I had an interesting moment while on the massage table this past week.  I was dreaming, I think… I was relaxed and became conscious of ideas connecting while knots were gently dissipating from my neck.

From the images that were presenting in my mind, I was left with the impression that people as a whole were getting fed up with “quick fixes” that “extend youth” or “melt away pounds.”  I saw piles of these types of products being thrown out by the masses… and a phrase got stuck in my head.  “It isn’t about living forever… it is about living forever, in this moment.”

Not only was the massage I received needed, but so was the message.

I have arrived at a place where I am starting to embrace the amount of decades I have participated in… and I am learning to honor what that means-

*  If I take care of myself, time becomes my friend.  My body/mind improves as my habits do.

*  The time I have known some of my closest friends is a beautiful thing.

*  Buying a house doesn’t have to be an option I reject… looking at how much time has passed and how much we have spent on renting, time can work in a positive way with having our own home.

When I realized that last concept… things started to happen.  The universe seemed to step in and choreographed a beautiful rhythm that we flowed with, and that led us to…

Today, I found artwork at a local antique store that I want to hang in one of the bedrooms that will be my “art room.”  (I am thrilled for that space.)

For me, it takes effort to feel as though time is my companion and not sprinting forward leaving me panting in the dust.

The balance I feel at this place in my life is something to hold onto and cherish.

This moment holds forever- embracing that is our choice.

xo.

Allow missteps to be the current that elevates you…

…The gust you emanate will hush the hiss of yesterday’s laments.

xo.

Be patient for growth amongst the ruins.

What will emerge has the strength to create connections-

to those who are extinguishing their own charred souls.

Do not perch upon the isolated branch.

Challenge discomfort and lead those with clipped wings, with smoldering yesterdays.

Your heart awaits your permission to rebuild, to soar.

xo.

Yesterday I read an article to my clients about the true gifts of the holidays; things and actions that don’t have to cost money… and can be done all year round.

Last night, when I read about the call for paper snowflakes for students of Sandy Hook Elementary, it just made sense to do this with my clients… people who have had their own struggles doing for others who are struggling right now.

What happened last week keeps coming up in conversation and in my mind.  For me, doing something positive turns the conversation into action and subdues the thoughts of tragedy.

xo.

xo.

… and you became family to me.

My memories of when you came to visit are laced with affection and attachment.

I wish my wedding day wasn’t the last time we got to see you and feel the warmth that accompanied you like a constant soothing breeze…

… I will always cherish the artwork you created, framed on my wall.

Goodbye, Linda.

May you now be surrounded by the same peace you brought to us and others who were blessed to know you.

xo.

boulders with a core

of shame/terror/guilt.

my foundation has cracks

has been rebuilt

but

it does not weaken

from extra weight.

in fact,

supporting is what has sealed

the cracks and

created stronger layers.

my own boulders have been left behind

with my arms now full of compassion.

xo.

We made jewelry and painted on wood blocks… and every holiday there was a project.

For the first time in a long time, a holiday has a project.

Mom and Ms. Susan saw a decoration in a store, and decided to make their own.  They sent me pictures and I immediately longed for the days of glue guns and puff paint.

So, Mom got me a plastic pumpkin, black paint, sequined trim, let me borrow her glue gun… and I got crafty today.

xo.

Eventually, the nocturnal bird found it’s way into my jewelry, clothes, and home/office decor.

I received this gift yesterday…

… and here is my new addition with its “family” on my desk in my office…

xo.

*  Just in case no one has told you lately, “Holy S#!*, you are STRONG.”

*  Always make time for silliness (even just for a moment, especially when things get tough… “Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion.  I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut).

xo.