Posted on

pondering

At times being alone to ponder questions, and staying quiet long enough to hear some answers is a beautiful gift we give ourselves. Questions we have can range from personal to those about the world, or a thought that won’t go away. If we’re on a quest to see our life as a work of art, we can relax into silence, or ponder the following:

Do I listen to people, or do I cut them off in mid sentence?
Do I overreact when words from someone’s lips are biting? There’s a chance that good things can happen if I stay with the conversation, keep my wits, and don’t walk away.
Am I alert to the day? Do I notice when “random acts of kindness” are needed, or do I plod along distracted?
Do I appreciate what I have, or do I usually notice what I don’t have?
Do I let the greed of some people in the world put a damper on the day, or do I create the kind of day I want and allow them to do the same?
Do drivers who rant and rage upset me, or do I realize that nowadays driving often causes stress in people?
Do I do whatever it takes to raise my energy level so that I can contribute to life on this incredible planet earth, or do I live without caring?
Do I require a thank you when I give, or can I find joy in simply giving?
What am I doing to help the world be a better place for all of us? What can I do?

When all is quiet, and the mind is relaxed, all kinds of suggestions, answers, and learning come into focus.

******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* *******

“Let love and wisdom be united in me.” -an ancient prayer

“There is nobody else like you. The more you can quiet your own thoughts, fears, doubts and suspicions, the more will be revealed to you from the highest realms of imagination, intuition, and inspiration.” -Kenneth Wydro, American lecturer

“Too often people set their lives by the calendar. It takes all the fun out of life.” -John Glenn, after his latest shuttle mission

“Yes, of course [this age] is materialistic, but the only way to counteract it is to create spiritual things. Don’t worry yourself about the materialism too much. Create and stir people to create! -Robert Frost

“A life making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all.” -George Bernard Shaw

Posted on

waiting for baby

Oh, Alicia, you are up late. Can’t sleep? Thinking of the second baby soon to be a part of your lives? The first pregnancy was a breeze for you. You even strolled the streets of Paris for hours with Michael, and with a big belly, never minding it, having lots of stamina to walk, enjoy the museums, and late night dinners at bistros. Perhaps a relaxing island vacation is more in tune with baby #2. Indeed, no two pregnancies are alike; no two babies are alike. And why is it said that an uncomfortable pregnancy means a girl is on the way? I don’t understand. However, I do remember that a popular TV show, The View, once debunked some of the myths of pregnancy. We’ll see. And surprises are wonderful. A girl? A boy? Finding out at the time of birth is fun, too.

Alicia, you are a trouper. Even though you’re unable to sleep (I saw the time of your posting), the goodness of it all is what you’re pondering. I’m thinking of some of the things you’ve learned since Sebastian’s arrival – knowing how to put a baby to sleep through the night thanks to a book you read, and balancing being a working mom, and all that that entails. And knowing that Charlotte is accepting of a baby, and not so jealous anymore. Lovely long-haired, wide-eyed precious Charlotte, a loyal friend offering unconditional love any time of the day and night. And a dog everyone loves who will once again endure pokings this time from baby #2.

One thing is for sure, baby #2 will snuggle in the arms of a welcoming family, and will have something wonderful which Sebastian didn’t have – a sibling named Sebastian.

Sweet dreams, Alicia.

“Your children are not your children
They are the sons and
daughters of life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but
not from you.
And though they are with you
yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love
but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.” – Kahlil Gibran

Posted on

Baby #2

I have been meaning to write for some time in this blog but life and other petty stuff has gotten in the way like it tends to do when you have something well intended planned. Michael and I are expecting our second baby this coming September. It is truly a blessing to welcome a child into this world.  Especially as we raise our son, Sebastian, and celebrate his milestones. We know what to expect and what to look forward to with our next beloved child. With that being said…

I had no idea how different each pregnancy could be. I mean I knew it could be different but this is nuts. Let’s put it this way, with Sebastian I was basically on a “happy” drug for the whole pregnancy. This one has been totally different. I have had morning sickness, I have been sick in general, I had acid reflux, insomnia, major food aversions and I can only manage to eat small portions — I mean tiny portions at each sitting. Oh, I am grumpier too… bless Michael for putting up with me.

The funny thing about the differences are that everyone thinks I am now having a girl because of them. I am kind of in agreeance with them but I am not convinced it is because of the type of pregnancy.

This time to just be different we have chosen to wait until the baby is born to find out the sex. I think it’s because we want to have the surprise but also because we don’t care what the sex is as long as the baby is healthy.

We will find out in September! I am now in my 15th week and have a OB appt. tomorrow morning so I will have to report more next time!

Posted on

www.care2.com

If lately you’ve been thinking about how you can contribute to making our world the world it can be, here’s a website for you. www.Care2.com I’ve taken the following from Yoga+ Magazine’s July/August 2007 issue on Myths & Masters, page 88. And because I couldn’t decide on the most important part, I copied all of it for you.
www.yogaplus.org

The “Hundredth Monkey Effect” proposes that when a critical mass of minds reaches awareness, an ideological breakthrough occurs, and others are instantaneously transformed. So how many spiritually, socially, and environmentally aware people would it take to raise human consciousness to a higher level? Luckily, Care2.com is gauging our progress. With over 7 million members, the Web’s largest progressive community site inspires and empowers those who “care to” make a difference. Connect with people and nonprofit organizations who share your cause, whether it’s human rights, reducing greenhouse gases, or spreading the joy of yoga, get informed on current issues and sign petitions; search the Healthy Living database for tips on everything from chakras to hybrid cars; send free e-cards; and much more. Who knows-you may just be the “hundredth monkey” that shifts our entire collective consciousness. -Natalya Podgorny

www.Care2.com now has 8 million members.

What else is there to say?

Posted on

oprah and eckhart and a 10-week online web event

Eckhart Tolle’s book A NEW EARTH: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose was announced as new pick for Oprah’s Book Club, and together Oprah and Eckhart will have online Web classes in order to study A NEW EARTH, “. . . but not as an academic subject or in order to acquire new theories or beliefs.” www.eckharttolle.com

Oprah’s worldwide classroom begins on Monday, 3 March, at 9/8c. It’s a free Web event. You can reserve a seat and find out what you need for the first class at www.oprah.com

Posted on

O Christmas Tree Brings the Warm & Fuzzy Feeling

Tonight we got our Christmas tree from Cranberry Tree Farm.  Michael is vacuuming the house right now so we can put it in the living room. Boy it is interesting how something like buying a big tree makes you get in the Christmas mood and feel the holidays are here. Just seeing the sales guy at the farm tie the tree up on the hood of the Jeep really made me happy.

I think it puts me back when I was a child and the wonderful feeling of Christmas and all the great things it brought. This year was special too because we took Sebastian to pick the tree out.  Even though he had no clue what was going on he was thrilled to run through the trees displayed and watch people picking their trees out. We took some great photos of him for posterity.  Something about his sweet innocence and true happiness just made the experience this year even better.  I can only imagine next year when we pick a tree out when he is 2 and half years old, how exciting that will be.  He even added the Christmas spirit to other tree shoppers.  One guy who appeared in his 20s was there with his family and particularly seemed to enjoy watching Sebastian have his first tree experience. That is the wonderous thing about children.

Last year we didn’t do the whole tree thing because we were traveling up to NY to spend it with Michael’s family and we thought it would just sit here wasted. So technically this is Sebastian’s first tree and first Christmas in our home in NC.  We are very excited and want to make it special. I know it really is for us since he has no idea what is going on. But he sure loves lights and seems to know there is definitely something different and special going on right now.

After the tree purchase we went straight to BJ wholesale club to buy lights to decorate the house and more ornaments. Sebastian was fascinated by the prelighted trees on display at the store. At this time in his life all he cares about is that there are neat lights everywhere. It is so interesting that simple lights just make him so happy. I really cherish this time because soon Christmas will be about what he wants from Santa – that will also be fun. www.bjs.com

Experiencing the setting up of Christmas time in our home and driving around and seeing lights displayed really reminds me of all the things I am grateful for… Health, Family, Job, Friends and that is really all that matters.  In the family we all have decided to not exchange gifits for each other but instead buy for the children. I think this is such a great way to really appreciate the holidays instead of racing around trying to decide what is the best gift for all the people on your list.

The best gift we can give each other is time and love and patience. All these things we have and so my wish list is complete. Happy holidays to everyone!

Posted on

Motherhood for Me

Motherhood for me has been such an interesting journey and my son is only 18 months old as of yesterday Nov. 25th. I knew it would change me and change my life but I didn’t know it would add so many layers to my life.

Before Sebastian was born I thought I already had a full life. It was like a part of me awoke after he was born and they told me I had a baby boy in the hospital. I guess that part of me was always there but I just didn’t realize it or know it until Sebastian arrived.

For this reason alone I am so happy we decided to embark in the world of neverending worry, love, and concern, and hopes for our child and hopefully future children. That part of parenting is so mind boggling. All the worrying and hopes and concern you feel for your child it is just nuts. You worry if they are sleeping enough or eating enough or not enough. You worry if they are developing at a fast enough pace or if you should or shouldn’t be giving them certain foods. It is just neverending… I mean there is a whole book section on how to properly raise your child. Unfortunately there are differing opinions on how to raise your child and do things.  That topic is a whole other blog in itself which I am sure I will get there one of these days.

Ok back to motherhood and how much I absolutely love it. The best part is the first time you see your baby in the morning. It is truly like Christmas every day when you see him for the first time.

I just can look at him for hours and think how spectacular he is and how cute and funny he is.  I mean what a sense of humor our child has. He really just cracks me up.

I love thinking of all the wonderful experiences we are going to share all through the years of him growing up. It really is exciting. I can’t wait! I do have to remember to not wish today away.

For the days are long but the years are fast when raising children – such a true statement.

The one thing I love about my son is how sweet and comforting he is to me. He truly has saved me from myself in a way. He puts so much perspective in my life – keeps me grounded.  I can’t say enough great things about being a mom.

When I hear my friends are expecting I am so excited for them to experience the most amazing joy in life… giving life. What a true gift it is, the best one I could have ever hoped or asked life to give me.

Just as Oprah www.oprah.com says, “This I know is true” I know being a mother is the most amazing job and experience this life has to offer and I am blessed to have it.

Posted on

peter

Some people don’t seem to ask much of Life; and give a lot of themselves-to others, their work and their community. This sums up the way Peter lives his life. On his lunch hour and days off from work, he’s easily seen walking along town with his camera. He covers a lot of territory on foot-hardly ever without his camera. Peter is a librarian, and as a librarian he’s very approachable. It’s not hard to see that he loves children and is very kind and patient with them. And I’ve seen him sitting to the side in an isolated area of the library attempting to explain something to an adult. He does this with much care-giving his undivided attention when possible.

Peter is robust and walks quietly. He usually has the same expression on his face. There are people you see often and so you begin to notice them. If you say “Hi” first to Peter, you get a quick “Hi” back, and then he’s on his way. You piece things together from the times you see him in passing. And then with all the pieces, you realize that, yes, this person is special in that he genuinely serves people and then goes along his way. And you notice how peaceful he looks with his camera. And you see that he’s on his way to photograph Life. He’s an observer. I heard recently that his pictures are sometimes on display at galleries. I’d like to see them-just to glimpse what Peter sees through the eye of his camera.

Posted on

britney

Everywhere on newstands, there are all these reminders to think-Britney. Britney, Britney. I’m not saying this in any jealous rage. Far from it. She’s a human being, not a caged animal. How can anyone live life when just about every action undertaken is monitored by many? The energy that comes at her on a daily basis can drive someone nuts. She’s young; she hasn’t had a chance to mature, to learn things that the music industry is incapable of giving her. Why not give her a break and allow her a chance to “find herself”? She’s grown up in a frenzy of media attention, and her nerves have got to be a little shattered by now.

And that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Posted on

enough

The voice on tv droned on and on with “the news” of Paris Hilton. After a while no one seemed to hear the annoying words. I thought, here we are in the USA and the topic our news stations focus on, over and over, is the condition of Paris Hilton as she once again prepares for jail. The media made her a celebrity. And now what? What is the purpose of focusing on Paris Hilton, without let up, as if there’s nothing more important in the world than this topic

Words uttered by the robotic geezers, and others, who by now should be wiser and well on their way to helping secure a better world for humanity, are embarrassing. Watching and listening to them pretending they’re getting “the news across to the masses” is more than embarrassing. They need to take a good look at what they’re calling news, and get on to more important matters. Imagine if the focus was about that instead of the Paris Hiltons of the world.