thinking about 2009

I love new beginnings!

I'm an Aries, inspired to start fresh, excited to try new things; not always great at the finishing part...

Hence the fact that 2008 is not even over and I'm dreaming about the NEW YEAR.

I have some travel destinations; an exotic Arabian desert oasis in the spring and some beach time in the middle of winter with a beautiful friend - just the two of us!

I have some career plans; many challenges and opportunities ahead of me and, if all goes well, school in the fall.

I have personal desires to be closer to my chosen family; to take the time and give my energy to celebrate each of them and what they mean to me.

I want to live each moment to the fullest; to seize life passionately and intensely and make the most of what I have and what I experience.

And, I want to try to be creative; to dance, sing (Rockband!), draw, pick up my neglected guitar, write the poems that resonate in my soul and do the things that fill me with pleasure.

Here's to a new year! 

As it just begins to unfold to take me on this magical journey called life.

- lml Dec 30, 2008

happy holidays

listening to silent night

thinking about the families that are together

this season

all shapes and sizes and colors

thinking of the laughter, love and happiness

that comes from being in the spaces

that overlap each of us

feeling the love being celebrated and shared around the world

as tears course down my face.

tis a beautiful season;

one that brings people close

and fills my soul with peace.

happy holidays

- lml dec 20, 2008

Surprise!

I had a deliciously long laugh with Hana today, when I called her to get the inside scoop on a surprise that Sandy was cooking up for Saturday night. Naturally, Sandy wouldn't tell me his plan......but Hana offered up some tips:

Apparently I need to be dressed and ready to go in my outdoor gear because we are going Wild Turkey hunting. I should bring all my SAR gear because it will be cold outside and we may get lost, and I need an extra bag to carry the dead turkeys in, because we will be skinning and de-feathering them later. And that I shouldn't worry, because Sandy's friend T will show us how to do everything.

That's what I get for being curious, I guess. ; )

drawing

I was spoiled a few months ago with an easel for my creative space. I'm nestled into a corner of the office. On the wall is a Tibetan prayer flag, and behind me is a collage of photos of friends and family members. 

Since my drawing class is over, I've decided to continue "going to class" by dedicating an evening a week to drawing. It's SO much fun! I peruse pictures on my favorites sites (like nerve.com) to find inspiration, put my music on, roll up my sleeves, and dig in. I emerge a few hours later, like waking up from a deep sleep. It's a lovely, meditative way to let go and be creative.

I drew this one last night and I'm really quite pleased with how it turned out. 

Here's to many more drawing adventures! 

Is the Internet Full?

I just read this post on Seth Godin's blog. He's a hilarious (and brilliant) guy and in a few short paragraphs seemed to sum up some of the angst that people feel around the Internet. See his post: Warning: the internet is almost full.

His post, at least in my mind, seems to address our anxiety about finding data, dealing with copious amounts of information, weeding through clutter to get to the good stuff, balancing the "more" mentality that exists with less, staying on top of everything, being thought-leaders, and fighting off our urges for the quick(er) and fast(est).

Here's a snippet

Ten years ago, you had a shot of at least being aware of everything that mattered. Five years ago, you had to be really selective about what you took in, but at least it was possible to know what you didn't know. Today, it's impossible. Today, you can't even read every article on a thin slice of a thin topic.

Exhausting, isn't it?

celebrating

I've given myself permission
to decorate my spirit
in the scent of holiday pine.
In the sound of snow crunching underfoot.
In the laughter of loved ones
as they lean closer to my soul;
leaving footprints.
Tracks that imprint themselves on me.

My heart aches
and the moment is open to me;
captivated by the mistletoe
and the frost that sparkles against your cheek.

And as my hand curls around
the steaming ceramic mug
brimming with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg,
I can feel the heat cascade into me
and, like a golden globe dangling from your tree, I glow.

-lml Dec 8, 2008

smiling

when i feel the most troubled
when i feel prodded and poked
achy and uncomfortable in my body

when i feel feverish and fired up
raging and raucous
when pointed barbs embed themselves
just under the surface of my skin

and i feel that tumble of emotions
bouncing against themselves with their urgency
to spill forth and assert themselves

i remember to smile
to myself

i feel my face relax
i feel my eyes moisten
i feel quiet

and like i would at a child as i watched their antics, i smile with indulgence
at myself

and i watch as, for the briefest of moments, the turmoil is stilled.