Breath of fresh air

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. - Anais Nin

time for a change

Change is in the air.
I've decided it's time to make a big break from the corporate office world and explore other ways and means of living and finding new sources of income. I've got to a point where I can't fake it for one more minute. Even though I work for a good company and it is a nice place to work, I'm far too unhappy in my position to justify staying.

Sometimes you just get to the point where you must leap and then the net will appear, I hope!

a cup of spring

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter

God bless you

Questions that need new answers

Why is Armando Benitez still the closer for the Giants?

(It's great to see Rich Aurelia back though!)

Why do we stay in work situations that do not enhance our well-being?

(Dependent on Income & Benefits)

How much potential could I unleash if I left my uncomfortable comfort zone?

(who knows?)

George and I had a conversation about each day being brand-spanking new and the unlimited possibility each morning holds.

Keeping positive and productive

trying to keep noise, distractions, or unwelcome thoughts from tainting it.

Paying attention

not to miss the messages or miracles directed your way.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday my dear Uney!
Looking forward to our visit
Please confirm my reservation at the Tuscan villa...

Lent / Easter Poem

The dark days of Lent
Have pierced my soul
With an undeniable urge for more
More living of life
To break out
Present
Aware
To risk
Living my life, MORE

Going through daily motions
Alive
Washing my face awake
Tasting my oatmeal
Writing words from the heart
And imagination
Making active
Life-giving choices

The risen Christ
Has made the way
For our redemption
And empowers us
With the Holy Spirit
Will we walk with Him
In that power
Will we walk with Him
In such sacrificial love
Redeeming the time
Using our gifts
Drawing near to the Lord
Will we rise up
Take risks
Help others
Be all we can

Spring

Happy First Day of Spring

Let them eat cake

Today I took a class, "One Great Cake" and this is my first 3-layer cake.

The cakes were already prepared so we cut the cakes in half to make our layers, put in two layers of filling, frosted & decorated the whole outside with butter cream. It was a fun & artistic experience for me! I am pleased with my first cake. I didn't realize what was involved in the world of frosting & decorating. It's a skill that requires lots of practice. The hardest part was frosting the whole outside and smoothing it with the tools and techniques I learned. I have a whole new appreciation for those flawless smooth cakes!

It was fun and this instructor teaches all sorts of classes (www.bakingarts.net). I'll check his class schedule and attempt another lesson soon!

email poetry

Beautiful day here

Can't wait for the

weekend to begin

Boboli with salad and French wine

await us tonight

I can't wait to hug George

again

Maybe we will take a walk

in the park with the added daylight

hours in the evening

This weekend

holds an appointment at the salon

and the anticipation of a cake class on Sunday afternoon.

The rest of the open spaces

will be played by ear

outdoors

walking

holding hands.

Chores will sneak their way in

they always do

but I don't mind

I want to be a better

listener

quiet and attentive like the butterfly

considering the flower above.

Haiku

The sun warms my back
Fresh air, blue skies, clear my mind
The grass cools my toes

Why I keep getting up in the Morning:

Why I keep getting up in the Morning:

A fresh start
God still has a plan for my life
To spend another day with George
Harvest grain pancakes
walks in Golden Gate Park
the Sunday paper
hocus focus
hope
change
to improve
make a difference somehow
homemade pizza and red wine
to do some writing
find a new career direction
to be warmed by the sunshine
books that inspire
ginger tea
explore more of Europe
visit South America
talk with or email friends & family
Farmer’s market
cherry blossoms
fall leaves
to listen to raindrops tapping on my window
French toast topped with mango, blueberries & banana
To sculpt my body with exercise
To notice something beautiful

Email Poetry

At noon on Monday
a break in the rain
I put on my beige coat with the hood
And walked the slick downtown streets of San Francisco
To the bookstore.
endless possibility
I suppose the library can be too
But I prefer the bookstores.
new books with pristine pages
Enticing our imaginations
other cities, distant countries, or worlds
helping us navigate our own world
Adventures, experiences, inspiration, learning,
Whatever you fancy at the time.

I discovered a new author,
Katherine Lanpher
drawn to the title of her book
“Leap Days, Chronicles of a Midlife Move”.
I browsed the magazines
Paying attention to what I'm drawn to
As discussed with good friend Mira Sunday
finding the passion
in our writing
I looked at yoga journal, spirituality & health, body & soul,
Writers Digest, National Geographic Traveler,
And The Sun recommended by Mira.
I purchased one book called “Not Buying It, My year without Shopping”
By Judith Levine, which is a memoir
based on one year sans consumerism.
Hence my interest is in memoirs
with a purpose and focus.
Off the top of my head
Marlene Schiwy “Simple Days, A Journal on What Really Matters”, Elizabeth Gilbert “Eat, Pray, Love”, Marlena De Blasi “A Thousand days in Venice”, Sue Monk Kidd “When the Heart Waits, Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions”.
Oh, and Laura Fraser's memoir written in second person,
“An Italian Affair”.
These stories taking place over a year
where they Question
and explore an area of life.
A food or culinary memoir would be interesting too.
I love reading about these sorts of experiences
and transformations.

When my hour was up,
I braved wind and rain
back to work,
my mind still in a world
eloquent writings
bringing to life the East Coast or
Italian piazza's or ashrams in India,
where all you need is a purpose and a pen.
I wondered if I could find
or create such a story from my life

Practice Practice Practice

Yesterday I had a visit with a good friend over tea. We set some specific writing goals to work on during the Lent season. I am also currently taking an online writing course through writers dot com. The instructor is great and the focus is on consistent writing practice. The challenge for me is still to apply ‘chair glue’ and get the writing down, work on every practice assignment instead of just THINKING about writing. That may sound strange but it’s the truth. It comes down to the action once again. So I’m just thinking out loud on the page and reminding myself to stick with the practice every day because that is the only way my writing will improve. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.

On a different note, I came across this book “Not Buying It, My Year without Shopping” by Judith Levine. She and her partner Paul decide to forego consumerism for a year. I love this idea because I find myself trying not to accumulate too much. I actually wrote about this back in January about clearing stuff out. But this concept deals with the flipside, not buying more non-essentials! This book chronicles her experiences for one whole year based on that decision.

February 22

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday I love you
Happy Birthday to you.

Rainbow

We left Bernardus Monday afternoon and hit quite a bit of rain on the drive home. Somewhere before Half Moon Bay the sky was very dark gray and this large arch of rainbow appeared. It was beautiful, this picture does not do it justice. Aside from the rainbow being God's promise to never flood the earth again, it is such a miracle to see them. I sense God's presence in his beautiful, visible promise and it brings joy to my heart.

Bernardus

Last weekend we went to Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. It's about 2 hours south of San Francisco. We enjoyed a beautiful room equipped with a fireplace,that was probably the size of our whole apartment! An amazing dinner in the Harvest Room, a luxurious bath tub, a morning walk, coffee in the lodge/lobby, a yummy breakfast in our room and a deep tissue massage to top it off.

chopped

Remember this haircut scene in "Roman Holiday"?

Inside the hair salon Ann sits on one of the seats in front of
the large mirror, holding up her long hair as the hairdresser
(Mario Delani) fastens the cover around her.

MARIO DELANI [speaking rather hesitant English] What a wonderful
er, hair you have. [He asks her something in Italian].

ANN. Just cut, thank you.

MARIO DELANI. Just cut? [Takes the scissors from his hair] Well
then, cut, er, so? [he holds the hair at a certain length].

ANN. Higher.

MARIO DELANI. Higher? [He holds the hair further up] Here?

ANN. More.

MARIO DELANI. Here?

ANN. Even more.

MARIO DELANI [impatiently] Where?

ANN [she holds her hair at the shoulders] There.

MARIO DELANI. There. [Snapping his scissors nervously] Are you
sure, Miss?

ANN [emphatically] I'm quite sure, thank you.

MARIO DELANI [he turns he round in the chair, taking her hair in
his hand] All off?

ANN. All off. (MARIO DELANI [uncomfortable as he
starts cutting off her long hair] Off.) Ann sits in the salon
still, her hair covering her face.

MARIO DELANI [pulling apart her hair to see her] Are you sure?

ANN [impatiently] Yes.

MARIO DELANI [dropping her hair back over her face] Yes. [As he
cuts her locks off, working his way round] Off! off; off...[wipes
his forehead with his arm]. Back in the salon, the
hairdresser cuts of the last lock of her hair.

MARIO DELANI. Off! [He stands to the side of her as they both
study the end result as Ann moves her head slightly from side to
side. She looks down at something but, engrossed in her, the
hairdresser jerks her head back to the centre to get a better
view].

ARIO DELANI. You musician, maybe? You artist, aha? Painter...? I
know: you model! [She smiles, flattered] Model, hah?

ANN. Thank you.

MARIO DELANI [says some Italian] Finito. It's perfect.

ANN. Oh.

MARIO DELANI [as the hairdresser turns her round from side to
side, looking in the mirror] Y-y-you be nice without long hair.
Now, it's cool, hmm? Cool?

ANN [turning her head to the side, playing with the ends] Yes,
it's, it's just what I wanted.

(This is from the actual script of Roman Holiday I found online.)

Well that was a little how I felt yesterday! It got a new, short haircut! About three or four inches gone. It was time for a change and I am happy with it.

Replenish the Soul

I have plenty of my own words I need to write but those will have to be on another posting, because I was moved by this part I read in "When the Heart Waits" by Sue Monk Kidd today:

"The soul craves experiences that offer it the rich depths of God. Silence, solitude, holy leisure, simplicity, prayer, journaling, the Eucharist, rituals that touch the space of the Mystery, symbols and images, the Bible, laughter, delight in the divine Presence, deep encounters with creation, and the merciful coming together of human hearts. All these feed the soul, producing energy for living the transformed life.

When I fail to feed my soul, I soon notice that I have less strength for living authentically. At times my energy becomes depleted. Weakened, I'm more apt to revert to old patterns. That's when I need to return to the deeper pockets and replenish my soul. There's truth in Psalm 23: allowing oneself to be led by still waters really does restore the soul."

JANUARY 22

Dear Michael Hutchence,

I remember when I first heard “The One Thing” and “Don’t Change’ on the airwaves in the early 80’s. INXS became my favorite band. The music, the lyrics, your charisma, the Australian accents, just everything appealed to me! I feel fortunate to have seen you in concert at least eight times circa 1982-1997.

It’s still hard to believe that you died nine years ago. When I hear your voice or see you singing on video, I can hardly fathom that you tragically left this world on 11/22/97. After a number of years, I’m glad the band decided to continue. They deserve to pursue and share their gifts and passion, being such talented musicians. I admit that I’m not all that fond of their new singer, J.D. Fortune. I choose to remain in the era of the band with your vocals. I still enjoy all of your many, many songs and continue to find inspiration in your music.

I found a number of videos, live performances and interviews of you on You Tube! You indeed live on. I know there are so many other fans out there and you touched many lives in your all-too-brief life. Happy Birthday on what would have been your 47th year.

Quote

"We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile" - Earl Nightingale

More lovely Audrey

Inspiring Audrey

There is a whole You Tube universe out there! This is Audrey Hepburn reading from the Diary of Anne Frank.

Go Patriots!

Good game, Tom Brady, Serra boy!

Arctic Cold

It's really cold here!! They say were have a freeze warning in effect tonight thru Saturday morning. Got to bundle up!

Justin

Happy belated birthday cute nephew. Lots of love and good wishes for a wonderful 11th year!

2 things

I saw 2 good ideas on other blogs this week:

1) Stop buying non-essential things for a specified time (Jan. 8 posting "Stop Buying Crap") http://www.crazyauntpurl.com/

2) Save money to travel (Jan. 10 posting "Travel as a Tool for Spiritual Growth") http://www.travelingforever.com/blogs/

Clutter be gone...again

I started reading “It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff” by Peter Walsh, from TLC's Clean Sweep (which I’ve heard of but never seen, we don’t have cable.) He has an optimistic approach to clutter. He asks you, “How do you imagine your life?” and some other good questions. Clutter is not only physical; it affects us on an emotional/mental level too.

So I made my rounds through our little apartment and managed to purge even more. I copied the remainder of my CD’s to the computer & ipod (w/G’s help) therefore; eliminating the last CD rack which opened up some space under the table where it sat for a couple years. I instantly felt the ‘breathing space’ once it was gone. Did some sorting and organizing, even tossed some old art & calligraphy supplies I haven’t used in years, along with some books and magazines which are a bit more challenging because I LOVE books. Every time I get a new one(s), I try to discard the same amount or more, in fact that is one of his principles for various items with limited space.

When I looked in my closet yet again, I asked the question and went right to a black suit I’ve been holding onto which was only used for job interviews years ago. Turns out, I don’t see myself wearing a suit and it went in the donation bag. It’s interesting to imagine how you see your life and what you how you want to use the rooms in your home. I want more travels and experiences, and I want our home to be cozy, colorful and supportive of both our dreams and goals, which I’d say it pretty much is.

It’s an ongoing process but I feel like I’m finally getting closer to having less extraneous stuff, and more things that are useful and have a purpose.

faith-plus-action

I want my word to be the opposite of fear. My instinct was the word FAITH. I remember an acronym (For All I Trust Him) and truly, if that is how I lived, I don’t think fear would be such an issue. I would believe and trust that I could handle all that comes my way. Therefore, free to try something, take risks, overcome, succeed and even fail because that’s part of learning. Also, faith that everything will ultimately be okay and work out as it should whether I understand or not. Faith to let my loved ones be all they are and do all they need to do, sans worry.

But there’s more.

I need ACTION for anything to happen. Seek, go, and do. For example, get back on track and drop a couple pounds that crept back on, start a yoga practice, write (already signed up for a class on writers.com!) , fellowship & service, and travel. Really these are my same interests and plans that just require some a-c-t-i-o-n.

So my one word is now three:
FAITH-PLUS-ACTION

words

Happy New Year!

I just read in the "aezine" email from Ali Edwards about choosing a word for the year to focus, meditate and reflect upon, while going about daily life and learning to incorporate that word. I really like her idea. Ali writes:

"Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007? It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.

One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities."

I have an idea about my word, just need to moodle (Brenda Ueland's word, sp?) a little and get precise. It has to do with adventure & risk! What about you?
Ali Edward's site is at: http://aliedwards.typepad.com/

Santa Cruz & Capitola

Adobe on Green

Back from our get-away to Santa Cruz. We stayed at a great B&B, the Adobe on Green. A quaint, quiet place to stay walking distance to shops, cinemas and restaurants. You never see the staff here, you're on your own once you arrive. They leave your key and all the info you need and provide access to a computer and wireless access for your own laptop, a DVD library, a sitting room by a fireplace, and access to a nice kitchen where they serve a breakfast buffet. The room has a separate tub and shower. The tub has jacuzzi jets in it! It's a beautiful location and quiet, we definitely recommend it. (www.adobeongreen.com)

Alaska cold

Today was beautiful. Cold like Alaska, but very clear out. Taking care of business and getting ready for a new year. Next is a family visit and then a romantic get-away w/George. I upgraded this blog and will be adding links and lists in the sidebar soon. If I don't get back here to share before Monday, I wish you a happy New Year!

My latest Haiku:

Short days of winter
Possibilities abound
As a new year dawns

Solstice

Today is Winter Solstice and the last day of Hanukkah. We've been lighting our candles every night. We've also been watering our cute Charlie Brown potted, Christmas tree. Which by the way, can be donated to the Urban Forest after the holiday's and replanted. It feels very environmentally correct. Today's work day will end a little earlier which is nice. Looking forward to a nice, quiet Christmas weekend with George.

I got some new festive tea to try, Ginger Snappish (snappy ginger herb tea with lemon) by Bigelow. It sounds fun since I love ginger tea. Shopping is done. Just have more baking to do which I enjoy anyway. Have to compensate by going to the gym though because baking always involves testing in my kitchen. :)

Enjoy the start of winter. It's a good time to get cozy, make some tea or festive hot beverage and watch a good movie (It's a Wonderful Life is timeless), read a good book, write something... or whatever indoor activites appeal to you.

2006

The year is winding down. It's been a good year for us. My greatest acheivements are making a positive job change and losing 15 pounds. We also made some furniture upgrades in our home, took our first cruise (w/my family to Alaska), I got a new financial advisor, visited my best friend in Portland, and we both turned 40!

Since Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year, we are only going to the morning service since I am lighting the advent candles at church. We might go to the movies on Christmas Eve.... not sure yet. I really want to see the Will Smith movie "Pursuit of Happyness" which was filmed here in beautiful San Francisco, and I'd like to see"Rocky Balboa". Playing it by ear.

Christmas day ... it's about celebrating our Savior.

I also wish my Aunt Joyce a very happy birthday.

Multimedia message

Award-winning I might add! Tied for first place at our company potluck with Turtle fudge and Tiramisu! Thanks Steph. Thanks Paula Deen. :)

Pumpkin gingerbread trifle

Multimedia message

Tis the season

Fancy dinner

Salad at michael minna

Red

Festive

11-22-06

Sadly, nine years ago today you left this world Michael Hutchence.

Your life and talent are still missed.

peace

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:6-7 (New Century Version)

Fall leaves

I love Fall. The air is crisp and cool in the evenings lately. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks already! Time to start baking all recipes pumpkin! I did a practice batch of my pumpkin bread recipe and made it even healthier because I was short on ingredients. I used a cup less sugar and 1/2 healthy oil and the other 1/2 cup applesauce. I added raisins and walnuts and it came out really good.

a new chapter begins

Here's to the good life! Congratulations on your retirement Dad. You have worked hard for sooooo many years. May you enjoy the freedom you now have to spend your days as you choose. I look forward to spending time with you hopefully soon. xoxo

What would you do that seems impossible?

I just completed another online class, Writerific. This was the last assignment. Next week I start a new online course, Travel Writing, can't wait!

If it weren’t impossible,
I’d travel the world with George right now
Learning about people, culture, art and language.
I’d write about experiences, places, faith,
beauty, and the food and wine.

I’d always have a wellspring of ideas to write collections of poetry,
travel essays, and spiritual/inspiration pieces.
I’d have a disciplined writing practice
and submit my pieces for publication.

If I put a little effort and planning forth,
I’d pare my home in San Francisco down
to essentials we only use or love.
I’d often take advantage of the many gifts available here,
in my hometown. Such as, exploring more neighborhoods,
writing in café’s, and attending more literary events!

birthday bacon

Happy (belated) 8th birthday to the Bacon Queen!
xoxo

congrats to my friend

Congratulations on your wedding Mira & Robert. I send you love and prayers on your journey to France and Africa over the next three months!!!

Fame at Farmer's Market

I ran into a co-worker at Farmer's Market yesterday and as we browsed around at produce, the ABC news stopped us and asked him some questions about produce and the recalls regarding e-coli lately. They aired a few seconds of his interview on the 6:00 News! A little fame during lunch hour. You just never know.

Orange

I flourish in autumn when the weather cools and days begin to shorten. I tinge the leaves before they dry out and fall to the ground. I am cheerful, warm, and even glow sometimes. You will find me abundant in pumpkin patches and marketplaces in October, The children run around enjoying all the pumpkins while adults select and purchase them. I am even in the pumpkin’s insides which gets scooped out before the decoration process. I enhance the tangy butternut squash soup that warms your belly.

In the winter, you don’t see much of me, until I revive again in spring. I dance in the tulips and splash flecks in the wings of butterflies. I scent the breezes with citrus and can be seen in trees that bear fruit. In the evenings I often join with the pinks and lavenders in a golden blaze at sunset.

As purple signifies royalty and majesty, I’d like to think I represent joy and laughter since I easily bring smiles to peoples faces. I’m delightfully orange.