Copper Hoop

Becoming Mindful

2011-09-13T16:01:00.000-04:00

Mindfulness = awareness….. Becoming aware of ourselves, our thoughts, our grace and love for self and others.

If you haven’t heard, being “mindful” is “in”! It’s not your grandmother telling you to mind your manners or your father telling you to mind his line of vision to the TV screen. This mindfulness is an amazing concept brought about by author Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn. His work, and others, can be found archived at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Mass. Medical School.

Some mindful links and resources :

Mindful - a wonderful site on learning to be mindful at work, in our relationships and within….

Omega Institute - offers a variety of mindful events and meditations year-long

For more info on these links to mindfulness visit The Happy Healer.

Seeing Beauty....

2011-09-04T16:07:00.000-04:00

Hooray for photos! and the love of photography! Check out my guest blog at Ari Hunter's "See Beauty" posts on her site :)

She's SO talented and has some amazing photo work!!!!

Enjoy!

we're moving...

2011-09-01T17:23:00.000-04:00

HI there! sorry it's been a while, but, I've moved!

Please continue to follow me at:

www.thehapphealer.wordpress.com

I've got lots of new links and videos to check out too!

I'm also working on an "energy healing kit" - available later this year... be sure to follow to get your free kit :)

I've also added a photo blog!!! www.animafoto.wordpress.com

thanks for following!

-Tara

Fairies & Tales

2011-03-05T18:21:00.000-05:00

As a teacher, and coach, I often, unknowingly, add a bit of “therapy” into my lessons. Working with teenagers can be a challenge, but, it can also be very rewarding, and a great learning opportunity too.

I was sort of “forced” to revisit the tale of Pinocchio this week with my students. Carlo Collodi, the author of the original “Pinocchio,” knew in 1881 about the “tales” coming from the mouthes of babes. His story is well versed by almost every child today. When asked “what’s Pinocchio about?,” students will usually says “long noses and lies.” Yes, they know the basic concept and revisiting their (not so long-ago childhood) isn’t something they seem to enjoy too much either.

“Why would Pinocchio fall for that?,” they ask as they watch him dig into the groud to plant gold coins. “That’s absurd! Who would fall for that?” they continue. So, I stop the DVD and ask “Were you 5 yrs old once? Would YOU have ‘fallen’ for that joke from the cat and the fox?” They stop and quickly scan back 10 or so years, “oh, yeah, I see.”

And they do see, but how quickly we forget! Is it not fun to watch a childhood film when you’re 15 or 16? My years of experience have shown that answer is a “no, it’s not so fun.” But why? Answers?:

“We’re not babies any more.” – “That’s so old!” – “We GET it already!” – “This is so boring.” etc…. And yes, while some of that may just be true for a teenager, I ask them to take it a step further, then answer this: “If this were true (blue fairies, talking puppets, etc.) wouldn’t it be a fun place to live?” I usually get boughts of silence or an occassional “ok, she’s gone over the edge now!” remark. But I remind them that at 4, 5, even 6 yrs of age, they did live in the fairy tale world and it was wonderful. The fairies were beautiful and the puppets were friends. Talking animals and bugs were fantastic! (the cricket is my favorite in Collodi’s tale – I equate him to a sort of Buddha-Jedi Master!)

It’s a world we all were familiar with – at one time. We let that go as we allow ourselves to believe our thoughts, fed to us by others, and hence, let go of our fairy tale world. It doesn’t mean that world can’t be revisited. Maybe you remember fewer fairies and more butterflies. Maybe the childhood world you recall was full of playmates and friends, animals and waterfalls. But know that , at one point, this happy place did exist and we just allowed ourselves to forget it and leave it behind.

If you take this literally, good. If not, allow yourself to find a quiet time each day and meditate on this idea. Some Reiki Masters and therapists call it “Inner Child” work – it is, and it’s not. This work, this type of meditating will bring you to your happiest childhood moments and surroundings. It may take some time, and you may not get there immediately but don’t give up. Work on meditating for just a few minutes if you’re new to this, then, gradually, extend the amount of time. Write down some of the memories that come to you after you’re done meditating. If you still find it difficult to locate your land of fairies, think of a favorite color or simple object as you meditate.

Enjoy and allow the flow of visions to move through you.

Below are a few FairyTale Etsy finds! :

Afterdark

karmelidesigns

ShySiren

Eclettica

Freshmetal

RossellaJayne

Visit my new blogs at:

AnimaFoto & TheHappyHealer

Building Blocks

2011-03-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

Keeping it short, but sweet, for today... I like building blocks - for all ages. I tell my students (adults and teens) to look at learning as building blocks - always use what you've learned to build with, and keep building.
My love for photos follows the "building block" theory too - literally. I love to edit photos and "play" - for me, it's pure therapy! So, recently I took a few "blah" photos and made blocks with them. = a lot of fun and a few new, more lively, images.
If you're finding yourself a bit "stuck" - think in terms of building blocks. Jog your memory and use what you know, build on top of that and soon enough you'll find your therapy, your fun and lots of other interesting moments abound!

Come follow me at my new Photo Blog too! AnimaFoto

And, of course, some Etsy "block" finds:

Fear Not!

2011-02-26T15:29:00.000-05:00

If I had to pick one phrase from my childhood to have TRULY learned, it would be “don’t be afraid…” Try it, pick something you just wish you had listened to years ago.

My selection comes from the fact that now, so many years later, I TRULY understand what fear is capable of, and how fear can hold a person, a community, a nation, back – way back.

Intuitive diagnostics on humans show that fear (and anger, also, fear-based), is the primary cause of so much of our daily stress and tension. Just listen to your body for stress, you know what hurts and where. But, why? Why does it TRULY hurt? If you’re honest with yourself, you may find that a lot of your aches and pains, from stress, originate in fear.

Fear of what? I’m not afraid of anything. I’m not 4 years old any more. No, you’re not 4 any more, but some of the fears that you have carried with you may stem from when you were 4, or 6 or 10 years of age. Fear of not having enough, fear of not being enough, fear of disappointing someone, fear of making a mistake – they’re all fears we’ve encountered, but we may just not have dealt with them when we did first encounter them, and ever since, we’ve carried them with us.

Good news! You don’t have to do that any more. Confront your fears. Sit quietly each day, meditate – it’s fear medicine. A potent potion which will, in time, help put your fears to rest. As you meditate pay attention to any aches, pains you may feel. You may want to journal what you find as well. After discovering what fears may be ailing you, confront them – head on. Otherwise, they will continue to cause you distress.

There are two wonderful resources that can help you identify your pains with your fears: 1. Louise Hay Heal Your Body A-Z and 2. Deborah King and her “Truth Heals Chakra Chart.” There are , of course, many other authors and teachers on this subject, however, I’ve found these two to be most helpful for my understanding of fear and the body’s responses.

If meditation isn’t something you have tried before, there’s no time like the present! And speaking of which, the present is all we have. Right now, that’s it. So, what a great time to get rid of the fears you’ve been holding on to. They don’t serve you now.

Get Running!

2011-02-19T15:48:00.000-05:00

I took, what felt like, my first "real" run yesterday. It was the first beautiful day after weeks, no, months, of snow and ice. Everyone must have felt the same way, there were lots of runners and joggers in the park with me.

This was a liberating kind of run, and when I was done, I could tell that there was a lot more to what I had just done than put some sneakers on.

I can't remember ever loving running. In fact, I've despised it, for a long, long time. At the same time, I've admired all of those people I see on the roads, running with such grace. I love being outside, and I've wanted to run like them, but it just was a "no" - in my mind -always. Then, the first nice day comes about and there I am, SO excited to hit the blacktop. What happened? I still don't know the exact trigger, but what I do know is that little 45 minute run was one of the best things I've felt in a long time. I felt every muscle in my body, every nerve, and it was amazing. The sensation was overwhelming.

My friends encouraged me to use one of the new applications to start into my new-found mysterious torture, and they were SO right. Having a little "trainer" on my Ipod was exactly what I needed. Without my music, the beauty of the park and that little trainer's voice, I don't know that I would have been able to finish the first day's training.

After 45 minutes I was done, I was sweating a bit, my face was bright red and I was out of breathe. I felt like jello. But I wanted to keep moving, so I just kept walking. I cried and laughed and thanked every part of my body for helping me complete my first day of a "real" run.

Truth be told, after all of these years, I can run. I just told myself that I didn't want to, that I wasn't good at it and despised it - that's that the part that held me back, my own mind. Of course, I won't say this was easy. Yes, I can walk a good 10 miles if I want to -and I love it. But running, well, it's going to take some time. I did love how it made me feel. I can't wait to hit the road again tomorrow. Looking forward to the pain, and proving my thoughts wrong.

Ps - did I mention my first 5K is in May? :)

A few of my Etsy finds for the running theme :)

Sick and Listening...

2011-02-11T17:42:00.001-05:00

For most of us, getting sick isn't something we want, nor look forward to. I certainly don't enjoy being sick, but just recently have discovered that sickness is a tool, something I need to look at and use, evaluate.

By no means am I a medical doctor and I don't profess to use these techniques to simply get better and move on. If you are ill and not getting better, yes, go and seek a doctor's assistance. I do seek the help of doctors when I understand that there is a necessity to do so.

Today, for instance, I have a full blown cold. It's not a lot of fun. I went to work, and probably shouldn't have. However, when I came home, I took some time to evaluate just how I was feeling. Quietly, I meditate and reach into each part of my body by simply placing my thought on each part of my body, starting with my feet and working my way up. What hurts? Where , exactly? What is it that I'm feeling? Where is there tension? I go into organs as well. If something doesn't hurt I simply thank it for being a healthy , functioning part of my body. Where I do find pain, I ask myself why that pain may be there. If I get an answer, I accept it. If I don't, I accept that as well and move on.

Fighting a cold or the flu isn't going to get me anywhere. My body is talking to me and I need to cooperate, not fight. I'm not going to starve my body of anything - including the attention it needs and is asking of from me. In fact, the more attention I pay to each part of my body the more relaxed and less pain I feel. It's my body's way of thanking me for recognizing the signals.

"Rest," I hear as complete my self evaluation. I'm bad a resting. I sleep at night, but that's not always enough. I do involve myself in a lot of activities at work and with my family, as well as for other jobs I hold. At times, it may just be too much. "Rest," should probably be tattooed on my arm or leg somewhere as a daily reminder - I NEED to rest. I accept it.

Know yourself. I know my diet, at times, suffers. I give in to a tasty morsel or two here and there and allow myself to enjoy them. There is nothing wrong with enjoying something REALLY delicious (and a bit "not so healthy") every so often - as long as it's just that - every so often. And I make sure that my REALLY delicious foods are worth it. But lately, I've noticed that the amounts of sugar in foods are absurd, not just ridiculous, but absurd. I've known this, but ignored it. My body isn't ignoring it though, it's telling me exactly what it thinks. I listen and accept it.

And now? Am I "cured?" Well, depends on how you look at it. I do feel less pain, but I am still stuffy and sneezing, etc. I tell my body that I understand, I love it and accept the "dis-ease" that is taking place. I thank it for allowing me this opportunity. After this, I do not give it more attention, I just simply make use of the help it has offered me.

The self evaluation exercise is simple, and takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes to complete. If you've never meditated before, you could start with a shorter version of this and scan, or evaluate your body for just 5-10 minutes, but do not rush. You can always do these self evaluations when you are feeling well too.

It's important to listen to what our bodies are telling us. It's also amazing just how much information we can obtain if we simply get quiet and listen within.

Be well.

And here are a few of my Etsy finds to make me feel better too! :)

Photos at a Glance...

2011-02-10T16:29:00.000-05:00

RossellaJayne

Photo Magic

One of my favorite past times (soon becoming "all time!") is photography. I have the fortune of having some wonderful equiptment to use for myhobby/work, but, it's not always a necessity. Any camera will do. In fact, I think I use my Iphone quite a bit for a quick photo opp here and there! There are some very good camera phones out there these days. That's the magic of a good photo - it comes out perfect with just about any camera!

Photos can tell so much about a person, a place, as well as the person who is the photographer. I've learned a lot about me in just the past few years that photography has entered my life and become more than just a hobby. I keep a little journal of my findings as I take photos and I have discovered that it helps to have some "notes" to refer back to from time to time.

The other part I love about photography is editing! There are so many wonderful software packages out there, and yes, Adobe is a favorite. But there are lots of others. Pixelmator is great for a Mac, a downsized version of Photoshop. There are online sources like SmugMug and Photobucket that are also great resources. I do like the way Picassaworks too! Yes, I could go on and on about resources, but everyone finds what they're comfy with first and goes from there. I use a combination, that's just my "style." I used to enjoy creating collages, and that's still my "way" - piecing things together - I love it!

So, for the practicing photographer, or the hobby photographer, here's a little daily practice. I have used this practice for a few months now and find it quite effective. Edit it and alter it to make it fit your needs and styles. Just keep clicking - and learning!

Daily Practice: - Play every day. Click and download at least 1-5 photos a day, at least.

-Edit away! Use your favorite software to edit your work, play with it and have fun.

-Share it. Find family and friends who can take a peek at your work. Be open to critiques and use it. I love when people give me ideas and critiques, my work gets ten times better.

-It's raining , it's snowing - GO OUTSIDE! Yes, you are like the postman - get outside and discover an amazing world full of photo opps!

-No faces. If you're all about people, your kids, your friends - stop. Just for a day take photos you wouldn't normally take. Vice versa if you're all about scenery, etc. What's it like? How do you feel? What do you think of your results?

-Journal it. Take note of your photos and your feelings. What do you find? Write it down. Keep notes with your photos (online or in a book). Refer to your journal each week to discover differences and similarities.

Get clicking!

A few Etsy Photo Finds! >>>>>

Pet Therapy All Around

2011-02-08T15:53:00.000-05:00

I've always been "mom" to one canine or another. For some time, I was also a "horse mom," "cat mom" and even "rodent mom." Animals have always been a part of my life. I wouldn't have it any other way. My husband shares my philosophy, and maybe that's why we have five dogs and two cockatoos.

As a pet mom I've learned so much - about myself and them. My dogs, and other animals, have ways of communicating that aren't always easily understood by everyone else. However, more recently, I've made a great discovery. It's nothing new, but it's something that I understand a lot better now. The fact is that everyone CAN understand how any animal communicates, you just have to pay attention. Look at them, what are they telling you? Listen. Watch them. Observe with all of your senses.

By simply allowing yourself to find the quiet, even with the ferocious barking of the chiuhaha, you can find a source of communication. It may not be the "norm," but it's there - and amazing.

As you may already know, show fear and get fear. Any animal can sense fear, and they're fear is "fight or flight," - some dogs will become aggressive while others may flee, if they sense fear.

The other day we took my daughter to the zoo. There's a wonderful bear exhibit there. They have lots of space and it's a beautiful park for them. There's also a large plexi-glass door where you can stand and watch them. The two bears were simply playing with some food and snow. It was beautiful to see them so close up, just a few inches of plexi-glass away! The three of us stood and watched in awe. It was truly beautiful. I could almost feel their calm and playful energy. In came a couple who also wanted to observe them. They had two small children. The two bears quickly moved in new directions and left their cozy area by the window/door. After a bit, the family left, the bears returned and we continued to observe and watch in awe, and fall in love with them.

My daughter is three, and children, in particular, have a very keen sense of energy when it comes to animals. Animals, of course, feel this too. Our bear friends understood our calm and loving energy. They also understood the frantic energy of the other family who entered and so, they moved along. It doesn't mean that this other family was running around and banging on the plexi-glass door - they weren't. In fact, they "appeared" to be observing the bears just like we were, but their energy was sending different signals.

For those who have never had pets, it's important to learn and understand how animals behave, but, at the same time, it's also quite simple. I like to think of it like this: you get what you give. Does it mean I'd go out and hug a bear in that zoo? NO way! I'm not nuts! What it does mean is that my calming energy will allow that bear to remain doing what he wants to do and be where he wants to be. It means I can look at my 11 yr old terrier mix and know that he's aging and getting a little confused and needs more patience from us. It means I can hold Walter, our 4 yr old cockatoo and know he just wants some new words to learn, something to challenge him.

I've owned animals for over 30 years, well, I've been an "animal mom" for over 30 years.. It's taken the better part of 20+ years to get to this understanding. It's worth it too. There truly is more out there than just a yippy little Yorkie. They're saying something. That quiet little snake is saying something. Allow yourself to listen and watch, you'll be amazed at what you hear and feel. You'll learn something about yourself, and your pet, you may have never known.

Here are a few "family shots" (with the exception, of course, of the wolf and bears :)

our bear friends

Mable

hugs!

and some Etsy pet finds:

Visions

2011-02-07T14:09:00.001-05:00

I was eight when I made my first vision board, but, I didn't call it that back then. At that time it was called something like a :"Cut out magazine pictures and glue them to a poster because it's rainy and I want to do something fun" board.

As I move closer to finding my purpose, I find that the vision board at age 8 wasn't such a bad "rainy day" activity. I was a clever kid! A vision board is something I'm creating to help remind me of how things come together. It's a tool that has been wides-spread and used for ages, in helping those not just find purpose but get closer to finding out more of themselves.

"So, I just pick out what I want and put it on a poster?," clients ask. "Well, yes, I mean, no, not really," I answer. It's more than just sticking some glue to a picture of a Porsche and calling it a day.

My pictures represent things I'd like to enter into my life. Will an Olive green Jeep Wrangler Unlimited or a Silver Range Rover just show up after taping some pics to my frig? Um, no, not right away.

There are lots of books and programs on the law of attraction, and, like many, I "fell" for them, but that was short-lived. Though they are good ideas, and many do ask that you create a vision board, many authors forget to let their audience know that this "thing" that they want for, is just that. There should be not attachment or "wanting." There must also be a feeling, an awareness of self. It's impossible to get your Jeep when you feel undeserving of it. The mansion by the sea isn't on it's way when you can't even fathom what it is, or question constantly: "sure, I deserve it but I just can't afford it." - nope, not happening.

"But how can I want something but not want for it," I'm asked. "Well, it's a matter of finding a position of acceptance within yourself, aligning yourself." I reply.

Meaning> I would LOVE the kitchen I spotted in a magazine last year. Would it fit the home I'm living in now? No, not at all. So, why do I have it on my board. Because I like it, because it will fit my life one day and I can like nice things whenever I want. Heck, isn't it better to like nice things than think of clutter, anxious feelings and other "stuff"!???

Yes, there are things I'd like to see show up in my life sooner than later, and, if they're meant to, they will. I have a deep knowing, an firm understanding that these things will be there when they are supposed to be. I don't "long" for my Olive Jeep or Silver Ranger Rover, I just know that when they are due to come along, they will. And, for now, they go on my vision board (aka: vision list).

Looking into the Law of Attraction is, of course, quite interesting. There are so many authors that have such convincing programs, books, sites, etc. It's not a bad thing to follow them, but just know that there's more to it than just saying "This WILL be mine!". You need to be certain that you feel no attachment to that thing. (ie. "I can live without it.") You need to be clear and present in your thoughts. You, yourself, also need to be clear. That is, meditating and visualizing will also help. Of course there are whole blogs, books and sites just on these theories alone. But daily meditating is SO important.

Back to Vision Boards. They're easy to assemble and can certainly change in time. You can add to them and edit them as needed. Just be sure to actually look at them each day. Visualizing what you want is a PART of the law of attraction. As most humans, visual images tend to remain in our minds longer, therefore, vision boards do help with this work.

How to:

-Find a poster board to fit an area where you can hang it up. You may also want to use a cork board or cork squares on a wall where you can change your pictures more easily and frequently.

-Start cutting up! Gather pics from your favorite magazines, online, drawings or photos you have taken and assemble them on your board.

-You may also want to cut out words or letters , even numbers, that have a meaning for your board as well.

-Place your board in a serene area where you can gaze at it regularly. You may want to have it in front of you after meditating.

-Change and edit your board as needed.

-Enjoy

Don't forget - this isn't the only step in gaining a better understanding of self. Practicing meditation is very important. Being aware and aligning yourself is also quite helpful, and usually comes about with practicing meditation. See a pattern?

Here are some links that may be helpful in this process:

Sounds True

http://www.soundstrue.com/shop/Welcome.do

Eckhart Tolle

Hay House

Psychic Everyday

Enjoy the journey - one vision at a time...

Vision in White

Urbandesign

Making A Daily Practice, the Photo Way...

2011-02-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

Hip Pics

Two years ago, I got my first Iphone, and nothing has been the same ever since. No, really, I take this little camera out so fast my husband gets whiplash just trying to turn and not get caught in 18 frames of Hip Pics!

I LOVE photography and this little camera can do quite a number with photos - like REALLY fun stuff with photos! So, I quickly found the Hipstamatic app and haven't stopped playing with it since. You can play with frames and lens, there are so many possibilities. If you're not into vintage or Lomo or Helga, it's not for you, but if you're up for something "old school" this is a great find. Of course, there are a lot of other camera apps that I also use and can't live without! I probably use 5 or 6 of them almost daily. I have a page and folder full of these little treasures - and it's best to literally "play" with them as much as possible and see which ones work for you and your style of work.

Log on to ITunes or take a look and google some of the apps for IPhones, there are SO many. Reading reviews can be very helpful too - prior to making your purchases. It's best to go with apps that have been reviewed and are given 3 1/2-5 stars, they do make a difference.

A few of my Hipsta photos are shown here. There are a few others done with some other Iphone images and apps (Best Camera and PhotoBrush are also quite nice). If you're into decorating and editing your photos try apps like the PhotoShop app or RetroCamera and Photofunia - all of which are a lot of fun. You'll never be bored, that's for sure. You may even start to investigate photography a little more, and find a few new interests... You may even want to pick up the pro edition of PhotoShop for your own computer and expand your love for photos and the arts. Yes, just a little fun can expand your creative thinking in SO many ways!

Daily practice: (If, of course, you have an Iphone) start to play with your camera and a few of the photo apps - take a few shots of your office, your dog, your fish, your new shoes! Edit away. Use the photo with any of your new apps and test out new finishes. Repeat daily. After all, it's always a good idea to put a little "fun & play" into your every day.

A few Etsy finds and items from my Iphone Photo Collection:

Co-In-Side...

2011-02-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

Over the past few months I've played, what feels like, a secret role - creativity coach. It's been an enjoyable "job" and it's brought me into life coaching, an even bigger "job."
Like most starting in this arena, I was a bit nervous about the undertakings, but I KNEW that it was what I needed to do. Oddly enough, as I coach, I learn. I soak up every book, CD and podcast that I can get my hands, ears and eyes on. I don't even want to sleep.
I write. I take notes. I photograph. I create... and , I love it.
I wake up with, and go to sleep with, jitters in my stomach , just thinking of the possibilities. I can tell that it's "catching" too - from those who surround me every day, as well as those who I work with, and even people at a distance.
"Weird stuff," starts to happen. People love to call it "Coincidence," but I've never been able to use that word well - it doesn't exist. Authors and teachers explain that "co-inside-nce" derives from Latin, "to come together"... oddly enough!
And that's what's happening now - things are just "co-insid-ing" and coming together. It's a journey that will take more and time learning - but it's all about being present. It's about doing, not planning.
There are certificates and courses and books galore - of which I will partake in along my journey. But my past few "clients" have been great models of what creativity and life coaching is all about and they have made me, the teacher, understand my role ever so clearly.
If you're stuck, in a rut, not sure where to go next - remember you can only go where you are, now, and here. Start now. Listen now. Learn now. Life is SO exciting and it's all happening, now.

a few Etsy treasures (and co-in-siders! :) ....

Creativity & Life Coaching Site are coming soon! Stay tuned!

To Market I Go!

2011-01-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

About a year or so ago, an Asian food market opened in town. I didn't think much of it, only that I had never really been to one, and wasn't sure if it was something I could see myself "using," but, hey, it was nice to have something different in town.
After a few months, I got intrigued, it was snowy out, there wasn't much to do - why not try out the Asian market?! My daughter loved it. There were big fish heads to stare at, lots of pretty green veggies and beautiful packages of just about anything and everything. Of course, I couldn't understand a word , or, well, a character, but I just looked and wandered. It was fascinating. And, I did find some wonderful things - after all, pictures do tell great stories - or, at least give me an idea of what is in the package.
I'm now addicted to aloe juice - it's amazing how it cures my stomach ailments. I love the coconut oils and gels, they do wonders for my skin and hair. I can't live with a REAL Asian pink lady apple - yum! My daughter goes nuts for the giant peas and BIG funny-fruits that I never knew existed! Amazing.
I took another trip there just today. Walking in, on yet, another snowy day, I was greeted by these big, golden and cherry-red paper lanterns, flowers of brilliant colors and beautiful music. I wandered through the veggies and fruits aisles, still trying to figure out what the heck I'm looking at, but, again, no idea. There were the usual perfectly packaged little goodies covered in the most beautiful papers. (And, I have to say, after having resided in Italy for a few years, and knowing all about "goodies in pretty packing," these were stunning!). Then I came across a man who was on a mission. He KNEW what he wanted and he was scanning the aisle with a fierce look. He took his tiny hat in his hand while he pointed to each package. I got curious too, it was almost "catchy" how he was SO determined. "What the heck are these things?!," I asked myself once again. Squinting, with, and without my glasses, I wasn't far, but I had no clue what this little Asian Buddha was admiring. I moved in. It was small, they were small. They were... fish. Dried, refrigerated fish. Little guys. Little eyes. All packed in a little box with clear wrapping and pretty Asian characters all over them. Tons of them. All sizes and shapes, a whole aisle full. Now, in Italy, we used sardines to make lots of sauces and salads, but there was pretty much one version ... not here. The Asian market has lots more options. Of course, I still don't know what to do with tiny, dead, refrigerated fish, but, well, they were packaged so nicely.
I got to the check out line with my regular 5 items. I'm surrounded by a lovely group of Asian men, women and children, speaking in a language that sounds quite pretty. (I only speak English and Italian, but my curiosity for languages is always with me...) The cashier checked out the box of green beans I was purchasing and smiled. I smiled and nodded, thanking her for her approval of my purchase. I didn't get smiles for my other items... Well, one out of four is ok.
After I left I felt a profound sense of gratitude. I had always taken for granted that this market was simply here, in town. Now, however, I am thankful, grateful. I get to learn about an amazing culture, right in my own backyard.

A few Etsy finds... reminders of today's visit:

honeytree

luclieskitchen

Auryndesign

Snow Paintings...

2011-01-26T16:55:00.000-05:00

More snow... Good thing I got some REALLY awesome snow boots this winter! I also feel as thought I've been able to be home a little "extra," for a reason... like getting to do more of what I enjoy doing....hmmm???
I was never a snow-bunny. Never enjoyed ski trips with friends, but did love lodge-living! Never loved snow-mobiling, but zoomed off anyway, and prayed for dear life as we flew across the snow-bound farms. But now that I'm a mom, I love the snow! Or, maybe, I've decided to just flow with the snow, why not?! I love wearing my really awesome snow boots. I love pulling my daughter on the sled. I love watching our dogs frolic. I love taking photos of the snow covered trees and lakes and ocean. I love looking at the contrast on the branches. I love knowing that every one of those flakes is unique, yet they form some of the most breath-taking, picturesque scenery.
This morning I went down to the bay and took some photos. They didn't come out that great since I didn't have my "good" camera with me, but it doesn't matter- I got to do what I love. I watching the seagulls swarm and the Canadian geese continue to form their perfect formations as the giant flakes fell. The bay was iced over, but beautiful. The quiet was amazing, and meditative.
Snow and cold don't always make everyone happy. But, why fight mother nature? She will ALWAYS win. She's painted a beautiful picture for us, again. Why not enjoy her artwork and do what you love?!

and some "snow-like" finds from my Etsy friends :

Molliecarey

Life's Lessons #121

2011-01-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

Things to ponder:

1. Am I doing what I do best?

2. Is worry REALLY a necessity?

3. Why do I like red velvet cupcakes so darn much?!

4. Do I listen to what my body tells me?

5. Did I laugh today?

6. Where can I not follow the "rules"?

7. Believe in miracles, always.

8. Know grace and gratitude.

9. Do I know how to go into child's pose?

10. How do I make the best asparagus risotto?

11. Where DO all of the socks REALLY go in the dryer?

12. Did I pet my dog or cat today?

13. Thirteen IS a lucky number.

No resolutions...

2011-01-19T16:57:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I decided that making resolutions was sort of "old fashioned." Then, I decided that it really didn't do much for me in the long run. It would basically go something like:
make a few goals
complete and accomplish them
then what?
Why be stuck to a few goals? Why not just go out there and do what it is that I do!?
And so, there are no resolutions, but now, I look here and see that I haven't been able to get to my blog for over 3 months. That's wrong. Just wrong.
I have a dear friend who is traveling the globe for 8 months - everywhere - places in India, the Amazon... places where I don't even know how or where she gets internet access - BUT she does. I get to follow her and her amazing travels through her blog - it's wonderful. It's also a sign that I need to get my butt in gear! I'm in the US, with all of the basics and then some - there's no reason I can't get back here and blog more often!
And so, I am. And that "I am" phrase has been doing A LOT for me lately. I'll share more on that later.
For now, it's back to sharing and doing what I enjoy.
Photo moments!
For the holidays my husband and I got ourselves a new puppy - Thurman. He's now 7 mos and getting BIG. He's an old English Bulldogge . He's wonderful. He's fit into our family so quickly and so well.
And so, here are a few quick pics of our new addition (he's black and white and brown).. .and I shall return soon! :) Here's to zero resolutions!

our other "babies" are learning to adjust too... takes some time...

Oh ScRiBBles!

2010-10-03T08:54:00.000-04:00

This morning my 3-year old asked me to help her with her "art projects," - she loves her artwork! Our home is "wallpaper-ed" with artwork from Jayne...drawings, scribbles, collages and sketches that she has created over the past few years. Yes, years. She's loved her crayons since she was one. Give her paints and a brush, she's Picasso. She even loves to paint rocks - which, one day will be part of our garden walkway.
And how could I forget glitter glue?! A staple in our home!
Crayons, however, have to be her favorite. I realized this morning just how much fun it is to pick up a crayon and scribble. No patterns, no lines, just start scribbling! I think we may be telling kids to "stay in the lines," a little too much these days. "Don't go outside of the lines here," we keep telling them. But what's SO wrong with going outside of the lines every so often?
We went outside the lines this morning and made all sorts of fun stuff and, for a moment, I felt like a kid again too.
Being childlike is fun and going outside of the lines is fun too.
Maybe, just maybe, we'll have some more creative kids, if only we allow them to go outside the lines a little more often...
Go scribble!

Our scribbles for the day:

Jayne's other favorite art...

Etsy finds for the day:

FolkArtbyKerry

Grazim

stephanieryanart

Swanbones

scribble-like! Safarisister

holli

child-like always.... BannerBotiqueonEtsy

Crayon holder! a beauty ! Syrendell

Sharks, Alligators & Pneumonia

2010-10-01T09:47:00.000-04:00

When I was a kid, maybe 5 or 6, I was afraid of three things: sharks (after having seen too many shark movies!), alligators (more movies!) and pneumonia. I recall everyone telling me, "don't go outside without your boots, your coat, you'll catch pneumonia." and "dress up, dress warm you don't watch to catch pneumonia, do you?"
Thirty some-odd years later, here I am, pneumonia-stricken! And I know I dressed warm, wore my boots (I LOVE boots!) and didn't play in the rain (too much!), but, I got it anyway. I didn't, however, put those plastic bread bags on my feet before I put my boots on - maybe that was it! Maybe those wonder bread bags really were magical!!!?? Wonder Bread bags are medicinal!
Of course, I shouldn't complain either. I got a few days off of work and have been able to catch up on some books and other work I needed to do. I even got to work on some yoga positions which helped me breathe better and feel better.
But, I suppose, fears don't disappear. Somewhere, down deep, strangling my lungs, was a fear of getting pneumonia - fears weaken us. Eventually, if you allow enough fear, you'll get exactly what you "asked" for - in my case, pneumonia.
Now, I do plan on working on that fear of sharks and alligators! They are marvelous creatures, but they don't have such a great "record." I recall fearing alligators in my bathtub. Yes, there was some awful movie we watched as kids where alligators ended up in pools and bath tubs... I think I went without the suds and water for a while. I even imagined they were under my bed! And sharks, well, after Jaws had just come out, I wasn't one to jump right into the ocean any more. I do love the ocean, the beaches... but I can do without the sharks!

It's a dreary day today, not helpful for pneumonia-stricken people, but I do love watching the rain, it's peaceful and meditative. I can't smell a thing, but normally, I love the smell of a good storm. Being a bit "set back" has also made me realize that fears are silly, but also serious. If we allow our thoughts to take over, they win. If we stop thoughts(the fearful ones) in their tracks, we win.
As a teacher, I have to ask myself, "ok, so what have you learned from this?" - and here it is:
a. Fear nothing, love everything and everyone
b. let go
c.yoga is amazing
d. sharks and alligators are beautiful
d. always wear Wonder Bread bags on your feet!

Here are a few images for the day... thanks Etsy! :)

MaMagasin

Cartbeforethehorse

(wonder if she has her Wonder Bread bags on!?)
carambatack

TheApple

living on tea! -thetwobuttons

enchanting... Fuzzylightbulb

michelemaule

raindrops... FableBay

now there's a GREAT shark! NYrika

Cosmicfirefly

Love , always... Rossella

Our four-legged friends...

2010-09-29T10:30:00.001-04:00

I've been loving some of the posts from the Anthropoligist, of Anthropologie , lately about staff and their dogs, pet adoptions and events. I am an Anthro fanatic! Their company is very creative and yet, very in tune with their communities.
The photos, the artists and the statements they make are all very real, yet fascinating. They write and blog of things we all relate to on an every-day basis. They are artists reaching out, as I reach into my wallet, of course.
Animals almost always have a play in what Anthro markets, and they do it in a unique and original way, with the art of whimsy.
I too like to support my local "mom and pop" "brick and mortar" shops, but this is one company that does get my attention, and, of course, at times, my Visa.
I don't work for them, although, I'd love to. But that wouldn't work, my check wouldn't make it past the door!
I suppose what I do like is that this company, shares a love for animals. I realize other businesses also embrace pet adoptions, bring your pet to work day, etc... It's growing, it's getting there. Being kind to our planet, means being kind and loving towards our animals too. It's important that businesses share in this idea and pass it on.
I realize that not everyone has the same love for dogs, or cats, but I always find it a bit odd if they don't. How could you not love the eyes, the fur?! (I too am all for short haired dogs and cats though!) How could you not find a "pal" in a four-legged friend? They're amazing. They're therapy! They have unique personalities.
As a child, I grew up always having a pet - mostly dogs. We had a cat stage and a "Farm" stage too...But dogs have always been my "buddies." My husband too has grown up with that "love" for pets, and we teach our daughter to love our "gang" of 4 dogs (and 2 cockatoos). Hey, the more love you give, the more you get... Hug your dog (or cat) today, and every day! :)

and from my friends at Etsy...

Boxer - HaveCameraWillTravel

Tea Party- MissKym

ArtbyAfton

Bumble Bee - Puppysbreathe

Dog Hat - Beantownhandmade

(as the proud owner of a Boston, how could you just not love this?!)

also from Beantown

eringarrisondesign

autumnraincreations

Oh! The Places You'll Go!

2010-09-20T16:26:00.000-04:00

Once again, photos have it! As does Dr. Seuss! Oh the Places you'll go - a favorite in our home... And in photos.......

Photo challenge! get outdoors with your camer and take (at least!) one photo a day. Study it. Edit it. Enjoy it.

have fun!

Some favorites for today - from Etsy, of course! :)

Dome - avecjasmine

Korean Mountain Temple gangawesson

Rolling in Ocean Waves - Silverhorse Photography

Butterfly's Lunch - Rossella

Summer Memories - Barbargordon

Paris Collection by LittleBrownPen

Fine Art, Switzerland - Johnbragg

Indian Summer - Raceytay

No Checker Cab - JMDunitzStudios

Path - JKPhotography

Ferris Wheel Days of Summer - Rossella

Farm Days...

2010-09-12T14:17:00.000-04:00

When I was younger, I was fortunate to live on a farm for a few years. We had horses and a few other farm animals; accompanied by a few dogs and cats (bats too - but they weren't really cute or cuddly).

Every day we would wake up to the smell of hay, grass, and all things green. Our horses would neigh and I'd feed them, let them out for a quick run, and get off to school. I rode them in the afternoons when school was over, life was good.

Our farm was on a tiny dirt road, no one even knew we were there. Our little home was OLD, probably built in the mid 1800s, it still had an ice house on the porch, a well outside and a stone wall basement. The floors were big planks of beautiful wood and the rooms were tiny, but cozy. Nothing was straight - the floors, the ceilings, the steps - all off, and a bit crooked, but we loved our home's character! The quiet there was heaven. Of course, at the time, for a teenager, quiet, sadly, wasn't always appreciated.

Then, it was off to college (zero quiet there!). Eventually, my mom sold our little farm on the dirt road (and the horses were sold too) and she joined the ranks of townhouse owners.

From time to time, I think of our little farm, it's still there, fixed up and looking very pretty. The barns are still there, and horses live there too. It's one of the few places that has a dirt road too - still!

My husband has always been enchanted with farms as well. He didn't have the fortune of living on one as I did, but, a few years ago, he recalled a farm he went to, as a child, for pumpkin picking. Ends up this farm happens to be the same one that my mom brought us to as kids to go pumpkin picking too! I do wonder, at times, if we were ever in that big old pumpkin field at the same time as 6, 7 or 8 year olds???

Today, we bring our three-year-old daughter to that same farm, Alstede Farms. We adore it! It's much larger than the little farm I lived on as a teenager. But it has so many of the characteristics of my little farm. There are horses and ponies and some beautiful scents of hay!

Our daughter goes on wagon and pony rides and climbs hay bales and tunnels. She loves petting and feeding the goats, cows, pigs and donkeys. My husband pulls a metal wagon through the fruit and vegetable fields as we pick fresh apples, peaches, berries, pumpkins and veggies. For a man who would never think of meditating, this is it. This IS his meditating. He's clear as a bell and the happiest person I know when he wanders the grounds of Alstede.

Alstede Farms recently held an annual pig roast. We attended the event just last night and I think we're still "on a high"! Seeing our favorite place on a crisp (almost) autumn night, riding a hay wagon, watching a bonfire and eating fresh farm foods was the PERFECT family date - best we've ever had. We will certainly be making this an annual event!

Of course, next weekend we'll be back, we need more apples and pumpkins are looking good too. Plus, I'm due to make a few more trays of eggplant parmigiana :) And my husband needs his meditating time (aka - walking through the fields)

And one of these days, who knows, maybe we'll find a little farm of our own , on a tiny dirt road, to call home too.

Random Thoughts...

2010-09-11T09:01:00.000-04:00

Today's post is just a few photos that come to mind ....

A Picture is Worth...

2010-09-08T16:51:00.001-04:00

From as early as I can recall, I always had a camera in my hand. I was six, seven, eight? Not really sure... I never thought much of it, I just had a camera, and some film. I was assigned the duty of "family historian," early on - without it ever being actually put into words - I took pictures of my family and our outings. I remember having a funny shaped camera, looked a bit long, like 1/2 a shoe box! Or something like it. My parents would drive up to the tiny little "huts" in the middle of the parking lots near the grocery store, we'd leave our film in an envelope and hope for the best. Days later, drive back to the little hut again, and , viola', there were our family photos.
There were shots of our dogs, who looked more like little dots and specks in a big grassy, green yard. I had lots of shot of my dogs' faces, a few paws, even my own feet when I was bored! There was that 8th Wonder of the World series I took when our parents drove us all over the East Coast in search of the "biggest rock." And then there were those great shots of a deer we saw at the park, or a rabbit, only, you sort of had to look REAL close to find them.
As a mom, and wife, I now ADORE taking photos of my family even more so. My three year old could keep me busy ALL day. Well, her, my love of my newest camera and my Iphone camera and could keep me busy all day :)
Technology has done a lot. I don't have to go to those tiny, little huts any more and drop off funny looking rolls of film. Instead, I can print them in my house! That idea would have never occurred to me at six or seven years of age. Even my brother developed his own film in make-shift dark rooms - he took some amazing photos years ago. But that was as close as I would have ever imagined to printing photos in my own home!

I still own some of those photos I took as a child - I love to look at them and giggle. They're kept in a shoe box, oddly enough, for safe keeping.

Living in the past isn't something I do, nor do I encourage, but photos tend to force us to look back. And, for as much as I live for the "now" and strive to always be "present," my love for photos does tend to take me down memory lane from time to time.

I've learned so many things from my photos and my love of photography. But mostly, I've learned to appreciate that was then, and this is now.

Below is a collection of my own photos (current day) and others that I've stumbled across...

My daughter, the tree-hugger

A view of NYC from my dashboard...

she always knows how to make me laugh!

Just turned 1, and such a face!

Daddy and his little girl at the farm

our sheep friend...

our other "baby"...

Photo Finds from Etsy:

BowWow Beds

   JavaJane Designs


   KevanAponte

     Raceytay


   RossellaJayne



     AliciaBock

Change the way...

2010-09-02T16:29:00.000-04:00

The mere mention of the word "change," does tend to set off a little something in people. Sometimes, that little something is all for the better , and you barely realize it.
We witness change so often. We change our diet, our schedule, our clothes. There is some change - like the weather - that we have no control over. While, other change, like how we eat, dress, play with our children and care for our loved ones, are all things we can change at any time.
One of my favorite quotes is : "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change." I have it posted in my home, my office and even in my car.
Changing our perspective can alter so many things.
Recently, I had to change my schedule - a LOT. It wasn't a change I was anticipating, but instead of whining, I saw lots of opportunity.
Take up the looking glass and start seeing change as the bright light of inspiration and endless possibilities!

Some photo prompts and Etsy finds for "change" :

I took this watching my 3-yr old on her first ferris wheel ride... scary change, but good!

One of my favorite rocky paths...

Nest by warmwhispers

Copper and mixed metals bracelet by Jeanskipper

Metal Locket Box by StefenyStanyer

A Catch by Sabinar

Change of seasons... Scarf by Deniz03

Heart rings... by MintyFreshFusions