games we play

When we were kids, we played so many games, not online but with actual three dimensional pieces held and moved with our hands. A rousing game of Trouble, Clue, Battleship, Chinese Checkers, Operation to name just a few took place on any given Saturday at someone’s home down the block or if we went to visit pals who lived in another town. It was so much fun to scream and laugh as we interacted with our friends sitting next to and across the kitchen table from us.

As we grew older, we continued to enjoy games especially Boggle and Backgammon though I haven’t played in years; when I gather with friends these days, we engage in the play of lively conversation over drinks instead. However I do take time every now and again to indulge in a game that requires only me to be present -- jacks. The small red ball bounces as I quickly swipe up the metal jacks first one, then two until eventually all ten must be in my hand without dropping any…it’s still a challenge! I have loved this simple game since childhood because not only is/was it fun to play alone, it was also just the best to play with my girls.

I wonder if we ever again will see a time when kids interact more often than not with other kids rather than an electronic device, when all the homes on the block of any given city are safe places for children to visit friends. We can only hope and as you do...

keep your peepers open! ®

long day

dawn

dusk

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stress wear

Always knew that a funny thing happens when you move on to another job then come back months later to say hello to your old co-workers. Last week, I found out that that same thing occurs after a long absence. That thing, simply put -- when you leave stress, stress leaves you. It’s difficult for us to detect the external and internal changes that occur when stress begins to wear us. I don’t believe we can catch a real glimpse of how it alters our appearance slowly but surely over a period of time until we’re able to step away from stress long enough for its sheath to drop.

When I returned to work last week, the many compliments and look of shock on people’s faces made me smile. Though I had been out on medical leave, there was a certain disbelief that I could come back looking so “rested”, “young” and “beautiful,” that despite the fact that I had been home rehabbing from an operation that left me with temporary limited mobility, I was able to shed pounds from my frame. (What wasn’t obvious is my drop in and maintenance of normal blood pressure.) My simple answer to the amazed reactions (and lowered BP/ability to release weight) -- I left the stress behind when I shut the door to my office a few days before my hip was to be replaced and while home, despite the physical and emotional hurdles of healing, stress had left me; I am determined to keep it off of and out of me so I can hang onto my youthful glow in the weeks ahead. One simple solution -- incorporating daily wellness practices into my workday much like what I do each morning before I leave the house. Cross your fingers, send Reiki and…

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deeply

To love someone deeply gives you strength.

Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. - Lao Tzu

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re(d)minders

The other day, I turned on one of the morning shows to see Kermit the Frog writing to his tadpole self. In all the many classes I've taken, seminars attended, and journals kept, I can’t say with certainty that I've actually written to a younger self. As the cute TV segment concluded, I began to ponder what I would tell my little girl self with red ribbons in her hair that matched bright pants of the same color. One of my favorite pictures from childhood is me in that red and white pants ensemble; the picture is pinned up in my office and also sits on my work table at home as a reminder to honor the girl in me. Though I may not have written to, I do know I have glanced at my 3-year-old self and wished I had known earlier in life some of the things I've come to understand. I've looked at that bright face full of toddler attitude and marveled at how quickly time has passed, know that we don't have forever to make our dreams come true. Being home for more than nine weeks has allowed me to assess life as it is, how I'd like for it to be and what I need to do to get there serving as my reminder that it's never too late to begin not again but anew, to make changes, to teach a seasoned gal (who still loves the color red) new tricks, so...

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on the lookout

I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday next month and will be taking my annual vacation when it rolls around (let me just say right out -- a long recuperation is NOT a vacation, trust me!). I must admit that I’ve grown accustomed to being away on my day, had plans to be in Spain when it was time to usher in my new year this year. Under the circumstances, I postponed that adventure however wanderlust is making my feet itch. Since I'm in the house more than out of it, I decided to take myself on an online journey to find someplace close to home that I can easily get to for a few days. Searching has allowed me to check out some gorgeous hotels, cities, parks, landmarks, and boutiques both near and far without having to leave the comforts of home. I am happy to say I have narrowed the search to stops that will afford me the opportunity to get away while being mindful that I am still in the healing process. Feeling safe while snuggled in at a warm, cozy place with a view is a much needed respite that I will share once there, so…

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repose

Rest is not a matter

of doing absolutely nothing.

Rest is repair.

                     - Daniel W. Josselyn 

The mind and body profits when it is given a chance to relax, even if just for a few minutes. Give yourself a break today...take time to take a breather, you deserve it.

Have a splendid Sunday! Enjoy and as you do...

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cinco

On 9/2/09, I wrote my first blog and 5 years later, I’m still at it! I truly didn’t think I would be able to keep it going this long; it is second nature to me now. No matter where I am or what’s going on, Sunday and Wednesday call me to post.

As I reflect for a moment, so much has occurred since the day I created the eclectic eye. In the past five years, I have traveled to a number of countries and cities, been wrapped up in the rapidly changing world, run the gamut of emotions, not always understood what the heck is happening, questioned the status quo, overcome all kinds of hurdles, accomplished things that were not on my radar when I began the blog, met lots of people as I lost others, tasted life and foods that tickled my fancy, fallen only to stand up again stronger, and transformed my being in ways that have brought me to a place that gives me peace. I’ve covered hundreds of topics taking thousands of photos to highlight the millions of words I have written, am elated when I think that before me are so many more places to go, things to do, and experiences to be had that I will record in words and pictures for who knows how long, anything is possible.

So as I celebrate, here’s to my fifth, thanks for reading and please continue to…

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