Monday's Muse: What inspires now?

Today, I am inspired by the inner spark of life that calls to be shared. To share my aliveness, as I dance and laugh and sing. This is what I do when I feel 'in the moment,' and what makes me feel the most useful and good at what I do. Whether it's being a mom, a wife, a friend, a Nia teacher, a woman... to share my aliveness is the goal.

I am reading 'When it all Falls Apart' by Pema Chodron. She is a Buddhist nun. (I used to want to be a Buddhist nun. Note to self: notice important phrase USED TO.) This book is a wonderful tool to stop the mind and notice all things as they are. I am really enjoying it, and it is inspiring me to be more present. Present with all the little avoidance techniques that I use to run away from NOW... She says that our fundamental situation is Joy, and invites the reader to discover this his or herself. I am inspired to do that too.

Knitting for Nia

Finito! I loved knitting this. Love ribbon yarn.

I wore this to teach Nia class this morning, and one of my students has asked me to make one for her! For pay! Whoohoo!

Yarn date next week to pick out her colors!

Witness

Beauty in decay. Impermanence.

This tree by the road asked to be photographed and appreciated.

A stormy day today, inside and out.

Outside, powerfully and electrically blustery and now raining a beautiful torrent that runs down the hillside street in front of my house.

The storms inside were equally charged. An argument between myselves - the one who hears and knows that she is needed here and now for presence and support to my children, and the one who mourns the time lost to etherial memories where presence and support did not feed my own soul.

Today, was born again the witness, who watched the storms with curiosity and wonder - both inside and out, and waits for them to pass - as they always do. Not a fair weather friend to myself, no. Not at all.

What inspires me?

First, and last, the love and support of my best friend.

And...




Nature, animals, things of beauty, solitude, and love.

















Silly things, and the always intriguing way that my kids see the world.
















Moments of pleasure, and dancing with Joy, with friends old and new.

Thanks mamaspark!

Poet, aka Kitty, is normally aloof and chooses to sit in 'her' chair in the living room. But, when I knit she likes to sit by me. I think it's because I'm calm, or she likes the yarn (sometimes playing with it a bit more than I would like). I'm making myself a shirt. It's really shiney, but I can wear it to a Nia class - no problem. That or a disco bar. It's a bit 'rock star.'


I love the 'in the moment' feeling of knitting. My house is a 'place,' but I had my peace.

Spring break, bunnies, and panda bears

Spring is here, and the bunnies have done what bunnies will do. This one was dragged, unharmed, from it's warm little rabbit hole in our backyard by our dog (doing what dogs do). We placed him/her back with the other baby bunny and covered the hole again with bunny hair. Adorable. They make little squeaking noises too.

After much stress and worry by my oldest son, waiting to see if the mommy and daddy bunny would return to take care of the babies, we researched 'what to do if you find baby bunnies' online. We learned that the bunnies return at dusk or sunset to nurse their babies for only 5 minutes a day.

Yes, I am jealous of bunnies.

Creativity is anxiously awaiting the size 13, 24 inch circular knitting needles that I special ordered - for the little shirt I will make for myself made of ribbon and ladder yarn. Very exciting, and in spring colors too. Joy abounds!


Here's a silly little video of the Panda Bear at the Memphis Zoo (our fabulous splurge of a weekend destination!) A fun time was had by all!

"Panda Bear Camouflage"

Writing Submissions wanted

I just submitted a piece of writing at the following fun creative mom's (and moms') site.

It was fun!

http://maternalspark.com/wp/?page_id=336