twenty eighteen

two thousand one eight

let us hope will be great

as we wonder just what lies ahead

without dwelling we must

not forget all the fuss

of what did occur this past year.

may we build without fear

allegiance to what’s dear

to so many though perhaps not to all

some respect, coexistence

restore dignity without distance

between folks who, deep down, know what’s right.

cities everywhere now fight,

to keep alive human light

and maintain an overall sense of safe living

so we can move about 

with our days but without 

less worry, a chance for forgiving.

two thousand eighteen

must ring in with a dream

that no matter the past we can change

don’t give up, ’cause we know

with persistent patience we grow…

t’is the thing that keeps hope alive! ©tsl

Be lifted in the New Year and as always…

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #wearewomenwriting #blogher17 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #blogalicious #2018 #newyear #happynewyear #twentyeighteen

merry happy

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #wearewomenwriting #blogher17 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #blogalicious #merrychristmas #holidaygreeting #seasonsgreeting

sunday musing

As I stood this morning in my candlelight shower, I lingered under the warm water that drenched me from head to toe. I suddenly realized...the more worry I’m carrying in my head, the longer I spend in the cocoon trying to figure out what is bothering me so much that I don’t want to turn off the water, wrap myself in my big white towel and step back into life.

While I will refrain from unburdening today's thoughts from the shower on this page, I will say that this is the time of year when joy and good tidings are what many hope to celebrate. I also know that for others, including myself this year, it is hard to do so. 

As I emerged from the shower today, I was thankful for the 30 minute escape. I found joy in feeling clean and refreshed, in the spark of energy that I believe will lead me to some sort of creative time as my day unfolds. Both the shower or a bath and creativity are outlets that allow me to work through whatever is happening around and to me. May you discover yours this holiday season as you…

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #wearewomenwriting #blogher17 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #blogalicious #mindfulness #inthemoment

clouds

There seems to be an invisible cloud of something with so many nouns and adjectives attached to it that it's hard to define a specific sentiment to what is hovering in the air. Couple that with whatever might be happening in our own personal lives, which made me wonder how much joy it will take to bust through the darkness. 

I walked out the door yesterday into tiny kisses that promised the first snow; I left my acupuncture appointment and was met with a definitive hug from a blanket of big cool flakes covering my black wool pom pom hat, pouf jacket, leggings and UGG boots. The colorful scarf wrapped around my neck held back the dots of disappearing white though I didn’t at all mind them penetrating through to my skin. As I walked to the car, I felt a bit dizzy, like something good was washing over me, washing the cloud away for the day.

The first snow is my kind of happy carrying me far above the maddening cloud. We all need a lift. You will find yours if you…

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #wearewomenwriting #blogher17 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #blogalicious #snow #maddeningcloud #lift

state of affairs

As I listened to the news this past Wednesday evening, the small joys we have so long enjoyed with little to no fear are surrounded by it; the amount of security just to watch the inflation of the balloons for and for the Thanksgiving Parade itself made me sad.

We are living in a world I didn’t see coming and all I can say is…

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #wearewomenwriting #blogher17 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #blogalicious

give happy

I wonder how many more years it will take before we officially begin the Christmas season in the summer? 

I am one who doesn’t care for getting ahead, totally immersing myself in the celebration of each season and holidays that come as they change. On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, let us be thankful and in some way find a way to give to others even if that means volunteering your time. I am tickled with what I’ve decided to do, hoping that what I’ve chosen to give will brighten the spirits of another.

So Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Thanks for Giving and as you do…

keep your peepers open!®

#thanksgiving #thanksforgiving

top hat

As predicted, an arctic air swooped down into DC this past week forcing me to finally turn on the heat and officially transition my morning walk fashion choices. I gladly switched from head wraps to hats, scarves around my head to scarves around my neck, and sweat shirts to sweaters & silk underwear…anything to keep my teeth from chattering. 

Winter is just not my favorite season! I miss the lush palettes of blossoming flowers along with their gorgeous fragrances that line my paths. The disappearance of abundant greenery in foliage and grass no matter which route I take is way too noticeable. However, I appreciate the fact that Mother Nature has to prepare, so I shift my focus to take in what’s on view right now as I anxiously await her spring collection. 

That said, there are some moments of this season that I love -- the first fall of snow against my cheeks, catching glimpses of red birds on bare brown icy branches, the sparkle of a night moon on undisturbed fields of snow, the smell of fresh cut Christmas trees waiting to go home to be adorned.

I have to admit that the colder air felt good against my face as I stepped out yesterday, probably because the sun sealed in some welcome warmth (thank goodness!). So here's to the changing of seasons wherever you are and if it's gettin' chilly in your neck of the woods, bundle up and…

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #wearewomenwriting #blogher #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #winter #photographer #photography #sacredsunday #babyitscoldoutside #enWRAPtured #headwrapstohats

traveler

Though we had an extra hour to sleep, I’m still trying to figure out whether or not I took advantage of it. I recall waking up around 2:00am thinking that it was the bewitching hour when the clock rolls back and how cool it was for me to be conscious for a little time traveling. As I sit here writing, I realize I set my clocks before I went to bed, so time jumped back as I slept. The next hour I awakened was around 6:00am which lately is about right for me so again, did I get in that 60 minute bonus snooze or not? Actually, it really doesn’t matter all that much as I feel quite rested on this very drizzly Sunday morning. My window is cracked; the cool autumn crisp is blowing the smell of rain into the room inviting me to light some candles, make a cup of tea and grab the magazines next to my bed. 

No matter what time the hands on the clock point to, I do love the quiet time that a rainy Sunday offers and lately, when they’ve been presented, I’ve been so busy doing other things, that I’ve not taken advantage of the gift. Right now, I think I’ll shut down the electronics, turn off the phones, snuggle in, and read to the background sounds of water playing on the sidewalk. This afternoon, I’ll heat up some of that made from scratch chicken broth that is still aromatizing my home, throw in some vegetables, put on my favorite black cashmere sweater, take a bowl of soup out onto the balcony, settle into my bright yellow chair, watch the raindrops play on the drive, and find that extra hour. 

You can find yours too if you…

keep your peepers open!®

ps to myself - hey girl, you have some plans to cancel before you retreat into the quiet zone on this, your sacred sunday...on it!

#sundayvibe #wearewomenwriting #blogher17 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #daylightsavings #autumn #photographer #photography #quietzone #sacredsunday #mindfulness

home

Last Sunday, I was still basking in the glow from all that was Howard University Homecoming. Though I moved back to DC 17 years ago, I had not been to the festivities for over 25 for various reasons, some that make sense, others that are totally ridiculous now that I think about it. There are no words to describe the warmth of every hug, kiss, greeting, smile from people I knew, just met or still don’t know except to say that I was amongst family and felt the love.

October 2017 has led me to other "homecomings" and as the month comes to a close, I find myself thinking about all that has occurred. It seems like October 3, a milestone birthday for me this year, was just yesterday. Upon that entrance to my next decade, a piece of me that I'd kept on the shelf for too many years jumped off, causing me to ask myself, “Where have you been?!”. The day before that, the ninth collage in a series I’m working on appeared and is now urging me to bring forth a tenth piece in this 10th month, I believe signaling the end of this group of images, two that personally hit home with their messages. Just yesterday during prayer and meditation, I felt a spirit pass through to tell me that I've arrived in a nesting space where enough is in place for me to fully flesh out and put into action a vision; my journals house the notes, my mind is the door through which those notes pass, my heart is the key to unlock everything. The lock turned. 

Speaking of doors and Howard, this month I visited the salon of a friend from my college days. Though we have not spoken in well over 30 years, I was warmly reminded that no time really passes when you’ve had a close friendship with someone even if time has passed. Hours later, that warmth was still hugging me; the minute I stepped foot into that salon I was home. Truly, there’s no place like it, so… 

keep your peepers open!®

#wearewomenwriting #blogher17 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #selftaughtartist #keepyourpeepersopen #homecoming #HowardHomecoming #Uknow #noplacelikehome #billlawrencesalon

frenzy

I admit that I am obsessed when it comes to jewelry! I’ve known for years of my addiction to acquiring baubles, bangles and beads however, the other night I moved into a whole other orbit. While on Pinterest, I came across a pair of Navajo Native American sterling silver with coral earrings that I decided to pin to my ethnic, tribal & unusual jewelry board. Just as I was about to hit save, I noticed that they had not been saved to very many boards. Were the beauties available? To my delight, they were on ebay; the current bid was low with a little over a day left so I jumped right on in! Nobody topped me for hours and when they did, I bid again and went to bed.

The next morning, there was no answer to my offer; I was far from feeling feel smug as I knew someone from the other 14 watchers would eventually pounce. I set an alarm on my phone to remind me when an hour was left, went on about my day, met someone for dinner, came home, climbed into bed and the countdown was on because while I was eating and chatting, I was outbid. Five minutes before bidding was over, someone topped the person who outbid me. Not only did I see that happening in real time, eBay alerted me via email which startled me since I was focused on watching the bids. My heart began to race, I could feel it beating out of my chest as my body temperature climbed. I logged in and prepared a bid, holding still until the one minute count down began. At 30 seconds, I clicked increase bid and was immediately outbid. WTH!?!? Now I was shaking, quickly tried to recover when something happened that kept me from getting in another bid! THIS WAS NOT HAPPENING!!!!!

I cold barely breathe as my heart jumped into my throat however I know the power of getting centered in the moment, which I did. The clock was at 3 seconds when everything worked and I entered the winning bid; it took me more than 10 minutes to bring my heart rate back to normal. I snuggled down under the covers feeling slightly unnerved by those moments of feeling like I had no control over myself, smiling because I conquered getting what I was after at a very reasonable cost since others who bid were not upping by more than $1 at a time, and wondering…just how many pairs of earrings does one girl need? 

I refused to answer that question as I turned out the lights and I’m still pleading the fifth, so don’t ask and…

keep your peepers open!®

#jewelryfanatic #earringsaremyfriend #breathe #obsession #addictedtothebling #blogher #wearewomenwriting #baublesbanglesbeads

sunday thought

There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any. - Hugh Laurie 

Just sayin’ to myself and to you so, take a deep breath, pull those dreams together, step on out there and…

keep your peepers open!®

#sundaythoughts #motivation #mindfulness #inspiration #blogher #IWWG #wearewomenwriting #peepthis #keepyourpeepersopen

m.e.

During a lively conversation with one of my good gal friends, I found myself thinking about an article/book, I’ve been scribing notes to when she uttered the word stuck in reference to how she is feeling. My entire being shook hearing the word knowing that I’ve been trying to write a cohesive piece about that very feeling at different moments in my life over the course of several years. The more we talked, the more an uncomfortable stickiness set in so I suggested that perhaps we are in limbo. 

Feeling unsure, particularly later in life can be quite unsettling, a little scary even. Couple that with a lack of ME (motivating energy) and that space of uncertainty where the questions at hand have not yet connected with an answer can be beyond daunting! As I dropped my thoughts for this blog into my ongoing document, I took a look at all that I’ve previously written on the topic and decided that trying to pepper past thoughts into present ones was not needed. In actuality, stuck or scared is not what I’m feeling right now, though I can’t articulate the exact thing that currently holds a part of me uncomfortably suspended. I can say that whatever it is has not kept me from being productive in others areas of my life which means I’m not really stuck at all. If I stay open to receive, eventually all will be revealed so hang in there with me and…

keep your peepers open!®

#wearewomenwriting #blogher #blogalicious #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #mindfulness #stuck #motivatingenergy

migrating

On a recent morning walk, I was rewarded when I passed through a local garden and witnessed orange and golden wings fluttering all about. I’ve seen monarch butterflies as they migrate to Mexico once before on another morning many years ago as I drove along the ocean between the towns of Rehoboth and Bethany Beach, DE. Hundreds of them floated on the breeze around the car; I was afraid I would run some of the gorgeous little lovelies over so I slowed down since I was the lone driver on the road. It was exhilarating to be amongst them then and now. Which brings me to Ken Burn’s The Vietnam War series…

I binged watched the 10 episodes and let me say, it was an eye-opening education on a war that has intrigued me since I was a young girl whose questions back then went unanswered. I’ve always wanted to know more than I eventually came to know about this moment in history that I lived through, that influenced the world I was to grow up in, that nobody would talk about. I realize things were left out of the series; not everyone is pleased with what was presented and I too felt there were some topics that needed more attention. That said, towards the end of the documentary, the footage of countless people trying to flee conflict, uncertainty and the fear of death held me still in my chair, the desperateness of it all stirring up forgotten emotions because before me were some of the same images I had seen and not fully understood in my younger years. Who knew that a strange pain had wedged somewhere in my being waiting for the right moment to emerge, bring tears to my eyes. 

Though hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese men, women and children who assisted the US perished as they tried to or before they could leave, others successfully migrated to America becoming citizens. Despite what had happened in their homeland, they came to love this country, their new country, our country. Watching the documentary inspired me to revisit the Memorial which is not far from where I reside. I want to spend concentrated time there reflecting on the war, what I watched, and what I've read since the last episode aired. I need to run my hands over the names of people I never knew, my desire to connect something I can't really explain. As I walk  there, I will choose to pass through the gardens where butterflies flutter freely and think about the millions of people who have successfully migrated to the United States, wonder about those who have been and will be turned away, and reflect on the words, what price freedom.

Check out The Vietnam War; it’s worth a watch, form your own opinion and…

keep your peepers open!®

#kenburns #vietnamwar #migration #butterflies #whatpricefreedom #wearewomenwriting #immigration #blogher #blogalicious

rocked

a vertical line pulses on the screen

invites me to write

something

I stare 

empty of banter, tidbits, messages, quotes, words

frozen 

behind a self inflicted sabotage

disappointment holds me 

rocks my floating in place

silent.

keep your peepers open!®

#sundaymood #wearewomenwriting #blogalicious #blogger #photographer

good is

For various reasons, I did not have the opportunity to getaway for at least one, week long vacation this year; packing and traveling for my annual pilgrimage to the beach and/or abroad has been missed, leaving me with a healthy vacation envy as many of my friends shared stories about their adventures. This past Friday, I had made plans to escape DC madness, so I packed light, left all work at my home office, and spent half the day at a spa before finding my way to a hotel with a view of some water. 

As I sit now in the comfort of a bed dressed in white linen (the bed not me) propped up on soft fluffy pillows, I can turn my head to the left to watch the gentle flow of the current and I am at peace. In just a few short days, I have met strangers and actively engaged in conversation with them, the introvert in me sitting it out instead of jumping in to move me on to whatever I could do to avoid connecting. I’ve savored the view, taken an unexpected boat ride, eaten some delicious healthy food, walked along the water at sunrise and sunset, taken some “no pressure to be great” pictures, read an inspiring magazine, shopped without buying, received lots of compliments as I moved about (my glow must have been on radiant), and thought about what I want to accomplish in “the next”; I have a major milestone birthday happening in just a couple of weeks so this contemplation weekend, though not planned to be such, came exactly when it was supposed to.

In a few hours, it will be time to go and I will take a different route from the one that brought me here. I always like returning to my place. Reflecting on the weather events of last weekend and earlier this week and month, I will be even more grateful when I step through my door appreciating the simple fact that there is a door to step through. Life is good, so…

keep your peepers open!®

#thenext #lifeisgood #gratitude #peepthis

winded

As I watched the news last evening, anxiety arose and settled in my body coupled with a tiny bit of fear; I felt like crying. 

I woke this morning feeling a bit anxious knowing that yet another hurricane was about to reek havoc on more lives in the US, that thousands of people who were unable to evacuate for one reason or another including those who decided to “ride it out” may not have slept well last night and may not be able to relax again for countless hours ahead. 

Besides prayer, meditation, and touching base with friends and loved ones in the path of Irma, I needed to release some of the anxiousness within. I found myself on Pinterest; a silent loving force guided me to create a new board all about being near the beach, guided me to furiously pin to my other boards related to water, to make me remember how much I love the water and perhaps better appreciate the power it holds during a storm. As I pinned, I thought about the day I walked out into the winds of a hurricane with my camera, the rush of feeling my body being moved no matter how hard I tried to keep it still, the crashing of the waves on the beach in front of me, the morning after when a pink, purple and turquoise sky greeted me as I stepped onto the sand, the tides high, water rushing up to swallow my feet and legs as the sun rose like Sandy had never happened. The more I pinned, the calmer I felt until I was at a level of peace, the message for today coming through quite clearly...

There is calm before, during and after a storm. Being able to find it then stay with it when the wind blows us in all sorts of directions turning our lives upside down at times is the key to staying grounded despite the conditions if you tune in, hold on and…

keep your peepers open!®

ps - My prayers are also with those recovering from Hurricane Harvey, those already affected or wiped out by Irma, and the people in Mexico who were hit by a catastrophic earthquake…Mother Nature, we need a break!

follow me on pinterest @my_eclecticeye

#hurricaneirma #pinterestcalm #mothernature #peepthis #keepyourpeepersopen

stay strong

As we fire up the grills this Labor Day weekend, let us not forget those who are trying to piece their lives back together...united we stand!

keep your peepers open!®

#houston #hurricaneharvey #peepthis #keepyourpeepersopen #staystrong #unitedwestand

you time

Everyone deserves a little time for themselves. It’s not always easy to find it, however if we plan to keep it moving forward, every so often, we must slow down, take a few moments, and breathe. 

I don’t know what happens to our sense of well being as we get caught up in the day to day! We wake up and the next thing you know, it’s time to lay down to sleep only to repeat when the sun rises again. It is essential to our overall wellness to not only take a few moments each day to focus on breath but also to schedule longer breaks to focus on the care of mind, body, soul and spirit. So why don’t we DO IT?

Well this past Friday, I did do it, taking myself for a much needed soak in a whirlpool (I set the jets on the lowest speed so there was no noise as I cuddled up in the corner and closed my eyes, warm and cool water bubbling gently around me) followed by a delicious massage (yes, I was holding major tension) then a sit down in the relax room with floor to ceiling windows -- the better to watch the sailboats go by! 

As I got in my car to drive home not even the traffic could shake the calm in my body and soul as I remembered that I used to take time for a massage once a month; my next appointment is already on the books!

I’ve said it before, it’s worth repeating…take time for you as you do you and be you, and as you do…

keep your peepers open!®

#metime #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #breathe #spa #doyou #bodyandsoul #rejuvenation #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis

younger

I am approaching a big birthday and as I embrace stepping into the next decade of my life, I’m very aware of some changes I must make right now if I want to live to 103! A friend of mine suggested I read a book called, Younger by Sara Gottfried, another posted the book The Supple Body by Sara Black on her FB page after noting some major changes in her body by practicing the exercises (I guess the Sara’s have it going on when it comes to taking good care of ourselves). Anyway, I purchased both because I like the tactile feel of a book in my hands, did a quick scan through them, took the health quiz in Younger, and discovered I am in below average health, aging moderately fast!!! I was none too pleased as I am NOT below or just average!!! However, I was only 2 points below the average range. With just a few minor changes, I could move up to average, so of course my goal is to rise to and stay in the excellent category, though some of my past behaviors may prevent that; I haven’t touched a cig for 17 years, but it doesn’t matter. The fact that I smoked in my lifetime makes a difference. I remain optimistic.

Being very in tune with my body, I was more than aware of the high level of acidity in my system due to me straying and staying off the reservation over the past several months when it comes to eating. I got some advice about juice fasts from that same friend who told me about Younger. She has done and suggested I try a micro fast, which surprisingly was quite doable especially since I was on deadline for a project which kept my attention off my salty snack addiction. A few days later, I wondered if I could make it through a second try without having something to preoccupy my thoughts; happy to report that I was successful (love the cold pressed beet juice I found by Blue Print) and woke this morning feeling more energetic, lighter than I have in awhile.  

So if you need a quick pick me up or your body is feeling off because your eating is off and you need directions back to the reservation, look into a micro juice fast…it’s 18 hours and for part of the time, you should be getting in your 6 - 8 hours of sleep! Caution - Read up on juice fasts because it’s not about drinking any kind of juice, consult your doctor if you have health issues, drinking water is a must, and don’t run out to buy a juicer just yet however, be prepared to pay for the right kind of juices, they can be pricey. Good luck, make it colorful, and…

keep your peepers open!®

ps - started reading Younger and found that it tackles one thing per week food being the first; will read both books cover to cover this week to help me develop a plan for change leading up to my October celebration.

#juicefast #motivation #inspiration #younger #thesupplebody #livinglonger #bigbirthdaywishes #lifechanges #healthyeating #planforchange #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #queensareborninoctober

chaos?

There is nothing like the deadline of a submission to either douse or ignite creativity. Fortunately, the latter visited me when I found out the deadline for a juried exhibition had been extended, giving me time to finish a second piece (in a series of I don’t know how many that address issues affecting women) for consideration. 

I’m not used to working with a specific theme when creating my goddess or paper doll collages (see my gallery). I sit down to the table and either nothing happens and I get up OR they show up to guide me in the creative process until a figure with her message is complete. I wondered if this new creation would seem contrived since it felt like the cart before the horse choosing a topic for a piece beforehand. It was a slow go at the start. I constantly looked at the first piece, comparing, figuring if it should somehow be in conversation with what I was working on until I realized the link was established when I decided to use black and white as the backdrop for each piece and because these images are about women’s issues. Immediately the spell that has always visited me when the time is right to create inhabited my being, taking me to that place of divine focus; the image forming beneath my fingers knew how she wanted to look in order to convey her message. As I worked, a third piece began speaking (see a section of her above; the actual piece is much larger). While flipping through magazines to do what I call a “pull” to find more pictures to work into the collages, I spotted a page that sparked an idea for another issue to address, then conceptualized and have almost finished a fourth image. 

I’m in creative clutter and chaos meaning tiny pieces of cuttings are all over the floor along with magazines and torn out pages. With this state comes a glowing flow which releases worry about anything and makes me more productive in my other day-to-day dealings. I’m truly in my element doing what is intended and let me say, there is only true bliss found here, so as I continue…

keep your peepers open!®

#flowandglow #creativechaos  #creativity #creativespark #collage #collageart #womensissues #submission # deadlines #blogher #wearewomenwriting #inspiration #motivation #bliss #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis