sit a spell

It’s been awhile since I posted an invitation to have a seat, so on this last day of August when summer is just about over, please sit for a spell and…

keep your peepers open!®

best laid plans

Earlier this year when I retired from the 9-5 world to pursue my own ventures, I embraced stepping onto a transitional path with a plan for what I was to accomplish by summers end. What is it that they say about plans…

July was a month of making life decisions for others, unexpected travel, trying to understand the value/meaning of other people’s belongings, and hours on the phone, none of which contributed to growing a budding business. When August started, all of that was still in play; I felt like I was making little to no progress with my work but came to realize that in between everything, I have taken the time to go to the movies or get lost in a good book, giving my mind time to escape. I’ve also been doing some very deep thinking. Recently, during one of my quiet moments, a small voice within clearly spoke nine words, “Places to see, people to know, joy to spread” which lifted my spirits; the best is still ahead.

Any period of disruption comes with lessons or messages and this period wanted me to know that transitioning occurs on many levels, not just the ones typed into plans and to do lists. I am thankful to have the time to manage the more difficult situations that popped up since summer tends to bring a bit of down time to the pursuit of new clients. Devouring a good book is a respite often enjoyed in my past; I was reminded of just how much I like a page turner. I even began to feel the need to physically write, pen to paper, once again (more on that in a future post). 

Indeed, the best is coming in many aspects of our lives, we just have to be patient when all is not occurring as we expected. Keep in mind that the path is not always straight and, quite frankly, life has its own plan, so remember to…

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good space

Somewhere in the pre-dawn hours, during the moments when one passes from dreams to a more lucid state, I found myself thinking about the special pieces in my home, specifically several African artifacts, carved statues, and masks. I know exactly when and where they found me, the instant connection I had with each when I first saw them. It was still early when I turned on a repeat of an interview with designer Nate Berkus; my pre-dawn memories were just a prelude to this discussion about things that matter, about not following trends when decorating your home, about how what surrounds you should reflect who you are. Good to hear, though that’s how I've always styled each place I've lived.

I have many acquired, gifted and purchased treasures around my living space. However, I must admit that over the years some impulse items have snuck into the mix. Much like I did when I cleaned and purged this past March/April, I will assess everything in every room to determine what needs to go and that means also taking a look at what’s hiding in cabinets; just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean that meaningless, unneeded stuff should be allowed to take up room anywhere in our lives...know what I mean?

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down fall

My grandmother used to tell me that I had nothing but time whenever I got in my car to drive somewhere. I must remind myself of that as I lose patience trying to drive anywhere in this city during daylight hours especially Monday - Friday and even as I move about on foot! I was so preoccupied with annoyances due to blocked streets that turned a 5 minute drive into 25 minutes of frustration and with what I needed to do next on my to do before it gets too hot out here list that I was rushing; am I really…OMG, I am…crap, put your hands out or you’re going to smack your face on the concrete! 

Be mindful as you move about or you just might wreck yourself so stay focused and…

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scarred

Trees intrigue me. From the shape and coloration of their leaves to the texture and patterns of their bark, to the height and expansion of their limbs, I can spend several minutes communing with a tree. Sometimes, as I’m walking, I look up and the knots and cuts seem to resemble faces greeting me as I pass or the boughs are curved as if the tree is reaching out to embrace me. During my visit to the Botanic Gardens last week, I came upon a huge specimen whose branches climbed far into the air; my neck got stiff from looking up to take in the beauty in its entirety. As I lowered my gaze, I noticed lots of peeling and scarring creating intricate designs that spoke to me on the upload review. This piece is entitled “the lash”.

Slavery is a topic that so many tend to avoid though the scars from that period remain amongst us today. A charter member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu) in Washington, DC which will address that part of history, I anticipate the autumn opening to see just how it will be done. Trees could tell part of the Underground Railroad story. Yesterday, I became aware of America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Alabama (abhmuseum.org) built to bring front and center lynching, a subject that in this present day is pretty much dismissed and ignored. Trees could tell a huge part of this story.

We the people must acknowledge the entire history of this country; be appreciative of the contributions and respectful of the sacrifices made by each group of people in a land that long ago began its growth of cultural diversity. There is no turning back.

If only trees could talk…well actually they do. You can hear them if you…

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scarred

on living

Appreciate each moment as it comes and…

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soul lifted

Recently, I walked past the Botanic Gardens and noted that I wanted to see FLOURISH; I love that word so my curiosity as to how it would be interpreted with botanics was roused. But…there was a slight problem. All of the museums on The Mall open at 10:00AM, a time when the sun is out in full force. One of the reasons I walk very early in the morning, especially during the summer months, is to avoid over exposure to the direct sun rays because of my rosacea. I would never entertain driving to the Gardens since I live less than a mile from there and besides, there is no place to park anyway so overcast days are perfect for me to visit; yesterday the weather deemed it was one of those days. 

Upon arrival, I went straight into the room with the FLOURISH banner hanging over it and didn't find an abundance of images to capture; I decided I would interpret the word through my own selection of visuals found both in and out of that location…

Be thankful for the cloudy days that bring flourishing sunshine to your soul and subtle forces that lift you to places where you can thrive, so… 

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firsts

The first to apologize is the bravest. 

The first to forgive is the strongest.

And the first to forget is the happiest. 

                                        - Unknown

I don’t know who was the first to utter these words, do know that I’ve been each and all of these firsts at one time or another in my life…and you? 

Be first and…

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stillness

keep your peepers open!®