Finding Your Voice

Living alone a lot of my voice is here as I write a blog. Alot of what was discussed at the Workshop: The Art of New Creation was on our inner voice We had many excercises One was to find your inner child Another was to talk to youself as it was God was guiding you. We talked about the winding river of life. And how we adjust to the bends in the river. I am realizing a lot more listening to the voices of others are so important in this part of my journey. Life is not a perfect straight line. It really sucks sometimes. This is the empath in me. It distracts me from my own problems. I have been paying attention to music for a long time I feel it is my best mood booster. It is not just the words but, the rythym that can lift me up. Sometimes, I listen to music to calm me down. So, music is powerful. One story I can't get of my head is Jesse Malin. He is a musician and I have heard him as a DJ on Underground Garage. His life right now isn't a bend in a river. It is a big boulder stopping the river from flowing. He suffered a spinal stroke, and is paralized from the waste down. I heard this song he wrote, and I thought it might be about the voices he hears as the "them". He does a lot of charity work, so I am sure he has an army of people who can support him during this difficult time. My hope is he can take his own advice, and get through each day gracefully. Quote of the Day: The Voice of Grace Elizabeth Gilbert https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/the-voice-of-grace-dear-ones-heres-the-thing-about-our-heads-they-are-som/ Song of the day: Jesse Malin Don't Let Them Get You Down https://youtu.be/TW2JGi_k14w

Let’s Take Time

Every time I look out this window, I notice something different. Not, just because of the change of seasons But, because I am still growing and learning I think we are a lot like flowers. We have years we bloom, and years we are dormant. Most of the time it is for reasons out of our control. Rob Bell during the workshop with Elizabeth Gilbert brought up the subject of time. He noted sayings about time. As if they are a crime or something violent if we take our time. Sayings like: carve out some time, stealing time, or the best one is killing time. This last job I had was the most time off in a year, and it even had initials: MTO Managed time off. It took me a year to figure out I could only have one weekend off a month. And, any vacation could only include one weekend. As I get older I realize most celebrations take place on weekends. I am just too old for having permission or choosing what I can celebrate. In the picture above I found this in a book I revisited. And, it really has changed the way I am thinking. That will be the topic of my next post. I will also be washing the window screen inside and out. Not out of guilt. No, because every chore I do feels so much better, now. I am not stressing or rushing to get things done. It's all on my time, now. Also, he talked about framing our thoughts. And, that has helped me with my writing. It helps me focus, as if I am painting a thought. Song of the day: Time is on my Side The Rolling Stones Quote of the day: The day is ending. It's time for something that was beautiful to turn into something else that is beautiful. Now, Let go.” — Elizabeth Gilbert.

Just Relax

I have been taking a lot of pictures of archways lately. I think with each one I pass through it is showing I am open to learning new things. The archways make me feel like they are welcoming me into a new path of my life My favorite is the archway at my daughter's house. The arch way in this picture was from Omega Institute. My biggest take away from this workshop was to learn how to relax. Sounds silly, but I am having a hard time with it. Elizabeth Gilbert actually wants to start a Relax Revolution and I am in. She wants us to not feel we are lazy by relaxing. She shared some of her meditation practices, and I found them really helpful. Especially, one using counting and all five senses. So, I hope you find some time to just relax today AND feel good about it. Quote of the day: To me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back. If I can relax, fear relaxes, too. Elizabeth Gilbert Song of the day: Simon and Garfunkel 59th Steet Bridge https://youtu.be/mWBvcJAXwu4

The Art of New Creation

I should be waking up in Kingston, NY this morning. And I should be in a workshop with Rob Bell and Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love) I am writing this on my phone because my laptop is slowly dying. I am happy to report I am good with it. When I first saw the workshop posted I was shocked I was able to get in. It was a sold out event of 450 kindred spirits. When I pushed the button and I was in, my heart jumped. Of course it did. It went right to my practical part of my mind thinking of the cost. But, then I saw an application for a scholarship. And, then came the waiting game. And, I got it! I was one of the 20 lucky attendants and was awarded the workshop for free. I waited too long to get a place to stay on campus I checked into a Marriot in Kingston, which was about twenty minutes away. Last night after a ten hour day at Omega Institute I drove back to the Marriot. I was charging my phone because I accidently left the video on (now deleted). I arrived at the Marriot and started checking my email. And I recieved a concerning text That checkout was at noon and they removed my belongings. It was sold out due to a wedding. I went to the front desk only to find out after scrolling through my emails and realized it was me that skrewed up on the reservation! So, here I am at home. Disapponted, but not devastated. Actually, the workshop was abount dealing with disappontment Especially, buried disappontment. It taught me about framing my thoughts. Each day this week I will be sharing my take aways from the event. Song of the day: https://youtu.be/zWpvDddreaA

Just Be Summer 2023

Seeking Serenity

I found it at Serenity Farms. But, it came with controversary. The family is moving to Florida. And, I overheard conversations, and I tried really hard not to listen. I approached the driveway and was impressed by the huge property. It started to pour, and the field was full of people. They continued to pick lavender, and take pictures. I was happy to see tables under a huge tent. I asked if I could watercolor paint. I found a chair that wasn't wet. I was disppointed with the paper I bought, and will have to buy better paper. But, listening to the appreciative people pay for the lavender they picked. I couldn't wait to get out to the field to start picking. I had the field to myself. I took videos and began cutting. Suddenly, realizing how quiet and serene this was. I inhaled with delight and exhaled exhaustion. I listened to the bees, who seemed just as happy. And, whenever I took a video I was able to dance along with a butterfly fluttering through the field. They were extremely generous with the pricing. They were really just happy to have us cut the lavender. For fifteen dollars I was able to purchase eight nice sized bunches. When I left I saw there was a huge sign that said there is a developer building fourteen houses on the property. I can't even think about that replacing a place called Serenity Farms. What I am concentrating on is finding peace and joy. Not, this and not now. It is not even a debate for me to waste my thoughts. I did tell the owner I was blogging about the experience, and I was more curious of why they started it to begin with. And, she kindly answered. They planted the fields and opened it to the public in 2018. They thought it would be a great business experience for their children. And, even with covid, it was great to have the public enjoy, because it was outside. I loved the ending sentence, which went that they squeezed every bit of enjoyment they could out of the fields. I left with those thoughts in mind. I came straight home, and the lavender bunches are hanging to dry for two weeks. This week I plan on visiting two lavender fields in New Jersey. I have a crown making class scheduled to end out the month. So far, the Spring is bringing beautiful weather for a good season. And, I am very happy the summer of 2023 will begin this week. Quote of the Day: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Song of the Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r4hESt_bgc Let There Peace On Earth International Children's Choir So nice to sing this song again this year at a Mass at St. Catharines to celebrate 1973's class. We sang this song many many times. I truley believe every moment matters.

Lavender Daze

Lavender season has begun. There is just a little pocket of time to see lavender in full bloom each year. I have already visited Mohawk Furnace Farm, PA and Pleasant Valley Lavender in Morganville. As I was driving home from Art on the Porch in Ocean Grove I almost drove right past the new Allaire Lavender Farm. It is a road I drive frequently. But, this was a Saturday, which meant the farm was open to the public for a few hours. I was happy to get a small bouquet to take home. This picture was taken there, and you can see the blooms in the field. Sadly, on the computer you can't inhale the scent of lavender. When I saw the sign up in December, I almost drove off the road. To think we have a lavender field in this area is remarkable. They had really nice things in the store. I especially loved the alpaca shaped soaps. It is also an alpaca farm. There is a great barn to celebrate a special occasion like a shower, anniversary or birthday party. Besides the author events this week, I have been able to read more about my dad's ancestor's history. I am pretty stunned of the revelation of his family coming from France to America before 1680. And, it is the SAME region where I started to consider a writer's residency. This summer is a treat to be able to visit all the lavender fields in the area. And, then to travel to France next summer looks to be an amazing adventure. Yesterday, I also was able to sit in on Jamie Beck who made a beautiful book: "An American in Provence". She has a beautiful instagram page and I have been following her for awhile. Ocean County Library offered the link to the discussion. And, I became immersed in the thought of visiting France for a month. She visited Provence for a year, and ended up living there. She became quite well known during Covid when she started sharing a picture every day on Instagram. She was a professional commercial photographer with a studio in New York City. And, is now living in France as a Fine Art photographer. The way she described life in France, is a lot like I imagined. I am mostly looking forward to disconnecting from the computer, social media on my telephone and giving up television. I say I am looking forward to that, but really all of those things I am addicted to. So, it will be hard. The trade off will be immensely worth it, because most of all I want to know what peace feels like. I am looking forward to being alone with my thoughts and writing it all down. Quote of the Day “I fell in love with Provence and with the insane beauty of Mother Nature that surrounds us and thrives within us,” Jamie Beck Author of An American in Provence Song of the day: Lavender Girl by Caamp