Thoughts at the end of 2011

Well here I am again at the end of another year. 2011 has bee a year of hard work and gratitude for the life that I am living. As an artist I feel obligated to look at all  I have done and if any of it has made a difference in my life or in the lives of those around me. To me this is a time of thoughtful reflection and I am happy to say that I feel I have made a difference this year. In my classes I have students that have clearly matured and evolved in there artistic skills and at the end of this quarter I felt their gratitude as they told me how much they appreciated my teaching. Clearly that is a moment I take pride in, to see them change . At home my family is healthy and we are hopeful for the new year. I think I will avoid any political comments in this post so I can keep this in a positive vein, I am sure we all have some opinion in that subject.

Holland America Amsterdam docked in Mexico

Living in the Pacific north west is a wonderful place most of the year but in winter it gets dark early and is wet and cold most days. It is in the depth of December that I often think of warm white sand beaches and long for the suns rays. So working hard all year long does have it's rewards.

 As I have grown older I have come to appreciate the concept of cruising. It is a way to travel without changing hotels. I unpack once and don't have to catch more then one flight to and from the boat. Once on board the feeling that I have arrived is clear and the vacation has finely begun. Then when the ship leave port I am already settled in my comfortable room and know my way around the ship. The crew is gracious and treats me like a valued guest. I can get use to that kind of treatment and I do very quickly.

Night time taking the tender from the Amsterdam (all lit up) as I go to shore in Columbia.

 The Holland America ships are like a floating city at sea so almost anything you want is there for you. There is a gym and a Spa and great food for all types of pallets
I have sailed on several cruse lines but I am a fan of Holland America. They are my first choice.  The crew is great and the food is , well lets just say if you want it you got it! There is entertainment on board and the casino provides a fabulous distraction from those days at sea. Ok, I have said enough here I will let you know how the next cruse goes when I take it.

Spending time at the spacious back pool while traveling between ports.

As the New Year Approaches I would like to wish all my blog followers a great 2012 and I hope to bring you more thoughts and images from living "In a Creative Life" that will be helpful to you in yours.

 I look forward to hearing from you each time I write a post and appreciate your comments when you do respond. I am looking to expand my membership so please feel free to recommend my blog site to your family, colleagues and friends that you think would like it. Best wishes for the Holidays and a happy new Year to you all!