Monday, March 24, 2014

Go Ahead...Surprise Me

Tonight I drove home in what felt like nature's version of a flash mob. If you are unfamiliar with the term, imagine everyone suddenly busting out their Thriller moves once that song is played at a wedding reception.

Out of nowhere came this flash blizzard, with flakes falling fast and furiously.  It seemed as if they were under the imperative that if they could reach the ground before we could wrap our heads around the fact that is was snowing again, they would be allowed to accumulate once more.

By the time I got home, snow covered the side of our hill. Jake, the ball chasing brown lab, didn't seem to mind.  All the more reason for a rousing game of fetch.

My snow boots (note I did not say sandals) instantly became skis as I slid down the hill to retrieve the ball.  Yes, you read that right.  I was retrieving the ball, not the dog who insists I throw it 852 times a day.  He sat up top of the hill and snickered.  Then before I could reach him, he bolted through the invisible fence with a yelp and headed for the boat ramp.

Abbey (my yellow lab) and I had no choice but to follow.  And I thought our walks in the snow were over.

My reaction to surprises is better at the start of the day than at the end. Even then it's questionable. By the end of the day I often have one nerve left. I'm ashamed to admit what might happen if someone gets on it.

This is why the impromptu snow walk was probably best for all concerned.  Nature has a way of revealing the silliness of my own seriousness.  The snow had stopped but not before blanketing the trail with just enough white stuff to make things seem especially scent-worthy to the dogs and illuminating my path. 

Because the rest of the week promises to be filled with even more end of the day adventures, this may be my last post until the weekend.  Those pesky tax preparations persist and I have a conference to attend at a neighboring college. 

So for now I will leave you with this six word summary for March... In like a lion, out like ...  

You're guess is as good as mine.  I'm sure it will be a surprise.
 
MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LAMB NOT LION




Sunday, March 23, 2014

If Numbers Were Words

Every year I vow to set up a system so all I have to do is run a few reports on Quicken and my tax information will be ready for the preparer.

Unfortunately, I spent so much time thinking about taxes last year because of the dreaded audit, I couldn't bring myself to embrace anything to do with accounting for a good six months, although I suppose that was the point of it all.

By declaring I wasn't a writer and could not claim any expenses related to writing, the auditor incited in me what can only be called "revenge writing." This is different than being a writer for the TV show Revenge.  Then, perhaps, I'd be legit.  But since this was not the case, "I'll show them!" became my battle cry.

I started writing like my life depended on it.  As it turns out, it does.  Everything has changed since I've made writing a public priority.  So maybe that was the point of it all.  And maybe one day I'll see the auditor as someone with a "noble agenda" instead of a self-serving one.

Today I attempted to summon the scattered receipts that supposedly tell the story of my life and line them up in some sort of numerical order.  I wanted to be happier about it.  I wanted to feel some sense of joy in placing all the numbers in the right column and having them all add up to something meaningful. 

But I must admit, I felt better about raking up my front yard and cleaning out my kitchen drawers and doing the kind of outer accounting that prepares me for the inner accounting.  Some may call this stalling, but the physical act of moving things around and seeing the immediate effects of my actions warmed me up for the mental lifting of crunching numbers.

In the end it could be that numbers, like actions, speak louder than words. Or I may learn to wield them like words.  When that time comes, my taxes will be ready by the end of January and I might possibly be good at math.

In the meantime, I'll let life add up as it will.  I'll just need a receipt for that.

Six word summary:  Taxes ready if numbers were words. 


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Land of Plenty ... of Decisions

Maybe it's because I have different expectations for Saturday than I do the rest of the week, but Saturday is like the wild card day of the week, when just about anything can and will happen.

It's kind of like a surprise party, that later you wish someone would have clued you in on, just so you would have looked as nice as everyone who knew they were going to a party, instead of showing up in that ratty t-shirt and socks with sandals.

Life with a fireman means the best laid plans can change on a dime (or on Penny, in this case).  Consequently, I keep several items on my to-do list to fall back on when the siren sounds.

Okay, the real reason several items are on my to-do list is because I don't want to do them. The truth is, Bob could easily put out a fire and be back before I even got around to the first item on my list. I'd still be sitting at my computer, blogging, pinning, or selecting shoes to put in my online shopping cart.

I shop predominantly online because I can find stuff fast and it gets delivered to my house. And I love getting packages, except from the IRS. 

I always think shopping in real stores is going to be fun until I get there.  Unless it's Artworks, my favorite art shop in Le Claire I visited this afternoon, I get overwhelmed in the parking lot before I even get out of my car. 

I wanted to go to Lowe's (I'm boycotting Home Depot because of the dishwasher debacle) to get knobs and pulls for the new kitchen cabinets.  Unfortunately the number of choices required to make an informed decision lead to my undoing.  I've made several choices up to this point without waffling that turned out remarkably well.  But today, something snapped and no snap decisions could be made. I did, however, decide to go to Cold Stone Creamery instead, where an entirely new set of decisions awaited.

Maybe I was in an ice cream induced altered state but I'm pretty sure I saw something like twenty eagles having a (surprise to me) party along the back waters of the Wapsipinicon.  I've never seen so many eagles in one place.  Kind of like the number and variety of knobs and pulls for kitchen cabinets.

In any case, I decided to rest my case and my brain.  Marvel at the mundane as well as the miraculous, I like to say.  I live in an abundant universe and here's proof, I also like to say.  I really shouldn't eat this much ice cream, I probably should say more often.

The best way to sum up this Saturday is in these six words:  What I can say, it's Saturday?




 

Friday, March 21, 2014

A Moment of Zen & Pen


Recently I opened a Twitter account.  Tonight I'm going to pretend I know how to use it and try a practice tweet, which could be tricky.  "Trick or Tweet?" you may be wondering.  I know I am.

The six word summaries surely have prepared me for the brevity required to tweet, but in my opinion, context is everything.  A little warm up is usually required.  At least this first go round.

Walk with me in your mind's eye along the Maquoketa River.  It's Friday night and we are indeed fried.  The wind hasn't yet picked up and dropped the temperatures twenty degrees so we are actually comfortable, and I have not yet realized I dropped Jake's leash along the way because.....

We are so caught up in the sunset we are almost weeping.  Nothing in us can resist the sheer power of beauty to wipe out a winter of weariness.  The ice has melted.  The snow is gone.  Just orange, pink, gold slipping into the water and flowing towards us.  (And just in case you're getting very sleepy, here comes the six word summary.)

Sunset pours into river like lava. 

Or like someone tipped a gigantic bottle of liquid gold into the water causing the reflection to light up the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors.  Kind of like turning the Chicago River green on St. Patty's Day, but much more impressive.  Because I don't know about you, but green water doesn't do much for me.

Okay, Grasshopper.  That's your moment of Zen & Pen.

And you can tweet that.  Since I'm not sure how!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Spring Is In the Air

Has there ever been a more anticipated spring than this one?

After months of consistently cold and snowy weather, spring has sprung. In my zealousness to celebrate the first day of spring, I did what I can only describe as an inner adolescent thing, and wore sandals to work.  Until my toes got too cold.  I'd prefer not to discuss what happened next.

This premature wearing of sandals came about largely because of another fashion faux pas. The wearing of what at one time we called petal pushers - and by "we" I mean Gidget and That Girl.  This, too, was a hasty decision since my ankles have not seen the sunlight since I was in Arizona. 

I bought these "ankle pants" in Arizona under the assumption they'd be fine to wear in Iowa.  Especially on such an auspicious occasion as the first day of spring.

I've traveled enough to know some things just get lost in translation. If only that knowledge would stop me from buying "souvenirs"!

Like the groundhog who sees his shadow and declares six more weeks of winter, today I saw my toes and declared six more weeks of socks.  At least in public places... unless I'm at the beach and have had a pedicure.

So today my six word summary is simply this:  Editing required for words and wardrobe.

How are you celebrating spring?  Share if you dare below.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts

It used to be my job was fairly free of politics.  Now, not so much.

I was telling my friend Tami over lunch that I'm not sure I could have handled this job at an earlier point in my career.  It seems to require all the Zen training and forty years wandering the desert looking for the Promised Land type of patience to negotiate the ever shifting terrain.

Despite my grand intention of saving the world one student at a time, the truth is I am the one who has been saved by students, staff, business partners, and the necessary evils of structure, limitations, and political correctness.  Essentially everything I thought would destroy me.

Yet each day I get to practice compassion, time management, improv, assertiveness, decision making, and failing or succeeding spectacularly.  Each day I get to learn how I might communicate more effectively, how my actions impact others, and how daring to risk public humiliation, admit I am wrong, or contribute to a meeting instead of suffer through it might change things, or at least me.

In other words, I have a constant source of writing material.  Not to mention an ever deepening source of spiritual practice.

I remember when I used to call myself the Queen of Calm and offer tension tackling tips and stress less living strategies to companies from the luxury of my adobe home in Santa Fe.  While I was indeed practicing what I was preaching, I was not experiencing what the average stressed out worker bee was experiencing.  Once I stepped back into this world, the epiphany hit.
This is why these people are stressed!

Just about everyone has more on their plate than they can possibly handle on any given Wednesday.  Consequently I keep a plaque close by that reminds me to "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Easier said than done.

But today instead of being the judge, jury, and executioner, I granted everyone immunity. (Perhaps the result of last week's jury duty experience?) I'd start with the premise that everyone was doing their best. We were all striving for the same thing. We were all equally brilliant and flawed.  And the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Six word summary:  Save the drama for your mama. 

Or all's we are saying is :  Give peace (or peas) a chance.

Or on a completely different note, should you forget your dentist appointment in the midst of managing meetings and coordinating complex communications, be warned:  The dentist will hunt you down.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Art Appreciation

Even though war movies are right up there with horror movies on my list to avoid, tonight I saw  "The Monuments Men" and gained a whole new appreciation for art.

I am certain there are angels among us, working tirelessly to protect what's good, beautiful, and important every day. Most times their work goes undetected.  Often times it goes unappreciated.  It does my heart good to hear their stories finally told, their praises finally sung, and their good deeds lasting for lifetimes.

Let's face it.  Life can be hard.  Work can be intolerable.  The money can run out.  We can get sick or injured.  We can lose loved ones or our livelihoods.  People can be difficult, to put it mildly.  And things don't always go our way.

So it's important to remind ourselves in the midst of all the negativity there is always, always, always something to be grateful for.  Just as "money can't buy happiness, but it can buy marshmallows...which is pretty much the same thing," most of us have something that can instantly brighten our day.

I recommend you keep it close by.

Whether it's turning on the radio and hearing a Bee Gees song right after reading the Jury Duty: The Musical post, or making hilarious Jib Jab cards to send to unsuspecting friends, or remembering it's  a friend's birthday as well as St. Patrick's Day so it's absolutely acceptable to eat green cupcakes instead of drink green beer, any small thing can potentially turn a frown upside down.

I'm not saying you don't have reason to feel down.  I am not standing in your shoes.  I'm just saying when you shift your focus to your shoes (which I imagine are spectacular) from where they happen to be standing in this moment, that becomes your ticket out of funky town. This is why I definitely recommend having really fun and/or funky shoes.

So wrapping up the day in six words, I shall leave you with this:  Be an original work of art.


Monday, March 17, 2014

The Luck of the Irish

Six word summary:  St. Patrick's Day.  The blarney abounds!

Yes, it was a long day of meetings.  None of that Sunday spaciousness to write about today. 

It may have been the luck of the Irish or the fact that it's spring break, but I was able to leave the building before 6pm tonight.  Hope springs eternal that I might actually tackle my taxes and jump into the B-school videos and homework after work this week.

So, I'll keep the posts short and sweet and leave you with an Irish saying and a bit of frivolity from our friends at Jib Jab in hopes your Irish eyes will be smiling.


 

Sunday, March 16, 2014

The Proof Is In the Practice


A Sunday well spent brings a week of content... 
or so the saying goes.

I love Sundays.  There is a spaciousness around Sundays that is similar to the enthusiasm I feel on Friday nights when I imagine I have an unscheduled weekend ahead of me.  By Saturday morning, several plans have already taken shape, some without my input and some simply because I've  postponed certain tasks all week.

I'm not sure why I think I will want to do my taxes or the laundry or organize my office or pick up dog doo on Saturday or Sunday more than any other day.  Somehow convincing myself I'll have more time over the weekend eases the guilt of not doing it after a long day at the office.

The awareness that I'm not on the clock allows me to ease into the day and tackle the neglected stuff a little bit at a time on the weekends.  Still, I'm acutely aware that the clock is ticking and I could be wasting daylight by taking a nap, reading a book, downloading some new tunes, or talking to friends and family for hours on the phone.  But it's these little luxuries I allow myself on the weekends that get me through the week that awaits. 

I've learned that sometimes I have to live with things and let ideas incubate for awhile before I know how to proceed. Yes, I need to find a place for the displaced items in my kitchen now, but the real aha moments may come months later when I figure out the beaters and the blender need to swap storage space in order for all the gadgets, gizmos, and utensils to work in unison.

I figure things out not just by doing, but re-doing.  Getting frustrated or irritated over how long it takes or how many do-overs are required only adds to the problem. 

The best way for me to frame any challenge is to look at it as a practice.  I look at my writing as a practice.  I look at my exercise program as a practice.  I look at my management style as a practice. I look at relationships as a practice. I look at my spiritual journey as a practice.

I can always get better.  But only if I don't fall into the trap that I should know this already.

So here it is, Sunday evening and several projects remain unfinished.  But the small things I did accomplish with attention and appreciation will help me go into this week a little more refreshed and relaxed.

Six word summaries:  The practice matters.  Forget making perfect.

The proof is in the practice.


Saturday, March 15, 2014

In It to Pin It

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If you've spent any time on Pinterest, you know how easy it is to get lost in an infinite pinning loop.  AS the definition suggests, it's a visual feast of all things fabulous that most of us may never experience, possess, or create.  But there's something about being able to curate collections that levels the playing field and allows us all to show off our interests and style no matter what our budgets may be.

Just because we may never get to Bora Bora or know how to photograph the moon so it looks like it's sitting in our wheelbarrow doesn't mean we can't appreciate it immensely.

Since I'm a big word person, I love the variety of ways quotes and sayings are illustrated.  I also have a soft spot for critters of all kinds, nature, doorways, swimming spots, Santa Fe, and shoes. 

Today I gleaned several six word summaries from pins.


Sometimes you win.  Sometimes you learn.

Get out of your own way.

Be humble.  You could be wrong.

Ain't nobody got time for that.

Not my circus.  Not my monkeys.

Confidence is silent.  Insecurities are loud.

There were many more, but I'm only sharing the ones with six words.  Otherwise, I'd still be pinning!

If you want to see these words come alive, visit my Words to Live By board on Pinterest.  Be warned:  Only look if you have a few hours to spare.  It's addicting!

 Hahaha the ultimate truth


Friday, March 14, 2014

Audio Becomes Visual

My six word chant CD from Chunyi Lin arrived just in time to counteract the craziness that comes with a full moon.  While one might think I could quickly get the hang of six words, since these words are an unfamiliar language, it's surprisingly easy to mess them up if I let my attention wander.

I remember several years ago I was attending an Integral Consciousness Workshop just outside of Boulder, Colorado.  I was fascinated with the work of philosopher Ken Wilber and convinced he would be equally fascinated with me should our paths cross. (He was not.)

It turns out the real master was Fred Kofman, an amazing teacher whose humility and honesty taught me things Ken never could.  (And he at least acknowledged me.)

At one point during the very intense five day workshop, we were dancing around like whirling dervishes chanting all kinds of sacred songs. I'm not sure anyone saw this particular incarnation of my spiritual awakening coming, but it was a turning point.  Needless to say, I was a long way from the Omni, the disco where we under-aged kids used to dance on Sunday nights.

Years later, after seeing the Dalai Lama in Tucson and then heading over to a yoga studio to listen to Krishna Das orchestrate an evening of chanting, I knew I'd gone where no one in my family had gone before.  I also knew there would be no turning back.  I was as moved by Om Nama Shivaya as most people are by Amazing Grace.

I also discovered Snatum Kaur, way before Oprah's friends surprised her with a guest appearance by Snatum on her birthday, I might add.  Listening to Snatum is like having my own personal angel sing to me whenever I need calming down.  Of course, like my muse, I seldom understand exactly what she's saying, but this allows me to put my own spin on things.

Lest you think the Bee Gees are the only musical influences to shape this eccentric mind, I thought I'd share the Zen and Pen side of my nature (and introduce you to my website, even though it's far from finished, at www.zenandpen.com).

Today's six word summaries: 

Listen and imagine.  Audio becomes visual.

Or if that's just too esoteric, try this one:

Howl at the moon, little doggie.





Thursday, March 13, 2014

When All Else Fails, Jazz Hands

There's nothing like spending time with friends who can finish your sentences.  What I long to hear is not, "you complete me" but "I get you."  Me, in all my quirkiness and quick or slow wit, depending.

In other words, no need to explain myself or my obscure references. It loses something if translation is required.

My friend Doug is a terrific actor and a man of character.  (Many to be precise.  His latest is Dr. Berensteiner in The New Brain opening this weekend at the District Theatre in Rock Island.)

Today he was teaching some of our staff how to use the Smart Board.  Those of you not in education may correctly deduce this is a very smart white board. It can do all kinds of things a regular white board cannot, but only if you are smart enough to know how to use it.

We did some serious learning along with laughing about all things musical, theatrical, and ridiculous.  I suggested Doug try out for the lead in Jury Duty: The Musical and he said he'd be thrilled to since it is bound to spend many Nights on Broadway.

It turns out my friend Michelle, who was also present for the training, is a major Bee Gees fan and probably should have been consulted before the Jury Duty post. Like, how could I forget Run to Me? She is all about the Bee Gees, with a special penchant for Barry, and knows not just their Greatest Hits, but all their hits.

In any case, at one point when we were solving all the world's problems with the help of the Smart Board, Doug suggested this six word summary:

When all else fails, jazz hands.

To help you better appreciate the wisdom of this statement, click here for hilarious interpretations of jazz hands.  And it's not just for humans anymore.  Apparently it works for animals as well.

There's nothing quite like the frantic flailing of open hands to make you feel like whatever else has happened, if you end with jazz hands, you'll be fine.

So - here goes.


Photo from www.funnyanimalsite.com

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Song and Dance

For a brief period in my life I thought I was a great singer.  Then I recorded myself singing.  To this day I can't believe the voice on the tape recorder (yes, it was a long time ago) was mine.

I vowed never to sing in front of an audience again.  Dogs, yes.  Babies, maybe.  Nieces and nephews only because it's expected of eccentric aunts. And Bob because he has no choice.

But make no mistake, there would be no singing in choirs, churches, or karaoke bars. 

Reality was too harsh.  I had to resort to my imagination. And just like that, a scene unfolded in my mind's eye during jury duty. By all accounts we, the people, were just sitting quietly in a sterile room.  But in my mind, so were the Bee Gees!

Why is it we act as if we don't need the magic that musicals - even imaginary ones - provide?  Who doesn't love "Hakuna Matata" from the Lion King or "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat or "Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" from South Pacific or Grease Lightening from Grease or "Defying Gravity" from Wicked or "Time Warp" from The Rocky Horror Picture Show or "Seventy-Six Trombones" from The Music Man or "Singing in the Rain"  or.... you get my drift.

Doesn't your mood shift just thinking about these songs? They are timeless representations of flights of fancy. They remind us what could happen if we gave in to a sudden urge to break out in song and dance like this flash mob at the Antwerp Station in Belgium. (I never tire of watching these 200 dancers surprise the crowd or the crowd's reaction to the sound of music.)

I think it's this desire for more of the magic and emotion that music evokes that make "Glee" or "The Voice" or any number of shows that showcase musical and theatrical ability so popular. 

It's like we can't get enough of this creative, connecting kind of drama because there's too much of the ridiculous kind going on at the office or school or the DMV or the grocery store or other places in our lives.

For years I used to teach aerobics.*  This was basically my excuse to shake my groove thing and sing  without shame.  While I don't miss the leg warmers or the thong leotards and headbands, I do miss thrashing about in unison to silly or suggestive songs until we all felt better.

Bob is seldom impressed by my disco moves and almost never by my singing.  He might possibly be impressed by the number of songs I know or the unusual lines I substitute for the lyrics or the new songs I've learned from listening to Sirius XM.  I'm not at all sure he cares for the "if you're going to be crabby, you have to sing your complaints to me if you want me to respond" rule, although I find this helps tremendously.

So today's six word summary shall be:  Laughter is music to my ears.

*One time a member said watching me teach was like watching poetry in motion.  Never one to trust I heard a compliment correctly, here's how it went down in my mind in six word summaries, of course:

The best compliment?  Poetry in motion. 
Unless he said "poultry in motion".
That would be the chicken dance.





Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Jury Duty: The Musical

So my friend Ann and I were talking about scaring the Bee Gees out of someone and what that might actually look or sound like.

After several moments of hilarity we decided that we were either on something (like medical marijuana) or we had met the Mama Mia muse who was about to do for the Brothers Gibb what she did for ABBA.

You heard it here first, folks.  Jury Duty: The Musical was conceived after a hard day's night of blogging about jury duty.

Here's a sneak peek: 

Defendant:  With Words and words are all I have

Prosecutor:  Is this a Tragedy?
Defendant:  No, I Started A Joke, which started the whole world crying

Prosecutor:  How Deep Is Your Love?
Defendant:  Deeper than  Islands in the Stream

Prosecutor:  Where do you live?
Defendant:  Massachusetts

Prosecutor:  Do you or do you not suffer from a medical condition?
Defendant:  Yes.  Night Fever

Prosecutor:  What do you plan to do about it?

Prosecutor:  Shouldn't you be dancing?
Defendant:  You Should Be Dancing, yeah.

Prosecutor: What's the point?
Defendant:  Stayin' Alive

Prosecutor:  Objection!  This is just your Jive Talkin', telling me lies.
Defendant:  No, I’m the man who Loves You Inside Out, backwards and forwards with my heart hanging out.

Prosecutor:  Lonely Days are over then?
Defendant:  You’re More Than a Woman to me.  If I Can't Have You, I don't want nobody, baby. Don’t Throw It All Away by sending me to the slammer.

Prosecutor:  It’s just Emotion that's taken me over.
Defendant:  Maybe. Too Much Heaven can do that to a person.

Judge:  Do we have a verdict?
Jury:  We have nothing to be Guilty of.





And so it goes.

Six word summary:  I've got the music in me.   Make that Bee Gees in me.







Monday, March 10, 2014

The Jury Is Out

There is a part in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas where Jim Carey as the Grinch does something so subtly Grinchy it's an absolute scene stealer.  He's in the mail room supposedly delivering Christmas cards and good tidings when what to my wondering eyes should appear?  Jury summons forms.

With a staccato rhythm the Grinch recites "jury duty, jury duty, jury duty" as he slides a summons into everybody's mail slot.

I got Grinched this January but was able to plea the impossibility of jury duty at the second busiest time of the year in the college business.  I succeeded in suspending my sentence until March.

Today I got to report for duty.

As it turns out, not many people, except my friend Karen, want to be a juror.  I decided early on I was just going to go with the flow of the day and not complain or otherwise make those around me aware of the inconvenience someone's crime was having on my time.

In fact I decided to embrace the experience. I gathered some reading material, bottled water, and snacks about me and planned to make a day of sitting quietly with a jury of my peers.

Oddly, only one other person seemed to anticipate the fact that we might be waiting for quite some time and brought her knitting supplies.  Everyone else seemed to be staring blankly into space or chatting about the snacks they failed to bring or pondering the pay of this particular gig.

We got to watch a video on why we were there which, frankly, should be considered at any  group meeting. Then we got to stand and swear to tell the truth or swear not to stand, smoke, or wear hats.

Next the judge came in to tell us how important we all were, which is another thing I think should be implemented in work places everywhere.

Unfortunately, the judge underestimated our collective ability to tell time, even with the confusion surrounding Daylight Savings Time. He proclaimed the proceedings would begin in fifteen minutes. Ninety minutes later he returned.

All was forgiven when he said we could go home.  Apparently our presence alone scared the beejeebees (not to be confused with the Bee Gees) out of the criminal who confessed on the spot before we even got a chance to be questioned ourselves.

Naturally today's six word summaries all have to do with judging.  Pick one or more. 

Judge not lest ye be judged.

I'll be the judge of that.

Who am I to judge you?

Order in the court.  Or chaos.  ( If things got a little too boring, could a judge demand chaos in the court instead of order?)

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Opposites Attract

Six word summary:  I'm a tortoise.  He's a hare.

It explains a lot.  Like why I'm still up writing and he's snoring away after having cleaned the garage, recycled the boxes, taken things to the Goodwill, rescued some pets, and crossed any number of things off his list.

Meanwhile, I'm still looking for stuff and trying to find a home for things in my new kitchen.

Another six word summary might be:  Will what is lost be found?

Or:  She who should not be rushed.

If you read yesterday's post I imagine you are hearing the Paula Abdul song Opposites Attract in your head after reading the title.  Yes, musically I could be stuck in the 80s. 

Fortunately, the Coffee House on Sirius XM is bringing me up to date and introducing me to all kinds of new music.  Consequently, you might be in for some creative titles for upcoming blog posts.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Everybody's Working for the Weekend

Call it a rock and roll down memory lane. 

Every post I've written conjures up its own soundtrack in my mind.  Although I often spare you the long, strange trip, sometimes it simply must be shared.  And since music is a universal language, it often gets the point across better than five hundred or six words.

When I had my own business, which often meant no business, the days would all run together and one day held no more significance than another.  But now that I work eight days a week, the weekends reign supreme in my creative space.  So Loverboy and I are working for the weekend.

I continue to have this fantasy that I can get more done in 48 hours than I have been able to achieve all week.  My To Do list looks something like this:  sleep in, read a book or two, catch a movie, walk the dogs, swim some laps, revamp my website, connect with family and friends, write the great American novel, master Mint or Quicken or any personal finance software, organize my new kitchen, sort the laundry, find lost items, and clear the accumulated clutter

When all is said and done, my Ta Da! list usually amounts to little more than "shoveled snow" or "made breakfast."

Still this weekend is full of great expectations so my six word summary as follows:  Things to do.  People to see. 

Since tomorrow is my niece Nicole's 8th birthday, here's one for her:  Life at eight, fun to celebrate!

It's also my friend Joan's birthday, but public announcements of one's age is no longer appreciated at a certain point.  For her, I say what I always say to myself:  The best is yet to come.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Let's All Chant

Back in my disco days there was a song called, Let's All Chant by the Michael Zager Band.  The lyrics were easy enough to learn.  "Your body, my body, everybody work your body," followed by numerous vocal hooks like "Ah-ah, eh-eh, let's all chant" or "Ooh-ah, Ooh-ah."

For the full impact and a good belly laugh, you may want to click on the above link.  Or turn down the lights and turn on the disco ball hiding in your basement, get out the leg warmers, and transport yourself to Studio 54.

The thing about this quirky yet interestingly infectious hit is its complexity is disguised as simplicity.  Like most mantras or chants or power phrases or affirmations, there is something about simply saying certain words or phrases that activates our superpowers.

Just like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz clicking her heels and repeating three times, "There's no place like home," I often rely on a series of pleas to get me out of a jam or signal I am in one. 

Admittedly, I sometimes go unconscious and silently scream, "Sh*t, sh*t, sh*t," when I've done something irreversible like dropped my step counter in the toilet.

If I know I'm going into a tense situation, I often say, "Grace, grace, grace, grace, grace" as quickly and convincingly as I can in hopes I can invoke that presence in me. 

When I used to swim a lot and attempt to keep track of my laps, I'd eventually forget and just start repeating the mantra "om mani padme hum."  This is a common Buddhist mantra that loosely translated means the jewel in the lotus and is all about practicing compassion. It's helpful in difficult situations.

I'd recite one word with each stroke and see how many times I could repeat the phrase before I reached the side of the pool.  Once there I'd stop and defog my goggles, fiddle with my flippers, or mess with my earplugs until I caught my breath or the Let's All Chant song cycled through my water iPod, inciting a freestyle frenzy.

Tonight as I was researching meditation cds available on the spring forest qigong website with Chunyi Lin, I spotted a six-word meditation cd.  How synchronicitous for the six word summary!

Naturally, I was curious.  Now I'm certain you are too, so I will share these words as my six word summary for the day.  They could arguably be the most interesting of the summaries so far.

Today's six word summary:  "Ong, Ma, Lee, Bae, Mae, Hong."  


Here's the description from the website.


"Ong" relates to the heart of wisdom. The "Ong" sound can help with problems in the eyes, the ears, the nose, and with all kinds of headaches and head problems.

 "Ma, Lee" relates to a person's heart, which is full of changes.  "Ma, Lee" can help with problems in the throat, shoulders, elbows, heart, and lungs. 

"Bae, Mae" relates to the purity of the heart, the emptiness. "Bae, Mae" can help with problems in the spine, back, kidneys, stomach, and intestines.

"Hong" relates to the enlightenment of a person with the wisdom of the universe. "Hong" can help heal problems in the joints of the body and the legs. 

The six words together in combination can help to balance the energy throughout the body and help connect you to the healing energy of the Universe."

So, there you have it.  Now you know what they are.  Whether any of us know how to pronounce them is another thing.






Basically, any mantra is “a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of ‘creating transformation.’” ** See also our posts on the Green Tara mantra, White Tara and her mantra, and the Buddha Shakyamuni mantra.
This mantra naturally comes to our hearts in any kind of difficult situation. For example, when I was in an earthquake in Dharamsala once, when the earth started shaking, I automatically started praying, “Om mani peme hung.”
- See more at: http://www.yowangdu.com/tibetan-buddhism/om-mani-padme-hum.html#sthash.D12lMPfH.dpuf

Thursday, March 6, 2014

How About a Walk?

Today's summary is easy.

My first walk of the day was with my four legged friends.  My last walk was with my friend Ann.  Both walks provided the perfect companionship.  No matter how tired I might think I am, I always feel better after I move around.  Even better when my friends come along.

Six word summary:

Walking with friends doubles the delight.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Lost & Found

Because I am on a mission to find the ever elusive charging cable to my Fitbit Force before it is (and I am) completely out of juice, today's six word summaries require little explanation.

Ever feel like life is a...

perpetual game of Lost and Found

or Hide and Seek with yourself?

Never trust the thought that promises

you'll remember where you put it.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

March Forth!

Cabinets and countertops and flooring, oh my!

They have arrived.  Today the kitchen I've been dreaming about for six months is finally taking shape. 

Not giving in to the process paralysis that can accompany the selecting of one out of a million color combinations, textures, finishes, and flooring, I took the path of least resistance and kept it simple.

For the cupboards we simply copied what we had.  The countertops integrated my love of the southwest and earthly colors with the harvest color on the walls.  My parents offered us the flooring they had left over from their home improvement project.  Not only did this save us time and money, but I must say it's better than anything I would have picked out.

Who knew home is where the heart of my art is?  When I bought the house in 2011 the only thing I thought I'd do was expand the deck. 

Three years later we've changed light fixtures, ceiling fans, and furniture inside and done a fair amount of landscaping outside.  While Bob the Builder was behind most of these projects, clearly our pace is a far cry from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.  Two people and sporadic inspiration have different results than a team, a time limit, and an unlimited budget.

Still I was really hoping I could do as they do on the show.  Go on vacation and return home to completely renovated kitchen.  However, coming home from work today to an almost completely renovated kitchen is just as exhilarating. 

If the neighbors were shouting anything upon our return from the sunny spot it was "Move that snow!",  not the famous "Move that bus!" rally.  Apparently no one cares what's on the inside if they can't get to it.

Despite my cold and recent round of crankiness, the countertops and cupboards and flooring have saved the day and restored my righteous chi.  Must be a side effect of gratitude.

Because I've always taken the play on today's date, March 4th, as marching orders to "March Forth!" and do good, good things tend to happen on this day.

So my six word summary is as follows:

March forth and complete the kitchen.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Time to Call it a Night

Unfortunately these words, my six word summary for the day, were uttered at 7am.

I woke up with the cold I've been ferociously fighting off for days.  Maybe it was the 80 degree temperature swing that was just too much for my mind, body, and spirit.

In any case, after swallowing herbal Cold Snap capsules throughout the day that promised to restore my righteous chi, I'm surrendering to the night-time knock out stuff.  Perhaps my righteous chi will reassert itself tomorrow along with some Puffs Plus Lotion and a healthy sense of humor?

How was your day?  Summarize in six words and share.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Show Your Work

I'm not sure if it's the combination of cold and snow for far too long or the realization that I left a warm and sunny place behind and I won't be experiencing it again any time soon. Whatever the case, today I just surrendered to the cold and the crankiness it evoked, stayed inside, and read a book.

Because Show Your Work by Austin Kleon is an essential read for any kind of artist and even has pictures, I could devour it in a couple of hours and reflect on it for the rest of the day.  A few years ago I read another book by Kleon, Steal Like an Artist.  If anything could catapult me out of my funk, it would be this book that waited patiently for me at the bottom of the pile of mail that had accumulated in my absence.

With the transparency and immediacy of social media, the way we create is changing.  It's no longer necessary to create in solitude, hoping the world will like what we produce when we're brave enough to share it.

Now we can post, pin, or tweet something and get immediate feedback that shapes not only the product but also the process, making our work more of a collaboration than a solo effort birthed by sporadic bouts of brilliance.

Often times we're too close to our work to understand its real value. That's why putting our work out there is more important than perfecting it. Our tribe will see to it that we improve.

A few weeks ago I signed up for B-School with Marie Forleo, an online genius who is willing to share everything she knows about becoming successful online and off. Once a year she makes her online business school available to subscribers. After marveling at her content and creative output over the past year, I decided it was time to invest in her program.

I don't expect to experience the kind of success she enjoys, but I do believe it's possible to take the lessons she has to offer and build a better version of my own brand.  I'll be blogging about these ideas and sharing the lessons learned as well as soliciting your suggestions in the next couple of months. 

So strap in and let's see what the next few months bring.   As long as it's not more snow or cold, I'm guessing you're game?

Six word summary for today:  Dare to share. Show your work.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Six Word Summaries

It's March 1 and so begins the Six Word Summary daily challenge.  Where January's objective was 500 words,  March's daily directive is 6 or so.

I started a few six word summaries while in Arizona where the sun shines and the weather is warm.

Here are two six word summaries for the following photo snapped at the airport before my feet were forced back into snow boots with ice cleats.


Bob's Summary:  These boots are made for hiking.
Penny's Summary:  Once a flower-child,  always a flower-child.

Of course now that we're back in the Arctic Circle, with snow ceaselessly (or senselessly) swirling about and temps once again below zero, we both have agreed on this summary for today:

Life inside snow-globe. Must break free.

Your turn.  Post your summary below.

* Just in case you're wondering, the flower power sandals are Dawgs. They come in every color including camouflage. They are like Crocs, only better!