Mistakes

Just returned from a fabulous vacation, where I nurtured my inner spirit.  The trip was laden with mistakes, but the great thing is that those mistakes just turned into great new opportunities for fun.

Our first night in Monterey found us at a hotel that I booked by mistake.  I thought I'd booked us into a hotel we'd stayed at in June that was affordable and perfect for us.  Instead, I booked us into a hotel by the same name, in a less desirable location of Monterey (yes, even Monterey has "less desirable" locations!).  Our first clue?  Might have been the adult book store and theatrically dressed ladies of the night standing outside, just two doors down from our hotel.  Hmmmmmm.  Phil, the eternal optimist who sees the glass nearly full every day of his life, said, "well, look at it this way, we are in the theatre district".

We stayed in the room one night, but not the four nights we'd booked.  How liberating to decide that we didn't need to stay there just because we'd already booked it.  This mistake led to a night in Santa Cruz, a location that we hadn't even planned in advance.  But the freedom to decide to put the pin on the map and stay where we wanted was fun.  We also spent two other nights in another lovely hotel in Monterey - great location, wonderful people and perfect for what we needed.

Lots of other mistakes on the trip led to fun adventures.  A few years ago, I might have deliberated more about the downfall of my mistakes.  Now I see them as golden opportunities to change my life for the better.  I should have realized this long ago, as I've always felt I've become stronger from my mistakes and learned lessons.  Life is about learning and changing, about reinventing ourselves.  It's about the joy of what's not planned.  

Mistakes, yep, bring them on!  I love my life, which is full of mistakes, but richer for the experiences I've had.

Stay tuned, lots of great things are happening all around me!

It's Not About the Toothpaste

Many years ago, when I was much younger, with no gray hair and biological rather than bionic knees, I remember an Oprah show, where she'd brought in a marriage counselor to work with a couple who were at the end of their road together (or so they thought).  


I don't actually remember what miracle Oprah's guests experienced with her (as I am sure they did, since Oprah is the biggest miracle  worker), but one conversation has stayed with me since viewing that show.  As they were arguing over petty things, I remember Oprah interrupting them to say, "you know, it's not about the toothpaste.......just because you are arguing that he leaves the cap off and he doesn't like that you don't squeeze from the bottom, doesn't mean this is about the toothpaste."


Oprah's point was, we tend to focus on the little things that we think we can control, and in the process walk right by, or ignore the things that are the true problem.  And that is a lesson we can all keep with us.  Why spend our precious time  on earth focusing on the little stuff?  Unless that is, the little stuff I focus on will be the smell of lavender in my drawers, the smell of pumpkin candles in the autumn, the wonderful way that my dogs greet me every morning, like I am the best thing since a bacon flavored chewy treat.  And not to mention the over the top greeting I get from Makenna Claire and Rylan every time I see them (all that is missing there is the paparazzi following me around, as they convince me I am some kind of rock star) .  Or listening to some soft jazz or new age music............or, well, I digress.


Little things that are positive are good to embrace and savor.  Little things that take our focus away from important things, on the other hand, are not worth our time.  I've found through my new journey to my creative future that when I look at the last few years, I've let some little things get in the way of my art, my sewing, my beading.......and just plain me.  As I create new possibilities for my future, I will be more conscious and will not be distracted by the noise that gets in the way of my real mission in life (at least this stage of it).


Wow, can you feel the energy?  I can!  Stay tuned, great things are happening all around me.

Monkeys and Mondays

I haven't posted in a few days, but that doesn't mean I haven't been creating.  I came up with the next concept for Makenna's book and need to get busy on both her book and Rylan's.  


Rylan's books are way behind, as I've already written two books for Makenna and none for Rylan.  So my watercolors will be coming with me on vacation this weekend, and hope to get some quiet time to get the books started, and hopefully completed by Christmas.


Makenna's new book will focus on sprinkles, a favorite of both her mommy and her.  And will tie in the fictional character of Pokey Patty, who resides right now in concept between Sweet Pea and me.  Once Patty is created on paper, though, that will change.  So I am contemplating how she can become a favorite of Makenna's, and perhaps even have her own series of books.  


I spent last Friday night getting monkeys off my back.  I did my 2010 taxes, which was hanging over my head because I opted to file an extension in April.  Instead of waiting until the last possible minute (they are due today), I decided to tackle what I had left to do and get it done, to free my weekend.  Since I was already up late, I also decided to tackle my corporate expense system, which always knots me up.  Having rid myself of two areas of procrastination, I went to bed thinking that I had the whole weekend to have fun.


Saturday was fun, running errands and having a sleepover with Sweet Pea.  We also measured an Annie costume, so I could alter it down to her size.  What fun.  Getting out the sewing machine, and working on both her costume and Rylan's made me realize all over again how much I enjoy sewing.  Loved it!


Yesterday we went to cheer on Kelly as she did a 10k race in the very wet rain. She didn't let slippery streets or rain in her eyes get in the way of her training goals, and completed it in 1 hour, 3 minutes (woo hoo!!!).  She is an inspiration to everyone and especially me.  I finished both of the costumes (yeah! long before the midnight hour right before Halloween), and later Phil and I took the little ones for a ride to the lake, where Makenna proceeded to reel in her first fish.  Such fun times!


So reflecting today what my plans are for work and other things, I realized that because I tackled my monkeys on Friday, I had a great weekend, took time for me, enjoyed my family and time with Phil, and didn't work much.  And that makes for a happier Monday.  Yeah!  Bring it on, this week will be great (ending with a departure on Friday for vacation).


Stay tuned, great things happening all around me!

Imagination

"Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions"


You might be surprised to know the source of this quote; I was.  I stumbled on this quote by Einstein today, and it made me realize that I need to be more in touch with my imagination.  It's been crowded out a lot in the last year, and little by little, it's gaining strength, and it will emerge with a force that won't be reckoned with by anyone.  


So I thought to myself - what does imagination mean to me?  Well it means:

• Dreaming, dreaming big - of stories, of paintings, of jewelry designs, of sewing projects, of knitted creations that will never end, of stories, of books, of stories...............
• Stories......many waiting to get out of my brain, to make the leap from my soul to the printed word, so that they can be shared with the world.
• Figment.   Figment was a special dragon stuffed animal that Brad got at Epcot one year, and was a constant companion in our lives for a year or two.   A little purple (my favorite color) dragon who always reminded us that imagination cannot be harnessed, that it is energy waiting to be used  in a new creation, new idea..........
• Ideas, so many rolling around and waiting to be corralled, only to be reformed into new creations.
• My future.  It means I can define my future, that I'm never too old to reinvent myself, never too old to learn and never too old to have fun
• Fun.........see where that led me?  

Dreaming - Stories - Figment - Ideas - My Future - FUN!

Stay tuned, great things are coming in my life's coming attractions!

Full Moon Magic

Since I was a small child, I have been fascinated with the moon.  I've noticed moon rises as long as I can remember.  As I laid in summer grass as a child, I would watch the clouds and see pictures of people and nature and abstracts I fell in love with.  By night I would watch the moon and its illumination to the cloud cover, or the bright lamp it provided on a clear night.  


This past week, I have marveled at the beautiful and artistic moonscapes in the sky.  The moon rises have been phenomenal.


I want to paint some moonscapes while they are fresh in my mind, I want to fly to the moon and swing, feeling light and free, and be illuminated by its energy. I want to imagine being a shooting star, and playing in the sky with the moon.  For tonight, as I turn my tired body to slumber, I will be hangin' with the man in the moon.  See you later in the morning.

Stay tuned, great and magical things are happening all around me.

Acceptance

Embracing my new direction in life.  

Be fearless.  Follow my heart.   Believe in my talent.  KNOW that I will be successful in my creative endeavors.  Make time for art.  Make time for balance. Make time for soul development.

Amen.

Stay tuned, great things are happening all around!

Monday, Monday

I used to dread Mondays, because it meant going back to work, and that the weekend was over.  I can't say I embraced yesterday with gusto, but I ended the day that way, and I am learning to take a step back, and look at "Monday"  from a different prism.


That prism presents the following picture:

• I am in a job for which my talent is valued.  
• I get paid well for my job.
• I get to write about 50% of the time in my job - and I love to write.
• I know I am good at my job, and I value that I can excel in a position I hold with a company.
• I get to work with one of my best friends.
• Monday nights I currently am enrolled in the Beyond Fitness course with Landmark, and great things are happening as a result of that.
• Monday is now over (writing this in the early hours of Tuesday), and that means four more work days this week.  And only nine more work days until Phil and I go on vacation.........yeah!!!
• I am employed, my health is good, I have the best family on earth, the best children on earth, the best grandchildren on the planet, a wonderful partner who is kind, loving, funny and shows me every day how much he loves me.  I have a treasure chest of friends, and a menagerie of loving pets.........so all of that makes me the luckiest gal in the Universe.

So Monday?  Bring it on!   

Stay tuned, great things are happening all around me.

Sunshine and Happiness

Today the sun is shining, and I feel happy.  


There seems to be a direct relationship between sunny days (happy) and overcast days (slow and tired), and why the weather has such a profound effect on us.  For instance, in a rainstorm, the best place to be is curled up with a book on the couch or in bed, with the covers pulled high (which then usually leads to an unplanned nap).  I'm not going to over-think this one, as many before me (and ones much more scientific than me) have figured it out, and there is a basis for it.  But I am choosing to be happy today and thank the sun for adding to that.  


We have a blessing in this glorious October weather; I am getting better at my commitments to myself, spending a bit more time with family and friends, which makes me infinitely more happy.  Yesterday I was blessed with two visits with my precious grandchildren, Makenna Claire and Rylan.  They lift my heart with hugs, silliness and love.  They make me feel wonderful when they ask, "please stay longer, Nana".  After a wonderful dinner by Kelly last night, Kelly and I got to put a paint brush to frames last night, a joint mini craft project.  Connecting with crafts, especially shared with Kelly, is something that also makes me more happy.


I am taking a course on fitness and vitality, and choose life, and to live life as best I can.  Each day is a gift, as anyone who has been touched by Steve Jobs and his indelible mark on our culture would agree.  


Life can't be taken for granted.  So enjoy it.  Be.happy.now.  Life is good, the sun is shining.  Love someone, tell someone how much you love them.  Enjoy the little things.  BE.HAPPY.NOW.  Now smile........don't you feel happier now?


Stay tuned, great things happening all around me.

Priorities

It seems that most of my life, I've struggled with competing priorities.  There never seems to be enough time in the day for all that I want, or have to do.  Trying to address those priorities and feel good about progress, or satisfaction in finishing things has been a lifelong struggle.

So I question - am I expecting too much? (hard to believe)  Do I want too much? (um, hope not)  Are my expectations unrealistic? (yes on some days) Will I ever be satisfied (I guess not, because then I will stop trying new things).

Embracing my new priority of taking care of me - physically and spiritually has caused me to reevaluate everything else.  But I've come to realize that I am happy when I am with my children and their significant others (very, very happy), I am thrilled and satisfied when I am with my grandchildren (can you say jumping up and down happy!) and totally at peace when I spend time with my friends.   My time with Phil is very special too, as he has brought another kind of peace and love to my life that has been lacking in my other partner relationships.  It's comfortable and peaceful, and happy too.  An insight I gained today as I was walking the dogs (my new activity each day) was that all of these interactions are my highest priority, because they bring me immense peace, love and happiness.

So first discovery - taking care of me includes surrounding myself with the people who make me happy and satisfied.  Step one - DONE.

Onto pondering the rest - how to fit my "other priorities" in my life and increase my happiness exponentially.

Stay tuned - great things happening all around me!

Perspectives

I've been thinking the last few days about perspectives, and how valuable they are for insights.  With the gift of time, we can gain perspectives on our successes and failures.  We can for example, learn what things not to repeat, if they have failed us in the past.  Or so the accepted thoughts go.


But I've reached a different place.  Perspectives are just historical notes of time. What didn't work in the past, didn't work because it wasn't the right time or right set of circumstances to succeed.  It doesn't meant that because something failed in the past means it will in the future.


Why the focus on perspectives?  Well, since my Landmark Forum course, I have been putting everything to a different test, including my perspectives, my understanding of what happened in the past.  I now realize that each day has a clean slate, and I can draw a flower, a tree that will grow roots, or a bridge that takes me to the future I envision.  And when I'm crossing that bridge to a certainly successful future, I can look back and thank my life for the perspectives, for the ability to compare my new successes to my old failures, and understanding that because I choose to set new goals each day, I am in control of my life and my future...........and my happiness.

Magic

Magic can happen in many forms, and is often subject to the beholder's point of view.  For instance, waking before everyone this morning, I took my shower to 'beat the rush', knowing we'd all be bustling out of the house for the Apple Cider Century ride, in which Kelly, Scott, Brad and DeChantel were participating. After my shower, as I walked into the dining room of our rented house, I saw a young deer in the front yard, looking for her morning breakfast.  I got a picture with my phone camera, and was pleased to have had the experience.  Then I rounded the corner into the kitchen and was delighted to see three more deer, including a little fawn.  I find deer to be magical animals, sleuthing for food in the early morning and at sunset.  I like that you have to be very still in order to observe them.  It is magical to find that quiet place within myself, to become one with nature.

Stay tuned, great things are happening all around!

Laughing is Good for the Soul

We spent a great day together, apple picking, finding a river view, wine tasting and a wonderful dinner by Kelly. But the thread thorough the day was that we laughed alot. Marie joined us and after the little ones went to bed, she spun stories that made us laugh out loud, a lot. Giggles, laughs, and more giggles. It is good for the soul. G'night!

Traditions

We begin a weekend that has become a family tradition, in Harbor Country, Michigan. We have been coming up for at least 7 or 8 years. The last three years we have rented the same house, and by now, it feels like coming "home" to our home away from home. We got a later start than we planned, with busy life commitments and things we needed to do. Packing up was a bit easier as we used Phil's van this year, which is a bit roomier than our cars. And the fun of getting on the road, knowing we'd have a good quality family time weekend was indescribable.

Kelly always plans the food and prepares - shopping, baking, cooking, planning menus of each meal. Tonight we got settled and found out our meat was left back in the fridge at home. No worries, off to Redamaks - one of Scott's favorite spots in New Buffalo, for burgers and a family dinner.

Now Phil is off to bed (having been up for more than 24 hours), and Kelly and Scott are settling the little ones for their trip to Dreamland. I'm filled with a sense of comfort, love and gratitude for these moments, for these weekends, and for the memories we'll make.

This weekend first started when Brad joined with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, to do a century bike ride to raise money for the Society, and especially in honor of my father, his Papa, who died from leukemia. Through a rain filled ride, Brad never gave up. He just kept cycling. He finished with a sense of completion, knowing he fulfilled his commitment. Another year, Kelly took a tumble when she (we assume) hit some gravel and got the worse case of road rash I've ever seen. Seeing the cracked bike helmut, though, is what was totally sobering. I had gratitude that day that although her injuries were very painful (especially for a new mom, trying to care for 7 month old Makenna Claire), they were not life threatening. I'll never forget the physician in the ER who showed me the helmut, saying, "this would have been your daughter's head if she hadn't worn a helmut". Enough said about safety, but that was a grateful moment.

Last year, instead of checking out at noon or one, we ended up on a crisp autumn day, out on the patio of the rented farm house, savoring the wine we'd bought at a local winery. Enjoying our time together, the fact that no one had to rush home, and the love we all felt.

So we continue our tradition, and add to the memories, beginning tonight. Cannot wait to cheer on Scott, Kelly, Brad and DeChantel on Sunday. Cannot wait to have a totally fun family day tomorrow. And very grateful that Phil will once again partner with me to entertain the little ones while their parents and aunt and uncle ride 100 miles on Sunday.

Here's to traditions. Stay tuned, exciting things happening all around me.

Energy & Creativity

It's amazing to awaken with a sense of energy, with a sense of promise, and an understanding that I can create what I want.  


I know it, not just believe it.  There is a difference, and I didn't understand this before The Forum.  I always believed in myself - at least I told myself that.  I believed I could do anything I set my mind to - something my parents instilled in  all of us at an early age.  But saying the words over and over again gave a belief - something like faith, but didn't give me the action plan I needed to KNOW I could do anything in which I had a belief.


That is the key difference I understand today.  I am totally responsible for my future.  I control my creativity.  My creativity will not knock on the door, saying, "you haven't used me lately".  Creativity just lies dormant, waiting for me to switch the "on" button to active mode.


I awoke this morning thinking about all of the projects I'd like to do, the ideas I have for writing, the ideas to combine my art and writing.......and the possibilities are endless, because I will not limit myself.


But I will harness the ideas into different windows, so I can continue to look out, to be reminded of my choices, and make decisions on which window to open first, second and third (and maybe a few open at the same time).


I love waking with an energy of possibilities, and do not miss waking worrying about how I will get my (corporate) work done.  What a difference in my life.


Great things are happening already!  Stay tuned.

A New Creative Birth

After a weekend at The Forum, presented by Landmark Education, I feel I've been reborn.  My completion night was last night, ironically on the anniversary of my father's birth.  He would have been 84.  I'd like to think he's up there smiling, knowing that I am finally getting around to doing what I've been saying I wanted to do since I was a kid.


Thanks to Jeff Willmore, who is the most incredible seminar leader I've ever encountered.  I still smile, remembering some of the moments from The Forum.  Luckily there is a little film in my brain, that I can rewind as needed, to enjoy, ponder and meditate on the thoughts that sprayed across the Universe as I explored my possibilities.  Now I can gather those magical ideas as I dream, whether day dreaming or sleep dreaming, no matter where I am.  That in itself makes me smile.   So Jeff, I can hear you saying, "how's that working for you?".  Amazingly well, thank you!


I am so excited to begin my journey as a writer, an author and a committed artist.  My future is full of possibilities and have no limits, because I will not limit myself.


My commitment is to write every day, to complete a book within nine months (as I told Kelly, if I can create and give birth to a baby in nine months, I can certainly write a book in nine months!).  I've created this blog as my new birth, as my re-birth, to begin my new future, defined by me, embracing the possibilities that I can create.


Stay tuned, great things will be happening around me, beginning now.