Words To Live By

I love the feeling of an “aha moment”. My word for such moments is “cell-abration”. It’s the feeling you get on a cellular level; the feeling of REALLY getting something and experiencing a life changing paradigm shift. I am rocking right now with all that I have learned as I have had the privilege of spending time time with people I love over the last month, and reading articles that have been piled up for months. Some of their words to live by include:

People tell you who they are. Listen. – My friend, Barb

Age is a Privilege – Laura Linney

Put your energy where it pays dividends – My friend, Ellen

Arrange the pieces that come your way – Virgina Wolfe

Don’t Complain and Don’t Explain – Wayne Dyer

The little nice things that happen along the way? They’re called  G-d winks – Cousin Evan

The whiter  the bread, the faster  you’re dead – Dr. Amen

Things don’t happen to us, they happen for us – Michael Berg

The Universe works in a circle – Mom

As you get older you realize that good enough, is good enough – Auntie Susan

My travel  journal is filled with new ideas and thoughts from time spent  with people I am the better  for. Gotta say “g-d winks” is my favorite. I experience them all the time. Especially when something happens that reinforces what I learned above. Wink, wink.

What words do you MINDFULLY live by? Let us know!

music, memories and martinis

Marc Cohn has a new cd out and it’s called Listening Booth. He has taken songs from 1970 (when I was 12) and given them a contemporary spin. I love it.Not only for the songs themselves, but for the soundtrack it provides to this adventure I am currently on.

You see, I just visited my 12 year old at summer camp and this weekend was my 30th high school reunion. Both events can’t help but force me to travel down memory lane. I work hard to live in the moment, but sometimes a quick jaunt can remind you of how far down the lane you have travelled and how appreciative you are of where you are now.

I absolutely adore my 12 year old. She is far wiser, funnier, smarter and easier than I was at that age. I sit on the Board of Smart-Girls (www.smart-girl.org), an organization that gives girls the tools they need to navigate the tumultuous tween/teen years, and still my heart aches for the trials and “girl stuff” girls go through. I do what I can to cheer my daughter on and guide her through it, but listening to Marc’s music reminds me that we all have our journey in this life and soon the details of this time will simply serve her well and become part of her life tapestry. Still, 12 can be hard and I remember how hard it was for me. Somehow tho’, the memories add to my compassion and empathy. And the music reminds me of both.

Following on the heels of visiting day, was a trip to see my dear friend from high school. Knowing I would not be in town for the reunion weekend, we coordinated my visit so that we could at least be together, if not there. I love my friend and laugh endlessly with her about who we were and who we are. I sit at her kitchen table with ease and enjoy her kids, who have their own music to live by. Last night, as we sipped coconut cloud martinis with our reading glasses perched on the tips of our noses, my friend’s daughter played her iPod. So much of what we heard was a re-mix of music from high school. What does this say about how music follows us down the path?

Music, memories and martinis. It the stuff that life is made of. Cheers!

What MINDFULL music would you choose to match when you were 12 or 17? Let us know!

A MindFULL Vacation

If you could see the sign hanging off the tip of my brain, it would say “gone fishing…for new ideas”.  We all talk about how important it is to step outside of our lives and slow down, but how often do we give ourselves permission or time to really take the step?

In order to fill our minds with ideas and thoughts we are the better for, we must first empty our minds of the clutter. Easier said than done, but with a change of scene for an hour, day or week, I find that the clutter starts to fall off and my mind is, once again, open to new ideas. Its like taking a long swim in the cool ocean on a hot summer day.

This summer, I was clinging pretty close to the shore. I didn’t feel like wading out into the summer water, so to speak, but I am so glad I did. A little change of scene has helped and once again, I am busy filling my journal.

I had forgotten about my journal – a small book that my friend Tamara taught me to easily make:  simply cut out words and pictures that mean something to you and glue them onto 1/2 of an 8×11 colorful page. Take the the page to Kinkos, where they can laminate  it and bind it to several sheets of plain white paper — and viola’! A journal for collecting ideas, all in one place and easy to refer back to it and use.

Before I head back out to the sand, here are a few ideas in my summer journal,  so far:

Black Mango tea – great iced

Pine Nuts – toast em and then roll ready to bake cookies in them for an extra little pizzaz!

Drizzle grape-seed oil on avocado, orange slices and dill

Collect stones of similar shapes and sizes and paint them — you can find little ones and make them look like green olives and fill a martini glass with them for a fun centerpiece ; you can paint them with designs and get a big piece of wood for a home-made checker board, you can lay them in a pattern by the back door and fill the spaces with cement, thus creating a small area for a table and chair, flower pots or a path in your yard.

Tunics are totally in! Fun colors and lightweight cotton make them ideal for hot days – paired with leggings and or thin white jeans, they are a fun summer uniform. Very “Mad Men”.

How do you empty your mind and refill it with MindFULL ideas? Let us know!

Summer Needs Some Spirit

You’d think as it is summer, that I would be well rested and my creative spirit would soar. Sadly, I am feeling just the opposite and all I want to do is lie on my bed and watch hulu.com. It’s not like me, but I am tired. Really tired. It’s a high class problem – too much to do, too many wonderful people to see, too little time.

So, I have dug deep and pulled out some creative jump-starts. One is cooking, one is finding the perfect gifts for thanking all the people I will have to thank this summer for all the nice things they are about to do for me and one is learning with a fabulous teacher and fun, heartfelt and creative spirit who simply helps me see the world in a whole new way.

First, the food. Everyone has some where to go and has to bring something to the party. I was on for dessert Saturday night at dinner club and I brought home-made s’mores. Crazy – but fun and actually tasty!

I made the graham crackers http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/000126.html, I made the marshmallows http://www.sugarlaws.com/homemade-marshmallows and I bought good old Hershey’s chocolate. Two tips: make sure you roll the cracker batter thinly (mine were more like Graham bricks) and let the marshmallows set for as along as you can. They gel better. But these were fine and fun! A new twist on an old summer staple!

Moving on to gifts, check out Barbara Solway’s work. http://www.solwayart.com

Hand painted wooden bowls and fiber art pieces (bags, wall hangings, etc) all hold Barbara’s unique style and eye. They are truly works of art and will surely delight the recipient. We gave a Solway bowl to my Dad and Pam for their anniversary. They are lovers of wood and glass. I have a small purse to wear across my chest when I travel and another small bag I keep my personals in. Addie has a fiber heart hanging from her bedroom doorknob and the mirror in the picture below, rests in my study. My back faces the doorway and I use the mirror to fix the feng shui. Its complex simplicity stimulates me on a subconscious level every time I look at it.

And then there is Judith Cassel-Mamet at http://www.jcmamet.net. Pick up a glue stick and be prepared to let the hours fly by. Judith teaches all sorts of mixed media art techniques. If you click on my past entry on travel journals, you will find an example of one technique. I will do a whole entry on a fun idea that Judith will help me share with you, but in the meantime, check out her site and blog. There are so many fun ideas and links to other creative spirits. I guarantee you will find SOMETHING that gives you an idea and makes your day a little more saucy.

Just writing this entry has gotten my juice flowing again. Imagine if I logged off the computer and picked up my glue stick, just how energized I could be. Hmmm… think I’ll find out!

How do you MINDfully get over being tired and get your energy flowing? Let us know!

Bits And Pieces

Have you ever been sitting around a table with your  friends and really looked at them and wondered, “who are these people and how did I get here?”  As I laughingly asked myself that question the other night,  I thought of an old poem that I used to have tacked to my bulletin board. When I got home,  I dug it out and re-read it,  remembering what I  liked about it. May it have relevance for you and bring you ease as you reflect on the people in your life today and on days gone by. Have faith, that no matter how easy or difficult a relationship, it has something to teach you. Take the lesson and be grateful. And never wonder and never regret…

Bits and Pieces

People cross your life, touch it with love and carelessness and move on. There are people who leave you and you breathe a sigh of relief and wonder why you ever came in contact with them.  There are people who leave and you breathe a sigh of remorse and wonder why they had to go away and leave such a gaping hole. Children leave parents, friends leave friends, acquaintances move on. People change houses, people grow apart, enemies hate and move on. You think of the many who have moved into your hazy memory. You look upon present people and wonder. I believe in G-d’s master plan in life. He moves people in and out of each others lives and each leaves a mark. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who ever touched your life and you are more because of this  and you would be less if they had not touched you. Pray that you accept the bits and pieces with humility and wonder, and never question and never regret. Bits and pieces…bits and pieces.

_Lois Cheney, G-d Is  No Fool

How do you MindFULLY accept your bits and pieces? Let us know!

MindFULLY Fly Fishing

What happens when you say “never”? You can just about count on it coming to be. Yup. I could write for days on all the things I thought I’d never say, do or be — and all the things I have said, done and achieved.

And that’s why I am writing about Fly Fishing.

One of my favorite clients is the Bass Pro Shops (www.bassproshops.com).  Who’d have guessed? 5 years ago, I was recommended to them as a focus group moderator. I did some groups for them, they asked if I could travel and here we are,  still collecting funny stories.  I’ve heard things, been places and learned more about the outdoor world than I could have imagined. And you know what? While I am not lining up to go hunting or camping (unless it is for one night, by a car, with my friend Colette), I do have an new appreciation for the outdoors and hope to own a boat one day.

With my new found appreciation for the outdoors, I found conversation came easily with the nice guy at UPS last week. Turns out he is a professional fly fishing guide. His name is Chris Galvin and he leads guided fishing trips, offers instruction and custom ties flies. His  work at UPS affords him time off for the sport he loves. I was struck by his life balance. Finding work he enjoys to support his passion. Hmmm, now that is something to think about.

So, if you are ever considering a fly fishing expedition, check out Bass Pro Shops for your gear and then get in touch with Chris at galvinguiding@gmail.com. You never know what life balance you might strike out there one day.

How do you mindFULLY balance your work and passion? Let us know!

MindFULLY Fit

Who is that woman in the mirror looking back at me? There is no excuse not to be in shape these days, although clearly, I have found several. Nonetheless, when my head is on straight and my eye is on the prize, I remember several folks who have ways that make it easier to stick to the vision.

The first is a program that serves folks who are, well… “after forty”.  Armed with insight about why we do what we do, Mary Coussons-Read, PhD, Professor of Psychology and an amazing life coach, is now coaching folks to use their minds AND their bodies.  In addition to life coaching, Mary is working with Beachbody, an MLM opportunity that offers reasonably priced, highly effective home fitness programs and products to help you get where you want to go with your weight and fitness in your own home. Not only can you get yourself in shape, you can also learn how to become a Beachbody coach and get your finances in shape, as well. Imagine learning how to be your own boss and reach your financial and fitness goals!

To learn more about what Mary is doing, check out http://BeFitAfterForty.com

Let’s say that you not only want to look good, but you are looking for a proven solution to elevate your tennis game. Trainer and fitness expert Howie Waldstreicher has developed Half Hour Power, a DVD that features multiple exercise routines and workouts with Melanie Oudin or the Bryan brothers. Specifically created to help tennis players develop the kind of strength and stamina required of today’s game, Howie uses power bands and a 30-minute routine to deliver multi-directional total body movements, high-intensity resistance training intervals, isometric core stabilization and core reactive training.

To learn more about what Howie is doing, check out www.halfhourpower.com

For those of you who live in Denver and are looking for a hands-on and mindFULLY encouraging  workout experience, check out Energy Balance Inc. Once a week, I share the talent and spirit of David Jacobs, Energy Balance’s brains and brawn, with my girlfriend, Ellen. We laugh, sweat and stretch our way toward feeling AND looking better. No more Hadassah arms, or lower back pain,  for us! David’s approach to helping us attain our goals is based on principles and concepts of function (gravity, ground-reaction, momentum, three-dimensions, eccentric muscle loading, subconscious based movement). From these concepts, he creates a workout that allows us to be successful and move towards, and beyond, our current goals. We can see AND feel the difference.

To learn more about what David is doing, check out www.energybalanceinc.com

How are you MindFULLY working out this summer? Let us know!

New Friends, Old Souls

Months ago, our friend Kim took a vacation. Most folks might take time for themselves and head to a beach or quiet resort. But not Kim. Her zest for life and travel took her to Ethiopia. And there, this amazing woman, who cares for twins and a 5 year old, not to mention aging parents and a community, fell in love with the work of Rick Hodes and the face of a young boy, named Akewak.

For those of you who have never heard of Rick Hodes, you can watch his moving story on HBO Making The Crooked Straight or click through the link below.

http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/dr-rick-hodes-helps-the-children-of-ethiopia/article104652.html

As an Orthodox Jewish Doctor from Long Island, Rick has made it his mission to help the children of Ethiopia stand tall. His story is moving. And Kim’s ability to hold space for yet another person is stirring. Returning from her trip to Mother’s Theresa’s orphanage, where Rick works, Kim announced that she would be hosting 14 year old Akewak, scheduled in CO for  heart and lung surgery.  Akewak would then convalesce at Kim’s house til he was strong enough to fly home. Spine surgery was still up in the air.

My daughter and I decided that getting to know Akewak would allow us the chance to help make his stay here easier. Close in age, the two became fast friends. Teaching her how to speak Ethiopian, she quickly clucked her “k’s. They chatted away (his English quite good), colored and put together puzzles. We took Akewak to a market we knew of for his native bread, Injera and introduced him to a young boy’s best friend, Nintendo.

On Tuesday, Awewak had his surgery and all went well. On Saturday, we went to visit him. With a carnival in the lobby of the children’s hospital, my daughter and Akewak played games and colored as if they were simply two friends in the basement of any home. There they were in a hospital lobby, separated by experience, yet soulfully connected.

We’re not sure how long Akewak will be here. What we do know is that in a short amount of time, he has touched our lives and transported us out of our little world. How lucky are we to sit next to this child who is thousands of miles away from his family, enduring surgery that one can’t fathom and allowing us to call him friend. We are blessed in so many ways. And with Akewak and Kim, have come to find that anyone can become a new friend. All it takes is recognizing each others’ old souls.

How do you MindFULLy recognize new friends and old souls? Let us know!

A Festival Full of Ideas

It’s MindFULL Monday AND Memorial Day. How fun is that? In the spirit enjoying a mindfull weekend and doing fun things, we spent yesterday in Boulder. For those of you who have never been there, I highly recommend a visit. Nestled at the foot of the Flatirons, Boulder is a cool college town with a high social conscience and a clear blue sky.

The Boulder Creek Festival is a Memorial Day tradition. Loaded with people watching, games for kids and booths filled with Healers, hand-made jewelry and organic goodies,  it’s a wonderful place to go for new ideas.

One of the best ideas we saw this year was from a company called ENO. They created a light weight hanging chair that would make swinging on your porch on lazy summer eves as sweet as honey drizzled over  fresh brie and pears. Another ideas  was of wind chimes made with metal carvings, beads and bells. The carvings included animals and words. It was as if  your saying was speaking to you each time the wind blew.

Much to my personal delight, I heard Rebecca Folsom on stage by the food tents playing one of my all time favorite songs, Lets Be Too Much! Rebecca is on my play list of Colorado Women Musicians. She often plays at the local folk music school and I just love her music. Check her out on i-Tunes.

My daughter brought a friend and their laughter wafted through the air as they bungee jumped, caught bubbles and savored handmade crepes for lunch.  We even witnessed  a flash mob dancing to Lady Gaga’s  Bad Romance! It was a day that made you revel in the moment and delight in the walking of the woman on stilts. A wonderful moment and awesome balance – great reminders that summer is on its way!

What MindFULL ways remind you that summer is coming? Let us know!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Sunday morning, I woke up to my 12 year old daughter asking me to sit with her for a bit. She told me she is OK with the move and living in a condo, but also misses the spaciousness of our old home and the outdoor space to run around. I can understand her longing. She also gets that we are moving on to a new home, eventually, where we will have even more usable space and a nice yard again. For now, this is where we have landed. And it is different. Which was part of the adventure.

We moved last Friday and really, we are practically settled thanks to the mission and love of our friends. When I said, “No I don’t need help” they said “Pisha! Everyone needs help, silly girl.” And with that, boxes were quickly unpacked and removed, meals and mandel bread delivered and flowers left gracing the front step. We even got a Starbucks card so that we could enjoy a “transition treat” every morning for a week.

Lucky for me, some of my friends are also decorators. Colette has Core Interiors (denverdesigngirl@gmail.com). She thinks a lot about how the core of your home can align with the core of your Being. She came and cleared the energy of the condo before we moved in. Honestly, I can feel the difference and if nothing else, had a good laugh in the bedroom as we marched around with a bell. Laughter and good intentions definitely make a dwelling a home.

Another friend, Marsha Blum (www.interiordesignpartnership.com), specializes in “Greenish Thoughts – designing from the heart while thinking of the planet” (check out her website for more on what “green design” is all about).  She suggested using what I have to make this house a home.

Lately whenever you read about interiors, everything is supposed to have the “Wow” factor. I’ve been adding a different dimension to the way I think about interiors by using more of an “Ahhhh” factor. The “Ahhh” factor comes from sitting back and enjoying the things you have that make you cozy and comfortable. Perhaps you have an antique piece that doesn’t feel special. Maybe you could use it and treasure the piece because of its sentimental value. Try to dress it up and find a way to bring it into your current life that fits your interior style. Until you are ready to buy some new pieces, use what you have with a different spin and enjoy them. “Ahhh”.

And creative friend,  Kristi Dinner (www.companykd.com), did the re-model of a kitchen and bath for our dear friends. Her work is amazing and inspired me to ponder and dream about what could be next in our new home. She created a chandelier for their kitchen table that incorporates small meaningful pieces our friends had collected, like an earring, a heart-shaped rock found on a distant beach and a coin. How fun is that!

Before moving, we got rid of 3 trucks of junk and donated over half our clothes books and “things” to Goodwill. Half of everything left  went into storage and the rest came to the condo. We are living lean and easy. Surrounded only by things we love.

We spent the day  planting flowers in the patio boxes and hanging baskets by the windows. We are here til we find “next.” And with a little help from our friends, hope to bloom where we are planted.

What little ways do you find to mindfully bloom where you are planted?

Let us know!