White Feather | New Year

2018 is here…arriving along with the strong energy of a full moon.

Instead of writing “Resolutions” for an entire year (which never last longer than a few weeks in January), I went back to a practice inspired by Julia Cameron, the author of The Artists Way and Vein of Gold, where she suggested creating a list of 20 things to do at the beginning of each month. I decided to make it 20 things to do/be/have as in #1. Take down the Christmas Tree (simple enough) to #10. Begin writing again. Post 2 blog posts in January to #16. Be mindful of impact my actions have on others.

I created my list on Saturday, the 30^th of December and happy to say that I am able to cross off the 1^st one and #15. Take car to car wash for inside/out cleaning, already. It was a busy January 1^st!

One thing not on my list but what inspired me the most today was finding a white feather while out on a walk this morning. There was a period of time where I often found feathers while on walks. I collected them and would drop them into a vase one by one as I discovered them on my walks/jogs (back in the day). Those feathers brought me a lot of comfort as I was going through the transformation of leaving Seattle and learning to live a new life in San Francisco (2009). I was filled with joy, today, as I looked down and saw this little white feather on the sidewalk. I bent down to pick it up and thanked the angels for surrounding me with love and guidance once again. It also inspired me to work on #3. Do a painting a week (though what I did was a watercolor sketch in my journal, I was being creative). The painting a week means a painting that I would submit to John (my printer and now owner of Words and Watercolors) for publishing.

All in all a terrific start to a New Year! What did you do for the New Year? Did you make any “Resolutions” or set goals of any kind?

music…the power to transport to another time

Today while driving, I heard the familiar vocals of James Taylor. I smiled. Immediately transported to my college days 40 years ago. How does that happen? I was back in my apartment at 339 Vine in West Lafayette, IN. The issues I’ve been struggling with the past few months faded into the background as I belted out the words etched in my memory. Grateful Grateful, I realized that it is true that all things come to pass and we continue to move through our lives…no matter the lessons we are learning/living through.

I’ve been in the midst of growth (choosing to look at recent challenges as the potential for healing and growth that they offer rather than the pain that they appear to be in the day to day) and as a result have not felt compelled to post blogs.

I’ll keep this one short as I give thanks to James Taylor today in the car, Tony Bennet this evening. I listened to my iTunes library and started to celebrate the season with both “Snowfall” from 1994 by Tony Bennet and James Taylor’s (JT as I used to refer to him) “At Christmas” album from 2006. Who knows, tomorrow I might bust out a few Holiday decorations as the Season is upon us.

When was the last time that a song evoked memories that bubbled up to the surface for you?

Fall came to visit

Fall came to visit today…

Reminding me what the soft rain sounds like…

as it replenishes our gardens, clears the smoke

from the wild fires and refreshes our world.

I turned on the heat, for the first time in months…

Walked into the kitchen and smiled this evening

as I felt the forced hot air on my feet escaping

from the vent under the cabinets.

I remembered how much I loved feeling that heat

on cold winter mornings as I would

place the tea kettle on the stove.

I’m bundled up in my fleece and sweat pants.

A far cry from the short sleeve shirts and shorts

that became my summer uniform.

To top it off, I found a pumpkin spice tea bag

in the cabinet. The tea is steeping now…

Decided to do a quick sketch then

took the time to call my Bubbe.

Catching up with an hour phone call.

Life IS Good!

Captivating Memoir

Earlier today I finished a book. It’s been a long time since a book captivated me so much that I picked it up one day and finished the next, but this was one of those books. Earlier in the week, I had attended the Willamette Writers meeting. I became aware of the organization when I read about their annual conference that was being held in Portland the first week of August in The Oregonian (Portland paper). I didn’t attend that but noted that their September meeting was on “memoir”. Jenny Forrester was going to be the guest. Her memoir, Narrow River, Wide Sky, had recently been published. She was interviewed during the meeting and read from her book. I was intrigued and wanted to know more so stood in line, after the meeting, while she sold/signed books.

She writes with honesty about her youth, the challenges she faced, the family dynamic at play and all the individuals that defined her life. Her love and reverence for the landscape acts as a backdrop. I thought of another favorite author, Terry Tempest Williams, as I read her words.

While riding our bikes this afternoon, I continued to reflect on the book and questioned why I was so moved, not wanting the book to end. My heart was open, I realized, as I read her words. She described herself as sensitive, stating she cried easily. Something I could relate to as I also cried easily. As I pedaled, powering my bike, trying to keep up with Mark, I thought of my daughter being shocked when her cousin, who was visiting us in Seattle, saw me cry (my Volvo station wagon had died and I was bereft) and said she had never seen her Mom (my sister) cry. Em’s response, “My Mom cries all the time”. I believed in the power of tears as much as I believed in the power of the written word, just like Jenny Forrester.

I rode along considering how our families shape so much of who we are….the decisions made by our parents affect us for years. I consider, as I always have, how my divorce when Bob was 12 and Emily 7 defined who they are today, 20 years later. I considered how she grew up with a single Mom and a brother. They would discuss their dreams at the kitchen table. I too was a single Mom who discussed dreams at the breakfast table with my kids. Reading her book stirred many so many emotions in me. I realized that this is my birthday month and though I want to celebrate each day, I also know that time marches on stopping for no one. At my age today, I can “see” things more clearly than in the past. I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time as I wrote recently. I’m no longer striving for goals that seem to always be just out of reach. I’ve given them all up and instead have decided to focus on enjoying the fact that I’m in good health with a good husband, job, home, family, friends and lots to live for each and every day. Grateful…Grateful for the time to read a book that captivates me and has me consider so much of where/who I am at this moment.

Thanks Jenny Forrester!

Here’s a link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Narrow-River-Wide-Sky-Memoir/dp/0997068353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505101117&sr=8-1&keywords=jenny+forrester

Check it out! What books have moved you? What would you recommend as a captivating, thought provoking book?

Celebrate Each Day

It’s already September 4^th, a few days into my “birthday month”. The actual day isn’t until the 28^th. I don’t even recall how I got the idea to celebrate for the entire month of September but I’ve been doing so for years. Typically, I come up with a way to do something each day for the 30 days of September. I think it all began with my idea that I would try and walk each day for the month. Over the years, I’ve incorporated some type of activity that I would like to incorporate into my daily life. I usually choose between walking or drawing/painting or writing. I challenge my self to keep it up for 30 days, hoping by then it is a habit.

On the last day of August, I was contemplating what to do this year when I heard the words “Celebrate each Day”. That’s it! I thought, as in celebrating, I could mark each day as something special and it could be any number of things I do to celebrate. I might write or draw or talk to a friend or, in the case of today, eat ice cream!

My daughter Emily, her husband Matt and son Ian came to visit on Saturday. They drove back to Seattle on Sunday. Matt in his car and Em driving back in my (old) VW Passat. As I now have a new car, my beloved VW is going home with Em. It will now be called “Mimi’s car”. I’m glad it is still in the family! We did some celebrating while they were here.

So far it’s been a great 4 days. I’m looking forward to life’s little pleasures as I celebrate the next 26 days.

Do you celebrate your birth….day? For a day? A weekend? A week? A month!? Let me know what you do to make your day special.

What a Week!

What a Week….purchased a new car…experienced the hyped Solar Eclipse…and learned that my much loved boss is leaving for another company, all while Trump and his speeches (each a different tone) played the background music of the week.

Through it all on Wednesday evening, I had the idea to check out The Grotto. The pamphlet I picked up has the official name of “The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother” on it. It was founded in 1924. Over the years, the Shrine, became known throughout North America as a center of devotion to Our Lady and as “A place of solitude, peace and prayer” with tributes to Jesus, Mary and various saints throughout the 62 acre gardens. My Mom would have loved this place! Mark and I had visited The Grotto at Christmas when we were told about the incredible Christmas lights displayed. It was an amazing show. I had been meaning to check out the Gardens ever since but didn’t do so till the inspiration came to visit this week.

Upon arrival, I went into the Gift Shop to learn more. I discovered that there is a $5. entrance fee to ride up the elevator that takes you to the “Upper Gardens”. It was well worth it. As I walked along the path, I instantly felt the Presence of Spirit and my Mom! You can see that it is lovingly cared for….New Guinea Impatiens had recently been planted and the towering pines provided shelter, solitude and a respite from the hectic world outside. I walked reverently along the path, soaking in the peaceful Presence.

After a while, I discovered a Labyrinth. I placed my things on a bench and walked into the path. As I followed the twists and turns, I opened my heart and thought of my family, both immediate and extended, saying silent prayers for all, then broadened my prayers to friends. I thought of the Labyrinths in the San Francisco that I had the pleasure of walking a number of times. 1. Grace Cathedral, 2. Mercy Center in Burlingame, 3. Lands End and 4. John McClaren Park. Walking a labyrinth is a form of meditation for me.

Per usual, after finishing the walk, I pulled out my journal. I wrote down my thoughts then switched to my left hand (I talk about writing with your non-dominant hand in my book, chapter 3). As always, the guidance that came through was spot on: “We love you and encourage you to keep your heart open as you go thru your days. Bless Trump as he and his craziness illuminates what needs changing in this world. Continue to spread the Good News in your own special way.” Perfect. Thank-You!

I descended back down the elevator stopping in the Gift Shop to pick up the exquisite statue of St. Francis I had purchased upon walking in. Life is full of Blessings and though this week had its share of ups and downs, the Presence of Spirit helped me when I needed it!

pointed to the crescent moons

new guinea impatiens

solitude

stopped to smell the roses

the Labyrinth

Mary

St. Franics

Distinctive Voice

Michael MacDonald walked out on the stage at 7pm on the dot, sat down at the piano, and before I knew it his soulful, sultry, smooth voice coupled with the rich notes of the keyboard, his back up singers and band had moved me to tears. He belted out “Yah Mo Be There”, a song I used to play over and over and I was instantly transported back in time, I saw myself sitting in my dining room in Seattle, headphones on as I sang to the CD turning round in the disc player. Mark looked at me as I was wiping tears from my eyes. I was completely overwhelmed with feelings. Music is truly transcendent, I thought as I stood there allowing the vibration and energy of the music to move me. I couldn’t find the words to tell Mark why tears were running down my cheeks. I just kept wiping my eyes grateful for music that moves me. I first became aware of Michael’s distinctive voice in the 70’s when he was lead singer for the Doobie Bros. Then would hear his voice on various Steely Dan songs as well. His set included many of the old favorites and new songs as he has a new album available September 15^th. As I listened to the lyrics of this new song titled, “Find It In Your Heart” I was struck with how his message was the same as my Chapter 5 titled “Let Your Heart Lead You” in my book that was published 3 years ago. http://amzn.to/2uTo4Ic The message being, just as he sang “find it in your heart; get out of your head”! I laughed as I thought of my favorite quote from that chapter: “I believe the heart whispers, where the head isn’t shy about yelling its demands”. I think it is challenging to get out of our heads. I continue to work on listening to the whispers of the heart!

We were at Maryhill Winery, located in Goldendale, WA (about 1 hour 45 minuets east of Portland) last night watching the concert. When the schedule was released earlier this year, I saw that Michael MacDonald and Boz Scaggs were performing on August 12^th. “Let’s Go!” Mark replied to my inquiry of “What do you think?”. We both thought that they would be sharing the stage but that wasn’t the case. Michael performed for an hour + 15 minutes or so and then there was an intermission of a ½ hour while the roadies changed up the stage and prepared it for Boz.

The grand piano for Michael was replaced with a number of guitars all lined up. Boz played each and every one. I was transported again but this time way back to Purdue days when the Silk Degrees album was the staple of parties/turntables. Listening to Boz, the term “Distinctive Voices” came to me. That’s It! I thought, both Boz and Michael have signature sounds with their respective voices. I can write a blog post with that title! Yeah!! Boz looks and sings as if he is ageless. He sang “Some Change” from his 1994 album of the same title. I knew all the words as I had purchased the CD in 2002. I remembered so many details of why I bought the album (I was at Tower Records in Queen Anne and heard it playing) and the guy I’d been dating at the time that had broke my heart. Like Michael, Boz has a sultry, soulful, smooth voice but yet it is also completely different. When the instrumental from Harbor Lights began you could hear the cheer from the audience. Boz captivated us all with many of the old hits but his close was a nearly 15 minute classic called “somebody loan me a dime”. The blues influenced his work, no doubt, and this tune showcased Boz at his best. The crowd was standing and clapping after another hour and 15 minutes in the company of Genius!

It made me think of the fact, as well, that we all have our own distinctive voices. What’s yours? It can be the spoken word, the written word, or not a word or voice at all but how your present yourself to the world?!? We are all as individual as our fingerprints. And that’s a good thing!

Creative Expression

This past week was hectic and hot! I was thrilled to play host to one of my Marian College friends and her son. TD (Terri Daily now Terri Arnold after many years of marriage to Arni) and her son Alex arrived last Sunday evening. They had left Indiana Weds afternoon taking their time as they drove west. The trip spurred on because Alex, who has been intrigued with the idea of moving to Portland for a while, had a 2^nd job interview scheduled for August 3^rd. I was delighted to have the company of TD and Alex, and be able to share our new city with them (Kennedy School, Portland City Grill, The Deck, and a bike trail). A constant theme seemed to be “Creative Expression”, given that Alex is a musician, composes music and plays in a few bands. When I saw TD in June at our “college girlfriend trip to Wisconsin”, I had gifted her with one of my favorite blank sketchbooks, encouraging her to draw/sketch/write again. The three of us had multiple conversations centered round the importance of expressing oneself creatively.

One of the most prolific, creative woman I know is my dear friend Susan. We met at a trade show in Vegas when both sharing a booth while promoting our respective lines of greeting cards/gifts. Susan and I bonded immediately; our shared Midwest upbringings wove a common thread. We went on to share booths at both Vegas and Atlanta gift shows. It was always the best part of the show, being able to hang with Susan for 5 days! She would encourage me to sketch the people walking the aisles of the show. She was adept at capturing likeness where I struggled (I’m most comfortable with Nature instead of people). I love being witness to her Instagram and Facebook feeds. Creativity exudes from the postings of cookies made, dolls for her granddaughter made, smocked dresses for her granddaughter made, innumerable knitting projects, not to mention the amazing Quilted Woman series and most recently her Fashion Illustration series. Check out her website: http://www.susanschmittart.com. Besides all that, she’s one of the most witty and fun people I know (and I know many!).

What do you do for expressing creativity? Writing, singing, dancing, cooking/baking, gardening, drawing, painting, knitting, sewing, designing, coding, playing music, playing with children, playing at anything…the list is endless. I believe it is imperative that we create. When you think about it, we are walking expressions of creativity in how we dress, wear our hair, etc….each and every day. Go out and have some creative FUN

Yesterday evening we rode our bikes over to Peninsula Park where the Portland Symphony performed. I love hearing Symphony music played outdoors. The perfect venue and thankfully the temperature was perfect as well (intense heat gone). I gave thanks for the musicians expressing their creativity for all of us to enJOY…and the Portland Parks and Rec department for bringing music to the neighborhoods!

Friends from Marian College days through today! Me and TD!

TD and her son Alex, he’s embarking on a building a new life “out west”!

Portland Outdoor Symphony Concert at Peninsula Park on Saturday evening Aug 5th, ’17

a quick sketch (see I need help with people!) of the outdoor concert.

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Rediscovering WordPress + backyard flowers in watercolor

Rolling out my new blog! I did it…the past 2 weeks of writing inspired me to go to the next level…my first blog post on this site! You can still find my http://www.aspiretoyourdream.wordpress.blog as well. I had visited the wordpress website a while back when this urge to start writing on a more consistent basis first began nudging me. I was surprised, then, when I went to wordpress.com and saw that my aspiretoyourdream site was still available for anyone to read. Wow! It had been years since I looked at it. I read a few entries and found myself reliving the days of Words and Watercolors with mixed feelings. I missed a lot of the “creative life” I was living at that time but also so very grateful for my current life (a subject for another post).

This past week when I went to wordpress, determined to set up a new site, I was dumbfounded…I kept clicking around, trying to figure out what to do first. I was able to secure the name “observationsoflife” and paid for a premium site ($8. A month) so “wordpress” would not have to be in the web address. Then I attempted to customize the site by selecting a theme, updating a logo, changing my photo, in general clicking around and around. Technology is not 2^nd nature to me so this took some time (a few days). I had my own internal deadline for a Sunday post. Pea-picken proud that I made it!

I’m going to try my best to post weekly and not only have writing to share but a sketch or watercolor or photograph. I view this format kind of like a journal. Having been one who writes/draws/paints in a journal most of my adult life, this format seems to be an extension of that…and one I’ll share with the entire web as opposed to compiling journals in boxes that sit on shelves in my basement.

Yesterday morning I was out in the backyard watering before the heat of day…I’ve been thrilled to have my own backyard flowers grace my tables the past few weeks. Time to cut another bouquet….this one grew with the lilies that had bloomed, the blue hydrangea and lavender that I added to the wildflowers (sown from seed this spring). I’ve attempted to capture the beauty in a few paintings but haven’t really liked the end result enough to post. So yesterday I began with the pencil sketch as my rough draft. I realized, like writing, it typically takes me a few times of sitting down to create a piece. Played with the paints and when I was in the midst of it I struggled to see it “complete”. I got up and walked away again, coming back refreshed a few hours later. Add in some jazz to listen to, which helps loosen me up, and I was able to not only complete it but was happy with the outcome.

I hope you enJOY the end result of both words and watercolors and I look forward to exploring more new things as I work on this. What new things have you explored lately?!?