Date with Myself

Yesterday, I decided to take myself out on a date. Fresh from a whirlwind of holiday festivities, I wanted some downtime with myself.

So I dolled myself up, and took myself to the movies!

I found the best parking spot, closest to the theater which was amazing as it was like a thousand degrees below zero. I got a ticket to the movie which was lucky as I went to see Avatar which has been selling out consistently since it was released.

The lineup for pop corn was small and speedy, and I found my absolute favorite drink - Glaceau Vitamin Water - XXX flavor which is oxygenated water with acai, blueberry and pomegranite juices. It's like liquid, healthy candy!

In the theater, I got the perfect seat, and despite the fact that the theater was packed, somehow the seats on either side of me remained unoccupied. Lady luck went out on the date with me last night!

And the movie?

Absolutely, breathtakingly magical 3D. It was clever, visually stunning, emotionally compelling and absolutely captivating. The final fight scene was a bit drawn out, but I have little patience for fight scenes... There I was, watching a brilliant movie, munching on buttery popcorn (they use real butter!) and downing my liquid heaven. I didn't even notice that almost 3 hours passed.

After the movie, I popped over to the Imperial Buffet and got myself some take-out Chinese food, focusing on the healthier choices, and went back home. I don't like eating out alone.

I got back to my warm cozy home, doled out the food on a plate, poured myself some wine, lit the candles, and popped in a CD. Very romantic dinner for one.

And do you know that the whole time, I did not experience even one moment of loneliness? Do I want to have a similar experience with a special man? Of course, I do! But, I spent the evening with someone special - me. And what a wonderful night it was! :)

Mad World

Last night on American Idol, Adam Lambert performed one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite groups: "Mad World" by Tears for Fears.

And he made every inch of my skin stand on end. I have since watched the video quite a few times, and I get the same reaction. That my friends, is Magic. I want to share this with you today. Magic in a mad world full of earthquakes, economic collapse, disease and death, there is beauty. Behold.

The videos keep getting pulled off YouTube! Lordy, the control... Hopefully this one sticks!


©Twentieth Century Fox

Today, I wish you all a great dose of magic.

Out with the Old - In with the New

On this the last day of 2008, I find myself deep in thought. I will make this next year count. I will make every day, every moment count. I will be all that I can be, in every way.

But first I need to clear out some old garbage. I am going to put it all on a piece of paper and burn it away.
These are the things that need to go.

• Allowing defeatism and negativity into my realm
• Looking in the mirror and seeing only faults
• Retreating into my own world
• Letting my losses and pain define me
• Self-criticism
• Allowing others' perspective define my parameters
• Isolation
• Not following my instincts, my spirit guide's whispers
• Feeling I am unworthy of happiness
• Procrastination
• Allowing people's judgement to affect the way I feel about myself
• Accepting criticism without considering the source

Goodbye evil-doers. Be gone! And if you don't like it, I don't care. Shoo!



This is what I want to bring into my life in 2009.

Embrace Joyous Magic

I have been pondering and pondering about the word. Back and forth my head went with possibilities. Until I shut it out and listened to the voice whispering in my heart. Magic. Magic. Magic. Joy. Joy. Joy. Embrace. Embrace. Embrace. Whose rule is it to have only one word anyway? And why would I follow it? Three will do just fine. :)

So...

Step one: Listen to my voice. It's authentic. It's not some demon possession. It's not a sign of insanity. It's MY voice that has been silenced for too long. I have finally allowed myself to vocalize my mind, now it's time to vocalize my heart. I shut it away for far too long for fear it might be damaged yet again. To hell with it. Death by atrophy is worse than death by fire. Speak my heart. Speak.

Step Two: Don't let those mofos get me down. No longer will I allow others' judgement of me (and there is plenty of judgement) affect the way I feel about myself. If you have ever felt different from the status quo you will know what I mean. Those looks up and down. The raised eyebrows. The expression on the face like a whole lemon was ingested from the wrong orifice. They can all stuff themselves. They can consume their own negativity and judgement. I don't own it and I don't want it. I am marvelous. Yes. I am. I am. (Okay, I will believe this soon :>)

Step Three: Follow my own freaking advice. Yep, little miss Got-All-the-Answers, that's me. Now, it's time to stop coaching and start playing. PLAYING! Having fun. Doing the things I want to do and stop with the can't, the later, the no-money, the tired crap.

Step Four: Embrace the Magic and Joy: You hear me? EMBRACE it! Don't question, dissect, deconstruct, defer. Embrace! Open those arms up and that heart up and let the magic and joy IN! It's been starving at my heart's doorstep for far too long. I would never treat any other guest in that abhorrent manner. Come in! Come in! :)

May 2009 bring you all health, wealth, opportunities, magic, and love. :)

You are all beautiful inside and out! :)

2009 Meme

Danette over at the Drawing Board has come up with a New Year's Challenge to create a 2009 meme mosaic and I did! Visit her blog for the full instructions and to take the challenge!

1. Rollercoaster, 2. Torridly Crystal Renn, 3. Flickr's Friendship around the world, 4. Manifestation Journal, 5. Balloon dream, 6. A Measure of Self Worth, 7. The Fiji Mermaid Theater, 8. Endless love, 9. Jump 7, 10. "La mia casa è il mare e con un fiume no, non la posso cambiare", 11. Tiger & Shadow, 12. dreams do come true

Here are the questions that inspired the images:

1. Looking back on 2008, what might the theme have been? Change.
A lot of things in my life shifted in 2008. My perspective, my place in the world, my goals. Some of these shifts were deeply painful. Others were deeply satisfying. The most significant change was brought about in my participation in Soul Coaching and coming into contact with the miraculous blogging community. You have changed my life.

2. If 2008 was a movie, who would play you? Crystal Renn. She is a gorgeous plus-size model.
I have been on the look-out for models who are not skin and bones. This particular one is so gorgeously voluptuous that I find myself wishing I had her body. One day. :) She graces my blog header right now, as a constant motivation for me, and has inspired some images in my Tarot.

3. What was your greatest gift of 2008? Friendship.
This is truly the most precious miracle in my life. My friends (which definitely includes all of YOU!) have given me so much love, support, advice, encouragement, inspiration, and wisdom. What greater gift is this?

4. What is your New Year Resolution, or, what are you committing to this year? Actualization.
The more I think about it, the more this word resonates with me for 2009. It is the act of making something real, giving something life, making dreams come true.

5. If January could be represented by one song, what would it be? Beautiful U R
This song has become one of my favorite. It reinforces the idea that beauty comes in many forms, shapes and sizes. This is a mantra I have to constantly repeat because I was always in danger of tumbling into despair because of the way I look. I will take Breedale's advice and say while believing that I AM beautiful and look the way I want to. :)

6. What do you wish for your body in 2009? Fitness.
See above :)

7. Name one new thing you would love to try in the New Year. New forms of art.
I want to get my hands and face and clothes and feet dirty. I want to dive elbow deep in watercolors and oils and scraps and gels this year.

8. What do you long for 2009 to bring? True Love.
Self-explanatory, no? :)

9. If that happened, how would you feel? Ecstatic!
How could I not be? :)

10. Where would you love to vacation in 2009 if money were no object? Tuscany & Florence.
I have always loved both places. I don't know why. It makes me go weak at the knees. :)

11. What would you like the theme of 2009 to be? Completeness.

12. If 2009 was a book, and the title was 5 words or less, what might the title be? Dreams Come True.

This was really fun to do, and I am really happy with the results. It wasn't easy, and needed a lot of reflection and fine-tuning, but well worth the time! Thank you Danette for suggesting it. :)

Moon Spinner

Ah the full moon!
There she is in all her glory,
smiling down on us, serene.
Gleaming on our skin is her story
Turning reality into a dream.
Everyone smiles to meet her gaze
Awakening us from our daily daze
Making the water in our blood stir
Coming alive, for love of her.
She walks with us, in darkness' path
Washing us in her moonbeam's bath
Everything is beautiful under her glow
Feelings erupt, emotions grow
She is our guide,
our muse,
our glee
I watch the moon
As she watches me.

Last night, I bundled up, made a hot chocolate and had my moments with the moon through the clouds. The street was quiet. The air was crisp, But soul to soul, we took a trip of emotion. She stirred me and settled me at once. "How beautiful you are." I breathed. "How beautiful you are." She smiled. Standing in her light, I was washed clean, from the day's frustrations, from worry, from everything. My mind, my heart, my soul were aglow. I slept well.

In honor of her fullness, and to participate in Suzie's dream board project I made The Moon card. It encapsulates her dreamy quality, her guiding us through the darkness, and all the romanticism accompanying her.

It was a tumultuous couple of days for me. My hormones turned my emotions into an uncontrollable tsunami, and I needed my solitude which I sought out the first opportunity I got. I feel calm today, at peace, knowing I have this day to do as I please, and what I please to do is spend time with myself. Reconnect, recharge, regain my balance. Thank you Moon :)

Thank you to all of you who bestowed upon me your words of support and encouragement. I cannot say enough how much this means to me. You are like a group of angelic magicians holding hands and blanketing me with your care. :)

Breedale was sweet enough to bestow on me the friendship award (see the left sidebar) that I now gladly bestow on others. Thank you Breedale for being all the wonderful things you are, but mostly an inspiration to me and many others. Blessed be my friend. :)

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I pass the torch of friendship to:

1- Kavindra who gives of herself abundantly not only on her wonderful blogs, but through comments on others'. She is a constant source of light and humour. Thank you :)

2- Gemma who always has a kind word, a helpful comment, a warm perspective. Her compassion and wisdom are endless.

3- Tabby who not only chooses bliss, but is bliss personified. If ever you feel like life has trampled you, visit her blog. :)

4- Sandy who has such love to bathe the whole world in. Her words of encouragement and compassion are always magical. :)

5- Robyn who has created a portal to a magical world. Click on the bird's wing! Do it soon because the portal doesn't stay open long and you will miss out. :)

6- Fatma who is constantly providing resources of wellness and health. :)

7- Shannon who is a powerhouse. To say her perspective is unique, engaging and downright funny, is making an understatement. :)

8- Last but not least, Danette who is the alpha and omega to me. You simply have to visit her to see why. Splendidness in every way :)

In the spirit of giving, a couple of days ago, Tori tagged me with the "5-a-day" meme. Five things you do everyday to keep balanced. I did my five, now it's time to pass it along :)

1- Rowena
2- Beverly
3- Boho
4- Jane
5- Kim

All of these amazing women have an incredible story to tell, a beautiful perspective, and amazing strength. They, like all the blogs on my roll, are ceaseless sources of inspiration. Thank you.

Blessed be :)

Good Karma

Yesterday, one of my colleagues told me that I was bringing the department good karma. I really don't know if there could ever be a nicer thing anyone could say to me.

This came on the heels of all-day interviews to fill one of the five positions that will be opening up in our department. Four are maternity leaves and this one was a medical (stress) leave. We had four outstanding candidates and one mediocre one.

As this was my first time in the interviewer's role, I let myself listen with my ears, process with my mind, and decide with my instinct. I used the tool we learned at Soul Coaching. Sorting the candidates into zappers (of energy) and juicers. Strangely enough, both the principal and the vice principal who were also in the meeting, agreed with my choices. We selected the candidate who not only knew his stuff, gave the best answers but had positive energy flowing out of him like a mighty waterfall.

The process exhausted me though. Who would have thought that sitting around all day, asking questions, listening to answers, and writing notes would drain me?

At the end of it all, I realized that this was the most significant decision I have made as head of the department. I was responsible for giving someone a job and for bringing him into our environment. The very molecules will change in the atmosphere with this new person. He is like a high powered blender of enthusiasm and dedication, and might help invigorate those who are wilting in the vegetable drawer. I know the students will love him like a saviour as they have been suffering these past few months with acute incompetence running their classes.

At the end of the day, Emily and I came here, had dinner and practiced our remix of the song "Dangerous" which we will be performing with six other teachers at the Holiday assembly next week. The song is stuck in my head! :)

No wonder I was pooped by the end of the day and went to bed as soon as the "adult" in my head said it was a decent time to. :)

To top off all this amazingness, I was tagged by two awesome bloggers: Tori , and Muse ! I am so honored! :) Thank you so much ladies. :)

Tori passed along the five-a-day meme that Jamie gave to her :) Tori is an amazing young goddess. I wish I had her insight when I was her age. :)

Here are the 5 things I do everyday to keep mentally whole.

1- Blog/journal: I used to use a journal exclusively, but my blog suited me better. It has become my daily reflection in the morning which focuses my thoughts and creativity. It is interactive, as the many wonderful commentators give generously of their support, inspiration, and humanity.

2- Coffee: My morning coffee is essential to me. It fuels me, and in an odd way centers me. You could call it an addiction, but I call it a simple pleasure, that I very much enjoy. Thank the Universe for the coffee and the cocoa beans. :)

3- Gym: I do not go to the gym every day, but I honor this practice as a lifetime commitment, and if I miss a day or two, or even a week, I do not beat myself up over it. (This is a HUGE accomplishment!) When I go to the gym, I feel energized and armed. I am starting to feel my body changing, albeit slowly. :)

4-Creativity: Whether it is writing, or creating graphics, or doodling in the margins during meetings, allowing my creativity daily expression, feeds my soul and imagination.

5-Kids: I am blessed to have daily contact with either my students, or my friends children, or my lovely goddaughter. They are my fountain of youth, my reality check, my constant source of inspiration and joy.

* I will be tagging meme recipients later :)

Muse has given me The Butterfly Award (see left sidebar). Her blog is outstanding and provides with me with so much glee and inspiration. She is a muse afterall :)

Here are the rules:

• Put the logo on my blog.(left sidebar)
  
• Add a link to the person who awarded me. (see above)
• Nominate outstanding blogs that I follow. (To spare you from 40 links, I will have to pare it down... Oy.)
  
• Add links to those blogs. (See below.)
• Leave a message to those nominees on their blog.

These are my choices:
1- Judi : If you want a whole new perspective on life. If you want to see a superhero in the making. If you need to belly laugh, visit her blog. In fact, just visit her blog :)

2- Mother Henna : If it's a step-by-step art project, or an enlightening perspective into the world, or a project that will make your heART sing, visit her blog, and be enchanted!

3- Her Speak : This blog is the very treasure of soulful art, of enchanting poetry, of ageless life. It has become my fountain of inspiration!

4- Kate I : Her photography speaks to the soul, makes your fingers tingle and your soul say AH!

5- Kristen : Her tender journey of self-discovery and bravery will touch your soul and make your heart sing. Her blog blooms with inspiration.

6- See all the wonderful blogs in the left sidebar. Each and every one of them deserve an award, as they are the Fountain of Life. Inspirational in every way. I heart them all :)

Phew! Wasn't this an epic post? I don't have time to even do my morning round of blog reading! I will have to save this delicious practice for tonight!

In closing, today, I made Reincarnation. This is the Tarot card traditionally known as "death". That simply won't do. It is a medieval mode of oppression used to torture souls into submission. There is no death, just a portal to a new being. Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, it matters not. It's not the philosophy this card embodies but the faith that we are everchanging, evergrowing, everperfecting beings whose souls are indestructible :)

Blessed be :)