New Blog

I am posting today at Sweet Soliloquies, the new blog I'm putting together to combine several of my blogs. How many does a girl really need? With all the issues I've been having here, I thought it prudent to set something else up.

I plan to keep this blog going but for now, until I post something new here, you will find me at blog dot sweetsoliloquies dot com. I have several more blog links to add and some of the pages are not completed yet but they should be soon.

I hope to see you there!

Wishcasting Wednesday - Frivolity

It's Wishcasting Wednesday again and our inspirational host Jamie Ridler asks this question:

What frivolous treat do you wish for?

I would just love, love, LOVE to participate in a weekend workshop at:

Valley Ridge Retreat & Conference Center

Valley Ridge Art Studio

Take a look at some of these workshops!

• Story Booklace: an Intensive Three Day Journey into the Magic World of Jewelry Designs I - Instructor: Nina Bagley
• The Black Swan and the Lost Key - Instructor: Juliana Coles
• Stairway to Heaven I - Instructor: Michelle Ward
• Personal Geographies: Mapping Your Life - Instructor: Jill Berry

Spending a weekend with other creative souls being inspired by such tremendously talented people sounds like a dream! Maybe you can meet me there?

(I don't really think this frivolous but it's something I'd love to do!)

Frustration

I'm having all sorts of trouble with this blog and I'm not sure if this will even get posted. I understand some of you have had trouble commenting here as well. I'm not sure what to do but I'm considering transferring everything to WordPress. My links to all my blogging friends are here at this site and I've had difficulty getting to them when I'm bumped off this blog without warning. There have been so many issues here and I don't know if it is Blogger or something I've done with or added to my site. Maybe a little of both.

Having these issues with my blog has had a bright side in that it forced me to step away after getting frustrated enough and I think I needed that down time. I've known for some time but have finally admitted to myself that I must cut back a bit, participate in only a few memes, not be so obsessed with everything to do with this blog. It has become unhealthy and I've spent too much time at all these different blogs I've started. A Touch of Inspiration has become so special to me because I have met so many beautiful people through it. I will keep this blog (here at Blogger or transferred somewhere else) but I'm going to close up some of the newer blogs I've started. I think two blogs should be enough in addition to participating in my group blog, Texty Ladies. I've I'm going to write that novel or book of poetry (or any of the many projects I'd like to work on) I've got to make the time for it.

Hopefully, these words will post. If I decide to transfer this blog elsewhere, I'll definitely let you know where.

I hope everyone has had a fantastic Memorial Day and weekend! See you tomorrow or Wednesday for more wishcasting!

Jamie Ridler asked me...

Jamie Ridler of Jamie Ridler Studios and Starshyne Productions was kind enough to answer my request that she interview for this awesome interview meme. After losing my initial answers, I've finally answered them again and am sharing them with you here. WARNING: This gets a bit lengthy so hugs and kisses if you make it to the end!

THE INTERVIEW RULES

* leave me a comment with your email address saying: “interview me”

* I will e-mail you five questions of my choice

* you can then answer the questions on your blog {with a link back to my blog}

* you should also post these rules, along with an offer to interview anyone else who emails you, wanting to be interviewed

* anyone who asks to be interviewed should be sent 5 questions to answer on their blog

* it would be nice if the questions were individualized for each blogger.

MY QUESTIONS FROM JAMIE

1. What were you like in high school?

I should have applied myself more in high school. I was placed in a high potential/gifted student program the year of its inception. We were able to choose a career we were interested in and the school would team us up with a mentor in that field. I chose journalism and was able to tag along with a journalist during their interview of a Minnesota State Senator. It was exciting and I had visions of myself as an edgy and hip Barbara Walters. A week later, I was told the journalist was not able to continue the mentorship so I needed to choose another field of interest. I chose child psychology and was able to work with kids with learning disabilities. I just loved those kids and it was a rewarding experience but I did not continue with more training in this area.

As I look back now, I see an uncertain teenage girl who was more concerned in becoming what others wanted than in exploring what she (I) wanted. I was the girl who got along with everyone but felt I belonged nowhere. I went to the parties but found them shallow and disappointing. I was fortunate enough to have a few true friends and I’m happy to report we still keep in touch today. Our class was apathetic and being a cheerleader or belonging to a group was SO uncool. Maybe that’s why I’m a joiner today. Making up for lost ground. I did belong to the Choir for two years and the school newspaper my senior year. The seniors were asked to state their ambition in life which appeared in our yearbook. Mine said: “To live in Jamaica in a beach house and write science fiction novels. Also, to become a psychologist.“ Hmmm…what happened there?

2. What do you love about the woman you’ve become?

While I’m trying to be more trusting, I’m basically an optimistic person and look for the best in others. I like that I can usually read people and situations fairly accurately, but as any true Libran would do, I play out the “but what ifs” in my head and do not pass judgment.

I’ve been through some difficult times over the last 44 years but they’ve only served to make me stronger. I explore this further in my answer to Question 5.

It is important to me that I was able to break free from destructive relationship patterns and give myself permission to accept a truly good and loving man, my husband.

3. On National Guilty Pleasure Day, what would you be doing?

I’d probably watch Clerks, Sandra Dee movies (The Reluctant Debutante!), the Top 100 80’s Songs on VH-1 (Tainted Love by Soft Cell anyone?!) and a host of other lighthearted fare. I’d then break for a lunch of tacos with sour cream, Fritos and M&Ms, and a Butterfinger Blizzard. Next, I’ll run through the Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel series while pretending to kick butt in my living room in a pitiful attempt to channel my special powers and work off lunch (as the guilt starts to seep in).

Hmm, maybe I could break out the old Monkees albums, too…

4. How do you get through challenging times?

My husband has called me Warrior Woman because he says when I’m sick, I just battle through it. When something is thrown my way, I’ll usually take it on regardless of what anxieties or fears I might be feeling. Maybe that is because as a single mother for 15 years, I pretty much had no choice but to keep on keepin’ on. It was not easy working full time while caring for a special needs child but I tried not to let that be the focus and we just lived our lives. Maybe having to be strong and positive for my son as we faced different challenges helped me tap into an inner core of strength (or maybe I‘m just stubborn!).

5. What would you say is your personal signature?

Hmmm… This is by far one of the most difficult questions to answer that I’ve ever been asked. Perhaps that is because I don’t know what my personal signature is or should be. While I think I know myself pretty well, I have a difficult time reading how others view me or what I’m doing. I would say that I’m a listener and wary optimist who enjoys encouraging others. My friends and acquaintances tend to seek me out when wanting to hash out a problem and they need a (hopefully) nonjudgmental ear. At least, that is what I’ve been told.

With regard to my writing, I prefer to write efficiently and get my thought across in the fewest amount of words possible. Maybe that is why I struggle with longer projects like novels. It seems overwhelming to whittle so much away and still be left with an acceptable word count. Sheesh, you probably don’t believe that last statement after the way I’ve been rambling here!

As I said, I’m not really sure how to answer this question and would be interested to know what others think my personal signature is.

Want me to interview you? Leave a comment including your email or email me directly and I'll send you 5 questions just for you.

I hope you'll swing over to Texty Ladies today and try today's prompt. It's easy and fun!

Tomorrow: I'll be answering Jamie Ridler's five questions to me.

It's another crazy day but I plan to catch up with everyone tomorrow and over the weekend. Hugs!

Wishcasting Wednesday - Soul Wishes

This week our inspiring Wishcasting Hostess Jamie @ Starshyne Productions asks:

What is your highest self wishing for?

What's rumbling in your soul?

What is my highest self wishing for?

I wish to be ever closer to God and know His plan for me. I wish to hear and truly listen when He speaks and I wish to be used as His instrument for the benefit of others. I wish to ease the burdens of others and encourage them in their endeavors. I wish to be more selfless and think of random acts of kindness before the opportunity instead of after it.

What's rumbling in my soul?

I wsh I had more time for writing and drawing and other creative pursuits. With my day job and the commute, I'm away from home for approximately 11 hours per day, then there's supper and errands, laundry and whatever family time we can pull together. I fire up the laptop around 9:30 p.m. and try to get some blogging, commenting, site creation, writing, research and surfing done between bouts of falling asleep with my fingers on the keyboard. Round about 12:30 or 1:00 a.m., I give up the fight, shut down the laptop and shuffle off to bed.

The possibility exists for me to take one day off every other week which would allow me time for the activities I've mentioned but it would require me to either work longer hours the remainder of that week or take a cut in pay. Neither one is a viable option right now unless we can get creative with our finances. I'm not sure I can get any more creative in that area than I already have!

I also wish to take better care of myself and my family by eating more healthy and non-processed food. I wish to get more sleep and pray that my struggles in this area be resolved. I wish to amp up the exercise and also find time to just sit and look out the window and dream.

There's a whole bunch of wishes right there! I pray that all of our wishes come true! :)

Still Kickin'

I'm still around folks but have had an abundance of tasks to complete so will post as soon as I'm able. I hope you're all doing well!! :)

What?!!

I could cry. I've started typing my longer posts in a Word document before inserting into my blog because I've lost far too many what I'm sure were absolutely brilliant words (ha!) to that darn sneaky blogmonster! Well, I smugly followed this procedure with my answers to Jamie Ridler's five question interview only to discover my document has vanished! Grrrrr!!! How could this happen?!

I do not have the heart to recreate my answers this morning so I'll do so later and post them this weekend. Sigh...

Update

It's a crazy busy day! I'll post later this evening when the world quiets down..... I hope!

In the meantime, I've posted the prompt for Poetry Play Thursday over at Texty Ladies. If you're game, stop on over and have a look-see. :)

Have a bright, shiny day friends and I'll catch up with you tonight!

(The logo above is one I created for Texty Ladies.)

Wishcasting Wednesday - Connection

Super cool funky chick and Wishcasting hostess Jamie asks this week:

Who do you wish to connect to?

I wish to connect with my son in a more meaningful way that will ease his anxiety and release his negative self-talk and self-image. He is intelligent, kind, handsome, talented and a complete stitch(!) and I pray that he develops a true self-love.

I wish to have a deeper connection with the creative and fearless side of me. She and I are getting closer as I'm able to start a few projects and make a few messes BUT the connection could be stronger.

I wish to continue the beautiful connection with my husband. As we grow older, I pray we continue to grow ever more committed and in love with each other.

I sometimes wish to disconnect with the more empathic side of me because the feelings can be overwhelming but today I wish to embrace empathy and pray that I'm shown the best way to use it.

I wish to connect in love and friendship with my family, friends (on and offline) and all those I'm supposed to meet.

For more connections, please visit the other Wishcasting Wednesday participants here.

Freedom

by Beancat

I'm not sure where I found this but I think it's lovely.

Such Lovely Awards

The very sweet and super cool Clairedelalune has gifted me with the One Lovely Blog Award! Claire and I recently discovered each other and I am having so much fun getting to know her. She's fun and is a breath of fresh air in the blogging world. Thank you oodles and oodles, Claire, for honoring me with this award!

Here are the rules attached to this award: 1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. 2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

It would be difficult for me to list 15 blogs, not because there aren't 15 worthy of it, but because I'd surely make myself sick worrying about the choice. Instead, I will do this (please forgive me gods of the lovely blog award; I hope you'll accept my twist of the rules):

Since this award is called the "One Lovely Blog Award," anyone who writes in the next week about an act or expression of loving kindness may accept this award. If you do so, please let me know by leaving a comment on this post and I will link to your blog in next Tuesday's Simply Kind Tuesdays post. OR, if I visit your blog and see that you've written about this subject, I will mention you as well.



The lovely and talented Hybrid J has been so kind as to award me with the Noblesse Oblige Award. Whenever I visit Hybrid J's blog, I always come away with something to think about. I am so glad she received this award, because it is well deserved! I humbly accept it and thank you with all my heart, Hybrid J!

Details of Noblesse Award:

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:

- The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs.

- Their Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions

- There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures, Sciences and Beliefs

- The Blog is refreshing and creative

- The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.


The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following:

- Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award

- The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post

- Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts as support

- The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions

- Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog.

Hmmm, what has my blog thus far achieved? I have tried to keep this blog a positive place to visit. Pretty pictures, positive thoughts and stories, and a sense of welcome and comfort. I'm inviting you to slip your shoes off, kick back in a comfy chair and share a cup of tea or coffee (or perhaps a margarita?) and some lovely conversation. I have met many beautiful and inspiring people through this blog and am deeply grateful.

Now, to whom do I give this award?

I have decided to give this to the group of bloggers who regularly participate in "Sleeping With Bread." What is Sleeping with Bread?

During the bombing raids of WWII, thousands of children were orphaned and left to starve. The fortunate ones were rescued and placed in refugee camps where they received food and good care. But many of these children who had lost so much could not sleep at night. They feared waking up to find themselves once again homeless and without food. Nothing seemed to reassure them. Finally, someone hit upon the idea of giving each child a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. Holding their bread, these children could finally sleep in peace. All through the night the bread reminded them, "Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow." (Linn, Dennis et al, Sleeping With Bread, p.l)

These are the beginning words of a book that introduced me (the meme's host, Mary-LUE), to a practice called the examen. The orphans held on to what nourished them and were thus able to sleep peacefully at night. The examen, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, helps a person hold onto what spiritually nourishes him by looking at what is giving him consolation in his life or causing him desolation. It allows someone to express his gratitude to God for the good stuff and turn to him for solace for the bad stuff. It is quite simple. You simply ask yourself, in the last day/week/month what gave me consolation and what caused me desolation.

Mary-LUE
Mel
Tara Lamont
Ashley
Dianne
Skeeter

If I have missed someone, I do apologize. On the weeks I have participated, reflecting on the previous week's ups and downs has helped me find the good that wasn't always apparent. It helps clarify what brought me through the tough moments and serves as a reminder of what or who will stick by me and where my focus should be. I do hope you will try it sometime. Thank you SWB members for inspiring and nourishing me!

A Day of Rest

Feeling a little under the weather today but I'll post tomorrow. I have some lovely awards I'd like to show my appreciation for!

Have a wonderful Sunday my friends. :)

Full Flower Moon Dreamboard

FULL FLOWER MOON

1. full moon {полная луна}, 2. I love art, 3. ...art...love...art...love...art...love..., 4. Winter Peace, 5. Earth Wind Water, 6. MAGIC in B&W, 7. Magic, 8. Magic, 9. magic moment, 10. The colorful world of pencils!, 11. ~ Magic Forest, 12. Write your destiny, 13. Abbotsford House from the gardens, 14. Me Must Be Dreaming!, 15. joy, 16. tranquility, 17. Autumn Ride !, 18. Dreams of a Journey, 19. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, 20. CXXXIX "imagine", 21. Minnie the Dreamer, 22. zero gravity, 23. Fairy Castle~Explore, 24. Dream Fairy

I'm excited to finally be participating in the Full Moon Dreamboard posts! In keeping with the name of this month's full moon, our heavenly host, Jamie Ridler, has asked us to visualize what we want to flower abundantly in our life this month.

Some time ago, in a post far away, I mentioned that I have strange and unpleasant dreams. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed one. Most nights, I'll doze in front of my laptop a few minutes here, a few minutes there and stay up until midnight or later, waking up at 5:15 a.m. During those hours in the dreamworld, I'm usually either on a quest or running from something or someone. I'm never really sure who that person is but I know they want to harm me in some way, emotionally or physically. My task in these dreams is to find a particular object or person. While most of these quests or escapes are set outdoors, houses and buildings are almost always an important prop.

Most people look forward to sinking back in their comfy beds after a long, busy day allowing Morpheus to have his way with them, but I truly prefer to encounter my dreams during the day when I have some measure of control. The soft, comfy bed is kinda nice, though.

What I want to flower abundantly this month is a practice of visualizing pleasant scenarios and locations before going to sleep in an effort to direct where my dreams will take me. I long to look forward to those hours in dreamland.

NOTE: This was posted before Jamie's Full Moon Dreamboard post and I took her question from her newsletter. In her actual post, she also asks What seeds will you plant this month?

Along with recreating my garden, I would like to sow seeds of contentment. I know there are others like me who love and and enjoy their lives and the people in it but are always thinking there's something still needed to make them truly happy. Maybe that something or someone is God, maybe it is something else.

I am NOT saying we shouldn't have wishes and dreams, long for a partner, plan a new career or work toward equality, justice and an end to hunger. I'm saying that while we are doing those things, we should appreciate where we are in our lives and discern what our purpose is at any given moment. I truly believe there is a purpose for our circumstance; that we can find something in our situation to hang on to and work with, no matter how difficult.

I have found that always looking to the future and not living in the present can be destructive. It can eat at you and breed hopelessness.

Let us wish our wishes, dream our dreams, search for hidden treasures and pray for the answers. And while we're doing that, let's also be thankful for our blessings and content in our situation knowing that it is where we are supposed to be right now. Perhaps it is where we need to be in order to get to where we're going.

P.S. I'm sorry if that sounded preachy. I just felt compelled to talk about this because it has been an issue for me for many years and I hate to think of others always feeling that churning in their gut, that frustration that what they're looking for (even if they don't know what that is) is forever just out of reach.

Many blessings to you all!

Wishcasting Wednesday

With our esteemed Wishcasting Wednesday hostess Jamie Ridler on a balance break, I still planned to write about wishes today. It just doesn't seem right not to. Then, I saw Tabby's, of *I Choose Bliss*, post about wishes and thought, "Hmm, she must feel the same way I do." I was then off to Genie's blog, Reality Insanity, and found that Jamie had given her permission to host this week's WW.

Seems to me there's something special going on here. Something I've always felt and have noticed even more so in the last few weeks as the list of participants grows longer. Wishcasting Wednesday gives us permission to wish out loud. We are given the opportunity to think about what we truly want, explore the possibilities, and sometimes find out that we don't really want what we thought. WW also nudges us to dream and support others in their dreams.

Genie's question for today is:

What do you wish to find on your doorstep?

Goodness, what possibilities! I might have to write a list for this, both selfish and non. I wish for:

1. A giant box of books that I've never read by my favorite authors and some from authors new to me.

2. Another box of paints and pencils, markers and erasers, beautiful papers and stamps and all sorts of cool art supplies.

3. An envelope with a certificate stating that some kind soul is gifting me with maid service for the next year or more.

4. Might as well ask for a gardener, too!

5. Ed McMahon with a big fat check. One for my family and one for himself since I hear he's having difficulties.

6. Family who live out of town.

7. A bunch of friends who have come to pick us up for a day of fun and serving others.

8. A beautiful box filled with the endings to the stories I started and never finished.

9. An abundance of energy and confidence, both of which I often lack.

10. A key that will open the door to cures for the world's diseases and hate, bigotry and greed.

What would be really awesome is if all of you showed up on my doorstep. I'd welcome you warmly and we'd spend a glorious day sharing stories, encouraging each other and bonding with our tribe. Just like we do now, only in person! :)

..................................................

When asked what my son would wish to find on our doorstep, he said: "All my friends! I like them for them and they like me for me."

I love that answer, Alex. People who do that are true friends.

.................................................

Thanks, Genie, for hosting this week's Wishcasting Wednesdays!

Simply Kind Tuesdays - Mother Nature

Nature's Kindness

By Alya G.

Universal Aid for Children Ukraine - Art from the Heart Program

Think of the ways

Mother Nature shows us kindness.

She provides sustenance

and offers shade.

She heals with warmth

and feeds our spirit with beauty.

Her majesty inspires

and teaches us respect.

Her infinite fragrance calms fear,

provokes memories and warns of danger.

She shows us the way

through birth, death and rebirth.

Her kindness is immeasurable

and must be appreciated to continue.

Please join me in showing appreciation

for Mother Nature's kindness.

What one kind act can you show Her today?

For other thoughts on kindness, please go to Claudia's Simply Kind Tuesdays.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - May 4, 2009

For my fellow Sleeping with Bread participants, I will join you again. I've just felt compelled to post my Simple Woman's Daybook the last few weeks.

For today...May 4, 2009

Outside my window...The sun will soon rise. The chairs are strewn about the patio from last night's fire. It was fun roasting marshmallows, making smores, talking and picking out constellations.

I am thinking...I will feel better once I complete a task I've been putting off for the last week.

I am thankful for...easy breezy spring evenings sitting by the fire and enjoying each others company.

From the kitchen...I'm not sure what my husband will whip up but he broke out the grill yesterday so I'm thinking that might be involved.

I am wearing...grey slacks (it's Monday) and my favorite black top. Darn, I forgot to color my hair this weekend. I could let it go silver but it's coming in patches so I'd look pretty strange. Oh, well, I guess my hair will match my outfit!

I am reading...the last few chapters of PoemCrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge. I suggest everyone read it whether you're interested in poetry or not. It is plump, juicy and full of life. The chapters about the kids from her workshops will tug at your heart.

I am hoping...for a quiet work week so I can get caught up on some projects.

I am creating...my Full Moon Dreamboard this week!

I am praying...for beautiful weeknights so my family can get out for a few walks.

Around the house...I cleaned the house this weekend so there's really only laundry and a little darning left to do.

One of my favorite things...the smell of oranges and tangerines. I've been allergic to them since my teen years but I can still enjoy their scent!

A few plans for the rest of the week...I'll take my son to see the Wolverine movie and I'd like to get more writing and drawing time in. I'll also make the effort to throw in some random acts of kindness. :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Kali

You can find more Daybooks here.