a poem for the new year

as we start two thousand one nine 

i would be remiss should i not opine

brief thoughts for an approach to the year ahead.

put all the nonsense aside 

open eyes, minds, hearts wide 

“calling all good forces!,” …it’s time to align.

in this year, twenty one nine

replace the talk with action to design

ways to crush intolerance, ignorance, indifference.

take a positive stance

without one backward glance

as we turn what was malignant to benign.

so cheers, two thousand one nine

as I peer through a glass of sparkling wine

that lends its own feeling of shimmering hope.

my wish for this new year,

let me speak it quite clear

is that it will be oh so sweetly divine. ©tsl

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year and remember to always…

keep your peepers open!

#happynewyear #sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #abstractphotography #inspiration #motivation

#wearewomenwriting #writer #poem #author #tinascottlassiter #womeninthearts #keepyourpeepersopen

cheers the season!

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #collageart #photographer #photography #photograph #holiday #ornament #holidayseason #merrychristmas #keepyourpeepersopen #cheerstheseason #seasonsgreetings

mindful selfishness

an excerpt from a longer article I’ve written and seek to have published -

In thinking about the whirlwind of what-evers that sweep me up and either keep me swirling or drop me into my own personal Oz, I sometimes feel like there isn’t enough time to do all that is immediately in front of me much less get to the dreams I envision for the future. What I know for sure is, the minute I begin making progress with the to do’s on my calendar, a “seemingly” more urgent something appears via text, email, or phone call or the front door of my home office needs fixing because the house landed on the wicked witch! The more I do, the more there is to do, an exasperation expressed not only by me but also by others.

There’s a quote I use when conducting mindfulness or caring for the caregiver sessions that talks about not be able to pour from an empty cup. So many of us fail to grasp the fact that for mental, physical and emotional health, we need and deserve restful time intervals separate and distinct from those associated with sleep, yet way too many of us give ourselves permission to take them. This concept of mindful selfishness* that I suggest doesn’t come from a place of negativity rather a place of necessity. In order to operate with an efficiency that keeps us motivated instead of draining our energy, we must pay attention to what our mind, body, soul, spirit and hearts are telling us then take action when they speak. Every now and again it is in our best interest to step away from the electronics, turn off the phone, close our ears to others with their needs, requests, and problems, and even take a time out from caring for loved ones with health issues. Mindful selfishness is really not about being selfish at all. In fact, it’s about acknowledging the need for and taking the time to focus on self care in order to fill ourselves back up, plain and simple. 

And, oh yeah, no broom from the wicked is required to obtain it, so get selfish and… 

keep your peepers open!

*NOTE: I introduced the concept of mindful selfishness in passing during a conversation exactly one month ago today and decided I better get my thoughts out there before someone else puts their spin on it!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #outdoorphotography #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #mindfulselfishness #getselfish #wearewomenwriting #morselsofpeeps #writer #artist #awomansthing #tinascottlassiter #womeninthearts #keepyourpeepersopen

a cold winter morning

I was in deep contemplation trying to sift through nuggets of thoughts that just wouldn’t connect to make sense of something that was bothering me; it was time for a walk with the camera. A cold winter morning, I bundled up and never really felt anything except an openness to all that was on my path.

I was delighted by the many pops of bright color hiding amongst the muted tones, grays and browns. And then there were these fellas communing by the water...

...they were quietly enjoying the chilly morning as was I and you can too if you...

keep your peepers open!

ps...and no, I never connected the nuggets, the walk made me totally shift my focus so I forgot all about them!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #photograph #outdoorphotography #acoldwintermorning #winter #mindfulness #keepyourpeepersopen

first cheers

I take time to appreciate each holiday as it arrives. Unlike the masses, I wait to start decking my halls and playing Christmas music, so it was all cheers on the first of December as I ushered in the season in my own way! 

Happy Holiday Season whenever and whatever you celebrate and… 

keep your peepers open!

ps - tonight is the first night of Hanukkah, so happy, happy to all! 

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #photograph #holiday #decorations #holidayseason #hanukkah #keepyourpeepersopen

*scrooged

I got SCROOGED*!

Been feeling a bit discouraged on the creative front lately; I turned to my photo files and was inspired to take a fresh look at work previously designed to give me a nudge. I edited some photographs of collages created during past sessions at my work table, gave them a present refresh, and already have an idea for what I can do with them in the near future.

Looking back to what has come before can provide insight for the right now as well as inspire a direction for the path in front of us, so get scrooged and... 

keep your peepers open!

*ps….my definition of the word scrooged: when you find something created in the past, redesign it in the present, and know it has a future purpose - tsl

#morselsofpeeps #tinascottlassiter #sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #photograph #collageart #creativity #art #inspiration #motivation#keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #scrooged

giving thanks

Each year, I compose a message for Thanksgiving, don’t recall it ever being in the form of a poem so I was pleasantly surprised when one began to break into my thoughts during meditation the other morning…

deck the halls…

hold that thought for a few

let us first give thanks

for some thanking is due

for family & friends 

both present and past

for homes that are spared 

from disasters so vast

for other fine trimmings 

not found on a tree

for breath that gives life…

now don’t you agree?

so let us be thankful

and once that is done

fill your plate with good food,

then give thanks for the yum! - © tsl

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and be sure to give this holiday season as you…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #outdoorphotography #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #wearewomenwriting #morselsofpeeps #writer #artist #awomansthing #tinascottlassiter #womeninthearts #keepyourpeepersopen #thanksgiving #leaves #autumn #poem

free speak

Caution: the following is going to be a free write so no judgment on spelling, grammar, punctuation or sense making…

I’ve been productively dragging for awhile meaning, I feel like I’m in a slump yet I’ve accomplished things in that space as I feel like I’m not doing anything at all except standing/sitting still, my back lets me know this on the daily. If that sounds convoluted, well that’s an astute conclusion! Was I slipping into darkness? I thought my way through “is this depression” and came out on the other side knowing that that is all too real to way too many and knew I cannot use something so serious as an excuse/explanation for the need to repeatedly work though a word game rather than write, create, etc. when I’m not with a client or facilitating a workshop and when am I going to continue with my next writing project and another project in development? OY, is the exasperation with myself that I utter and on this morning when I wasn’t going to post because I didn’t have anything to say, it appears that I do. This past week, as another month came to a close, a new life was born into my family to usher in the next month (and generation, which just occurred to me). For some reason, a day or so before her arrival, I began to slowly clean my dwelling only taking on one or two chores a day until yesterday when there was only one ting left to do; I gently glided into the chair at my work table, cleared a large space, gathered materials that lay in waiting for me to acknowledge that I had torn/clipped them from magazines for a reason and that feeling that possesses me when the way I give birth is about to happen answered some of the not understanding what is going on questions. Someone is about to make her presence known. I can’t see who will appear on the table today or maybe not this day though like my first great niece who #premiepower arrived early and is already off the machines, someone is definitely pushing through and on her way so…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #photograph #collageartist #collageart #creativityinmotion #inspiration #motivation #freewrite #wearewomenwriting #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #morselsofpeeps

sweet life

As my birthday month draws to a close, just a reminder that sweet confections are one of life’s treats. Indulge every now and again and remember to…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #photograph #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #keepyourpeepersopen #quotes #peepthis #morselsofpeeps #cake #sweetlife

eye4MYjewels

I love jewelry and have had some fun photographing some of my pieces for my Pinterest board eye4myjewels…

As I chuckled once the photo was snapped, it truly said speak out AND…

keep your peepers open!

Follow me on Pinterest @my_eclecticeye…

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #abstractphotography #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #eye4thejewels #eye4MYjewels #speakout

great morning

Have a beautiful day and…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #abstractphotography #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #morselsofpeeps

#newauthor

Not only did I celebrate a birthday this past week, I also announced that my first book is now available on amazon.com! MORSELS OF PEEPS is a short collection of musings about the world, creativity, mindfulness or simply just living with a sprinkling of my black & white photographs. 

Inspirational, thought provoking, and uplifting, MORSELS makes a great gift for any occasion; as a member of Team NO Kid Hungry, 3% of my net royalties paid from online sales will support eliminating childhood hunger in America, so please pick up a few copies and… 

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #author #photographer #photography #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #newauthor #BlackHer #wearewomenwriting #quotes #book #wellreadblackgirl #morselsofpeeps #writer #artist #creativity #life #tinascottlassiter  #keepyourpeepersopen #NoKidHungry

eating yum

I’ve been making an effort to start cooking again and to use as much fresh food as possible. Took a stroll through DC’s Eastern Market to pick up vegetables then headed home to get creative in the kitchen! One of my friends thought the picture of veggies looked like Indian summer, hence the name…

Indian Summer Yum

Prep: (do this first and it’s a quick, one pan dish)

Chop sweet onion (1/2 of medium) and several cloves fresh garlic

Wash & cut baby asparagus into smaller pieces (large bunch)

Sheer corn from 3 cobs

Cube large skinned tomato (use more than one if want more sauce)

Cook:

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Blanch asparagus in boiling water two minutes, drain and put in freezer to cool and stop cooking...don't let it freeze! Dry the pan.

Brown pancetta (some for topping, some to add to pot while simmering) in large pan; remove from pan and crumble

Quick sauté of onions and garlic in pancetta grease until soft

Add corn and fry for couple of minutes, turn heat down and add asparagus, some of crumbled pancetta, salt, pepper, oregano, basil...simmer 10 minutes uncovered on medium heat…don’t let it stick, want sauce to build up

Add cubed tomatoes stirring to mix in, don’t fully crush tomatoes, continue simmering for about 5 more minutes (for softer veggies, cook longer)

Serve:

Top with crumbled pancetta and, if desired, fresh shredded parmesan cheese

Mindful cooking makes for mindful eating. This dish is really easy to make, so hope you give it a try and send me a comment if you do! In the meantime…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #mindfulness #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #cooking #yummy #homecooking #inthekitchen #eating #recipe #healthyrecipes #fresh #vegetables #bonappetit #foodphotography #foodphoto #tomato #asparagus #corn #lsd925

on aging...

and...

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #quotes #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis

from the mouths of...

This past week, words I heard spoken…

“you can’t live your dream if you don’t go after it” - @LenaWaithe

…and words I read...

“I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life” - louise hay

...just kept resonating in my mind, so much so that they found their way onto the pages of my journal...thank you ladies.

Whose words make you want to...

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #abstractphotography #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #quotes #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #lenawaithe #louisehay

keep looking up

when life has you prostrate on the floor, so to speak, 

turn yourself over and just keep looking up! - tsl

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #abstractphotography #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #dahlia #flower 

views

Cheers to long weekends…

and finding a bit of relax time with a view so…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #blogpost #blogging #blogger #photographer #photography #abstractphotography #relax #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #cheers

sunday beauty

for every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. - ivan panin

so…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #inthemoment #inspiration #motivation #mindfulness #reflection #photographer #photography #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #hibiscus #flowers

is boxed better?

I don’t know if boxed is better, do know that the liquid in this one quenched my thirst after conducting an early 40 minute mindful meditation session atop the roof of a local hotel on a hazy, sunny 73 degree, 93% humidity morning when even standing almost still under the shade of an umbrella didn’t prevent my forehead from being anointed with a beaded crown! Couldn’t wait for namaste have a nice Sunday so I could make a dash for the door leading to the lobby with its rush of cool respite waiting to mop my brow!

Be it boxed, bottled, or tap, be sure to stay hydrated with the H2O of your choice not only on these hot summer days, but every day and…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #mindfulness #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #photographer #photography #boxedwater

charmed

The third time is the charm! 

Yesterday, I received an email to say that my first book (this time self published) and the cover, made it through the review on the third pass with nothing else to fix! I was and am elated as the process of creating a book presented me with several learning moments forcing me to explore using programs I’ve not used before in an effort to make the look of both the inside content and cover the way I envisioned. Last week I wrote about moving past the frazzle…now you know what I was referring to!

Becoming a published author was on my vision board long before I knew what a vision board was. All it took was opening myself to self publishing, clearing time on my calendar, then committing to achieving this goal regardless of what was going on around or within me. I had been feeling like I needed a win, sometimes the win is already within waiting for us to discover it. I'm glad I did.

Will post the full cover when the book actually goes into distribution via Amazon so…

keep your peepers open!

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #inspiration #mindfulness #motivation #win #inthemoment #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #theproject #iAmAnAuthor #selfpublished #thecharm #charmed

taming the frazzle

I’ve been steadily working on phase two of a project that I started last year. One day, while navigating through each step, I was forced to stop, regroup, then re-do. After three hours of this repetitive flow, my hair (and nerves) were about to stand on end when a message popped up from Buddha -- do not learn how to react. learn how to respond. I took a breath, then continued working.

Later, I was recording notes in my journal about the daily accomplishments as well as the trying moments that comprise this journey to completion when I found myself writing, don’t get frazzled, figure it out! Though what occurred earlier in the day had felt repetitive, each cycle taken allowed me to see something new. In actuality, the process was quite progressive moving me closer to finishing my project; I just had to grab my watercolor pens to kinda bling out my words that I know were inspired by that earlier feed that popped up on Instagram!

You never know when, where or how those little nudges of inspiration and affirmation will appear, so…

keep your peepers open!®

ps - stay tuned for more about the “project”!

#sunday #sacredsunday #wearewomenwriting #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #inthemoment #inspiration #mindfulness #motivation #reflection #breathe #buddha #instagraminspiration #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis #theproject