My first blog ever!

I am calling this blog "Out of the Blue on Browns Creek and Beyond"  because I love the blue here of the water, the mountains,  and the sky and I love to travel, hence the beyond.

As I approach the big 6-0 this year, I thought that it might help to record some ideas, thoughts, and experiences.  At least that way, as my mind ages I can have something to look back on to help me remember things.  Writing should also help my mind to stay sharper as I age.  It will also be good for me to search my soul on a regular basis as I often tend to avoid that.

One of my current goals besides this blog is losing weight. I have already lost 1/3 of the amount I intend to lose by cutting back on and making better, healthier choices of what I eat and increase the amount of exercise I do.  I hope to be at goal weight by June*.  My husband, Ernie, and I have joined an excellent exercise class at the Guntersville Senior Center.  I have also been doing a great Pilates class at Marshall Medical North Therapy Plus on alternate days.  On days I can't do those classes, I use my rowing machine.

I plan to have my first garden here this year.  The idea is to have a raised bed box garden.  I am excited by that.  I already have a compost bin going and want to have a rain barrel for watering.  This week I will choose the exact placement and begin killing off existing vegetation using cardboard and/or newspaper.

For the first time in my life, I have something I have always wanted - an art studio of my own!  I intend to spend a little time each day there doing something creative and work up to spending longer times as I can.  Last winter, I taught a Drawing Class.  In March, I will teach a Calligraphy Class utilizing that space and materials at hand.  I have really enjoyed doing Zentangles and spending some creative time there with my great-niece, Kate, and my friend, +Maria Brindle .

My daughter, +Laura Dixon , and her partner, Matt, will be starting a new segment of their lives together by moving back to Birmingham this week.  Laura starts work at "Iron City".  It will be opening soon.  Be sure to check it out!

*In June, my son, +david dixon , will marry his beautiful +Jessie Landon .  I am very happy and excited about that.