Very excited to be a part of this Collaborative Project.
I have moved my blog, so if you would like to follow me, please join me at
https://lisadobry.wordpress.com
About Me
- Lisa
- I started this blog as a way to direct and reflect on the vision of my life. I chose the title "CEO of My New Life", to symbolize the power of making choices and the transitions that follow. I thank you for coming to my blog. I hope you find inspiration, “food for thought” or if nothing else, a giggle and smile for your day.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Thursday, September 29, 2016
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| A Dance In Time by Lisa Dobry |
I was invited by StencilGirl Products to appear as a Guest Designer on StencilGirl Talk July 2016. Putting this project together was a major opportunity on a personal level and as an artist. I created a video to share my thoughts and the creative process behind this piece. The video will show insight into each phase of the piece, as well as modifications of both the Vintage Script and Opera House Empress in order to “Go Big” and maintain proportionate sizing for all the included elements.
As stated in the video, Behind the Mask by Pam Carriker became a prominent symbol in my struggle to complete this project. During the brainstorming process, I finished with 3 other layouts that I will likely return to and create additional pieces using this stencil. Even though it wasn’t initially on my radar, it has become one of my favorites. On many different levels, this stencil is incredibly symbolic to me.
Artist Statement:
I am compelled to make a statement here, if only to force myself to remain authentic in this part of the journey. If I did not fill in this prompt, I would have to acknowledge my intentional avoidance, driven by self-doubt. You see, I struggle to call myself an artist, as I’m not a “real artist”, I’m not one of the “good ones”, I have no formal training on how to do this “correctly”, and I don’t even have a blog!”
I realize how draining these thoughts are to the creative process, so for the past year I’ve made deliberate attempts to shut down limiting thoughts and instead seek out, my own, “self-art-acceptance” voice. I intentionally began working at changing the tapes in my head and started showing my work to others while referring to myself as an artist. At times I feel like a fraud and I struggle with feeling so vulnerable.
This spot as Guest Designer is a huge battle of just letting go and deeply inhaling, as the voices in my head continue to whisper, “the background isn’t developed enough, the dancers aren’t spaced properly, the video is shaking and you look awful in that lighting…” Ugh! It is a real exercise of “self-art-acceptance” to not go back and redo the whole piece from start to finish.
Although it’s an ongoing process, I have grown exponentially in the last year. I have found a freedom to create simply because it’s fun to play with paint and stencils. I worry less about whether it’s going to be good when it’s finished, and that has been very powerful and freeing. I am braver, apologize less for my work and take more risks because of it.
What I want most to leave you with today, is the idea that art is a journey. We are all in different spots of that journey, just as we are in different places of the world and in our lives. Learn new things and strive to be stronger in your work, but don’t let that out prioritize your love of creating, your childlike playtime, and your sense of freedom and expression. It doesn’t always have to be great art; it just has to be authentically you in that moment.Thank you for being here today and walking along side of me in
this “Dance of Time”.
Dance in Time was created using the following StencilGirl Stencils:
· Opera House Empress by Carolyn Dube
· The Dance of This Life by Carolyn Dube
· Vintage Script by Cecilia Swatton
· Ornamental Petals Mask by Gwen Lafleur
· Ornamental Compass Mask by Gwen LaFleur
· Behind the Mask by Pam Carriker
Other supplies used:
· 12x14 Gelli Plate
· Soft rubber Brayer
· 18x24 Mixed Media Paper (gesso prior)
· Acrylic Paint:
o Golden Fluid: Paynes Gray, Micaceous Iron Oxide, Van Dyke Brown, Titan Buff
o Dina Wakley Heavy Body, Penny
· Pan Pastels:
o Bright Pink, White, Brown
· Faber Castell Pitt Pastel Pencil in brown and black
· Sheet of music
· Page from old book
· Gel Medium
· Exacto Knife
· Cosmetic sponges
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Today's Conversation in the Car
On our way home from grocery shopping and a nice lunch, we pass a large section of road under construction. Olivia says, "I sure hope whatever they are building over there won't get rid of all the trees. I really love the trees and the animals need a place to live."
Anthony and I look at the space she's referring too and agree that part of it is likely to be taken for commercial purposes, but the other side is probably part of the cemetery. I attempt to respond positively by saying the cemetery would likely keep most of the trees; but I'm really thinking as I gaze upon the mass number of headstones sticking out of the overly manicured lawn, probably laden with toxic weed killer and commercial fertilizers, with only a sparse number of trees, "what a waste of space."
When I visited Paris, we went to a cemetery famous for housing Jim Morrison's, dead body along with a lots of other worldly famous dead. While wandering the cemetery, we were greeted by a man who became our self-appointed, tour guide of the "Dead". He made a real living just on tourist tips. He told us that land in France, "is not so much", so when you bury in the cemetery, they stack the bodies on top of each other and after so many years the bodies are dug up and "into the fire. No worry, they are dead."
Although my friends appeared rather shocked by the declaration, I thought it to be rather practical. I've helped with the preparations of four funerals and have concluded that they are rather pointless and unnecessarily expensive. When the grieving enter the funeral home to make preparations, they are shown options for shiny boxes to lay their loved ones for their final resting place. Phrases like, "out of respect for" and "reflection of their lives meaning" are thrown around as is the price for each upgrade. Perhaps your loved one would prefer velvet, or perhaps cashmere would be more appropriate? I want to scream, they are dead, the dead don't have preferences any longer.
Even cremation requires the purchase of a "box" to put the dead body into as it goes into the incinerator. Then for more money, the ashes of both your dead and their box will be collected and placed into a purchased keepsake container, otherwise known as the urn. Now, if you want to get really fancy, you can put your dead into a marble mausoleum, I think you pay extra for the view from the top row.
I have to wonder, "If I don't spend a substantial amount of money to bury my dead, does that make me bad? Does it mean I think less of their life or that they were not important enough? If I don't visit the grave is their memory not respected?"
As we continue to drive home Anthony and I share our philosophical perspectives on the whole thing and eventually he laughs and calls me "morbid ", which alerts Olivia to our conversation and begins her pleadings to know what we are talking about. As we are unsuccessful in getting her side tracked, I explain my feeling of cemeteries and how it makes more sense if it were set up so people could bury their dead if they so desired, but above the dead would be life; perhaps a dog or kid park, a place for families to picnic. There would be no marble headstones sticking out of the ground with names and dates but rather a magnificent fountain that sprays water or perhaps resembles a natural waterfall surrounded by natural fauna. People could toss pennies or perhaps small engraved stones with the names of their dead. Perhaps there would be a digital option where photos or sentiments could be posted about their dead. Real expressions, not dates and dashes on a piece of expensive cold stone that mean nothing and says nothing about the dead.
Years ago one of my girlfriends told me of a source that could crush the remains of the dead into a black diamond. I told Olivia and Anthony, that I think it is "an awesome idea, and a family heirloom worth hanging onto. I said, "Just think Olivia, when I am a dead you could wear me on a chain around your neck. Or better yet, you could donate or maybe sell my dead body to science and even make a buck to pay for the party."
Olivia squeals, "Mom, that is just wrong! Just wrong!" Anthony took sides with Olivia and I took pleasure in my complete revamp of handling the dead.
To all my friends and family - please come share life with me while I am alive. Take that extra time to place the phone call and say "hello, I was just thinking of you". Think of me fondly when I'm dead, but don't waste your money on things that don't support life while trying to deal with my death. Life is short - love lots, live well and do things that make you happy. Hugs!
Although my friends appeared rather shocked by the declaration, I thought it to be rather practical. I've helped with the preparations of four funerals and have concluded that they are rather pointless and unnecessarily expensive. When the grieving enter the funeral home to make preparations, they are shown options for shiny boxes to lay their loved ones for their final resting place. Phrases like, "out of respect for" and "reflection of their lives meaning" are thrown around as is the price for each upgrade. Perhaps your loved one would prefer velvet, or perhaps cashmere would be more appropriate? I want to scream, they are dead, the dead don't have preferences any longer.
Even cremation requires the purchase of a "box" to put the dead body into as it goes into the incinerator. Then for more money, the ashes of both your dead and their box will be collected and placed into a purchased keepsake container, otherwise known as the urn. Now, if you want to get really fancy, you can put your dead into a marble mausoleum, I think you pay extra for the view from the top row.
I have to wonder, "If I don't spend a substantial amount of money to bury my dead, does that make me bad? Does it mean I think less of their life or that they were not important enough? If I don't visit the grave is their memory not respected?"
As we continue to drive home Anthony and I share our philosophical perspectives on the whole thing and eventually he laughs and calls me "morbid ", which alerts Olivia to our conversation and begins her pleadings to know what we are talking about. As we are unsuccessful in getting her side tracked, I explain my feeling of cemeteries and how it makes more sense if it were set up so people could bury their dead if they so desired, but above the dead would be life; perhaps a dog or kid park, a place for families to picnic. There would be no marble headstones sticking out of the ground with names and dates but rather a magnificent fountain that sprays water or perhaps resembles a natural waterfall surrounded by natural fauna. People could toss pennies or perhaps small engraved stones with the names of their dead. Perhaps there would be a digital option where photos or sentiments could be posted about their dead. Real expressions, not dates and dashes on a piece of expensive cold stone that mean nothing and says nothing about the dead.
Years ago one of my girlfriends told me of a source that could crush the remains of the dead into a black diamond. I told Olivia and Anthony, that I think it is "an awesome idea, and a family heirloom worth hanging onto. I said, "Just think Olivia, when I am a dead you could wear me on a chain around your neck. Or better yet, you could donate or maybe sell my dead body to science and even make a buck to pay for the party."
Olivia squeals, "Mom, that is just wrong! Just wrong!" Anthony took sides with Olivia and I took pleasure in my complete revamp of handling the dead.
To all my friends and family - please come share life with me while I am alive. Take that extra time to place the phone call and say "hello, I was just thinking of you". Think of me fondly when I'm dead, but don't waste your money on things that don't support life while trying to deal with my death. Life is short - love lots, live well and do things that make you happy. Hugs!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The end of the world 2012
I will admit I wasn't comfortable with the Mayan's prediction of the world ending on Dec. 21, 2012. Of course a lot of you are laughing right now, because you knew nothing would happen and you never gave it a thought. I however, had to fight just a little to keep the fear at bay. After all, this is a crazy world with unfathomable tragedies occurring everyday. Albeit, most to other people, most I do not know, most living far away with lives that are not mine. Have I experienced heartache, fear, health issues, loss of job, loss of love, feelings of danger, regret, etc.; The kind of things that make you afraid to look out over the edge because you might actually jump or perhaps simply slip or maybe the edge itself will give way. Or maybe the things that cause you to hold on with everything inside of you to a sliver of hope, to a friend, to a lover, to a cause, or to your God. Absolutely, I have been there! In the end, I've been able to grow from most of the difficulties, but there are a few that left a haunting groan that occasionally screams "Hey, remember me?"
"Ughh, I sure do!"
I am a reasonable person, with a sense of logic, but with all the chatter about the end of the world, told by an ancient people I couldn't stop thinking "What if it's true?" Needless to say this proposition didn't leave me in a calm, zen-like state so, I began searching for an alternative interpretation as to what the Mayans might have really been saying; One that would let me sleep comfortably and plan for another day. It's a beautiful thing, being able to do a google search until you find an opinion you can work with, and that is exactly what I did.
I ran across a very elaborate video hosted by a real Mayan scientist who explained that the world was not going to end in a blast or a ball of fire, but rather the "End" was actually a "Begining". With all of the cosmic alignments taking place there would be a surge of electromagnetic energy that could if channelled properly, produce a brief surge to our brains, resulting in a period of "enlightment". He stated that this surge may be very short and many may not even remember that "Ah Ha" moment. So, he suggested you carry a pen and notebook with and don't ignore anything that came to mind.
Now this was something I could work with and even be excited about. So on Dec. 21 I carried my notebook and pen with me everywhere to be sure I was ready for my next big idea. Tick, Tock, Tick Tock went the clock and in the end, I got nothing. Well maybe nothing isn't exactly accurate as I did get a better night sleep and small hope for a better world. I found comfort thinking that somewhere on the planet someone must have found enlightment and with that their world and those within it are in a better place.
When I googled "energy" I found the following at http://www.merriam-webster.com
The basic premise that I take from the definition is that energy can create energy. So, if energy from the universe stimulates someone and an enlightment of some sort takes place, then that newly formed energy can in turn perpetuate another burst of enlightment and so on. As I believe we are all connected in someway, perhaps that puts us all in a better place.
I am comfortable in such metaphysical discussions of energy, if it doesn't work for you, go and google a bit until you find something that gives you a sense of hope and peace to wrap your arms around. Regardless of what exactly you call it, positive energy maybe what it takes to turn your life into the life you dream of. It may be what it takes to make this world of ours a better place.
Namaste my friends.
In Search
There is a quiet in the night,
a calmness in my soul.
There's a reflection in the glass
a warm smile and great hope
I hear a whisper in the wind,
urging sight of purpose
I feel a surge of energy,
engulfing all that's me
There is a dance and a song that plays
relentless in my head
I turn towards the moon's bright glow
absorbing all its light
The wind faintly whispers to me
today's lesson I'm to know
But I still struggle to follow
the music of the night
There is an energy swirling
it pulls me somewhere new
There is a purpose not yet shown
question who I'm to be
My eyes are so wide open now
for I so want to see
My heart it beats wildly waiting,
the answers to be found
Written by Lisa Dobry, not to be reproduced and used for any other purposes.
"Ughh, I sure do!"
I am a reasonable person, with a sense of logic, but with all the chatter about the end of the world, told by an ancient people I couldn't stop thinking "What if it's true?" Needless to say this proposition didn't leave me in a calm, zen-like state so, I began searching for an alternative interpretation as to what the Mayans might have really been saying; One that would let me sleep comfortably and plan for another day. It's a beautiful thing, being able to do a google search until you find an opinion you can work with, and that is exactly what I did.
I ran across a very elaborate video hosted by a real Mayan scientist who explained that the world was not going to end in a blast or a ball of fire, but rather the "End" was actually a "Begining". With all of the cosmic alignments taking place there would be a surge of electromagnetic energy that could if channelled properly, produce a brief surge to our brains, resulting in a period of "enlightment". He stated that this surge may be very short and many may not even remember that "Ah Ha" moment. So, he suggested you carry a pen and notebook with and don't ignore anything that came to mind.
Now this was something I could work with and even be excited about. So on Dec. 21 I carried my notebook and pen with me everywhere to be sure I was ready for my next big idea. Tick, Tock, Tick Tock went the clock and in the end, I got nothing. Well maybe nothing isn't exactly accurate as I did get a better night sleep and small hope for a better world. I found comfort thinking that somewhere on the planet someone must have found enlightment and with that their world and those within it are in a better place.
When I googled "energy" I found the following at http://www.merriam-webster.com
ər
Definition of ENERGY
1 a: dynamic quality <narrative energy>
b: the capacity of acting or being active <intellectual energy>
c:<the energy flowing through all people>
2: vigorous exertion of power : effort <investing time and energy>
3: a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work
4: usable power (as heat or electricity); also: the resources for producing such power
I am comfortable in such metaphysical discussions of energy, if it doesn't work for you, go and google a bit until you find something that gives you a sense of hope and peace to wrap your arms around. Regardless of what exactly you call it, positive energy maybe what it takes to turn your life into the life you dream of. It may be what it takes to make this world of ours a better place.
Namaste my friends.
In Search
There is a quiet in the night,
a calmness in my soul.
There's a reflection in the glass
a warm smile and great hope
I hear a whisper in the wind,
urging sight of purpose
I feel a surge of energy,
engulfing all that's me
There is a dance and a song that plays
relentless in my head
I turn towards the moon's bright glow
absorbing all its light
The wind faintly whispers to me
today's lesson I'm to know
But I still struggle to follow
the music of the night
There is an energy swirling
it pulls me somewhere new
There is a purpose not yet shown
question who I'm to be
My eyes are so wide open now
for I so want to see
My heart it beats wildly waiting,
the answers to be found
Written by Lisa Dobry, not to be reproduced and used for any other purposes.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Reflections by the Pool
Last night I took Olivia to the healthclub so she could swim in the pool. I stopped at Barnes & Noble on the way and picked up one of my favorite art magazines to read while I lounge comfortably on a poolside chair. Olivia couldn't get in the water fast enough; she had already stripped down to her suite and jumped in while I was still trying to decide on the perfect chair. It was a gorgeous evening, with a light summer breeze and a slightly cooler temperature that gently reminded me that the suumer was quickly passing.
As I started to page through the magazine, Olivia flew by me, lightning fast, and following about three yards behind her, a little girl I didn't know. They were heading up the stairs to the super-fast water slide. I watched the muscles flex in Olivia's little body, she moved like a trained athlete with the grace of a gazelle as she flew up the stairs. When she hit the top she bounced up and down waving wildly to her little friend, "Come on, hurry!" When the little girl got to the top they grabbed hands and ran to the end of the line. I enjoyed watching their little bodies fly down the slide and hit the water with a tremendous splash, as if they were by nature a part of the waves. They were giggly, wiggly, carefree little girls just having a blast.
About a half hour later the little girl's parent's gathered up their things and the girls waved good bye to each other as the family left the pool. Olivia was now solo in the water. I waved wildly to get her attention and then yelled over, "How'ya doing Jelly-Bean?" She smiled and gave me a thumbs-up and dove under water to the other side of the pool. I went back to my magazine and after a few minutes looked out over the water to see what she was up to. She was moving about in the water in between two separate groups of kids, neither of which were really paying any attention to her.
It left me feeling a little uneasy because it was obvious she was trying to get involved with them but they were either not noticing or just weren't interested. In my heart I envisioned her feeling rejected and coming out of the water sad and disappointed, but I didn't move towards her I just sat and watched. After awhile I became very present to the manner in which she moved. She was strategic and skillful; she looked more like an adult working a crowd than a little 5 year old looking for a play date. She'd casually move towards one of the groups, smiling, and trying to make eye contact. A moment later, she'd skillfully swim like a dolphin to the other group.
Eventually she approached a little boy as he was climbing out of the pool via the ladder; I think she had played with on another occasion. I was too far away to actually hear the exchanged dialogue but whatever he said to her, elicited a response of disgust as her face scrunched up and there was an obvious "humpf" from her as her head flipped back and she turned and went in the other direction. Without missing a beat, she was back to the little dolphin swimming between the rest. A few minutes later one of the kid's balls got hit out of the pool, she jumped out of the water and retrieved the ball and they immediately included her in the game. She played as if she had received a formal VIP invitation.
The magazine I was reading is about art journaling; a free flowing creative way to document life's spaces. The key is to create without critiquing the work. One of the featured artists journal pages included a quote by William James, " Each of us literally chooses, by the way of attendding to things, what sort of universe he shall appear to himself to inhabit". When I read this by the pool, watching my beautiful and graceful daughter moving about her world, I was so grateful to be a part of it. I also became aware of the self-imposed stops I have been making with my own creativity. Although I am very good with color, and textures, I do not draw well so I often stop the piece or find myself hesitating to continue building upon it as I might "mess up" the part I created and like. In my head the art flows and the colors swoosh but in reality I spend more time touching my beautiful papers, collecting ribbons, beads, paint, inks etc., than I acutally do creating. I am going to ask Olivia to come into the art studio and paint with me. Only this time, I am going to do it like she does; with my fingers on a great big piece of shiny white paper. Then when we are done, we'll hang them up all over the walls.
I learn so much about myself and the world through my daughter and her little friends when I take the time to sit and really be present with them. I too often lose sight of my most precious gifts; creativity and true self. I get tangled in the mess of I'm supposed to be and It's supposed to be... Then when it's not, what am I supposed to? Sitting by the pool, I realized the beauty of just being in the moment of what is, without all the other stuff that slows down and clutters my true spirit and the universe I choose to inhabit. Through awareness, acceptance and creativity I will create my own unique universe.
As I started to page through the magazine, Olivia flew by me, lightning fast, and following about three yards behind her, a little girl I didn't know. They were heading up the stairs to the super-fast water slide. I watched the muscles flex in Olivia's little body, she moved like a trained athlete with the grace of a gazelle as she flew up the stairs. When she hit the top she bounced up and down waving wildly to her little friend, "Come on, hurry!" When the little girl got to the top they grabbed hands and ran to the end of the line. I enjoyed watching their little bodies fly down the slide and hit the water with a tremendous splash, as if they were by nature a part of the waves. They were giggly, wiggly, carefree little girls just having a blast.
About a half hour later the little girl's parent's gathered up their things and the girls waved good bye to each other as the family left the pool. Olivia was now solo in the water. I waved wildly to get her attention and then yelled over, "How'ya doing Jelly-Bean?" She smiled and gave me a thumbs-up and dove under water to the other side of the pool. I went back to my magazine and after a few minutes looked out over the water to see what she was up to. She was moving about in the water in between two separate groups of kids, neither of which were really paying any attention to her.
It left me feeling a little uneasy because it was obvious she was trying to get involved with them but they were either not noticing or just weren't interested. In my heart I envisioned her feeling rejected and coming out of the water sad and disappointed, but I didn't move towards her I just sat and watched. After awhile I became very present to the manner in which she moved. She was strategic and skillful; she looked more like an adult working a crowd than a little 5 year old looking for a play date. She'd casually move towards one of the groups, smiling, and trying to make eye contact. A moment later, she'd skillfully swim like a dolphin to the other group.
Eventually she approached a little boy as he was climbing out of the pool via the ladder; I think she had played with on another occasion. I was too far away to actually hear the exchanged dialogue but whatever he said to her, elicited a response of disgust as her face scrunched up and there was an obvious "humpf" from her as her head flipped back and she turned and went in the other direction. Without missing a beat, she was back to the little dolphin swimming between the rest. A few minutes later one of the kid's balls got hit out of the pool, she jumped out of the water and retrieved the ball and they immediately included her in the game. She played as if she had received a formal VIP invitation.
The magazine I was reading is about art journaling; a free flowing creative way to document life's spaces. The key is to create without critiquing the work. One of the featured artists journal pages included a quote by William James, " Each of us literally chooses, by the way of attendding to things, what sort of universe he shall appear to himself to inhabit". When I read this by the pool, watching my beautiful and graceful daughter moving about her world, I was so grateful to be a part of it. I also became aware of the self-imposed stops I have been making with my own creativity. Although I am very good with color, and textures, I do not draw well so I often stop the piece or find myself hesitating to continue building upon it as I might "mess up" the part I created and like. In my head the art flows and the colors swoosh but in reality I spend more time touching my beautiful papers, collecting ribbons, beads, paint, inks etc., than I acutally do creating. I am going to ask Olivia to come into the art studio and paint with me. Only this time, I am going to do it like she does; with my fingers on a great big piece of shiny white paper. Then when we are done, we'll hang them up all over the walls.
I learn so much about myself and the world through my daughter and her little friends when I take the time to sit and really be present with them. I too often lose sight of my most precious gifts; creativity and true self. I get tangled in the mess of I'm supposed to be and It's supposed to be... Then when it's not, what am I supposed to? Sitting by the pool, I realized the beauty of just being in the moment of what is, without all the other stuff that slows down and clutters my true spirit and the universe I choose to inhabit. Through awareness, acceptance and creativity I will create my own unique universe.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A Cavity and the Lack of Balance in the World
Olivia went to the dentist today and they found a CAVITY. I have to admit, I"m very disturbed. The first thing that came to mind was my fear that it will hurt and she will be forever traumatized and afraid to go to the dentist. Every six months will be a struggle and a panic because the one thing she will remember is it hurt. The second thing that plays over and over again is that I did something wrong; I didn't brush her teeth well enough.. I didn't give her enough fluoride when she was a baby.... I should have made sure she rinsed her mouth when she had something sugary...I've been unsettled all day. I can't get it out my head that if I can't protect her from something as simple as a cavity, how can I protect her from the rest of the world.
I am not by nautre a neurotic person, although I recognize this post may have you think otherwise; it's just everytime I turn around there is disturbing news about our food supply, our water, children dying of cancer, people with healthy lifestyles succumbing to horrible diseases, child abductions, animal cruelty, wars... it goes on and on... and now Olivia has a cavity. Does every parent feel like this or is it more a reflection of my life being out of balance on some level? I practice yoga on a fairly consistant basis and what I find very interesting is how varied the balance poses can be. Unlike strength, balance, or shall I say "unbalance" is so much more in my head. On the days when I can't settle my thoughts I topple over even in the most basic poses. When my spirit is light and I can clear my mind, my body is steady and powerful. I am graceful, poised and controlled.
I've been looking at my life a lot lately and wondering if I died tommorrow, did I leave the world a better place? Did I make a positive impact in some way? Who would show up at the funeral and what would they remember about me? Am I providing Olivia with all she needs to grow into her own self and lead a healthy and fulfilled life? Will she have self-awareness and confidance to take her place in the world, will she be authentic and live with integrity, will she stand tall and powerful when she's thrown a curve ball...will she brush and floss properly?
So, I ask myself, "what would you tell Olivia if she was asking all these questions?" I would tell her, "Life is full of things we cannot control and therefore we must focus on how we are "being" in our life. Be mindful and stay present, do your best and remember to breathe deeply. Be thankful for all that you have and for who you are. Be gentle with yourself and with others. Brush and floss daily and avoid sugary foods."
I am not by nautre a neurotic person, although I recognize this post may have you think otherwise; it's just everytime I turn around there is disturbing news about our food supply, our water, children dying of cancer, people with healthy lifestyles succumbing to horrible diseases, child abductions, animal cruelty, wars... it goes on and on... and now Olivia has a cavity. Does every parent feel like this or is it more a reflection of my life being out of balance on some level? I practice yoga on a fairly consistant basis and what I find very interesting is how varied the balance poses can be. Unlike strength, balance, or shall I say "unbalance" is so much more in my head. On the days when I can't settle my thoughts I topple over even in the most basic poses. When my spirit is light and I can clear my mind, my body is steady and powerful. I am graceful, poised and controlled.
I've been looking at my life a lot lately and wondering if I died tommorrow, did I leave the world a better place? Did I make a positive impact in some way? Who would show up at the funeral and what would they remember about me? Am I providing Olivia with all she needs to grow into her own self and lead a healthy and fulfilled life? Will she have self-awareness and confidance to take her place in the world, will she be authentic and live with integrity, will she stand tall and powerful when she's thrown a curve ball...will she brush and floss properly?
So, I ask myself, "what would you tell Olivia if she was asking all these questions?" I would tell her, "Life is full of things we cannot control and therefore we must focus on how we are "being" in our life. Be mindful and stay present, do your best and remember to breathe deeply. Be thankful for all that you have and for who you are. Be gentle with yourself and with others. Brush and floss daily and avoid sugary foods."
Monday, March 28, 2011
Less Sodium = Better health
If you think you follow a low-sodium diet because you nix the salt shaker at the kitchen table, you should probably think again, especially when it comes to new dietary guidelines
Less Sodium New Dietary Recommendations May Surprise You
Less Sodium New Dietary Recommendations May Surprise You
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The RAT Race
Our little ratty-rats, Trixie and Lilly, will be competing on April 02 at the Petco on Roselle and Golf Rd, Hoffman Estates. Olivia saw the signs yesterday when we were in the store and was so excited. As it is officially called "The Great Hamster Ball Race", a staff member began telling Olivia that he didn't think they would qualify, but the Manager stepped in and said, "Of course the RATS can Race" and escorted her to the official sign up sheet. Now she's busy planning their training schedule; seriously considering how they can practice being "super fast racers".
Everyone cheer and send their wishes as the Rat Race is on! Go Trixie, Go Lilly...!
Everyone cheer and send their wishes as the Rat Race is on! Go Trixie, Go Lilly...!
Friday, March 18, 2011
I'll Follow You!
"What'cha doing mom?""I'm looking at twitter and my posts and blog"
"What's wrong?
"Nothing really, I was just hoping there'd be someone new following"
With as much excitement as she could, she leaps into the air, arms up high, "I'll follow you!, let's do it now!"
I just love the support and admiration of my little Olivia. When I think back on how unsure I was about having a baby, I almost feel silly. She's the best thing I've ever done. I just hope she thinks I'm this "cool" when she's 15.
Happy Friday Everyone.
"What's wrong?
"Nothing really, I was just hoping there'd be someone new following"
With as much excitement as she could, she leaps into the air, arms up high, "I'll follow you!, let's do it now!"
I just love the support and admiration of my little Olivia. When I think back on how unsure I was about having a baby, I almost feel silly. She's the best thing I've ever done. I just hope she thinks I'm this "cool" when she's 15.
Happy Friday Everyone.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Creative Things
It was about 15 years ago, when I wandered into a little store called "Works of Wonder" atistic rubber stamps, or "WOW" for short. As I walked in the door, I couldn't help but wonder how a store like this would come about. Seriously, what could someone do with a rubber stamp that could justify owning a store full of them?
I wandered through the store taking in all the little treasures; ink pads, sparkly things, brushes, markers, shelves and shelves of little wood mounted rubber designs...then I was greeted by Don. When I asked him what you were supposed to do with all of this stuff he said, "You put ink on them and stamp...you make cards and stuff". I picked up a block style, flower stamp off the shelf and asked, "How would you make these different colors?" Don said, "Well, you could use markers to color the rubber" as he demonstrated with a swish, swish across the rubber and then frantically cupped his hands around it and made three big huffing breathes over it, then quickly pressed it down on the counter to demonstrate the perfect imprint. (FYI, for the non-rubber stamper, the breath moisturizes the ink that by this time would most likely be dried)
At this point, he seemed a bit overwhelmed by my lack of rubber knowledge and said, "This is my wife's store, she had to run out and do something. You should come back later and talk to her...she even has classes." He handed me a newsletter and with that I bought my first rubber stamp, a couple of ink pads and headed home quite pleased with the whole experience. A few days later, I returned to the store met his wife, Sandy. We became friends instantly, 15 years and about 1200 rubber stamps later, paper crafting is still one of my favorite things to do. Unfortunately, WOW closed about seven years ago. It was a lot of fun teaching classes, helping pick the inventory lines and just hanging out with the ladies, sharing ideas. I really miss that little store.
Although, I don't have nearly as much time to play in the art studio (known to others as the messy basement), I cherish the moments that I do. Since Olivia loves to play in the art studio too, I don't always have the luxury of getting lost in a project like I used to; sometimes I just enjoy the luxury of perusing through all the wonderful papers, sparkly glitters, stickers, inks and yes, all those fabulous Cricut cartridges while she's busy cutting, gluing and painting or whatever else she can get her hands on. We don't worry about messes in our art studio; the glitter is brushed onto the floor along with the paper scraps, and as far as the paint splatters go, we admire those just like the art hanging on the walls.
If you look to the right side of this post, I have photos of a journal I created for one of my friends. For the life of me, I cannot figure out how to add it to a "page", so for now, it will have to be over there on the side.
I wandered through the store taking in all the little treasures; ink pads, sparkly things, brushes, markers, shelves and shelves of little wood mounted rubber designs...then I was greeted by Don. When I asked him what you were supposed to do with all of this stuff he said, "You put ink on them and stamp...you make cards and stuff". I picked up a block style, flower stamp off the shelf and asked, "How would you make these different colors?" Don said, "Well, you could use markers to color the rubber" as he demonstrated with a swish, swish across the rubber and then frantically cupped his hands around it and made three big huffing breathes over it, then quickly pressed it down on the counter to demonstrate the perfect imprint. (FYI, for the non-rubber stamper, the breath moisturizes the ink that by this time would most likely be dried)
At this point, he seemed a bit overwhelmed by my lack of rubber knowledge and said, "This is my wife's store, she had to run out and do something. You should come back later and talk to her...she even has classes." He handed me a newsletter and with that I bought my first rubber stamp, a couple of ink pads and headed home quite pleased with the whole experience. A few days later, I returned to the store met his wife, Sandy. We became friends instantly, 15 years and about 1200 rubber stamps later, paper crafting is still one of my favorite things to do. Unfortunately, WOW closed about seven years ago. It was a lot of fun teaching classes, helping pick the inventory lines and just hanging out with the ladies, sharing ideas. I really miss that little store.
Although, I don't have nearly as much time to play in the art studio (known to others as the messy basement), I cherish the moments that I do. Since Olivia loves to play in the art studio too, I don't always have the luxury of getting lost in a project like I used to; sometimes I just enjoy the luxury of perusing through all the wonderful papers, sparkly glitters, stickers, inks and yes, all those fabulous Cricut cartridges while she's busy cutting, gluing and painting or whatever else she can get her hands on. We don't worry about messes in our art studio; the glitter is brushed onto the floor along with the paper scraps, and as far as the paint splatters go, we admire those just like the art hanging on the walls.
If you look to the right side of this post, I have photos of a journal I created for one of my friends. For the life of me, I cannot figure out how to add it to a "page", so for now, it will have to be over there on the side.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
CEO Of My New Life: The Blank Page
CEO Of My New Life: The Blank Page: "Well, I finally made some progress on the set up of CEO of My New Life. I can't help but think it shouldn't have taken this much time ..."
The Blank Page
Well, I finally made some progress on the set up of CEO of My New Life. I can't help but think it shouldn't have taken this much time to get this far, I still feel disorganized in my thoughts, the layout isn't really right and blah, blah, blah...
This thought takes me back to yesterday morning when I told Olivia that we had to get moving or we were going to be late for ballet class. She wound up really fast, stomped her feet and ran out of the room yelling, "I am not going to ballet today". I responded "Yes, you are going to ballet. You wanted to take these classes and you will finish the sessions..." As she continued to fight, I figured there must be something else going on here, so I knealt down in front of her, took her hands and asked, "Why don't you want to go today? You seemed to really be enjoying your class." That's when she told me in her tinyest little 5 year old voice, "I'm not so good at some of the things we are doing. I don't think I"m ever going to get them right."
I took a moment to think, then I explained to her that there will always be things that come easier to us than others. Mommy has lots of things that aren't as easy as some other things. When we get to the not so easy stuff we should first smile and then do our very best. When finished, say to ourself "good job today". Even if it takes, 5, 10, 20...100 times to get it right. You see what we say in our head, affects what we do. With that, she got all excited and says, "You mean my BRAIN tells my BODY what to do?! I am going to tell my body to dance, dance, dance." Then she jumps up, wiggles her little butt, and gets her shoes on.
As a parent, we can learn a lot from the interactions with our children. I may not be an expert at this blogging stuff, but tonight I smile and tell myself, "good job today" and I will be happy that my page isn't blank anymore.
This thought takes me back to yesterday morning when I told Olivia that we had to get moving or we were going to be late for ballet class. She wound up really fast, stomped her feet and ran out of the room yelling, "I am not going to ballet today". I responded "Yes, you are going to ballet. You wanted to take these classes and you will finish the sessions..." As she continued to fight, I figured there must be something else going on here, so I knealt down in front of her, took her hands and asked, "Why don't you want to go today? You seemed to really be enjoying your class." That's when she told me in her tinyest little 5 year old voice, "I'm not so good at some of the things we are doing. I don't think I"m ever going to get them right."
I took a moment to think, then I explained to her that there will always be things that come easier to us than others. Mommy has lots of things that aren't as easy as some other things. When we get to the not so easy stuff we should first smile and then do our very best. When finished, say to ourself "good job today". Even if it takes, 5, 10, 20...100 times to get it right. You see what we say in our head, affects what we do. With that, she got all excited and says, "You mean my BRAIN tells my BODY what to do?! I am going to tell my body to dance, dance, dance." Then she jumps up, wiggles her little butt, and gets her shoes on.
As a parent, we can learn a lot from the interactions with our children. I may not be an expert at this blogging stuff, but tonight I smile and tell myself, "good job today" and I will be happy that my page isn't blank anymore.
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