Good Morning, Outside the winds blow and the rain pours. It is almost winter. Tomorrow it begins in earnest. Day 801 of my 1000 day journey is today. 199 more days of smiling, running and writing.
Journeys are paths we take to go somewhere. Journeys are paths we take to find something. A goal is where you focus on the end prize. A journey is all about the traveling and that is the gift.
As I continue to travel on the path, I take side roads, I sit and I rest but the path continues to call. I must dust off my pants, put my picnic away and start again.
For this path is part of my soul's calling.
Did I mention we are selling our restoration cleaning business of 25 years? Almost all of my professional career and adult life have been as a professional cleaner. Of course, I took many other paths along the way but the focus and my lividlyhood mostly came from cleaning. And now that path is nearly finished.
As I come to the end of this current path, I find myself looking at many new paths to start upon. The paths are less traveled and there is much unknown to the directions I can take. Yet I can't just sit here in the crossroads. And then I remember my 1000 day journey and smile. Ah, not all my roads have come to an end. I am still traveling.
Wishing you all a path that is lit and welcoming,
Denise
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Changing seasons and day 707
Good morning,
The sun is not yet up but I'm up and looking forward to the day. Starting the day by counting my blessings creates a strong canvas on which to co-create this day. I say co-create because I'm not alone in this world and journey. No one is ever alone. Even when sitting by myself, I'm never alone. Nature surrounds me, the birds will listen and talk to me, the clouds will move me, the wind will whisper in my ear. My ancestors send me love and insights. Angels protect me, light surrounds me. We are never alone.
Starting this day with gratitude for this Divine love and support creates in my energy system a strong foundation of strength. A strength that touches my essence and lifts me up. I draw in a deep breath and smile because this day is gift.
It is almost autumn. The weather is shifting. The trees are starting to turn. My grass is almost green again and in need of a good mow. My garden is winding down. I feel this shift and will join in the power of change. Our life, my hubby and mine, is currently shifting direction. When I feel anxious in life this is the time I draw on this energy and cultivate my morning practices.
There is a power greater than me out there and also within myself that I don't fully comprehend nor can I see it but I feel it and know it is there. Autumn is the time of year to let go of what is dying and set the ground for winter composting. Trusting in the process of life, knowing spring comes every year I relax and go on with my morning yoga.
Wishing you fresh air and beauty today,
Denise
The sun is not yet up but I'm up and looking forward to the day. Starting the day by counting my blessings creates a strong canvas on which to co-create this day. I say co-create because I'm not alone in this world and journey. No one is ever alone. Even when sitting by myself, I'm never alone. Nature surrounds me, the birds will listen and talk to me, the clouds will move me, the wind will whisper in my ear. My ancestors send me love and insights. Angels protect me, light surrounds me. We are never alone.
Starting this day with gratitude for this Divine love and support creates in my energy system a strong foundation of strength. A strength that touches my essence and lifts me up. I draw in a deep breath and smile because this day is gift.
It is almost autumn. The weather is shifting. The trees are starting to turn. My grass is almost green again and in need of a good mow. My garden is winding down. I feel this shift and will join in the power of change. Our life, my hubby and mine, is currently shifting direction. When I feel anxious in life this is the time I draw on this energy and cultivate my morning practices.
There is a power greater than me out there and also within myself that I don't fully comprehend nor can I see it but I feel it and know it is there. Autumn is the time of year to let go of what is dying and set the ground for winter composting. Trusting in the process of life, knowing spring comes every year I relax and go on with my morning yoga.
Wishing you fresh air and beauty today,
Denise
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Magical potential
And then there was day 678... drum roll please.....
Day 678 and counting.
Should there be a marching band or a parade on day 678? What about a party, celebrating with all my friends and family? A national holiday? No such thing. Today I bought a new microwave, ours went kaput. My hubby turns 50 and my dog tried to eat a baby bunny. The sun is shinning. I got my office caught up. I gathered pine cones in my back yard so I could mow. And now where is the band??
Day 678 is special and completely ordinary. What makes a day special and why do I think any day could be ordinary? Do you ever feel like you have it- you know the answer to all your questions- you are on fire? And then the very next day or minute or even second that feeling has escaped you and you are back to looking around wondering.
It guess it is life, Day 1- Day 678- Day 1000 they are all special and they are all ordinary. Each day is made up of 1,440 minutes. Do they all have to be earth shattering? Isn't the best minutes the ones that sneak up on you. You walk around the corner and the sunset makes you pause in awe? Those are the minutes that bring your breath to a halt and then fill you will wonder. The whole day was mundane- whatever that means- but that one second- spectacular.
And that is why we should celebrate each day. Not because there is a huge party but because each minute has magical potential. Our expectations get in the way of magical moments.
Wishing you a good journey,
Dneise
Day 678 and counting.
Should there be a marching band or a parade on day 678? What about a party, celebrating with all my friends and family? A national holiday? No such thing. Today I bought a new microwave, ours went kaput. My hubby turns 50 and my dog tried to eat a baby bunny. The sun is shinning. I got my office caught up. I gathered pine cones in my back yard so I could mow. And now where is the band??
Day 678 is special and completely ordinary. What makes a day special and why do I think any day could be ordinary? Do you ever feel like you have it- you know the answer to all your questions- you are on fire? And then the very next day or minute or even second that feeling has escaped you and you are back to looking around wondering.
It guess it is life, Day 1- Day 678- Day 1000 they are all special and they are all ordinary. Each day is made up of 1,440 minutes. Do they all have to be earth shattering? Isn't the best minutes the ones that sneak up on you. You walk around the corner and the sunset makes you pause in awe? Those are the minutes that bring your breath to a halt and then fill you will wonder. The whole day was mundane- whatever that means- but that one second- spectacular.
And that is why we should celebrate each day. Not because there is a huge party but because each minute has magical potential. Our expectations get in the way of magical moments.
Wishing you a good journey,
Dneise
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Summer 6 week challenge
Hi all,
Today is day number 665! I missed the actual mid point of summer- August 1st, but today is pretty close.
That means 6 wonderful weeks of summer still remain. In my clutter clearing classes I have been thinking in terms of block of time and or task. Bringing big projects into bite sized pieces can keep you moving. Before you know it the mountain has become a little piece of cake.
Six weeks that give us six beautiful blocks of summer to play with. What do we want to do with those 6 lovely weeks? The first thing that comes to mind is to write a blog a week. I actually have 4 active blogs going, none of which have been updated lately. I know this seems crazy given my 1000 day journey write- run - smile.
And this is what I also love about a journey- the freedom to explore the path along the way. But the winding road of life can take you off path and over hills, swamps, through corn fields and into a big old pit of self doubt and inner frustration, if you aren't very careful.
And so this is what I propose to me and you...if you want to join in. To pick three tasks that you want to do, have been meaning to do, really want to get done anything that would make your heart and soul lighter and brighter. For the next 6 weeks do those 3 tasks each week.
Here is my own list...
1. Write a blog/week- more is great but 1 is perfectly acceptable
2. Go on an LSD/week (LSD for me is Long Slow Distance running/walking!!)
3. Deep clean or clean out one item per week.
I will be keeping track of this challenge in a notebook. Week1, week2, week3 and so on until week 6. Here I get to write down my goals and all my wonderful progress. Plus I can give myself notes and ideas and even wisdom. I find putting my challenges and journeys on paper gives them power and sustainability!
Wishing you a wonderful 4th Day of August and inspired 6 week challenge!!
Denise
Today is day number 665! I missed the actual mid point of summer- August 1st, but today is pretty close.
That means 6 wonderful weeks of summer still remain. In my clutter clearing classes I have been thinking in terms of block of time and or task. Bringing big projects into bite sized pieces can keep you moving. Before you know it the mountain has become a little piece of cake.
Six weeks that give us six beautiful blocks of summer to play with. What do we want to do with those 6 lovely weeks? The first thing that comes to mind is to write a blog a week. I actually have 4 active blogs going, none of which have been updated lately. I know this seems crazy given my 1000 day journey write- run - smile.
And this is what I also love about a journey- the freedom to explore the path along the way. But the winding road of life can take you off path and over hills, swamps, through corn fields and into a big old pit of self doubt and inner frustration, if you aren't very careful.
And so this is what I propose to me and you...if you want to join in. To pick three tasks that you want to do, have been meaning to do, really want to get done anything that would make your heart and soul lighter and brighter. For the next 6 weeks do those 3 tasks each week.
Here is my own list...
1. Write a blog/week- more is great but 1 is perfectly acceptable
2. Go on an LSD/week (LSD for me is Long Slow Distance running/walking!!)
3. Deep clean or clean out one item per week.
I will be keeping track of this challenge in a notebook. Week1, week2, week3 and so on until week 6. Here I get to write down my goals and all my wonderful progress. Plus I can give myself notes and ideas and even wisdom. I find putting my challenges and journeys on paper gives them power and sustainability!
Wishing you a wonderful 4th Day of August and inspired 6 week challenge!!
Denise
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Clutter clearing is soul's work
Hi all,
I'm taking a break from mowing and composting my lawn - I was out driving Dale- my power push lawnmower. Normally, I'm wheeling Michaelangelo my reel mower but today I need power to grind up my beautifully richly composted bale of straw.
When I clean, when I mow, when I run and when I dig in dirt my creative brain comes out to play. Today it is hot as fire outside. I'm taking a break to recharge my batteries, cool off and drink some fresh pinnaple green drink- so refreshing.
In two day's, I'll be teaching a class for the City of Auburn. Simplify your life - clear your clutter! As I mow, compost my talk. Nobody hears me but the birds and my dog Sally. But let me tell you I can talk up a storm while playing in my yard.
I think it is high time I share with you my life's calling. We had quiet a talk before I came in from the sun but the inspiration to share made me pause in my mow.
My life's calling is to nourish, discover and live my creative authentic path and then help others do the same!
That's it! How did I come about this discover of my life's path. Well I can tell you it wasn't easy. It only took 49 and a half years for this clarity!!! But it has been evolving, composting and growing roots my entire life. I few weeks ago I did some clutter clearing on my own. I spent an afternoon with my memorabilia drawer. Shortly there after I was asked the question again: "what is my life's calling?" walla... my clarity appeared. The discoveries and insights I made going deep and backwards help me see clearly and move forwards.
And so do I think clutter clearing is important? I think it is souls work. I think clutter clearing helps you find your soul's path. It helps you discover what you love, what gives you energy, what is yours and what is someone else's. It helps you know your spirit and your passions. It gives you feedback on what depletes you and what makes your eye's sparkle and step quicken. When you dig out from the schmutz of life, when you get clear, when you connect to your heart then your own path starts to appear.
I want this for you!
Wishing you moments of clarity and discoveries of what you love on your own journeys.
Day 624ish,
Denise
Schmutz: this is a techinical term my hubby and I use to discribe residue's left behind
I'm taking a break from mowing and composting my lawn - I was out driving Dale- my power push lawnmower. Normally, I'm wheeling Michaelangelo my reel mower but today I need power to grind up my beautifully richly composted bale of straw.
When I clean, when I mow, when I run and when I dig in dirt my creative brain comes out to play. Today it is hot as fire outside. I'm taking a break to recharge my batteries, cool off and drink some fresh pinnaple green drink- so refreshing.
In two day's, I'll be teaching a class for the City of Auburn. Simplify your life - clear your clutter! As I mow, compost my talk. Nobody hears me but the birds and my dog Sally. But let me tell you I can talk up a storm while playing in my yard.
I think it is high time I share with you my life's calling. We had quiet a talk before I came in from the sun but the inspiration to share made me pause in my mow.
My life's calling is to nourish, discover and live my creative authentic path and then help others do the same!
That's it! How did I come about this discover of my life's path. Well I can tell you it wasn't easy. It only took 49 and a half years for this clarity!!! But it has been evolving, composting and growing roots my entire life. I few weeks ago I did some clutter clearing on my own. I spent an afternoon with my memorabilia drawer. Shortly there after I was asked the question again: "what is my life's calling?" walla... my clarity appeared. The discoveries and insights I made going deep and backwards help me see clearly and move forwards.
And so do I think clutter clearing is important? I think it is souls work. I think clutter clearing helps you find your soul's path. It helps you discover what you love, what gives you energy, what is yours and what is someone else's. It helps you know your spirit and your passions. It gives you feedback on what depletes you and what makes your eye's sparkle and step quicken. When you dig out from the schmutz of life, when you get clear, when you connect to your heart then your own path starts to appear.
I want this for you!
Because....My life's calling is to nourish, discover and live my creative authentic path and then help others do the same. And I will do this with great joy. Maybe my creative path will show up in my writing, talks, while walking with friends or mowing with Michelangelo. It might be strongest when I dig with the dirt and worms or when I'm blending up wild green puddings that no-one but me will eat. I don't care, when I'm doing my heart and soul's work my spirit thrives and I know I'm on track.
Wishing you moments of clarity and discoveries of what you love on your own journeys.
Day 624ish,
Denise
Schmutz: this is a techinical term my hubby and I use to discribe residue's left behind
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Simplicity in a bouquet
My neighbor brought me a freshly picked, right out of her garden, thank you bouquet of daisies. When I was little, daisies were my favorite flower- so simple, fresh, happy. Apparently, they still do. In this journey of 1000 days, I have taken a few detours along the way but being true to my authentic spirit- keeps bringing back to my practice.
And practicing is really what I'm doing on this journey. Someday's my practice is spectacular- other days it is humbling. But everyday it is part of my life.
My creativity got a shot in the arm when I went back home to Colorado a month ago. I traveled back home to family and for helping my mom host her Holyoke book club. She was born in Holyoke. Much of our family lived there and I was a frequent visitor growing up. For book club we read American the Beautiful by Ben Carson. This was not a book I would normally read but since there would be a discussion at the end- I read it cover to cover. Along the way, something interesting happened. I got out of a rut.
The definition of insanity, or so I've heard, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Reading the same type of books over and over again and hoping to find a major shift or understanding is unlikely. But expanding and something new freshens your brain, your spirit and your mind.
When I read book club book, traveled to a new/old town and shifted my daily activities my desire to nurture and nourish my own creativity got awakened.
Sometimes when you or I want to find something new we must go back to simplicity. This is where we have room to breathe and create. What do you truly love? What makes you happy?
I'm discovering on this 1000 journey that if I become a public writer or stay writing in blog and journals doesn't matter as much as honoring the fact that I am a writer. When I think of myself as a writer, I feel more creative. I like how my brain functions as a writer. I start to look at life a bit differently. Finding inspiration for my creativity is essential. As is creating a space and environment in which to flourish.
For me enjoying a canning jar full of daisies lifts my spirits. Taking a picture of my bouquet of daisy's and then writing about it is priceless.
Wishing you all lifted spirits and creative
Denise
Pausing to be
Day 599
Tomorrow will be the first day of June. It will also be my 600 day. I love a good coincidence. But today is still day 599. Staying where you are is indeed a practice. I have a tendency to look toward tomorrow. Today I need to accomplish x,y and z. This week I need to go here, there and over yonder.
This month my Master task list is long and tedious.. And so it goes. I'm not present. I'm contemplating and fretting about the future. What do I miss as I'm lost in tomorrow?
Why is day 600 more interesting than today day 599? It isn't.
The clock on my I-pad reads: 8:47 pm. It's Sunday night. I'm writing to you and to myself. I sit at the kitchen table. My husband is working on his art and playing music in the pool room. Q-tip our black and white kitty sits by the back slider and watches. The oven vent still runs over the kitchen stove. Our pantry door is open and the light is on. It isn't quite dark outside but the living room is getting there.
How much of each day do I miss by putting myself into the future? A future that may or may not ever happen. Right now, at this very moment, day 599 it is real. This is all that matters. Being here and awake is the gift.
Wishing you this moment,
Denise
Tomorrow will be the first day of June. It will also be my 600 day. I love a good coincidence. But today is still day 599. Staying where you are is indeed a practice. I have a tendency to look toward tomorrow. Today I need to accomplish x,y and z. This week I need to go here, there and over yonder.
This month my Master task list is long and tedious.. And so it goes. I'm not present. I'm contemplating and fretting about the future. What do I miss as I'm lost in tomorrow?
Why is day 600 more interesting than today day 599? It isn't.
The clock on my I-pad reads: 8:47 pm. It's Sunday night. I'm writing to you and to myself. I sit at the kitchen table. My husband is working on his art and playing music in the pool room. Q-tip our black and white kitty sits by the back slider and watches. The oven vent still runs over the kitchen stove. Our pantry door is open and the light is on. It isn't quite dark outside but the living room is getting there.
How much of each day do I miss by putting myself into the future? A future that may or may not ever happen. Right now, at this very moment, day 599 it is real. This is all that matters. Being here and awake is the gift.
Wishing you this moment,
Denise
Monday, May 25, 2015
37 items in your closet
Day 586 and counting.....
If you want to live with passion- be passionate. Of course, why didn't I think of that. For a week my girlfriend and I are doing a little experiment. The next 7 days we are accepting our intuition as nothing less than brilliant.
How many clothes do you have in your closet? How many do you wear each week? How many of the clothes you own never get worn in a season or year? Why do we keep what we don't like?
Today I was in a doctor's waiting room, waiting for a friend. As I sat I watched families coming and going. What we wear and how we carry ourselves does in fact impact our days. I'm not a great shopper. When I shop it is more like an item on my to-do list than an enjoyable outitting. I only shop when I need something and by the time I think I need something my wardrobe in desperate need of attention. But still I'm sure I have more than 37 items in my wardwarb.
My co-intuitive experimenting friend sent me a blog site she found this afternoon: http:dallas.citymomsblog.com the blog was wardrobe capsule. This mom shed her excess clothes and shoes down to only 37 items for each season. Simplying all the way to perfection. Instead of having too many clothes in your closet, you engage your creative spirit - mixing and matching 37 hand selected fully loved items. 37 greats is better than 150 so-sos.
I like it! In clutter clearing letting go of what you don't love and getting rid of the stuff that delutes your life is a cornerstone principle. So why not take a 37 clothes item challenge and take your overstuffed, outdated, medocore pile of clothes and shoes and turn it into a place of beauty and joy?
First things first, before buying anything we have to clean out completely! Empty out our closets and sort item by item until we are only left with what we truly love and wear. From here we can build a 37 item capsule of our creative - authentic- sassy style!
Be passionate - be creative have nothing in your life that isn't brilliant!
Be passionate - be creative have nothing in your life that isn't brilliant!
Cleaning out your closet to only the essentials is a perfect exercise in listening to our inutition. As I contimplate this idea, I'm still sitting on my couch but I have a very good feeling about this move. Intuitively it feels just right- it is brilliant!
Happy travels to you on this Monday,
Denise
And life ....
What day is this? The calendar reads April 24, 2015. But what day is this on my 1000 day journey? I haven't the foggiest idea. My last post was in August 2014 that was 8 months ago. Roughly today would be around day 582. My thousand days is not yet complete. And so I rejoin the ever moving days and jump back in.
Part of me says you failed. Another part wants to forget my 1000 day journey. But in reality no matter what I do the 1000 days will continue one day at a time. And so I jump back in on day 582.
What have I been doing for the past 340 days? It seems life was busier that it had ever been. Business, family, cooking, cleaning, working, watching TV, traveling.....I don't really know!!!
Does busy mean giving up a journey? This morning I went for a walk. The morning is filled with new beginnings, spring flowers, lilacs to smell, un-planted bulbs growing under trees with unknown flowers shooting up, sweet smells fill the air, new cedar chips, the smell of lawns being mowed.
When I last wrote about this journey it was in August. Since then we have lost all our leaves, days got short and dark, then they started getting longer and lighter. Life continues, my journey continues as long as I breathe.
When I last wrote about this journey it was in August. Since then we have lost all our leaves, days got short and dark, then they started getting longer and lighter. Life continues, my journey continues as long as I breathe.
Writing makes my brain look at life differently. I have a natural and wonderful feeling of curiosity and wonder. My creativity comes alive. Yes my days are busy but does it mean giving up this? Oh I hope not and so today I write again, I figure out what day I'm on and after my beautiful spring walk I coming back inside and I let let my spirit go for a much needed walk of words and wonder.
For those of you who have joined me, thank you. And if you were disappointed in my absence I understand, I was too.
Happy spring and day 582 to you.
Denise
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