Monkey Business

Look Deep

2008-07-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Why don't we always reach the success we want? Sure, there are life events and circumstances that intervene. But, maybe sometimes we hold ourselves back. Check out this inspirational article on Hallie Crawford's blog: it's about selling yourself short.I know I have a lot of self-defeating mechanisms ... and once in a while they get in the way of my progress, although to a great extent, I have

Going Apes . . . Going, Going, Gone?

2008-07-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

According to Wired News, a recent study reports that the Orangutan populations of Borneo and Sumatra are "declining precipitously" -- dire news, indeed, for the animal kingdom and the world ecosystem at large. What are the implications for all of mankind of our distant cousin (according to evolutionary theory, at least) vanishes off the face of the earth? More importantly, what are the

Sunshine Sense

2008-06-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

My cuz and I spent nearly a week in the hot desert sun of Arizona earlier this month and I learned a few things about sun/sunblock that I'll pass on for your edification.* Sunblock expires -- read the label* Lotion your ears; they're sensitive (I just read that it's important to do the feet, too!)* If you sit under an umbrella and part of you is exposed, that part will get burned (and then it'll

Monkeying Around

2008-06-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

I'm in Indianapolis for my birthday weekend, celebrating with hubby and dear friends. I'm the princess in a crowd of men -- my favorite role to play! My female friend was supposed to join us but got sick at the last moment, so I've had to make do. As if that's a problem!Hubby's celebrating #40 and I'm celebrating #35. And, of course, our dear adopted daughter, KellyJane, is celebrating #1. I

Bread Crumbs to Creative Bliss

2008-04-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

My best friend's favorite expression about spontaneity is that "carefully planned spontaneity" is the best kind. This rather seems a contradiction to me. For a more creative view of spontaneity, view the LifeDev: Productivity for Creative People Blog -- post on spontaneity. Spontaneity is about carefully injecting creativity into life to nurture flexibility.I was much more insistent on

Transformations

2008-03-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Less than a week ago, I had my second foray into the world of tattooing. This time my artist was Lunchbox of New Life Tattoos. He created 3 exquisite butterflies on my shoulder, 2 black and white Asian style and 1 colored Asian style, each with an initial to stand for a something important to me. This second tattoo was more painful -- but I'm still going back for more at a future time! The

Heart & Skin Etchings

2008-02-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

I have been immersing myself in artistic adventures the past few days, trying to reconnect my heart and soul and relight my spirit. It's been a dark winter for me.On Thursday, I experienced my first tattoo. The artist was an incredible visionary, Ray Hughes. He brought to living form my desire for a tribal rose and captured my idea of a symbol of breaking through the barriers, pleasure