JUICY DETAILS

"One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else."
Eleanor Roosevelt

Genuine interest is such a rarity these days...much like genuine, unabashed opinions, expressed candidly, without apology. Without judgement. Simply authentic passion about one's own feelings and opinions...

Thoughts on politics and religion awaken a sense of discomfort for many...but isn't this where the richness lies?

I am genuinely interested in expressive writing, candid art, exposed materials and manufacturing processes, the lost art of handwriting and letter writing, the soothing sound of old records, the smell of citrus, the warmth of stone in sun, the milling of cider, the pace of life beyond the urban sprawl...

What about you? What catches your eye, holds your attention and arouses your curiosity?

How do we find more time to lavish on these genuine interests?

Happy Birthday Mom!

You are an amazing, intelligent, resilient woman. Celebrate yourself today.

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got."

Janis Joplin

WINGS

Sending this one out to my sister who is in need of some wings.

I have been in that place - where faith seems elusive.

Where the very ground of what I knew and held to be the truth has fallen away from beneath me, to leave me vulnerable and exposed.

I wish I could offer a recipe for wings. Instead I offer my love and support...to rebuild your solid ground upon.

Change is constant.

It may not be today or even tomorrow but this raw feeling will change as well.

xo

CHANCES

"Chance is powerful. Let your hook be always cast. In the pool where you least expect it, will be a fish."
OVID

In delightfully unexpected little ways that will shift my path for many days and years to come. Each choice I make brings me closer to what I desire.


Where will you take your chances today?

PLAYING FAVORITES

Ahhhhhh, the joy and simplicity of childhood...



Life at this time is reduced to a series of tangible favorites. Clearly defined and seemingly unchangeable.

Children often speak in these terms. As adults we loose this ability, this sense of clarity in general terms.

Once upon a time, over 5 years ago, I was nonchalantly asked what my favorite color was. Haphazardly I responded "purple." For 5 years that answer has haunted me...

Flash to today:

"What's your favorite color?" she asks again.

In my grown-up voice I fire back, "Color of what, exactly? To wear? To paint my bedroom?"

In my mind context is everything. Where would this color be? What would it be paired with? I need more information.

Give me more...in an effort to somehow justify or rationalize my color choice

"Your favorite animal?" she inquires.

"For what purpose? To cuddle, to carry me across the desert, to protect me?" I query.

"Just pick an animal, you know, that you like." she calmly encourages (just a hint of patient understanding in her voice).

"An action verb." she insists, "like run, jump, dance..." she lists a few examples in case I need a refresher course on grammatical terms.

"Leap." I carelessly respond.

I can play. It's like MadLibs. No consequences. I hope...

If the answers didn't matter, if there were no consequences and no one to judge your responses, what would YOUR favorites be?

Is there a difference between these answers and your grown-up mind's thoughtful, calculated response?

CLARITY

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Thomas J. Peters
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I love this quote for its reminder to find gratitude in the smallest places... and to build the foundation for my day upon those little things.

Where my focus lies reflects not only my strengths but also my greatest weaknesses and fears.

Today my ONE Thing is CLARITY.

How can I create a sense of transparency and allow for truth and honesty in all that I do and say today?

How about you? What does clarity mean in your life?

YIELD FOR STRENGTH

“Seeing into darkness is clarity
Knowing how to yield is strength.” Lao Tse

How has your yielding created a sense of strength?