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LOVE : the final word of November

11/30/2013

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If you've been here awhile, you are not in the least bit surprised that love is the final word I picked from the book I've been using all month. 

Naturally, in my email this morning I received this daily quote:

Being in love is so good for you. Often when people are newly in love, things that have been bothering them for a long time get better. Something wonderful is calling the majority of their attention, so they're holding themselves in a better vibrational place, so the stuff they've been wanting all along can now zoom in.

---Abraham

If someone could bottle the feeling of new love they would be a kajillionaire.

As we enter into the holiday frenzy, take some time to love yourself. Treat yourself to some pampering. Work off stress at the gym. Walk to clear your head. Get on the mat and do some yoga or Pilates. Meet a friend for coffee. Read a book. Catch a season of something on Hulu or Netflix. Listen to some awesome music. Take a ride in the car. Shop at small local businesses. Remember to breathe...probably the hardest of all of these suggestions.

I wish you all a love filled day. 
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If you haven't ever really listened to a phenomenal ukulele player, I invite you to check out Jake Shimabukuro.

In My Life
Lennon-McCartney
There are places I'll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all 

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more 

No words in this version.
None needed.
You may cry from the sheer beauty of it.

http://youtu.be/vOR6tA_PN3E
And if you want the lyrics...

http://youtu.be/8K8FZgvMoOA
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Celebrate

11/29/2013

2 Comments

 
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image: http://www.etsy.com/people/achelmer
We kaboshed the kickball game yesterday due to cold ...the kids still won.

We shared what we were thankful via 2013 paper - the kids and some adults texted me something and someone they were grateful for. I read them out loud.

Some of the kids and I watched "Home Alone." I had never seen it much to the surprise of many in the room. It was made in 1990 and it still made me laugh in probably all the same places it made people laugh 23 years ago.

We ate and laughed and smiled and I personally took zero pictures. We just sat and hung out together.

We celebrated.

Today, EVERYONE in this house slept in. Peter just ambled downstairs and announced he will be eating nothing at all for the day. (I am hereby stating for the record this will be a false statement.) Bella heated up some of her Grandma Maria's foccacia and is in garlic heaven.

There was talk about hanging Christmas lights today. I believe it's been rescheduled for tomorrow.

If you had the wherewithal to go out at oh-dark-thirty this morning and brave crowds, go you. I did it once and that was more than enough for me.

If you feel like shopping from your seat and not your feet, may I suggest the beautiful jewelry of Meredith Jordan. She has a gorgeous etsy shop and you can see some of her work in the short film below.
http://youtu.be/dwKlkTyIqUs
We are now entering some of the most stressful days since school started in September. From Hanukkah to Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve/Day to Kwanza to New Year's Eve - it is a free for all of celebrating and it won't always be pretty. However, I am going to TRY to remain calm throughout the season and literally just take it day by day.

My brother texted me this morning after I thanked him for hosting:
"Was totally kick ass - family for the win  :-)"

Here's to kick ass celebrations!

xo

PS - It's Friday, so dance to the music! (Check out the 1970 look...)

Celebrate
Celebrate anything you want. Celebrate the start of something, the end of something. If you're still going after five years or ten years or twenty-five years, celebrate. String paper chains and hand-deliver invitations and bake a cake and break out the good stuff. Celebrate! Dance and sing, give speeches, take pictures, finger paint, play word games, and cut out cookies with sprinkles. Unfurl flags and spread torn quilts on the lawn and squeeze your own lemonade and bake a pie. Celebrate  all the old holidays, and dream up a whole new batch of your own. Celebrate early, celebrate late, and celebrate often. Celebrate!

Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music

http://youtu.be/irRcG8Rf9FI

2 Comments

Thank

11/28/2013

1 Comment

 
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When I woke up this morning the first thought I had was simple, "I am grateful I got through another year being me." It isn't always easy living in this head. I do so much damage to my body I should have my own hazmat team. I recognize all of this, and today, I am grateful I have the skills to deal with it and the skills to write about it.

Thanksgiving is my favorite of the big holidays. Family, food, fun. There isn't any stress about gifts. You can just be.

For nineteen years I prepared the meal. Last year, my brother's family took it on and I have to say, it is lovely to be going as a guest. We play a rousing game of kickball - adults versus kids. The adults cheat. We lie about the score. We still lose. By a lot. These kids are GOOD, that's what the playground teaches you. Ringers I tell you.

Six adults, eight kids at the house. Jane is baking pies. If you are Facebook friends with her you realize this was QUITE the adventure for her yesterday. We're on mashed potatoes. We have a pie too - we bought it from the Math National Honor Society - seriously. Kim and Tom are on the rest of it.

I am going to implement a written thought on gratitude after reading how my friend Cara does it. We have long waxed 
poetically about it. Today, I am in charge of doing it via the written word.

My sister Annemarie will gather with her family on the farm; there is no doubt the whole family is excited to have her eldest home.

My mom is gathered with her sisters in Florida.

I have two friends handling balloons in the Macy's parade! This is a shout out to Jack, who is working on the Julius balloon, and Ilona, who is working on Snoopy. 


As always, Elaine is in NYC with the Rockettes. Her husband, Joe, is working at Radio City at the Christmas Spectacular.

There are legions of people working all over America at behind the scenes jobs and in your face jobs and perhaps, their Thanksgiving gathering will be with co-workers.

Yes, there are people working in retail today. And at restaurants. And diners. The movie theater. And plenty of bars. It is how they pay their bills.

There are thousands of deployed military far, far from home.

There are people alone.

I read recently that it is difficult to have a mantra in the English language; English doesn't have the same vibration as Sanskrit or Tibetan. However, it was further discussed, if we were to have one, the most powerful one that can be said in English is this: Thank You.

I wish you a glorious day however you spend it. Take a moment to practice the amazing mantra and delight in gratitude; of getting through yet another year of being you.


xo

Thank
Always be grateful. Give thanks for all that you have, no matter how little or how much that may be. Thank your grandmother for wonderful cheekbones, than your fourth-grade teacher for getting you that special book on how bridges are built. When you get through another day, say Thank you to God or Goddess or whoever you believe is in charge. Be thankful for the music that leaves make when tickled by a warm breeze; be thankful for the rain. When your promotion comes through, say Thank you. When a friend lets you sleep on her sofa because you can't be anywhere else, say Thank you. Be thankful that you have two arms and legs that work. If you don't, be thankful you still have a heart with which to give thanks.

Start your day with a musical Thanksgiving.

http://youtu.be/mH8POjMnDZk
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Mend

11/27/2013

3 Comments

 
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image: http://bit.ly/1fHHfel
When I was in high school, one of the ways I made money was to sew patches on jeans. I was fairly skilled with a needle and thread, and as a result, I could create works of art on the rear ends of teen girls WAY before words started making their way across the butts of Massapequa. They were colorful and usually sewn with embroidery floss. I had a steady clientele of girls who needed their jeans mended.

Both my grandmothers were handy with the needle. My dad's mom with the sewing machine for making clothing and knitting needles. My mom's mom with embroidery thread and yarn for needlepoint, as well as a crochet hook. As I type this, I recall some rug hooking as well. I learned needlework from watching my grandmother's. I also took a pattern making class as a 13 year old - thank you Aunt Nancy - and my sewing skills were further honed.

There isn't a lot of mending that goes on these days. Clothing tends to be disposable - think Forever 21 or Francesca's. It's good for a season or two and then you chuck it.

Humans, on the other hand...we are not disposable. We are easily hurt. We are easily torn. We take things to heart that sometimes, we don't even realize we took to heart. We are fragile and strong all at the same time. We need to sit every so often and just mend.

As we are T-minus 16 hours away from Thanksgiving, a day of gratitude for many and equally, a day of sadness for many, perhaps today would be a good day to sit and reflect on what needs to be mended in your life. I love this line from below, "Piece together all the beautiful squares and circles and diamonds that you are."

Make it THAT kind of a day. xo

Mend
When things are frayed and torn, mend them. Mend yourself when you've come apart at the seams. Put your pieces back together with a steady, patient stitch. Sit down in a comfy chair with that basket of clothes and mend them. Bring out your threads and needles and buttons. Listen to Lena Horne while you mend. Put the pieces back together. Mend a relationship that stretched until it couldn't stretch anymore. Mend your broken heart. Piece together all the beautiful squares and circles and diamonds that you are. Find how your mothering self and your child self, your business self and your artistic self can all fit together in a colorful, integrated whole. Like a patchwork quilt. Mend that ancient rift in your family. Make amends. Mend the hole where you let parts of yourself be sucked away time and time again. Amend your agreements with people as you change and they change. Before you reach and end, take time to mend.

And how can you mend a broken heart?
How can you stop the rain from falling down?
How can you stop the sun from shining?
What makes the world go round?

http://youtu.be/hWtKm5WbE_w
3 Comments

Weave

11/26/2013

1 Comment

 
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As I was thinking about this prompt I couldn't help but think about all the people who have woven in and out my life.

My oldest friends I met in elementary school. I don't have coffee with them, but I know they're out there (thank you Facebook). I also know I could pick up the phone and I could easily chat with these old friends without a hiccup.

I have new friends due to yoga, retreats and the jobs I have worked.

I have the 3:00 AM people; the sure and swift few I can call in case of an emergency and they're wherever I need them to be as fast as they can be.

I have friends who have come and gone yet who I think of with deep fondness.

I have the members of my family who are my friends.

Life gives me a chance to weave people, foods, smells, perfumes, music and experiences into a gorgeous hue of who I am. All of these memories create a unique ME. As a result, all of these memories allow me to gather strength when I need it.

EVERYONE has crap in their lives. Every single one of us. If one of the threads from my weaving can give me a little boost now and then, how unbelievably fortunate am I?

I wish you a day of great weaving. You're worth it! xo

Weave
Weave your life into a rich tapestry pf color and form. Weave a golden cloth and hang it on your front door. Weave a fine tale to share when the moon is full. With the steady, back-and-forth rhythm of the loom to guide you, weave your dreams into reality. Over, under, over, under. Pull together this loose end and that loose end. Tuck in the end that's threatening to fray. Weave your home life, into your work life into your inner life, blending them into a strong and lovely whole. Vary the strands. Weave together all that is strong and coarse, tender and delicate, straight and crinkled. Weave the expected and unexpected, the perfect and the imperfect, into a while cloth that is yours alone.

Weave, weave, weave me the sunshine out of the falling rain
Weave me the hope of a new tomorrow and fill my cup again

http://youtu.be/DVuX22LO2Hg
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Surprise

11/25/2013

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EVERY day can bring you a surprise; life is full of them.

I have had a number of surprise parties in my life (thanks to Jane and Marco). Jane, for the record, is impossible to surprise; we've tried.

Although I knew the gender of both my kids before they were born, NO ONE could have predicted just what a fabulous surprise their personalities were going to be.

I have had surprise emails and phone calls and texts. There is nothing better than hearing from an old friend "out of the blue."

Last week while at dinner with friends, our table was sent a round of drinks from "someone in the dining room." (I guessed who it was and when they came to say good night I asked if it was them. They happily nodded yes.)

I wish you all a day where you surprise yourself or someone else.

xo

Surprise
Surprise yourself today. Say something you never dreamed of saying to someone you never dreamed you could speak to. Do something unpredictable. Have tea instead of coffee; eat dinner sitting on the floor; wear lipstick or leave the lipstick off. Let others be surprised. Smile when they ask What's going on? Go swimming at lunchtime, take a yoga class after work, make plans to take a bus to Kentucky. Call someone you know will be shocked and delighted to hear your voice. Wear red. Wear black. Don't wear anything. Give the doorman a rose. Give the bus driver some Gummi bears. Put your car up for sale. Better yet, give it away. Surprise!

Well surprise, surprise, 
come on open your eyes
And let your love shine down

http://youtu.be/xUwrVISlc7s
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Rest

11/24/2013

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Today, I am going to steal a few moments to just rest.

There are magazines to read. Books to read. A need to just sit still and be.

I invite you to do the same...even if:
  • you've been up since 6:00am because your kids, who have to be dragged out of bed during the school week, believe that's the perfect time to be up on a Sunday
  • you've been at a hockey rink for early morning practice or a game
  • you've been at soccer since the wee hours of the day
  • you've been to the gym and already sweated out some stress
  • you're a natural early morning riser
  • you've been to mass

Make time today to rest. And if you can pamper yourself as well you will have completed yesterday AND today's words!

xo

Rest
Take five. Take a catnap. Take a break. Rest. Turn off the computer, turn of the lights, turn off the phone, and rest. Bring it all to a slow and quiet halt. For a little while, rest. Ask someone else to cover for you while you rest. Listen to soothing music while you rest. The children can occupy themselves while you rest. While you wait for the water to boil, rest your feet. While you wait for your date to show up, rest your eyes. No one is watching the clock, so just rest. When you're weary to the core, it's your soul that needs rest. When your energy flags, give your body some rest. The permission is there; now just take it and rest. The rest of the world will go on a rest while you rest.

Close your eyes
Let them rest
I ain't in no hurry, no hurry at all

http://youtu.be/Xlonqk5EOrw


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Pamper

11/23/2013

1 Comment

 
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I work in a place where maintenance (color and cut) is normal and the pampering part is more out of the ordinary.

If you have never had a facial, massage, a really excellent pedicure - treat yourself. It is time and money well spent.

I smiled a little when I read that getting a tarot reading is a way to pamper yourself. I can make that happen!

I am off to the salon where it will be full steam ahead on this, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

YOU go and pamper yourself!

xo

Pamper
Pamper yourself and enjoy every minute. Spend an hour putting you favorite lotion on every bit of skim you can reach. Attend to your every whim. Have a facial, a tarot card reading, a massage, a soak. Believe you deserve it, and enjoy every minute. Make yourself fresh-squeezed juice and serve it to yourself in the most elegant glass you own. Stretch and lie and loll in the sun like a cat. Take all weekend to read the paper. Take a long nap. Take an even longer walk. Eat whatever you want, whenever you want. Cook something elegant and involved just for you, or skip the whole eating thing altogether. Go see a movie in the middle of the day (and don't you dare feel a bit of guilt!). Read something trashy. Learn how to treat yourself to indulgences large and small, and if you can't - find somebody who can.

THREE hours of calm.
Go find a book and cozy up.
Call for some pampering.

http://youtu.be/luRkeDCoxZ4
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Move

11/22/2013

1 Comment

 
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I could go all psycho babble on you about the word move. I even had the perfect picture quote for here. BUT, the bottom piece does a nice job on the alternative uses of the word move and frankly, this picture made me laugh.

So much for psychobabble.

Yesterday, we sang.

Today, it's Friday.

We dance and we move!

xo
This was the obvious choice for music this morning.

http://youtu.be/hdcTmpvDO0I

Move
You address, your body, your bookshelf. Shake out anything in your life that's rusty, stiff, or stuck and get it into motion. Take a walk, take a hike, take a step away from stagnating jobs, relationships, and life patterns. Change perspective. Move closer to people who meet you with authenticity and who nourish your wildest dreams. Move away from everybody else. You don't have to move mountains; shifting a single pebble can work wonders. Make your move - any move - now. If you wait until you have more money, more security, more grace, more anything, you'll never move anywhere at all.

But THEN...
People magazine named Adam Sexiest Man Alive in 2013.
You're welcome!

And it Goes Like This
Take Me By The Tongue 
And I'll Know You
Kiss Me Till You're Drunk 
And I'll Show You All
The Moves Like Jagger
I've Got The Moves Like Jagger

http://youtu.be/iEPTlhBmwRg
1 Comment

Sing

11/21/2013

4 Comments

 
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Have you met me? My sisters? Bella?! When the windows are open, Bella has been known to sing for the neighborhood. Her shower concerts are epic.

We are beyond fortunate to have an amazing music director in our school district, Erica Denler. From the time she was in middle school, all Bella wanted to do was sing for Ms. Denler. This year, Bella is in two choruses at school, (one of which is an all girls chorus). 

As you might imagine, we are serenaded at this house on a regular basis, often in a language other than English. It starts from the first week of learning the song until the concert - MONTHS later. In February, there is a special, showcase performance of Carmina Burana at an outside venue. 

Recently, Bella had a friend over. They were practicing the lyrics to Floret Silva, (one of the twelve movements they are performing). I thought it was Bella singing the same lyrics over and over and over and over. I was reading in the living room - they were in the playroom. (Yes, we still call it the playroom.) I believe I whimpered loudly to "STOP already!" Except, it wasn't Bella. It was her friend - oops! Good thing they love me here. Because really, sopranos going on and on and on and well, you get the picture, gets exhausting. Although, I think I stood it for about half an hour, so I deserve some sort of prize, right?

I wake up with a song in my head. I break into song ALL the time - a word can have me off and singing in a second, quite probably a show tune.

Tucker, he sings the song of his people ALL the time!

What about you?

xo
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Sing
Open your mouth and let your song escape! Sing on-key, off-key, no-key-at-all. Sing when you're happy, when you're sad, when you're vacuuming, and when you're walking. Sing anything you want. Sing the song that wells up in your heart. Sing the directions to your doctors office. Sing your grocery list or the Old Testament or the names of all the women and men you know. Sing your anger - and make it as loud as you are angry! Sing a song of yesterday or of tomorrow. Sing your way into a different mood, or deeper into the one you're already in. Sing your life into existence. Every day, somehow, someway, however you can. Sing!

I sing the body electric
I celebrate the me yet to come

http://youtu.be/tG-wl2qqD7Y
4 Comments

Free

11/20/2013

1 Comment

 
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I have been thinking about today's word from last night until this morning. It is OH so easy to write the word free and to think the word free and to create a Facebook or blog post on the word free, but really, to BE free is very hard.

My life is busy - so is yours. I have obligations. Some of them are fun, some of them are expected of me. 

I generally don't worry about what others think of me; I can't control what THEY think, I can only control what I think and how I behave, so that lifts some of the nonsensical talk that goes on in my head away. But, I want to be liked. I want to be loved. I want to be appreciated. I want people to want to read this blog. I want people to want to retreat with me. I want people to join me for Coffee for a Cause. I want people to come to my classes and workshops. I want to know TGHR will take off and there will be people who really can't wait to be a part of it.

I don't think I am any different than you. For me, TGHR is my dream and my ability to be free to do what I want to do.

What about you?

Music today - OK, seriously, THE first song that came into my head was "Freebird." Yes, there are so many other songs with the word free in them, but I had to go "old school" and head on back to the '70's. I know there's a lot of you right there with me.

xo

Free
Free yourself! Free yourself from habits that suppress you, people the depress you, rules that repress you. Get rid of clothing that pinches, binds, or leaves red designs on your skin - and free yourself to move in comfort. Free up some time every week - or every day - to express your creativity. Free your mind of negative thoughts and belittling beliefs. Sell your house and free yourself from the never-ending world of house maintenance. Free yourself from draining relationships with people who want only to take and never to give. Cut up your credit cards and free yourself from the vicious cycle of debt and interest that never goes away. Free the poet that's locked inside you. Free the athlete who never got to run, the ballerina who never got to dance, the diva who never had the freedom to sing. Free yourself to be the woman you were always meant to be. And be free.

'Cause I'm as free as a bird now, 
And this bird you can not change. 

http://youtu.be/np0solnL1XY
1 Comment

Act

11/19/2013

2 Comments

 
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I love yoga. Really. I do. It is one of the few times I can shut my thoughts off and just concentrate on breathing and holding a pose.

So, when my right elbow started to hurt at the retreat in Garrison I kind of ignored it.

Then, when I was hiking and crying and cursing over my knee at the Frost Valley retreat I realized I really, REALLY needed to do something about the pain my whole body was in.

Over the years I have done physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, exercised through the pain, A. R. T., meditation, many, many does of Motrin - pretty much the full gamut of how to fix stuff.

Last Monday I knew the time had come to act. I called my orthopedist to schedule an appointment. When they asked me what was wrong I said a litany of things and that the doctor could decide just what to do with me. When I got to the office I laughed when I saw my sticker - it said "extended office visit."

The long and the short of it is that I have tennis elbow, again, but this time in my right elbow. Please note I do NOT play tennis. I had an x-ray of my elbow and my right knee to make sure nothing was broken. I have an MRI scheduled for next Monday on my knee. Because you know, the meniscus really freaking hurts. In a totally surprising move I got a cortisone shot in my Achilles. The upside is the pain may go away in a couple of more days. The down side is it makes it a tad more susceptible to rupturing. In which case, I will have the surgery, clear out the scar tissue and be all better. I need a brace for my arm - the store was all out. I should have a brace for my Achilles. I will be on that later. I am taking anti inflammatory meds so the swelling goes down.

I am going back to very little gluten and lots of food that are better for me.

ACT if you have ongoing pain. If it was one of our kids we'd be on it in a heart beat. We are useless if we're in pain, so, get on it.

I am landlocked for the next week until we see what the MRI says. Then, I can elliptical, swim, ride a bike and walk. My pretend running of 5k's is a thing of the past; I am not devastated by this. I can do yoga. I may still fight about any and every bird pose, but I will keep trying.

IN ADDITION, I am thisclose to my first retreat. I am looking at Martin Luther King weekend. By that time we will have had the cherubs home from school for a while and WE will need time for US. It could be THE perfect gift you ask for. Details to follow.

Act
When it's time, get moving.
After you've reflected and meditated, waited, prayed, and reaffirmed, act. Act on your instincts. Act without delay. Send the letter. Make the call. Pack the box. Issue the invitation. Get on the plane. Act already! ct with your own best interests at heart. Act in accordance with your most closely held values. Act mindfully. Act on behalf of the very young or the very old or the very needy. Now and then, act half your age. Act out in your own living room, act up in public. Strut around and act as though you own the joint. Act like the woman you've always wanted to be - and don't act surprised when suddenly you are!

Move your body!
ACT.
Do something.
http://youtu.be/wc_PizWNp6k
2 Comments

Pause

11/18/2013

2 Comments

 
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Many years ago I spoke VERY quickly. Whatever it was I wanted to say, apparently, I wanted to get it out in a hurry. 

My Nana always had to ask me to slow down when I spoke to her on the phone. I can hear her voice right now as I type this, "Margaret, you need to slow down, I can't understand a word you're saying."

When my sister Jane was getting married, I was asked to do a reading at the church. During the rehearsal, the priest said to me, "When you see a comma, pause. When you see a period, STOP for a count of two."

I have followed that advice ever since.

I am a comma queen. It drives my kids batty when I am proofing a paper for them. Recently, one of them said to me, "Do NOT add one comma to this. It is fine." 

Whatever, okay, it's your paper, we'll do it your way.

As the month of November gets closer to the end, bringing with it a crazy, early Hanukkah as well as Thanksgiving, take a moment to pause when it's hectic. Take a moment to appreciate that your happiness is right this second and by waiting for  (fill in the blank)  you are missing THIS moment. 

xo

Pause
                                                           Wait a moment.
                                          Take a breath.
                                                            Pause.
Before you react, before you speak. Pause. Before it all comes spilling out, take a breath. Pause. Before you say something you're bound to regret later, pause. When someone says I love you, pause before saying I love you, too. After you've raced to your two o'clock appointment and raced to find a parking space and raced two blocks in the rain, before you open the door, pause. Breath out, breath in, breath out. Before the discussion escalates into an argument, pause. Before you raise a hand to strike a child, pause long and hard. Punctuate your day with pauses. Collect your thoughts. Pause. Feel the breeze on your face. Say a prayer. Pause. Take a breath. Pause.

I love that the title of this is Slow Down.
It's close enough to PAUSE for me.

http://youtu.be/sSgPDKG6bB0
2 Comments

Howl

11/17/2013

1 Comment

 
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image: http://www.manicmoonandmore.com/linda-malcom.html
If you didn't see the moon last night, make sure you see it tonight.

Enjoy your Sunday! xo

Howl
In the dark of the night, howl at the moon. Howl in sync with the coyotes who line the ridge at dawn. Live your life like a wolf, and howl long and low, high and shrill, plaintive and wailing and ancient. Howl with laughter, roaring. Howl your grief. Howl your loneliness. Howl when you need help now. Sound a warning call that echoes through the canyons. Howl when the others are singing, howl when the others are weeping. Shriek and scream and growl and cry out when there are no words that touch deeply enough or sound wild enough. Howl a mournful, soulful, beautiful howl, You know how. Howl.

THIS is an amazing instrumental.

http://youtu.be/Bg9Kw3KC_-8
1 Comment

Read

11/16/2013

2 Comments

 
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image: http://bit.ly/1aJdnWT
Reading is my greatest guilty pleasure. I have always loved to read. 

It is escape and magic all rolled into several hundred pages. I still don't have an e-reader; I am a book girl. I am not adverse to a reader, but I frequent the library enough to get whatever I want whenever I want it - shout out to the Hendrick Hudson Free Library for being THE perfect library.

Bar none, I will admit, my favorite genre will always be romance. 

I am also a giant fan of memoirs. Oh and I love YA - give me a John Green novel any day of the week and I will be lost for the next four hours. 

I didn't surface for air except to eat and use the bathroom when I read The Hunger Games trilogy. I love series books.

I have a friend who told me years ago as long as there is a beach scene on the cover, she's reading it. Of course, she also reads every Jodi Picoult book as they come out.

OOooohh - and the Sookie Stackhouse series. Thanks to another friend for turning me on to them.

Unlike my mother's side of the family, I don't go bananas over mysteries. I read them, but again, my first choice will have romance in it. I can remember 8,000 Agatha Christie mysteries at the lake at all times; and when Sue Grafton's A is for Alibi came out I can recall my Nana really loving it.

I always have a pile of non-fiction sitting around.

Here's what I've finished recently. I am still trying to figure out all the hype about Gone Girl.

EVERY single person I know should absolutely read Carry On, Warrior. Seriously. It is that good. It is a book of Glennon's essays - brilliant, heartbreaking, perfect.
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My reading now pile is eclectic. Can you guess which one I will finish first? You have been reading the top book along with me for the month.
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So now, it's YOUR turn...  

PLEASE DO SHARE!

Here's to a most excellent Saturday! xo

Read
Start reading when you're a young girl, and never stop. Read stories and poems and essays and limericks and greeting cards and pamphlets. Read things by rich and famous writers; read things by everyone else, too. Read your favorite words out loud to your favorite woman. Lie on a blanket at the shore just after the sun has dipped down, and read out loud to each other. Read signs and labels if they're useful. Read speeches and manifestos if they stir your passion. (If not, recycle them immediately.) Read along with the congregation. Read the fine print. Don't read it just because the New York Times told you to. (Consider reading it because Oprah told you to.) Read everything you've written yourself and save it. After fifteen years, go back and read it again. If anyone tries to stop you from reading, read them the riot act.

You know you're all right
(Empty pages for the no longer young)
Then you feel it's all right
(And you said)
Rather say, "It's all right"
(Each life has its place)

http://youtu.be/QTs9H2AdXjk
2 Comments

Dance

11/15/2013

1 Comment

 
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Here's the thing about dancing.

You CAN dance wherever you are. 

It's Friday, so here at TGHR, you know the drill...we dance!

Have an awesome day!

xo

Dance
Get up and dance. Let the heartbeat of the Earth move up from the soles of your feet and set your body into motion. There's nothing to learn but freedom. Step, shuffle, sway, bend. Dance on the floor, dance in your wheelchair. Dance with yourself, dance with other women. Hold hands when you dance. Bump your behinds, bump your bellies. Let your eyes do the dancing. Dance everywhere, dance anywhere. Go to church and dance in the pews. Dance wherever you need to. Dance your anger, dance your joy, dance your indecision. Watch a belly dancer with a snake in sensual, fluid movements. Feel the energy crackle when a woman dances flamenco. Watch elders dance the old dances. Go to a play or a movie where everyone dances in perfect step with perfect legs and perfect precision. Go home, forget everything you saw, and dance your own dance.

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Stop and smell the flowers
And lose it the sweet music and dance with me
There is beauty in the world
So much beauty in the world

http://youtu.be/0qX7ZsxD3Ik
1 Comment

Sparkle

11/14/2013

1 Comment

 
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How much fun are these words?
Sparkle
Shine
Glitter
Diamonds
Baubles
Today, if you have one of those moments where you're not feeling it, and don't we ALL have those moments, look to these shoes and remember, we ALL have this very same power.

I wish YOU a day of sunlight glistening on your very being reminding you to shine bright like a diamond. 

As for me, I am going to do the bling thing today so I shine. Conveniently I work in the bling factory and if I am not quite bling enough, someone will absolutely hook me up!

Sparkle
Shine and glitter and fill up a room with your glow. Paint your toenails and your fingernails with sparkles that catch the light of the moon. Wear silver earrings that sparkle, crystal and bead necklaces that sparkle and catch the light of the sun. (Go ahead and get your teeth bleached, if you want!) Wear a shirt covered with tiny mirrors. Wear shoes that throw rainbows around the room when you dance. Let your eyes sparkle when you see someone you love. Or someone you don't. Wear glittering makeup - as much as you want. Wear strands of stones, glass or diamonds or paper covered with glitter - as many as you feel like! At the bank, sign your name with a pen that sparkles. Each day, look in a mirror that sparkles and remember it's a reflection of you.

We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky

http://youtu.be/lWA2pjMjpBs
1 Comment

Whine

11/13/2013

2 Comments

 
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Yesterday, I asked Bella to put the heat on upstairs. The thermostat is in her room. When she determined it was working, I asked her to take it back down to 65°. Frankly, 65° is a little warm, but after last years adventures in freezing pipes, we are trying to stay ahead of that happening again.

Our upstairs has ALWAYS been cold. 

OK, fine, it's been like the tundra; but that's how it's been since, forever. Sears makes Paddington one piece footed jammies for a reason.

Bella headed off to dance; the heat never went down.

Then it was 10:30 at night. Not one of us really noticed just how warm it was upstairs as we were getting ready for bed.

I tossed and turned like a salad in a bowl. You know, coupled WITH hot flashes it was like sleeping in a brick pizza oven. Naturally, this morning, I was tired and headachy and blech when I woke up.

Peter came downstairs. The first thing he said was he got up at 1:00AM and took a cold shower because WHY WAS IT SO HOT UP THERE? This was followed by groaning, moaning, and "I think I need coffee."

When Bella came downstairs we were a united front.

"BELLA! Didn't you notice how HOT it was last night?"

"I KNOW! I had to toss my blankets off and put on a tank top. It was the best sleep I've had in a while."

"Did YOU think to turn down the heat?!?!!!"

"Not at all. I liked waking up and not shivering."

I hope she recalls how comfy she was last night and adds one more of the three hundred blankets she has in her room onto her bed. She's going to need them.

I realize this is a first world problem and yes, I am truly grateful for the ability to have heat and 300 blankets, but boy oh boy, being too hot while I sleep makes for a whining morning.

Go ahead, what's your rant for today?

xo
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Scanned from the book since I wouldn't be able to recreate this fabulous page.
Get over it 
Get over it 
All this bitchin' and moanin' and pitchin' a fit 
Get over it, get over it 

http://youtu.be/1H-Y7MAASkg
2 Comments

Linger

11/12/2013

4 Comments

 
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Between the poignancy of the quote above, the words below and the music, this particular blog has written itself.

Spend some time lingering.

xo

Linger
Stop rushing. Just stop. Sip the last drops of tea instead of gulping them. Finish your conversation before running to the next item on your calendar. Pause and watch the woman who sings opera in the street, the woman who stir-fried the Chinese food, the young girl playing the violin as though she was born with it in her hand. Look at the sky for just a bit longer before you get into your car. Pick a leaf of mint or sage; before continuing on, rub it between your fingers and smell how delicious it smells. Look into someone's eyes just a bit longer than you thought you could. Linger over coffee, linger at the newsstand, linger over lunch. Linger longer in bed, in the park, on the river. Of course, linger longer at love.

I have ALWAYS loved this song.

But I'm in so deep. You know I'm such a fool for you. 
You got me wrapped around your finger, ah, ha, ha. 
Do you have to let it linger? Do you have to, do you have to, 
Do you have to let it linger? 

http://youtu.be/G6Kspj3OO0s
4 Comments

Forgive

11/11/2013

9 Comments

 
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Each retreat I have been on has it's own vibe. It can be determined by the title of the retreat, the women who attend, the place where it is held; these are all just some of the variables that make a retreat what it is.

The Yoga and Nature Hike Retreat was held up in Clarryville, NY - less then two hours away from home. And yet it seems a million miles away in terms of getting away. The house is glorious, the fireplaces stoked (thanks, Candace), the food delicious (thanks Sherrie), the yoga blissful (thanks Cara). The atmosphere set to exactly the right temperature thanks to our hosts - Cara and Candace.

Buddha. "Forgiveness Leads to Love." Music. Tulips. Comfy. Warmth. Beauty. Gift Exchange. Hugs - tight, tight hugs. Kisses. Tears. Laughter. A feeling of grace. You're there with me, aren't you?!
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Our theme was forgiveness. Not an easy subject on any given day. It is something that needs to be tackled internally. I was inordinately grateful I had spent a long time on this subject in the past year; it made the weekend almost easy for me. (In the end, one of the things I forgave was carbohydrates ... I love them so ... I eat too many ... they are so delicious ... damn them, I forgave them!)
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We took a hike on Saturday up to a place called "The Tower." It. Was. Hard. I didn't wear my hiking sneakers, I wore my regular sneakers. It was steep, it was leafy, it was wet - my knee was giving me the finger the entire time up. I am forever grateful to Renee and Candace for being my bookends when all I could do was weep. Which I did at one point and thought, "Fuck this - I can't do this anymore." THAT was when my women flanked me and said, "We got you sissy - no worries." The gladiator women who made it to the top in what felt like hours before me were happy for us when we got to the top.
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Kerry, Denise, Marion, Renee (sitting), Me, Cara, Amy, Fran, Donna, Ilana, Candace, Debbie
The facilities at the top. I used them!
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There was quiet time. There was reading time. There was sitting by the fire time. There were massages. There was Pictionary.

I read each guests cards. My work was a gift to the women attending from Cara and Candace. Isn't that a beautiful gift?! You KNOW each and every woman's cards were exactly right for her at that time.

After everyone but the three of us had left, we did a quick reading for the event. It was absolutely spot on perfect. The final angel card I pulled was "forgiveness." Of course it was.
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As always, what happens at the retreat STAYS at the retreat. However, there are ALWAYS a few sentences that I know I can share without giving away who said it. These are the moments that help define the laughter and the tears that are shared.

A few of my favorite statements from the weekend:
  • You can fart in there, you just can't speak.
  • Our hikes are always slightly treacherous.
  • Those pajama bottoms are circa 1985 frat house. Can I have them?
  • Thank you.
When you open yourself up to a group, many of whom you may not know very well, but see in the grocery store, you share a piece of yourself that is sacred. And in that sharing comes the wonder and delight in knowing that we are all far more alike than we are different. Thank you to the women who participated and to Candace and Cara for facilitating such a beautiful weekend.

Until next time, Namaste.

xo

Forgive
Experience the power of forgiveness. Say
I forgive you, and mean it. Forgive everyone who has ever wronged you. Forgive him for breaking your heart. Forgive her for telling everyone your deepest secret. Forgive them both. Stop holding grudges, and forgive. Forgive yourself for being human, for not knowing all the answers all the time. Once and for all, for the sake of your own sanity, forgive. Let the sweet and simple rain of forgiveness wash over you.

Ask for forgiveness, offer forgiveness.
Somewhere, find the inner depth to
forgive the man who raped, to forgive
 the woman who killed, to forgive the
friend who betrayed a loving trust. For
life, for peace forever; for you, for them,
forgive.

A gorgeous piano piece.
http://youtu.be/PQSIXC22JxY
PS - I cannot thank Tracey Clark enough for sharing the joys of everyday photography with me and of course, for the Instagram lesson. Sending LOVE, love, love to you for your generosity of spirit! xo
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    Maggie Pinque

    Believer in making dreams come true.
    Intuitive Card Reader.
    Author.  
    Inspirational Speaker. 
    ​Beacon of Optimism.

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Maggie Pinque

Feel free to email me
maggie@theglasshouseretreat.com
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