tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73851306377726534552024-03-13T18:18:56.605-04:00Reptilian RantingsSo my book, Reptiles on Caffeine, is about the fight or flight stress response; basically something everyone deals with in one way or another in life. I created my blog as an opportunity to discuss stress in the workplace & to laugh at reptilian behavior.Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-17090614772656724382015-05-12T18:35:00.002-04:002015-05-12T18:35:56.473-04:00I’m so busy<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPj4mBC6TlND7OFRS2WSmV0zu6iGD6PRqR2ZL7-EFfq3ybl6-fNO2UaNMPna3hKXdCE5dhvXRNUQ4Jxb0FrPcu7tO15zxBkPrFIVhxSMna5AbuMmAJXKeeLPDaT84k866moifbgHJAGM/s1600/36356_Cute-Baby-Child-Playing-Mobile-Phone-Wallpapers-download_1280x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPj4mBC6TlND7OFRS2WSmV0zu6iGD6PRqR2ZL7-EFfq3ybl6-fNO2UaNMPna3hKXdCE5dhvXRNUQ4Jxb0FrPcu7tO15zxBkPrFIVhxSMna5AbuMmAJXKeeLPDaT84k866moifbgHJAGM/s200/36356_Cute-Baby-Child-Playing-Mobile-Phone-Wallpapers-download_1280x960.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c. http://kidztrainer.com/s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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“Yeah, uh, huh, yeah, I gotta go...”</div>
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“Right, yeah...I got a million things to do.</div>
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“I know, I’ve gotta run...I’m really busy”</div>
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“Yeah....Gotta run, I’ll talk to you later...”</div>
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I was listening to a child playing with her mother’s
phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though, it could have been
me when I was younger playing with my toy phone. That’s what we heard adults do
on the phone. So when we pretended, we did the same thing.</div>
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It gave me a sense of importance even then. </div>
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My parents didn’t do it a lot, but I heard other adults do
it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They much be really in demand</i> I
would think.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Us Americans, we like to be busy. We don’t like to be
mistaken for someone who doesn’t work hard. We frown on those people. So we
take on more than we can handle and it is very easy to get overwhelmed.</div>
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When I think about the most valuable people in my life, in
terms of practical career influence, they were probably the busiest of all, but
didn’t let on. Probably because, to them, it wasn’t tedious. They loved what
they were doing, so the energy was not sapped out of them. They were
super-busy, no doubt, but instead of wigging out about how busy they were, they
paced themselves so that interruptions aren’t as dire. </div>
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I don’t want to be busy anymore. I don’t even like the word.
I like the corresponding feeling even less.</div>
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We tend to feel busy when we see things are a chore; when
we’re overwhelmed. But what if we changed our mindset, so we saw past the
actual tasks or chores to the end results? Sure, there will still be some
anxiety; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’ve gotta get this done, I’ll
be so glad when this is done</i>; but if we breathe through it, keeping our
eyes on the prize, as they say, it will come much more naturally.</div>
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Someone once said, pursue your passion and you’ll never work
a day in your life. If you are not able to do your passion at work, think about
why you are doing it. Make the necessary move to never being busy.</div>
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c.2015</div>
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Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-72688678738582148522015-03-22T17:52:00.000-04:002015-03-22T17:52:41.348-04:00Run Away from Your Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTmSgBhiS4p6qa1YgjVGJKWXD5WsAkRC8ppjMYYCXt2bwQVXgyB_wQLLgiAkFNTGwP8csTQqk5oqaojQpw5PI-SpiFZbPOU6LmPw3kmtgLavGR13Iiz9R2pIuu35T_9X70AUPGrjmDU8/s1600/running+with+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTmSgBhiS4p6qa1YgjVGJKWXD5WsAkRC8ppjMYYCXt2bwQVXgyB_wQLLgiAkFNTGwP8csTQqk5oqaojQpw5PI-SpiFZbPOU6LmPw3kmtgLavGR13Iiz9R2pIuu35T_9X70AUPGrjmDU8/s1600/running+with+dog.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a class="_ZR irc_hol" data-ved="0CAYQjB0" href="http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/running-with-your-dog-how-to-train-fido-to-run-at-your-side" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #7d7d7d; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-overflow: ellipsis; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;">drsophiayin.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We take our dog Baileys, to the dog park at least once a week. We do
it, not only because she loves, I mean LOVES it; as much as we do it for
ourselves. She is much more manageable [and less devious] when she gets
exercise, when she has a chance to run, jump out her excitement. She is always
excited. She loves life, but she needs an outlet for all of that energy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not unlike Baileys in that situation. After a
particularly frustrating day, I went to my job at Curves and just ran on the
recovery board. I don’t know if it was the “flight” response or just general
angst; Probably a combination of both. I got some curious looks, because despite
the instructions to “Change Stations Now,” I stayed put, just running....to who
knows where.</div>
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“I’m running away from my day, ” I explained. The ladies
obliged by going around me. I think they understood.</div>
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Let me explain. I am not a runner. I'm sure i don't do it right [and I don't care]. I think I actually failed
PE. But the feeling I got from the running was better than any drug could have given me. It got me wanting to do more of it, just as a release for my toxic
energy. </div>
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After my evening there, I felt amazing. Not to mention, much
more agreeable.</div>
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I decided to incorporate my “run” [it’s more of a half run
half walk, with some stumbling mixed in], with Baileys. We used to do it at the
cemetery when no one is looking. Except I became a casualty in her pursuit of a squirrel. I’m sure the
motorists had quite an eyeful as I landed on the ground, with a thud, laughing. </div>
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I felt equally amazing after our run. The combination of laughter and running was incredibly therapeutic. </div>
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So Baileys and I try to do at least one run/walk a day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’ve moved to the tennis courts.</div>
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c. 2015</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-33095112329570801062015-03-07T08:48:00.000-05:002015-03-07T08:48:13.529-05:00Rejection or Opportunity?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.famous-entrepreneurs.com/images/barbara-corcoran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.famous-entrepreneurs.com/images/barbara-corcoran.jpg" height="114" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.famous-entrepreneurs.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Many endeavors have quirky beginnings, but I’m willing to bet
this stands alone in its surrealness. “Yeah, I met Barb in California. I
originally thought she was a whore, but it tuned out she was just renting
apartments....Boy was I wrong.”</div>
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Indeed, at the time she was just using her apartment as her real
estate office, but the steady stream of people would raise some eyebrows.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p>Most people would find almost being evicted because the
landlord thought she was a prostitute debilitating, not to mention soul crushing.
Horrified as she was, she chose to see the good in the situation. It got her a
chance to talk to her landlord who was the one who got her started on her
career as a multi millionaire.</div>
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“If I hadn’t almost been evicted as a prostitute, I wouldn’t
have had the opportunity to meet my landlord, ask for his listings, and leave
with a new apartment to rent.” That’s one way to put it, I guess. </div>
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She says, “The eviction notice and it’s happy ending taught
me that opportunity hides in the worst situations, when the timing’s not right,
and when everyone agrees that the most prudent move is to lie low. Finding
opportunity is a matter of believing it’s there.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Handling rejection
is 90% of what sales are all about.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I remember reading a then, unknown, Barbara
Corcoran’s book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Youve-Other-Business-Lessons-Learned/dp/1593160151">Use
What You’ve Got</a> years ago. My mother, who thought I’d find it
inspirational, loaned it to me to read. It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i>
very inspiring, but I had nowhere to apply the insights. I gave the book back
and I had all but forgotten her until her name started appearing in news and business
journals, and of course Shark Tank. This coincided with my own business
planning, which is providential because she is not only very inspiring, but has
firsthand knowledge from testing it out herself.</span></div>
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<a href="https://cdn.empowernetwork.com/user_images/post/2013/12/12/7/f6/e807/540x293_20131212_7f6e807470fc84acc4ee6640506fdb6e_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://cdn.empowernetwork.com/user_images/post/2013/12/12/7/f6/e807/540x293_20131212_7f6e807470fc84acc4ee6640506fdb6e_jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a>To look at the glamorous, confident business mogul, you
would think that all she does is win. You would never know that she’s had her
share of rejection. She’s a master at turning bad things into good things. When
her business partner and boyfriend of 7 years broke up with her to marry the
company secretary, no doubt her blood boiled. Adding insult to injury, he said
as they were splitting the business, <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"You
know, you will never succeed without me."</span></div>
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She turned her hurt into power and got the best revenge. She
eventually sold the company for $66 million. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"I knew
when he said that, I would rather die than let you see me not succeed,"
says Corcoran. "Thank God for the gift of the insult." </span>She is
now considered a real estate mogul and is a popular TV personality, but she
didn’t know it would turn out that way.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I consider your
rejection a lucky charm, because everything that ever happened in my life came
on the heels of failure,” is what she told the producers of Shark Tank when
they initially rejected her.</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wow! What if we all thought that way? What if
we all redefined rejection as opportunity? Most of us spend a large part of our
lives, eschewing rejection. By reconsidering it, we take away its negative power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 30px;">"You have to be great at handling rejection, and then more rejection, and then still more rejection." </b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s easy [and common] to get excited about
something and very soon, realize you are in over your head. Barbara found this
out when she was invited to speak at a group of 800 homebuyers at a seminar.
Excited for the publicity and the opportunity, she jumped at the chance.
Excepting her waitress experience, she had never spoken to large groups. Her opening
joke fell flat as she forgot the punch line and it was a downward spiral from
there. She went back to her seat in agony, leaving the moderator with his mouth
open. She decided then and there to reinvent herself. This would not define
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She could have wallowed in her defeat. Most
people would have. She decided she needed a crash course in public speaking. But
not in a conventional way. The next day, she pitched a course on real estate to
NYU. She said she was an “excellent speaker.” They bit and she ended up
teaching there for 5 years. She soon became that “excellent speaker.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Failure and rejection were the doors to ultimate
success for Barbara Corcoran. How many times were the same doors were presented
to others [including myself] who walked by because they didn’t want to be hurt?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p>c. 2015</o:p></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-31203736961318750642015-02-20T04:27:00.001-05:002015-02-20T04:27:47.527-05:00“All is Well”<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rescuepost.com/.a/6a00d8357f3f2969e20133edb2d5e7970b-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rescuepost.com/.a/6a00d8357f3f2969e20133edb2d5e7970b-pi" height="181" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c, http://www.rescuepost.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></span><span style="background: white; color: #181818;">“All defensiveness and emotional tumult is a fear response
because of your need for acceptance and ruthless control of the territory of
your safe fantasy world.”</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">
<span style="background: white;">―</span></span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5824390.Bryant_McGill"><span style="color: #666600; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Bryant McGill</span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">,</span><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/42231036"><span style="color: #666600; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Simple
Reminders: Inspiration for Living Your Best Life</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Matt is a guy I worked with who couldn’t take anything that
resembled criticism. His M.O. was to criticize the way I was doing things and
prove his rightness. Actually he may not even realize it. Which is probably the
most annoying thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">We all know people we can’t talk to because everything is a
battle. Any comment is met with ruthless defense, when you weren’t even on the
attack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These people are maddening to say the least. This is beyond
simply standing up for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
people are extreme. It’s almost as if they are anticipating an attack and are
reciting some script they have been working on for a long time. The thing is,
they probably have. They are most likely coming from a situation where they
were judged or criticized excessively.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a primal response straight from our reptilian brains.
We are reptiles when we’re being defensive. It is motivated by fear and not
reason. We are not thinking when we are in this state, which is why rehearsed
lines are more prominent, as are fiery arrows of blame.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, but you...”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well, why did you...”</div>
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<br /></div>
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So how do we deal with this? Hard as it may be, don’t fall
into the trap of defensiveness. Rise above. “Don’t go lizard, go turtle,” Martha
Beck suggests. Focus on something positive about the situation or think of
something to engage your thinking brain. She suggests thinking of a bright
color, or solving an analytical problem. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reptilian brain operates out of scarcity. Something is
lacking; something is wrong. They zero in on the wrong things. Not only is the
good not on their radar, they have no hope. These people need assurance that
everything will be ok. Not so much in words, but in actions. It can be tough
when they are on their manic whirlwind of dis-ease. </div>
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<br /></div>
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That is why it is so important that, we, their counterparts
in this case, are operating from an attitude of “enough” or even abundance.
Another way to go about that is, instead of looking for things that are wrong,
look for things that are right. It will accomplish the same thing, but it will
completely change your mindset. This will help arm you from their defensive
jabs. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Critical
thinking without hope is cynicism. Hope without critical thinking is naïveté</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 7.0pt;">.</span><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt;">Maria Popova</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt;">c. 2015</span></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-57759049094844816562015-01-23T03:53:00.000-05:002015-01-23T03:53:42.322-05:00A Slow Cooker for the Soul, by guest blogger Don E. Smith Jr.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAYT0_ksl4cR0NtNl_k9_GFpWJxaByDdQ4oLj43vzNnwYLFZ4YkbZTrXL5msD3wi2xh2w7SaFTpxQixqukUimh12U2GrTSKQeQgRge5U2BJAyN7q4Sd30_qdDNWasRXpl6bQeKjxDmpE/s1600/don'and%2Blaura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAYT0_ksl4cR0NtNl_k9_GFpWJxaByDdQ4oLj43vzNnwYLFZ4YkbZTrXL5msD3wi2xh2w7SaFTpxQixqukUimh12U2GrTSKQeQgRge5U2BJAyN7q4Sd30_qdDNWasRXpl6bQeKjxDmpE/s1600/don'and%2Blaura.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don & Laura Smith<br />c. Don E. Smith, Jr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /><br />Brooke Musterman is a part-time philosopher and she shares these thoughts in her "Reptilian Rantings" web site. This wonderful blog is dedicated to chronicling stress and how people react to it in the work place. But what about the "out of the workplace?"<br /><br />Life became a bit trying for me this year as I found myself unemployed.<br /><br />Employment news and unemployment are a bear unto themselves.<br /><br />Besides the obvious, "What do we do about income?" "Y'know bills can't be paid with empty promises?" "What do I do?"<br /><br />I am going to lay it out there - unemployment, mostly, is a mind game. I mean that kind of annoying "The person I liked smiled at me - is it love? Wait! They're frowning in my direction! Does that mean they hate me?"<br /><br />What was I to do? The answer came in an unusual way - a crock pot. <br /><br />One weekend soon after my unemployment, my friend Peggy said randomly, "It's never been used. Interested?" "What the heck?" I responded.<br /><br />Another thing happened, upon hearing about my issue, a friend bought me a bag of groceries. In the bag were apples and apple juice. Also, while reading a coupon circular, my wife found a crock pot recipe for apple sauce. <br /><br />When <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_436328887" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> rolled around my patient "missus" was at work and I was left alone. Sure I could watch TV, read or surf YouTube, but worries of the future set in!<br /><br />Then an idea hit, "Crock pot!" I forced myself out of the chair, grabbed the recipe Laura found and I grabbed the apples and began peeling and cutting! In about 45 minutes, the crock pot was beginning to heat up with a cup of apple juice, lemon juice, some Stevia and vanilla.<br /><br />It helps to understand that before I was unemployed, my wife did all the cooking or we would go out to eat or fast food. The idea that I could cook was alien to me! But by doing this simple act, something kicked in.<br /><br />For the next five hours, while the apples "slowly cooked" (hence the name SLOW COOKER), I found myself attacking each room of our apartment. The bed got made, the dishes got washed, the laundry was done and I made dinner (grilled hot dogs - I could do that at least).<br /><br />By the end of the day, I did not have that feeling of "Boy, am I useless!" What I found was a feeling of accomplishment. My wife came home and found she did not have to clean or cook.<br /><br />That was the day I learned "Cooking was a distraction!" And any distraction that will keep "the gates of despair" from opening and emptying out on you is a good thing!<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Within weeks, I was teaching myself crock</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAjYYWztXq_FT4QS26qeLjpz7xh8yzKVbRxuWkCJvmOIiZGjsOWarZyYR96UVqfkX1TtMmpeMmPDjSkoA952svVo1l4LV36VrGSr6IbYn-4NijgtkPFVkkClwgJ3UWjW1a2KQQ-9qdU8/s1600/crock+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAjYYWztXq_FT4QS26qeLjpz7xh8yzKVbRxuWkCJvmOIiZGjsOWarZyYR96UVqfkX1TtMmpeMmPDjSkoA952svVo1l4LV36VrGSr6IbYn-4NijgtkPFVkkClwgJ3UWjW1a2KQQ-9qdU8/s1600/crock+pot.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crock pot that changed it all<br />c. 2015 Don Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
pot recipes like chicken, beef and, of course, lots and lots and lots of apple sauce! I began posting the photos on Facebook and began experimenting with regular dishes. Just this past Christmas I got a garlic press, cutting boards and cook books.<br /><br />Now I did not become the next Emeril or Julia Child, but what could've been a bleak and discouraging mindset, became overshadowed with confidence and a new creativity. Confidence and creativity are skills and tools needed as I find a new job.<br /><br />I was sharing all this with my friend Peggy and she said, "Do you know why you have this new sense of confidence and creativity?" I said, "Not really."<br /><br />"Because as you learned how to feed your body," she said. "You really learned how to feed your soul!" <br /><br />I thought about this, and I realized Peggy was right. It turns out that Peggy is also a part-time philosopher.<br /><br />Like Brooke. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">c. 2015</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-63018880683482672462014-11-17T22:39:00.000-05:002014-11-17T22:39:16.057-05:00Interview with Zen Habits's Leo Babauta<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE6YqsOwsk_cTOahv1OtevFrvqqlww-mfX6SXGpHz3iEiXonZLI9RcDKJB_e3XwlQ67CP2B2qS5ZhEDvzIyNRu7KrH3JH3QRQpIIEp8ygDVk6e9BW_KQMP9313jMQzZHC9TIwgsMjpsI/s1600/Leo+Babuta+close+up.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE6YqsOwsk_cTOahv1OtevFrvqqlww-mfX6SXGpHz3iEiXonZLI9RcDKJB_e3XwlQ67CP2B2qS5ZhEDvzIyNRu7KrH3JH3QRQpIIEp8ygDVk6e9BW_KQMP9313jMQzZHC9TIwgsMjpsI/s1600/Leo+Babuta+close+up.jpeg" height="200" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo Babauta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo Babauta was a very different person in 2005. He was 70 pounds heavier, a chain smoker, huffing and puffing to a job he hated. He was in serious debt and he had no time for his wife and three kids. Even when he did, he preferred to just veg out, because he was so spent. He was miserable and he knew it. He also knew that to get out of his misery he would have to make some changes, let go of some deeply ingrained habits that he had developed as security blankets. This was perhaps the scariest thing.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am an avid reader of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="http://zenhabits.net/">Zen Habits</a></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I always get something great out of his posts. His posts talk about manageable, simple things that I can actually do to great effect. He is finishing his latest book about changing habits, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://zenhabitsbook.com/">Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let me tell you, there is no one more suited. He is the poster boy for changing habits. He has done it!</span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Always unconventional, he is crowdfunding his book. His book will not be sold in stores or on Amazon. It will only be available via <a href="http://zenhabits.net/fund/">Kickstarter</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week I had the awesome opportunity to interview Leo. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone wants to make changes. Few can stick with those changes. In your book, you share some of your tips on how to make change last, through a process called mindfulness. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First off, can you explain what exactly “mindfulness” is?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: In the book, I compare mindfulness with a spotlight: usually we go through our lives not really aware, not seeing the present moment, not noticing our thoughts. Mindfulness is simply shining a spotlight on all of that, so that we’re aware of what’s happening. It takes practice to remember to do that, but when you do remember, you can see the resistance in your mind to change, you can see your rationalizatons and urges, you can feel when you’re resentful or frustrated. If you can’t see any of that, you can’t change it. Mindfulness also helps me to appreciate more about each moment, and to enjoy the moment more fully.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo, everyone can relate to where you started. There are many of us who are in debt, hate our jobs, could lose a few pounds, start an exercise program. We all WANT to make change. We know we SHOULD make a change, but just can’t. I know for me, I can have the best of intentions, but I either forget, because the habits are so ingrained, or give up because it’s too difficult.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But you actually did it! You overcame all of the really “impossible” obstacles, quitting smoking, drinking, overcoming debt, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many people get overwhelmed because they know they need to make a lot of changes, but you didn’t make all of these changes at once. You say you started by making just one change. You started by quitting smoking and gave it all you had. Once you slayed that dragon, you moved on to the next. Tell us about that. How did you decide which one to take on first? How did you deal with the tough parts, the cravings, the fidgeting, the bad moods?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Well, I did try to change a bunch of habits all at once, but that wasn’t working for me. I kept failing. So I decided to just try one, and pour all my energy and focus into that. I chose quitting smoking because I thought it was the worst thing I was doing and I really wanted to change it. I don’t recommend that as a first habit change, though — choose something easier. But yes, I did have to deal with cravings, bad moods, and very strong resistance. What helped was mindfully watching the urges arise, and then not acting on them. I also learned to cope with stress in other ways (other than smoking), by breathing, meditating, taking a walk, doing some pushups. I also learned to call on other people when I was having a hard time, and to distract myself from the urges when necessary, to delay action on the urges until they went away. Finally: I learned not to believe all the negative self-talk that I found myself doing.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GOFBvrf3_rWvNpATHPIe4Nnp31paiZVZveabyXl3Z2igcvROluaaPxBTRbZXtGZpkF53QP_cldm_khefTVSVc5XmhQbunaCZRmQr1J6NxOtCOukiMygd4t3VEiZ6zqHQBRmUaAEfQg8/s1600/cover__1-copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GOFBvrf3_rWvNpATHPIe4Nnp31paiZVZveabyXl3Z2igcvROluaaPxBTRbZXtGZpkF53QP_cldm_khefTVSVc5XmhQbunaCZRmQr1J6NxOtCOukiMygd4t3VEiZ6zqHQBRmUaAEfQg8/s1600/cover__1-copy.png" height="320" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://zenhabitsbook.com/">Get the book!</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Personally, I am trying to finish a few writing projects that I am struggling to find time for. After a full day of work, I just want to nap and veg out. I have been setting two hours a day that all I can do is go to my office and write. It’s just that so many other things seem to vie for my attention then. Its all too easy to postpone my writing time for something “quick” [and necessary] like unloading the dishwasher, checking email/voicemail, etc. Before I know it my two allotted hours have passed...again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Yes, exactly! We think of the productive work as this big block of time, a huge task we need to get done, but the email or dishwasher are quick tasks that seem much easier. So we do the easy and put off the huge chunk of work until later. What if instead, we just saw the writing as an easy task — something you can do in a couple minutes. “Just start writing” should be the task you think of … and then, once you start, maybe you’ll want to continue!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You talk about relaxed productivity. I love that. I know few things get done when we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off, but if we breathe through it. It all gets done. I work at Starbucks and when it’s really busy, I know I can get it all done if I just move a little slower, breathe through the steps. Unfortunately people usually want me to move faster. They don’t realize that if I rush around they’ll have to wait until I fix my mistakes. There are several jobs like mine, where if people don’t see you running around, they think you aren’t taking it seriously or are being lazy. They don’t realize that the less you are in panic mode, the more productive you will be.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s the same with habits. If you are taking on too much at once, you are not setting yourself up for success. You will quickly become overwhelmed. How did relaxed productivity help you with your habit changes?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: That sense of urgency, which is created in our own minds, becomes a mental habit that we have a hard time getting out of. When you rush through one task, you are suddenly looking for the next one, and then the next, and it’s neverending. What I’ve found useful is to slow down, focus on one task, give it some space, loosen up my tightened mind. When I finish that one task, I try to give some space before starting the next task (when I remember).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Has this helped with my habit changes? Well, it’s important to give the habit its own space as well … if we just see the new habit (let’s say doing a workout) as something to rush through before you do your next task, it won’t have any focus, and you won’t enjoy it. Instead, treat this new habit as an event, something worth giving your attention and time to, something to be relished.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are Buddhist concepts, but it is possible to practice mindfulness and Zen without being Buddhist, right? There are things that parallel with Christianity, for instance. Things like impermanence and leaving attachments sound very much like Christian concepts as well.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Yes, the ideas of impermanence and non-attachment are fairly widespread, and you don’t have to be a part of any religion, really, to try them out. It’s obvious that our time here on earth is fleeting and limited, and so life itself is impermanent. Nothing lasts, everything changes. It’s how we deal with that impermanence that determines our happiness. And so non-attachment is simply a way of dealing with impermanence — if everything changes, don’t be attached to one state. And with practice, it works really well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6n-1Ww_KpPFFBG84aAl7dBIkn5Qs2ytWJ1Q1R3d6o-fNr8ezzhgPh3K1RK7aqBcOTArByN9VXVZr8g6XDP1DzrHoVG0QHEzQyA2K727blKFq5fCwlb97LVIOMZqwHnZ7_pMopWW68xE/s1600/leostanding.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6n-1Ww_KpPFFBG84aAl7dBIkn5Qs2ytWJ1Q1R3d6o-fNr8ezzhgPh3K1RK7aqBcOTArByN9VXVZr8g6XDP1DzrHoVG0QHEzQyA2K727blKFq5fCwlb97LVIOMZqwHnZ7_pMopWW68xE/s1600/leostanding.jpeg" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love how you always talk about being grateful for the moment. You don’t necessarily mean, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yay, I’m encountering hardships</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but being grateful for the experience and the corresponding lessons. Can you talk about some obstacles you faced when you were conquering habits, and how you dealt with them?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: I’ve faced so many obstacles! From not wanting to do the habit today, to feeling guilty if I missed, to not trusting myself to stick to a habit, to opposition from other people in my life to my changes. Actually, my entire book is about how to deal with these obstacles … but in brief: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have there been instances where people in your life have responded negatively or uncomfortably to your changes?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Oh, definitely. I’ve had family members who were resentful when I tried to eat healthier, or people who mocked my quitting smoking, believe it or not. Probably the most negative reactions we’ve gotten is from becoming vegan, and unschooling our kids. We’ve learned that other people will be resistant to change, and we have to learn how to handle that in stride. We try to deal kindly and gently with other people like that, and to slowly educate them or at least get them to understand a little. Slowly, though, I’ve surrounded myself with people who are more supportive.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are there any habits you wanted to but haven’t changed?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: Sure, lots … I’ve been inconsistent with meditation, and I’ve quit language learning about 5 times. That’s OK — we’re all learning! I try not to be too hard on myself, but learn from my mistakes.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You are selling your new book on an unconventional platform. Can you tell us how we can get it?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leo</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: I thought it would be fun to cut out the middle man, and sell directly to my readers. So you can only buy the book on Kickstarter: </span><a href="http://zenhabits.net/fund/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Zen Habits book</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This will help fund the printing of the book, and you can also get it in digital format (Kindle, PDF, iPad, web) and even be a part of webinars and a coaching program if you choose the higher reward levels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you so much, Leo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can always read Leo’s stuff at https://www.zenhabits.com</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YSEKY-_nIzmgq15ts9dZcuDkM2iTjMAQLZII1K4i8aC88i19nJU6RWj9oVn1dwY3tk7FpF1F-hfkUWBTHfyPKjOdmxeeyyUu02PCziQLmMbYaPUVZHF7tPlMWTOCIESEcKREtry5t8I/s1600/dr.+michelle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YSEKY-_nIzmgq15ts9dZcuDkM2iTjMAQLZII1K4i8aC88i19nJU6RWj9oVn1dwY3tk7FpF1F-hfkUWBTHfyPKjOdmxeeyyUu02PCziQLmMbYaPUVZHF7tPlMWTOCIESEcKREtry5t8I/s1600/dr.+michelle.png" height="163" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Michelle Dillon<br />
c. Charlotte Natural Wellness</td></tr>
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Our society is comfortably numb. We are overmedicated, for
sure. You say you are uncomfortable? There are lots of chemicals that may or
may not treat your symptoms that medicine companies [not doctors, mind you]
will happily sell to you for thousands of dollars. </div>
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There is a medicine for
almost every minor discomfort under the sun. The more addicted you are, the
better off they are. Medicine companies are making billions of dollars. I
stopped watching TV long ago, but I remember I couldn’t watch for any length of
time without being pummeled with an antidepressant ad or worse, a Viagra ad
coming on. Magazines aren’t safe either. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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That's why it was very refreshing to meet a doctor who wants to first
and foremost solve things without drugs, but isn’t afraid to use them when
necessary.</div>
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I met Dr. Michelle Dillon at my church. I was really stoked
to find out what she does. She is a <span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Naturopathic Doctor at <a href="http://www.charlottenaturalwellness.com/">Charlotte Natural Wellness</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Her passion is working with mothers, who are probably the
most stressed out people in the world. She should know, she’s a mother of
three.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First of all, is
there a difference between homeopathic, naturalistic, there is a lot of words
people throw around. Are they all the same?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Dr. Michelle~No. <span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Homeopathic remedies, I would
say, fall into the same category as natural medicines. The difference is that
homeopathic remedies are produced differently, are diluted multiple hundred
times vs. natural medicines are just a vitamin, herb, or combination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">She said the differences between homeopathy and
traditional practice are, that traditional medicine prefers to treat symptoms
while homeopathy advocates a preventative healthy lifestyle which encompasses
the whole person.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My own personal
moment of clarity came when I found out that anxiety is a gut issue, not a
psychological issue. This really resonated with me. I know that I can get
really grumpy when I’m hungry, or am sick to my stomach. Also anxiety is known
to manifest itself in the gut, constipation, diarrhea, what have you. [All the
digestion aid medicine ads started to make sense].<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Michelle~ There is a percentage of serotonin that is
made in the gut It’s like 60 – 80 percent of serotonin, which is the happy
hormone or neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut. If you have weak
digestion, if you have chronic diarrhea you are not absorbing everything, it’s
going to definitely affect your moods. A lot of health issues are stemmed in
the gut. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Anxiety, I find a large correlation with irregular blood
sugar. So when your blood sugar is really low, your body will kick in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norepinephrine">norepinphrine</a>, the
stress hormones to help increase the blood sugar, but in the process it
increases your anxiety as well. It’s a lot of things...There is never just one
answer. There are so many components to it and it’s different for everyone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What do you say to
people who think that homeopathic medicine is new agey. To people who would
never consider seeing a homeopathic doctor or yoga or meditation. I remember
there was a time when I thought that was something only hippies did, and there
are some who consider meditation just dangerous.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">~ I do
encounter nay sayers - but most of the time if they feel that way they will not
call me in the first place!</span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
~I think meditation is good; It’s just what are you
meditating on? Because I’m actually working on a CD for Christian mediation;
like just meditating on scripture. The Bible uses meditation frequently...It
says whatever your thoughts are constantly thinking of, that’s what you’re
meditating on. So, yes, I think there are some meditations that are kind of new
agey, creepy and weird, but a lot of meditation is just bringing your thoughts
to something that is calming and restful and focusing on positive things instead
of all the crazy in your life. So I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.
A lot of new agey stuff...there’s no harm in it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My boyfriend is a
yoga teacher. And until I met him I had never tried yoga, but it really does
help you relax. I can tell a huge difference after I practice. Now I wouldn’t
be able to give it up.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~yogadownload.com is great. They just has a thing on
Groupon, where you could have a whole year and then you could just do it
whenever you want. You can do it on your phone. It comes in handy when you
don’t have a lot of time to go to a class.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Michelle~Are you taking any supplements?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No...Actually I did
just start taking something I heard from Dr. Oz. It’s a teaspoon of ginger, a
teaspoon of lemon juice and a half teaspoon of honey. You are supposed to take
it three times a day. I’ve been doing it inconsistently. But it seemed to work.
I’m going to keep trying it though.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~I’m sure not going too long without eating will help with
anxiety and supporting your adrenal glands, like <a href="http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Adaptogenic_Herbs.shtml">adaptogenic</a>
herbs; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava">Kava Kava</a>, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-104-california%20poppy.aspx?activeingredientid=104&activeingredientname=california%20poppy">California
Poppy</a>. These all help with anxiety and stress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of people turn to alcohol, but there are some herbs
you can turn to as well. Which sounds kind of bad, you know, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Turn to herbs, no?</i> [laughs] The proper
kind, the legal kind, like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_(herb)">Valarian</a> or Kava to
take that edge off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And these are herbs you can get at the grocery store?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~Yeah, you can get them at Earthfare, a Vitamin shop. You
want to make sure you read the label that it’s filtered for any contaminants,
cause some of the herbs can be high in arsenic or heavy metals or pesticides.
Make sure it’s by a good company, that it proudly states that they filter it or
they investigate any impurities. Because not all supplements are created equal.
They’re like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh, let’s get the cheap kind</i>.
Most of the cheap ones have no medicinal value. You’re just wasting your money
or you’re even contaminating yourself. Like the big popular one now is Centrum.
And Centrum is high in copper and tin. And tin is neurotoxic. People spend big
money to get that out of their body and you’re paying, like nothing, to get it
in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thank you so much, Dr. Michelle!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dr. Michelle Dillon i</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">s a licensed Naturopathic Doctor at <a href="http://www.charlottenaturalwellness.com/">Charlotte Natural Wellness</a>
who is an expert in relieving fatigue, allergies, headaches, women's issues,
and a variety of other imbalances without medicine, if possible. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-size: 11pt;">c. 2014</span></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-53230938294681868202014-10-10T22:44:00.000-04:002014-10-10T22:53:46.764-04:00Lean Times : Fat Times<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPygJXAO5opemXC9MV-OOegsw_2Veu7XCdveNLUtZ8rcUhd9UjQNofW_KYg3ktrEhdLtOksYk2Glz2KxSrwyTFeIZn_F1YLSsQHqyOlVwIbCtwXt2eOCXwSsks2h4Lovf9dRUsAb21rOU/s1600/poor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPygJXAO5opemXC9MV-OOegsw_2Veu7XCdveNLUtZ8rcUhd9UjQNofW_KYg3ktrEhdLtOksYk2Glz2KxSrwyTFeIZn_F1YLSsQHqyOlVwIbCtwXt2eOCXwSsks2h4Lovf9dRUsAb21rOU/s1600/poor.gif" height="126" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a class="_ZR irc_hol" data-ved="0CAYQjB0" href="http://anotherxyz.com/learned-poor/" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #7d7d7d; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-overflow: ellipsis; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;">anotherxyz.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a knot in her stomach, Gina looked at the balance in
her bank account for what seemed the hundredth time. How could it have gotten
so low? With her credit card maxed out how in the world was she going to make
it through the week? Maybe she wouldn’t have to eat. Or she could do as author,
Henry Miller did; be a dinner guest at a different friend’s house every night
of the week. The thought made her smile, it was certainly creative. No, she
couldn’t be one of <i>those</i> people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She wasn’t poor. She got paid the next week.... It’s just
that after paying the bills she wouldn’t have much left and she’d be back where
she was now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She’s not alone. Everyone is worried about money these days.
I’ve had several conversations with people describing exactly this situation.
Hard working people just trying to scrape by.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone has had lean times and fat times. There have been just
as many books about the lean times as the fat times. I like Seth Godin’s
thoughts on money in his <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2014/03/your-story-about-money.html">blog</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.65pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Money isn't real....</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Our bank balance is merely a number, bits
represented on a screen, but it's also a signal and symptom. We tell ourselves
a story about how we got that money, what it says about us, what we're going to
do with it and how other people judge us. We tell ourselves a story about how
that might grow, and more vividly, how that money might disappear or shrink or
be taken away.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 12.65pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And those stories, those very powerful unstated stories, impact
the narrative of just about everything else we do.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m willing to bet that our money isn’t half as important as
the stories we tell ourselves about it. How much we need it, the best way to
get it, the best things to spend it on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People have different stories of rich and poor; likewise,
different stories of success. These people can be inter-generational. [largely
influenced by their parents, I’m sure]. What some people can do without are
non-negotiables for others. Believe it or not, not all people have phones, TV, or internet. While I have not been in contact with these people in a long time to know if they have survived, I have heard they are doing just fine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mentioned in another post, <a href="http://reptilianrantings.blogspot.com/2012/09/prosperity.html">Prosperity</a>,
how my boyfriend recalls that on the El in Chicago, during times of economic
boom all of the passengers read Ayn Rand and in tighter times everyone reads <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grapes of Wrath.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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You are writing your financial story. You can choose to live
in abundance or in poverty. If you start to stress out, change your story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. 2014</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-53804176277335602802014-09-30T15:30:00.001-04:002014-09-30T15:30:41.168-04:00WWBD?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekdspLa6uME761nrRxEa3Em3F9s-rOsWN4aRH5_X5637x2BTwOxR14YBdjVzPypcLRiD9QoH-op-8goFWlfG1or1HKJOabWI4T83vatcz6UKF5o95VBxifF1PjfOedvBTb8wS4IYdhio/s1600/baileys+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekdspLa6uME761nrRxEa3Em3F9s-rOsWN4aRH5_X5637x2BTwOxR14YBdjVzPypcLRiD9QoH-op-8goFWlfG1or1HKJOabWI4T83vatcz6UKF5o95VBxifF1PjfOedvBTb8wS4IYdhio/s1600/baileys+closeup.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baileys<br />c.2013 bsm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was absolutely seething because some cheaters were allowed
to win at trivia....last Thursday. It’s not that it was just last Thursday; it
was many times before and will probably be many times after. This particular
host has shown that he really doesn’t care and will not enforce cheating. I
waste a lot of time and energy raging about it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why?” You may ask. Because that means dirty, rotten
cheaters are eating our well-deserved meal!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent a longer part of the afternoon venting to my
boyfriend about it than I would have liked, threatening to hit “SEND” on the
blistering email I had written to the host's boss. One of many.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t you be like Baileys?” my boyfriend asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She spent most of the morning fighting
off two pitt bulls at the dog park Saturday. Some other dogs were picking on
her. [Maybe they were playing, but it looked annoying to me.] You don’t see her
raging about it. She doesn’t dwell on things. She just comes home, trots around
with her pheasant and baby and is happy because she has a great life.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He mimicked her walking around in pure bliss, like she does.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought about it. He was absolutely right, as usual.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not that she didn’t give the two bullies a what-for at the
dog park. She doesn’t stuff her emotions. If we leave and don’t take her with
us, she just poops on the floor and calmly waits for us, then is really happy
to see us when we get back. [actually, she doesn’t do that as much anymore].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The point is she doesn’t sit and pout about how unfair she
thinks things are for her. She’s amazingly well-adjusted. She has plenty to
distrust people about. She had a pitiful past filled with abandonment. She
doesn’t let it shake her. As long as she has her “pack” [the three of us],
Baileys is confident that everything will be ok and she doesn’t let anything
get her down. Every day is a new day filled with fun and adventures. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. 2014</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-69087836270287043772014-08-28T07:10:00.000-04:002014-08-28T10:40:43.208-04:00Change in plans?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/files/Calendar_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/files/Calendar_0.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/calendars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ARRGGHHH! just ARRGGHHH!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sprained my ankle several months ago. Not exactly how I
counted on spending my Easter weekend. I was so frustrated! It meant I was a
lot slower. I couldn’t walk my dog, I had signed up to greet at church on Sunday...maybe
I could sit and do this?.... not to mention it put a real thorn in my side at
work. Why in the world did it have to happen?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was frustrating, I’ll admit. Though much different in
scope, it was not unlike the feelings of helplessness I had a few weeks ago
when my mother had an unexpected stroke. It certainly intruded on her plans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dad took the time to go through her calendar for the
week, cancelling appointments, piano lessons, meetings; because nowhere on her
schedule had the stroke been penciled in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we got over the initial fear that goes along with a
stroke; will she be ok? We got to work on rehab. I hesitate to use the word
“we;” I am only there a couple of hours a day and I help out when I’m not
working, but my dad really doing all of the caretaking. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is definitely paying off! My mom is progressing beyond
everyone’s expectations. She really is doing fantastic! But it’s slow moving.
Not really though.... She couldn’t speak two weeks ago.... It just seems that
way, I guess. More so for her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was a Toastmaster and a singer and a teacher, so the slower
speech issues are cramping her style, for sure. Talk about a change of
plans....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things happen, for sure. We are a lot less in control than we
like to think. So how do we not allow these things to derail us?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We could and lots of people do. But more often than not,
people realize a strength that they didn’t know they had. They adjust to a new
normal. When I was in a car accident a while back, my mother really identified with a
poem called, <a href="http://www.our-kids.org/archives/Holland.html">Welcome to Holland</a>.
Though the circumstances were different, the idea is still the same. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are in a place you didn’t plan to be, certainly don’t
want to be. Everything is different than what you are used to. You can choose
to sullenly fight the new schedules, new environments, new people you hadn’t
counted on meeting, new services you hadn’t counted on needing, new limitations; or be open to new possibilities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not as cut and dry as this. I don’t mean to make it
sound simple or easy, because it’s not. It is a daily, hourly process of
accepting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in Holland....quite unexpectedly. But you know, some
days even Holland has some nice weather and scenery. We’ll come back very soon with
our postcards and souvenirs and say “remember when...”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c.2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-36636753840634894202014-07-15T14:37:00.001-04:002014-07-15T14:37:58.920-04:00Traffic Jam...A reptilian response we can all identify with<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VymT1UT10hFdy9w0VdC62VwQL-NtRGRmoIOHLOew1B3j8OoxkG3BbR1ZCqWxjvjcWmux-J0obesMS0uQfyhL6ezxd9EVMPVxh4yfO7r8uyifzCxX2CexP-S6OsUstMQAl-hX5YtobFo/s1600/traffic+jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VymT1UT10hFdy9w0VdC62VwQL-NtRGRmoIOHLOew1B3j8OoxkG3BbR1ZCqWxjvjcWmux-J0obesMS0uQfyhL6ezxd9EVMPVxh4yfO7r8uyifzCxX2CexP-S6OsUstMQAl-hX5YtobFo/s1600/traffic+jam.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a class="irc_hl irc_hol" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://www.autoevolution.com/news-image/how-to-avoid-city-traffic-jams-35319-2.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); background-color: #222222; color: #7d7d7d; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333015441895px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-overflow: ellipsis; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;">www.autoevolution.com</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To get to the grocery store, I have to make a left turn onto
a busy street, filled with a combination of motorists doing their own thing
regardless of the rules, and jaywalkers crossing willy-nilly, not caring
apparently, if they live or die.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not really sure why I thought going to the store on a
Saturday afternoon was a good idea. I usually shop on weekday afternoons. I was
not prepared for the amount of people I had to sidestep or crawl over. I was
not in a bad mood when I left, but I sure was when I came back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What should have been a 2-minute drive, turned into 5-10
minutes of stopping and gunning the engine to pass people taking an inordinate
amount of time to make their next move. Everyone was driving erratically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could almost smell the adrenaline.
[or maybe it was something else, I don’t know]. It was tough to make rational,
well-thought out decisions, because there just wasn’t time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was kill or be killed, so to speak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amidst my angst, a surprising moment of clarity emerged.
This is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exactly</i> what it’s like when
you are thinking with your reptilian brain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We live in the modern jungles of panic, hurry, and fret. It
is hard to stay clear-headed, to not to get caught up in the frenzy. While we
are not foraging for our next meal...actually, I guess I was in this
instance...we are foraging for comfort. Anything that gets in the way of those
basic comforts should beware.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I came back from the jungle unscathed, thankfully. But it
worried me. Many of us, myself included, are making important life decisions
under these conditions. Thank goodness I didn’t happen to be at this time,
because I was running on automatic. My options for how to deal with these
stressors were limited to fighting them or fleeing them [or just freezing]. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other motorists and shoppers were doing all of those,
actually. Some were driving their car or their cart aggressively, daring people
to get in their way. Some were paralyzed to a standstill, some were just speeding
off to get away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next time I find myself in a reptilian moment, or just a
traffic jam, I will not join the lizards, I need to slow down...think...and
breathe through it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">c. 2014 </span></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-56631424794982612512014-06-26T17:49:00.000-04:002014-06-26T18:24:01.671-04:00No Worries<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxifRTSCrtDHTU0ApBTe4aQnOZ9TXoRb8uTD_zEsOzJ5h08rS3TufQUPiTOK0_g50V0aCwgaJtypw4eLGbA7jWAUCRQA6usv1Ew6yWBTqm-8Vcjuu0x2l9MvEyeUvxr4SXO285alUqJo/s1600/the+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxifRTSCrtDHTU0ApBTe4aQnOZ9TXoRb8uTD_zEsOzJ5h08rS3TufQUPiTOK0_g50V0aCwgaJtypw4eLGbA7jWAUCRQA6usv1Ew6yWBTqm-8Vcjuu0x2l9MvEyeUvxr4SXO285alUqJo/s1600/the+pack.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pack<br />
c. 2014 J. Kurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was as much dreading this trip as I was excited about it.
This was our first trip as a “pack,” Adam, Baileys, and I. It would be Adam and
my first long trip as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
rarely travel. I don’t like to fly and I’d just as soon stay home rather than
plan and execute<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a trip However,
in my older age, I’ve been experiencing some wanderlust. I was excited about
seeing Vermont again, excited about driving through part of the country I had
not been in before. I was excited about driving as a pack with Baileys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had stocked up on some water, sandwiches and snacks at
the grocery store a few days before so we wouldn’t have to stop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first leg of the trip went smooth. We rented a cute lime
green Kia Soul with a wicked blind spot. [We didn’t tell them we were bringing
our excessively shedding Husky when we got the car].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After work on Thursday, we hit the road. The first leg was
easy enough. Despite a few misleading Starbucks signs, which set us back a
little, we managed to make it to Allentown Pennsylvania, pretty late. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped at a Sleep Inn. It was the
first place we saw, and serendipitously it allowed pets. A free breakfast was
served at 7:30am. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adam went down first, while I stayed with Baileys in the
room. We were on the third floor with the smokers and other pets. It was a
floor you could only get to by elevator, not by stairs. Kind of like that
hidden floor in the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Being John
Malkovich. </i>We slept great. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He came back raving about the breakfast. “You will be in
heaven,” he said. “There are eggs as far as the eye can see.” [He knows how much
I like to eat.] I’m still a bit fuzzy. I’ve not had coffee yet. So I stumble
down to the elevator and there are a bunch of other travelers eating breakfast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not thinking clearly yet, but I see no eggs as far as
the eye can see. I see cereal, danishes, bagels and fruit. A really perky lady
from what sounds like Wisconsin asks me if she can help me. I zero in on the
coffee. First things first. Maybe then I can make some sense of this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decide on cereal and a cheese danish. Still no eggs. It
was a really nice set up, and the lady running it was really sweet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We started the second leg of the trip. I was still full of
anxiety as to what lay ahead. I needn’t have wasted so much energy worrying. It
was great! We stayed with some family friends on their house right on
Lake Champlain. They had the biggest vacation home on the property. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had dropped Baileys off at this close-by kennel that has
the dogs run all day everyday. It is the first time Baileys has been apart from
us. She handled it much better than me. She seemed really excited when she
heard the other dogs. I cried though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rehearsal dinner was just for the wedding party, but
they had a little dessert get- together for the rest of us. We realized that we
needed real food, so we skipped out and drove to a cute little pizza place in
downtown St. Albans. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were so close to the Canadian border that some of the
road signs were in French. It made me feel so international. We turned in early
because we were so weary from traveling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day was the wedding. We went sight seeing beforehand.[Adam
wanted to show me Burlington]. We helped the family set up some of the wedding stuff.
We walked past Adam’s three uncles struggling with the kerosene bottles for the
lanterns. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Can we do anything?’ Adam asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“These things are sealed shut. Can you try?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let her try,’ Adam said, nodding at me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The three men kind of chuckled, having all tried,
unsuccessfully.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Actually, I’m pretty strong...”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Seriously, give her a try,” Adam said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They were all pretty impressed when I opened them all. [hee
hee].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wedding was beautiful. It was outside, right on Lake
Champlain. The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. To everyone’s
surprise, the bride’s uncle presided over the wedding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a perfect touch to a close,
family wedding where everyone felt like a part of the family. Everything was so
beautiful. [I did cry].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the way back, we visited my aunt and uncle in Rutland. We
were having a hard time finding where they were, which increased my stress. I
just knew we were going to get lost or destroy the rental car somehow. We found
them finally! We had a great visit. They had made sandwiches and all kinds of
food for our journey home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was really such a great trip. And to think I was
tempted to bail out because I was stressed...<br />
<br />
c. 2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-34408420476714090612014-06-11T16:24:00.000-04:002014-06-11T16:24:12.163-04:00A review of Steps to Salvation, by Shlomo Attia<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.lulu.com/browse/product_thumbnail.php?productId=21655325&resolution=320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.lulu.com/browse/product_thumbnail.php?productId=21655325&resolution=320" style="cursor: move;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c. S. Attia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t let the title deceive you. I can almost guarantee it
is not what you are thinking. This is not your mother’s
salvation book. The salvation is referring to our country. This intricately
woven tale merges with history and current events seamlessly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Set in the future<i>, <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/shlomo-attia/steps-to-salvation/paperback/product-21655325.html">Steps to Salvation</a></i>
talks about a time when society was ruled by their reptilian brains. It is both
chaotic and scary. Personal freedom is replaced by corruption in all areas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thrown out of his Jewish school, in Tel Aviv, Israel, for
questioning, Shlomo Attia was born inquisitive. Successful in business, he felt the
calling for something more; an itch that needed to be scratched. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the time, he probably didn’t think the tragic accident
that nearly took his life would bring him any closer to his purpose. He was
actually pronounced dead by two different people. But as they were prepping him
to go to the morgue, they saw a faint pulse. They hooked him up again. During
this time his subconscious transported him on a whirlwind trip to the beyond
where he spoke with many historical figures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He sits in on Mr. Bauer’s history class, tucked away in Arusha,
Tanzania in the year, 2412. Mr. Bauer knows that the only way to make our
futures better is to not repeat the mistakes of the past. Knowing our
proclivity to do just that, he embarks on a mission to redeem our future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Bauer teaches his students “Salvation Time” in an
interactive event they will not soon forget. “Salvation Time” is not simply a
future event to be looked forward to. It encompasses the past and present.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. Bauer’s class is no ordinary class. It includes the descendants of Adolf Hitler, George Bush, Debbie Wasserman-Schulz, Ava Braun, Mao Tse Tung, Paul
Rothshchild, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Bill Clinton, Hilary Clinton, among others;
all of who are embarking on the large task of atoning for their ancestors’ sins
and restoring their earthly images. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their elitist ancestors had all contributed in some fashion
to the creation of hell on earth for some, in order to make themselves
wealthier and happier. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is through this journey that Shlomo realizes what things
need to change. He goes through the "higher-brained" steps, which we as Americans need for our
own salvation to save ourselves from this probable future if we don’t heed the
lessons from our past.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is riveting and guaranteed to make you think. Whether you agree with it or not, you will be glued to the page.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c.2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-47328633349221478282014-06-04T16:57:00.001-04:002014-06-04T16:57:49.191-04:00Happy @ Work<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jimdonovan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/happy-at-work-250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jimdonovan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/happy-at-work-250.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c. Jim Donvan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.jimdonovan.com/about-2/">Jim Donovan</a>
truly lived a roller coaster life. He went from working for two major TV
networks as well as entrepreneurship, to living on the streets of New York.
Sometimes you have to lose it all to realize what’s important. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Work-Simple-Engaged-Successful-ebook/dp/B00J4XMEQW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401914286&sr=1-1&keywords=happy+%40+work">Happy
@ Work</a> wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t found himself in a hospital bed,
emotionally and financially spent and bankrupt. That was what drove him to start seeking
answers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many people have found themselves in similar situations.
Rags to riches stories are certainly nothing new. What makes his story so
special is not only how relatable it is, but how fixable it is. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Work-Simple-Engaged-Successful-ebook/dp/B00J4XMEQW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401914286&sr=1-1&keywords=happy+%40+work">Happy
@ Work</a> is a very short, step-by-step guide, packed with 60 very do-able,
seemingly simple steps that you might not think would make a difference, but I
can attest firsthand that they do. Some of my favorites include:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"One of the reasons that so many people are unhappy is that
their lives are out of alignment with their core values." Jim Donovan. Happy @ Work (Kindle
Locations 588-589). New World Library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s important to know your own values so that you’ll make
decisions that make you happy. It’s important to know other peoples’ values so
that you can communicate with them, making them happier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>One of the underlying themes in the book is the importance
of self-talk and how it can empower you to realize your values and dreams. The actions
he’s advocating are simple but powerful thought tweaks. It requires a
purposeful change in thinking, breaking embedded thought patterns. Anyone <i>can</i> do this, but not everyone <i>will</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether you are at your dream job, still in school, a
stepping stone, or someplace so far out of the realm of what you ultimately
want to be doing, know that you are where you need to be right <i>now</i>. You owe it to employer and
customers [and yourself] to do your best work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• This starts with letting go of limiting beliefs. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I could never do that job...make that
salary...run that company.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Donovan will tell you, “I guarantee that the salesperson
in your company who earns ten times the average does not work ten times harder.
Rather, he is operating from a different set of beliefs and guiding principles,
using different strategies, and taking different actions.” Jim Donovan. Happy @ Work (Kindle
Locations 1386-1388). New World Library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He talks about telling yourself a different story. Citing
the law of attraction, we attract what we think about, he encourages us to
think about and talk about what is going right in our jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• Become a “goodness finder.” Catch people doing right
things and praise them accordingly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our thoughts are powerful, simply by doing a mental shift
where we think of</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
challenges as opportunities, rather than problems. You will
find work more enjoyable when you emphasize the good things. You will be more
enjoyable to work with as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might be asking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How
will I address what’s wrong and make improvements if I’m only focusing on the
good? </i>I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “I didn’t make a mistake, I
just found out how not to do it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A better way to deal with problems is to ask,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• “What’s working?” Instead of “What’s wrong?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you find what’s working, you do more of that action.
Routines and values must change before actions can change. This takes focus.
Focusing on the negative is just so, well, negative. If you are focusing on
what is working, you will see more success.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• Remember that any “menial” work [or part of our lives, for
that matter] is a part of something bigger. We can reframe how we feel about
and respond to it. As a result we can</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Advance confidently, not fearfully</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Endeavor to live the life you have imagined, you were born
to live. Do your best.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- You will meet with success. Yes you will.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He emphasizes how important it is to set goals. While you
may find it crushing to not meet goals, even if you fall short of the goal, you
are still better off than if you had not set the goal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Show me a stock clerk with goals and
I’ll show you a man who can make history. Show me a man without goals and I’ll
show you a stock clerk.”<br />
JC Penny<br />
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“One year I set a goal to deliver fifty live seminars and
talks. That would have meant I’d be speaking an average of once a week, an
ambitious undertaking for most professional speakers. In reality, I delivered
only thirty-five talks that year. Did I fail? I think not. Without that goal,
how many times would I have spoken?” Jim Donovan. Happy @ Work (Kindle Locations 437-439). New World Library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is very easy to set goals. It is much harder to actually
fulfill them. He advises to attach actions to our goals, Otherwise it is easy to
just leave them in our dreams. When we assign even small daily steps to our
goals, they are so much more manageable. Before you know it, you are meeting
them!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He encourages us to stretch beyond our comfort zones. That
is the only way we’ll truly excel. We can find out what works and what
doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also very
empowering. When we meet that goal that we never thought we would, it’s quite a
rush. When we don’t, we have a frame of reference for the next one. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This didn’t work, but I survived. </i>It is
exciting and scary, but so rewarding!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The number one deterrent for not realizing your dreams is
FEAR. When dealing with fear, He says, “Remember that FEAR, or False Evidence
Appearing Real, is just that — false evidence. You have no reason to fear
attempting your most audacious goals, so why not just go for it? It is likely
that if the goal is big enough and important enough to you, you will find a way
to accomplish it. If your desire is strong enough, you will be guided to the
right resources, people, information, and actions to reach your objectives.” Jim Donovan. Happy @ Work (Kindle Locations 487-490). New World Library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The importance of
priorities.</b> Priorities are just as important as goals. Don’t do anything
else until you have completed your priorities.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can find out your priorities by asking yourself good
questions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"If you want to...be happier and more productive at work and
in your life overall, begin to formulate better questions. We human beings are
conditioned to ask and answer questions...I believe that one of the problems individuals and companies
have is the habit of asking small, uninspiring questions that, in turn, produce
small results. Jim Donovan. Happy @ Work (Kindle Locations 718-719).
New World Library.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asking questions like, “How could I do this better?” “ What
could I do this month to add 12 new customers?” Even something as simple as,
“Why am I here?” will cause your mind to spin with ideas that will reinforce
your success.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
There is so much more that I’ve left out. I’ve only touched
on my favorites, lest I give away the whole book. I found myself so inspired
after reading this, that I feel like I want to read a part of it every day
before working, just to get my energy going in the right direction. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'll let you know what happens!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">c. 2014</span></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-10968502916566354002014-05-04T12:23:00.000-04:002014-05-04T12:23:57.927-04:00Work/Life Balance and my [fictional] trip to Paris<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://missmillmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/love+in+paris+images-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://missmillmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/love+in+paris+images-2.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://missmillmag.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim just sat down to dinner with his family. They were
enjoying a nice relaxing conversation, catching up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So I was telling you about my the ballet....”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was interrupted by a loud BEEP! emanating from Jim’s
pocket.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He looked at the number. Work again! Every time he sat down
with his family, which seemed rare these days there was some crisis at work
that needed his assistance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He used to look at it as job security, but seriously! It was
getting so old.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All hours of the day...he wasn’t even on call!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I guess I have to take this, honey...”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her face fell. “I know, I know...” she said with visible
disappointment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This could be a typical dinner scene here in modern America.
The antithesis of the Ozzie and Harriet scenes in the ‘50s. [Although, I seem
to remember Mr. Nelson being distracted by the newspaper a few times.]</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The lines of work and play are so blurred, they are almost
indistinguishable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
France has decided to do something about it. Actually, they
did something about it in 1999. They passed legislation that work hours are
work hours and non-working hours are to be non-working hours. Back then, the
law stated that employers are not to call between 9pm-6am, under the threat of
a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/mar/14/apple-fined-french-staff-work-nights">hefty
fine</a>. The emergence of Smartphones changed all of that, however, and
employers were still bugging employees on off-hours. So they amended it to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/09/new-work-life-balance-france-sweden-laws-countries-better-job-hours-work">6pm</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile we here in America [and other places in the world]
are taking work phone calls, checking work emails, making work decisions at all
hours of the day, even ones we’re not paid for. Even if we are not doing any of
that, chances are, we are worrying, fretting about our work off hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it would seem we are on our own. We can’t control
the pressures from work, we can only change how we respond to them. If it were
me, I just wouldn’t answer the phone. I’m not sure how realistic that is,
though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am curious as to how this will all work for France. This
might seem a little too good to be true. There are things obviously not being
considered. So I am planning a fictional trip to France, using Hemingway,
Fitzgerald, Miller, et al as my tour guides while researching how this will
affect the everyday person’s life. Will it make their work-life better? Will it
make their family life better? I’ll keep you posted on what I find.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m curious about your thoughts on all of this, as well as
some Parisian book recommendations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. 2014</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-54419672511112582612014-04-11T14:28:00.000-04:002014-04-11T14:33:39.206-04:00Dr. No<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/1107515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/1107515.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-overflow: ellipsis; unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;">c. <a class="_Mg irc_hol" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=525551" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">www.mycomicshop.com</span></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia;">“Having a positive mental attitude is asking how
something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done.” </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 19.2pt;">Bo Bennett</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That won’t ever work,” I say in my uncannily<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>17-year-old, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too cool for school, </i>voice that seems to emerge when confronted
with a new idea I can’t see working. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I will list every reason I can think of that it won’t
work; some valid, some, not so much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It happens quite often, in many situations. At work, at home,
with authority figures, with people of my own ilk....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can remember several times when new routines and methods
were presented at work. I would fight them with all of my being because I can’t
stand change. I am quite comfortable in my own routines. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uh HUH</i>,” I say “knowingly” when they
appear to encounter hitches, or maybe it doesn’t work out the way they had
originally planned. Then I feel superior because I was right.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But is this negativity a merely a protection for myself?
So I can justify not doing it? We are designed to fight threats, no matter
what the size. It’s easy to have the “right” opinions on just about everything,
safe in our protective bubbles. Unless my very life is being threatened, I’ve
found I need to open my mind a little. I can guarantee that very seldom is my
life in danger, least of all by an idea. So that means I need to open my mind a
lot to new ways and methods of doing things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has even been <a href="http://braintraining.tumblr.com/post/17711957776/how-learning-changes-your-brain-plasticity">proven</a>
that new routines are good for the brain, making us smarter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesn’t want that, right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My fears are more vague than concrete. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But what if I get slowed down and everything backs up while I’m
recovering from this mess? What if I am criticized for causing it all to
happen? </i>Instead of using those fears as deterrents, just notice them and
keep moving. I’ll deal with them when or if they come up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have found that nothing can be negative unless I react to
it as such. Believe me I have incredible power. I have turned many good things
into really, really negative things. Likewise the way I have reacted to many
bad things have actually turned out to be really good. I just tend to forget
this a lot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of spending my energy griping about things, I will
try to use it to find solutions....and to remember everything gets better with
practice, and a fair chance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> c. 2014</o:p> </div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-26208231769711845702014-03-25T21:01:00.000-04:002014-04-10T15:14:07.062-04:00Narratives<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEFDABdZIYj30GSgESGvjAdpFkxQKT5MsI_h4YkcivNCrQKRKZS-PLpprxPnyN47SnkQJ01LPUkCjCfbEX_QMQbIqcQ_oxUMPEx8fZTUV3plZbJTV1w4sXj_JQ3kt8rFxegx_JekQNuI/s1600/once+upon+a+time.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEFDABdZIYj30GSgESGvjAdpFkxQKT5MsI_h4YkcivNCrQKRKZS-PLpprxPnyN47SnkQJ01LPUkCjCfbEX_QMQbIqcQ_oxUMPEx8fZTUV3plZbJTV1w4sXj_JQ3kt8rFxegx_JekQNuI/s1600/once+upon+a+time.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #7d7d7d; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"> c.fuelyourwriting.com</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<i style="line-height: 14.4pt;">She’s so
stupid...why would she do that?....Why did I do that?...Why did I say
that?...This is going to turn out so bad...I knew I couldn’t trust her. I’ve
got to hurry up and get this done...</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Every minute of every day our minds run narratives, like an audiobook or a talk radio station that we can’t turn off. We
may think that these thoughts are for our protection or for our good, but their
incessant rambling threatens our sense of serenity and ultimately our
well-being. They’ll put us in defense mode, which will stunt productivity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Are you holding onto grudges? They’ll be
thrown into the mix as well, affecting how you treat others. So and so didn’t
treat you as the wonderful person you know you are? Damn them to hell, and
treat them thusly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guarantee
your day will be on edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have spent several days with inner
monologues so loud and dominating that it’s been hard to concentrate on the
tasks and conversations at hand. So what if they are stupid? So what if they
don’t do things the way I would. How does that really affect me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
I completely agree with <a href="https://twitter.com/AmandaEnayati">Amanda Enyati</a>, as she
said on Facebook:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here's my
working theory. It may be correct or not. But I believe that our awareness of
the extent to which our personal narratives may be impacting any given scenario
in our lives is the hallmark of good mental health, perhaps even spiritual
well-being. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<br />
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And one way to assess that well-being is to
see how many times a day we are offended by others. Now I'm absolutely not
talking about matters of fairness, equity or social justice. I adore and admire
the lion-hearted activists who help bring about change with both minute,
every-day acts of bravery and grand, systemic ones. I'm talking about a
different sort of offense: personal offense. “You did this and I’m offended” or
“You said this and I’m offended” as a rough sort of meter for individual mental
state and well-being.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
The best way to change our narratives for the better is to detach from the situation and make ourselves an observer in the story rather than the object, which is more than likely what we are anyway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;">
c.2014</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-71547058603393514732014-02-20T18:18:00.000-05:002014-02-20T18:18:14.510-05:00Boundaries<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.edbatista.com/images/2012/02/Boundaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.edbatista.com/images/2012/02/Boundaries.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c. http://www.edbatista.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“So when can I take Baileys to the new dog park?” my friend, Carrie
asked me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You, singular? </i>I
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Uh, what’s the nicest way to say never, </i>my strong will protests.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wrote about my new dog a while back. She’s the best! She’s
awesome and she’s my baby. I’m VERY protective of her. “Mama bear” doesn’t
describe it adequately.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently Carrie has started a new dog walking service. I
have the utmost respect and confidence in her. I really do want to
support her in this venture, but I just can’t see myself letting Baileys walk
with someone else. Not yet, anyway. She’s got some quirks that I’m not sure will be adapted to
as I like. It’s taken a while for me to get used to her habits, to feel
confident walking her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/madisonny723/madison723b/StrugglingWithPersonalBoundaries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx269/madisonny723/madison723b/StrugglingWithPersonalBoundaries.png" height="283" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-overflow: ellipsis;">c<span style="color: white;">.<a class="_Nf irc_hol" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://ponderabout.com/archives/5322/struggling-with-personal-boundaries.aspx" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">ponderabout.com</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides, Carrie has some methods that are really not my
style of training. They’re not wrong. They’re just different, they're just not right for Baileys. Right now, I think
it’s important to maintain a uniform message to Baileys.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is my friend, though. I don’t want to hurt her feelings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How many times has that reasoning led me down the wrong
path?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hurting someone’s feelings” is not reason enough to ignore
that little voice that says <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not a good
idea. </i>I trust that little voice. It has rarely ever steered me wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Interestingly enough, I have little problem initially saying no. [Because i know it's the right thing]. I will just dwell
on it for hours and hours afterwards, feeling guilty. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Should I have let her?</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maybe
I should have let her...</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">She’s going
to be mad... Maybe it would have been OK....</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the precise reason why it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> ok. I can’t let it go. I'm actually not saying "no" forever. Just not
right now. Baileys and I will both need to go through some changes. [Training, if you will]. I will not give it another thought until then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-85813167909534834482014-02-10T14:31:00.000-05:002014-02-10T17:13:53.467-05:00It’s not about you<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsTl0bKRuLmGOlfJMs8HAMbnbE2m48bgNdbFCQswT4W2jLiUkR89dlcJgAhswZHh-7-SfuHR4IQ0Pnjw47OStlMiWIIsZ_uhGZ2MYi_QJaLEFEx5zu9w-2g3AVvfj3l0YioKqDyz-deM/s1600/me-me-me.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsTl0bKRuLmGOlfJMs8HAMbnbE2m48bgNdbFCQswT4W2jLiUkR89dlcJgAhswZHh-7-SfuHR4IQ0Pnjw47OStlMiWIIsZ_uhGZ2MYi_QJaLEFEx5zu9w-2g3AVvfj3l0YioKqDyz-deM/s1600/me-me-me.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-overflow: ellipsis;">c.<a class="_xf irc_hol" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="http://blog.mimecast.com/2011/08/its-all-about-me-why-email-security-remains-elusive/" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">blog.mimecast.com</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Slam, Crash, Thud.</i>
Jane’s co-worker would stalk into work, knocking things over as he passed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Good Morning!,”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jane would say.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Silence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fifteen minutes passed before he finally mumbled something
to her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jane confided that she always felt like he was mad at her,
and she just wasn’t sure what she had done. It put her on edge all morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hi! How are you?” I greet the morning customer
enthusiastically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Small coffee.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sure. How’s your day going?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Blueberry muffin.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first thought is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what
could I possibly have done to piss you off in the short interaction we’ve just
had? Or did I, perhaps, piss you off yesterday and you are still venting from
it?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I think of the MANY times I have been quiet and not
talkative, and it’s been nothing about the person I was with, but more to do
with me than them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Surely they have other things in their lives to get upset
about than little ol’ me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s like my dreamy and wise boyfriend always says, “When
someone honks at you, 90% of the time it’s not about you; the other 10% of the
time they are wrong.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If someone is acting hostile to you, don’t fret. It’s
usually not about you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to step back and ask myself, how many times have I
been in a cranky mood and not very talkative? I think the whole time I was in
school, I uttered 10 total words to my co-workers the first hour of my shift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also have the tendency to get lost in my thoughts. Perhaps
others have this problem as well?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, we should be open to the idea that it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could be</i> about us, but just not assume
that it is. If it is, listen...don't be defensive. If it’s a valid critique, be open to change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c.2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-49613863987463307192014-01-18T10:09:00.001-05:002014-01-18T10:10:08.632-05:00We got a DOG!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiF2Vw2hMKkFIbRY133O4yXaSpHBVWKf_xU9JxxDOHPKv8_ps8gU8Jwf847md7IFESYCO_wETiKgUyTHKRWq4StdtYD1DiWRMLMZRCytYSJfDOqoSUM4VK9r_vNKT4uDwZL7WGNal2Jg/s1600/baileys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiF2Vw2hMKkFIbRY133O4yXaSpHBVWKf_xU9JxxDOHPKv8_ps8gU8Jwf847md7IFESYCO_wETiKgUyTHKRWq4StdtYD1DiWRMLMZRCytYSJfDOqoSUM4VK9r_vNKT4uDwZL7WGNal2Jg/s1600/baileys.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baileys<br />
c.2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“RUN, RUN!” I yelled as I was attempting to run our brand new puppy on her leash.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Run, she did...Except she runs a LOT faster than me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“STOP! HEEL! Oh my gosh, slow down!”<br />
<br />
We are both undergoing training.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got a dog! I still can hardly believe it! She’s the
most beautiful and smart dog ever! My boyfriend and I rescued her from the
pound on Sunday. I was really nervous about doing it because I wasn’t sure I
was up to the responsibility. Here was this living thing that was suddenly
totally dependent on us. Oh, the pressure!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would we truly be able to provide for this dog? What if I
did more harm than good? I say “I” because my boyfriend is perfect with her.
Would I tire of my responsibilities? All of these worries went out the window
when we brought her home. We loved her instantly. She just fit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[When she made a nervous run around the PetSmart parking
lot, narrowly missing several cars I have to admit, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">maybe I’m not up for this</i> feeling returned, but we caught her]. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The puzzling thing is that we are her 5<sup>th</sup> owners.
She was adopted and brought back 4 times. We absolutely cannot comprehend this,
because she is an amazing and beautiful dog. We thought we might see some
issues later on, but we haven’t.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She fits in wonderfully and we love her so much! Her tail,
which is the window to her soul, was unsure and depressed when we got her, now
forms a nice happy curly-cue. She needs some more training, but she’s learning
really quickly. We do at least two walks a day, which is good for us, as well.
There’s a big cemetery in walking distance from us, which is perfect for walks
and she loves to stalk the squirrels and cats in our complex.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We call her Baileys, with an “S” because her coloring
reminds us of Bailey’s Irish Crème. [We forgot that our neighbor has a dog
named Bailey. But we’re convinced it’s a totally different name].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we left for the evenings, she would get mad and leave
little “spite poops” around the house. [hey, who doesn’t?] But I think we finally
have that under control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone loves her and she loves everyone. She’s one of her
vet’s favorites, who told us we could bring her any time, even if just to say
“hi.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baileys wants to say hello to everyone. She loves to jump on
people. [Okay, we’re working on that. Not everyone likes that].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time she wags her tail or leans full force against me,
I know we did the right thing. She’s very considerate; she tries to spend time
with both of us. When one of us is upstairs and one downstairs, she lies down
at the foot of the stairs: a good middle place, if you ask her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Training is an ongoing process that requires tenacity and
consistence. [Which may have been the reason her other owners brought her back].
But I think we’re up for it. We’ve got good support systems. PetSmart is our
one-stop shop for any calamity which may befall us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Funny sidenote: Just as I was writing about how good she is,
she pooped upstairs.<br />
<br />
c. 2014</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-88441016901438278432014-01-01T22:19:00.000-05:002014-01-02T16:51:46.323-05:00An Interview with Philosopher and Author, Harry Griffin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZNXNBI7gfU2MC9SV9aDD2cD8mgVV793MvDGZdo777cXFcOwaAjLJXapvfyVnr1LUAKoTiQyASiWNFVGQ5zBWEr_EfvxmYD8hjdvKkfllENnE1zxqdbfzzLqlaiiUMvR9gp9s0G6XUxc/s1600/harry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZNXNBI7gfU2MC9SV9aDD2cD8mgVV793MvDGZdo777cXFcOwaAjLJXapvfyVnr1LUAKoTiQyASiWNFVGQ5zBWEr_EfvxmYD8hjdvKkfllENnE1zxqdbfzzLqlaiiUMvR9gp9s0G6XUxc/s200/harry.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c. Harry Griffin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We live in a Twitter society where you can just spout out
whatever mental meandering you want; be it your love for cats, cheese, or
whatever. You just have to spend 5 minutes on Facebook to get an eyeful of
inane musings for the day. [I'm not judging - I do it too].</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How refreshing to read local philosopher and author, Harry
Griffin. His new book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Passing-Thoughts-Statements-Meanderings-2010-2013/dp/1490329706/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388632682&sr=8-1&keywords=harry+griffin+passing+thoughts%2C">Passing Thoughts,Personal Statements, and Mental Meanderings</a>,</i> was just published.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is quite a read! I was able to sit down and chat with him
about anything and everything. I felt smarter after our conversation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book contains musings on just about every topic, with
an intelligent curiosity and is powered by a real excitement for what he is
doing. He is a philosopher. He really takes to heart what Socrates said, “the
unexamined life is not worth living”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can just tell that he loves reasoning and writing. I
found myself consistently nodding my head as I read it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You say that you are
“exploring what I think about my thoughts and my mind and what’s in it, in all
of this. I am exploring my beliefs and my life and my activities...”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did you go about
writing this? Was it just excerpts from your diary that you compiled or was it
stuff you intentionally wrote about for the purpose of this book?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I guess my process, to respond to what you just
said. My process is one that doesn’t rely entirely on my journals. I have a
daily diary or journal...that I keep rather religiously. Some of it’s very
personal and I don’t feel comfortable sharing it with everybody. But then there
are times that sometimes it happens by accident that a piece will emerge and I
call it an essay or, as the title of my book suggests personal statement or a
mental meandering that something will happen will end up becoming something
that I feel ok about going public with or sharing it publicly. So yes, my
journal does help. But there are also times I use my laptop and will just type
because I know, I get the feeling that this is going to happen, that the essay
is going to emerge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Incubating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Right. It doesn’t always happen in my diaries.
Sometimes it does and before I know it, the essay is there, I know it I feel
it. I just start typing it to save myself the trouble of retyping it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really liked the <a href="http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/07/john_henry.html">John Henry
folktale</a> you mention. For those that don’t know, it talks about a freed
slave working on the railroad. When he feels he’s being undervalued and
replaced by new technology, he challenges the owner of the railroad to a
“contest:’ man against machine, he has to race against the steam powered hammer
alone. He literally has to dig a tunnel, himself. Can you imagine what a huge
job that would be! Talk about <a href="http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-eat-an-elephant/">eating an
elephant</a>! </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3PoDHGfyUcr0KP14jZWivVoFCk4Xa9zR_Yyt3REF3R78Qdx0367F_EExUVdGwe5A5EMSKS9Pg_5mdABd5u9nTT7KiRcO8d9Hw43ewD3WDeBa7G_HQETW1IGzV57jHZBW2wN6aZQdxcg/s1600/harry+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3PoDHGfyUcr0KP14jZWivVoFCk4Xa9zR_Yyt3REF3R78Qdx0367F_EExUVdGwe5A5EMSKS9Pg_5mdABd5u9nTT7KiRcO8d9Hw43ewD3WDeBa7G_HQETW1IGzV57jHZBW2wN6aZQdxcg/s200/harry+1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c. Harry Griffin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>> The John Henry story was one of the earliest [chapters] I wrote. The book is for the
most part in chronological order and It was, I think, a number of years ago I
really kind of discovered a way to be happy and discovered a way to sort of
mentally gather my thoughts and be whole and happy and maybe the term is
emotionally stable. I just, like, grabbed hold of life and just like suddenly
had a grip on it, was really, just felt strong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>So the John Henry piece, I remember the phrase that
stands out was “chipping away at things, “ was one of the things I talked
about. That was the image that
came to mind of John Henry chipping away at the mountain. At the time I was working hard at work
and had a lot of dreams and aspirations and goals and that was what I was
thinking about. I was just really pushing forward, I was really pushing forward
with work and that was what was on my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You do a lot of freewriting, which you do talk about in your
book. </span></div>
<h1 style="background: white; line-height: 14.4pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I first learned about freewriting
in a writing class. I think I’ve been doing them all along, without even
knowing the name. I know, for me, when I have a problem, when I need to reason
through something I need to write about it. There is a quote by</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._M._Forster"><span style="color: black;">EM
Forster</span></a> that says, </span><span style="color: #181818; font-weight: normal;">“How do I know what I think until I see what
I say?” and that’s true for me, and from what you write, seems to be true for
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>You probably saw me sitting at Starbucks all the
time, writing in my journal. That
was often what I was doing; fleshing out emotions and thoughts feelings and
frustrations and questions. And writing is a great way to access what you think
and to help you figure out what
you think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I’ve often said that you can drive around town all
day, and listen to music and think and think and think, but it doesn’t become
solid until you write it down. You don’t actually, again to use that phrase,
get a grasp on it and grip it, until you write it down. There’s something that
makes it concrete when you write it down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you always done that? Have you always written?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>>>I started writing when I was 19; At least
most seriously. That was when I started my first diary. Since then the first couple
of years there was an ebb and flow to it. Then it became a rather religious
thing. Especially after I graduated from college, I started writing like every
day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to tell you I’ve been inspired by you to write
everyday. To not just journal but to also freewrite about my day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>>>>That’s how it started with me, the
writing about my days. Just writing notes about what I did during the day. Just writing a few sentences, “Today I
worked.” I remember when I was 19, I worked at a pizza restaurant. I’d say “I
worked at the restaurant,” It was tough. I didn’t know how to access those
thoughts, and I was very self-conscious. But slowly but surely it’s emerged and
all those thoughts and feelings and everything I’ve began to open up to myself
and it began to come forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What sort of art do you do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>>>In college I was very focused on
photography. I went to NC State and I went to school for art, and then after I
graduated from NC State in 2000. I went to a certificate program at Duke. It
was a certificate in Documentary Studies. Again the medium I focused on was
photography. But at NC State they had just a few photography classes and they
didn’t have them all the time. So in the meantime I was also taking painting
classes. So I also paint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you’re multi-artistic. You write, you paint, you snap,
you really are a creative stew! Do they all kind of feed of each other? Have
you ever thought about doing a project combining all of your talents?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I’ve thought about that before. I’ve thought about
maybe intermixing some paintings with the writings in some way, but I haven’t
gotten there yet.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVHz5p-NnVc-a9RdPgS2k2BFX3om652ozUyyA7mL3Q_J_zup7LsIDbmODzbusJRIF4NlaniopmDRTX5oFpyLeL2-WoQ8eIITmXx8woz-6MXv3B26AhzjxDPG2lilX3VJaKCrD44uEHiY/s1600/harry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVHz5p-NnVc-a9RdPgS2k2BFX3om652ozUyyA7mL3Q_J_zup7LsIDbmODzbusJRIF4NlaniopmDRTX5oFpyLeL2-WoQ8eIITmXx8woz-6MXv3B26AhzjxDPG2lilX3VJaKCrD44uEHiY/s200/harry+2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c. Harry Griffin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, it’s on the list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the ‘ideation” chapter, because ideation, or actually
the creative process in general, relates to everything, not just art. I think
everyone goes through an “ideation” period, whether they are conscious of it or
not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I keep a stream of consciousness journal and we have
these really great journals at the store where I work and they were handmade or
at least somewhat handmade, had rough textures and torn paper and whatnot. I
would write the strangest rants; no intention or direction. I would just let my
mind wander and often ideas would come that way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kind of like freewriting but more of a non-directive
freewrite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I sometimes call them meditations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved this quote:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Making art is a
process of constantly experimenting and playing and honing skills, but once
success happens it is well worth the wait and the hard work. But there is some
interplay that happens for some time between ideation and execution. One moves
back and forth before success finally happens.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re writing this as an artist, but really even a
non-artist can appreciate and understand and relate to what you’re saying. So
in a sense we’re all artists. When you think of life as art, it just seems
easier. Mistakes aren’t bad in art; they’re learning tools. If we framed life
as we do an art project, it would be so much more fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You wrote a paper about the creative process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>> That was very influential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, I could tell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>First of all I lost that paper. I keep thinking my
mom’s going to uncover it someday in some of her stuff and I’ll be so happy to
have found it again. But...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it’s all up here. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNOzduNa4v9cvXUrLaBVNNlo2heK5cTO7FAWhutMIuLayYcubaqvwxh3fJMOTllgT0lOG14qVlzo7jkdfvVXjJ9GwU2MK8UR9n2qwGU-xvWkFGlF6HAwuimA3L093XU0s_SHar7wEWQM/s1600/harry+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNOzduNa4v9cvXUrLaBVNNlo2heK5cTO7FAWhutMIuLayYcubaqvwxh3fJMOTllgT0lOG14qVlzo7jkdfvVXjJ9GwU2MK8UR9n2qwGU-xvWkFGlF6HAwuimA3L093XU0s_SHar7wEWQM/s200/harry+3.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c. Harry Grffin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Right. That was what I was trying to do was uncover
it myself, in my own mind and in my thoughts and remembering what I could about
it, and I remembered that it was a step by step process and I didn’t remember
the names of those steps so I had to come up with my own names for the steps
again of the creative process and I don’t remember what they were what I said
they were, but essentially an idea is sort of birthed and then is carried
through to a completion stage and then there’s even a...I even went a step further and said you actually....part
of the process is sharing it and pushing out to the public and so the creative
process is very interesting and very inspiring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Art is like ...can be like baking a cake, or like
making a recipe. There’s a step by step process of putting things together of
mixing them up in a bowl and baking it until you have something that you’re
ready to sort of partake of. So that’s kind of an allusion to the creative
process it’s a step by step process of putting things together making something
and having the idea and thinking about it and really stewing on it and then
sort of making it and bringing it forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s a really interesting analogy. I think that most
people would not consider themselves as artists, but I think the majority of
people would say, ‘ oh yeah, I can follow a recipe, I can cook, I can make
something.’ so it just kind of brings in this whole thing that art is... I was
just struck by the universality of art; that everyone is an artist. So much of
what you were saying can be related to the non-artist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Right, I was at work the other night; you know I
work at an art supply shop here in Charlotte... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right, Binders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>...and this lady came in and she said ‘I just want
to say thank you for what you do. She said I ‘m not an artist at all and people
who are artists are such a blessing and they do all this work that’s so great.’
and she said, I could never learn to do that.’”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I said well, I think we were taught when were
growing up that artists are people who are born with talent and that you have
to have some sort of special talent that you were born with. I don’t think
that’s true at all. Art is something you can learn. So for anybody out there
who is interested in learning about art and learning to be an artist, it really
is a step-by-step process of sitting down and following the directions and
buying a book on it and reading it and seeing what it says step one do this,
step two do this, and then you follow the instructions you wind up with a piece
of art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And letting it bake.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Exactly. Letting it bake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess maybe not so much that everyone is an artist, but
just that the whole world is art. And I guess that people being in the world
are all artists, are all doing art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Everybody has talent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything you were saying seemed so relatable to just, this
is life. Not that this is a painter, this is a photographer - this is life!
This is just you know, what you do. Even as an artist, I can appreciate the
universality of art. Everyone does it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you not let the disappointment of your creation not
turning out as you had hoped get to you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I think you just have to make more work. I have a
student I was giving some advice to the other day about some of his work. It
was constructive criticism. I wasn’t entirely confident in telling him this,
but I told him that I felt he spends too much time self-criticizing his own
work and scrutinizing his own work. I said, I think you would really stand to
benefit from a very high volume production, if that makes sense, process of
working where you are constantly putting out work, constantly writing and
rewriting and not spending so much time editing and piecing together and
crossing out words and refitting words but just finishing a piece, reading it
being proud of it, sharing it and moving on to the next piece. And doing that process
over and over again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right, just doing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>It’s starting over again and coming back to the
beginning and starting the creative process again and going through that
process so that you sort of have a fresh blank page to start from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbapAZEHCsYxJOqudDhGJCcZESCFHY18eiIkte2-y6LxOaJlqBafcwBfc3GMW14cW767rT8NT1Zm7780Tiiw7M1Ri4_3CfHozWQ0wF0uSd0pxwQEVSmoaDepIwXQlkHEw9aLU1U4r-U2Y/s1600/harrypic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbapAZEHCsYxJOqudDhGJCcZESCFHY18eiIkte2-y6LxOaJlqBafcwBfc3GMW14cW767rT8NT1Zm7780Tiiw7M1Ri4_3CfHozWQ0wF0uSd0pxwQEVSmoaDepIwXQlkHEw9aLU1U4r-U2Y/s200/harrypic.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c. Harry Griffin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then, tied to that, we’ve all felt the stagnancy that
comes from a disappointment, but I think it’s interesting that you point out
that it’s just as easy to become stagnant with a success as well. You said, “If we’ve succeeded with a
work, we may not be able to move quick enough to get started on something new.
“ And that’s true for me as well. I’ve been equally stagnated from my
successes; “I’ve succeeded! I don’t have to do anything more!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I recently, I guess it was March of last year I
wrote a journal entry that was very revelatory to me in terms of process and
not just writing about my day but elevating the experiences of my day to
something I felt was an art form. I went through a period where that was
something that I did very often and I wrote like that. I kept coming back to
the same process of elevating just the mundane experiences of my day to art
form...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, I remember that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>and then I kind of forgot how to do that and that
was a challenge and it sort of slowed my writing process down. And there was
kind of a depression there that was
tough to work through. But you just have to have faith that you will get
through it. I’ve recently discovered - OK, if I get to that point where I just
don’t know how to start that next journal entry that’s exactly what I want to
say, I just need to write a sentence, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, just start.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>...just one sentence and hey, that’s the journal
entry and move onto the next sentence. Little sparks can pop in and you work
through it. It can get muddy, it can get dense, it can get hard sometimes but
you’ll get through on the other side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You were talking about Jackson Pollack. I think you were
saying that it was simple. I feel the same way about him because when we were
studying dada and the readymades, in art history. I remember thinking, that’s
really cool that they have the audacity to call a toilet bowl art, speaking of
another dada piece. My thought was, I still think it’s art. I think it’s more
about being able to appreciate the innate artistic qualities that are in everything,
which is a little different than saying that this is a piece of art.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Jackson Pollack, I just find his work to be
amazingly beautiful, but it just stuns me that it was so simply made</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My art history teacher said that this isn’t all they did.
They were artists. They had other stuff that was really well done. I don’t know
that much about Pollack. Maybe it just takes an artist to deem something art.
Is it art, just because <i>he</i> threw the
paint on the canvas? Would it be art if I threw it across the canvas? Would it
sell as much?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I guess there’s that line of thought that maybe the
world was ready for something like that at the time; That the world needed to
have that simplicity. When you think about photography we suddenly had this
mass-market camera that was very easily making pictures. So there wasn’t that
need to have portrait painters anymore because it could be done with
photography. So, for Jackson Pollack, painting had to go into a new territory
to stay alive and to have value. Not that that was his motivation I don’t think
he said “Oh I have to push painting into a new territory so that it has value.”
But that’s what happened. And now we have contemporary art and modern art.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it’s all just fascinating. That’s why I love the art
history classes because you can see the natural progression of things like
that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>There’s something that just catches my eyes, to use
an overused phrase, but when I look at his work, that I just see in his work
and I think, <i>God! That just looks so
great!</i> The way it just looks on the canvas.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You said, “I think to some artists abstract, non
representational work is very hard. They need the security of the rules of
technique to create</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you said, “Nonrepresentational works look easier than
they really are, that there is a deceptive quality to them.
Non-representational work does take practice, I can tell you that, and perhaps
it requires a higher quantity of completed pieces to finally gain success. You
have to experiment and play to find your way.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I was a part of a group in town called Charlotte
Artist’s Society, and discussions with several people there, kind of presented
that idea, that non-representational art is very difficult to do. The answer to
that problem for me has always been to sort of set up an assembly line and not
just to do one piece, but again to start that process all over again, to come
back to the creative process and have that blank page to go from again and to
know that’s always there and come back to that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it’s really interesting what you were saying about
“dreamwork” that we have the power “to change the course of our dreams and
ultimately to change the course of our days.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I don’t always remember my dreams. There have been
times when I remembered all of my dreams and they were very vivid. But right
now I’m in a stage when I’m just occasionally remembering them and even
probably fewer do I write down actually at the moment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you talked about how you could change your dreams that
would basically affect your destiny and basically your life. That’s a lot of
power.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>> It felt, I guess there was a period of time when I
really became convinced that my dreams indicated something about the day ahead
and I became convinced that I needed to kind of have this awake state in my
mind so that I could cause things to happen in my day that I wanted to happen.
It didn’t always work, but there were still kind of strange coincidences that
emerged anyways where I would have recurring people or things in my dream that
would then appear in my day, and I just found that coincidental.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think that’s really interesting. I’ve not explored dreams
but I like to explore the inner-workings of the mind. I think that was kind of
the thing with me when I wrote my book. I was so obsessed with just fixing and curing
stress. And if I could control stress; if I could learn everything about it, I
could get rid of it and live this stress free life. While I did learn a lot
more about it, I certainly haven’t eliminated it. But I do think that’s the
first key to being able to change things. I’d be interested to know your
techniques on how to affect your dreams and affect your reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>A lot of that’s slipped away from me. But I do find
that my dreams take on meaning sometimes. And a lot of times it’s sort of
looking back on the dreams that it makes more sense. That’s what I was going
through then and if I could have just woken up to what that dream was saying,
that everything would have been ok. Maybe it has to do with stress, I would
have been less stressed out about something that the dream was telling me I was
worried about. I guess the dream was kind of nudging me and saying, <i>accept what’s happening in your life right
now and just be okay with it because it’s going to work out.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course in the Bible, God spoke to people in dreams
frequently, he still does today, I imagine. I think that’s very interesting how
you’re exploring all of that. I think you should write a book about it, because
I want to learn about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think you are a lot like me in when you say, “There are so
many subjects out there and I’m interested in all of it. I want to know about
everything.” I don’t know if I want to learn about everything....I just don’t
think there’s enough time in the day to learn everything. How do you go about
trying to learn about everything?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>> Well, I think the image of sitting in, it must have
been some random science class in college and filling the margins of my
notepaper with random objects that I wanted to do. It ranged everything from
poetry books to sculptures, to music that I wanted to play, to plays that I
want to write, just, I mean, everything under the sun...all these creative
things I wanted to do. This book has offered me a way to pull on those ideas
and for some of that to resolve itself...some of that energy to resolve itself.
It’s given me a way to express myself and to express myself in all the ideas
that I’ve had.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading the book, I was just struck by what a philosopher
you are. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You say that you are exploring what you think about your
thoughts and your mind and what’s in all this. I don’t think many people do
that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know for me, sometimes I wonder why I ruminate about all
this stuff because I don’t feel that anyone else does. What do you think? Do
you think anyone else does...to some extent?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I think I function under the delusion sometimes that
everybody writes, which maybe, is in fact very good for me, this illusion that
everybody’s a writer and are secretly writing and they’re writing these wild
books and so it makes me want to write more. But no, I think I’m being called
upon to teach about writing, to help people access their thoughts, and to
access their emotions, and to be okay with themselves through writing. I think
that’s probably where I’m being led by God in the greater world right now is to
do something to help people learn to express themselves with the written word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you teaching anywhere?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>I started teaching this year. I’ve taught
photography for a number of years, but I started teaching writing this year at <a href="http://www.urbanministrycenter.org/">Urban Ministries Center</a> and <i><a href="http://speakupmag.org/">Speak Up</a></i>
magazine. That’s been really good for me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you work at Binders and you work the Urban
Ministries....How many things do you teach...or how many classes do you teach?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Tuesday is my teaching day. I teach
photography...I’m an assistant in the photography class from 10-11:30 at the
Urban Ministries Center and at noon my writing class at Urban Ministry starts
it goes til 1:30 then I drive from Urban Ministry Center through downtown to
Mint Street where the office of <i>Speak Up</i>
magazine is and I teach writing there from 2:30-4.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So just for anyone who wants to come or just for the
journalists or the writers of <i>Speak up</i>?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>It’s pretty much open to anybody. Urban Ministry
Center is an organization that helps the homeless community and <i>Speak Up </i>magazine is a street magazine
that puts people who are experiencing homelessness back to work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So basically you have three jobs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>My only paying job is Binders. <i>Speak Up</i> and Urban
Ministries are volunteer opportunities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They’re still jobs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s your next book going to be about?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I don't think
I have decided yet. The last few days I have been typing up my very first
handwritten diary from 1995 with the thought that like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton">Thomas Merton</a> I might
publish all of mine at some point (even though his were published posthumously).
But that is something that would likely be very complex and hard to do,
not only revealing all the so-many personal struggles and feelings and thoughts
I have had, but also stories about others in my life. I think though I
want to focus on diaries and journals in general right now. Whether that
leads me to write my own publishable diary or journal, or whether I form my
handwritten journals into some hybrid memoir-diary format, or whether I simply
write an instructional or inspirational book on diary-keeping, I don't know. I
just think so much of this form and enjoy my own journals so much.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you so much, Harry! This has been great!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">>>Thank you, Brooke!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c. 2014</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-64866594050954027472013-12-15T13:10:00.000-05:002013-12-15T13:10:41.931-05:00Keeping Annoyance Under Your Thumb<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://avomnia.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/annoyed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://avomnia.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/annoyed.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c. http://avomnia.files.wordpress.com/<br />2009/09/annoyed.jpg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny had a great job. It was a job she liked. But she found
herself getting easily annoyed. It began to encompass everything and everyone
she was involved with. She began to dread going to her job.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny would swing back and forth between thinking that she
worked with a bunch of incompetents, to thinking that it was she who was incompetent.
Neither was productive or enjoyable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not easy being around a “Negative Nancy.” Someone who
is always annoyed with everything can really affect your opinions and feelings
of the situation. It’s even worse when that negative person is you. If it were
anyone else, you could distance yourself from them. How do you get away from
yourself?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny told me that she started do see a big change when she
realized that her negative emotions were all tied to stories from her past. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The anger I was feeling was stemming from past
insecurities...ones I fear will rear their ugly heads again; the feeling that I
was always wrong turning into the obsession with always being right. As a
result, my defense was to be highly critical of others, but I was highly
critical of myself.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I would look for things to go wrong. When all you
are looking for are things to go wrong, you will most definitely find them. I
would feel very self righteous, but was pretty miserable.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When she observed certain [usually innocent] behaviors from
coworkers, it brought her back to those insecure days. It reminded her of how
she felt back then and how she dealt with those negative feelings. It brought everything
back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I had to learn to keep my annoyance under my thumb or I was
miserable to be around.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She learned to stop and separate herself from the past
insecurities<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i>She changed the stories
associated with those memories. They wouldn’t define her anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Once I started doing that, I was able to say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not me anymore...I’ve grown up.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As she learned to accept those feelings, the situations
didn’t annoy her anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She learned to welcome those reminders from her past as
proof that she had grown....that she was growing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>c. 2013 </o:p></div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-48691982690129126192013-12-06T18:03:00.000-05:002013-12-06T18:03:15.065-05:00How to cook a turkey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/images/20081121turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.seriouseats.com/images/20081121turkey.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.seriouseats.com/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mouth watered any time someone mentioned having a left-over
turkey sandwich. You know the kind, chopped thick off the bird with cranberry
sauce and maybe some gravy mixed in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We went to my grandmother’s for Thanksgiving. It was great. We didn’t have to expend any effort except to eat. The thing is, we didn’t have left-overs. I simply could not get the idea of warm turkey sandwich for lunch out of my head.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I became mesmerized by it. The next time I was in the grocery store, I got the biggest bird
I could find and brought it home, much to my boyfriend’s dismay.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m staying out of it, “ he said. [He actually was a good
consultant and a big help].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am notorious for “over-analysis paralysis.” I am not a cook and I’ve always done my
best to avoid cooking meat. Now that I had a huge raw bird in my fridge, I sort
of had to figure out what to do with it....or get off the pot....or something
like that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How hard can it be</i>, I thought.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was beginning to regret my impulsive decision. The
directions I found online just scared me even more, “reach in and pull the
giblets out...make sure you sanitize your preparation area of turkey germs
afterward with bleach.” Not sure this is what I signed up for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there he sat. So the next day I dove in. I cleaned the
bird, slathered him in olive oil and popped him in the oven. Every 15 minutes
or so, I’d peek in to see how he was progressing. He was browning nicely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sliced between the thigh and the breast, per the
instructions, to see if the juices ran clear. They did indeed. I even sliced a
bit off the top to taste. My, it was tasty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, after a few more adventures and mistakes, we did indeed enjoy some
yummy turkey. If I had planned it all out, I am certain I would have become so
intimidated by everything involved that I wouldn’t have even started my
delicious project. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. 2013</div>
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Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-63586933748380951542013-11-23T09:23:00.000-05:002013-11-23T09:23:06.876-05:00Reflections on the Ring<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl3ip6SYdRoSycjWGYEaTWKMGHKrOcyNqfwcEQJztr-zMHaGtZzaEICAA1wWYe0ltHCHMsez0U8vOvsPtrrT2cQUkvOYdY9PLk8cViocxkCtKV8hq0rSPdefDq2jkRSlrB8_En78LfpM/s1600/reflections+on+the+ring.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl3ip6SYdRoSycjWGYEaTWKMGHKrOcyNqfwcEQJztr-zMHaGtZzaEICAA1wWYe0ltHCHMsez0U8vOvsPtrrT2cQUkvOYdY9PLk8cViocxkCtKV8hq0rSPdefDq2jkRSlrB8_En78LfpM/s200/reflections+on+the+ring.jpeg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">c. Lori Colombo-Dunham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>I was on the edge of my seat as Lori Columbo-Dunham
described her whirlwind love story in <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/lori-colombo-dunham/reflections-on-the-ring-an-ordinary-womans-extraordinary-tale-of-how-she-saved-her-marriage-and-family/paperback/product-21309971.html">Reflections
on the Ring</a>. It is one that
our throw-away culture would think could only end in disaster.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every marriage is stressful to some degree, but an unplanned
pregnancy and a shotgun marriage to a guy she barely knew would not seem the
best foundation for a great life-long relationship. Even the most
well-intentioned would advise to bail out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank goodness she didn’t, if she had, she would have missed
the ride of a lifetime.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She describes her frantic second thoughts as she’s preparing
to get married in a cold, bland courthouse, rather than the elegant church
wedding she had been previously planning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She describes their humble beginnings in a cramped, one-sink
condo, to their dream home, complete with a yard for her children; leaving nothing
out. She describes in detail all of the growing pains; the “what am I supposed
to do with this child”, the career changes, the “where is the money going to
come from?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While both must be invested in it, she describes the untold
power the wife holds to either make or break the marriage, just by her
responses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is certainly not your average marital self-help book.
It is her story, but there are quotes from the likes of John Gray and Laura<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Schlessinger,</span> as well as the Bible peppered
throughout. There are questions at the end of the chapters meant to spark
discussion or solution. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best way to learn, I believe, is through a story. Whether
you are married or not, you will find it truly inspirational.<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>c. 2013</o:p></div>
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Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7385130637772653455.post-91661252878064751922013-11-10T18:52:00.001-05:002013-11-17T06:56:21.704-05:00Matisse's Mistake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Portrait_of_Henri_Matisse_1933_May_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Portrait_of_Henri_Matisse_1933_May_20.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: white;">c. <a class="irc_hol irc_itl" data-ved="0CAcQjB0wAA" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portrait_of_Henri_Matisse_1933_May_20.jpg" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-overflow: ellipsis;">commons.wikimedia.org</span></a><span class="irc_dim" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who says mistakes are always bad? Tell that to Henri Matisse
who accidentally knocked over the statue he had been working on for weeks. It,
of course, broke and crumbled [OMG!]. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well you can imagine his shock and frustration. His wife
took him, mid-cringe, for a walk. The best thing you can do, if you can, amidst
a bad situation is step back. The solution will often be waiting for you when
you come back with new eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matisse came back to his studio refreshed from the walk and
saw the ruins of his sculpture in a different way. He was inspired to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">paint </i>a nude, but in an unconventional
way, using interesting lines and colors. This would be the controversial and
buzzworthy Blue Nude [Memory of Biskra 1907]. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b5/Matisse_Souvenir_de_Biskra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b5/Matisse_Souvenir_de_Biskra.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Blue Nude [Memory of Biskra 1907]</span><br />
this image is in the public domain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blue Nude, you may or may not know electrified the art world,
inspiring other artists, including Picasso, who actually was green with <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/matisse.html?c=y&page=4">envy</a> at
the sight of it. But don’t worry, he got over it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many don’t realize that Matisse was primarily a sculptor. He
was inspired to paint after this frustrating mistake. [He did remake the
sculpture as<a href="http://arttattler.com/Images/Archive/Matisse/RecliningNude.jpg"> Reclining Nude I(Aurora)</a><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://./">.</a>]</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matisse did what all artists do, took a common art subject;
in his case, the nude; and added his touches to it. His use of color and line
[which were very progressive for his time] made an ordinary nude, a
revolutionary piece of art. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Artists are good at reinventing themselves. They have
experience making mistakes. They also have the experience to see that what some
people see as an “accident” or a misstep can become a masterpiece when framed
the right way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Brookehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597875734717785000noreply@blogger.com0