the shape of trees

More kind words.

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“Oh, Janet, you’re good. Really good. I love what you did. And, I think I’ll play with the present tense. It sounds more inviting.  A million thanks.”

–Sally Huss, artist and author

After I helped Sally with the editing of her book, I wrote an article about her life’s work for the premiere issue of bw Magazin’ on brainywoman.com. It’s always a pleasure working with Sally!

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Backbone.

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In honor of National Poetry Month.

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Knowing the joy of yes.

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Instead of arrogance, why not cultivate appreciation?

Instead of tearing a person down, why not build up their self esteem?

Instead of outrageous reaction, why not grace under fire? Blowhards puff away, pontificating, while a leader engages with powerfully chosen words.

Instead of “no-ing” the hours away, consider knowing the joy of yes!

Instead of checking text messages upon waking, why not get on your knees and pray?

Instead of pissing and moaning, why not Rise, Pee, Meditate? (The great meditation teacher, davidji of The Chopra Center, uses the RPM method every day!)

Why can it be so hard to listen to your heart, when all you can hear is its steady, unwavering beat?

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Gray hair envy.

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I really admire gray hair on humans, with special mention of  the salt-and-pepper look. I have many friends who sport this chic-ness, as I hope someday to do, too. Only my gray chic is coming from a bottle.

I just returned from my regularly scheduled hair appointment, when I have the “mousy” brown washed right out of it, replaced with a special auburn-dark brown blend … that looks most natural, I must confess. Naturally, my gray strands are covered. And each time I’m asked, “So, what are we doing today?” I mention, “I’d like to go gray.” At this point, I am convinced my hairdresser thinks I’m kidding … she never responds, either way.

My favorite response to my gray hair affinity comes from a high school friend. Her hair has already gone gray – and it’s beautiful to. When I mention this and confess, “If my gray hair would look as stunning as yours, I’d stop coloring it,” she deadpans, “I don’t believe you.” Touché.

So why don’t I go gray? Shame of boomer status? Afraid of job discrimination? Well, it has nothing to do with any of that, really –or my hair- and everything to do with my self-esteem.

I’m afraid I can’t pull it off.

And although I was Gray before I was Muniz, I still can’t shake my low opinion of my looks.

So my gray hair envy will have to wait until another day. And hair appointment.

Photo credit:  permanently scatterbrained

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Self motion.

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Some days I’m one with it; other days I’m the one

throwing obstacles into the flow.

It is the flow that motivates … the ebb and flow,

one day to the next.

Foot in front of the other.

The breath of imagination.

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Yoga high.

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April is a time of renewal for me, when I rejoice in the freedom of a recharge.

This April, I’m starting to practice yoga more consistently. After a year of taking no classes, I sign up at the local studio I’ve had my eye on all along. I hesitated before because of the expense; now, after only two classes –well, I’m on a yoga high. I am thrilled and so very grateful for the physical wellbeing, in spite of a little stiffness. Yoga practice gives my body the strength it needs to banish my back and arthritis pain; it opens up my heart and lungs to breathe … I mean, really breathe. Such a simple thing, breathing; it’s amazing how many times a day I hold my breath. Why? The added joy of my new classes is in the meditation of devoting an hour+ to practice as well as a certain sense of community, of collective consciousness.

This April, I’ve planned a plethora of pleasurable programs for my pursuit of practice (too much?) on other levels, too. For those who practice The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron has launched a online version! Check it out. My plans for gardening have stalled –we had a thunder-lightning-hail storm last night- and I’m celebrating 13 years of marriage. I am also looking forward to a writer’s retreat later in the month; yet it is yoga practice that is inspiring me to move ahead. Truly taking steps … one at a time!

THIS APRIL, WHAT WILL GET YOU MOVING FORWARD?

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Sun salutation photo: Flickr, justanotherpumpkin

Salad days.

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Oh, the innocence of youth – the salad days … and my youth is innocent indeed. Quiet and shy, I enjoy being alone atop a grassy hill near where I grow up, singing softly to no one in particular. I have no problem talking to myself out lou-$%&#– Think you’re going to learn more? No … you’re not (at least not today).

I’m talking about my current salad days –the ones where I’m eating nothing but salad! Spring is here and it’s time to get back in shape. Give the mind and body a deep cleanse, a tune-up. Freshen up that exercise regimen (doing it); give some love to those hands and feet (doing it); keep up with that writing practice (doing it); commit to a little “me” time (doing it); ask every day, “Who am I? What do I want? What is my purpose?” (doing it, doing it, doing it).

It’s the definition of self-starter, isn’t it? Willing yourself to re-charge and get back in the race. I’m a big believer in the wisdom of uncertainty, and it can capture my attention, helping me to re-energize my dreams.

Sometimes this involves a lot of salad, though. A lot.

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Photo credit: Flickr, jules:stonesoup

Lavender and more.

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This is what spring looks like in San Juan Capistrano.

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Pink.

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This is what spring looks like in Seattle.

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Good in the kitchen.

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Some say those who can, write. Those who can’t (at least right now), cook.

OK, I’m probably the only one who actually says this because it works for me.

Several years ago, after I lose my groove –a burnout, really- I end up getting it back by cooking. I pour all my intention out in front of the stove instead of a computer, until it boils over into my writing practice. Even now, if I’m stuck, I whip up something to eat –generally for someone else. That’s key, too. The entire process clears my mind, helps me to be ready to articulate in my word smith way, if you will.

It isn’t until I hear Alaska-based Bearfoot perform this song at the Grand Targee Bluegrass Festival a couple of years ago, that I get a theme song for cookin’ … at work:

Today’s the kind of day when I’m singing my theme song … “Good in the kitchen, then get ready to be…”

I’m still working on Bearfoot’s follow-up: “You ought a see me in my apron when you’re away…” (That’s right, sweetheart. Smooches.)

Thanks, Bearfoot!

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