Warm and Fuzzy Weekend!

How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful province?

Well...my George is on his way home to me - Yay!
To cure my missing him...This weekend I spent time with some rellies over in Powell River that I hadn't seen in much too long. It was one of those perfect visits - we laughed (a LOT! - thanks Robyn;), cried a little (there was a lot of sharing going on:), hiked, sang, danced, ate yummy food, had a few drinks, toured around, enjoyed the sun and really enjoyed each others' company. Someone told me this past summer that I was "easy company" and that's what the whole weekend felt like for me. Such an ease and comfort being with these lovely people that seem to 'get' me.
Loved the positivity - loved the hospitality - loved the LOVE!
Thanks you guys! More pix on my flickr page How was your weekend?

I'm Running for the Cure!

In just over one week, I'll be joining thousands of others in a collective run/walk/roll/believe for the cure of breast cancer. I'd just like to say, "Enough Already!" If it's money or a collective conscience or a lot of both, maybe we can make a difference. If I didn't email you but you'd like to contribute to the cause, here's the link. If, however, you'd prefer to support me mentally/spiritually/emotionally - YAY. Please just think of me running strong at or around 9:30 next Sunday morning and crossing the finish line with style and a smile:)

A Stranger Friend...

Every day I go and visit Jen Lemen. I only know her through her blog and she's probably never heard of me but there's something there most days that lights me up.
Her writing is eloquent, she shares deep with her thoughts and gives herself permission to stay there as long as it takes, she surrounds herself with people who nurture her and give love back, she went to Rwanda on a mission to help out her friend's daughter as well as thousands of other children in need of books full of love, she's raising children with such an awareness of the importance of this task, and she frequently challenges me to look at life with loving eyes, open arms and the patience to allow myself the time it takes. With thanks...

Start Where You Are...

Granville Island Fruit - Lorna Ketler '08
I was searching for some inspiration this evening and came upon this article by Pema Chodron - I've been reading a couple of her books and find her words food for my soul. It sometimes requires a different way of looking at ourselves, our ego and the world. Click anywhere on the quote for the full article and others' on different topics. I love the title, "Start Where You Are".

"Love and compassion are like the weak spots in the walls of ego. If we connect with even one moment of good heart and cherish it, our ability to open will gradually expand. The Buddhist term bodhicitta means completely open heart and mind. Citta is translated as heart or mind; bodhi means awake...

...A good way for any of us to do this (melting our frozen heart) is to think of a person toward whom we feel appreciation or love or gratitude. In other words, we connect with the warmth that we already have. If we can't think of a person, we can think of a pet, or even a plant. Sometimes we have to search a bit. But as Trungpa Rinpoche used to say, Everybody loves something. Even if it's just tortillas. The point is to touch in to the good heart that we already have and nurture it. At other times we can think of a person or situation that automatically evokes compassion. Compassion is our capacity to care about others and our wish to alleviate their pain. It is based not on pity or professional warmth, but on the
acknowledgment that we are all in this together. Compassion is a relationship
between equals. So in any moment of hardness, we can connect with the compassion we already have - for laboratory animals, abused children, our friends, our relatives, for anyone anywhere - and let it open our heart and mind in what
otherwise might feel like an impossibly frozen situation. Love and compassion
are like the weak spots in the walls of ego. They are like a naturally occurring
opening. And they are the opening we take. If we connect with even one moment of good heart or compassion and cherish it, our ability to open will gradually
expand. Beginning to tune into even the minutest feelings of compassion or
appreciation or gratitude softens us. It allows us to touch in with the noble
heart of bodhicitta on the spot."

Granville Island Flowers - Lorna Ketler '08

Is Patience a Virtue?

I googled this question and found the following quote by a fellow named Stephen Waters which makes good sense to me ...

Patience is not so much a virtue as it is a reward that comes to those in balance. Do not try to "be" patient, or to practice patience, or try to emulate those who are patient. It isn't a habit, or something to be learned for its own sake. Patience is no virtue; patience is a reward.
Patience is a state of balance that rises simply out of understanding; the unexpected gift experienced after a confluence of a sense of time, of struggle, of perspective, of judgment, of harnessing the mind.

I'm struggling this week with that balance. Or, I guess you could say, that's one of my life challenges. Over and over again I've experienced that flow that happens when you feel you're on the right track and things naturally progress as it feels they should. For some reason, right now, that flow is stalled. I know there's a reason for it and I try not to make myself crazy with trying to figure it all out. Maybe the secret is to just do nothing; to let the universe unfold as it should. (I've always said I believed in that but it's easier to put into practice when you're not stuck:)

I've recently begun seeing a life/work coach (Jan Carley) and I'm very excited about some new opportunities that I've just started looking into. I know, this is all a bit confusing when I can't talk specifics, but I will be more detailed as soon as it feels right to do so. Anyway...one of the things we were looking at together is why the stall. What might I need to learn or do to break through this next phase. Right now, my answer is, I DON'T KNOW!!! I'm taking action by doing lots of reading and learning in the meantime. I'm thinking yoga should be at the top of my priority list - to help me breathe, balance and "be".

Any thoughts???

A Good Read...

Barb told me this story in the pool yesterday so I went to check it out. Amazing and touching story from a mom in Ireland -
have a read...http://www.cackaloo.com/2008/08/09/the-secret-fire/

Happy Day to you All!

Can I bottle this feeling???

This past weekend will go down as one of the more magical moments in my life experience. I got to re-connect with some family members that I had such special bonds with when I was younger. I spent many, many hours in my girlhood singing with my aunties and cousins and we got to recreate that all this weekend - but even better. Saturday night was spent singing our hearts out in my uncle's basement - 3 part harmonies, blended voices, magical sounds, connecting spirits! I will hear those voices in my head for a long time with so much fondness and love!
Grandma's birthday party went off without a hitch (except for the part where we almost started her on fire by putting a bunch of sparklers on her cake - not a good combination with 'vintage' polyester!), I said my speach with much difficulty (so much emotion) and about 100 people came to honour her and the gifts that she has brought to so many lives.

I can't quite figure out how to explain my feelings/thoughts other than to say, these are 'my people'. They look like me, sound a bit like me, have similar mannerisms and thoughts as me. Being with them all again and hearing our voices singing together was so powerful!

When I'm away from all of this so long, I forget that feeling of connectedness that's feeds my soul. I'm welcomed into this group and surrounded by loving arms. Sappy, I know.

My aunt and uncle who hosted the after-events all weekend are so gracious and giving - they have the perfect party house with a basement full of musical instruments, a bar, many rooms for sleeping and a kitchen that welcomes all who enter. There were so many things that reminded me of the past, but even better, new memories were created. I'm a different person now and I come to these experiences with such different eyes. I get to put the pieces of the puzzle together - the history of who I am and these people that are all part of that creation.
Now I just have to catch up on some sleep!

Heavenly Days at the Lake...

My friends invited me to join them at Sproat Lake this past weekend and since George is away in England all week, I decided to take them up on the offer. It was a fantastic time - one of those 'everybody-gets-everybody-lots-of-laughing-singing-dancing-drinking-swimming-eating' kinds of times. I didn't know everyone very well which made me a bit shy about crashing their party but it worked. I made some great new friends.

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE swimming in lakes??? Well, in case you haven't heard, I LOVE SWIMMING IN LAKES! I even fulfilled my summer goal of skinny dipping (quickly and alone last night while everyone else was around the camp fire). How magical is that - I just laid in the water laughing to myself - feeling all free-spirit-y and naughty! (The pic above is me in a swimsuit so don't waste your time trying to enlarge:) Hope you all had a great weekend and are enjoying this cleansing rain.

last night's yummy dinner (Kathleen and Wilma's delicious chicken with rice, salad and corn-on-the-cob) I learned a brilliant new trick about using a big lump of butter on a slice of bread to butter your corn (apparently its from Martha Stewart)

Click here for more pix...

It's Time to Give Back...

I've had a great life so far and things are going pretty good! One thing that I find missing these days tho' is a sense of giving back. I used to spend a good amount of time volunteering for one thing or another and I benefited in so many ways from all of those experiences. My goal for the near future is to make that a priority again in my life.
Today, I've decided to loan some money to a fellow entrepreneur in Cambodia who is a weaver through the KIVA organization. Here is her story - http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=56273
Here's some info about KIVA -

Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.
Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.
The people you see on Kiva's site are real individuals in need of funding - not marketing material. When you browse entrepreneurs' profiles on the site, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family, and their community. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates and track repayments. Then, when you get your loan money back, you can relend to someone else in need.

Have a wonderful day everyone and if you're walking down the street - smile at the person walking towards you - it will make a difference !!!

Some Faves from Bali...

I'm in a bit of a reminiscent mood tonight so thought I'd share some of my favorite pix from last years' Bali trip. I love this little guys face - so honest and beautiful!

My life these days...

Well...I'm exhausted! But if you think I'm complaining, you've got another think coming:) My days have been filled with
swimming at Kits pool in the mornings,

swimming at the lake with good friends,

sailing with my family
and hanging out with my 11 year old (soon to be 12!) nephew (I have been able to keep up at work as well but it's great to have flexible work hours).
It's been a fantastic summer so far - I know I'm spoiled - but also know that I'm enjoying every moment and appreciating all the gifts that life is bringing to me! How's your summer going?

You're so nice to come home to...

(this is last June but looks the same now)

I really like it here! Even though we don't own our home, it's a good place to be right now. Coming home from a trip is always exciting, especially in the spring when all of the rhodos are in bloom, the peonies are wide awake and the roses are just starting to burst. We have an amazing honeysuckle vine that's just starting to open up and smells oh-so-lovely. I think my sweet peas grew at least 2 inches while we were away as did the tomato plants. It's all a bit slower than last year but it's still lush and growing. I also love being in a neighbourhood. I know all of our neighbours and everyone is friendly and social. It's not unusual to have impromptu gatherings on the front lawn - and my friend across the street waters my plants while we're out of town. When the neighbours bake cookies, they usually drop off a sample. On Sunday night, our Phillipino neighbours had a roasted pig delivered. About 10 minutes later there was a knock on our door and a plate full of yummy pork product was being delivered! (sorry to any vegetarians out there but I guess it's no secret that we eat meat:) All of the kids say hello when they walk past the house. And if we want to get away from all the street chaos, we retreat onto our back deck. Perfection really!

It's a weird thing to not know what the future holds. We only have this house for a total of 4 years (possibly 4 1/2) and we're almost through our 3rd year. I wonder where we'll end up? The universe has always looked after me in a big way so I'll trust that there's something great out there. Fun to think of the possibilities.

Monday, Monday...

I would like to beg you, as well as I can, to have patience, with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.

Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

I saw this on someone else's blog this morning and it moved me so much that I had to re-share it here. I know I'll be reading this many more times for inspiration and wisdom...

http://www.sfgoth.com/~immanis/rilke/letter1.html

Happy Beautiful, Magical, Sunshine-filled Monday to you!

I'm Baaaack! Je t'aime Paris!!!

Ok...not a lot of energy to write today but I have uploaded a whack of pix so here's the link. I know there's a LOT of pictures of the Eiffel Tower but it really is beautiful and seen from soooo many places in this beautiful city! Please let me know what you think and what your faves are.
I'm off to meet up with some friends at the Reef on Main. They're in the process of closing their store across from us which makes me sad. I am happy for them to be moving on tho' - life always has lots of good things in store for us all!

A Big Bodacious Day!

Wow! I'm exhausted. We had a customer appreciation day at the store yesterday so we started early getting everything ready and ended late with a celebration of success...including a bit too much champagne:) It's so reassuring when a plan comes together and people actually 'show up'. I mean that in both senses. Showing up to shop is, of course, a huge priority. We need to pay the bills and our staff and ourselves. But the day yesterday was about more than that. Everyone - the customers, staff, passers by, neighbours - showed up in creating that feeling of fun, support and connectedness. That means so much more to me than people shopping. Women were laughing and helping each other out with style advice, dancing around in the clothes like they were having the time of their lives. Our staff were right there, 'showing up' for the customers, each other and us. Believe me, it's not always like that in retail but it happens alot at Bodacious. That was a goal that's been achieved - and I'm so pleased!

tryin' to get back on track

I thought I had become one of those people. You know the ones. They get up effortlessly every morning and go for a run or climb a mountain or swim 50 laps. I'd convinced myself by the end of last year that that was me. I was running pretty regularly, had completed some long running events and was feeling pretty damn good about myself. And then...poof - it was all over. It feels like I just missed a week or two but in reality it was probably a month or two - and I looked down at my body and was surprised by the change - back to where I'd started. I know, I know...I'm the first one to say, 'love your body right now, as it is' and I'm usually pretty good at that but I was feeling so HEALTHY and my clothes were fitting me differently. I don't think I even changed much in size but everything just felt 'right-er'. Anyway, I'm back at it. I want to feel that ease again. Not begrudging the stairs or choosing to stay home on the couch instead of going for a walk or bike ride. I've run/walked twice this week and I have to say it's easier this time than starting all over. I guess I had more in reserve than I thought. I already feel better - getting oxygen into the lungs is always a good thing! I'm choosing for it to not be a chore - my mantra when I'm running is, "with ease" and it makes such a difference than saying, "this is so hard!".
So...here's a picture of me completing a 10k last year just to show myself that it can be done.
And now I'm going to eat some yummy oatmeal with blueberries! Enjoy your day and take the time to smell those beautiful spring flowers:)

I sold my car! (& welcome to the new site)

I think I'll be using this site from now on since I get to incorporate more photos. Thanks for joining me!

I went to a WOW workshop recently (women of worth) and the speaker talked about how you can create a life where things are easy. That life doesn't need to be hard. Well, I do believe that life fluctuates - sometimes easier, sometimes more difficult - and I appreciate those peaks and valleys but here's an example of pretty EEEAAAASSSSYYYY!!! This past weekend, George and I had discussed buying my brother's car (a honda civic) and selling the one we have. We'd agreed to get the bcaa test done on the civic and see if we wanted to proceed from there. In the meantime, I took our precidia in for it's overdue check-up/oil change, etc. Shortly after, I got a call saying there were some repairs (muffler) that needed to be done. The dilemna then became, should we invest more into the car if we're going to sell it, or not? We decided to sell without the repairs and I posted it on craig's list yesterday afternoon @ 1:03 pm. At 4:01 pm I received an email from an interested buyer. At 6:00, they came to look at the car and decided to buy it and came back with the cash at 8:00!!! They would have taken it at 6 but I needed the car to pick George up from the airport! It all happened so quickly, it seemed unreal. Now, we're carless until tomorrow when we go to get the new (to us) civic. It's weird how so many times in my life, I've had these experiences. I like to think that clear intention leads to 'with ease' but who knows why sometimes things just click? (when i picked George up at the airport, he said he'd just, a couple of minutes before said to his co-worker, "she's probably already sold the car!" :)