Stem

Hallelujah!

OK...ever have a song stuck in your head...for almost 2 decades!  And it was kind of a one hit wonder and you could not remember the name of the group and your thought the name of the song was "omnia" and it's really Ah Leah!  No?  Never happened to you? 

Well last night I found it...after racking my brain and searching the web and youtube (oh how I love you youtube) high and low for way way too long, I found it. I finally found it!! Christ...what is wrong with me!?  Now, I don't want to get you all excited about some great song and video...please, don't get your expectations that high.  This song is from 1981 and videos were...well...let's just say kinda "raw" and they totally make you cringe and feel kind of embarrassed for the people in them (but it's so freaking funny you just can't stop watching). Drollgirl you are so going to love this!  So, if you were looking for a total 80's flashback today...then hallelujah, it's your lucky day!  So sit back and enjoy this delightful little diddy!  I know I will because I can finally move forward with my life. And I am not sorry to admit that this song just totally rocked.  Now, I would really love some cool band to come along and remake this some day.



Have a wonderful Halloween...

off

I am having a weird day...kind of off.  Not bad at all...but I don't quite feel like myself either.  I had an awful nightmare about my little one getting abducted.  It seemed so real...still feels real right now actually.  I told her about my dream and she asked me...what do I do if someone does take me. *GAH!!!* What do you say to that?  I told her to do everything she can to get away.  But if she can't..then to pray and remain calm (I dunno what do you say to that!?).  Good Lord.  Sorry about that...but this is where I am today.  That deep dark place in my mind that I don't want to face.  But I can't ignore it either.  Blech! This is the curse of being a Mother... I swear I never knew fear before I had children.

OK...sorry for the downer post.  Let's move on shall we!

But on a good note I did my fist card drop today.  The folks at Kind over Matter suggest that dropping notes with kind words is a great way to spread more happiness and love in the world (I totally agree).  So I wrote "You are totally Awesome" on a pretty little post it and stuck it in a box of Juicy Couture boots (how cute are those boots...).  Hope it brightens someones day!  (sorry the pic kind of sucks...but I only had my cell phone and I was trying to be "incongnito" so I had to take the photo very quickly).

Now I think I need to mediate. Or watch a funny movie.  Hmmmm...Knocked Up could be good about now....

Push it!

So I did something today I have not done in almost 2 years...a spinning class!  Holy cow people...it was a blast!  Funny thing though...around 8AM (the class started at 10AM) I began thinking about all the things I could be doing at that time.  Like going to Target, or Marshall's or Trader Joe's, or folding laundry or...or...or.  Do you know how freaking hard it was to get my butt into the car and drive to the health club...oh man, it was HARD!

But I did it.  I pushed myself.  I did not enjoy pushing myself...but I did it anyway.

I told myself, if I go and do this class (which is 60 minutes not the typical 45...so that made it ever harder to go) I could reward myself with a little trip to Marshall's.  I know...so silly, but this is just how my weird brain works.  Soooo...

Off I go to class.  I actually got there early and did a light 30 min workout before (I know!  Crazy!).  But once the class started and the music started pumping...I got into the zone.  The zone is awesome.  Thinking does not exist in spinning, or when you are in the zone. And I felt all the stress burn off as I pushed my body to the limit.  I was sweating like an animal.  But it felt so amazing.  I am not a yoga type...when I work out I need to really burn it.  I like loud music and an even faster beat.  I feel like anything negative just gets blown out and destroyed. I honestly can't believe that I walked out of that class.  But my body felt strong and my spirit was soaring (although I am pretty sure I smelled beastly...lol).

Not sure where I am going with this... Just if you are putting something off...don't.  Just "push it."  Push yourself.  If I can do it...you can too.  It's not just a "spinning class" it's anything in life that we want to do but keep putting it off.

Oh yeah! So, I did reward myself with a Marshall's trip and bought that totally cute reusable stainless steel water bottle for $7.99 (I actually bought 2 and some cute Halloween socks too).  Rock on.  I tried to take a cute pic of the bottle but it was kind of  "meh" so I put it next to the Halloween table setting to make it more festive.  I am such a dork that way!

So go and push it today...whaddya waiting for?

Grateful

So I did the coolest thing yesterday. I took a "gratitude walk."  Basically for the entire duration of my walk (about 40 minutes) I said thank you for...(insert all the things you are grateful for here)...  I have to say, it was pretty incredible!  Not sure what spurred this...maybe the 2 little butterflies fluttering about?  Regardless, I was able to find so many things to be thankful for...from my workout shoes, to my health, to the leaves on the trees providing shade and clean air, to chocolate, to silly movies, to good coffee, to lazy Sunday mornings, to my comfy bed and tempurpedic pillow, and this.  I think I could walk for 24 hours and still find things to be thankful for!

But the best thing about this was...I was able to focus my mind on all the wonderful things in my life (and the things I tend to take for granted).  It made me feel so alive and present.  I suggest trying this sometime.  Even if you just sit quietly for 10 minutes and say thank you over and over and over.  It's more powerful than you may think.

Well that's my "2 cents" for today.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Clarity

Don't you love a bit of clarity?  I absolutely need it at times and when it comes, man it's so refreshing.  I think this past week of cleaning and exercising has really helped me to find more clarity.  And this is so good.

Last night a thick fog rolled in and covered everything with a spooky haze (see a great photo of it here). The fog still hung on this morning...softly caressing the leaves and spider webs.  The fog this morning was anything but spooky...it seemed to reveal a mystical world.  The fog didn't last long...soon the sun burned it off...and brought about a sense of clarity.  Like a curtain lifting.

I felt very clear and productive today.  I am listening.  I am following my heart.  And I feel really happy.

Then I came across this quote and everything just "clicked."

 Hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with clarity and peace

Clean!

I am all about purging and cleaning right now...what's in the air???  My home...my body...my blogs...just about everything!  I have spent the past day going through closets, drawers, and even my computer!  Tonight I will being my photo purge and organization (and back up too!).  I don't know about you, but I love to get rid of stuff (I try to donate as much as possible).  It feels so good.  And I do believe that when we get rid of things we don't need, we make room in our lives for "more."  And I don't mean more material things, I mean more good energy!

Purging and cleaning is good.  Good for the soul and the spirit! I do this every few months and I am amazed at what gets out grown, over used, ignored and never worn or used.  Crazy!



When was the last time you spent a good day going through your stuff? Perhaps this post will spark that need for you today...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Just having a bit of fun today.  I love an "easy" day. Or I should say, I love a day when everything just flows.  I finally got my butt in gear and have been working out for 5 days a week over the past 2 weeks.  I took a total workout hiatus over the summer and when my pants weren't fitting quite right (meaning, I could not zip them all the way) I knew it was time to face reality.  And all it took to get into the gym...was just committing to one day. That's it.  Making the time and the effort to get off my lazy bum and hit the treadmill (having good workout music is key!).  What I have noticed in the past 2 weeks is that I am freakishly happy again.  It's almost like my life was constipated and working out has flushed all that negative crap right out.  I am making a vow to myself to keep this up. I forgot how important exercise is...just to clean out your energy and get your body moving.

I really do feel polished and clean.

Also, I am really really really making an effort to eat better.  Lot's more veggies and being more creative in the kitchen (which is really not my favorite thing...Char, can you be my personal chef?).  But the key thing is...at least I am trying!

And it's trying that is the most important thing.  Trying!

What new things are you "trying?"

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Butternut squash

1 bag chopped butternut squash (I bought at Trader Joes).

1 tbsp butter (or more if you like ;))
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp molasses

I did this stove top... Use a heavy bottom pot, add a tsp of oil and add the squash (every once in a while stir it around). Put the lid on and cook for about 20 min until the squash is tender and can be smashed with a fork. Add butter, brown sugar, molasses.

Then eat and enjoy!

Happy fall ya'll!

If you are curious...this is some of the music in my mp3 player:

Prince "little red corvette" (classic!)
Ministry  "Work for love" (best song ever)
Justin Timberlake "My love" re-mix
Britney, "Gimme more" (I know I know...but her music is awesome to listen to when running)
Maroon 5 with Rhianna...Paul Oakenfold re-mix  "If I never see your face again" (oh so very awesome)
Erasure "Chains of love" (gotta have that!)
Pet shop boys  "Send me an angel" re-mix & "West end girls" (excellent!)
Lady Gaga "Poker Face"
A.R. Rahman "Jai Ho"
ABBA - 10 minute re-mix
Orgy "Blue Monday" Hardcore re-mix (this will really get you going)
Underworld "Born Slippy" (from the Trainspotting soundtrack)
Gypsy Kings - 7 minute re-mix (super fun)
And a few other re-mixes that I found (but can figure out the names...but they are rockin!)

Well...that's a pretty diverse list huh?

Hello change

Today is a new day...ahhhhh. I love a fresh start. The world is mine...I have the ability to choose.  I honor my decisions, because they come from a place of truth.  After weeks of toiling and thinking and debating...I am shutting down "The Zen In You."  I am not sad at all.  It served a purpose for over a year...but I changed.  And now it does not fit.  So why keep it around, like dead weight?  Why keep anything that does not fit anymore?  Like a pair of old jeans 4 sizes too small...let them go!

All of us are evolving and it's important to honor that.  We change.  Circumstances change.  It's OK.  No, it's more than OK...it's great!  Like the seasons, we need to change.  Clear out, let go, hibernate, re-grow and bloom into our full potential.  A beautiful cycle of life.

Look around your life for a moment...how are you evolving and changing?  What needs to go so you can grow?

Mosaic Monday - Comforts of home (and a book!)

I love the comforts of home...soft sheets, cotton balls & q-tips, fresh folded towels (still warm from the dryer and that smell like crisp linen....*sigh*...).





I also love:

• the first cup of coffee in the morning
• a cool breeze coming through the house clearing out all the stale air
• the smell of freshly baked goodies
  
• my dogs greeting me at the door with tails wagging like crazy
• snuggling with my kids watching a cute movie and munching popcorn
• lazy Sunday afternoons watching football
• evenings entertaining good friends and drinking great wine
• the smell of Murphy's oil soap after washing the floors
• decorating for the season
  

 What are some of your favorite comforts of home?

To see other amazing mosaics, please visit Mary at The Little Red House

P.S.  BIG NEWS!!!  I just completed my 40 page photo book!!!  It's filled with my favorite (and some never before seen) photographs.  I just ordered the proof (as to make sure I didn't make some silly mistake and look like an ass).  So keep in mind...this should make a great gift for the holidays!  Stay tuned for details!!

Crusty

In life we can become "crusty" some days...a little hard on the outside. I was feeling that yesterday. Hard and crusty. I have been neglecting things...like errands, housework, tasks, etc. My creative "mojo" was in overdrive the past few days and I did not want to let that moment go. There is nothing better than getting completely lost in creativity. But when you put everything off to answer the call of creativity...life get's a bit unbalanced. I think I had a moment of artistic bi-polar disorder...a big creative high...then crashing into reality. Not so much fun.

But I finally got around to the things I don't like doing, but had to do. I feel a little more in control. A little more balanced.

I also watched this incredible OM meditation on youtube (I suggest putting some head phones on...it just goes straight into your soul). Yup...totally needed that.



Thank you for all your amazing comments yesterday...that really helped!

And one more thing...if you have not seen my photoblog please stop by. I am getting rid of my shutterchance account and going with my very own URL (I am such a big girl now). The photos I post there are what I consider my "best of the best" if you will. So please stop by. If you currently follow my shutterchance blog...please update your subscriptions as that account will be closing.

I can be found here: Nowordz

Blah

Occasionally I go through this: "What the hell am I doing?", thing. I feel so scattered and wonder why nothing makes sense. I am in the process of trying to "clean house" with my blogs...can't figure out what I should keep and what needs to go. I just feel knee deep in quicksand too...like I am stuck and chaos is flying all around...and I just can't seem to move.

Then there is the whole thing about what I should do versus what really needs to get done. I am putting off too many things...avoiding the tasks that are not enjoyable but piling up...which is making me really nervous...because the piles keep getting bigger and I keep running away from them hoping it all magically works out somehow (which it won't). Where are the magic elves when I need them?

Then, I am just trying to find my voice here at this blog...feeling like I am coming up "short." *sigh*

I am just not feeling like myself lately. A bit out of focus. A bit out of control. A bit blah.

Sorry for the whining today...but thanks for listening :)

Comfort

It's been raining all day and I just want to snuggle into bed with my book (only a few pages left...mmmmmm).  Today I am loving milk and molasses...so deep, rich, delicious...a perfect drink for today.  It's going down so well with the squaw bread (slathered with sweet cream butter) I bought yesterday at the farmer's market. 

This is why I love fall...comfort.  Warm blankets, rich foods, slowing down on raining days.  Especially the slowing down part.  I have been doing too much and I need this pause.

So what are your favorite fall comforts?

Mosaic Monday - Tuscan Romance

It's been forever since I read a book! Yesterday I picked up The last Promise...a book that has been sitting on my shelf for 5 months. This weekend has been a cool and cloudy...the perfect type of weather to stay in bed and read.  Now, I am hooked!   It's a great book to escape into.  Nothing too "literary" but great story telling about an American woman in Tuscany.  Sometimes it's just nice to get lost in a romance...don't you think?



So this mosaic is my tribute to Tuscany (although the photo of the couple dancing is in Antwerp...but lets just pretend it's Tuscany...I just love the movement of this photo and it fits so well here).  I love Tuscany and wish I had a good camera when I was there years ago.  I can get lost in these photos...calgon take me away!

Here's to getting lost in a Tuscan romance...a nice thing to do every now and then.

For more beautiful mosaics, please visit Mary at The Little Red House.


1. Tango romance in Antwerpen ..., 2. The Street Life, 3. tuscany, 4. Siena Tuscany italy, 5. Tuscany king, 6. Tuscany Culture and the Cittá, 7. Massa Marittima - Tuscany, 8. Lucca, 9. Tuscany

Savor

Savor life
Savor the moment
Savor the taste
Savor the smell
Savor the feel
Savor the sight
Savor the sounds

Have a wonderful Saturday...savor the beauty that surrounds you.

Thank you so much for visting my blog...I do savor each and every comment...

Is better always better?

Yesterday a good friend of mine who works for Adobe gave me CS4 Extended...*gulp* I know!  Here's the thing folks...I am a pretty simple gal.  (for non photog's bare with me for a moment...) I use Lightroom and Corel Paint Shop Pro for my editing.  I downloaded CS4 and felt like I was in a foreign country.  What the heck!   I had to ask myself...is this really better?  I know there are more bells and whistles...but...is it really going to improve upon what I do now?

It kind of feels like going from the Gap to Chanel. I am in totally new territory and I am not sure I can handle it...lol. But I have to ask:  Am I really going to be a better photographer because I use CS4?  I am so happy and comfortable with what I have now.  I don't know different. Or am I just being totally silly (and lazy because I have to read complicated manuals to learn how to use this properly)?  Geeze....what's a girl to do?

So, is better always better?  Would love to get your thoughts...

Echos

I need quiet. Quiet is so good for me.  Sometimes I wish I could go days without talking. No phones.  No TV.  Just the sounds of nature.  Life can be so loud and crazy at times.

Echos of silence...is there such a thing?

Today has been pretty quiet for me...which is lovely.  I only hear the hum of something, the mini fridge?  And house "noises."  Isn't it interesting how your house makes noise? Mystery creeks and thumps now and then? But I like white noise like this.  It's peaceful to me.  Soon enough my home will be filled with loud talking...and that's good too.  But right now I am enjoying the echos of slience...

Hope your day is filled with echos of peace and love.

Calm

Jan got me thinking today about storms (do read her post on this...good stuff!).  Many times in our lives we come across a big storm that knocks us off our feet.  But what about those frequent little storms that come into our lives?  Like dealing with mean people, traffic, cable companies, raising kids, etc...  How do you find your center in the midst of daily chaos?

I think this is why I love photography so much.  Because it calms me. When I look at a photo, it can take me someplace else.  I can "escape" if you will.   Almost every night when the kids have gone to bed, I get on my computer and "play."  But it's more than that actually.  I let go. I escape. I decompress from the day.  Everything just begins to melt and a deep calm washes over me.  I believe that my soul heals through this process. And I NEED this. Desperately!

So what about you?  How do you decompress from the day?  Do you have a special ritual?  Love to hear...

Samson

Meet my baby... Yes, he has a bed with pillows! He follows me where ever I go.  I spoil him rotten.  But he loves me so...  Every day he greets me with socks...as many as he can find and put in his mouth.  It melts my heart.  There is nothing like a dog greeting you with a mouth full of socks to put a big smile on your face.  Not to mention, dogs never give you attitude, talk back, argue, or yell.  They just love you...for who you are.  Unconditionally.  No questions asked!

I truly believe that dogs are soul mates sent down from heaven. 

Mosaic Monday - Those who inspire me

I thought I would do a special mosaic of some very talented photographers!  These photos are just a sampling of the beauty that is created from these amazing ladies.  Mary, Kate & Char...you ladies have inspired me so much in my work as photographer!  When I come to your blogs I am always learning something new (and always blown away!).  So thank you for sharing your brilliant work with the world and know that you have touched my heart.

Top row is Kate's work
Middle row is Char
Bottom row is Mary

For more beautiful mosaics please visit Mary at The Little Red House

1. Heading home, 2. Singular, 3. Petunia, 4. spill, 5. white pumpkins, 6. abandoned, 7. do not go gently, 8. fall river, 9. buds

Fly

This quote has such a special meaning to me.  I really do believe that all of us can fly (well metaphorically anyway).  When I look back on my life I see that all the major decisions have been based on this...stepping into the dark unknown...only finding that I can fly.  I am not a planner or strategic thinker.  I live my life day by day not knowing what tomorrow holds.  Sometimes it's scary not knowing what is around the next bend.  Sometimes I wonder if I should make "plans" or goals for myself.  But when I set up goals about what I should do or be...I tend to fail.  Then become disappointed when I don't become all that I dream.  So I just stopped doing that to myself.

And now I am free like the wind.  I just go about my business and follow my heart.  I let each day unfold before me.  I find that life is much more fun this way.  No more pressure on becoming something.

So here is to all of us...stepping into the unknown each day and finding out that we can fly.

Don't be afraid of the dark...know that you are the light.  Trust in yourself and the universe.

Have a beautiful weekend...and soar!

Nightfall

I love the warm light on the tree...the sun was beginning to set and was shedding a beautiful golden glow on everything it touched...nightfall... Don't you love that?  I prefer the dusk over the dawn...maybe it's because I am a night owl and I feel that the day is just beginning for me. Well, it really begins after I put my kids to bed...lol.  I love to stay up until midnight or later. I really do! I love a quiet house at night when everyone is asleep. There is also something about the night that is mysterious and curious.  My imagination tends to wander more and I feel more creative.  I am not a morning person.  I don't enjoy getting up before the dawn.  If I could, I would sleep in until 10 AM.  This is probably why I love coffee so much...because I really do need the caffeine to fuel my engine in the morning.

So what about you...are you an early riser or a night owl? What is special about that time for you?