Presence of Mind

Lawnmower Mania

This man did what I have dreamed about many, many times.  I NEVER had a lawn mower that didn't give me complete fits with starting... Until now. I bought a new one this summer and starting has been good... so far.

Anyway, read the story.  I'm collecting the money for this guy's defense fund because I can so totally relate...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080726/ap_on_fe_st/odd_mower_madness;_ylt=At_weKcpNPRFi5rbKCePJHes0NUE

Hope the link works. Go Keith!

I love June!

I love warm weather. There is something so rejuvenating about spring and finally seeing color again, whether it be the green of the grass or the vibrant purples, reds and yellows of the various spring flowers.

So far, I’ve been blessed enough to enjoy fragrant bouquets of lilacs, spring roses, and peonies. Mmmmm…

I’ve also enjoyed a record number of barbecues/cook-outs this season… a season which I am very pleased to note, is just starting. Cook-outs combine my favorite pastimes… yummy food and hanging out with friends. Two unbeatable combinations in my book.

After the cold, gray, solitude-filled, seemingly lasting oh, FOREVER winter months, it just feels like spring is a time of positive energy, hope, and new beginnings. I’m digging it!

I received some great news on Friday. My sister Katie and her partner Sheray are moving to North Carolina. This is especially good news since it means that visiting them will be a mere 13-hour trip, instead of a cross country venture to San Diego!

It was also great to hear the excitement in my sister’s voice. She has been trying to move from the costly southern California area for quite awhile now. Aside from the expensive living, she was eager to move closer to her family (the majority of who still live in the Midwest area.)

The job-search process has meant a lot of highs and lows for my sis (who knows all about highs and lows as an air traffic controller…) (Sorry Katie… I couldn’t resist.)

There has been tons of red tape and major disappointments during this process for the two of them. From my perspective, they have been beyond extraordinarily patient, and really deserve this great news.

I’m excited for their move because it means I will have a new place to visit! (And since it’s all about me…)

I think I posted earlier about obtaining a library card in my new hometown. I am enjoying rediscovering my love of reading!

When I was a child/young girl, I would read in bed before I went to sleep. I cruised through an entire set of Nancy Drew mysteries, Trixie Belden adventures, and all kinds of books about horses, magic, and love. I’ve always enjoyed reading and truly believe that reading is the key to opening and maybe understanding (just a little better) the world around us.

It’s been a couple of years now since I enjoyed the simple pleasure of reading before I drifted off to sleep.
With the advent of my new bed and an even newer night-light, I can once again revisit this simple pleasure.

I just finished a really interesting book entitled “Kabul Beauty School.” It’s a story about a woman from Holland, Michigan who opens a beauty school in Kabul, Afghanistan… a very brave, scary thing to do after 9-11 with turbulent sentiments on both sides of the tracks.  Deborah Richardson’s trials and tribulations are funny and sad, and left me feeling incredibly blessed (at being a woman in the United States, who is able to live on her own. In Afghanistan, a woman living alone might be perceived as a prostitute and could be stoned or have acid thrown in her face.)

I was also humbled by the author’s (Deborah Richardson) selfless generosity… Talk about someone making a difference in the lives of others… She wasn’t just giving these women money to make their lives better. She was offering them skills that could benefit them a lifetime.

If they live that long…

In today’s news, I read an article about a suicide bombing in Kabul. I thought of the students/friends/family Deborah introduced me to in her book. I wished them all well. I can’t begin to imagine living under those circumstances.

 Little did I know in selecting my reading materials, but service appears to be the theme…

 The book I am currently reading is entitled “Invisible Acts of Power” by Carolyn Myss. In a nutshell, this book focuses on the benefits (invisible power) of service to others.

So far, this book has been profound.

It’s not like the message is really anything new. We all know that service to others is where it’s at, but this book explores the emotional, spiritual, and physical benefits we can reap. Myss offers ways we can flex our service muscles and offers tangible ways to do so.

The book also shares some of the 1200 letters that Myss received from readers sharing their personal stories of service, and the times when they didn’t perform a service and literally, lived to regret it.

In other media news,

My gorgeous daughter and I caught the “Sex in the City” movie this weekend. For lack of a better description… it was “cute.” If you liked the series (HBO and TBS versions) you will enjoy the movie. It’s not going to offer the solution for world peace or anything… but the clothes are amazing, the guys are beautiful, and Sarah and I were pleasantly entertained for a couple of hours…

A fun meme

I received this meme from a couple of people (Lisa Kay and Sarah.) I thought it was fun, so I thought I'd share it...
If you would like to play along, please post your answers. I'd love to read them!

Your full name--- Elizabeth Jean  (Where in the heck did the parents get Jean???)
(X) Gone on a blind date (Sometimes been good... sometimes been bad!)
(X) Skipped school (Perpetually my junior and senior years of high school!!!)
(x) Watched someone die (The joys of working in a nursing home...)
(X) Been to Canada - Montreal (Loved it!) 
() Been to Mexico - (I have begged my fellow BCS worker bee Lisa Kay to take me to Cancun with her, but she keeps taking that husband of hers!)
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost (I think I still may be lost!!!)
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X ) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean 
(X) Cried yourself to sleep (Awww... that one made me sad!)
(X) Played cops and robbers (Never the cop though!)
() Recently colored with crayons (Not crayons... but paint, glitter glue and other art stuff...)
(X) Sang Karaoke  (Usually had to be drunk though. Although... I sang a bunch of old 80s songs with Wende on New Years Eve... Lots of fun!)
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only? (Uh, do you think they mean recently???)
(X) Did something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(X) Made prank phone calls 
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose (Pop burns!!!)
(X) Caught a  snowflake on your tongue (Mmmmm...)
(X ) Danced in the rain (Better when someone is dancing in the rain with you!)
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about (Sunsets, too!)
(X) Blown bubbles (Still makes me smile!)
(X) Gone ice-skating (We had a great skating pond just down the road from us. Mom would make hot chocolate, we'd build a fire, and the whole neighborhood would be there skating... so much fun!)
(X) Been skinny dipping outdoors   

1. Any nickname? Jonezee, bethjones (one word)
2. Mother's name? Patricia Joan   
3. Favorite drink? Chai chi (mmmmmm!!!)
4. Tattoo?  no 
5. Body Piercings?s (Yes, ears.)
6. How much do you love your job? (Depends on the time of day... usually love it a lot more at quitting time!)
7. Birthplace? Hartford City, IN
8. Favorite vacation spot? Jamaica
9. Ever been to Africa?  No (but I would like to go...)
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes (Too many times!)
11. Ever been on TV? Yes ( I was playing softball in a championship game in Terre Haute. I was pitching. It was a sad, sad game! Boy, did I suck it up!)
12. Ever steal any traffic sign? No (I didn't steal a traffic sign, but I stole a railroad sign... Does that count?)
13. Ever been in a car accident? (Yes, while I was on a date... age 16 I'm thinking... I was SO incredibly annoyed that we were in the wreck because that meant we would miss the movie we were going to see. Oh my gosh! I was awful!)
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4-door (I really hate two-door cars...That comes from loading and unloading kids and car seats. What a pain!)
15. Favorite salad dressing? Catalina
16. Favorite pie? Coconut cream!
17. Favorite number? 23
18. Favorite  movie?  I think my favorite movies are Defending Your Life and It's a Wonderful Life... apparently a life-theme going there. I'm also a big fan of True Romance.
19. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving (I don't have to buy anything!)
20. Favorite dessert? Applesauce Jumble cookies
21. Favorite food? Pizza! (Pizza King, of course!)
22. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
23. Favorite brand of body wash? Bath & Body Works
24. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
25. Favorite smell? Lilacs or Lavendar 
26. What do you do to relax?  Meditate, nature, taking a walk, reading...
27. How do you see yourself in 10 Years? Hauling my ass into BCS with a walker... ha!!! Seriously, celebrating the success of Mirror Messages and my other writing/art projects. Spending quality time with my kids/grandkids/and girlfriends!!! Perhaps traveling with someone who is as truly, madly, deeply in love with me as I am with him...)
28. Furthest place you will send this message? Out into the blogosphere!
29. Who will respond to this the fastest? ???

May 21 Gratitude

It's that time again...  Yes, time for a gratitude list.  How does it get so easy to drift from center? How do I forget all the really amazing things in my life... the simple things that bring me so much pleasure?
So there! I'm writing them down.

1.    My sobriety - Cause I can't begin to imagine where my life would be right now if I was traveling the same road I was on a few years ago. (My guess? I sure wouldn't have the rest of the items on my list!)
2.    I really love talking with my daughter on the phone everyday.
3.    I love spending time with my son. (We shared  a Chinese food lunch together and talked about writing, music, art, and friends... All my favorite topics!)
4.    My new bed! ('Nuff said!)
5.    Spending time with my parents. (My mom and I had a great dinner/visit last night.  If I have half (ok, a quarter!) of her energy when I'm her age, well... I won't know how to act, cause I've never had that much energy in my life. She's a human dynamo!
6.    My friends... as usual, they're the best! They make me laugh. They listen when I complain. They give me the best advice and then love me anyway when I don't take it. They are so generous with their time and resources...
7.     Lucky... who, after a pretty scary episode this afternoon, apparently thinks she is the biggest, baddest three-legged cat in the 'hood.
8.    My mom and dad's golden retrievers (Honey and Promise) I don't think Promise is long for this world... Some medical issues that I don't want to think about. My folks are going to have to make some tough decisions soon. I don't envy them...
9.    Pandora (as in www.pandora.com) A great music site!
10.    Good news for a change...
11.    My boss' new job.
12.    Hot bubble baths
13.     Lilacs
14.     Those little helicopter seed things that blow out of the trees. We used to try to whistle with them when we were kids. Obviously, I didn't pay near enough attention in biology class when I was in high school or I could tell you the name of the tree! But you know, I could watch those things get caught in the wind and spin for hours...
15.    My health
16.    Straight hair (for a fun change)
17.    Bright, sunshiny spring days... with those white, fluffy Simpsons clouds rolling across the sky.
18.    30 Rock (No, I still don't have cable, but bless NBC for posting full episodes of that program. So funny!)
19.    My brothers and sisters... They are SO strong and resilient, no matter what they are facing.
20.    Finding my spirit...   

Spring has sprung!

May has been a flurry of activities.  Lots of fun times...
Is it just me or does it seem like once the weather breaks and warm, sunny days are upon us, that weekends fill up with all kinds of "stuff to do"?  (Both of the fun and uh, not so fun varieties...) Although lately, it's been more fun!

So, what's been going on?

Let's see... I participated in the Indy 500 Mini-Marathon. And I'll elaborate that I participated in the 5K, which is NOT the mini-marathon of 13+ miles, but it's much slower little sister.
For never participating in such a major event, I really didn't know what to expect. The weather was perfect (for May in Indiana.) I couldn't believe the number of people (thousands!), I couldn't believe the scenery (awesome!) In fact, I can't remember ever taking a walk where huge elephants lined my route!  The fact that we walked along White River Gardens provided a unique and really scenic trip.  Along the way there were all kinds of bands and people shouting encouragement.  You couldn't help but get caught up in all the excitement.
Afterward, we collected our 5K medals, which in our minds, didn't shine near as brightly as the Mini-Marathon medals, but I am still incredibly proud of my medal and my accomplishment.
My girlfriends and I decided we would make the commitment to participate in the Mini itself next year... which means for me that my ass ought to be outside training for it uh, NOW!!!
We had so much fun... I love spending time with my friends. They're the best!

Spent the weekend with my daughter for Mother's Day which was also lots of fun.  We started out the visit with a trip to my favorite Indian restaurant in Indianapolis, Taj of India... YUM! I love their lunch buffet! (naan, curry, palak paneer... a little bit of heaven, for sure!) All my favorites at affordable prices.  The family who owns the restaurant is just great, too... always very personable, which makes every visit a treat.
Later that evening Sarah and I went to see the band DeVotchKa at the Vogue.  I had been introduced to this awesome band via XM. If I was to try and describe their music, I would struggle. A really unique sound that marries  mariachi guitars, violins, trumpets, amazing percussion, and a kick-ass tuba! There are shades of Latin, Eastern European, and punk all jumbled together with a dreamy lead singer, who I can SO picture with his guitar, singing up to me on my balcony on a balmy summer night... (ok... so maybe I don't have a balcony, but a girl can dream, can't she???)
If you ever get the chance to catch them in concert, do it.  I promise, you will not be disappointed!
Opening for DeVotchKa was a singer named Basia Bulat... She opened the show singing a'ccapella and clapping and stomping her feet as the accompaniment. And as bizarre as that sounds, she had the whole place dead quiet and in the palm of her hand.
Sarah gifted me with Basia's cd, and it is awesome.  Basia plays the auto harp, while the rest of the band includes talented musicians playing violin, cello, and drums.
Aside from the food and music, it was just great hanging out with my daughter. She's a blast!

Ok... it feels good to be back among the writing again... but I need to get busy around here. I have some house and yard work to get done.

Dawn of the Dead

I've been under the weather. My body reminding me that I am all too human and that I need to take care of myself... or it will do that for me.
Somehow I've transformed myself into the Queen of the Deep Sleep... Seems like that has been the only thing to really help... and since I'm feeling better, it must be working.

I can't say thank you enough for all of the love sent my way.  People are so kind.
My hat is off to Sarah... for taking care of me over the weekend. Aside from the amazing tlc I received, she is just the girl I want flexing her muscles for some assistance in a hospital emergency room.  The girl gets things done.
It was nice spending time... we watched movies! (I'd tell you what movies, but things are still a little foggy.)
(and for those who are wondering... Sarah's new job is good. Thanks for the prayers)

And thanks to Payden for taking me to the doc. He is another great caretaker. We watched South Park... and I laughed til it hurt.

Thanks to my family and friends for the visits, gifts, food, rides... All so very appreciated. 
You're the best.

Signs that you are in the wrong relationship

I stumbled across this article this morning and laughed, laughed, laughed.
As someone who has struggled, and on some levels, CONTINUES to struggle with relationships, this is handy advice.
My personal favorites (which come from a his and her perspective...):

3. Your friends refer to you as Biggie and Tupac
9. You're making it work for the sake of her stuffed animals
10. He's stopped flipping over his grandmother's portrait before having sex.
19. She keeps accidentally stabbing you. (My favorite!)
32. You role play as "guy with a reason to live" and "girl who doesn't cry after sex."
37. At your high school reunion, you introduce him as "the reason I'm on Paxil..."
38. Your respective Christmas stockings say "Shrew" and "Let's end this charade, Doug."
56. She makes vague, ominous comments like, "I'm leaving for my sister's house on Tuesday and never coming back."
64. Although not a special occasion, sometimes you just call to whisper, "You've stolen my youth."
72. Even your mutual orgasms have become sarcastic.
96. At your last Tupperware party you asked if there was a container large enough to hold your regrets.

A View to a Sale

A busy weekend for sure.  Spent some time preparing for a photography show and sale in Fort Wayne. (A big shout-out to my friend, Smitty, for sharing his table with Mirror Messages and Presence of Mind photos.) Venturing into the world of exhibitions and sales is new (and just a little bit scary) territory for the both of us.
Although sales are fun (and I'm always incredibly grateful when they take place), it's just a lot of fun sharing my work and getting a (usually positive) response from it. And I have to add... there were some really amazing photographers at this show. Beautiful, beautiful work.
I had the chance to chat with many of the folks there, which was very cool in itself.  A lot of the discussion centered on those who shoot with film versus those who shoot digitally (that would be me) as well as those who use Photoshop (that would be me) and those who don't (also me). Of course, there were the "purists" who shot with film and did not use Photoshop. I heard that several times, so I guess it's important to those particular photographers.
I'm a live and let live girl. Whatever creates the best, most pleasing image to me. If someone else ends up liking it as well, then that's the cherry on top!
A few of my friends drove up to the show to surprise me, which I'm thinking now makes them my official groupies! (thanks Wende, Scotty, and Zoe!) They kept us company and laughing throughout the show.
Overall, a great day.  I am chock full o' new ideas and inspired all over the place.

It's kind of a gray/rainy day in this part of the world. Here is a picture of some bright, yellow spring flowers I ran into the other day on my walk in Oakhurst Gardens. For those who care... digitally shot. No Photoshop!
:)

A GOOD Friday

Yes, it has been a good Friday.  But I gotta say... it's been a good month or so. Lots of really wonderful, positive things happening in my world. It seems like I've been so busy, that I haven't had a chance to really acknowledge them all and give thanks for the many blessings that have been sent my way lately... So, in no particular order...
*    Close to a month ago, I celebrated four years of sobriety.  I can't begin to tell you how strange it feels to even write that. My attention span barely lasts four minutes (As many of my friends can attest!), let alone concentrating on anything for four years! 
Four years ago, things were very, very bad in my world and and I was drowning in a sea of unhappiness... and wine. Since that time, I can't believe the direction my life has taken me, the people I've met, and the wonderful experiences that have met me along the way. So specifically here, a heart-felt thanks to my Higher Power, AA- both fellowship and sponsor, and my supportive friends and family. I couldn't have made it this far without you!
*    March 8 marked the 20th birthday of this .  His name is Payden.  He is a currently-on-hiatus college student who is such a light in my life. He has become this caring, compassionate young man with a killer wit and the most beautiful, big blue eyes you have ever seen, I couldn't be more proud.
Recently, we spent some time just hanging out.  He serenaded me with his guitar. I keep telling him that he's missing his calling. He has this vibe (and face) that screams singer/songwriter... but no, the boy fancies himself a rocker... a really HARD rocker!
Honestly, I can't wait to see what life has in store for my son. He is so special and I love him so very much!
*   Living in my new hometown, I enjoy taking my friends on Art Tours.  The downtown here is really starting to percolate with great little galleries and artists springing up all over the place.  One of my favorite places is a place called F.B. Fogg.  The owner/artist does amazing work with paper mache. Stepping into her store is like stepping into a fantasy land... the colors, the textures, the incredible "stuff!" Beautiful and really unique art and gifts.
I love seeing the expression on someone's face who has never visited before.  Young or old, man or woman, its always the same... a pure, childlike expression of joy. F.B. Fogg is truly one of the best places on earth!
*    The Boss... Need I say more? I have seen many concerts in my lifetime, but I had never seen Bruce Springsteen. I have no idea why... but as of last night, that situation has been remedied.  I went with some friends last night to see the Boss and the E Street Band rock and roll Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. I barely sat down. I danced and grooved to song after glorious song. The man's energy is phenomenal! 
One of the best parts of the whole experience was seeing the show with my friend Kristy.  I have known Kristy for quite awhile now and the fact that she is probably one of the biggest Springsteen fans uh, maybe ever- is well documented... (even at the federal level... which is an entirely different post) But to see the pure bliss on my dear friend's face as she danced, clapped, and sang along with one of her favorite performing artists will be forever etched in my mind. She made this concert happen for me and I couldn't be more grateful. Thanks Kristy... and thank you, Bruce. (And if I can just add that if that thing with you and Patti Scialfa doesn't work out... uh, feel free to call me!) Ladies, the man can move!
*     And last but certainly not least, my daughter recently was offered a great job! (with what seems to be a stable company that will pay her a decent salary and great benefits.) Hallelujah!

I could go on and on... and I'm sure as soon as I post this, I will think of 5 other things I SHOULD have included, but life is good and I am oh so very thankful! 

Mirror Messages

Ok... so it's official. We've been launched!

Yesterday was my first outing with the new baby... Uh, not a REAL new baby!
The new baby is called Mirror Messages.
Mirror Messages are window/mirror clings that feature colorful, inspired art and a positive affirmation.
This is a Mirror Message Download mirror_message_demo.doc
The tag line for Mirror Messages is "A Reflection of Positive Thinking..."  I like that idea.
Mirror Messages can be placed on any clean, smooth surface. Obviously, a mirror or window works best.  The idea is that you will see your message repeatedly, and (hopefully) integrate the change in your life.
I know plenty of people that have all kinds of inspired (and uh, uninspired) messages, quotes, and reminders taped/attached to their mirrors, computer screens, windows... (Uh, that would have been me!) It wasn't attractive or all that inspiring. Mirror Messages was created to change that.
To that end, we have been working to create the Mirror Messages, get them packaged and labeled, and shared with the masses (Ok... to start, the folks at the local flea market in my former hometown...)
I was very pleased with the reception they received. Even those that didn't buy any, offered positive comments on the idea, the art, and the messages.
I really enjoyed talking with complete strangers about the power of the message of "seeking the will of my Higher Power in all that I do..." What a complete and totally unexpected blessing that was!
And yes, Mirror Messages has its own web page here and a Mirror Messages blog that is located here. Both are "under construction" at this time... but please check back and see what's happening!
Ideally (and also in the works), people will be able to order customized Mirror Messages... with their own specific art and message, but we will also have plenty of lovely, ready-to-cling Mirror Messages ready to choose from.
Wow... my Higher Power can make some amazing things happen... (as if there was any doubt!)
I would be totally remiss if I didn't offer a big thank you to my dear friend Kristy. From the beginning she has lovingly encouraged and pushed me (by offering her own personal resources... on SO many levels) to make what was a random idea- a reality. Holding the finished package of Mirror Messages in my hand was nothing short of a miracle... Thanks so much, Kristy!
And to the many others (family and friends) who have offered support and encouragement (in a myriad of ways)- thank you! It means the world to me!
(Wow... this is sort of sounding like a speech after winning an Academy Award!)

So yeah, Mirror Messages is a total work in progress. We've reached the first step... and are incredibly excited to see where we will go next.  Please keep this idea in your thoughts and prayers.