Reboot

Computer slow? Reboot. File won’t open? Reboot. Email won’t send? Reboot. It’s one of those computer phrases that’s a panacea for a multitude of troubles. I’ve recently had to apply that phrase to myself. Everything was moving along exactly as planned. Until … it wasn’t. I found myself stunned and stalled and wondering, “What happened? What did I do wrong?” Well, nothing went wrong. Plans are all well and good. But infallible, they are not. Interesting thing: that’s ok. I realized that even after having to change my plans, my end...

Gratitude

I have not been neglecting my blog, not really. I’m constantly thinking of ideas and really enjoy writing.  For the past couple of weeks my time had to be focused on future goals. I was quite happily occupied trying to turn dreams into reality. Ambiguous? Sorry. It’s necessary for the moment. However, I can share that I had the opportunity to attend a great event last Saturday, The California Readers Authors and Artists Luncheon. I met wonderful people full of knowledge, enthusiasm and really willing to help a novice author. For the record, this is not a hobby, this is my art. I...

Building Windmills

It’s been an adjustment the last week or so dealing with my 6am wake-up call, I’m not gonna lie. Perseverance is required. The bigger picture always has to be my focus. For the record, I’ve mostly been waking up at 6:30. Baby steps. I’ll try for 6:15 for the rest of this week. I didn’t even sleep in over the holiday weekend.  It wasn’t because I couldn’t, it was because I didn’t want to. That’s a huge difference.I am enjoying the benefits of this schedule adjustment. My body feels better. I’ve been doing yoga in the morning and even...

Rise and Shine

I’ve been reading a lot lately about how waking up early, before sunrise even, is really beneficial to the body, mind and soul. The world is quiet and peaceful. It enables one to get a head start on the day before all the commotion begins. The best time to do yoga is supposed to be in those early morning hours. It’s called the amrit vela, the ambrosial period. The hours are basically from 3am to sunrise. That’s way early. Guess they don’t call ‘em sun salutations for nothin’. You’re really meant to be greeting the sun as it rises. Ain’t that a...

Drawing

Lately my focus has been on drawing. More specifically, illustrating my children’s book. It’s going to be a series of short stories chronicling the adventures of two very crafty and clever Boston terriers. The first story is complete. The second story is outlined. It’s about time I had some illustrations. Drawing doesn’t come easily to me. I’ve never considered being an artist which is surprising considering how much I enjoy looking at art. There’s something to be said for overcoming a lifetime of believing you’re not capable of something. Boston...

Meditation to the Rescue

Meditation is a beautiful thing. It can be as formal or casual as needed. It can be done in any position, anywhere. It can be done without anyone else even knowing you’re doing it. It activates brain waves and develops focus. Meditation came in very handy for me this weekend. I found myself in a work situation that required me to spend four days at the LA Convention Center. It wasn’t all bad but it wasn’t really where I wanted to spend my weekend. I did get to see lots of art, one celebrity, and chat with many lovely people. There was a lot of down time though. A whole...

The Quest Begins

I’m beginning this blog to chronicle my  journey to a better, more fulfilling, life. I had the pleasure of traveling to Italy with my husband, Russ, in October 2009. We went to Venice, Florence, Pisa and Rome. Every city we visited was beautiful, full of history and moved me to tears at some point, sometimes several times. Venice had the good fortune of being our first stop. There are no cars allowed in Venice. Granted, it’s probably obvious but it’s not a fact that immediately comes to mind when one imagines Venice. We live in Los Angeles. We spend countless hours in our...