from shifted perspective, pushed by change,
encouraged by even the smallest wins,
coming from practice & the lessons of creativity
                                                                                   ~ tmb
So a note of gratitude for the motivators, teachers, effort, inspirations, necessity, plan B’s, tenacity, second winds, therapy, singleness, cheerleaders, tenacity, naysayers, courage, starting over, evolution, values, un-tethering, new chapters, persistence, walking away, wisdom, independence, boundaries, no BS zones, passion, energy, bodywork, soul honoring, commitment, healing, faith, intentions, and healthy doses of both forgetfulness and cynicism:)

In creating any type of art we work thru processes. And mistakes. And self doubt. Understanding these are part of the whole, we work to refine.  For me, just as in my yoga practice, the creativity practice offers growth: finding grace in the "zones", giving guidance to the next steps and suggesting what really matters and what can and should be let go.

“The very least you can do with your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance, but live right in it, under its roof.” ~ b. kingsolver

…as this season reminds us.
Most times I describe my life in chapters: years of caring for my children, now also a grandchild, married vs. happily divorced, evolution of career moves, growing athletic endeavors, pre- and not-quite-post covid, etc.  Often times feeling just like those stories of other artists and writers (raising little ones, single parents, working full-time jobs) fitting creative time in during  lunch hours, trying to get my 3rd or 4th wind on very late nights attempting "just one more thing", or hoping for inspiration on any intentional golden time during weekend's off. It has often felt a distance away, Yet, I realize holding onto a vision, an intention, a hope, even if it has evolved in the chapters,  lead to taking even tiny actions, adding up to a collection of work.  I'm not speaking of scholarly endeavors or climbing a career ladder, these things are very worthy of course, but rather finding something to guide your spirit forward. Nothing is perfect, but all has been meaningful.  Tenacity and passion matter. And a prayer for grace helps too. ~tmb

May you find peace in the
Promise of the solstice night,
That each day forward
Is blessed with more light.
That the cycle of nature
Unbroken and true
Brings faith to your soul
And well-being to you.
Rejoice in the darkness,
In the silence find rest,
And may the days that follow
Be abundantly blessed.
                      ~ author unknown

I meant to post this last evening, but as the pressure of the holiday is rising, there were so many other things to attend to.  As this solstice blessing reminds us, there is a greater appreciation for nighttime hours, to let thoughts settle, to rest mind, body and soul. And I relish more and more the opportunity to see light and beauty in the dark.  ~ tmb

There are times when
an image captures the feeling of ....

the place it happened,
a moment of opportunity,
surrounding sounds,
peace,
where only a few words are needed.

It is just a sliver of clarity
in the story

to be continued.