Celebrate - Month Four of Twelve - Post Two

Celebrate
Month Four of Twelve - Post Two






“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
— Oprah


I just liked this quote.

Best Wishes, Marie

Ten! Ten! Ten! - Month Four of Twelve - Post One

Ten! Ten! Ten!
Month Four of Twelve - Post One



Okay,

It is the second Quarter of the year. The last quarter, I spent much time focusing on my home and my environment. (With a little 5 week ski patrol training that came into the pciture unexpectedly.) It's all good.

This next quarter, I am going to focus on "my instument." (See "You Tube" video embedded if you do not know what this means.)

I am going to do one of those small things for the rest of the quarter that will be strong and powerfull. Ten! Ten! Ten! Ten glasses of water per day, Ten days skiing per month, and Ten minutes of meditation per day.

Life is good.

Best Wishes, Marie

Busy - Month Three of Twelve - Post Two

Busy !
Month Three of Twelve - Post Two

“When you're trying to motivate yourself, appreciate the fact that you're even thinking about making a change. And as you move forward, allow yourself to be good enough.”
— Alice Domar



Staying ahead of the schedule. I am doing well. Being deliberate. Going to be spending the long weekend with Jay's family over the holiday.

Going to have fun and relax and explore some things. Jay downloaded the series "Ski Patrol," so I will be watching all of those episodes. Hopefully doing some snowmobiling.

I skied this week, which was like coming home !!

Best Wishes, Marie

Deliberate ! - Month Three of Twelve - Post One

Deliberate !
Month Three of Twelve - Post One

“Busy-ness is a state of mind, not a fact. No matter how much or how little we’re doing, we’re always just doing what we’re doing, simply living this one moment of our lives.” — Norman Fischer

I love this quote. It came from the Oprah update email. No matter what we are doing, we are just doing what we are doing. No doubt there is a lot to do. Thinking ahead a little, planning ahead a little, and getting the things on the schedule that are important to us is important. (Being prepared can make things a little more enjoyable.)

There is a novel concept, getting it done, and enjoying it !!



Yesterday, I cooked a piece of salmon on a wood plank. I have been wanting to try that for a while. I have had the plank floating around the kitchen for a few years. It was great to feed my family and also get a creative outlet.

I was invited to do some training with ski patrol, which I loved. It was fun to see people who I have not seen since last Spring. And ... for the last few weeks, I have had projects in my office that Dylan has assigned. And Monday he came and decorated. I really love my office. Things are moving right along.

Life is good.

Best Wishes, Marie

New Identity! - Month Two of Twelve - Post Seven

New Identity ! -
Month Two of Twelve - Post Seven

Today is the last day of the ski patrol training. Wednesday, we had the written test and some trauma scenarios. I was one of a third of the class that passed.

People were crying. I was one of the last people to leave and the teacher asked me how I did. And I told him. And he said, "You should be happy." And I said, "It's hard to be happy when your friends are sad."

It was a mess. I remember not all that long ago when I was the one on the outside. It was a really hard night. Many of my classmates/ new friends have job offers that are contingent upon them passing. And the test is a standardized national thing.

There is an inner shift going on. All these old emotions surfaced. I am starting to get in touch with my new identity. A certified "Outdoor Emergency Care" person. This experience has gone as good as I could have hoped.

It has been a wonderful experience.

This is a picture of a reality TV show crew. Work hard and play hard !!



I have not applied for any ski patrol jobs. I am just getting used to the new "credentials." Later today, I am going to the last meeting. We have to be tested on a few basic skills (some bandaging, etc...). It is all downhill (ha ha) from here. I did it !!!

And then we party.

Personal Power ! - Month Two of Twelve - Post Six

Personal Power ! -
Month Two of Twelve - Post Six



“You will have to make the effort to break old habits and establish new ones. You will have to admit to yourself that your ‘gut feeling’ about things is askew, and unless you learn a better way, you will continue to suffer.”

— Susan Wright


Another quote from the Oprah newsletter. It is one of those tough love quotes. Got me thinking and pondering. Puts the power squarely on the shoulder's of each individual.

Best Wishes, Marie

Oh La La ! - Month Two of Twelve - Post Five

Oh La La ! -
Month Two of Twelve - Post Five



Oh La La !,

That feeling I was describing in my last post about being a bit over loaded and "it all just seems constant." Well I think that is the feeling that I am going to be having if I want to have some of the changes that I want in my life.

So ........ today was the day that Dylan came over and "got his hands on my office." Two chairs, and a giant basket went out to the curb. (Where the glass vase went a few months ago.)

The goal is to get rid of all the clutter, have things looking great, quick to tidy up and enjoy. Just about the last thing I want to do is be in my office all day. so the idea is .... if I can get it more spacious and pleasant, i will work more, etc.....

I also took down an old peg board with no pegs. And a little shelf that had nothing on it. Because it was not deep enough to really put anything on and it was not sturdy. So gone !!

When we replaced the old windows in our house with new windows, i saved some of them and replaced some of the glass with mirror. dylan said the mirror is a keeper.

So I have my list of things to clean, remove, sort, clear, etc..... There is a cupboard that has a little this and a little that (tools, cat treats, beach towels, etc.....) so i need to clear that out and we are going to organize that with some of the more appropriate office items that are now ..... clutter.

It'll be great. Dyland has a very organized, energetic energy. I wish that Adam lived closer because if he did, I would introduce them to each other.

Wishing everyone success and pleasure of living deliberately.

Best Wishes, Marie

BUSY BUT INVIGORATED - Month Two of Twelve - Post Four

BUSY BUT INVIGORATED -
Month Two of Twelve - Post Four



Hello Everyone,

It has been hectic. Being in unpaid training 4 days a week. Studying for it. Working enough to bring in enough money to at least stay ahead of the game. (or at least keep my nose above water.) And dealing with going through everything and getting organized/ decluttering.

It is all great. And Things are rolling in the direction that I want them to roll. There are times when I get sick of feeling so "under the gun."

Last night during the class we did a quick overview of what is left, and we will be done next week. Friday night, we will be all done. The class is only one more week. It is going to be so cool to have the certification.

Monday, Dylan and I are going to be working on my office. He is really excited about that. And so am I, but I do not know what to expect.

I am happy. Busy, but happy. It is exciting to watch things change that have been stagnant.

Best Wishes, Marie

MAN PURSE - Month Two of Twelve - Post Three

MAN PURSE
Month Two of Twelve - Post Three




Several years ago, I had a young man come and look at one of my rental units. [There was an old post in the deleted posts that maybe someone remembers.] He was very well groomed. Had long hair and a beard .... and was carrying a "man purse."

And he smelled really good. And I thought ... "I could take lessons from him on personal care and self presentation."

He ended up not taking the apartment. But as he is friends with some of the people who live here, I would see him on occassion.

Several months ago, another unit came open and he text me and wanted it. But he already had an apartment. So I worked it out with him that if he would come and help me get it clean and ready so that I did not have to hire help, that I would hold it for a month.

So he has been here for a few months. He mentioned to me that he needed to get another job to generate a little more money. So I suggested that he help me out a little as we work well together and he motivates me. We worked it out that we would meet once a week for 3-4 hours.

So this morning .... we went through several of the flower beds and just cleared them all out. And then after he asked if he could see my office. He is going to help me get my office all decorated up !!!

I am really excited. This is month two of what has been planned to be three months of going through everything and ...... it has not been my priority because I am doing the ski patrol training.

And I have no regrets.

BUT ..... I am excited that the universe has sent me Dylan. Dylan has great energy and ideas and with him in the picture .... I see that at the end of 3 months, even with spending 4 days per week in unpaid ski patrol training, working, and everything else that needs to be done, I will have much of what I hoped to accommplish by the end of the first quarter. End of the third month.

Focus on something and your energy will attract things going in that direction.

Best Wishes, Marie

SPOOKY OCTOBER - Month Two of Twelve - Post Two

SPOOKY OCTOBER
Month Two of Twelve - Post Two

It is October !!

This is a hodge podge post. A little this and a little that.

But I am not afraid. I am going to be brave and deliberate. And also kind and gentle.



I am trying new things. Way out of my normal things. It is all just amazing. What does this risotto have to do with anything. I thing it is sophisticated and off the beaten path. And healthy. That is how i am feeling.

And I like this quote.

Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."
Lt. John B. Putnam Jr. (1921-1944)

Best Wishes, Marie

POCO A POCO - Month Two of Twelve - Post One

POCO A POCO
Month Two of Twelve - Post One

Hey everyone,

This quote came in my Oprah email. In Spanish "poco a poco" means "little by little." It amazes me what can change with a slight change. Most of all, we need to know where we want to go. And then, little my little, we get there. Better that waffling. (I sure as hell would not mind ending up with a body like the girl in this picture !!)

Best wishes, Marie



October 3, 2011
“Wellness isn’t about deprivation and it’s not about perfection. It is about pointing yourself in the direction of growth, training yourself to get comfortable with your highest potential, and then taking small steps to support that shift. It’s about showing up for yourself, day by day, and then one day finding that you’ve undergone a transformation.”
— Kathy Freston

STING and MARY J - Month One of Twelve - Post Seven

STING and MARY J
Month One of Twelve - Post Six



Nothing more needs to be said.

Best Wishes, Marie

CONFIDENCE IS SEXY - Month One of Twelve - Post Six

CONFIDENCE IS SEXY - Month One of Twelve - Post Six

I love music. And so many artists. I have to say that if my life had a soundtrack, STING (and the Police) would be playing in the backround. Everywhere from "Walking on the Moon" and the classic "Roxanne" to all the songs relating to the cold war. During the cold war, I lived in Germany .... and hearing the words "I hope the Russians love their children, too" had much meaning and context.

Later, as I have established a home and learned to love a home .... "Hounds of Winter" and "Book of my Life."

I love to ski to the sounds of Sting (especially his Rosanne remix with Puff Daddy). As I was skiing this year, I listening to some music Jay loaded for me on my MP3 player, I found some songs that I had never bothered to notice.

Last year, I fell in love with Mary J Blige and her remix of "One" with U2. I did not realize until about a week ago that one of the songs I discovered this winter was a remix with Mary J. It is the song "Whenever I say your name" off of the Sacred Love album.

I remember years ago seeing Sting on 60 Minutes. And the interviewer said something like "Isn't all this a bit fake? You are over 50 and you are in a rock band?" Sting's response was (paraphrasing) "What's fake ? I am not wearing a wig or a corset ?"

Sting for me is a great example of someone who lives very deliberately. He eats well and is staying in good shape. His music means more to me because of who he is.

Mary J is just solid and grounded. At least now. (And if you take the time to look at the notes on You tube, lots of references to how sexy she is). Confidence is sexy.



As we have just passed through the 10 anniversay of 9-11, interesting to hear Sting speak of it. Our best response to the assualt, and our best way to honor the dead, is to live. Deliberately, with passion.

Best Wishes, Marie

MIRACLES HAPPEN - Month One of Twelve - Post Five

MIRACLES HAPPEN
Month One of Twelve - Post Five

At the last minute, I was invited to join Ski Patrol training. Still working on the house and getting things in order and trimmed down all the belongings. (There is no snow involved. It is all classroom. But at the end, I will be a fully certified ski patrol).

I can feel much of the esteem starting to puff back up that was taken from me (or that I gave up) with "the ski incident."

WOW !!!!



Maybe someday this will be me !!

Again, WOW !!!

Best Wishes, Marie

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW - Month One of Twelve - Post Four

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW
Month One of Twelve - Post Four

Helloooooo Cyber Peeps ......

A few weeks ago, I heard this old 80's song on the radio while I was driving. And singing .... and I have been hearing this tune .... and I love the line "Right Here Right Now, There is no other place I want to be." I love that. It does not mean that I do not wish that laundry was already folded, or a few other "tweeks" but I am a blessed and grateful person.

I enjoyed LeLo's post about living with intension, take a peek. It is a sincere and soulful, and honest post. She is an amazing women. http://www.lelonopo.com/2011/09/state-of-union-update-on-my-year-of.html. And she taught me how to embed.



When I heard this song, I thought about how I feel when I am on the top of the mountain. Skiing. So matter if it is a blizzard and I have to try and see if I can follow someones jacket down the mountain. Or if it is clear, cool, and sunny. "Right here, Right now........"

Make it a great day.... on my way to get some of that laundry folded, but I will be jamming while I do it.

SHIFTING AND MAKING ROOM - Month One of Twelve/ Post Three

SHIFTING AND MAKING ROOM
Month One of Twelve/Post Three



Love this picture of this parking stucture in Munich. I have had many interesting things happen. Mostly, I have been going about my days. Before bed, I have been reading Julie Morgenstern's Book, SHED. It is about getting rid of old things, habits, etc... in order to make room for your currect life and also room for some new things.

These first three months of the year, I have an overall focus on going through all of my things. Getting rid of some stuff, getting like things together, etc.... In order to do this, one needs to figure out what they want. So they can ask themselves, "Does this thing or activity fit with me getting to my goal... support me in living the life I am working to create ?"

It is all tied together. So as I decide that I want to keep extra bottles of shampoo and soap out in the garage and use that feed up space in my hall closet for linens. Room where the linens are stored in the bedroom is freed up.

Somedays, I do not get as much done as I like. Overall, I am happier with the way things are going.

Making space for life. And watching with "ah" as the miracles happen. (The specifics of what miracles and new things have been able to come into my life as a result of freeing up room will be another post.)

MOVING ALONG - Month One of Twelve/ Post Two

MOVING ALONG - Month One of Twelve/ Post Two



This the the anniversary weekend of the blog. I did the usual. Traveled to Park City. Did a little shopping.

I have a clear idea of what I want to do. And I love that.

With all of the storms and such, I have been busy working extra time.

This little jar is a symbol. I just plain old have too much stuff. This is a jar that worked in my house in Mexico, but was taking up too much space. So after spending a little time with it, I set it out of the street with a "free" sign on it.

Now I am free to focus on how I want this house to look, feel, work, etc..... I am excited.

I got my TV room looking great and just love it. It is easy to keep picked up and feels nice to "be in."

Little by little, I will make this house and this life all that it can be, and all that I can be.

Months One through Three are about sorting through, paring down and getting things (not only organized) but situated in a way the makes living joyful.

On I go.

Thank you Adam for the well wishes.

REAVED UP -- Month One/ Post One

REAVED UP
Month One/ Post One




Welcome,

I have been reading some books and tapes by Julie Morgenstern. A great organizing guru. I have decided to "hit the house." I am going to go through a room a week (or so the skeleton plan goes). Pearing down, organizing, and "zoning." Getting like things together. Making things more enjoyable and easier to get straightened up.

I have "gotten reaved up" and now I am moving along. The first room is ..... the bedroom. I have books, magazines, linens, etc..... I came to the conclusion that there is just flat out too much stuff in the house. (Which is not a bad thing, it is just not how i want to live. It is not comfortable FOR ME.)

The reason we are doing a room a week is because I still need to work. This will happen while I work full time.

Today I went through some magazines. My goal is not to fill the landfill. So I took them to a coffee shop.

This entire project will be a year. September to September. (But I am getting a little jump start.) The end of this 3 month segment will be the middle of November.

The photo above is a resort in the Domincan Republic. My husband, Jay, and I both love the way it feels, so and exact replica is not the goal. But the inviting feel that it has is. The sophisticated simplicity.

In the book, name SHED, Julie has the readers develope and idea of what the last phase of life was, and what you want the next chapter to be. So that as you are sorting through things you can ask .... "Is this _______ going to support the new life I am creating?"

For me, as I read, there was a visualization of a tree. The last phase involved "rooting" and the next phase involves "blooming." I want the next phase of my left to be full of "deliberate achievment" and the feeling of "passionate energy."

I cannot really say what will be happening after the first 3 month. But, by the time things wrap up in November, I will have a little breather and then dive into Dec, Jan, Feb. And ski season will be getting started.

Best Wishes, Marie

Under Construction

The blog. The Goals. The Project. It all exceeded my expectations. Many of the things I wrote about, I just want to leave on the side of the road and watch them fade off in the review mirror.

There will be a new phase of the project .... at this point that is all TBA.