Dream With the Fishes

A Murmuration

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:46:00 +0000

I just saw this for the first time over on Leah's blog and got goosebumps all over. It's incredible, magickal, and absolutely beautiful. Many of you have probably already seen it, but if you haven't yet, I highly recommend you take a gander! It made my day.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

There's more about it here: The Startling Science of a Starling Murmuration

La Befana

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:37:00 +0000

According to Italian folklore, La Befana delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5th). She is portrayed as an old woman wearing a black shawl and covered in soot. Like Santa, she comes down through the chimney to deliver her gifts. But, unlike Santa, her transport is a broomstick. And it is said that if one spots her they will receive a thump of her broomstick, as she does not wish to be seen.

La Befana is shown smiling and carrying a bag or sack filled with candy and/or gifts with which she fills the children of Italy's socks. If they've been good, that is. The one's who've been bad receive, instead, a lump of coal. Some say she even sweeps the floor before she leaves. This is probably true for those who leave her a cup of wine and a few morsels of the regional or local food.

Watch these adorable little old ladies from Tuscany singing a La Befana song:

La Befana may derive her name the Italian for Feast of Epiphany, or 'La Festa dell'Epifania', or from the mispronunciation of the Greek word, 'epifania'. There is some evidence suggesting that she is descended from the Sabine/Roman goddess named Strina (or Strenia), who presided over the new year's gifts, or 'Strenae", and from which her name is derived.

To read more about La Befana, and the various traditions and legends associated with her, here are some links to get you started:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Befana

http://goitaly.about.com/od/festivalsandevents/a/epiphany.htm

http://www.italytravelescape.com/befana.htm

http://www.abruzzo2000.com/abruzzo/traditions/christmas/befana.htm

http://www.provincia.ps.it/dd.pesaro1/lavori%20netd@ys/epiphany.htm

This one's in Italian:
http://curiosando708090.altervista.org/la-befana/

A head's up about the insane practices over at Paypal

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:39:00 +0000

This is disgusting and makes me sick to my stomach. Paypal forced a buyer to destroy a $2500 pre-WWII violin, rather than return it to the seller for a refund, because they deemed it counterfeit when the buyer disputed the label.

http://www.regretsy.com/2012/01/03/from-the-mailbag-27/

Now I'm really having second thoughts about ever accepting Paypal again for auctions and sales. Jesus, who knows how many other priceless works they had people destroy in order to get their money back. And what kind of person spends that kind of money on a violin and then willingly takes an axe to it - you've GOT TO see the photo of it all hacked up - so freaking sad! And how do we know there aren't people out there using this policy as a scam? Destroying a counterfeit they purposely have on hand for the occasion and then getting a refund while keeping the real thing?! I'd say SELLERS BEWARE!

Changes a'comin'

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:33:00 +0000

Capri - courtesy of MorBCN's Flickr Photostream

I got sidetracked again and fell away from posting for a bit. Life just got too much, and I tend to get tongue tied when that happens and can't gather my thoughts enough to compose decent blog posts. Ones that I don't end up going into a rant or tirade, or just bore you to death. So I clam up.

Pati Entre Arcades a Monells - courtesy of Montse Poch's Flickr Photostream

I haven't done any photographing in the longest so I decided to gather some images via Flickr. These are all in response to a search using the term "Rustic" in Creative Commons. Looking at them makes me very happy.

Boats in Fog - courtesy of Yooperann's Flickr Photostream

As for The Artist's Way Journey, I did not abandon the project or my fellow journey members! I did continue following through, as much as I could muster, up until midway through the next to last chapter. Then, with the holidays right up on top of us, and the end of the year coming up, I just dropped it to tend to last minute details.

Canopy Bed - courtesy of Photomatt28's Flickr Photostream

And, I must say, it was the best thing I did all year! I am so glad I participated and it brought about massive change! So much so that it took on a life of its own and I am right now in a place of transition, waiting until the dust from the ensuing whirlwind-of-changes settles.

Gold Hill Shaftesbury Dorset - courtesy of 2create's Flickr Photostream

I was truly hoping to have great news to share at this time. But not yet... not quite. And I really can't go into details until I have something solid in front of me, so forgive me for being vague. You know how I always say that as soon as I talk about something it seems to dissipate before my very eyes? Well, I am not taking any chances any more. If there's one thing that's been made crystal clear this past year it's that my gut instincts and intuition are pretty much always right. And besides that, there is the additional fact that there are people here - and I don't mean any of you, my dear blog buddies - that do not have my best interest at heart and I don't care to throw any pearls before swine.

Can you unlock her heart? - courtesy of Tibchris's Flickr Photostream

This brings me to another reason I've been away from the blog. When I began blogging I was very leery about sharing so openly on the internet for anyone to see. But, as time went on and I got to meeting so many like minded folks and being able to share and talk about things that I wasn't able to share with any one in my daily life, I opened up more and more. But it saddens me to state that, due to recent developments, I no longer feel so comfortable sharing openly and freely here on this blog. So, I'm contemplating starting a whole new blog and keeping it completely anonymous, as much as that's possible on the internet. I wouldn't lock it or make it members-only, but I would not attach my real name to it or any particulars by which I could be identified. This, of course, sucks. And I hate the thought of parting with "Dream with the Fishes" as a blog name. But I just don't know any other way to keep things as they are and block unwelcome visitors.

Somebody, Save Me - courtesy of ShaneRounce.com Design and Photography

This is all just a thought process, right now, and I definitely don't have time to work out the details just yet. If and when I do it, I would let you all know, here, and email all of my blog buddies and followers with my new blog address and ask anybody I've missed, who wants to continue following me, to please email me and I'll send you the address. In the meantime, I will continue to blog here at Dream with the Fishes, though in a more restrained capacity.

Blaise Rustic Cottage Newly Thatched - courtesy of Crabchick's Flickr Photostream

I do hope you're all doing well and I wish you the best for this new year. May you find fulfillment and joy, in one way after another, throughout the whole year!

Rustic Steps - courtesy of Floato's Flickr Photostream

Happy New Year and Welcome, 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Recipe for a Happy New Year

"Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past - have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

"Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time. Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor."

- Anonymous

Happy Daylight Savings Day and Chapter 9 Check-in

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Courtesy of Elfleda's Flickr Photostream

Hope you made good use of that extra hour. I got some extra zzzzz's. Can't ever seem to get enough. Especially when a good dream is happening!

I had the most trouble yet sticking to Morning Pages and Affirmations. Missed doing both on 3 of the last 14 days, and skipped out on the Affirmations altogether on 7 of those days. Once again missed out on taking an Arist's Date throughout both weeks of the chapter, making it now, I think, 3 Chapters since my last one. I had been all set to take one yesterday but I ended up at work much, much later than expected, and there went the whole day. I realize I could have made the time for it at any time along the way, but I have been on a roll with the decluttering and I don't want to stop until it's done. I am on a mission to start the new year as unencumbered as possible by old stuff.

I did one of the Tasks - Number 3 - setting out my goals for the year, month, week. Although, I already screwed up the goal for the week, which was to take an artist's date to make up for all the lost ones of the past weeks. For the month of November, my goals include finishing my sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project (which I finally just got started on this week, after having it for months), continuing with the decluttering, and working in some Feng Shui cures as the place gets more and more clutter-free.

For 2012, my list of goals include:

Getting back into doing my flower arrangements,
Getting back into making potpouris and other herbal concoctions,
To start writing again (poetry, short stories, etc.),
Getting into cooking,
Learning encaustic painting,
Getting into fantastic shape (This is thrown in every year. Maybe this year I'll actually do it.

I've also written down "Taking an acting class." I've been having this persistent urging to do something in the way of acting, which is really weird because it's not something I have ever had any interest in before. But the thought's been persisting to the point of nagging, so I threw it in there. Maybe I'll be surprised and find that I have a completely hitherto unsuspected talent. Or it'll be clear that there was good reason I was never interested in it before and I can definitively cross it off my list.

Also, this past week, I began thinking about what My word for 2012 is going to be and trying to get a clear feel for my overarching intention for the year. It's all still simmering but it's coming together and it seems to be growing out of this major letting go spree I've been having. I've been feeling like I just need to wipe the slate clean, in terms of my creative focus, and start on a whole new footing. By this I mean that I want to let go of all the ideas I've been hanging onto that were a product of past inspirations. I have notebooks-ful, and so many little pieces of paper, with these great ideas jotted down to be followed up on "when I have time." But their acumulation has become, like all the other clutter in my life, a big 'ol ball and chain tying me to the past. Inspiration needs to be followed up on while it's fresh, and all this hanging on the old is just clogging up the channel for any new and now stuff to come through. So, wiping the slate clean and freeing up the line for new inspiration to flow through. That's a big part of the main course on the menu for 2012!

Furthermore, I want to focus on really getting in touch with me, the real me, minus all the crap that I've taken on because of obligation or necessity or insecurity, etc. And so the decluttering continues on yet another level. I want to really get to know me and allow myself to say what I really want to say, do what I really want to do, dress how I really want to dress, be how I really want to be. You know, just be truly and authentically ME.

Now to squeeze all this into just the right word or short phrase for the year, before New Year's Day!

Happy Hallowe'en!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:25:00 +0000

When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam,
May luck be yours on Halloween.
~Author Unknown

On Hallowe'en the thing you must do

Is pretend that nothing can frighten you

And if somethin' scares you and you want to run

Just let on like it's Hallowe'en fun.

~Author Unknown

When witches go riding,

and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers,

'tis near Halloween.

~Author Unknown

What a difference a day makes

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:29:00 +0000

Yesterday, OctSNOWber! And today, it's like it never happened (it would be great if I had a photo of today, but I don't).

Today was such a gorgeous, sunny day and most of the snow was already gone by the time I woke up. Thank goodness! It does look so pretty and all, but it's just too early. And it requires too much work, between shoveling the sidewalk and digging out the car. UGH!

Time for an Artist's Way Check-in. It feels like ages since I last did one! But I truly have been following along. I've never stopped doing the Morning Pages and I've done the Affirmations on most days. I'd say I did them 98% of the time. I've actually been really feeling them, too! I have gotten cozy with a handful of affirmations that feel really right to me and have been sticking with them, kind of playing around with the wording, lavishly sprinkling superlatives into the mix. For, at least, the few it takes me to do them, I am feeling like the statements are quite possible.

I haven't taken an Artist's Date in three weeks now. I've barely had any free time for it. I know, I know. I need to MAKE the time for it. I was doing just fine with it up until a few weeks ago. Not sure what happened. It's like when you stop working out for a few days and then you fall off the (working out) wagon and can't seem to get back on again.

I have been using all of my spare time decluttering. I've had a major breakthrough in that department and have been finding myself suddenly able to let go of things like I haven't in a very long time. It started back in September with some clothes and books. Then there was a bit of an impasse again. And then, in the last two weeks, I have been on a decluttering mission! There are several factors involved that I can attribute to being responsible for this new state of mind. Of course there's the main factor of my having intended to do it for the longest time, even though I could never actually bring myself to get anywhere substantial with it. But I do think that this project of our's - the Artist's Way thing - has been really, REALLY creating a whole lot of good shifting and releasing and opening of the way for me. It's really clicked and taken hold and is working magic in so many areas of my life!

The tasks in this chapter (CHAPTER 9) are a lot more detailed and take a lot more effort to do. I have only done Task #3, so far, and that took me about an hour. They take too much THINKING! Maybe because I'm more in activity mode right now (just itching to keep on decluttering in every spare moment), I haven't been able to get myself in the space required for deep thinking.

This other task, re-reading our Morning Pages and highlighting all the insights in one color, and all the actions needed in another, seems unbelievably unbearable to me and I honestly don't know if I can bring myself to do it. In fact, I'm sure I won't do it. I just can't imagine how much time that would eat up! I'm lucky to be getting in this post, right now. And it's been ages since I've been able to do any visiting of other blogs and reciprocating of comments (for which I am feeling so terrible). There are only two other tasks, both of which I look at and think, "Ugh, I just can't right now."

But I am making it a point to, at least, GO ON A GOOD ARTIST'S DATE THIS COMING WEEK!!

Happy Feast Day, Saint Jude!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Thank you for your super speedy help with that recent request of mine. Sorry it took me so long to do the "make your name known" part of my part of the bargain.

http://www.stjudenovena.org/prayingthenovena.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle

I am back online, FINALLY!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:54:00 +0000

It took until this week to finally get my internet connection back. I cannot tell you the hell I went through with Verizon. If you, too, have Verizon, and have had it for any length of time, I don't have to tell you. I had planned on writing a whole big, long post about the outrageous and horrendous treatment I got from them, but at this point I just want to get past it and move on. However, I WILL be dumping them as soon as I can find the time to arrange to have another service set up. Right now I do not, as they've caused me to lose four whole days of work (waiting home for technicians that never showed on three of those days), plus quite a few hours over the course of other days where I got tied up on the phone with them in the morning before work and ended up going in late. And, to top it all off, they freakin' CHARGED me for the calls from their technicians, customer service agents, supervisors, etc. to me on my cell phone!!! I had to get on the phone again, this time with billing, and actually fight with them to credit me all that time. It had accounted for half of my minutes for the month and I was only into day 9 of the month! Oh my goodness, I cannot describe to you the depth of my loathing for Verizon.

Moving on. I had a lot planned for this month of October that, thanks to the circumstances, I was unable to partake in. For one thing, Goddess Leonie's World's Biggest Summit. I got to listen to the Day 1 podcasts and that's all, so far. I had also joined in on several other projects and now that I'm 3 weeks behind, it's just all too much and I just can't even begin to try to catch up. I am just glad that I was able to stick to the Artist's Way Project as much as possible.

We are now on Chapter 9 and, though I fell behind quite a bit on the exercises, and I haven't taken an artist's date during the whole of Chapter 8, I have stuck with doing my Morning Pages and Affirmations throughout the entire time. It is just too much for me to go into details with a proper Check-in on these last 2 chapters (7 and 8) but I am ready to get back into the full swing of things with Chapter 9. Let me tell you, though, things are moving and shaking! Stuff is happening! A lot of it doesn't feel too good and, if I didn't know any better, I would think things are falling apart, but I am so sure this is all part of a shift set into motion, or spurred along in a big way, by participating in this project. My life seems to be re-arranging itself to clear out all the old crap and make lots of room for the new. I am just trying to keep the faith and move with it.

As much as I want to plunge into doing a whole bunch of visiting and catch up with you all right now, I need to push it back still further. I have so much to try and squeeze into today and I'm just so glad I got to come here and post this update. You've all been on my mind and I miss you lots and can't wait to see what you've been up to! I hope to drop by very soon. Big Love!

No internet connection since last Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:55:00 +0000

I'm having to post this from my phone as I haven't had an internet connection in almost 2 weeks now. Actually, it started going out the middle of last week, but it had come back a few times. On Saturday night, after I managed to get my last post in, it went away and came back a few more times, until Wednesday night when I finally bit the bullet and called Verizon.

Oh how I dread dealing with them because they make me want to tear my hair out. After calling and going through the entire automated shpiel, getting put on hold for 25 minutes at a time, only to be disconnected several times, i wanted to kill. After an hour and a half, they decide they're going to send me a new modem (which they insist on charging me for). I beg them to just send a technician because this has happened quite a few times and each time it was never my equipment, but a line problem. but no. I am told that they're 100% sure it's my modem .

So i get the new modem yesterday and guess what? It doesn't work. Back on the phone. Now they're sending a technician on Monday. That'll be 2 weeks without service which, incidentally, they won't reimburse me the full time for because I waited a week before calling in. Verizon, I despise you with my whole being.

I will be back as soon as I get my connection back.

Happy October 1st! (and Re-announcing Winner of Giveaway)

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:33:00 +0000

My internet connection's back for now but I'm afraid it might go again. It doesn't seem steady and I just wanted to quickly get a post in, in case it conks out again. Yesterday I had to post through my phone and I still haven't figured out the whole mobile blogging thing. I had announced the winner of my giveaway within that post but, looking at it now, the announcement seems lost in a big blog of text. The link to the winner didn't even show up properly. And I didn't know how to do the picture thing through mobile. I'm going to have to play around with it some more.

So let's do this again - and properly. The WINNER of :

is..... PAULA of Happy Snappy!

I did do the drawing, as scheduled, at exactly 12 noon EDT yesterday. The manner of the drawing was putting the names on little scraps of paper and then shaking them up in a bag and drawing one.

Congrats again, Paula! And thanks again to all for participating!

Today is the first day of GODDESS LEONIE'S...

I do believe you can still come join in. Remember, it's FREE!!!
Take a peak at the trailer, below. You'll be AMAZED at all the names in this thing (Julia Cameron, SARK, Leah Piken Kolidas, not to mention Leonie, herself. And oh so many more)!

Well, before I get disconnected again, and possibly lose this whole thing, I'm going to close this up. Bidding you all a lovely October 1st! XOXO

Experiencing technical difficulties

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Been trying to post about the Giveaway winner for last hour and half. Of all the days for my internet connection to be out and it happens right in time for today's drawing. i've been trying since noon to do this all via mobile. i sent two post attempts and I don't know whereb they posted because it certainly hasn't been to my blog. I did get a whole freaking series of text messages, though, comprised of the entire text of my post attempt! there go all my texts for the month! So now I'm resorting to doing this the most complicated way of all...on my mobile phone withing blogger post editor ina browser. UHG!!!!

But, enough with that. On to the winner of my 300th Post Giveaway! (Drumroll please!)...................................

PAULA of http://keepitsimplemakeitgreat.blogspot.com ! Please email me with your address, Paula!

Thanks to all 8 people who participated! And thank you for your lovely comments. I sure hope I get my internet connection back very soon. It doesn't happen often so it's really burning me up that shit like this always seems to happen when I urgently HAVE TO get online.

Still time to enter my GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:34:00 +0000

Come on, folks! Get yer name in on the drawing! All ya gotta do is go and leave me a comment on my 300th Post, which you can get to by clicking on this here badge, below!

Drawing will be on Friday right around noon. Lots of good stuff included and open to all, so go ahead and get in on it! Remember to make sure I have a way to contact you if you're the winner.

I had the wrong link on the badge in my sidebar until a few moments ago. It's all fixed now, though. I hadn't noticed that before. Sorry about that!

I'm Taking a Journey of the Heart...

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:07:00 +0000

... with Collage Diva, Kathryn Antyr, over at her True North Arts blog. And you can, too!

It's FREE!

Just click on the badge to be taken to the instructions.

Thank you, Paula, for your wonderful interview with Kathryn today, which led me to discover the Journey of the Heart!

If you hate the way your fonts look in Google Chrome...

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:21:00 +0000

I have been going crazy trying to figure out why the heck the fonts on my blog suddenly looked like total shit until I realized that the trouble all started when I switched to GOOGLE CHROME. I tried everything I could think of within GOOGLE CHROME'S Options section in regards to playing with the fonts - types of font, sizes, encoding - NOTHING! Then I brought up my blog in INTERNET EXPLORER and CHROME, side by side, to see if I could figure out exactly what the difference was...and the difference was STAGGERING!

The fonts in CHROME look all skinny and broken and really measly next to the ones in IE! I did a bunch of Googling for solutions but it seems that this is a major problem with CHROME. It's a matter of font smoothing and, for whatever reason, it has not been addressed, despite the fact that there are many, many complaints about it.

After a little more searching, I found a workaround for this issue. I wanted to share it here, for any of you who've also switched to CHROME and found yourselves with this same issue. It's a very simple matter and it makes a world of difference!

STEP ONE:
Go to your computer's CONTROL PANEL. On Microsoft (I have Windows XP), go to START, SETTINGS, CONTROL PANEL.

Or you could go to MY COMPUTER in Windows Explorer and find the CONTROL PANEL from there.

STEP TWO:
Find DISPLAY and open it, then go to the APPEARANCE tab. You should see 3 drop down boxes, and then off to the right side two buttons EFFECTS and ADVANCED. Click on the EFFECTS button.

STEP THREE:
In the drop down menu under where it says "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts," select CLEAR TYPE and click OK.

Ta daaaa! You are done. You should now see the fonts on your computer and in your browsers looking ever so much smoother and clearer.

Now the other problem is the fact that there is such a tremendous glare in GOOGLE CHROME that it makes it really difficult to look at the screen for any length of time without my eyes going all fuzzy and then everything - and I mean EVERYTHING, including the room around me - acquiring this really trippy squiggly lined effect! The white backgrounds of the screens, and of the white fonts against my black background, are so incredibly, GLARINGLY WHITE that it is painful to look at. Switching back to IE is not an option as it's completely useless at this point, with it's clunky old self. Quite a few of you mentioned Firefox. Maybe I'll give that a try.

The Artist's Way: Chapter 6 Check-in, The Midway Point Has Been Reached!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:25:00 +0000

We are at the end of CHAPTER 6 of 12, smack dab at the midway point of our journey. A big round of applause to all! Even if you don't feel you've been following along to the best of your ability, as long as you're still sticking with it, a big round of applause to you! Don't be down on yourself, you are doing GREAT! Imagine how you'll feel at the end, having made it to the finish line!

Before I get to checking in, let me say, please go and visit My 300th Post and leave your comment to be entered into my giveaway. I have a package of goodies already sealed up and ready to go out to the winner, which I'll be drawing on the coming Friday!

Okay, now for CHECK-IN:

I continued to do my MORNING PAGES on a daily basis, followed by my page of AFFIRMATIONS, each morning. Whereas my pages used to be mainly negative spewing in the beginning, and for the first whole bunch of weeks, now they are a combination of diary, dream log, brainstorming, tossing around of ideas, mulling over pros and cons of things, and more. They have not felt like a chore in weeks now and I look forward to doing them each morning. The affirmations have been honed down to a handful of phrases that feel just right to me and slip off the tongue (or pen), encompassing the general gist of what my idea of my perfect life feels like. For example: "I am being divinely guided in all my ways and I'm always in the right place at the right time."

At midweek check-in I mentioned that I had worked on / was working on the TASKS (#3 & #8) having to do with CLEARING. I ended up sticking with these throughout the remainder of the time and took it way beyond the requisite "5 things" Cameron asked of us. Those bagfuls of clothes and shoes I had packed away to get rid of have all been brought to the Salvation Army and I spent this entire week weeding through all of my books. Though I have had such a major block to making even a tiny dent in my clutter clearing up until now, I found myself suddenly motoring through it with speed and efficiency. I now have a huge bag of books to get rid of. I'll be bringing them to a local bookstore that buys used books in hopes that they'll take some of them.

TASK # 9 was about ACCEPTANCE and that came about even without intentionally taking the task on. I had been going through lots of emotional turmoil during the first part of this week and I was really bumming hard. Especially since I'd just talked about how optimistic and hopeful I was feeling at last check in. Then I thought to myself, this has got to be a case of things coming up to be dealt with. If things are going to be put right in my life, then whatever isn't working is going to need to be addressed. And since I was already in 'clearing out mode,' I guess the Universe took my cue and said, "Alright, let's get this show on the road! Now, how about these situations? Do you want these old things or can we toss 'em? Come on now, you know you'd be so much better of without them. OUT THEY GO! WOOHOOOOO!"

TASK #10: a PROSPERITY related task, asks us if there are any changes in our financial situation or our perspective on it, and do we have any new, even crazy, ideas about what we would love doing? Well I have lots and lots of ideas swirling around in my mind, and I have lots of excitement within me over trying even some of those ideas out! But I am also having a whole lot of fear because I can't seem to get my financial situation balanced and I feel like I can't allow myself to dwell on it lest I get to feeling the hopelessness of it all and just want to give up. I've just got to keep plugging away at it in hopes that something SOMETHING will come up... some light at the end of the tunnel. There are two clearly distinct parts of me right now - there is the part of me that's cheering me on, telling me I can do anything I set my mind to, telling me I have so many as yet unexplored talents, reminding me of all the things I used to love to do - that I still love to do - but that I haven't done in a very long time and urging me to get back to doing them. And then there's the part of me that feels like a deer in headlights right now.

El Almacen

I did manage to have myself two ARTIST'S DATES between last and this week. Both were taking myself out to lunch, but I have a stack of printouts of creativity and art related articles that I've been meaning to read for the longest and I took them with me and savored reading through them while enjoying two very wonderful lunch dates with myself. It was very relaxing and gratifying - just what an Artist's Date should be!

Huevos en Cazuela

There were other tasks I wanted to do - the NATURAL ABUNDANCE tasks (collecting 5 interesting rocks and 5 pretty leaves or flowers), the CREATION task (baking or cooking something), the COMMUNICATION task (sending out 5 postcards), for instance - that I didn't get to do. If I remember to, I will still do them. As for the EXERCISES, I did the MONEY MADNESS exercise (I will spare you the details this time), but I could not bring myself to do the COUNTING exercise, in which we had to keep track of every last penny we spent in a little notebook we carry with us. Ugh. Just ugh. I can't.

Ooh, one last thing! I actually got the beginning paragraph and some other snippets of a story? a book? These lines suddenly started coming to me while I was in the shower the other morning. I have always toyed with writing a book, but I feel like it would be a gargantuan task for me and one that I'm not up to at all; unless I was to suddenly find myself totally financially stable and have the ability to just sit around writing and not have to have that insistent and annoying voice constantly telling me that I need to stop goofing off and go make money. But, I did jot these snippets down in my journal as soon as I got out of the shower... just in case I start getting more. Who knows? It happened to Stephanie Meyer and she got the entire Twilight Saga!

My 300th Post and that calls for a GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 02:33:00 +0000

I put together a little hodgepodge of goodies, including:

ONE BOOK: Simply Imperfect: Revisiting the Wabi-Sabi House, by Robin Griggs Lawrence

NINE HANDMADE (by me) HALLOWEEN CARDS: Made by printing out vintage halloween graphics onto blank deckled-edge cards (envelopes included). * Only 7 cards are showing because 2 are duplicates.

ONE package of CUP CAKE SCENTED WET WIPES.

and finally, ONE HANDMADE (by me) HANGING TILE: Made by adhering a printout of a vintage image (risque gypsy, belly dancer) onto a hand painted ceramic tile. There is a hook on the back and it's ready for hanging. The tile has been finished with several coats of varnish and can be wiped down with a damp cloth to clean.

I'll be drawing a winner and posting it next FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH, at around 12PM, ~~EST~~ (oops! make that EDT), so if you'd like to enter, just post a comment here! And please do make sure I have a way of contacting you if you're the winner. ;-)

GOOD LUCK!

Postcard Swap Round #5, plus 1 more post to 300!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:43:00 +0000

Postcard swap show and tell time again. Here are the results of our round #5 efforts:

Mine to Sandy...

... and Sandy's to me. Oh my goodness, I absolutely adore this one!

And now I am just one more post away from my 300th. So get ready for a giveaway! (stay tuned)

Also, I have not been on the computer much in the last week so I haven't been able to make my rounds, but I do intend to come by and see everyone asap!

The type on my screen seems really tiny since I switched to Google Chrome and changing it in the settings makes it all big and gloppy, so i'm not sure what to do about it. But if it doesn't look tiny to you, I will just deal with it. Does it look tiny to you? At least posting is not the huge ordeal it had gotten to being with Internet Explorer. Thank Goddess!

Artist's Way: Chapter 6 Midpoint Check-in

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 02:32:00 +0000

I just noticed that I'm at post number 298 with this one. I need to hurry up and think up something juicy for a giveaway in celebration of 300. I have lots of stuff to choose from, too!

On to CHECKING IN: I've done my MORNING PAGES every single day. Some days I just couldn't stop at the requisite three because I still had so much to say. On those days I went on for another one, two, or five more pages. I did my AFFIRMATIONS every day and really got into them each and every day.

As far as the EXERCISES, aren't they so different this week? This is the first week where I haven't gone through them all in one or two sittings right at the outset. This week has us actually having to do some physical work in order to complete them!

I did TASK #3 with a vengeance. It was one of the two CLEARING tasks and we were asked to get rid of five ratty pieces of clothing. I went through every item of clothing I own, trying on every single thing and deciding right there and then what I wanted to do with it; keep, toss, or give away. I now have a large shopping bag with at least 20 items in it to bring to the Salvation Army and I've demoted another whole bagful of items to rag status. The next day I decided to work on shoes and ended up with another bagful to bring to the Salvy.

As for TASK #8, the other CLEARING task, which called for making changes to the home environment... this is an ongoing process for me right now, but I did manage to do a couple of quick changes just to be able to say I did this task. I printed out two inspirational posters I had downloaded from http://www.blisschick.net/2009/08/free-wild-woman-poster-for-all-you-wild.html and http://www.brenebrown.com/badge/ and tacked them up on my wall in front of me, here at the computer.

Notice my Artist's Way contract underneath.

Plus, I finally hung up some artwork that I have had stashed away for awhile now, not being able to enjoy their beauty. Both are by the lovely and outrageously talented, Molly Roberts of Her Speak. One I'd gotten for myself and the other was a gift from my dear friend and soul sister, Sandy.

TASK # 9: ACCEPTANCE, asks us "Any new flow in your life?" The answer is a big, resounding YES! This past week has been chock-full of goodness. And it's quite paradoxical because I've been increasingly miserable at work, having to deal with stressful situations that seem to have no resolution in sight. But, pretty much the whole rest of the time, I've found myself in good spirits and even quite optimistic about the future. I can't say what it can be attributed to other than a snowball effect taking place with all the inner work we've been doing on this ARTIST'S WAY journey. And, though I'm still having a very difficult time making myself get out of bed in the morning, once I do get up, I've definitely been feeling much more optimistic, with a very clear and growing sense of new possibilities being available. Also, I've been having lots of small instances of synchronicity and deja-vu-like feelings taking place.

The second part of this task asks us to make a practice of saying yes to freebies, which I need to become more aware of. But wait, as I write this I realize that I have, in fact, begun to do so! I signed up for the World's Biggest Summit, presented by the divine and gorgeous Goddess Leonie.

It's FREE!!

Another thing I want to share is that I asked a question before going to bed (a task from last chapter, which I'd missed doing and have gotten around to this time) and I GOT AN ANSWER!

My question: "What is something that I can do that will put me squarely on the path to following my bliss?" I asked this on 3 non-consecutive nights and, though I did not get the response in my dreams, I did receive it via a train of thought I found myself on while fixing my morning coffee on Friday morning. The answer: "Focus is everything." There was a whole lot more that came through with that answer, it came spilling through once I got to following the thought and took it to my Morning Pages to write it all down. Thank you DIVINE INSPIRATION!!

There are so many more things I wanted to share, but time's a passing and this is developing into another long and unweildy post - though I'm glad to be able to get pictures in on this one (I downloaded Google Chrome, after much resistance, and it's fixed all the trouble I was having with Blogger. A conspiracy? I think so, but that's another post). I leave you with some juicy, soul nourishing links I gleaned from some inspiration surfing I was doing tonight. And there's gold in them there links!:

Cosmic Cowgirls University

Shiloh Sophia and the Cosmic Cowgirls

Shiloh Sophia Gallery

And, lastly, a wonderful and HYSTERICAL video of SARK from an East West Bookstore workshop.

Postcard Swap Round #4

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:49:00 +0000

Another installment in mine and Sandy's lil postcard swaparoo.

Mine, to Sandy

Sandy's, to me

I'm really loving this one. It's so very piscean, which we both are. Love the tones and the harmonious feel of it all. Total Zen. Way to go, Sandy, exploring all these different styles! I've been sticking to collage on old postcards, but she's getting me wanting to try something different.

I've got all of these wonderful art technique books, and so many scrumptious issues of Somerset Studio publications... I just get crazy whenever I pull them out and flip through them! I want to try so many things! It's just a matter of having the time to play, which I plan to make happen asap. For now I may have to stick to the collaging. It's quick and easy to clean up after. And I really do love it. Plus, I've got enough material to last me a long, long time. Even if I were to make a collage a day! This is my way of "using it or losing it."

Artist's Way Chapter 5 Check-in

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:13:00 +0000

I had really meant to do a mid-week check in this past weekend, but I never found the time for it. A three-day weekend is a rare treat for me and it went way too fast. You would think that this following week would feel shorter, being that we had Monday off. But no. I was completely off all week, thinking it was a day later than it actually was. So I'm already on Friday and it's only Thursday. This weekend I've only got Sunday off, and it's already booked with plans, so I'm going to do my check-in right now.

Here goes...

MORNING PAGES: Did them every single day, and always at least 3 pages. They've been flowing pretty well and I've been finding myself breaking down plans for things I want to do, or working out things like the validity of continuing on a certain track (like doing a job my heart is soooooo not into). They've been helping me really get things going in my head and I'm finding myself becoming more and more motivated to make the changes I need to make. More to come on this in the very near future, so stay tuned.

AFFIRMATIONS: Also, every day. I did the 3 sets affirmations, 5 repetitions. Are we even supposed to still be doing these? I don't know how well they're working but I don't want to stop them just now. I've been playing around with the format of the way I do them, changing things up as the weeks go by. If anything, they help me see what it is I feel I want badly enough to try to come up with a good affirmation for.

ARTIST'S DATE: I did get an Artist's Date in this past Monday, on Labor Day. I went in search of a gift for my brother's birthday, which is tomorrow, and, since we like a whole lot of the same things, I turned it into an Artist's Date. I enjoyed taking my time, browsing various shops and then I just got to driving around the neighborhood, all over the place, going through areas I don't usually get to go, just taking things in. I wanted to take pictures, but I was in a groove just driving around and listening to the radio. I think, if I get to squeeze it in, I will go and do a continuation of this this weekend. Only this time I will take the photos. I'd love to show you all these things I found delightful along the way.

OBSERVATIONS: The biggest observation I have had this past week is the very definite lightening up I've experienced. Hurricane Irene truly blew away all the cobwebs from my spirit and woke me up inside. That dullness that I'd been feeling for so long...that I'd described quite a few times here... that I could not seem to shake no matter what I tried... poof! Gone. Just like that. (I'm knocking on wood.) I have a whole new outlook, a renewed sense of hope, and I'm actually excited about things again. I believe that this Artist's Way project of ours had already begun to loosen up all the stuckness, and then, when the big winds came, whoooosh! all those dustballs got swept away!

EXERCISES: Before we get to the tasks, we are given a few exercises to do as a way of gauging how far off course we've veered. She asks us, "Are you self-destructive?" and by this she means, are we so caught up in what she calls "the Virtue Trap," doing things the way that others expect us to do them and staying away from the things that we'd love to do but that might be seen as totally selfish of us?" To find "the degree of our drift," she asks us...

What would you do if it weren't too crazy?

My answers:

1. Hang gliding
2. Flying a CESSNA
3. Skydiving
4. Traveling the world on a shoestring; no plans, just winging it as I go along.

Now, what would you do if it weren't selfish?

1. Travel the world, or at least the U.S. and Canada
2. Move someplace really nice; a quaint little town - a place that's a safe harbor from storms and other nastiness - and start a new life.

The Virtue-Trap Quiz

1. My biggest lack in life is: Money.
2. The greatest joy in my life is: Creativity / Self-expression.
3. My largest time committment is: My job.
4. As I play more, I work: Less (or rather, I want to work less).
5. I feel guilty that I am: 44 and nowhere nearer to financial independence.
6. I worry that: Things will never get any better.
7. If my dreams come true, my family will: Stop seeing me as a failure and irresponsible (they've never actually said anything like this flat out to me, but it's something I don't need put into words. It's been very clear on not just a few occasions).
8. I sabotage myself so people will: Not expect too much from me.
9. If I let myself feel it, I'm angry that: I never really had a support system within my family (except for my father).
10. One reason I get sad sometimes is: I know I have so much untapped potential, yet I'm afraid to explore it. I feel trapped by my financial situation and the lack of available emotional support.

Finally, Cameron asks, "Does your life serve you or only others? Are you self-destructive?" And, at first, my answer was, "No. My life serves neither me nor anyone else very well. And yes, I have been quite self-destructive in many ways." But you know what? When I really think about it, I have to change my answer. My life has been serving me splendidly, all along. Everything I have, all my experiences, all that I am today is all an outgrowth of my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, perspectives, actions and inactions, deliberate or not, all along the way. A perfect outgrowth. So, regardless of whether or not I'm happy with the results, my life is serving me perfectly. And though I may have made choices and took turns that led to self-destructive results here and there, I have also gotten better, smarter, stronger, more open, more conscious, and other good stuff, in other ways. So, moving forward, I hope to stay more in the awareness that I am the captain of my ship and that it is up to me to steer my course toward the destination of my choosing.

List 10 things you would love to do but are not allowed. I don't understand this question. There's nothing I'm 'not allowed' to do. I answered this by listing 10 things I'd love to do that I haven't allowed myself to. Most of my answers feel superficial. I know there are plenty of things I'd love to do more than these things, but I draw blanks when doing these exercises:

1. Go away for the weekend.
2. Go horseback riding.
3. Go out with the girls.
4. Go on vacation.
5. Take art/craft classes/workshops.
6. Go back to school.
7. Get back to working with dried flower arranging.
8. Get pampered.
9. Go on a shopping spree.
10. Go to Atlantic City.

WISH LIST, AN EXERCISE: (ugh, more blanks drawn and a whole lot of superficiality. I'm sure this is part of the reason that I don't have the things I want in my life... I'm not even clear on what they are!):

1. I wish I was super rich.
2. I wish I knew for a fact that I am 100% perfectly healthy.
3. I wish I had my own lovely place, a haven where I could feel completely safe and comfortable and at peace.
4. I wish I was able to spend my time with good friends and family doing fun things.
5. I wish for a whole lot more fun and joy in my life.
6. (I can't tell you #6, because I'm embarrased).
7. I wish I was fabulously trim, fit and toned and that I could wear all these clothes I wish I could wear, and look just fantastic in them.
8. I wish I had work that I absolutely loved.
9. I wish that I knew for a fact that my whole family was perfectly well and truly happy.
10. I wish I was a marvelous bellydancer.
11. I wish I could speak at least 7 languages, fluently.
12. I wish I could let myself go and create beautiful artwork for days on end, without having to worry a thing about money.
13. I wish I could take off and travel on a whim.
14. I wish I could spend my days doing as I pleased.
15. I wish I was a fantastic drummer
16.... I couldn't think of....
17... anything else...
18. ...... to wish for at the time....., except that
19. I most especially wish that I was perfectly happy, joyful, and at peace with things exactly as they are in the moment, every moment.

THE TASKS: I did all of the tasks, except the part about being on the lookout for images of these particular things throughout the week. We are supposed to start a file of images of our dreams and collect them as we find them, in magazines and whatnot. It's okay, though, because I already have a big fat giant file of these very sorts of images that I've been collecting for years. It's the file I draw from when making my dreamboards and stuff. So I excuse myself from this portion of the tasks.

As for the details of each task, it's all just a reiteration of the other answers I have given along the way to other task questions in previous chapters. I keep seeing the same things cropping up again; the same hopes, dreams, desires, wishes. And that's good! I'm getting clearer on these things, narrowing them down. The couple of tasks I did want to go over, because it's very interesting, are the ones regarding our blocks and what the payoff is to our remaining blocked.

Task #8 asks what my favorite creative block is: I'd have to say mindless TV watching, reading as a form of escape, and getting sucked into sites like Etsy, looking for inspiration, for hours.

Task #9: The payoff for staying blocked? This requires another list...

1. Not having to deal with change,
2. Not being saddled with additional responsibilities,
3. Not finding out that I suck at what I want to do,
4. Not finding out that I can't sustain myself at what I want to do,
5. Not finding out I actually don't want to do what I thought I wanted to do,
6. Not making people jealous of me because I am successful,
7. Not finding myself leaving my family behind,
8. Not finding out I don't have what it takes,
9. Not failing, and
10. Not finding myself overwhelmed by my inspirations and abilities (sounds egotistical but it came to mind so I wrote it down).

Task # 10: The person I blame for being blocked is... Myself.... and (whisper) my mom.

Wow, we're about to start off on Chapter 6. We are mid-way through! How awesome to be sticking this out and, more so, to be really into it! This is proving to be one of the best things I've done for myself in a very long time. Thank you so much, Paula, for putting this together and for being such a good guide through it! Really. And thanks to all the girls for being so supportive and encouraging and making it easy to open up to about things. Big love to you all!

Artist's Way Chapter 4 Check-in: Better Late than Never

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

I'm well into Chapter 5 and doing just fine this week. I'm on schedule with my Morning Pages and Affirmations and I've even already completed all the tasks. What a nice change of pace from the last chapter. But, since I'd missed out on a real check-in this past Sunday, I wanted to get it in here before movng on to the Chapter 5 sharing.

So... the two weeks from Sunday, August 13th through Saturday, August 28th:

Did my MORNING PAGES a total of 7 days. I did the AFFIRMATIONS on 6 of those 7 days.

THE BURIED DREAMS EXERCISE:

List 5 hobbies that sound like fun:

(1) Photography,
(2) Macrame,
(3) Baking,
(4) Knitting,
(5) Gardening.

List 5 classes that sound like fun:

(1) Photography,
(2) Computer Programming,
(3) Language Lessons,
(4) Drumming (hand drums of any kind),
(5) Dance (especially Belly Dancing and Flamenco)

List 5 things you personally would never do that sound fun:

(1) Skydiving,
(2) Jet-skiing,
(3) Apprenticing with a shaman in the Amazon,
(4) climbing to the top of a volcano,
(5) Chasing tornadoes.

List 5 skills that would be fun to have:

(1) Computer Hacking,
(2) Lock Picking,
(3) Auto Mechanic,
(4) Being multi-lingual,
(5) Belly Dancing.

List 5 things I used to enjoy doing:

(1) Being pampered (as in spa treatments),
(2) Going off on my own, exploring quaint neighborhoods for hours,
(3) Going to spend the whole day in this particular neighborhood that had a wonderful little 'new age' shop full of crystals and books and incense, and 3 bookstores, and small fashion boutiques, a couple of antique shops, and several wonderful places to eat to choose from.
(4) Going to the Mets games
(5) Going out for drinks in any dive bar that had a good pool table and great tunes on the juke box.

List 5 silly things you would like to try once (this one I had a really hard time coming up with answers for, and then they ended up all having the same theme):

(1) Dying my hair pink,
(2) Getting all dressed up for Halloween or a costume party,
(3) Going out completely incognito, disguised as a whole different person,
(4) Having a professional fantasy photo shoot, dressed in fantastical costumes such as fairy, elf, mermaid, Marie Antoinette, Joan of Arc, etc.
(5) Dressing up as a character at a children's party

I did NOT do the READING DEPRIVATION task. Didn't even try it. I think I already mentioned this earlier this week... my thoughts on this are that it would be a very highly beneficial thing to undertake, for me personally, and it's something I have been intending to do for quite some time, however, I am just not quite ready to do so yet.

Now on to the TASKS:

TASK #1A. Describe your ideal environment: My ideal environment is a small town in the country, or even seaside, living in a cottage house in a quaint town filled with quaint, cozy places - cafes, bookstore, library, little old-fashioned post office, farmer's market and fresh foods grocery store, and a big 'ol annual town faire! A town like something out of one of Sarah Addison Allen's books. A place where everyone's friendly and helpful with their neighbors, and a place where it's perfectly safe.

TASK #1B. my favorite season is Summer, even though I'm really coming to appreciate the cold weather more as I get older. I just love the long days, the warmth, and being able to dress as lightly as possible and wear only flip flops all summer long. I love that there's so much going on outdoors, late into the night, and that I can keep my windows wide open in the daytime when I'm at home.

* I spent about an hour scouring all of my magazines and clippings for just the right image to symbolize my ideal environment and my favorite season, until I finally settled on a image from the Sunday Times that was meh, but it did the job. I glued it into my journal.

TASK #2. Describe yourself at 80. This task freaked me out beyond measure and I just refused to do it. Now that I've seed Ily's response to this, though, I have changed my mind and actually find I can look forward to it. Though I still don't feel like doing this exercise.

TASK #3. Remember yourself at 8. What did you like to do? Your favorite things? Now write a letter to yourself at your current age.

I was nerdy and shy and very awkward, but I loved to learn. I didn't necessarily love to be in school because I felt intimidated by many things and so out of place, most of the time. Plus, I got bullied ALOT. Man, nowadays kids are getting arrested for bullying others like I got bullied! But I made it through, all on my own, with no one coming to my defense. Ever. And I also had a lot of fun with my friends. I kept trying to put together a group or a club where you had to be a member, and there'd be a secret handshake and a secret code word, and all that cool stuff. Plus, there'd be dues and I had thought up special get-togethers and outtings we could take together that would be paid for by the dues. And I was planning to get us our own hats and t-shirts with our club logo and slogan on it, when we came up with it. It never ended up working out because one of the people - my best friend - had to be a clown and disrupt the meetings until I just got mad and gave up. I did put together some fun things like scavenger hunts and stuff.

My favorite things: Hopscotch, Jump rope, the playground, climbing trees, picnics with my family, playing games with my brother, reading (of course), and I absolutely loved being a member of RIF (Reading is Fundamental) Club. I also loved going away to Atlantic City with my paternal grandmother for the entirety of summer vacation. I loved corduroys, clogs, turtlenecks, and ponchos in dark browns, creams, and navy blue.

Letter from my 8-year-old self to myself now:

Please remember that you love music and dancing and reading books and doing arts and crafts. Don't let anybody make you feel bad about yourself. Remember that there are people who love you and who want to help you if you need it. Remember, too, that you love things like making lists and inventing things and being a detective, and that you make up really fun games to play - like the "what would you be if you were a...." game. And also remember that you have lots of fun playing games with Frank (that's my brother) and that you love him and Mammina and Papa (that's what I called my mom and dad at 8), and both Nonnas very much. Remember that you can do anything you put your mind to. It's true. Remember that you did it so many times with so many things. Remember that you are really smart and a really good person and people do really like you and you can have lots of friends if you want to.

Task #4: Look at your house and find a space to make into a secret, private space for yourself: Just can't do this. The whole place is my place and it's a big mess and I will clean it up, but I cannot do this exercise.

Task #5A. Review your life pie from week one and see if and how it's changed: It really has not changed at all. Or maybe it has, but ever so subtly. Probably in the "Play" area, being that I've been doing much more with making time for creativity and self-exploration time. And, of course, going on Artist's Dates. I do feel like it's beginning to shift and that, by the end of this thing, there will surely be some very visible change.

Task #5B. List ongoing self-nurturing toys you could buy your artist:

(1) Tickets to shows I want to see
(2) Workshops, classes, etc. (but in person stuff, not downloads)
(3) Healing services
(4) Bath products (and start taking baths again)
(5) Videos (I'm still stuck on my VHS)
(6) Clothing that really, truly represents the real me
(7) A bicycle
(8) Rollerskates
(9) Ice Skates
(10) Spa treatments

Task #6: Write your own Artist's Prayer and use it every day for a week. I didn't do this then, but this week I went to the back of the book to look at the Artist's Prayer she has in the appendix. I found it so perfect and love it so much that I'm just going to use that one. I have not begun to actually say it every day. I need to copy it down on an index card and begin saying it.

Task #7: Take an extended Artist's Date. Jeez. All my Artist's Dates have been extended ones, so - not applicable to me.

Task #8: Open your closet and throw out, or hand on, one low-self-worth outfit. Didn't do this one either as I've barely any clothes to begin with. I have already gotten rid of a whole bunch of stuff this summer and don't really have much left to get rid of, when it comes to clothing. In fact, I desperately need winter clothes!

Task #9: Look at one situation in your life that you feel you should change but haven't and figure out what the payoff is in staying stuck. I live at home, in my family home. The payoff is that I actually have a roof over my head instead of being homeless.

Task #10: Not applicable as it involves the READING DEPRIVATION exercise, which I did not do.

And there you have it. I honestly thought I hadn't done much with the last Chapter, but now, having spent the last couple of hours going over my notes and putting this post together, I realize I am absolutely not behind on this thing, at all! Yipee!

Reposting because this is just SUCH good stuff, and SO important

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:10:00 +0000

This, from my good blog buddy, Molly of Her Speak, a total creative goddess I admire like crazy.

Ha ha ha! Sesame Street does Beastie Boys!

noreply@blogger.com (Dream With the Fishes) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:38:00 +0000

Sesame Street breaks it down from Wonderful Creative on Vimeo.

I came across it on http://www.angrychicken.typepad.com/. It made my morning.