Back in the day blogging was navel gazing. It was as simple (and complicated) as individuals sharing stories in hopes what we wrote would resonate with others. In a sense we unknowingly blogged in an attempt to spark You too? I thought I was the only one!, to create connection through our struggles and unite through our celebrations. I've consciously chosen to reclaim the navel-gazing ... Continue Reading
5 ways to be a Shamash in 2018
We've been back in Austin for 3 years. It's been 3 years (!) since the Child & I chatted about making new friends and what do to when you can't find a nice person. It's flown. It's been a roller coaster. It reminds me of what I've written before with regards to fully living in our bodies versus going through the motions of life encased in a skin-sack. (bear with me. this will ... Continue Reading
First Child-Free Separation Weekend.
For the past decade+ I've spent far too much time with my Child. The Husband traveled. I traveled. Never in the past 11 years+1 week did we drop the Child somewhere and travel together (sidebar: guess who's 12 soon?). Spoiler alert: This was not a great approach to marriage. Even though I've consciously chosen not to focus on the rear-view mirror (Glance Carla! Glance! is now a ... Continue Reading
A Take What You Need Valentines Day.
What feels like a lifetime ago the Child and I lolloped through OAKtown taping signs up everywhere. We barely knew the city back then--let alone the many Oakland people we came to adore. In a way, with hindsight, we spread the love more for *ourselves* than for those who might discover it. In the same manner volunteering provides a helper's high the opportunity to image others gleaning ... Continue Reading
3 Reasons I Swapped Coffee Breaks For Outside Time.
OK, even I giggled when I typed the post title. I don't work in a traditional office setting and am far too frugal to fire up my Nespresso mid-day (even with my fave knock off coffee pods). Also (non-rhetorical here): Do people take coffee breaks anymore? I'm fairly certain they don't, but the more candid 'I've swapped Facebook breaks for outside fun' didn't flow as nicely. And the message ... Continue Reading
Whats on YOUR laundry tag?
I'm pretty prideful about the fact I ask for what I need. Specifically, clearly & in the moment. For some reason it's always been pretty clear to me if I don't ask I won't receive. I can't read your mind or intuitively know what you want---why on earth would I assumed you'd be able to do that for me? (I've also learned asking isn't a guarantee I'll get what I seek, but if I ... Continue Reading
5 Signs Someone Is Your Person.
I'm his person. I'm in love with the Netflix series: Grace and Frankie. This feeling has taken me by surprise (never a Jane fan and, while I adore Lily, Martin and Sam, my Jane-dislike was enough to initially deter me from watching). I s-l-o-w-l-y consume each episode (no binge watching) pausing frequently to rewind/re-hear conversations or phrases. (I wanna be Frankie. Yam lube and all. ... Continue Reading
Taking a break from regularly scheduled programming.
I had a post slotted to run today, but decided some space is more what I need. I'll be back Monday. Recently a friend shared this thought with me: You need an intermission to reconnect with your mission. More than growing defensive (a reaction I've learned indicates someone has captured something about me I wish to avoid)--I realized she was right. These next few days will be my ... Continue Reading
You matter.
This is my favorite photo of my friend, Sue. Captured mid-laugh, unaware photo was taken, doing the double hand grab. (Ive absolutely no idea why I'm wearing that expression.) The you matter to me. I'm present with you. double hand grab is a perfect metaphor for Sue's life. The first time we met I was newly a Texan, completely friend-free and trying to find where I fit in the land of BBQ ... Continue Reading
My search for hygge.
hygge uses candles to bring light to the dark. Ive fallen in love with a word. Unlike falling in love with a person I have no recollection the first time we "met." The idea, sense and awkward pronunciation, however, has remained with me. Hygge. The term comes from a Norwegian word meaning "well-being" (the Danes began using it in the late 18th century) and is pronounced hue-gah. The ... Continue Reading