Praise bright blue skies and dark rain clouds.
Lift happy voices upon the morning air.
Murmur sweet words softly
in the evening breeze.
— Maya Angelou
how does one not have envy...
or jealousy...
how does one go about appreciating what they already have...
and stop wanting more...
how does one get over it ..
or move on...
how does one feel gratitude for all that they have...
and stop wanting IT or THAT ...
how does one feel satisfied...
or happy ....
how does one feel contentment...
or calm...
how does one just be one....
I had the privilege of hearing Maya Stein read from her second self published book on Saturday. Maya was someone I heard so much about that I came to think that we'd actually met and were somewhat friends. People who do know her speak of her highly - from the "Maya" haircuts she gives to the beautiful essays she writes.
The party was held at Laurie’s magical house in Alameda on a perfect Saturday afternoon. The sun was peeking through the tree canopy that covered her yard. There were comfy chairs surrounding the bon fire that was starting to roar. There were people gathering around with drinks and eats in tow. I love the place so much I took my chair and sat back to enjoy the aura and magic that engulfed us.
Once everyone was seated, Laurie introduced her. Maya walked in - statuesque wearing her platform sandals, wide leg pants and white jacket. She talked about how we shouldn’t wait! We shouldn’t wait for someone else to want to publish our work, we must do it ourselves. She is brave, she hasn’t waited, and she's done it on her own.
She read 3 pieces. All 3 funny, sad, honest and erotic. I had a glimpse into Maya's world through these personal essays and I was eager to start reading her books to see and hear more.
By the end of the night I ended up buying both books - Spinning the Bottle and The Overture of an Apple and I finally got to meet Maya.
This week's Photo Friday challenge is "Mother".
My sister Erin and her son Jaden.
I recently received Rob Brezsny's Free Will Astrology Newsletter and I can't help but share what my sign said:
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
"To pump up their volume above the prevailing human din, some nightingales in big cities have learned to unleash 95-decibel songs, matching the loudness of a chainsaw.
I'd love to see you make a similar push, Cancerian, because let's face it: If your output remains at its current level, you'll continue to be half-invisible, never making the impact you should.
So raise your intensity, please. Whatever you've been doing to express your uniqueness, do it louder. However you've been contributing your beauty to the world, do it bigger."
All I have to say is "Thank you"
A moment.
A glance.
A thought.
A spark.
Here one minute.
Gone the next.
A wink.
A stare.
A laugh.
A gentle touch.
A smile.
All in a day.
Days pass.
Weeks pass.
Months and Years pass.
One day you wake up.
The dream is true.
You are right here today.
Where you belong.
Enjoy... Gasp.... Giggle.
Listen.
Whisper..."I'm here"
This past weekend Tim and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary!
We decided to flee the city for a warmer climate and a fast roller coaster....
We headed to the Santa Cruz boardwalk!
We drove down Hwy 280, feeling it warm up every mile we drove.
Once we got there we did our regular thing: get our picture taken in the photobooth, and head to the Giant Dipper!
The Giant Dipper is an 80 year old wooden roller coaster; and we just love riding it. It's the most amazing rush; we can't stop laughing afterwards ....
We had our hotdogs and beer on the bleacher steps while people watching. The sun was hot and the cold beer was good.
It felt like summer.... it reminded us of the hot, hot day we got married in. It was a wild ride that day too ...
Here's to many more.
I went to see Fahrenheit 911 last night.
Even if you don't agree with everything Michael Moore stands for or if you're not even that political you should see this movie.
It brings awareness.
It opens your eyes more to how this country is run and about the particular person who is running it.
It makes you think.
It makes you sad.
It makes you want to listen to all sides.
It makes you want to vote.
It made me want all these things and more...
I'm not a political person; or I havent' been in the past.
But since moving to San Francisco and being around people who have strong opinions and who question our government, that has made me more aware of politics and everything surrounding it.
Aware that I shouldn't just stand by and let "everyone else" make my decisions for me.
Aware that I need to take my own stand and vote for who I want to represent me in this country.
Aware that we all need to open our eyes to what is going on here and open our hearts to all the innocent people who have been killed in this recent war.
This week's challenge at Photo Friday is "Ocean"
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Tonight I went to see the movie "Before Sunset" - with Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. The earlier movie before this was "Before Sunrise". I loved both movies.
They meet on a train one night and spend 24 hours together; then end up leaving one another and not seeing each other for another 9 years when they bump into one another in Paris...
I'm a sucker for romance and love and drama I guess and I was just in the mood to go sit in a theatre by myself and delve into someone else's life. I love seeing Paris and the bookstore Ethan Hawke's character was in "Shakespeare and Co." was the same bookstore SARK talks about in Inspiration Sandwich. The one where she stayed at in the upstairs loft. They even referred to the loft in the movie. I just loved that.
Watching the movie made me think about all the people that have come and gone in my life....where are they now and what are they doing....
I'm feelng somewhat normal again - we've moved into our new place and we're finally getting settled. It's always hard at first trying to find homes for all of our stuff; and since this place is even smaller we're having to be very creative. It's actually been kinda fun...
We move almost every year for some reason or another and every time I get rid of so much "stuff" - "clearing the clutter". It's good for the chi and good for the soul to free myself of the unwanted.
I feel like a new part of my life is opening up, like all these new experiences, new adventures and creativity are just waiting in the wings for me to jump on and ride. I'm not sure why because Tim is the one going to school.
I'm still going to be doing my same ol thing, but I don't know, it feels like I have something new to look forward to too.
I'll try not to ask too many questions and let myself be with this new excitement.
This is my Gramma Jo and my nephew Jaden. I can't stop looking at this photo - they are so damn cute. Both of them.
Sending everyone a little bit of love and compassion today.
This is me and my new Nikon D70 that Tim bought me for my Birthday. I had to take a photo of myself and my camera in my bathroom that I'll be leaving soon because we're moving. The old and the new all in one.
I have to say that I was utterly shocked when I opened the camera case to see this! This expensive camera that Tim took the liberty of researching and buying for me.
I didn't know what to say or do - all the critics inside went ballistic. Telling me we didn't have the money, I wouldn't know how to use it, I couldn't learn how to use it etc etc... I actually didn't even take the camera on our trip because I thought we'd return it.
But now; after thinking long and hard about it and seeing it again - I want it. I'm worth the money he spent.
I'm worth all of it!
Tim wanted to surprise me and he did and now I'm going to honor that by keeping it and using it!
I'm so excited!!!!!!
The highlights from our trip back home...
Spending time with my grandparents, aunts and cousins..
My Gramma Jo is a hoot!
Seeing Jeremy
Rolling down the hill with Jarin
Dairy Queen blizzards
Road trips through small towns
Thunderstorms along with big puffy clouds! Oh, how I miss the clouds!
Remembering the beauty that Wisconsin and Minnesota has in the summer
Feeding the horses
Seeing Heather, Michael, Alison and Katy!
Spending my Birthday laughing our butts off at "Frank Caliendo" at the comedy club
Having fun at fun city with Ashley and Samantha playing putt putt golf
Basking in the sun by the pool with Tim's family
Big Al's in LaCrosse - the best pizza ever!
The BBQ at Maria and Chad's
Jerilyn's water breaking - we're having a baby!!!
We welcomed "Colton Randall Alsum" on July 4th! Congratulations Jerilyn and Darren - I'm so happy I could be there to share in your joy! My chanting worked :)
Spending time with my folks and sister
Jarin and his ketchup kisses
Jaden with the "cheeks" and that smile that melts my heart
So many great moments to share. Happy to be back sharing them with you.
