peace
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tea Time...
The temps have dipped and the winds are letting us find out just how drafty our old windows can be. I'm doing some book-keeping work this morning before the girls and I head out on a Halloween costume supplies hunt this afternoon. Danbo was nice enough to make me a cup of tea to help my typing fingers stay warm. He's so thoughtful...
peace
peace
Friday, October 22, 2010
That Girl With Pink Hair...
Bear with me, this post has been a long time in the writing. And as those of you who read this little old blog know, sometimes I have to write for therapy...and this here seems to be one of those times. After a good chat with a new friend this morning and a sweaty run followed by some emotion releasing Yoga this afternoon, I think I'm ready to sit down and try to organize my thoughts into sentences that hopefully somewhat convey some of what I've been needing to express over the past few months regarding our relocation. At least that is the plan.
It's always easier after the fact to look back and see how an event in your life connects to the universe's bigger picture...or bigger purpose. A little over 11 years ago we landed in Grinnell quite by mistake. Those first few months, even first few years, were not always easy as we tired to find our niche in the community. But find those niches we eventually did. In many ways our time in Grinnell was about growth. We grew as a family. Scott and I were challenged in the continued growth of our relationship. And I think it's fair to say that we each grew as individuals. I know I did. I'm pretty sure the universe knew what it was doing when it led us to Grinnell.
It's kinda hard to explain, but I feel like Grinnell the community, the time we lived there, and the people we met (people who will be life long friends not matter where life takes us physically), really allowed me to find out who I am at the core of my authentic self. The openness and diversity of the community, that still holds so many of the small town values with which I grew up, allowed me to explore opinions and beliefs and figure out just where I feel most at home along the continuum of view points. It's a place that showed me I CAN live from the heart, trusting the wisdom of my inner guide, as I move though life. And that it's OK if life doesn't always fit a preconceived notion of the many labels society tries to tag us with...Mom, Wife, Woman, Liberal, Conservative, Gay, Straight, Local, Outsider...Girl with Pink Hair Who Teaches Yoga.
I would be lying if I denied the fact that one of the hardest parts about leaving Grinnell for me was the fear I have had about finding my niche in a new community. Grinnell is not your typical small Iowa town. It was really easy being ME there. It was really easy to surround myself with others who shared similar views on life. Similar values. Similar interests and activities. But it took time find those people and that level of comfort with my place in the community and the thought of starting the process all over again scared me to DEATH.
But again, I trust the universe knows what it's doing. In this case I truly believe that for the health of our little family unit, we needed to make this move. The stress that Scott's daily commute added to our life was much greater than we really realized. Stress that over time I believe would have simply eaten away at us like a slow growing bacteria. And, in all it's glorious wisdom, the universe knew that even with my hesitation about change, I have the strength to face it head on without losing my sense of self.
The thing is I was worried that moving into this smaller, more traditional, more conservative community would smother ME. That my family would bloom and I would slowly wilt. That I would simply become known as "You know, that neo-hippie liberal with the pink hair who doesn't go to church and teaches yoga." I had already started to label myself for people without even giving them a chance to form their own opinions. And even if that is the label some people choose to give me, I'm realizing I'm OK with that. Because chances are there are at least a few people around who have been waiting for the support to step out of the box they have been living in to spread their own wings a bit. And maybe, just maybe, by being comfortable and open about who I am, and building my life and business in our new community based on the simple principals of compassion and tolerance, will allow others to be more comfortable expressing their true authentic selves.
I know, it's a concept that seems a little out there at first. But with all that's been going on in recent weeks in regards to the untimely deaths of teens who felt they couldn't fit in or find loving support as they worked to figure out just who they are, I'm thinking we as a greater society have to open up to the reality that we are not all cast from the same mold, AND THAT IS OK. And that those of us who celebrate the unique nature of every member of the human race need to do everything we can to lend support to those who are in need of compassion and acceptance.
So there you have it.
What's been brewing all spewed out in a semi-organized fashion.
Thanks for reading.
peace
It's always easier after the fact to look back and see how an event in your life connects to the universe's bigger picture...or bigger purpose. A little over 11 years ago we landed in Grinnell quite by mistake. Those first few months, even first few years, were not always easy as we tired to find our niche in the community. But find those niches we eventually did. In many ways our time in Grinnell was about growth. We grew as a family. Scott and I were challenged in the continued growth of our relationship. And I think it's fair to say that we each grew as individuals. I know I did. I'm pretty sure the universe knew what it was doing when it led us to Grinnell.
It's kinda hard to explain, but I feel like Grinnell the community, the time we lived there, and the people we met (people who will be life long friends not matter where life takes us physically), really allowed me to find out who I am at the core of my authentic self. The openness and diversity of the community, that still holds so many of the small town values with which I grew up, allowed me to explore opinions and beliefs and figure out just where I feel most at home along the continuum of view points. It's a place that showed me I CAN live from the heart, trusting the wisdom of my inner guide, as I move though life. And that it's OK if life doesn't always fit a preconceived notion of the many labels society tries to tag us with...Mom, Wife, Woman, Liberal, Conservative, Gay, Straight, Local, Outsider...Girl with Pink Hair Who Teaches Yoga.
I would be lying if I denied the fact that one of the hardest parts about leaving Grinnell for me was the fear I have had about finding my niche in a new community. Grinnell is not your typical small Iowa town. It was really easy being ME there. It was really easy to surround myself with others who shared similar views on life. Similar values. Similar interests and activities. But it took time find those people and that level of comfort with my place in the community and the thought of starting the process all over again scared me to DEATH.
But again, I trust the universe knows what it's doing. In this case I truly believe that for the health of our little family unit, we needed to make this move. The stress that Scott's daily commute added to our life was much greater than we really realized. Stress that over time I believe would have simply eaten away at us like a slow growing bacteria. And, in all it's glorious wisdom, the universe knew that even with my hesitation about change, I have the strength to face it head on without losing my sense of self.
The thing is I was worried that moving into this smaller, more traditional, more conservative community would smother ME. That my family would bloom and I would slowly wilt. That I would simply become known as "You know, that neo-hippie liberal with the pink hair who doesn't go to church and teaches yoga." I had already started to label myself for people without even giving them a chance to form their own opinions. And even if that is the label some people choose to give me, I'm realizing I'm OK with that. Because chances are there are at least a few people around who have been waiting for the support to step out of the box they have been living in to spread their own wings a bit. And maybe, just maybe, by being comfortable and open about who I am, and building my life and business in our new community based on the simple principals of compassion and tolerance, will allow others to be more comfortable expressing their true authentic selves.
I know, it's a concept that seems a little out there at first. But with all that's been going on in recent weeks in regards to the untimely deaths of teens who felt they couldn't fit in or find loving support as they worked to figure out just who they are, I'm thinking we as a greater society have to open up to the reality that we are not all cast from the same mold, AND THAT IS OK. And that those of us who celebrate the unique nature of every member of the human race need to do everything we can to lend support to those who are in need of compassion and acceptance.
So there you have it.
What's been brewing all spewed out in a semi-organized fashion.
Thanks for reading.
peace
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Toddler Photo Shoot...
Shannon, whose wedding photos I took a few summers back, asked if I could take some pictures of her little boy this weekend. While following a slightly tired, kinda grumpy 20 month old around the playground can be a bit of a challenge of stamina and speed, it's well worth joy like this...
I'm building my portfolio...and I've started a photography share sight to promote it. The only way I'm gonna know if I can make it as a paid photographer is by putting myself out there. Here I go!
peace
I'm building my portfolio...and I've started a photography share sight to promote it. The only way I'm gonna know if I can make it as a paid photographer is by putting myself out there. Here I go!
peace
Saturday, October 16, 2010
An Assistant...
Danbo was helping me catch up on email yesterday...
Obviously he has an opinion on which messages I need to give some attention...
peace
Obviously he has an opinion on which messages I need to give some attention...
peace
Friday, October 15, 2010
A Short Photo Essay...
Here's the short version of what's been keeping me busy the last couple of weeks.
In the final days of September I spend most of my waking hours turning this...
into this...
and getting ready for this...
and the official opening of my new small business here in Carlisle! Yes, I can now officially say I am a small business owner (with government recognized organization and tax responsibilities and all)! Which translates into tackling all that comes with being the sole owner of a small start up business. I had one very crazy week of remodeling, decorating, promoting, cleaning, paperwork creating, and budget balancing (and not much sleeping) to prepare for opening the doors. Now, with 2 weeks of business in the books, I'm busy teaching, schedule tweaking, and brainstorming ways to get people in the door to check out a class so that I can do more teaching and schedule tweaking! The hard work needed for small business start-up is far from over, but it does seem a bit more manageable these days.
This past weekend I traveled to Iowa City for my 9th, and final, weekend of yoga teacher training with this lovely group of people...
It's hard to believe how quickly 9 months of study together has passed, and how much my life has changed in that period of time. With my certificate of completion in hand I can now register with the internationally recognized organization, Yoga Alliance, which will allow me to add 3 little letters (RYT...aka Registered Yoga Teacher) behind my name on my business card. An addition that may not mean much to the students who have taken with me over the years, but a personal goal I'm happy to say I have achieved!
Through it all I can not over look the love and support and patience my family and friends have extended my way. My husband has served as hug giver, tear wiper, and cheerleader more times than I can count throughout this process. My girls have been put up with being dragged all over to buy paint and pick up print orders and have patiently put up with many a Mommy-less night (and a few Mommy-less weekends) without even a whisper of complaint. And so many, when I have doubted that I was traveling the right path, have offered words of encouragement and wisdom to keep me going. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU...from the bottom of my heart...for all the love and support y'all!
Life doesn't seem to be slowing down any in the days ahead. I have my first kiddo photo-shoot (one where I'm playing hired photographer) scheduled for this weekend, town sponsored fall festivities to prep for both as a business and as "Mom, maker of the costumes", and the holiday season is already knocking at our calendar doors. Not to mention...knitting season is upon us...and yet my needles have been sitting idle. I must do something about that!
peace
In the final days of September I spend most of my waking hours turning this...
into this...
and getting ready for this...
and the official opening of my new small business here in Carlisle! Yes, I can now officially say I am a small business owner (with government recognized organization and tax responsibilities and all)! Which translates into tackling all that comes with being the sole owner of a small start up business. I had one very crazy week of remodeling, decorating, promoting, cleaning, paperwork creating, and budget balancing (and not much sleeping) to prepare for opening the doors. Now, with 2 weeks of business in the books, I'm busy teaching, schedule tweaking, and brainstorming ways to get people in the door to check out a class so that I can do more teaching and schedule tweaking! The hard work needed for small business start-up is far from over, but it does seem a bit more manageable these days.
This past weekend I traveled to Iowa City for my 9th, and final, weekend of yoga teacher training with this lovely group of people...
It's hard to believe how quickly 9 months of study together has passed, and how much my life has changed in that period of time. With my certificate of completion in hand I can now register with the internationally recognized organization, Yoga Alliance, which will allow me to add 3 little letters (RYT...aka Registered Yoga Teacher) behind my name on my business card. An addition that may not mean much to the students who have taken with me over the years, but a personal goal I'm happy to say I have achieved!
Through it all I can not over look the love and support and patience my family and friends have extended my way. My husband has served as hug giver, tear wiper, and cheerleader more times than I can count throughout this process. My girls have been put up with being dragged all over to buy paint and pick up print orders and have patiently put up with many a Mommy-less night (and a few Mommy-less weekends) without even a whisper of complaint. And so many, when I have doubted that I was traveling the right path, have offered words of encouragement and wisdom to keep me going. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU...from the bottom of my heart...for all the love and support y'all!
Life doesn't seem to be slowing down any in the days ahead. I have my first kiddo photo-shoot (one where I'm playing hired photographer) scheduled for this weekend, town sponsored fall festivities to prep for both as a business and as "Mom, maker of the costumes", and the holiday season is already knocking at our calendar doors. Not to mention...knitting season is upon us...and yet my needles have been sitting idle. I must do something about that!
peace
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Remember Me...
I am still here. I have so much I could share about the past few weeks, but I don't even know where to begin. So instead I bring you some playtime with Danbo. We are diggin' the fall leaves and hidden treasures found under.
peace
peace
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