Jakk's Magic Beans Life

Day 16,911: Class Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:54:00 +0000

Phoebe and Garrett love to lay beside the fire. The only thing that they love more is to be on the receiving end of Reiki. In my humble opinion, of course. I'm more than a little biased, but over this years there has been a lot of evidence to back up my claim.

I am delighted to announce that I will be teaching my first Reiki I/Reiki for Animals class on Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26 (from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day). This is a very cozy, casual class taught from my home. There are usually 1-3 students, but space for a maximum of 5. The one-on-one classes are particularly special, if you are lucky enough to get one. We begin by learning how to treat ourselves and then how to treat other people. On the second day we review what we learned the previous day and then focus on how we can treat animals in a variety of settings. Light refreshments are provided and each day never fails to end on an energetic high note from all of the practice.

If you would like learn more about Reiki, start here:

http://www.magicbeansworkshop.com/whatisreiki.html

Or learn more about my Reiki journey (don't miss the video!):

http://www.magicbeansworkshop.com/reiki.html

And finally the class announcement:

http://www.magicbeansworkshop.com/february2012.html

The registration deadline is Saturday, February 18. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

Day 16,910: Stolen Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:41:00 +0000

Today I am so grateful for what can be accomplished in stolen moments. I know I have talked about this before. Probably many times. It never ceases to amaze me what can manifest in a mere 20 minutes. A coffee break with my journal on the small scale or my lunch hour with crystals and wire. Excuses be damned. I can do this. (And so can YOU!)

There may never be the great swaths of time that I have been hoping for or they may come few and far between. So I am learning to make opportunities to make art. The more I get, the more I want. On this day of a million shades of brown and gray, I fed myself with color. Caran D'Ache water-soluable wax pastels and a blank journal page were all I needed. I don't think I could've felt any better with drugs.

Day 16,907: Showing Up Show and Tell

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:15:00 +0000

I did it. I showed up at the workbench again today and wrapped this Brown Stomatolite in Jeweler's Bronze. This stone has been in the queue for wrapping since 2006. Over five long years waiting for a home. The metaphysical properties indicate that it's an oribicular fossil material from Peru and very Lemurian in nature. It is purported to help with issues related to sex, gender and allergies. If it's calling to you, let me know ... otherwise, it will soon appear in my Etsy shop.

Day 16,906: Preciousness of Metal

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:13:00 +0000

Today I accepted the challenge.I showed up.I sat down.And I wrapped.After eight years of sterling silver,I've made the transition to copper.And I like it.I think it likes me back.Let's see how it goes.

Day 16,905: What Is and Isn't Working

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:49:00 +0000

What is working for me right now ...
Consuming quarts of green smoothies Long walks outside, rain or shine Going to bed early Taking my vitamins Showing up in my journalReiki treatments for myself and others
What isn't working for me right now ...
Perfectionism Procrastination Making assumptions
(What's working and not working for YOU right now?)

Day 16,904: Of Caring and Carelessness

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:26:00 +0000

I knew it had been a long time. Not weeks, but months. Late this afternoon, I went to the post office with my daughter to help her ship a package to her boyfriend at college. It crossed my mind that it would be a good idea to check my post office box while I was there. I never get anything at that address other than the renewal notice each May. The last couple of years I considered letting it go, but I'm lousy at giving up on things and calling it quits. I bought it for business purposes and simply can't stop believing that one day I will be really glad that I have it.

When I turned the key, I was surprised to see a key to a bigger box with a package waiting for me. Immediately, I assumed that there had been a mistake. This package must be intended for a different recipient. A second later, my surprise gave way to panic. How long had it been here? When I saw that the package was, in fact, addressed to me from a far-away friend, my panic escalated. When I saw the postmark of October 17th, I was mortified.

This sweet friend had sent me a birthday gift three months ago to the day ... the most beautiful handmade journal with tucked-in treasures. Her caring. My carelessness. Tears.

Of course, I called her immediately with profuse apologies and deepest gratitude. And, of course, being who and how she is, I received nothing but graciousness and understanding in return. We had a lovely and long overdue conversation, which was the bright side of this embarrassing situation. But be assured that I will be checking my box on a regular basis now. My lesson has been learned.

Day 16,903: Family Food

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Three day weekends are precious to us as a family, especially with the three of us running in separate directions most of the time. Many years ago, we started a tradition of going to Jungle Jim's on Martin Luther King Day. It's a grocery store and so much more, with aisles setup by country. I suspect that it's a blessing to those so far away from their heart homes ... to find the foods they love. It's one of our favorite places in town, but far enough away that we only get there once or twice per year. A second location is being built just a few miles from where we live and we're very excited, but it just won't be the same to visit this new location on an ordinary day, especially with one of us living far away.

Day 16,899: At Last

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:58:00 +0000

It's been the strangest winter here in Cincinnati. At this juncture on the wheel, I'm usually begging for the snow to stop. This year, we've had what seems like day after day of cloudless, blue skies from sunrise to sunset. There've been a few rainy days to keep us from taking the great weather for granted. They've felt like springtime wakeup calls, bringing to life the moss and wee sprouts between the cracks in the sidewalk. Far too soon for growth so tender.

Unless I'm mistaken, we've only had one day of accumulated snow all winter. Maybe half an inch. Enough to make a little bit of a slippery mess for a little while. Then it was gone. So when it started snowing this afternoon ... big, fat flakes that stuck to everything and attracted more ... I grabbed my camera to capture the rare winterfestation. About an hour later, it too was gone.

Word on the street is that the high will be back to 45 degrees by Monday. Surely, the 50s to which we've become accustomed can't be far behind. Strange though it may be, you will hear no complaint from me.

Day 16,897: Happiness is ...

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:53:00 +0000

Happiness is a brand new sketchbook journal! The best part, after removing the cellophane wrapper, is sitting down with my matte medium, collage supplies, and shellac to embellish the cover. For the next few months, as I fill this book to bulging with sketches, writing, and the sweet ephemera of my day-to-day life, Pixie Campell's turkey vulture (from a recycled postcard) will accompany me ... reminding me to go with the flow.

Day 16,894: Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:04:00 +0000

I'm waking up to the stories that I keep telling myself. I am genetically wired to lament any apparent unraveling. (Story.) It is my nature to clutch and defend what I think I can't afford to lose. (Story.)

But how do I know that the glorious mess of any situation isn't the precursor to the clearing of it? Let's face it, sometimes the worst case scenario is that nothing changes. So why not be open to celebrating (or at least mustering a sense of curiosity) when something shifts and uncertainty comes for a stay?

Right now, my real "job" is to take care of business at hand, which means taking next logical steps. Everything softens when I simply and gently acknowledge that things are in transition. I am now an adventurer ... exploring options and opportunities. And, honestly, it's revealing itself to be an interesting and exciting time.

Every day, we write the book of our lives. Let what needs to come, come. Let what needs to go, go.

Day 16,893: The Truth is ...

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:34:00 +0000

The truth is that most days begin with no idea of what's worthwhile to capture. How many times is too many ... of the dog, the cats, the Christmas cactus? Yet there never fails to be something within what is before me day to day that beckons my attention ... the light, a line, a possibility. I am helpless to resist.

Day 16,892: Lop-hearted

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:54:00 +0000

I try to get out for a walk every week day at lunch time. I don't always want to do it, even on the brightest, bluest days, but I am always better off when I rise to the occasion. I decided to walk today without an iPod. I was mulling over some work-related issues and really wanted to hear myself think.

As I was coming up the butt-kicking hill on State Road, this wee rock caught my eye. Lop-hearted. Yeah, that's me today. I walked a bit further and the sound of cooing caught my attention. Dove lovin', I assumed. I looked around and couldn't see a thing. I looked up and above me was an enormous V-formation of at least two dozen long-necked, wide-winged, spindly-legged birds. At first glance similar to the Canadian geese that frequently fly these skies, but these birds were white, at a higher altitude, and making this strange cooing sound.

I stood there on the sidewalk, staring upward, grinning from ear to ear and undoubtedly perplexing (if not amusing) the passing traffic. Heron? Cranes? I have absolutely no idea. I've never seen anything like them in my life, but whatever they were, they were flying south. A good omen. The sight of them felt like getting really good news. I'm grateful that I was alert, aware and open enough to receive it.

Day 16,891: Ambivalent Emergence

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:40:00 +0000

The week after a week's vacation ain't for sissies. When I sat down at my computer yesterday, the first day back after 10 days off, I could not, for the life of me, remember how to log onto my employer's server. The panicked convo of me with me went something like this:

"Is my user name really just my user name or my full e-mail address?"
"Did I change my password before I went on vacation?"
"Is the passcode that four-letter thingy with the six-digit whatchamacallit?"
"Does the token code go first or last?"

All of my questions were met with the sound of crickets chirping in my head. Nobody home. Does not compute. It was eerily reminiscent of my maternity leave when I was journaling and couldn't remember how to spell "should." I could say the word. I knew full well what it meant. But the part of my brain responsible for retrieving the how-to of it was still on leave and would take its sweet ol' time returning.

I spent at least 20 minutes yesterday morning trying to crack those log-in codes. All the while, I would glance longingly at this stack of books and ball of yarn. There was no mistaking what I'd much rather be doing. It's Wednesday and that sentiment still lingers. I suspect it will all week. Maybe beyond.

"Should" is a word well worth forgetting.

Day 16,890: The Art of Avoidance

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:52:00 +0000

This is my workshop/studio/treatment room. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in nourishing light. The previous homeowner used it as a nursery for their youngest son many years ago. Knowing that a new being was once nurtured in this space gives me comfort.

It's been months since I've spent more than a few minutes in here. Three months, to be exact. I've periodically turned circles in front of my workbench, for what seemed like good measure, but have been unable to sit and make anything since.

I realize now that the idea for 60-in-60 was borne of my desperation to distract myself from the unmistakable presence of death, pacing the perimeter and biding its time. Caring for the dying and preparing to let them go is hard work. I guess I thought that more time with the stones would be healing and helpful to me as I created tools of them to go forth, heal and help others. I had just forgotten that grief has its own pace and demands, which didn't include room or concern for my previous promises and plans.

I am reacquainting myself with this space, outwardly and inward. I did some dusting ... some rearranging ... some smudging. I cracked a window and invited a fresh perspective inside along with the fresh air. I opened the Reiki table that, for so many months, had been folded away. And, in kind, I felt myself begin to open and unfold.

For today, this was enough. Our demonstrations of graceful, grateful willingness are always more than enough.

Day 16,889: 18 Years, 4 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Family gatherings have a way of unearthing photos long forgotten. These are my parents. Look at those smiles. They had logged about two months of marriage when this photo was taken in July, 1964. My mother would have been 18 years and four months old. Exactly the same age as my daughter right now. Mom would go on to have three children in the span of the next seven years. (The first among them, me.) Daughter will proceed to graduate from high school and start college in this new year. I love that, at 18, the future felt and feels bright to them both, despite their very different paths. I am grateful that there are opportunities and options available to my daughter that may not have been available to my mom at that age. And I celebrate that my parents, still together after all of these years, get to enjoy this view with me.

Day 16,888: Anew

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:35:00 +0000

Since Fred's passing in September, Garrett has been given increased freedom to roam the house. This is the first winter in his six with us that he's had open access to the fireplace. In fact, last night was the first night. He took to it immediately. Splayed on his back in warm rapture, he would look up at me as if to say, "How is it that I didn't know about this sooner?"

I am not prone to making resolutions. I avoid choosing a word or (since the dreaded "Benefit of the Doubt" debacle of '08) phrase to represent the year ahead. But, like Garrett, I hope that the bowl of 2012 has its crunchberries of rapturous discoveries and opportunities that literally and figuratively leave me splayed on the floor in breathless wonder as to why I didn't know about them sooner.

Day 16,876 Gratitude: Lost and Found

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 04:35:00 +0000

Today I am so grateful for ...

The nostalgia of the season and tripping over photos of Christmases past, including this one, her first in 1993. Christmases are different now that she is nearly grown. I do miss the magic of the Santa years, but I celebrate that new traditions are taking shape and our options for the holidays are more flexible and expansive than ever before.

The wonder of the daily list. I don't want to call it a "to do" list. I don't even like to call it an "I will" list anymore. "Daily" list is good enough for me. A flexible flight plan of sorts. Something that I can glance at throughout the day to help keep me on track. I would be lost this week without it.

The dear hearts that keep asking me about the new wire and how wrapping is going. They, too, keep me from getting lost and losing hope. It's here. It's all here. And I will get back to it very soon.

Realizing that everything (and everyone) pretty much lives up (or down) to the expectations that I have for and of them. Most situations and relationships are only as positive as the stories that I tell myself about them. At this incredibly busy time, as this year fast draws to a close, I am paying closer attention to what I am telling myself and others (over and over again) about where I am, what is true and the power that I have to change what's due for it.

What is true for you this December?

Day 16,871 - Set Up for Success

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:49:00 +0000

I have been rocking the Livestrong program for about three weeks or so. I am the equivalent of one bowling ball lighter because of it. With yet another (and bigger) bowling ball to lose, I have been reflecting on what has been helping me to succeed (and what hasn't). As with any program tied to results, there are things that I need to do to increase my odds of achieving my goal(s), such as:

1) Show up
2) Do what I intend to do
3) Begin each day anew

But as you know, this isn't as easy as it sounds. I can see where and how I have (and haven't) set myself up for success. For example, when I automatically dress in clothes/shoes for walking, I increase the odds that I will actually go outside and take a walk. If I have nourishing options in front of me, I am less likely to choose something junky for a meal or a snack. And if I have someone doing the program with me, I am held accountable and likewise buoyed when I flail. It's all about making it as easy as possible for myself to do the right thing throughout the day.

As I start to see the positive results that come from better self-care, I find myself wondering if I can apply the same principle to my art. I've let my creative well run virtually dry. The only thing that I have done consistently these last several months is take pictures. Why? Because my iPhone is always on hand! I am setup for success because it couldn't be easier for me to take photos. There's absolutely no excuse when a couple of taps on the phone allow me to edit and upload. Voila!

How else can I set myself up for creative success?

1) I could make Blogger my browser homepage. Every time I sign in it will be like a "Hello You, ready to write?" I can draft a post as the day rolls along rather than feeling forced to produce on the spot.

2) I could put my art supplies out where I can see them. The pencils, paints, collage supplies ... they need to be at the ready. Our dining room table is begging to be that creation station.

3) And I could make sure that I have art buddies who are willing to check in regularly and nudge me along. If it weren't for Amy, I would have fewer sketches in my journal than I do. She invites, encourages and challenges me to show up and try ... again and again and again. I am better for it. And let's not forget the lovely reminder postcards from Beth! Believing mirrors are precious and priceless.

What are the ways that you set yourself up for success in your life? Where do you find yourself stuck? Maybe we can conjure some tricks to help.

Day 16,869 Gratitude - Good Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:50:00 +0000

Today I am so grateful for ...

Handmade, heartfelt gifts, the memories that they hold and the ways that they keep me warm.

The sure and steady hands of my dentist as he prepped (i.e. excessively drilled) my teeth for two long overdue crowns.

Reiki. Always on hand. Not only to help others, but to help myself as well.

For all of these things and so much more, I am so very grateful!

(How about you?)

Day 16,868 Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:57:00 +0000

We should all have at least one friend who understands the importance of snail mail and the impact of a reminder such as this ...

Day 16,864 Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:50:00 +0000

I have to be honest. Some days are easier than others when it comes to mustering the attitude of gratitude. Not so much because there is anything wrong, but rather I'm just not in the mood. There are times when I just can't get myself out the door for walk. I know it's good for me and that I will feel better for it, but it doesn't change the fact that I just don't feel up to the challenge.

The same can go for gratitude. It is like muscle that needs to be exercised ... a habit that I've got to use unless I want to lose it. There are days that I just don't feel up to it. Confessing that feels pretty sh*tty. And yet it not only let's me off the hook a bit, it let's you off of of it too.

I hope that you come here and feel uplifted by what's uplifting me on any given day. But I don't want to give the impression that this comes easily to me and I that I romp through life Pollyanna-tastically. If you know me in real life, you know that despite my belief in miracles and the overall goodness in and of this world, I am genetically wired to seeing the glass half empty. There is a fine, dark line between realist and pessimist that I can dance dangerously close to sometimes. Optimism is a choice I have to make. Over and over again.

That is why this practice of posting my gratitude is so good for me. I find myself taking notice throughout the day of what it is that I want to acknowledge and share with you. And like a magnet, it draws to me even more to appreciate. Savoring and basking has become yet another art in my cart.

But there will be those days, like today, that feel heavy and hard. That's okay. It never, ever stays that way. It passes like the weather.

And for that I am so grateful.

Day 16,863 Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:02:00 +0000

Today I am so grateful ...

For those festive souls who go above and beyond the call of decorating duty. This is my daughter's boyfriend's house. His father is a collector of holiday inflatables. Their Halloween display is every bit as enthusiastic, but Christmas is my favorite. I can't imagine how long it takes them to setup and take down this display. Nor can I guess how much this costs them in terms of electricity. But I am grateful that it's in my neighborhood and running all day long. I can get out and walk past it anytime I need some cheer, which on dreary days is quite often.

What is filling you with cheer right now?

Day 16,862 Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:24:00 +0000

Today I am so grateful for ...

Inspiration. At this moment, in the form of maps. Just think of the possibilities for 2012!

The goodness of a new water heater. Our 80-gallon dinosaur was replaced by a short-and-sweet 50-gallon energy efficient model. (It has a digital display which delights me far more than it should.) We look forward to all of the wonderful hot showers and lower electric bills that it promises.

The fun of Endomondo. Dan found the iPhone app which I promptly installed. (Because FREE is awesome!) I have some concerns about its accuracy, but at the very least it will give me ballpark figures to work with as I await Santa's delivery of a pedometer. (I've been a very good girl this year!)

A beautiful postcard from a dear friend with an important reminder to buoy me on cold, dreary days. (Love me some snail mail!)

For all of these things and so much more, I am so very grateful!

Day 16,861 Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Today I am so grateful ...

That with (significant) encouragement, I walked outside for 50 whole minutes despite the fact that we were receiving record rainfall for this date to the tune of 2.76". Officially. It was relatively warm and gave the illusion of being a soggy, spring day ... not so much like pre-winter at all. The hardest part was having to walk in the street and dodge the UPS truck flying its way around the neighborhood, but in the long run (or walk), it was so worth it.

For reliable handy people. Dan and I know enough about household repairs to be dangerous. We are not to be trusted with tools. This is why it was in our wedding vows that we shall always call upon the experts when warranted. Our home was built in the mid 70s and needs the kind of TLC that a house of this age often requires. After ten years here, we decided to pay for a home inspection to get a handle on what needs immediate attention. We more than received our money's worth from this appointment just by how much we learned about our home. Now we are in the process of addressing issues. Replacing the elderly water heater. Having some insulation blown in. Attending to some electrical issues to bring our fuse box up to the 21st century. It feels good to attend to what needs attending and know who to call to help.

For staying the course. I am pleased and proud to have kissed goodbye seven pounds since I started using the Livestrong app. Trust me, no woman ever wants to see her pre-delivery pregnancy weight flash at her on the scale. Ever. The best part is that I haven't had to give up anything besides my unrealistic portion sizes. I just need to reconcile calories consumed and calories burned so that I am at or below my calorie goal at the end of each day. Most days I am. Some days I am not. Either way it's okay. I just make a commitment to show up again the next day. And the next. And the next.

What's making you feel grateful these days?

Day 16,859 Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Jakk) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:39:00 +0000

I can't say that I have ever enjoyed a November more than the one that just came to a close. Even the November in which I got married had its bumps and burdens despite its blessed festivities. Granted, this particular November was warmer and brighter than most and, human solar panel that I am, I basked in it and soaked it up.

Perhaps the lightness of November also had to do with the fact that I finally started walking outside again on a regular basis. Sometimes twice per day. Or maybe something to do with the fact that I brought the month to a close by making more nourishing choices for myself overall. I really don't know. And I don't really need to know. But what I do know is that I am crossing my breath and holding my fingers that it continues ... this, um, dark time not being so darn dark.

As December settles upon us, I have been committed to increasing the calm and decreasing the crazy this Christmas. This means insisting upon a slow and steady pace to doing what needs to be done and applying the art of reduction/simplification wherever possible. Of course that's easy for me to say only three days into the month and three weeks away from the holiday, but here is where I stand with it all at this juncture.

Christmas looks and feels different to me now with a nearly full grown child. I am assessing traditions ... which precious ones to keep and which ones have been outgrown. I want there to always be room for something new, something that better suits who we have become as a family and individuals within it. How many times must we do the same things, year after year, only because we've always done them? Even when they no longer bring us joy? I am disocvering that where I find stress is usually the exact same place I discover something that needs to be eliminated or transformed. It's all food for thought.

With that said, our tree is up and I have been appreciating this annual visit with our ornaments and the memories that they hold. Residents of our neighborhood have been taking full advantage of the nice weather to deck their homes and yards. And barred owls have been serenading me on recent sunset walks past a wee greenspace that holds many animal medicine messages for me. For all of these things and so much more, I am so grateful.