This Is It

living with my head in a cloud

thinking about pop culture

dreaming of more stamps in my passport

doodling potted plants

laughing at ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’

reading Railsea by China Miéville

reframing how I feel

making a batch of custom hoops

craving the sea

walking the line between creative & practical

trusting my intuition

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loving peppermint tea

appreciating wearing sandals during spurts of nice weather

catching up with old friends

stretching towards the sunlight

saving (and ogling) a new computer

reading Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

thinking of trips that I’d like to take

listening to Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s new album “Love Has Come For You”

eating kale, still.

drinking chai smoothies

being conscious that even on days when things feel out of control, I still have the opportunity to make choices

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The cacti and succulent are out of hibernation but I have just been wanting to burrow deep.  I’ve been burrowing deep into books, under the covers, and my social calendar.  The last almost certainly means I have overbooked myself out of fear of being too much of a hermit.

We are on the edge of spring.  My toes are hanging over the edge of the cliff just waiting for spring to legitimately arrive.  My mood is hanging back in winter and is (as usual) fearful of change.  I, like many others, don’t adjust to change very well.  I like certain routines and predictability to be in place.

It’s the time when we drift in and out of hibernation a few times before spring + summer really sticks to our ribs and we start taking the sunshine for granted.  I’m still sorting out my routines – something that I am finding causes a bit of confusion.  I need to lock down the routine of self care that helps me help others in a way that makes sense.  Not figuring it out means encouraging the emotional roller coaster that comes with the beginning of spring.

Basically, I love a bit of structure, the macro setting on my camera, and our plants.  Now, let’s go get some legitimate Vitamin D.

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loving Tom Waits

appreciating my endurance

thinking about writing

stretching towards change

looking forward to summer

reading The Moon by Whale Light and Other Adventures Among Bats, Penguins, Crocodilians and Whales by Diane Ackerman

listening to the new David Bowie album “The Next Day”

eating Kale Salad with Almonds and Warm Garlic Golden Raisin Vinaigrette

drinking peanut butter chai smoothies

reminding myself that everything is okay

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My focus shouldn’t have been tchotchkes, books or other media.  I was looking to find a few new wardrobe pieces amidst the crowd.  I glanced casually at the VHS section.  Just a look wouldn’t hurt anybody.

I quickly found myself in a conundrum.  I saw the original versions of Star Wars: A New Hope and Return of the Jedi.  But who buys the first and third movies (alternatively, fourth and sixth)?!  That just seems silly.  I knew I could keep my eyes out for the missing Empire Strikes Back, but let’s be honest – if it wasn’t a ‘match’ – that would just irk me seeing them on the shelf.  They also had the special edition VHS of all three — ohh, a matching set!  But since they’re VHS – did I want to be ‘stuck’ with the Special Edition/Re-released versions?  Is that too new school?

15 minutes into this internal monologue, I realize I’m standing in the movie section – clutching all of the Star Wars movies and not any closer to making a decision.

And all of a sudden, it clicks.  Today is a 50% off day.  The choice has been made by the thrift store gods and it is clear.  All three of the Special Edition set are mine for the watching.

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I’m finding comfort in the small things because the big things are too overwhelming.  My mom knitted me these toeless stirrup legwarmers in gradient yarn that is called “Glacier Bay” (Allison power colors, definitely).  I have been wearing them around the house ever since they arrived.  I am drinking hot cocoa.  I’m watching Ro’s hyacinth bulb grow in the warmth of the Zen Apartment.  I’m writing more.  I’m trying to stay on top of my laundry.  The small things are little nudges and reminders that February can be a rough month but that there are better months ahead.

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loving brunch

teaching myself new things in Photoshop!

appreciating moments of stillness

quoting Steel Magnolias (“There’s so much static electricity in this room, I pick up everything but boys and money.”)

stretching whenever I can remember

looking for steady ground

reading Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business by Dolly Parton

listening to bluegrass

eating apples with peanut butter

drinking smoothies

celebrating finishing the first month of 2013

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Just no place in particular in January, perhaps – but here at Zen 2.0, it’s time to honour being partners-in-crime with Ro.  Even at a wedding photo booth (Congratulations Olivia & Tristan!) our default pose is American Gothic.  We look good in squid hats; check out that swagger!

Ro makes me laugh.  He holds my hand at the suspenseful bits of movies.  I admire him because he follows his heart with steady steps.  Happy Zen Anniversary!

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loving that it finally snowed!

figuring out how to be a grown-up

appreciating my workplace

researching resin techniques

addressing New Year’s postcards

looking forward to not being sick

reading The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman

listening to Florence + the Machine

eating Sriracha sauce like it’s going out of style

drinking copious amounts of tea

celebrating most everything

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