#60 - Something New

I signed up with a publishing company through Amazon.

I have been working on Gary's story.  I've rewritten a few things. I've corrected a few things.  I've added pictures.  I am still editing my piece. Will be working with a publishing consultant.

*******

I have also started writing my grandmother's story.  This one is starting to grow on so many different levels.  My siblings and cousins have gotten involved in the content.  This is quite a project.

*******

My mother has her own story to tell. She is waiting for me to go home at which time I will be doing a recording ... an oral history. My mother has a lot to say.  I can tell.  She has been wanting to write her story for a long time.  Unfortunately her life has been plagued with many illnesses which have held her back from really living a fulfilled life. That experience will be interesting.

*******

I am also contemplating a fun business venture.  Gotta think more on it. Gotta pull in some key players...players with the same passion. I want to be the first to do this in San Francisco.

*******

#59 - Sometimes I Just Want To Cry

Do you ever get those days when no matter how much your head is telling you to be positive and that life is great, somewhere deep down inside you just want to cry? ... because you are just so so sad?

I felt like that way this morning and I don't know why. 

I thought that taking a shower would help. Nope.
I downloaded upbeat music on my iPhone last night and played it. Nope.
I ate a yummy sandwich with yummy chips. Nope.
I wrote a letter to someone to get some things off my chest. Nope.
I added more to my list of "I am thankful for..because..." Nope.

Sigh...still sad.

Maybe it's because I really do have things to be sad about...real deep personal stuff.

So sad.

#58 - Check Ins

Hello, Team!

How is everyone doing?

I sense that our lives are full.
I sense that there are chapters that are coming to a close....and new chapters unfolding.
There are obligations to fulfill.

I sense frustration ... and anger.
I feel sadness ... and loneliness too.
Fatigue?
Annoyance?
Are we feeling as if our hands are tied?
Are we needing to better secure our private and personal spaces?
There is a determination to keep moving forward...to keep doing what needs to be done...the need to concentrate on the road ahead.

Sending us all some positive energy and gratitude.
Hope we can stop, acknowledge and appreciate those moments of pure joy as they present themselves.

Waving a magic wand!

Hugs,
R

p.s. I think a massage is calling me!

#58 - New Season

It's Spring 2012!

Bright
Renew
Fresh
Sunny
Light
Clean
Clear
New Season
New Picture
Out with the old
In with the fresh and new

It's a new start!

#57 - Shifting

According to http://www.thefreedictionary.com, shift is defined as

"1. To exchange (one thing) for another of the same class;

 2. To move or transfer from one place or position to another;

 3. To alter (position or place);

 4. To change (gears), as in an automobile;

 5. To alter phonetically as part of a systematic historical change."

Our summer vacation plans are shifting.  I will need to use my financial and time resources to fly back and forth to Hawaii within the next few months and for the rest of the year.  This shift is primarily due to my need to be with my grandmother ... and with my family as we say good bye to Nanny. So...there goes Europe.  We will visit that other continent next year.

The energy at work has shifted.  Many many people - staff, faculty and students - are reacting strongly to the recent layoffs.  They are being vocal on so many fronts.  It is very interesting to watch. Excitedly and ironically I am on a committee whose goal is to build and create a vibrant community. We had been meeting for several weeks prior to the layoffs. This recent incident has propelled us to focus on taking more immediate steps with our plan implementation.  Great ideas!  Great committee!  Great team!

My perspective on my world is shifting.  Gratitude is coming to the forefront of my being.  I used to think that I was a grateful person.  I was. I am. The Magic is taking me even deeper.  I love it!!

Example: This morning Rich and I started in on a heated discussion which was going nowhere. Suddenly it dawned on me to switch my approach.  I grabbed my journal and quickly recited out loud my #1 item on my "I Am Grateful For....Because...." list. 

"I am grateful for Rich because he has accepted me for who I am ... no matter what...through thick and thin...for better or for worse."

The discussion was over.
Rich was smiling and I was laughing.

#56 - Losses At Work

This has been an interesting week.

Many of my coworkers were laid off or had their hours reduced.

My heart went out to the ones with families; the single moms; the sole bread winners.  These were my friends...we've been through stuff together.  It was really sad.

The Universe is shaking things up.

#55 - More Stirrings in the Universe

Priscille had an assignment in her World History class to prepare a special dish from her culture.  She chose the Hawaiian/Chinese dish - chicken long rice - which is traditionally served at luaus.  It is comfort food for the locals.

Chicken long rice is a dish with bean thread noodles, chicken, onions - round and green, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, chicken broth, and salt and pepper.  It can be soupy or not.

Last night she and I made some chicken long rice. I told her that this was Nanny's recipe.  Nanny is my 94 year old grandmother.

Today I got a call from my mother.  She never calls me at work.

"Nanny was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer yesterday.  They are not doing surgery.  She has six months to live."

What is the Universe saying?

#54 - A Coincidence?

My old college roommate and former partner-in-crime Robin called on Sunday.  I hadn't spoken to her in over a year.

She talked about her mother's recent passing and shared stories of family members having dreams of her mom after she died.

I told her about Gary.

She said "I don't know if this is a coincidence but I was calling you for your address.  I found some pictures of you and Gary and I thought you might want them."

Nothing's a coincidence.