discovering {power tools}

So about this saw.

If you would have told me ten days ago that I would know how to use this saw, I would not have believed you.  I actually would have sworn that I would never use it, because it simply freaked me out, seemed way too dangerous.  Leave it to the professionals, thank you very much.

So here's my story, and how I gained an affection for this very saw.

I had the incredible opportunity to be part of a community building project.  As the dutiful volunteer I signed in and checked off the "unskilled" box next to my name.  (I didn't think that my experience with using a matte cutter and hand-held drill for picture framing necessarily counted.)

There were many jobs to be done, and a variety of skill levels needed to do them.  That first day I simply was assigned to help out a couple other people who knew what they were doing, they obviously checked the "skilled" box.

As it happened I had arrived at the site when there was a need for someone to fit into a small space and hand someone else a drill.

Okay, I can do that.  So I did.

I handed the drill to this guy, very skilled.  As a matter of fact, he was one of the leaders on the building project.

And when he couldn't reach the spot for drilling.  He handed the drill back to me.

Because I could reach it.  So I drilled.

So, that's where it began.

I used the drill.

Then an impact driver.

Then a significantly larger drill.

Then a router.  A router!

And finally.  The saw.

Which technically has a very long and fancy name because of all of the amazing cuts it can make.  But to me, it was simply something that I conquered.  As I chopped board after board I felt a power in the doing.  A power I never realized I possessed.  (Never mind the fashionable safety glasses, and ear plugs even!)

It was the same great guy, to whom I had handed the drill that first day, who taught me how to use the saw.  And each of those other tools.  He never asked if I knew how, or if I could, or even if I wanted to.  He simply said "this is what you are going to work on next," and he would show me how.

And so I would.

I am not sure if I would mark the "skilled" box next to my name just yet.  And I still spent quite a bit of time simply helping out:  holding boards, making needed markings with a Sharpie marker, fitting into other small spaces and fetching tools.  At least I knew what tools to get.

So yes, I'm discovering something pretty incredible.  I can use power tools.

And quite enjoy it, thank you very much.

discovering {valentine's day}

That even after 11 years of marriage Honey can still surprise me!

It is pretty hard to surprise me, so what an extra treat to be gifted with this special Lisa Leonard Designs necklace today.

The word "discovering" on the front is my word for the year.

On the back of the circle are the names of my children.  Love it!

Love him!

what I am discovering: my word {2011}

As promised I've crafted something with my word on it.

It isn't fancy, it truly was a "pull things from the Mommy sewing bin and whip up a plaque in 20 minutes" kind of project.

But it is good for now.  It is hanging in the window near my computer.  So not only do I see the word daily, but just beyond my word it a wider world outside.

I plan to write here throughout the year specifically about what I am discovering.

So bear with me.  It could get messy.

And it certainly won't always, or nearly ever, be organized or polished or well-written.

But it will be me.  And that is what discovery is all about now isn't it?

I hope that my writing about my discoveries will give me good perspective on my growth and meaning-making of this year.

So, I will post my discoveries.  Large.  Small.  Incredibly tiny.  And possibly some {re}discoveries as they come back into my life and understanding.

I am thankful to the kind people who read -- some who know me personally, and others who only know me as "becoming claudine."  I am thankful to you as a community who can respond and  give me insight about my journey in discovering.

what I am discovering:

• that a bit of exercise in the morning helps, even if it is 8 minutes with Billy Blanks of Tae-Bo fame
• that having a sister who will let you borrow her coveted cowgirl boots is a treasure
• that watching "The Price is Right" not only  makes you feel like you are back in college (when I actually had time to watch TV) but it gives you a good feeling that you too could win the Showcase Showdown
• that having faith that it will all work out for the best is hard, really hard, incredibly hard
• that the Spirit often moves people into your path to help you have that needed faith
• that a positive attitude can fix a great deal of things as the wheels are seemingly coming off 
• that I love life

my word {2011}

I have it.

I have my word.

Finally.

There was much contemplation.  Much deliberation.

I had even embraced a couple different words.  But not too tightly.

So when the right word came to me, it was apparent.

I think so much of my year is going to be about discovering.

Everything that I wish to explore and consider and try on is all about discovering the best of me.  The best of me in this amazing, complex, unbelievable, crazy, exciting time in my life right now.

So I have my word, and some interesting ideas of how to share with all of you what it is I am discovering.  I would love for you to discover along with me.

Please share with me, and the other readers, how you are embracing and making sense of your word of the year.

my word {2011}

I've been doing a great deal of thinking about my word.

My word of the year.

Last fall I wrote about my word for 2010.

I find it fascinating, and humbling, to get myself to one word.

One that will become a meditation, a mantra, a prayer.

I had a word all picked out earlier this week.  Had a blog post all written about the word.

Then changed my mind.  (Hmmm, maybe my word needs to be uncertain?)

So I saved the blog post as a draft and have continued brainstorming words.

This seems like an important year for me.  I've given myself something of a time frame to be intentionally reflective.  Intentionally forward moving.  Intentionally becoming.  Becoming the woman I am intended to be.

Not that I am not who I am right now.  I am.  I am the me of this particular time in my life, but I also recognize that as a Mama, a professional, a wife that it is easy to be so busy busy busy in each of these roles that the role of self doesn't take the time to be still.

Be still.

Be quiet.

Listen to the heart.

Oh, and most importantly, then heed the heart.

So this year's word seems like a rather important one, don't you think?

My sister recently gave me this small stone with this wonderful little quote from Rumi.  I have it on my kitchen window sill so I can see it many times a day.  (After all, I am at the sink, washing dishes many times a day.)

I believe in many ways this quote moves me towards, and through, the year ahead.  It gives me courage and encouragement.

Wondering what word I have finally chosen?  Well, I haven't quite yet.

I've considered many.

I am most considering either the word purpose or the word meaning.  I like them both.

But just as I will give my inner self time and quiet this year, I am also giving my word a wee bit of space.  So I will let you know when my word is chosen.  After all, like last year, I will have to create something that bears my word, and that creation will surely be shared here.

What word would you choose for yourself?