Reflections

Yesterday afternoon, my family was given an impromptu visit by a former neighbor, one we haven't seen in twelve years.

Nichole was the quiet but extremely intelligent and talented girl who lived three houses away. We knew she would find her way and she has. Nicole thanked us for being part of her childhood and we were delighted when she reminded us over tea and coffee of the things we did and said years ago.

We also shared our memories with her. I particularly remember the afternoon she received her first college acceptance (one of many) and her joyous cheer at the communal mailbox. I had been recently reminded of her as just one month ago, our youngest received her first college acceptance and experienced the same style of cheer in our own home.

The visit by Nicole was certainly one of the best surprise gifts of the season. Each of us have the ability to give little embers to each other, to inspire, encourage, warm and comfort. Let us all light little sparks in our neighbors and friends this upcoming year.

600 Days at Sea

The last time I posted about the 1000 days at sea adventure was on day 300. Now over 600 days have passed. A lot has changed, and some things have not.

Soanya has departed and given birth to a son, so the adventure is now a solo trip with Reid sailing on alone.

Reid posts on the 1000 days website quite regularly with interesting tales, daily pondering and photos of the schooner, the seas, occasional birds and fish.

I still follow the sail path using Google Earth and go on mini geographic searches of the current area.

There is a lot to learn from the perspective of people who do things differently. Even when things don't have to be done, it can be amazing what can simply be learned from those who undertake the unnecessary, the unfathomable adventure.

Being Your Own Best Friend

This is a post repeated from last September 27, 2007 - but is well worth rereading in the days around the December holidays. Enjoy!


You can be your own best friend by:

Taking care of your mental, emotional and basic physical needs

Taking time out for yourself when you need it

Removing and extracting yourself from stress and overload

Being able to say no when you have had enough

Treating yourself as well as you treat others

Work on improving who you are on a daily basis

Asking for help and support from other friends when you need it

Being patient with yourself

Change Takes Time and Involves Lots of People

We have undergone a home remodeling project for the last few months. One of our bathroom's tubs had a sudden leak. This leak damaged the flooring and some drywall.

The project involved several insurance agents, a contractor, plumber, leak detector, water remediator to dry out the floor, dry wall installer/painter, and a flooring company representative and installer. We installed a greener toilet, had new dry wall / paint and had new flooring installed.

It hasn't been easy or fun, but at least it is now done. Well, sort of......

In the spirit of the environment, we put in a low flow toilet which included a possible rebate from our water company. Seems easy enough, right? First I called the friendly operator at our water service provider, then was directed to the program administrator who let us know where to find the rebate form from the site. Upon submission, I was told the rebate process would now be transferred to the local county, even though our city accepted the form. Even though the recent receipt was from a hardware giant I was informed that my new toilet had to be inspected by the program administrator for leaks and flow. I now await my official toilet inspection. It will be fun when it's done.

Change of Seasons - Change of Patterns

Fall is creeping up upon those who reside in the Northern Hemisphere. The evidence of shorter days are visually apparent to me as I have been walking my dog about 8:00 pm each night most of the summer season.

Now, with the approach of fall, I have begun to readjust and start my daily dog walking earlier in the evening.

My dog evidently runs his own days with the passing of light. He wants to be fed earlier in the evening and therefore desires to start his walk after he has been fed. He has also been sleeping in later. He doesn't always get up when I begin my day, but strolls into the kitchen later as if to say "Hey you're up too early. This doesn't make sense".

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, I am sure you are enjoying the expanding hours of daily sunlight and the warming weather.

Let's not forget to observe and celebrate the seasons and the change of patterns that come from them.

Joy, Friendship and Vacations

Today I am reflecting on being joyous. I have recently had some opportunities to reconnect with old friends from year's past. It is great to get an update on one's friends lives. I think you have to be in the right frame of mind to do this. For several months I purposefully procrastinated and did not return emails as I knew I truly wasn't in the right place to share or be fully present.

To get to the right place I now know I needed to turn a "state of mind" corner. This happened with a much needed vacation. A week by the beach really refreshed my mind and spirit. I now feel much more present and joyous. Even if you have few funds available this year, I encourage you to take some form of vacation from your usual life and improve your state of mind. It is amazing how time spent away from one's usual responsibilities can move us forward.

Indexed

Are you looking for new perspectives or perhaps a laugh? The blog Indexed by Jessica Hagy is a great one for taking concepts, thoughts and ideas to a simple visual message on her 3 x 5 or 5x 7 index cards.

Jessica's book "Indexed" is scheduled for release any day now.

Three Hundred Days at Sea

The 1000 days at sea team are just at 300 days. Three hundred days without touching land that is. For me following this adventure daily is a great break and has given me all types of new insights without leaving my workstation.

For instance; I have become a real fan of Google Earth. I have explored places I had no knowledge before such as Gough Island and Ile de Amsterdam. Since Google Earth allows weather overlays, I have begun to observe weather patterns around the Southern Ocean and am looking out for cyclones forming in the Indian ocean. I've also begun to watch the monsoons off of Australia.


The digital photos on the 1000 days site allow me to view the ocean's various colors, see unfamiliar water birds and learn about the different parts of a 70 foot schooner.


I certainly respect the teamwork this project has involved and althought I would never think to step out of my comfort zone for such a long time I admire the tenacity and spirit of Reid and Sonya.

Music and Clip worth watching

Sometimes you stumble across something unique and extraordinary. This little gem is worth watching. The graphics, concepts, message and music are all very succinct and to the point. Take a mini vacation for your mind today and visit.

Leo's song by Impactist

Mixed Blessings

Everything in life has it's ups and downs. Last year we ended on a high note with a delightful family wedding which was tempered earlier in the year with the passing of a loved one.

Just when you think you have your ducks laid out in a row something comes along to create some chaos.

This year has it's promises like any other year. As the song goes "Let's hope it's a good one".