Blog Archives

Get Lost in the Moment

4/12/2013

It is late Friday afternoon. I have been running, as usual, on this rainy, miserable, cold Friday. I dropped Tucker off at the groomers. As an aside, I can promise you that six weeks from today, when I bring him to get groomed, it will be raining.

I started the day with yoga, always a marvelous Friday beginning. More than one of us showed up because we knew the others would be there.
Note to Lisa: I did a partial half-crow with a broken wing and a balance issue, but, I'm getting there. Even the pigeon wasn't too terrible today.
Cara launched her blog yesterday! I am so thrilled you can now share her amazingness. Check Cara's blog out HERE

Our library had the mobile shredder on site and I was able to dump a full box of "stuff" from years and years ago all without the threat of identity theft.

Picked up said dog.

Went to Reiki and therapy with Cathy, made easier with clear chakra's from Warrior Two (and the bird poses).

I am cleaning up and getting ready for the supremely talented Jo Jayson to teach her class here tonight. So excited!

ENJOY your weekend.
Get lost in the moment.
Remember, you matter.
Stage an impromptu dance party in your kitchen.
Don't put off your happy life.
And last, but truly not least, please continue to keep Amy in your thoughts and prayers.

There are SO many versions of "Dancing in the Streets."
I just had to let YOU have a listen too!
Naturally, the Dead version is 10+ minutes.
It's live. That's how they roll. Makes me smile every time.

Martha & The Vandella's
http://youtu.be/CdvITn5cAVc

The Grateful Dead
http://youtu.be/_yRwDjEceys

David Bowie & Mick Jager
http://youtu.be/9G4jnaznUoQ

The Mamas & The Papas
http://youtu.be/G4P9ktjJOY4

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You Matter

4/11/2013

1 Comment

My Facebook quote this morning is two words. "You Matter."

How often do we forget that? I know I matter. I still need to occasionally remind myself that I really DO.

I could have easily (that might be the wrong word...) gone to the gym this morning. Instead, I headed to the river. I knew I needed my Hudson fix. It is there I always clear my head and focus.

There are a small number of boats in slips at the docks. The sailboats at the school have had their tarps removed. The birds were in flight.

It's not at all what I would call a sunny day in NY and I couldn't swim in the Hudson, but boy, I could drink in the wild air.

While drinking in the air and observing the grandeur around me, I called my mom. We chatted about a zillion different things. Because my mom matters. And I'm her kid, so I matter to her.

WE ALL MATTER. Believe it. Remember it. KNOW it.

Amy Update: surgery is currently scheduled for 2 PM this afternoon. Thanks for keeping the uplifting thoughts going. xo

"Spirit" by Peter Kater.
Gorgeous piano piece.
I thought it went well with the topic.
http://youtu.be/cxOdLW4slSA

1 Comment

Awash With Angels

4/10/2013

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Artwork by Jennifer R. Cook ~ http://www.redbubble.com/people/catsinthebag

I have had any number of encounters with angels this year.

Naturally, there were a few metaphysical kinds. I was a witness to one that was crazy-powerful with a friend of mine and promptly had to call my mother. In fact, that morning there were two close encounters of an angelic kind.

But, here's the truth, many of my angel encounters were with living, breathing, humans. We ALL know someone who is truly an angel on earth; someone who comforts you when you need comfort, makes you laugh when you need a laugh, someone who helps bring you out from the darkness into the light. They are the friends who lift you up with an unexpected email. The text that says, "Let's do lunch." The drop-off of flowers, chocolate or a bottle of wine, just because.

When you have teens out and about like I do (and prior to Peter driving) the best angels are the driving kind. The people who offer to chauffeur your kids back and forth when you are too tapped out to do it.

When I was in college last semester I had an angel who proofed my papers for me; a huge, thankless job she did because that's just how fabulous she is.

I have an angel who just this past weekend made sure Bella was perfect for portraits that were taken of her in the dance studio while I was at my retreat. Not only did she make sure hair and makeup were in place, she took pictures and a video and sent them to me.

My wish for Amy, in these next weeks, is that she is surrounded by angels to lift her up; to guide her to a happy place. I know her brother will be keeping watch on her from his angelic perspective.

Think about the people in your life who are real life angels. Think about the butterflies, the lady bugs, the hawks and the eagles who show themselves to you exactly as you are thinking about a loved one.

There are angels among us. How blessed we are to have them.

Jim Brikman ~ Angel Eyes
http://youtu.be/A-L725q2vKc

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The Light Within

4/9/2013

5 Comments

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POST.
Yes, it's long.
PLEASE read it.

When TGHR logo was complete, my mama summed it up best when she said, "It reminds me of stained glass. It's beautiful no matter what; even if you are a mess on the inside, that beauty will still shine through." Thank you mom, that was EXACTLY what we were going for, even if we didn't realize it.

Here's the deal about writing. You start out with an idea of what you are going to write, however, you can easily get waylaid by circumstances that you have no control of. That is the case today.

You know my friend AMY ANDERS from THIS post.
(If you don't, take a gander over via the link and join me back here after you've read that...I'll wait.)

Amy is beautiful on the outside. Amy is beautiful, gorgeous, amazing and faithful on the inside.

Her heart? The actual beating machine in her body? Yeah, that sucks. It is broken. NOT from lack of love. (She is WAY loved.) No, her heart is broken because she has cardiomyopathy. Stupid disease. Horrible.

She has been in the hospital for FAR too long. She is in a bad place, health wise. I know her thoughts are turning to true fear. A fantastic husband. Four amazing kids. A large, loving, extended family. A deep, unwavering faith. But now, well, she's tired. I can use all the best adjectives in the world. But that's the easiest way to describe it.

She is tired. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually.

So, I am asking, pleading and begging for ALL OF YOU, no matter what your faith or belief system to pray for Amy. To keep her in your thoughts. To send her love, light and blessings. To send her healing vibes. To have YOUR Board of Directors talk to HER Board of Directors.

I am humbly asking all my healer friends to do what you can from wherever you are to wherever she is. I am asking for thoughts to uplift and encourage her, even though she is sedated and waiting for major surgery, again, to happen.

I know and love and admire so many powerful people. Do your stuff.

I need Amy to shine brightly when that LVAD is installed.

I am also asking each and every one of you to SHARE this post. PLEASE.

The power of prayer and healing is something I have seen work firsthand when it comes to Amy. Let's do it again. Visualize the tornado of white, healing energy and light heading out to Methodist Hospital in Indiana today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes.

UPDATE on Tuesday at 12:22 PM from Amy's husband, Jeff:
LVAD surgery will be around noon on Wednesday. Procedure is estimated to take 4-6 hours. She will be in recovery for no less than two hours.

I used green today for the heart chakra. I'm doing EVERYTHING I can here.

Love,
Maggie

In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room (HOSPITAL room)
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

Get out your tissues out. THIS is an amazing version of this song.
http://youtu.be/P-_dRx5mt0k

5 Comments

A Good, Good Life

4/8/2013

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At the end of our retreat yesterday, there was a grab bag. Pick a name, give a gift. I created the framed collage on the Women Supporting Women post to give as my gift to give.

Everyone was so very thoughtful with their gifts and yes, everyone pulled exactly the right name to go with their gift.

Thank you Andrea xo

I received this beautiful journal.

It couldn't have been better timed.

I have just a few pages left in my current journal.

I did announce that I was going to write regularly again.

It came with colored pencils and three favorite quotes from the gift giver. Below is the one I read out loud to the group.

If we can see our own hopes, dreams, and ambitions,
then we are far more likely to achieve them.
~ Mina Samuels

There were a number of books exchanged, including two different women, gifting two different Mary Oliver collections. One was the book, "House of Light." The other was the audio book, "At Blackwater Pond."

I thought I had used her quote (look up) on this blog. It turns out it was saved in my "to be used" file. There are NO coincidences. I believe if nothing else this blog has proven this over and over.

I intend to think, write and continue creating my beautiful life. How about YOU?

When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over.
~ One Republic "Good Life"
http://youtu.be/q7QQLsC7QEw

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Women Supporting Women

4/7/2013

16 Comments

The gift I made for the retreat

Mostly I admire you
You who gives so effortlessly
with such ease,
and such grace....
As if the steps of the heart just
flowed from every muscle in your body
and I am amazed
that you, let me, fumble along beside you.
~ Women Supporting Women 2013

All of the us received this poem in a beautiful frame on our beds upon arriving at the retreat on Friday. There were orchids and tulips and candles galore. We were not short on ambiance or personalities. I was paired up with one of our amazing massage therapists as my roommate and we got along famously.

I could write a long, involved, dissertation type of post here, and the truth is, it still wouldn't tell the story of our weekend retreat.

What happens at a retreat, STAYS in your hearts and heads and it does not leave your mouth unless it's being shared with someone else who was there. It's a rule. The exception are the statements below - because they don't incriminate anyone (although you know who you are...) and I want you to get a feel for the Warrior Goddesses who rocked the house.

If you have never experienced a retreat of any kind, I encourage you to start saving for one. Because, if all goes according to plan, it enriches your life, nourishes your soul, fills you with joy, and makes you ache for the next one.

For ME, it was a weekend of love. It was a weekend of tears. It was a weekend of laughter. It was a weekend of dancing. It was a weekend of yoga and one nature hike, where we may have gone close to six miles. It was a weekend of three fireplaces stoked and welcoming. It was a weekend of wine. And food. And cookies. It was a weekend of shared confidences. It was a weekend of healing.

It was my debut as a card reader. It came about as a surprise and a delight. I used my little angel cards. Cara's sister gave her the Doreen Virtue Magical Unicorn Cards and damn if they weren't EXACTLY the perfect cards to use in conjunction with my own.

A few of my favorite statements from the weekend:

Surrender your head to your heart.
You are a warrior goddess. OK, fine. And a princess.
"No Talking Please"
If I had your hair I would have been a rock star.
There are the most delicious veggie burgers I have ever had in my life in there. They are so good I am asking for the recipe. - TEN MINUTES LATER - OH....they're made with beef and vegetables?!
I'm sorry I made you do that again, but it was a perfect photo op.
The perfect day - cry, laugh, love.
YES.
I drove seven hours to get here. I have never missed a retreat.
I love you.
You are FAR more interesting than your outside appearance would ever make me think.
I am sorry, but I cannot have sex with you. LOOK at your pajamas.
Thank you.
Until next year.
Namaste.

When we gathered for yoga this morning, we waited outside the room until Cara called us in.

She had this song on as we entered. I don't believe there was a dry eye in the house.

It perfectly expresses how this weekend went.

Memories were made. Hearts were healed. Risks were taken. Friends were made. Life was affirmed. Laughter was in abundance. More than one person stood proudly in their own power. LOVE. It was the word of the weekend.

http://youtu.be/y5JicO2bKec

The words "thank you" are not nearly powerful enough to express how I feel about this weekend. And yet, they are all I've got.

Thank you to Cara and Candace and the other 18 women who bravely joined together to release that which does not serve us and to love as one.

16 Comments

Freeing My Mind...I Hope!

4/5/2013

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"Freedom" by Amanda Cass

Free Your Mind! by Catrin Welz-Stein

On Day 24 of my 53 for Me blog I wrote how Cara explained yoga is 20% about the poses and 80% about freeing your mind.

In a few hours I will take off for the Catskill Mountains in NY and be a participant in a yoga and nature hike retreat. I am more than a little excited.

The top line of our itinerary reads:
"All events are optional. Please do whatever you feel like doing or nothing at all."

I will probably be an "all in" kind of participant.

I have a few goals for my mind freeing experience.

Get back to writing in my journal ~ for ME, when I do that, I find that I don't have a ton of pent up thoughts. I get them on paper and am better able to move on. When it leaves my head to paper, I do have a free mind.
To keep working on poses with bird names and perhaps master one.
To enjoy the community of new women and women I know, but not necessarily well.
To be in the present for the whole time and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
To not even worry for one second that I won't be writing a blog tomorrow for the first time since I launched this site.
To come back rejuvenated.

I am looking forward to 48 hours without cell service, email, or any other outside distractions.

Can you even remember the last time you had that luxury?

I feel as if the phone is attached to my hand. (I am convinced it is surgically attached to my teens' hands.)

This is the Jon Schmidt (the piano half of the piano guys) song,
"Bells of Freedom" performed by a pretty darned talented piano player.
http://youtu.be/CTFMG-b7sEw_

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The Damm Surprise!

4/4/2013

6 Comments

Let's have a party!

Yeah...not

I am SO sorry I can't be there

Your ride is here!

FYI: turbulence is no fun

Downtown Sarasota

You may recall my post about my Aunt Nancy turning 80.

It's a BIG birthday.

Her baby sister, Rosie, turned 70 in December. My mom, who is the middle child, decided it would be fun to throw them both a party.

On a Wednesday.

In Sarasota, Florida.

Convenient for the retired crowd. Not so much for the working crowd.

She sent out an invite to all of her kids, cousins, nieces and nephews, to see who could come.

I am heading on a retreat from Friday through Sunday and really couldn't see how I could swing it. Overnight in Florida? It's crazy, right?

Then, I said the heck with it, and made reservations. It's only money. Your aunts only have these monumental birthday's once.

ONLY Jane knew I decided to make it happen. Everyone else was in the dark. Let's surprise mommy and Am.

::: rub hands together with glee :::

While I was getting all made up at home before leaving, I called my mom's house to wish everyone a great time at the party tonight. (As an aside, we had no heat & hot water, again, due to a malfunctioning part. Thanks to my neighbors for letting me shower at their house.) I spoke to the aunts. Everyone was very forgiving of my not being able to be there. Hook, line and sinker.
Part One - complete.

I arrived at Jane's house. She told Am the car service arrived. Am didn't realize car services used RAV4's and didn't that look just like Maggie's car? Out I popped. GREAT surprise. She asked if I was going to the party? I was totally overdressed for a ride to Queens, I can assure you. YES, Annemarie, I am going to the party! Mommy does NOT know.
Part Two - complete.

We get to LaGuardia with plenty of time to spare. We have a lovely lunch. We have an easy flight, except for the turbulence. We arrive 10 minutes early. We get a car. Our GPS, AKA Jane, gets us to the Hilton. We check into the hotel. We have about 30 minutes or so to get ready. I flew in my party clothes, thank you Chico's, so I didn't have too much to do. The other's are quick change artists and were ready in a flash. We decide they will go in first and I will follow in about a minute or two. We arrive at the Chart House and in they go while I check email on my phone.
Part Three - complete.

I go into the restaurant and sneak around the bar to the back of the room where the party is set. There are 15 people gathered. I will be sweet 16. I go down the stairs and announce, "I heard there was a party happening here!" My mother almost falls out of her chair. It was fabulous. My sisters are laughing. My Aunt Rosie is giggling because she really can't believe I am there. Aunt Nancy is delighted.
Part Four - fully executed.

There is something fantastic about gathering around a table with family from the ages of 47 to 80 and it's NOT an after funeral luncheon. It was a celebration of two women's birthday's as well as a celebration of family. And that, is priceless.

So, the next time something seems too bananas to pull off, too time crazy, too expensive - think about the experience that will be had. We are here for a short time. Live it up.

The menu - delicious!

Kool & The Gang ~ "Celebration"
(come ON, you know it's perfect!)
http://youtu.be/3GwjfUFyY6M

6 Comments

Creating Happiness

4/3/2013

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Who hasn't said the following sentence, "As long as you're happy, I'm happy." Or, "I just want you to be happy." And of course, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

Here's the truth. Happiness is an inside job. I know. I. KNOW.

Sometimes it takes a long time to "get" that. You ARE your truth. You become your self talk. If your self talk is negative, well then, so are parts of your life.

I think a lot of the time we convince ourselves we feel a certain way because we are simply not ready or able to face the reality of a situation. Thus, we change our reality to suit whatever the situation is at the time. We can choose to be miserable, or sad, or joyful, or happy.

Most of the time, I choose happiness. Every so often I enjoy a pity-party for one. It's not terribly fun. As I learn to recognize when I am throwing said party, I am able to get over myself faster than ever. It's an inside job.

Spread happiness everywhere you go today. Most especially, create your own happiness. You know you're worth it.

Happiness is anyone and anything at all,
that's loved by you.
~ "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

How many times have I sung the lyrics, "happiness is two kinds of ice cream," over the years? Hundreds? Thousands?
http://youtu.be/hKKjqzkGo3o

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Be Still

4/2/2013

2 Comments

I know VERY few people who are still.

We are busy, busy, busy.

STOP.

S-T-O-P

Even if it's just for the length of the song (4:05).

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Do it again.

This time, breathe in love, breathe out gratitude.

Did you listen to the wee, small voice in your head?

Pay attention.

Excellent.

ENJOY the stillness.

Have the perfect day.

xo

Somewhere along the way,
the answer to the chaos became a quiet, holy mantra.
be still ~ be still ~ be still ~ be still

Serene guitar instrumental called "Knowing Stillness"
http://youtu.be/PA4Z2lU5uZw

2 Comments

Intentions

4/1/2013

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One of the main reasons I began working with the Jen's of JENeration FIT was due to an article that JZ wrote in a local paper. (Click on the link and read it for yourself; it might strike a chord with you too. Have I mentioned they will work with you long distance?) I shot her off a quick email to say how much sense her words made to me. Resolutions vs goals vs intentions. Intentions worked for me. And so, another member of the Jen Fit posse was born.

When you couple intentions with goals it can be very powerful.

I have stated on my "53 for Me" blog that I have had very few "perfect" eating days. If I had resolved to do so, I would have quit all of this a year ago. However, since Jen explained so succinctly in her article the point of intending to eat more healthy (for the rest of my life) I have never beaten myself up in the 15 months since this journey began. I have absolutely fallen off the wagon. I have had days of sugar highs. And that's OK. My family tends to live until their 90's. I am not going to freak out about something in my 50's, on one day that may cause me to not have that flat stomach I have frankly, never had. When I put that malted egg in my mouth I am fully aware I am doing so. And I move on.

When I started the great purge of the basement I made it my intention to get it cleared out. Can you imagine if I had resolved to do so? I'd still be looking at the pile of over 200 stamp sets on the floor. My internal goal was to be done before my first "real" class in the Magic Basement. That is going to be on April 12. Cross that off the list.

My next intention is to get my newsletter out by tomorrow morning with all the dates and descriptions of my classes. My goal is to figure out Mail Chimp so I can create what I want. So far, I am falling short of that goal. If it doesn't look exactly what I want it to look like - oh well. I still need to get the information out there. (And, if anyone is really proficient with Mail Chimp and is willing to talk me through it, that would be a bonus.)

My goals these days are manageable and doable over time.

Beat my time from last year on the 5k on April 20.
Get my stamina up enough to have JC declare me able to go to CKO Kickboxing school and become a teacher.
Get the other side of the basement cleared too.
Get a job that pays me enough money so perhaps I can save some to put towards space for TGHR.
Get that space.
Continue to listen to my heart even when my head is sometimes yelling the total opposite of what my heart needs.
To start to my book.
To get over my fear and get the first retreat planned already.

So...what about YOU? Please feel free to share, comment, and/or state your intentions or goals.

There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
~ The Indigo Girls, "Closer to Fine"

Indigo Girls - Closer to Fine
http://youtu.be/HUgwM1Ky228

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Forward>>

Get Lost in the Moment

There are SO many versions of "Dancing in the Streets."
I just had to let YOU have a listen too!
Naturally, the Dead version is 10+ minutes.
It's live. That's how they roll. Makes me smile every time.

You Matter

Awash With Angels

The Light Within

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POST.
Yes, it's long.
PLEASE read it.

A Good, Good Life

If we can see our own hopes, dreams, and ambitions,
then we are far more likely to achieve them.
~ Mina Samuels

When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over.
~ One Republic "Good Life"
http://youtu.be/q7QQLsC7QEw

Women Supporting Women

Freeing My Mind...I Hope!

The Damm Surprise!

Creating Happiness

Happiness is anyone and anything at all,
that's loved by you.
~ "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Be Still

Somewhere along the way,
the answer to the chaos became a quiet, holy mantra.
be still ~ be still ~ be still ~ be still

Intentions

There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
~ The Indigo Girls, "Closer to Fine"

Maggie Pinque

Archives

Maggie Pinque

There are SO many versions of "Dancing in the Streets." I just had to let YOU have a listen too! Naturally, the Dead version is 10+ minutes. It's live. That's how they roll. Makes me smile every time.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POST. Yes, it's long. PLEASE read it.

If we can see our own hopes, dreams, and ambitions, then we are far more likely to achieve them.~ Mina Samuels

When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over.~ One Republic "Good Life"http://youtu.be/q7QQLsC7QEw

Happiness is anyone and anything at all,that's loved by you.~ "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Somewhere along the way, the answer to the chaos became a quiet, holy mantra. be still ~ be still ~ be still ~ be still

There's more than one answer to these questionsPointing me in crooked lineAnd the less I seek my source for some definitiveThe closer I am to fine. ~ The Indigo Girls, "Closer to Fine"

Maggie Pinque

Archives

Maggie Pinque

There are SO many versions of "Dancing in the Streets."
I just had to let YOU have a listen too!
Naturally, the Dead version is 10+ minutes.
It's live. That's how they roll. Makes me smile every time.

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT POST.
Yes, it's long.
PLEASE read it.

If we can see our own hopes, dreams, and ambitions,
then we are far more likely to achieve them.
~ Mina Samuels

When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over.
~ One Republic "Good Life"
http://youtu.be/q7QQLsC7QEw

Happiness is anyone and anything at all,
that's loved by you.
~ "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Somewhere along the way,
the answer to the chaos became a quiet, holy mantra.
be still ~ be still ~ be still ~ be still

There's more than one answer to these questions
Pointing me in crooked line
And the less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.
~ The Indigo Girls, "Closer to Fine"