my weaving practice. 

So for now I am taking a break on the blog,

2018 promises to be new and refreshing

as I enter my Eighth Blog Year!

I love sharing what creative

moments are happening in my life!

Till then,

Happiest of Holidays

to you and your family!

Embrace the warmth and love of family,

reach out to long lost friends,

take care of your own self

and contemplate the true

spiritual meaning of the 

Christmas Holiday,

(hint ... it's not about the presents under the tree!)

Love to you all,

you have my heart

Donna Lee

The Way We View Life . . .

The view from here

Life is such a beautiful thing!

Filled with love, family, incredible experiences,

hurts and disappointments,

resentments, broken relationships,

lessons learned, wishes granted,

broken promises, goals attained,

beautiful friendships,

blessing after blessing,

meaningful conversations

and so much more!

I've merely touched the surface

I have learned that it truly is

all about how we perceive what is right in front of us,

how we see things,

how we absorb what is happening

and how we react to things.

No two people view life with the same way.

Each of us carries a different perspective or point of view.

How many times have you seen something

so beautifully and someone you know

sees it as a negative or bother?

Standing right in front of me ... my friend chose not to see!

As a Tapestry Weaver,

I am constantly taught to slow myself down,

to think "what if" as I'm at the loom.

I try to see my weaving from a close perspective.

Perhaps that is why I view life the way I do.

I love viewing the world around me,

my eyes are truly WIDE open.

Everything becomes a photographic moment for me!

I love taking image after image,

because I know somewhere or somehow

they will show up again and be used in a blog post

or a card or something!

So I leave you with this thought ...

I would love for you to look at your own life

with a total open heart.

Look at the wonderful possibility,

don't see the negative hinderances.

See the beauty in all things

when if at all possible.

See the beauty of that last little rose bud,

still thriving and blooming;

rather than the empty thorns and dried up leaves

that are present on the same bush!

It's all there I promise you!

Especially with the significance of this day

for our nation, September 11th.

Here we are 15 years later,

each American still healing in there own way.

There are so many lessons we have learned as a nation

after all this time.

Each of us carrying our own perspectives.

May we truly never forget this day in history, NEVER!

May your week be filled with joy,

your days filled with promise and  possibility,

and your heart be free to love!

Donna Lee

Pressing the Restart Button! (already)

Me ... Myself and I

I have been thinking a lot lately ...

about so many things.

Where I want to be, what I want to accomplish,

the Pounds I am gonna lose, the Art I am gonna create, the Tapestry I want to weave,

the Poetry I have yet to write and so much more!

The new year is here and we are already into its 3rd month!

I look back in my journal to re-visit

my goals and dreams

I've slipped a bit ... haven't you?

I started out doing great then life happened!

Work, family, commitments, health,

raising a puppy and so much more.

I feel I am a bit hard on myself,
but I thought I would be doing better at this point in 2016.

Whenever I am overwhelmed,

a trip to the ocean is always my Restart Button!

This past Sunday afternoon was my time to restart! 

Many of you know I live in Virginia Beach, VA

the ocean is about 25 minutes from my home,

and only 5 minutes from my work,

yet I still can't find the time to get there!

So this Sunday was a gift.

Taking in the beauty at 1st street

I just needed to sit still,

walk quietly and breathe in

the beauty, the sound of the waves,

and feel the brisk chill in the air.

I needed to STOP and I did.

Sometimes we don't recognize when we need those moments,

and we just keep pushing forward,

Sunday was a gift for me,

a much needed present to open.

I have a thing for writing words in the sand,

things that matter to me.

I photograph them and make cards.

Here was the message that came this time . . .
It seems to be right where I am in my creative life these days.
I am totally immersing myself into Tapestry weaving
loving every moment I can spend at the loom.

My message to myself that day

We all need to stop, recharge, restart.

Don't be so busy that you don't recognize those

moments in your life.

Trust me your spirit will let you know,

and your precious body will give you signs

when you need to begin again.

Refresh yourself, take moments to do something different,

be still and quiet,

meditate on all good things.

When you look around there will always be

a gift from the universe

reminding you ... You got this!!!

This was mine

My reminder

So the week has started anew

and I am feeling much better about things.

I needed to pause, to think, to re-arrange

the thoughts in my head.

When we are clear headed we

can tackle just about anything ...

even the ups and downs of raising a 7 month old

labrador puppy ...

named Josie Grace

(the love of my life)

Chillin oceanside

Have a very blessed week

Slow yourself down

Breathe in freshness

Treat yourself to something new

Remind yourself

"You got this thing called life"

Donna Lee

Season Beauty

Williamsburg Beauty

It is such a wondrous time of year!

Every one of us can say we are way to busy,

we have so much to do,

our lists keep getting longer not shorter,

there are so many gatherings to attend,

we are a bit more stressed than normal,

and that we we will truly 

"never get it all done"
and forget getting anything creative done right now!!!

Yet there is so much magic and beauty

all around us

if only we will take a look and see!

I wanted so much to let this be 

the holiday that I didn't stress to get it all done,

that I slowed down to bake the cookies,

that I stepped lightly through it all,

that I enjoy my grandchildren,

wrap the presents

and watch every holiday

Hallmark movie

I could!
So far ... so good!

I think I've done that
and with a strangely sense of calm.
I am just writing to remind you
that YOU CAN control how you act,
how you feel and how rushed you choose to be.
Each holiday is truly made of
the effort you put into it!
Return to self, return to calm,
return to simplicity.
Let your holiday season be
one that is filled with accomplishments,
love for one another,
and a sense of wonder.

Enjoy the little things ...
hot chocolate ... hot apple cider,
24 hour holiday music channels,
smiles you receive from others,
decorations you pull out of the attic every year,
gaudy holiday lights in your neighborhood,
cards in the mail from friends and family,
ornaments on your tree that bring back fond memories,
Christmas Eve traditions,
making homemade gifts
and oh so much more ....

Christmas time in Edenton, NC

For me it will be celebrating my life
with two precious grandchildren!
Loving my family to overflowing,
having time off to enjoy and soak it all in.
Truly recognizing how blessed it all is!

My little Annabelle and Grayson

I wish you peace and joy
I wish you health
I wish you a happy heart
I wish you creativity in whatever form that is for you
I wish you a happy point of view
I wish you joy ... for it is truly a gift

Happy Holiday Season
from me to you!

With love and gratitude,
Donna Lee

Practicing Gratefulness

Fall Beauty

I was writing in my Documented Life Journal this morning

some Love Notes I wanted to say to myself:

then I realized ...

Why not share them on my blog today??

During this wonderful week of Thanksgiving

(a time of Gratefulness and Praise)

sit down with your own self

list what you are grateful for

list what good has come your way

list things you want to say to yourself

list all the things that make you smile

list all the thoughts that are in your heart

you will be surprised with what you come up with!

Here is mine:

Keep my family close

Accept what is

Be happy in all things

Never desire more than you can handle

Keep your wishes alive

Be strong in yourself

Grow and always try to learn something new

Step of your comfort zone

Practice gratefulness each and every day

Believe in your beautiful self

Reach higher and further

Love who YOU really are

May your holiday be filled

with love and gratefulness,

family gatherings, good food,

time to sit still and savor what is!

This life of ours is full of wonder,

but we must take the time to see it all.

Love and Light

Donna Lee

On Becoming a Grandmommy . . .

My precious Annabelle Lily Wynn

How did I know my life would change

in the blink of her birth?

You hear the news about a baby coming into your life,

wait for quite awhile to see her growing

inside her mommy's belly,

you get the call that "It's time"

you wait anxiously at the hospital

with other family members

and then

you hear the precious lullaby song

playing on the loud speaker!

An overwhelming sense of happiness showers you

and that moment

when you get to hold her in your arms

for the very first time ... WOW

October 4, 2014

Well my precious girl is over 7 months old now

and our lives have changed truly

for the better.

So many beautiful moments to treasure,

and seeing her develop

and become more aware of her world,

communicate and smile

is beyond any words to describe it.
She is cautious, beautiful, a thinker,
intentional and bright.
She is seeing the world and
truly taking it all in right now!

I have found way deep within myself

a love I didn't know was even there

or that I was capable of giving,

but it is there, trust me.
How I love the name "Grandmommy"

I can't wait to see her walking and talking,

and running to her Grandmommy!

I can't wait to teach her all the things

I want her to learn from me.

For now, we will just dabble with

some paints and brushes

and see what we come up with!

A Week of Love

"Love Cannot Be Measured"

I have been working on my

Documented Life Project

week by week

and enjoying every minute

of filling my journal pages

with art and words.

This week's prompt 

was to repeat a shape

onto the page

so I chose hearts!

(in honor of Valentine's Day Week)

I used watercolor, inks,

rubber stamping, stickers, punches,

stitching on my sewing machine

and created this journal page

along with my own quote

I do believe in love . . .

Love for my precious husband

Love for my children

and my granddaughter Annabelle Lily

Love for my granddoggie Nollie

Love created in friendships

Love for my art and my creative life

Love for the written word

Love for senior adults

Love is all around

if only you will see!

It is in the tiny moments,

the cherished times,

the smiles given to others,

kindness extended,

it is a free gift in our life.

It is there for the taking and the giving!

I am wishing you a beautiful week,

a Happy Valentine's Day,

Joyous moments with your loved ones,

remember to Love yourself

along the way!

I am sending you Peace and Love

You, my readers

are precious to me!

Donna Lee

Gratitude ... Day One

Gratitude Day One

The Love of Family

I am starting my 30 day Gratitude Project today

for there is so much in this life

to be grateful for!

I took the time to quietly list thirty things
I was grateful for during this month of November,
I cut them up and put in my favorite pottery bowl,
each day I will pick a gratitude moment out.

I decided I would post each day on my facebook page

my thoughts on gratitude.

I will also share my own personal photography,
(for I am truly grateful every time I have my camera in my hand)
you can find me here each day
https://www.facebook.com/donna.z.wynn

I am also participating in Louise Gale's

30 Days of Gratitude

check it out here

She is such a beautiful soul!

I have learned so many things from Louise.

It's not too late to begin.

The love of family

is such a precious gift.
Cherished times with
extended family is awesome,
and always never enough time to be together.

How blessed am I

to have such an incredible

family life,

and recently the birth of my

precious new grand daughter!
For she is another extension of this gift.
For there are truly no words
to describe how I feel.

Love and family is a precious gift

for that I am truly grateful.

Donna Lee

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A Poetic Moment

Choosing Beauty . . .

Beauty is all around us

if only you will see

Look for the tiny moments

in every part of your day

Love is all around us

if only you will reach out

Seek out moments to make a difference

in someone else's life

Gratitude is a thing of beauty

if only your heart will change

practice being grateful

for all you have been given 

Choosing Beauty can become a lifestyle

just a certain way of living

seeking out the times to notice

every little thing around you

Life is truly a gift to all of us

appreciate each moment in your day

Choose a sense of wonder

Choose to see the beauty

(poem inspired from Choosing Beauty e-course by Liv Lane)

December Heart Thoughts . . .

From my Studio to Yours

I recently added some twinkle to my studio

and I love the feeling of happiness they bring to me

every time I enter my art space!

I had them awhile back and took them down,

(not quite sure why I took them away,

but they are back!)

How wonderful it is to have my very own

creative space

where all of my art supplies, books,

yarns, fibers, mixed media stuff,

paints, brushes, journals,
rubber stamps, washi tapes

and so much more

are all together

in one magical room!

December is such a hectic time of year

we have so much to do,

so many gifts to shop for,

creative gifts to make,

cards to send

and so much more.

I am currently enjoying

Hannah Marcotti's

Holiday Joy Up

21 days of connecting with gratitude.

What a gift I gave to myself!

 It is teaching me to slow myself down

enjoy the holiday

and find some breathing space
for just me!

So my December

will be filled with quiet moments,

not rushing through this holiday,
time for writing poetry,
good times spent with family and friends,

staying off the computer,

and taking a cyber break!

I want to work on re-designing

my precious little blog for 2013,

so I will enter the new year

refreshed, restored,

ready for new adventures

and coming back with a totally

new blog look!

So I wish you a holiday filled with love,

precious times with your family

and time for you to

rest within yourself.

Take the time to connect

with your thoughts, your faith

and your heart desires.

I wish you sincere peace.

I will see you in 2013!

I am looking forward to taking

Flora Bowley's E course

Brave Intuitive You

in January

so I will be off to a 

great creative start!

Blessings and Hugs

to you my creative family

Donna Lee