2012-A Year in Pursuit of Practice

Leo Babauta on Practice

2012-01-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

I read Leo's blog, Zen Habits, fairly regularly and have found it inspiring. One thing I like about Leo's blog is that it has no advertisements, is reader supported, uncopywrited, worker-owned, and hand-made. Fabulous! Zen Habits has been an encouragement to slow down my life a bit and really be present in the moment. He has a nice article on Practice that I just read and a link in it to Ali Edwards' musings on practice as well. I had read Ali's before, but it was nice to revisit. A reminder that my artistic pursuits need a little practice as well.

I can pack a lot into a day and have let art slide a bit while I got to absorb a little of other aspects of my life, but I'm ready now to put art back into the practice cycle. I have been doing my photo a day, for the last 15 days.

I'm going to do some art with those soon. I'm still working out the inability to upload directly to the computer so it requires more effort like printing (remember doing that?) photos and scanning to upload. I feel like I'm in the dark ages and hoping Canon and Apple catch up soon.

Along the lines of Leo's list of practices, a fellow dental hygienist shared with me a little nugget she took away from a continuing education course once- "Only touch it once". I have adopted that in many ways and it has lead to a real peace and order to my daily living. I could create chaos dropping stuff here and there and never being able to find what I was looking for. I was spending incredible amounts of time looking for things. Dealing with whatever I touch all the way to where I really want it to be is fabulous! Mail, especially. It is sorted, shredded, recycled and dealt with immediately when I get home. I do still have a small stack of things to go up or down the stairs occasionally but that, too has some order to it.

Practice has a lot of payoffs.
And because I'm a visual person- here's a little sidewalk art I did yesterday.
My wish for you.

It's an art form..

2012-01-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

Practice, that is. I've tried not to take on too many new ones all at once though that would be more my style. To go wild with new goals and throw them all out in a day or two.

I am still taking a photo a day. Practicing with my new camera. And even when it isn't with me, I use my phone to have something to document the day.

This was my first day's photo. Holy Moly! This is the little Baby Jesus that is in front of the rectory in the neighborhood. The Holy Family sit atop a knoll and one has to climb over a wrought iron railing to get this grand view, thank goodness for small children, who like me might have been horrified or at the least, perplexed, to see Baby Jesus in a half-eaten manger secured from thieves by a wire across the neck and ankles! Surely there is a better way, Father ____, (whoever you are).

I discovered Thursday, that to my delight, Baby Jesus lights up! I was in too much of a hurry to get a shot before work, but promised myself a photo op on Friday. Drat- a day late! Baby Jesus had been returned to where ever he lives during the rest of the year. Hummm...something to look forward to.

I still cannot upload photos from the camera, which is a real shame because you are missing some good ones! I may experiment with using Jim's computer and see what happens there.

This is my winterscape for the piece in the dining room. I change it every season or whim. I knew Richey, who helped me decide last year that I needed somethings with height on that chest, would appreciate the blue theme- her favorite color. She detests green, which is one of MY favorite colors.

And this is a not-so flattering photo of some of my bridge pals at our 1st Thursday of the month game this week. These women are important to me- I've played cards and more importantly shared life with them over 20 years.

I'm enjoying shooting a little more and recording a bit of daily life-sometimes surprising, often routine, always interesting.

One of my other practices is drinking water as soon as I get up, which I am doing daily-I'm so pleased! And I've been trying in general to drink more water. We are mostly made up of water so I needed to be hydrating more. Not to mention that my caffeine consumption in the morning doesn't help and is very dehydrating.

This is a habit that I'm taking to though I have to admit, I do find water a little boring so I am focusing on the benefits.

Practice has its rewards.

Practicing

2012-01-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, all!
I've started doing a little towards practicing already. I got a camera for Christmas and hope to practice with it daily. I took my picture of the day. Unfortunately my new camera doesn't talk to my computer yet, you'd think I'd have looked at that but they should come out with updated software in the near future. But I also took one with my phone, too, and will upload when I get my computer back tomorrow.
I'm practicing drinking more water and trying to start my day with a glass of that before coffee. I have terrible dry eye problems and water can't do anything but help that!
We will see how these two practices go. I love the bizarreness of my photo today can't wait to show it to you!

Practice- definition from Oxford Dictionary Online

2011-12-30T04:58:00.000-08:00

practice

Pronunciation:/ˈpraktɪs/

noun

[mass noun]

1the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it:the principles and practice of teachingthe recommendations proved too expensive to put into practice
the carrying out or exercise of a profession, especially that of a doctor or lawyer:he abandoned medical practice for the Church
[count noun] the business or premises of a doctor or lawyer:Dr Apps has a practice in Neasham Road

2the customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing of something:product placement is common practice in American movies[count noun]:modern child-rearing practices
an established method of legal procedure.

3repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it:it must have taken a lot of practice to become so fluent
[count noun] a period of time spent practising an activity or skill:daily choir practices

verb

US spelling of practise

Phrases

in practice
out of practice: not currently proficient in a particular activity or skill through not having exercised or performed it for some time:he was out of practice at interrogation
practice makes perfect: regular exercise of an activity or skill is the way to become proficient in it.

Origin:

late Middle English: from practise, on the pattern of pairs such as advise, advice

A new year- a new word

2011-12-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

I'm welcoming a new word for 2012. Practice. It isn't the word I thought I'd choose, perhaps it found me in my desire to live life more fully (yes, I hear some of you who know me best laughing hysterically because you think I live a pretty full life as it is!). Perhaps living more fully in the sense of more authentic, finding my voice creatively, pursuing things I say I'm interested in instead of just wishing I would. I like the idea of practice rather than discipline. It has a more positive energy to it. I like the idea of identifying things I would like to practice more, physically and spiritually. So, I'm pretty excited to see where exploring practice takes me. I plan to start slowly so that my practice is enjoyable and so that I look forward to it.

It may be like my mindful year in 2010 but with more intention and less observation.

There are some things I'd like to change about myself and some things I'd like to explore.

Maybe practice is one way to accomplish that.

Do you have a word for 2012?

Somehow I just didn't choose well

2011-11-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

My life has been anything but serene this year. Less so than most, really. I'll be listening for a more appropriate choice for next year. It seems this was just out of my control. At least "mindful" was something I could work on or be aware of.
I could make a list, a long one really, of why this year has been less than serene, but really, what is the point?
So, I'll spend the days remaining of 2011 listening for the word. Listening. Maybe that is the word.?

Still cloudy but I found a ray of sunshine

2011-09-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

a peaceful descent

in cleaning out that mind cluttering basement. 9 1/2 hours, 5 bags of trash, a carload-and I do mean load of stuff to Goodwill, and a large plastic tote of things to try to sell or give to someone I know, and a big pile for the recyclers has left me with a basement that is at least somewhat organized, maneuverable and really has given me a little serenity for this no-work Friday. I'm going to do some art, cooking and reading. I already went to Day's for my celebration latte by Chris who makes me a pretty design and a latte that taste like a toasted marshmallow. Super good. Oh, and because I couldn't go to the bank without walking pass Kizito I was rewarded a hard to come by unless requested Apple Ginger Muffin. Ah, the little rewards in life.
Ironically, I read this post today which reminded me, I really need less stuff and then I wouldn't need to reorganize. So true.
Here are the before and after pics of basement. Keep reminding me I need less stuff.....

a right at the end of the stairs

view at bottom of stairs

This was by the door to garage

after toward garage door

path to closet

That area at the foot of stairs now

latte

Lessons

2011-09-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

I'm learning the hard way that Serenity is very much a state of mind. It's sort of the "love the one you're with", "bloom where you are planted" scenario in which you get to make some choices, but for the most part you learn to find peace in the moment.
It has been a challenging year. Lawsuits from neighbors, aging parent, adult children finding their way, business ownership....
But, so far it has also been a wonderful year and I am learning to focus on the wonderfulness. I have found a new church community that is diverse and interesting, led by an inspiring woman. It is creative and loving but perhaps what I like most right now is how accepting it is of people, whoever they are, wherever they are and they love celebrations. I'm all about celebrating anything and everything!
My former church is far from home and as I get older I am finding peace in staying close and discovering new things about my community, being a better steward in a way. I'll maintain my Wednesday morning prayer group in the east end, as it has been a source of strength, comfort, inspiration, and love for many a year. The women there are wise and I wouldn't have known them any other way, and really, they have been my "church" for several years.
My farewell to the other church is bittersweet. My best friend still goes there (thankfully on Wednesday AM, too) and we won't be coming up with high jinks togethers as one of the BRAS-back row altos any more, my children were raised with the help of some of those folks as I was a single mom-which was the main reason I stayed there, one less change for them, and I felt a sense of duty to serve there in gratitude. So, it is sad to let go of that but the gratitude will always be there. But, it has some not so fond memories associated with it as well and it is freeing to let go of those.
I've had two weeks with very little work to do in my business, which is a little scary when it comes to paying bills, but has afforded me a great time of rest and fun in preparation for the last quarter which is always my busiest time of the year. I've had serenity to enjoy it as the beginning of the year was busy and there is money in the bank for this slow time. Joy, joy!
My plans for play today have been thwarted by the clouds. I wanted to experiment with my new light reactive dyes and it is the cloudiest day we've had in months! But, peace will come from a few hours spent in the depressing basement of JUNK, making it less depressing and more mind freeing, so really in the long run it will be a boost to serenity spending some time down there. If I'm brave enough, I'll take some before and after pictures. Just try not to faint from the horror of the original condition.
Still pursuing....it's a journey. Isn't it always?

And another quarter year has passed

2011-06-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

This year has been anything but serene on many fronts. And rather than write about all of the ways it hasn't been and all of the ways I wish it had, I just haven't written. But, I have tried to incorporate a little serenity into the beginning of my day. I spend a few minutes in bed thinking about loved ones, whispering prayers for each of them and hopes for the day which is a nice alternative to shutting off the alarm and hoping out of bed and into the shower. So a slower pace has led to a little slice of serenity. The year is just half over so perhaps the next 1/2 will bring more thoughts and realization of serenity.
Still seeking....... I may have just not been in tune with myself this year. I have been doing a lot of self-discovery, oh, maybe that was supposed to be my word?

Starting slowly

2011-01-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

I got started right away but my progression is slow. I'm really feeling the need to streamline for serenity. I'm trying to be serene during the process and not do it like a mad woman.

My first step has been to have a glass of water every morning when I first get up. Sounds weird, I know. But, I tend to rush into the kitchen, make coffee which is dehydrating and skip what my body really needs.
So, I am finding it calming to have a glass of water and think about the day ahead.

I've started organizing. Preparing for the holidays had me digging into my built-in storage cabinet in the dining room where platters, candle holders, vases, etc. are kept. It is a tumbling down place where I want to scream every time I need something.

I saw the massive amounts of storage containers at Target this week and picked out a few co-ordinating, cheery green and clear containers for this cabinet. I absolutely love it! I can access things I want-easily and move aside what I don't to get to what I do-easily... Yea, yea, yea!

I moved out the silver accessories, sadly in need of polishing because they are used infrequently, to the basement. Oh, woe is me when the basement day arrives, but- I don't live in the basement. I do live in the dining room. Remaining are platters and glass serving pieces, a soup tureen I love but don't use often, vases (all together), my iron and spray starch (which oddly are most convenient here), and then my bins of candle holders, candles, tea lights, some seasonal decorating accessories. Not a heaping pile of things that tumble over as I try to retrieve something.

In the process I put several things in my donate bag, threw several things away and found a handful of items that I thought friends would use and gave them to them last night. They were thrilled and so was I.

I'm happy just opening it up and looking at it.

Ah.....

New year, a new word

2010-12-31T19:13:00.000-08:00

For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.

T.S. Eliot

Love a new year, it gives one reason to reflect, review, anticipate... So it is again. I decided that the word that best summed up the desire of my heart was serenity.
I want to streamline my possessions. I want to take more time for inner exploration which may leave less for more visible pursuits, but maybe not.
Let's see what a year in pursuit of serenity looks like and where it leads.
What's your word? Where are you wanting to go?

The end of a mindful year

2010-12-29T09:47:00.000-08:00

I think mindful was a good word for 2010. I've had plenty to be mindful of and I do think it has helped me accomplish what I hoped and that was to be more aware of my life and not let it pass me by. I realize a difference in my perception of time as I get older. It goes by a lot faster now and before I know it another year passes so fast it was a blur. So, my goal was to just soak it in a little more. Not to be a member of the human race who was literally-racing.
It is a hard thing for me because I love doing and trying new things, new recipes, new crafts, new challenges, new work. It is stimulating...... and exhausting at the same time.
So, I was more mindful even though it still sped at a pretty good clip, mindful that a few themes like, love, gratitude, justice came up over and over again.
But, mostly it was all about the love.

Thanks for journeying with me!

Gratitude and it is almost Christmas!

2010-12-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

(I started this on Thanksgiving!)
I probably need to do this daily, (the writing part) so I thought it would be time well spent to actually write down some of the many thing for which I give thanks. I've been in a bit of a ditch lately and I know from experience the best way out is gratitude. So in an order not reflective of importance but more one reflective of my current state of mind, here goes:

I am grateful for:
good health and realize a lot of that depends on me-that said after a week of indulgent eating and a definite need to get off the food train and on the exercise wagon to feel good and to feel ready for the food fests that are ahead this next month. Food is a great pleasure in life for me- I love the way it taste, I love to buy it, look at it, talk to the people who grow it, which brings me to more on my list

my husband, who is the primary cook of the food I enjoy. I could and may list him many time for many reasons, but while we are on the subject of food, I am grateful for every day I don't have to think of what to cook, shop for it in a grocery store, or prepare it. He is my safe place to be and I love him for it. I hope he finds having a housekeeper a fair exchange and equally rewarding. And speaking of rewarding

my work, I am so lucky to enjoy the work that I do. I have to say most days are wonderful at work, whether I am seeing patients, some of whom I have know for more than 30 years, or, as one friend said about owning my own business, "living the American Dream". Each year my little business has grown and while it was one of the scariest things I ever did, it has been one of the most rewarding. My clients have encouraged, affirmed and referred new people to me to grow this dream. I thank them so much. On to more thankfulness

I'm thankful to have had the joy and sorrow, bliss and despair, and so many other emotions that come with being a parent. I wish I could remember each moment and hold it in my hand and look at it from many angles. When was the last day I picked my child up and put them on my hip? They outgrew it without the noting of the day. When was the last bath I gave or story I read in bed to them? Each child, in their own way, has owned a part of me that no other does, a love all their own. I hope they know that above all else.

I'm thankful for a renewed relationship with my younger sister. We weren't particularly close and I almost missed out on this really terrific relationship. I hope we have many years ahead.

I'm grateful to be a grandmother, such a special thing. I've gained wisdom over the years that hopefully my grandchildren benefit from that my kids missed out on. Don't have to be a disciplinarian, just a gentle guide and creator of fun, example (and any inconsistencies will be pointed out), cookie making, movie watching, nature exploring, so much to do-so little time! I try to do NO chores and play, play, play-the luxury of a grandmother.

I'm grateful for friends, what on earth would we do without them? The family we get to choose!

So much more to say but if I don't end, there won't be time for Christmas mindfulness! And then there is the new word of the year for 2011.... what will it be?

Bliss

2010-10-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

What's not to love about a new baby? This is sweet Ophelia Elizabeth. And while I have loved looking at her, holding her, and marveling at her, the super joyful moments are watching Ez with her. He is so gentle and thinks she is so cute and sweet. It is blissful to see them together. I wish for her and him a lifetime of sweet companionship. Mindful of the joy of siblings and how blissful, fresh and new life can be.

Mindful of injustice

2010-10-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching "For the Bible Tells Me So" a Sundance documentary in which the director looks at ways the Church has used and sometimes exploited Scripture to deny human rights to gays and lesbians.
It was a reminder of the hatred that continues to live in the name of religion, which has always been one of my deepest conflicts with my church life. I have, for as long as I can remember, been an inclusive person, and consider that to be one of the gifts I have been given. I guess one of the things I took away most personally is not to respond to this kind of absurdity with the same hatred that has been shown to gays and lesbians, but it sure does make me mad. It also makes me think I should be doing much more to support gays, lesbians, transgendered and bi-sexuals and all others who suffer injustice, especially in the name of God.
I remember being confronted by an elderly Junior High School school teacher about not sticking up for a white friend of mine when she and a black girl got into a fight after school. I didn't realize how inappropriate that whole discussion was at the time-it was the 60's and the water fountains at the court house were still segregated- another mystery to me even at age 8 or 10 when my mother informed me that the fountain I was about to drink from was for black people. Oh, but really, different water fountains? Why, oh, why? I had no hesitation in telling that teacher that they both were wrong to hit each other, a point that didn't endear me to her.
I've struggled within my own church with the on going-don't ask, don't tell, "I don't think we will be an open and affirming church" attitude towards gays and lesbians, which I just find to be in contradiction to what I know of Christ. Thankfully, I am seeing improvement and a willingness to just love people more.
Open, accepting, embracing, affirming and loving? I don't think Jesus would have it any other way.
Mindful of the importance of love, and sure the world would be a better place with a lot more of it.
I was just lucky to be born of a persuasion that is more societally acceptable. People could ask why I'm attracted to men- couldn't explain it any more than a gay or lesbian person can explain their attraction to someone.
The suicides as a result of bullying are shocking, the many more who are suffering beyond those known cases-far to many.
There are so many reasons to affirm people. Too bad we are spending so much time trying to divide and persecute.
Mindful of being grateful that I can see the world differently and hopeful that I live it out more fully. No one should live in fear.

Remembering

2010-09-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

I know exactly where I was when I heard that something had struck one of the Twin Towers on 9/11/01. I had a scan of my gallbladder scheduled (what fun, huh?) and I was in the waiting room watching the early morning news. There was talk that a plane, perhaps a small one, had hit the North Tower. The hole seemed big for a private plane. I remember telling the technician to catch the news, something was going on in NYC.
I went home and by then the second plane had hit and it was obvious what had occurred.
I called my office to make sure they were aware. We keep popular radio on but not TV. Oddly, I had brought a tiny 7 inch TV to work just a week or so before saying that you never know when you'll want to catch something on TV (we do live in tornado alley!). They had grabbed the little TV after a patient told them what happened.
Next, the Pentagon. Panic struck even more. My daughter was a nurse in Bethesda at the National Institutes of Health but live right in downtown DC. I couldn't reach her by phone, couldn't reach her partner, you couldn't reach anyone by phone. I sent an email to someone I had previously had a relationship with, who was a journalist in DC and asked if necessary, would he get to her house to check on her? I knew he would be tremendously busy, but I also knew he'd do it if necessary. I'd keep trying by phone until I couldn't stand it any longer.
I had a class to teach that afternoon. It was all we could do (all of us) to get through our material and get back to the news coverage. They were very kind and sympathetic as I checked my phone regularly for news of Amy. To this day, those who were there bring up that year's training.
She was fine and later emailed me. (Huge sigh of relief!) She did not go into work and was told not to come unless contacted. Those already working would stay on indefinitely. Traffic was a mess as you can imagine and the city was practically under military control. For a long time after, if driving on to NIH property, your car had to be inspected, as with all government facilities.
Her partner was scheduled to meet with a man at the Pentagon to discuss work that her company was doing with them. That man died in the Pentagon attack. Such a strange feeling.
Everything was strange after that. Nothing really ever the same. Skylines, air travel, points of time references..... My niece, who had worked in one of the Twin Towers on the hundredth-something floor, had not long before changed jobs and moved out of NYC, my sister-in-law was there in NY that day and had a time of it returning to Texas with air traffic grounded, the endless names and faces of those missing and searching, oh, so sad.
I flew to DC not a month after 9/11. One of the strangest trips I ever made, eerie really. Security so different and tight, but still in the infancy of its change. Odd what they would and wouldn't let you through with, still true in some ways.
I remember as I drove through the city, damage to the Pentagon still so raw, ground to air assault weapons placed everywhere, helicopters everywhere, men with guns everywhere all so surreal.
I'm mindful today of how things can change in a second......forever.....and mindful of all of us, changed forever by that attack.

Passing it on

2010-08-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

I always admired my mother's wedding ring. I thought it was just lovely. Simple design and flat. I don't like rings with a lot of prongs that stand up. Wearing gloves to work the better part of my life, they have never appealed to me at all. I like rings that you can wear every day. I occasionally think to put one one for just the day, but not often.
So, for a ring with diamonds, or any stone, really, it was my favorite. I've said forever that it was the only piece of her jewelry I ever wanted, and she has some lovely things.
She took it off when she had her shoulder surgery last year and knew it wouldn't go back on unless she had it resized which she didn't want to do because of the hand inscription inside it. So, in a drawer it has been. Until now.
It is now mine. I am so pleased to have it, a lovely reminder of my parents. I look at it over and over again.
I hope my mother enjoys seeing it on a different finger in the days to come.
Mindful of how lovely it is to get a family treasure while the original owner is still here to share it with.
Thanks, Mom.

Aging

2010-07-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

My mother had a transient ischemic attack a week ago. Let me add that she is back to her same self now. She went to the hospital after a visit to the nurse practitioner after I told her I wasn't comfortable with her just "keeping an eye on things" after her foot and leg were numb... and her arm being a little numb later, but probably just "asleep", and she had been unusually tired recently, oh, and had had some pain in her neck. All of this came out, one symptom at a time over 24 hours. See how the day went?

Over night stay turned into two more days of tests in the hospital, the day they were going to release her, she really felt worse, so a quick look at her heart, blood pressure and that cholesterol that was too high. Mom has a great way of explaining things away. She was on a floor where almost all of the patients had monitors on the bed and ALL were connected to heart monitors.

Friday, she had a revelation, something that was truly new to her........
She was "old"! She was on the "old person" floor in the hospital and was herself.... old! She really hadn't realized it.

I'm really glad that she has viewed herself these almost 82 years as "young". And truly, she has been by most means of measuring. She lives in her own home, cuts her grass, goes to the gym twice a week, drives to Florida if she chooses and leads an active social life.

I'm hoping that the new medications, and a few tweaks to her lifestyle won't change her attitude and that she won't view herself as "old", but perhaps treat herself with kindness and permission to just "be" every now and again.

Appreciating the good health my mother has had all of these years, and mindful of the truth that you really are only as old as you feel. Most days she has rarely felt a day over 60. Isn't that great?

Midway

2010-07-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

This is my 20th post, so I'm not averaging one a week, but still feel overall more mindful. That was my plan.
I'm excited about participating in The Sketchbook Project. I like creating and give a lot of art away, but I usually get art in return, this time-not so much. My little sketch book, who's theme is "This is not a sketchbook" will be traveling around the country, oh, and I just this minute realized it will be in Seattle! Hummm, wouldn't it be fun to see it with Amy and Rachel at Form/Space Atelier?
I also considered the themes; "in flight" and "and then there was none". What theme would have caught your eye?
I wonder what muse will come my way for this little project? I can't wait.
Mindful that creating anything from the blankness of a white page is truly awesome and of the fact that everyone is an artist and creator in some way.
I bet there is a little piece of blankness somewhere just waiting for your offering, maybe an empty bowl that needs your wonderful food, a patch of dirt just waiting to become a garden, a house just waiting to become a home.

Life can be a barrel of fun!

2010-06-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

This morning on the way home from the farmers market, I spied this fun board outside of Why Louisville, a store full of fun stuff. They are celebrating their 5th anniversary. I had my picture taken on both sides. I think those things are so much fun! This afternoon we met Brian and took E to see Toy Story 3 in 3D. Fun, fun-the movie and watching the guys. Off to McDonald's for a snack-complete with toy, of course, and a fun turtle-looking light to stand on, too. Mindful that fun may lie around most any corner if you look.

Graduation Day

2010-05-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

How can 5 years have gone by? I know I'll be saying the same in another 13 after high school graduation, too. As much as I try to savor every minute, they mount up so fast. Pre-K graduation, caps and gowns, seems so grown up! He was pretty excited about it all, though. The coolest thing to me was that the teacher had put together two small photo albums of pictures throughout the year for the parents. Sweet.
Mindful today that it all goes by way to fast even when you ARE stopping to smell the roses.

Loving where I live

2010-05-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

I remind myself often of how happy I am to live where I live. Louisville is a great city. Small enough to avoid endless commutes and big enough for great cultural events, museums, concerts, farmers markets, not to mention home to the Kentucky Derby, or The Derby as we locals like to refer to it. Derby Festival time is always when I remember my love of Louisville-so much going on. And spring is truly spectacular here with flowering trees, shrubs and flowers.

My only grandchild lives here, too, which really makes it my number one happy reason to live here. You can always read about him on my other blog. I'm so lucky to be his "Jams".
I dearly love my house and neighborhood. I live within walking distance of some of the best restaurants I've eaten in anywhere in the world and I do love food. It really does make me smile every time I pull in the driveway to my home. I just think it is charming. I didn't choose it, Jim did-before we married. So, I don't have a problem bragging on it. The flower boxes, changing the color of the shutters, the spectacular daylilies in July, the added fence down the left side, curving sidewalk down the side and the pond, deck and brick patio and flowers. I am just the luckiest.
I also have a great job that I love, also by luck. I had no idea what to do when I got out of high school, a year early at that. My mom suggested dental hygiene-she had started in the first class at U of L but didn't finish. Always a need for them- wherever you go, and the patients you see are, for the most part, healthy. I was lucky it was perfect. Little completed tasks all day long, a lot of autonomy. Perfect for my personality. Then when I started my business Educare, which was scary as can be, it was perfect for me, too. I was talked into it by a friend who had been doing the same thing but was taking a different job. She sold me her client list and pointed me to places of certification and voila! I didn't really think about it until my friend Ed Huckleberry said "Wow, you are living the American Dream" that I really was by working for myself part-time.
And then there's Jim who shares it with me. Lucky, lucky, lucky. Who needs a winner on Derby Day? I feel like a winner every day. Great city, great kids and grandson, great husband, cool neighborhood, cozy home, good food and a great job.
Mindful of how good life is for me, wishing everyone had it so good.

Does it get any better than this?

2010-04-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

A fun little five year old who loves life and me, too. I have the best time with this little guy who reminds me to slow down and to look in all directions not to miss anything. I couldn't get a picture of it, but he observed the biggest spider web I've ever seen that was probably 12 feet above us and had all kinds of things captured in it!

Gotta love jumping!

Oh, the joy of blowing dandelions! He knows yellow is my favorite color.

Mindful of the importance of viewing life from a child's eye and the joy of being loved by a little boy.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle....

2010-03-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is for Amy. I must say that every time I come home from Seattle I have a few adjustments to make. This is for several reasons: time zone change, missing Amy and Rachel, but also missing mass, city-wide recycling. Everyone recycles. Businesses, homes, apartments, condos. There are multiple bins for paper, plastic and cans everywhere. Food and yard waste collection is REQUIRED unless you compost at home! I realized when I visited last month that the garbage collection and recycling bin sizes are just the opposite of mine! Her garbage can (small black one) is the size of my orange recycling bin, her recycling-the size of my garbage bin! Plus the added bin for food and yard waste.
Additionally, their garage houses their bikes, which they use for transportation daily.

Mindful of the importance of being a good steward of the planet and ever working toward the goal.

There's no place like home

2010-03-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

After a whirlwind of fabulous travel, Seattle, Vancouver, Olympic Mountains..... and visits with fun folks like my DD and DIL, I am mindful that there's no place like home. I love coming home to my husband, my house, my friends, my hometown family, and even my job.
I feel so fortunate and blessed. Feelin' the love of home today......

Adventure

2010-02-27T10:47:00.001-08:00

I felt the need for some adventure this week. Travel is always an adventure and I've been doing a lot of it. Plane, Trains, Automobiles, Buses, Light Rails..... I haven't taken a boat yet, but that can easily be arranged. There is something about travel that is so "adult". Managing schedules, getting to locations, figuring out what to do when you get lost. All part of it.
I think it is the excitement and anticipation that can be invigorating or a little anxiety producing. I used to LOVE to fly. I don't as much anymore, I think the anxiousness takes over and there are so many more hoops than air travel pre 2001.
I'm disciplining myself to travel with my passport every time I get on a plane so I am ready for anything that comes up. This week it was handy. I decided to head to Vancouver to see the city while hosting the Olympics. I'm sure it was decorated for the event and I want to return when it has gone back to what ever normal is for Vancouver. But, it has wonderful architecture, a nice waterfront, friendly people, and an air of sophistication about it. It certainly is in a beautiful setting with the mountains all around.
The travel by train, the Olympic atmosphere, the excited activity in the area, and lovely vistas made for a terrific adventure. I'm so glad I went, though at one point I did ask myself "What are you thinking?"
I'm mindful as I get older that adventures are rewarding and worth the twinge of nervousness associated with them.
I wonder what adventure is in store for me today in Seattle?

Fun!

2010-02-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

Birthdays are fun! I had a blast celebrating mine, two sons' and grandson's yesterday. The really great thing is that I truly feel everyone had FUN! Family events, at least with my family, can be touch and go. Kindness and courtesy always-but, I think fun was the word of the day. They not only dutifully participated in craft-making but would have done even more of it if I'd bought more supplies! Who'd have guessed? Ezra was the main do-it-yourself tye dye cupcake decorator and did two! He only ate the top half of the second. I love his mismatched socks. You can't go wrong with some chalkboard fabric for a tablecloth, some gel icing and white iced cupcakes, a little polymer clay and some chili.
Mindful of how important fun is-I tend to take life a little seriously. I can't wait for the next birthday!

Love, Love, Love

2010-02-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is just a recognized reason to share the LOVE! I'm all about it and probably don't express it nearly enough. I'm planning to spend more time DOING it this year. Hoping to get all of the family that is available next Saturday at my house for a big Birthday and Valentine's celebration. My two sons, grandson, their paternal grandmother, and I have birthdays between the end of January and the end of February and then there's Valentine's Day. Hope you are spreading some love today.
It's really what life's all about and the more you give away the more you get in return. Do something loving for someone today-you'll be glad you did.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Down to the River to Pray

2010-02-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

It was an emotional day for the Knopfs, friends and family yesterday as we said a formal goodbye to Bill. As with all families there are some strained relationships that are forced to cross paths at times like these. Awkward moments and rehashing of "should I have said or should I have done" add to the emotion, too.
I was very proud of my children for having the desire to sing and the incredible courage in the midst of their grief to stand up in front of a couple of hundred people to do something for their relatives and to honor the memory of their grandfather.
I am mindful of the incredible power of love today and my heart overflows with it for them.

It's the little things

2010-02-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

This is an update on my Loose Change the World endeavors and spreading some love with my free printables from Kind Over Matter.
I put together some things to carry in my purse. It is a challenge to do this unobserved. I left a card at the bank Friday and the card and change in the change holder at the grocery today. It was fun! How about you, spread any love lately? Mindful of the fun of giving things away and brightening someone's day with a surprise.

Heartbroken

2010-01-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

I am mindful of the heartbroken feeling when losing a loved one today. Amy is on her way home again to be with her family. The boys are so very sad. A day which should celebrate Eric's birth into this world is dimmed by the loss of his "Pop". Heartbroken for them and all who loved Bill Knopf. He was a man who lived life well, who knew who he was, and loved generously. I was lucky to know him and to be with him and Shirley yesterday.

I love this anonymous poem and it comes to me when someone I love dies.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die. - - Anonymous.

Sweet peace, my friend, I see you even now in the glint of the fallen snow.

It's All About the Love

2010-01-27T06:32:00.000-08:00

I can remember when our current pastor came all of the video and info about him and his ministry contained a theme that I held as true. I would look at my two good friends and at the end of any meeting or conversation regarding his pastorship and we would say aloud to each other and smile-"It's all about the Love". And, it is really. Whenever I think of what I'll leave this world and those in it, it all comes down to that-Love. It is the part that stays.
I reminded my daughter of that as she cried over leaving her grandfather for what will most very likely be the last time. His love for her, which has partly made her who she is and who she will be to others, will still be floating around the earth long after he is gone through those he loved. And while she always thought he would know her children and they-him, in a way they will through her. He has been her father figure-dependable, strong, challenging, accepting, safe and wise. He has been the longest, older male relationship she has had in this family full of women. She has only aunts and only one uncle by marriage that she has been close to and he has always lived out of town.
And, too, my friend Sue's blog also brought this to mind today. So, I have decided to make regular post on this blog about loose change and what I am doing with it to spread love and hope on a regular basis. You can read about one woman's mission here-
Loose change the world
Mindful of love today.
Wanna spread some?

Peace

2010-01-18T04:33:00.000-08:00

It is a discipline to go inside myself and find that holy place. I am trying to do that every morning before I get up. A place of prayer, silence, calm and peace. I am mindful that it is always there. Some days I can quiet the noise better than others. But, it is up to me to go and find it waiting.

photo by jjjohn on flickr

Gratitude

2010-01-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

I am mindful in the midst of an incredibly stressful time personally, of how grateful I am that in my stress I do have a warm place to live, plenty of food, a car to drive and places to drive to, friends and family. My friend, Sue, has blogged about her trip to Haiti and how her heart is broken for that country. She is NOT a traveler but this was her one trip out of the country. I swiped the picture from her blog today. (Hope you don't mind, Sue).I know how touched I am personally to put names and faces to places in which disaster occurs. I have been to Jamaica and Honduras on short-term mission trips and whenever they are in the news, those places call to a special part of my being. The translation to Haiti, where I have not traveled, is an easy one.
In my busyness recently I have only caught snippets of the news and devastation there, but my donations are made and will continue. There are many things to do and places to support. At church this Sunday, we will put together more than 500 health and baby kits for immediate shipment to Haiti through Church World Service. The relief arm of our Disciples of Christ denomination is Week of Compassion. (DOC has two teams who were in Haiti at the time of the earthquake and thankfully they are all well and accounted for).
My donation is headed there through WOC but there are lots of place to send money which is always the immediate need over "people" help.
You can text a quick $10 through your phone easily to American Red Cross by texting the word Haiti to 90999.
Living in gratitude today and heartbroken for Haiti.

List Making

2010-01-09T15:40:00.001-08:00

I've always been a list maker. I have lots of lists and notes. Some I complete, some I don't, some I refer back to, some were just for the moment. This site was interesting to me. I looked at the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin to see if I wanted to buy it after watching an interview with her on the Today Show. She has a blog and I think for now, I'll look through it first. I also went back to last year's blog on Slate. I think I may like the blog format as well or better than the book. Did find this site of hers interesting and if you are a computer person and a list person, you may like it, too. I'm going to see how I like using it, though with lists, I tend to be a paper and pencil girl for the most part.
My friend, Dave, said last night that his dad advised him early not to write things down. Sometimes not in your best interest to have something "on the record" and I've found that to be true at times especially if I had something negative to say, but I do find writing helps me organize my thoughts and edit myself. Guess a good rule of thumb is if you don't want anyone and everyone to read it, don't write it down (or be sure to destroy it). With cyberspace, some things get cast out into space and can never return. Good to be mindful of that.

Always mindful that I learn about myself through learning what others have learned about themselves.

Learning to appreciate a slow-down day

2010-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm recovering from what must have been a food that disagreed with me or a very short stomach virus. We had a wonderful time at Macaroni Grill with Dave and Karen for our anniversary, played Pears (you know I love word games and my grandson will be happy to know I "beat the pants off of them"-he thinks that phrase is hilarious), and drove home in the snow. By the way, there has been snow in the air for 2 1/2 days! I was sick immediately after getting home. Felt fine before that. So, at 3:40 PM I am still sitting on the couch in pjs and have done nothing but check email, answer a call from my grandson, watched "I've Loved You So Long", and looked at the instructions for my new sewing machine. By now I'd have thought I'd have gotten so many things accomplished. Mindful of the appreciation I have for days of good health and the realization that I don't have to "DO" something everyday. Today I am just -being.
PS-the movie is very good. Things aren't always what you think, in so much of life.

In the wee small hours

2010-01-05T00:40:00.000-08:00

As I sat in the hospital, keeping company with my former father-in-law tonight, I was reminded of the many nights I spent in the hospital with my son over the years, for a variety of reasons. When he was 3, three weeks with orbital cellulitis and from age 18-23 off and on for spontaneous pneumothorax, a disorder that affects young, tall, thin white males primarily.
Hospitals have changed a lot over the years, and also, not so much.
They are places where you see the best and the worst, a place of diametric living. The worst-the illnesses, sadness, death, loneliness. The best-births, extended family and friend gatherings, dismissals.
But, tonight, I was most mindful of the personal touches and generosity that abound. The filled cupboards in an open-to-all kitchen/gathering area due to support from a church group, books and magazines on a wide variety of subjects from comfort and medical information to current novels, a little card made from colored index cards with recycled greeting card picture on the front and a bible verse copied and pasted inside sitting on the counter in his room, muffins, magazines, candy brought by visitors- all wonderful reminders of the basic goodness of folks.
The rooms are roomier and more like home, the availability of drinks and food (microwavable macaroni and cheese, ravioli, oatmeal, bread for toast, cheese and crackers) so different from 25 years ago when I had to ask a nurse for a cup of coffee and had to go down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. These are wonderful things for people dealing with difficult situations.
It makes me happy that as a culture we are treating the whole family so much more successfully than before.
I'm also mindful of the long way we have to go making this kind of care accessible to everyone.

You gotta start somewhere

2010-01-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by my friend, Sue, to choose a word for the year. I'd been thinking a lot about what I wanted my life to be right now while I consider myself in my prime. Reflecting on who I've been, I realized that what I longed for was a keener awareness of my life, for it to have more clear memories of tiny details-the ones that I find more meaningful in the long run. While I think I have led a meaningful life, perhaps through genetics alone, some of the details are lost to me. I tend to be an enthusiastic life participant and in my enthusiasm miss some of the best parts moving forward at such a fast pace. The reality is-I don't want to miss a thing. But, I am hoping that being mindful of what goes on around me, what I choose to do, just being in the moment will create those tiny memorable moments.
So my word of the year is mindful. I'm sure I'll define it many ways, but, I figured a good way to start is with the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary's definition:

Main Entry: mind·ful
Pronunciation: \ˈmīn(d)-fəl\
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : bearing in mind : aware
2 : inclined to be aware
— mind·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
— mind·ful·ness noun
May it be so.....