I read somewhere that making resolutions that are joyful and fun are better than the old standbys … you know, the resolutions we dread making every January 1st. … And which we never seem to stick to.

So, for 2010, here is my Catherine’s 2010 Joyful List of Resolutions. (in no particular order)

• Hostess dinner at the house once a month. We’ve already got January covered – dinner on New Year’s Day and will be hosting a dinner for three international visitors through KCIVC next weekend.
• Throw a party in celebration of a random calendar event.
• Get knocked up.
• Say, “Why, yes, I am” when people ask if I’m a photographer.
• Donate more this year than I did last year. Give more time and more money.
• Personal photography project—create and execute at least one personal photography project that has a cohesive theme.
• Eat at least one delicious gourmet cupcake a month. My favorite local KC shops: Babycakes and Cupcake a la Mode.

• Be responsive to the needs of others. How often do we see Grandma struggling with that grocery cart and we look the other way? Be of assistance to strangers—it feels pretty awesome.
• Chat up my neighbors.
• Embrace an “attitude of possibility.” This resolution is a good one, but it’s probably going to take the most work of all—well, besides getting pregnant. Anyways, I think Laurie of Crazy Aunt Purl puts it best, saying “Live it up a little! Stop looking for all the ways it won't work out and think of a few ways it will work out! That's who I want to be. Not pretending to be happy, but really choosing just to shrug off the icky and embrace an attitude of possibility. Wake up, say yes to the day. Let it unfold, be a part of it, and choose the better-feeling thought (whatever that may be). Resist the temptation to point out people's petty behavior. Be forgiving of myself and others. Choose to believe people mean well. Choose to avoid people who are yucky. Don't take things so God-awful personally.”
• Hand-make all gifts this year and use recycled materials for wrapping.

What’s a fun and delicious resolution you have for 2010? I want to know!

I always look forward to the turn of the year, and for 2010, it's pretty special as we launch ourselves into a brand new decade. So much has happened in the last one, so I'm rather giddy about this new 10-year span that is upon us.

Within the blogosphere where I read (design & photography blogs mostly), everyone is finding a "word" for the year. Something that is perhaps a mantra or reminder of what they expect from themselves--what they hope for--as the days roll by. I've spent a bit of time trying to come up with some ambitious words, but none of them seem to fit me or to fit where I'm at in my life right now. I sort of gave up on the idea, and then today the word just came to me: STEADY.

It's a good, solid word. And without a doubt, steadiness in my life, and more importantly, steadiness within myself, is what I am striving for this year. To be steady is to be in control of myself, my emotions, my actions. I think too often we allow others to define how we'll act as well as how we'll feel about ourselves. By focusing on being STEADY, I am reminded daily that I am in control and am responsible for my behavior and for how I feel about myself.

Okay, on to less serious topics! ... starting with this post, comments will be open ... so go ahead ... leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. Hello? Hello?

Just a few goals I have for this year, besides bein' steady and all, is to read 26 books. Now I know that to some, that is a sad and paltry number, but for me, it is Grand and Exciting. ... Considering that I read less than a book per month in 2009.

Also, I'm really looking forward to Little Bird Photo's 2010 adventures ... hoping to meet new kids, new families, and to create special and beautiful images for them! Within the next week, I'll be posting some fun, frolicky images from some photo sessions from the end of 2009. Stay tuned!

May 2010 be filled with peace and happiness ... whatever that means for you in your life right now. Thank you, dear friends, for visiting Little Bird Photo's blog!