sunday latte

golden glow TiLatte…

a morning meditative awakening of the senses

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1/2 tsp coconut oil

splash of vanilla extract 

1/2 to 1 whole star anise pod

1 tsp ground turmeric

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

dash of ground cloves

1 tsp raw honey

place spices (except star anise) and honey into a heat safe jar

bring milk, coconut oil, vanilla and star anise to a frothy boil stirring every now and again to keep from scorching; remove star anise pod and pour liquid into jar. before putting on the top, allow liquid to cool slightly then seal tightly and shake. carefully open, pour into your favorite mug, find a comfortable quiet place to sit and…

feel the warmth of the mug against your palms 

notice the flecks of brown spices against the deep golden yellow liquor

close your eyes as you inhale the aromatics 

exhale, then take a sip noticing the delicious nuance of each spice as it washes over your palate 

take a deep breath then hum quietly the sound mmmmmmmm allowing it to caress your ears as a golden vibration and glow moves through and awakens your body

continue to sip, breathe, and mmmmmmm as you welcome the day ahead…

keep your peepers open!®

#goldenlatte #recipes #goldenglow #sundaysip #sundayvibe #sundaymusings #sundayflow #sundaythoughts #belifted #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #inthemoment #inspiration #motivation #photographer #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis

sunday reflection

Women are head strong and determined.  When we put our minds to it, we get to it and things get done…pronto! As we continue pressing forward, we must keep in mind that the answers to the issues that affect women (and men) are not just black and white. It is only with informed thought and the individual and collective actions we take as a result of what we think, combined with strength, courage, tenacity, and bringing to the table voices from all races, genders, socio-economic classes, religions, professions, and those with differing opinions that will bring about change for all. The time truly is now, so…

keep your peepers open!®

#womensmarch #powertothepolls #metoo #timesup #sundayvibe #sundaymusings #sundayflow #sundaythoughts #belifted #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #inthemoment #inspiration #motivation  #photographer #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis 

sunday gratitude

I’ve said many times that I do not make New Year’s resolutions and this year was no exception. However, my entire being told me that I needed some adjustments after a stressful end of the year and some well felt bumps from earlier in 2017 still bruising my bum. Though I never failed to spend quiet time each morning, somewhere along the passing days, my practice began to slip perhaps because my creative self kept pulling me to the table to work on collages; on the days when it did not, I found myself sleeping later than normal. Whether or not I care to admit it, I must confess that I believe I had slipped into a mild depression for awhile.

So…rather than resolutions, I will say that I decided to open myself to new opportunities, new light, new energy. I am savoring longer prayer, meditation and mindfulness time each morning, enjoying bedtime books and lattes. One morning, I found myself expanding my silent prayer, speaking words of gratitude for… the light of dawn in my eyes, the thoughts waking up in my mind, the music of morning whispering in my ears, the movement of rested limbs unfolding, the warm soft feel of down comforting my bare skin, the taste of sleep on my tongue, the scent of bedroom air tickling my nostrils, the feeling of love in my beating heart and as always, first and foremost the first breath I am given signaling that a new day of my life has begun. 

Great things are coming my way as I fearlessly pursuit what ignites my soul and I’m ready 2018 so…

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #sundaymusings #sundayflow #sundaythoughts #sundaygratitude #belifted #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #mindfulness #inthemoment #inspiration #motivation #selftaughtartist #photographer #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis 

sunday share

Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before. - Dalai Lama

This message popped up in one of my readings a few days before the end of 2017. As I read the words that morning, I felt a tinge of sadness knowing that for the first time in several years, I had not really traveled anywhere.  In the next moment, my focus shifted. I picked up my journal and began to compose a list of the things I had done, the places I had gone, be they big or small. Silly things like mastering a fabulous selfie and swinging on a swing down at the new waterfront wharf to proud ones like completing 10 collaged images that speak to women’s issues and the book of nostalgic photographs I created as a gift for my Dad on Father’s Day. My list quickly filled the page and as I paused to review, out of nowhere came a note about celebrating a milestone birthday in good health. That one thing brought me to my knees, then lifted me. You see, I’d been struggling with starting a new decade of life since October. The thought of just how wonderful it was/is to be healthy, well and alive acknowledged on paper, scribed by my own hand was a revelation that told me I had reached a turning point.   

I shared my reflections with a few friends; one immediately responded by writing that whatever we achieve takes us somewhere we’ve never been…my point exactly.

May you go lots of somewheres in 2018, tickets optional, and wherever you go, remember to...

keep your peepers open!®

#sundayvibe #sundaymusings #sundayflow #belifted #wearewomenwriting #blogher18 #womenwriting #blogpost #blogging #blogger #blogalicious #mindfulness #inthemoment #inspiration #motivation #selftaughtartist #photographer #keepyourpeepersopen #peepthis 

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!®

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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