after just over 400 posts...
1. i've said my piece for now.
2. my motivation for this project has waned.
3. this blog isn't the important creative outlet it once was for me.
4. my attention is shifting to other creative pursuits.
5. moving on feels like the right thing.
...thanks for reading!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Friday, July 04, 2008
Top Five Stolen Moments
i crave "time to myself," but i often only focus on the long stretches of time i can't have rather than appreciating the stolen moments woven into the day...
1. Day-break: i have a long list of things i'd like to cram into the time before the kids awaken--peace-finding things like yoga, solitary coffee drinking, writing my morning pages--but i've stolen a moment even if it's just enough time to say a quick prayer in stillness.
2. Dish-doing: i truly enjoy watching sesame street with the girls, but i also use part of that time to tidy up the kitchen. doing the morning dishes is meditative, and i often find a way to recenter in this stolen moment.
3. To-and-fro-driving: i'm certainly not alone and rarely is it quiet, but my focus is on the road and i have the chance to mentally escape in this stolen moment.
4. Bathroom-break: claire often takes ages in the bathroom, singing and reading to herself. away from her talkative presence (wonderful as she is), i can retreat inwardly in this stolen moment.
5. Day-ending: when the kids are in bed, the house is straightened, and my working work is completed, i have a window of time before sleep becomes me. to decompress, i steal a few moments from the remains of the day...to reflect and let go.
...what moments do you steal throughout the day?
1. Day-break: i have a long list of things i'd like to cram into the time before the kids awaken--peace-finding things like yoga, solitary coffee drinking, writing my morning pages--but i've stolen a moment even if it's just enough time to say a quick prayer in stillness.
2. Dish-doing: i truly enjoy watching sesame street with the girls, but i also use part of that time to tidy up the kitchen. doing the morning dishes is meditative, and i often find a way to recenter in this stolen moment.
3. To-and-fro-driving: i'm certainly not alone and rarely is it quiet, but my focus is on the road and i have the chance to mentally escape in this stolen moment.
4. Bathroom-break: claire often takes ages in the bathroom, singing and reading to herself. away from her talkative presence (wonderful as she is), i can retreat inwardly in this stolen moment.
5. Day-ending: when the kids are in bed, the house is straightened, and my working work is completed, i have a window of time before sleep becomes me. to decompress, i steal a few moments from the remains of the day...to reflect and let go.
...what moments do you steal throughout the day?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Top Five Ways to Grow
"Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, 'Grow, grow.'"
-The Talmud
1. open: the mind, the body, the doors we slam
2. notice: details, beauty, the present moment
3. trust: thyself, God, the love given and received
4. breathe: deeply, consciously, into the openings
5. pray: centered, scattered, with every fiber of being
...what else spurs growth?
-The Talmud
1. open: the mind, the body, the doors we slam
2. notice: details, beauty, the present moment
3. trust: thyself, God, the love given and received
4. breathe: deeply, consciously, into the openings
5. pray: centered, scattered, with every fiber of being
...what else spurs growth?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Top Five Affirmations
turning negative thoughts into positive vibes...
1. Sometimes I feel tired, mentally. But I believe in what I work for.
2. Sometimes I feel plain, physically. But I believe in the complex beauty of my soul.
3. Sometimes I feel uninspired, creatively. But I believe in my potential.
4. Sometimes I feel adrift, spiritually. But I believe that I am not blind to Truth.
5. Sometimes I feel insignificant, financially. But I believe in the worth of my presence in the lives of the two sunny souls we're raising up.
what negativity can you outshine today?
1. Sometimes I feel tired, mentally. But I believe in what I work for.
2. Sometimes I feel plain, physically. But I believe in the complex beauty of my soul.
3. Sometimes I feel uninspired, creatively. But I believe in my potential.
4. Sometimes I feel adrift, spiritually. But I believe that I am not blind to Truth.
5. Sometimes I feel insignificant, financially. But I believe in the worth of my presence in the lives of the two sunny souls we're raising up.
what negativity can you outshine today?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Top Five Frames
random thoughts with a common frame...
1. one thing i love is the way claire's bangs and fly-away curls frame her face
2. when i was a kid, i always picked out goofy glasses frames.
3.i like to frame each day with moments of peace and stillness
4. is Truth fixed, or based on frame of reference?
5. if i could review freeze-frames of myself at the end of each day--facial expressions, emotions, words, energy levels--i might learn much to build on for tomorrow.
...do you have any frame-able thoughts to add?
1. one thing i love is the way claire's bangs and fly-away curls frame her face
2. when i was a kid, i always picked out goofy glasses frames.
3.i like to frame each day with moments of peace and stillness
4. is Truth fixed, or based on frame of reference?
5. if i could review freeze-frames of myself at the end of each day--facial expressions, emotions, words, energy levels--i might learn much to build on for tomorrow.
...do you have any frame-able thoughts to add?
Monday, June 16, 2008
Top Five Hands That Feed Me
i'm nourished by...
1. my muse (she's been quiet recently)
2. my parents (in different ways now that i've left the nest, of course)
3. universal creative energy (or God or whatever you call it...)
4. jenehr family farm (quite literally)
5. john (he puts the food on our table, yes, but he also nourishes my heart and soul)
...who/what feeds your body, mind, and soul?
1. my muse (she's been quiet recently)
2. my parents (in different ways now that i've left the nest, of course)
3. universal creative energy (or God or whatever you call it...)
4. jenehr family farm (quite literally)
5. john (he puts the food on our table, yes, but he also nourishes my heart and soul)
...who/what feeds your body, mind, and soul?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Top Five Falls
descending...
1. right now, i'm watching the night fall
2. i try not to let my standards fall
3. this evening, we sat in our "basement" while the rain continued to fall
5. i used to live in M- Falls
6. several times today, i watched eliza fall
...did you fall today?
1. right now, i'm watching the night fall
2. i try not to let my standards fall
3. this evening, we sat in our "basement" while the rain continued to fall
5. i used to live in M- Falls
6. several times today, i watched eliza fall
...did you fall today?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Top Five Things on My Hands Today
not what i was holding, but what was physically on the skin of my hands...
1. bike-chain grease
2. soap suds
3. sand
4. tortilla chip salt
5. germs
...what was on your hands today?
1. bike-chain grease
2. soap suds
3. sand
4. tortilla chip salt
5. germs
...what was on your hands today?
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Top Five Tails
tailing another word's usage...
1. pin the tail on the donkey
2. tail between the legs
3. heads or tails
4. tail end
5. cattail
...aside from animals and embryos, where else do you see tails?
1. pin the tail on the donkey
2. tail between the legs
3. heads or tails
4. tail end
5. cattail
...aside from animals and embryos, where else do you see tails?
Monday, June 02, 2008
Top Five Ups and Downs
physically speaking...
1. eliza falls down a lot, but she scrambles back up quickly.
2. claire has to look up at most people, but eliza is one person she can look down to see.
3. the kids have been getting up at a more reasonable time, and they go down at night fairly easily, too. (oh shoot, did i just jinx myself?)
4. if she's out of her comfort zone, eliza wants "up," but if there's something to explore, she wiggles to get down.
5. claire loves to dress up as Felicity, a character in the books she doesn't want us to put down.
...what have you been up to?
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Top Five Matters
we aren't talking about a serious matter here...
1. what's the matter?
2. it doesn't matter
3. as a matter of fact...
4. the Matterhorn
5. states of matter
...are there any other matters of interest?
1. what's the matter?
2. it doesn't matter
3. as a matter of fact...
4. the Matterhorn
5. states of matter
...are there any other matters of interest?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Top Five Important Trees
beautiful, symbolic, marking my past...
1. 3 knee-high pines grown tall by now, one planted for each sister in our new yard.
2. a low-branched tree plowed over by now, a make-shift treehouse in the empty lot next door.
3. charleston's Angel Oak observed in quiet reverence, a witness to the past and a lesson in longevity.
4. two intertwined trees in the north woods, a symbol of two linked souls growing stable and strong.
5. a creek-side tree bearing two carved names, the site of love's pledge and a wedding proposal.
...what holds symbolism for you?
1. 3 knee-high pines grown tall by now, one planted for each sister in our new yard.
2. a low-branched tree plowed over by now, a make-shift treehouse in the empty lot next door.
3. charleston's Angel Oak observed in quiet reverence, a witness to the past and a lesson in longevity.
4. two intertwined trees in the north woods, a symbol of two linked souls growing stable and strong.
5. a creek-side tree bearing two carved names, the site of love's pledge and a wedding proposal.
...what holds symbolism for you?
Monday, May 26, 2008
Top Five Roads to Travel
choose a path to walk...
1. you could take the long and winding road
2. or opt for the straight and narrow.
3. you could choose easy street,
4. or end up on rocky road.
5. but, perchance, you may just want to wander off the beaten path.
what other roads could you travel?
1. you could take the long and winding road
2. or opt for the straight and narrow.
3. you could choose easy street,
4. or end up on rocky road.
5. but, perchance, you may just want to wander off the beaten path.
what other roads could you travel?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Top Five Invasive Species
garlic mustard grows rampant in our outdoor neighborhood, but these could overtake a home landscape...
1. the ho hums
2. junk mail
3. impatience
4. ceiling corner cobwebs
5. plastic bags
...which invasive species do you try to eradicate?
1. the ho hums
2. junk mail
3. impatience
4. ceiling corner cobwebs
5. plastic bags
...which invasive species do you try to eradicate?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Top Five Poses
not quite yoga, but moments of stillness...
1. The coffee pose: cup in hand, mind awakening, slowly present
2. The reading pose: child in lap, page turning, quietly together
3. The water-break pose: feet off pedals, upright-standing, scenery paused
4. The embrace pose: hearts close, tightly holding, strongly loved
5. The lying-flat pose: end of day, almost sleeping, finally still
...what are your favorite poses of the day?
1. The coffee pose: cup in hand, mind awakening, slowly present
2. The reading pose: child in lap, page turning, quietly together
3. The water-break pose: feet off pedals, upright-standing, scenery paused
4. The embrace pose: hearts close, tightly holding, strongly loved
5. The lying-flat pose: end of day, almost sleeping, finally still
...what are your favorite poses of the day?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Top Five Walls
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Top Five Books on my List
cleared off the old list, on to new ones...
1. in defense of food, by michael pollan
2. into the wild, by jon krakauer
3. the heart of yoga, by t. k. v. desikachar
4. lyra's oxford, by philip pullman
5. the open road: the global journey of the 14th dali lama, by pico iyer
...what are you reading...or planning to read?
1. in defense of food, by michael pollan
2. into the wild, by jon krakauer
3. the heart of yoga, by t. k. v. desikachar
4. lyra's oxford, by philip pullman
5. the open road: the global journey of the 14th dali lama, by pico iyer
...what are you reading...or planning to read?
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Top Five Mothers in Literature
Happy Mother's Day...
1. passionate and fatefully-tempted: Eve (Biblical mother of us all)
2. outspoken and nerve-wracked: Mrs. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
3. providing and fiercely-protective: Mrs. Weasley (the Harry Potter series)
4. sweet and always-supportive: Marmee (Little Women)
5. strong and quietly-wise: Hester Prynne (The Scarlett Letter)
...what other famous mothers live between the pages of a book?
1. passionate and fatefully-tempted: Eve (Biblical mother of us all)
2. outspoken and nerve-wracked: Mrs. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
3. providing and fiercely-protective: Mrs. Weasley (the Harry Potter series)
4. sweet and always-supportive: Marmee (Little Women)
5. strong and quietly-wise: Hester Prynne (The Scarlett Letter)
...what other famous mothers live between the pages of a book?
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Top Five Sounds of the Morning
the audio of that waking-up hour...
1. the alarm clock, of course: the jarring beep which i may or may not hear
2. the coffee pot: the gurgling and steaming which promise to de-fog my brain
3. my own deep breath: the lung-filling slowness which clears my mind for the day
4. early birds: the songs and calls which tell of a world already in full swing
5. eliza's morning wails and claire's slide-thump down the stairs: bitter-sweet wake-up sounds which end my morning hour.
...what sounds do you hear in the morning?
1. the alarm clock, of course: the jarring beep which i may or may not hear
2. the coffee pot: the gurgling and steaming which promise to de-fog my brain
3. my own deep breath: the lung-filling slowness which clears my mind for the day
4. early birds: the songs and calls which tell of a world already in full swing
5. eliza's morning wails and claire's slide-thump down the stairs: bitter-sweet wake-up sounds which end my morning hour.
...what sounds do you hear in the morning?
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Top Five Current Sight Lines
when i look up from my computer, i see...
1. a picture collage of john and i, reminding me of those growing-up years we weathered together (and here we are!).
2. dusk falling, reminding me that even the nicest days come to an end (and that i must enjoy the present).
3. an unsightly mark on the apartment-paint-jobbed wall, reminding me that we still don't own a house (but this sure is home!).
4. a half-glass of water, reminding me that i have an outlook choice (and that i should keep hydrated!).
5. a pile of clothing on the floor, reminding me that i STILL haven't thrown in that load of biking wash (but i will...).
...what do you see, right now?
1. a picture collage of john and i, reminding me of those growing-up years we weathered together (and here we are!).
2. dusk falling, reminding me that even the nicest days come to an end (and that i must enjoy the present).
3. an unsightly mark on the apartment-paint-jobbed wall, reminding me that we still don't own a house (but this sure is home!).
4. a half-glass of water, reminding me that i have an outlook choice (and that i should keep hydrated!).
5. a pile of clothing on the floor, reminding me that i STILL haven't thrown in that load of biking wash (but i will...).
...what do you see, right now?
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Top Five New Appreciations
went for my first long bike ride today (56 mils!),
over a loop of the Ironman Wisconsin bike course,
in preparation for the TOMROV...
1. i have a new appreciation for what those Iron folks do out there on race day--the course is harder than i ever imagined (hills nicknamed "The Bitch" and "The Lance Armstrong Hill" are way harder on the bike than in the car, it turns out).
2. i have a new appreciation for the term lactic burn--my quads were okay the first 40 miles but reacted with painful protest on the final leg
3. i have a new appreciation for the beautiful countryside surrounding madison--"the middle of nowhere" is practically in our backyards, it turns out, with varied topography, beautiful homes, and abundant farmsteads.
4. i have a new appreciation for snack sticks--salty protein never tasted so good.
5. i have a new appreciation for something John truly loves--he's done this same ride countless times before, and it was amazing to experience it with him (sandbag though i was).
...what do you have a new appreciation for, in your life?
over a loop of the Ironman Wisconsin bike course,
in preparation for the TOMROV...
1. i have a new appreciation for what those Iron folks do out there on race day--the course is harder than i ever imagined (hills nicknamed "The Bitch" and "The Lance Armstrong Hill" are way harder on the bike than in the car, it turns out).
2. i have a new appreciation for the term lactic burn--my quads were okay the first 40 miles but reacted with painful protest on the final leg
3. i have a new appreciation for the beautiful countryside surrounding madison--"the middle of nowhere" is practically in our backyards, it turns out, with varied topography, beautiful homes, and abundant farmsteads.
4. i have a new appreciation for snack sticks--salty protein never tasted so good.
5. i have a new appreciation for something John truly loves--he's done this same ride countless times before, and it was amazing to experience it with him (sandbag though i was).
...what do you have a new appreciation for, in your life?
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Top Five Sesame Street Parodies
i love this show...
1. Furry, Happy Monsters (REM)
2. RSI: Rhyme Scene Investigation
3. Outrageous Makeover: Home Addition
4. Don't Know Why (Norah Jones)
5. GNN (Anderson Cooper)
...click the links to watch the clips (the presence of kids is optional).
1. Furry, Happy Monsters (REM)
2. RSI: Rhyme Scene Investigation
3. Outrageous Makeover: Home Addition
4. Don't Know Why (Norah Jones)
5. GNN (Anderson Cooper)
...click the links to watch the clips (the presence of kids is optional).
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Top Five Backs
returning...
1. i went off coffee for awhile, but now i'm back! (couldn't stay away...)
2. now that i'm working at the farmer's market again, we've been back buying good milk. (it's hard not to support local farmers when you have the chance to meet their gazes and hear their stories)
3. we went back to the waterpark (an indoor one we tried last year) over the weekend. (both kids, it turns out, are water bugs!)
4. our good friends are moving back to our area! (hooray!)
5. yoga has been strengthening my back. (and my mind, too, along with the rest of my body)
...what have you been back to?
1. i went off coffee for awhile, but now i'm back! (couldn't stay away...)
2. now that i'm working at the farmer's market again, we've been back buying good milk. (it's hard not to support local farmers when you have the chance to meet their gazes and hear their stories)
3. we went back to the waterpark (an indoor one we tried last year) over the weekend. (both kids, it turns out, are water bugs!)
4. our good friends are moving back to our area! (hooray!)
5. yoga has been strengthening my back. (and my mind, too, along with the rest of my body)
...what have you been back to?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Top Five Dish Thoughts
trying to be in the moment,
to "get" the dish-ness of the dishes...
1. rag circling, patterns in the suds
2. glass clinking, a symphony discordant
3. water tapping, source to pipe to hands
4. reflection sharpening, grit becomes shine
5. fingers wrinkling, mind may wander but i am here
be in the moment, with something simple.
...what do you experience?
to "get" the dish-ness of the dishes...
1. rag circling, patterns in the suds
2. glass clinking, a symphony discordant
3. water tapping, source to pipe to hands
4. reflection sharpening, grit becomes shine
5. fingers wrinkling, mind may wander but i am here
be in the moment, with something simple.
...what do you experience?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Top Five Unwanted Spring Cleaning Jobs
maybe if i voice the list, it'll get done...
1. purge the toys (oh, the clutter!)
2. scrub the carpet (oh, the splatter!)
3. organize the laundry room (oh, the jumble!)
4. clean the closets (oh, the tumble!)
5. sort random papers (oh, the disarray!)
...what to-do-list chores do you wish away?
1. purge the toys (oh, the clutter!)
2. scrub the carpet (oh, the splatter!)
3. organize the laundry room (oh, the jumble!)
4. clean the closets (oh, the tumble!)
5. sort random papers (oh, the disarray!)
...what to-do-list chores do you wish away?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Top Five Beginnings/Endings
there is much beyond the linear reality...
1. sunrise/sunset: but the night is full, too
2. birth/death: but all does not go dark
3. first page/last line: but the imagination spins on
4. hello/goodbye: but the soul-to-soul imprint remains
5. start line/finish line: but another race awaits
...what else exists beyond tangible beginnings and ends?
1. sunrise/sunset: but the night is full, too
2. birth/death: but all does not go dark
3. first page/last line: but the imagination spins on
4. hello/goodbye: but the soul-to-soul imprint remains
5. start line/finish line: but another race awaits
...what else exists beyond tangible beginnings and ends?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Top Five Careers I Could Hold
still haven't decided what to "be,"
when that time comes for me...
1. freelance writer
2. letter carrier
3. yoga instructor
4. creative editor
5. massage therapist
...what are your dream jobs?
when that time comes for me...
1. freelance writer
2. letter carrier
3. yoga instructor
4. creative editor
5. massage therapist
...what are your dream jobs?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Top Five Images I Hold in my Mind of You, Tom and Pat
celebrating 40 years...
1. seeing you both in the bleachers at an important high school track meet--it meant a lot that you were there for me.
2. joining the family at christmas year after year--your family pride was evident
3. seeing you stand on either side of John at the altar on our wedding day--you were beside him throughout his life, and i knew that you'd always be there for us
4. knowing that you were with Claire when Eliza was born--your support and love during that time will always be seared into our hearts.
5. witnessing today the love you hold for each other and for the family you've created--the commitment, patience, compassion, and strength in that love is beautiful.
...Happy Anniversary!!
1. seeing you both in the bleachers at an important high school track meet--it meant a lot that you were there for me.
2. joining the family at christmas year after year--your family pride was evident
3. seeing you stand on either side of John at the altar on our wedding day--you were beside him throughout his life, and i knew that you'd always be there for us
4. knowing that you were with Claire when Eliza was born--your support and love during that time will always be seared into our hearts.
5. witnessing today the love you hold for each other and for the family you've created--the commitment, patience, compassion, and strength in that love is beautiful.
...Happy Anniversary!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Top Five Universal Conditions
these i try to call to mind when i'm about to judge someone...
1. everybody needs
2. everybody loves
3. everybody fears
4. everybody breathes
5. everybody dies
...what do you see, when you look at all others?
1. everybody needs
2. everybody loves
3. everybody fears
4. everybody breathes
5. everybody dies
...what do you see, when you look at all others?
Monday, April 14, 2008
Top Five Recent Firsts
spring, a season of all things new...
1. eliza had the first haircut of her life
2. claire got the first scraped knee of the season
3. john and i had our first overnight getaway since eliza was born
4. i'm working at this year's first outdoor farmer's market this weekend
5. the leafblowing landscapers showed up today for the first time since fall, and neither child expressed fear (for the first time)
...what firsts have you found so far?
1. eliza had the first haircut of her life
2. claire got the first scraped knee of the season
3. john and i had our first overnight getaway since eliza was born
4. i'm working at this year's first outdoor farmer's market this weekend
5. the leafblowing landscapers showed up today for the first time since fall, and neither child expressed fear (for the first time)
...what firsts have you found so far?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Top Five Tonics I Could Take
miracle cures...
1. eau de fence: inner walls instantly crumbled
2. eau de fuddle: universal Truths instantly defined
3. eau de cision: the proper path, instantly illuminated
4. eau de legate: self-made loads, instantly lightened
5. eau de mote: stubborn self righteousness, instantly dissolved
...which instant antidotes would benefit you?
1. eau de fence: inner walls instantly crumbled
2. eau de fuddle: universal Truths instantly defined
3. eau de cision: the proper path, instantly illuminated
4. eau de legate: self-made loads, instantly lightened
5. eau de mote: stubborn self righteousness, instantly dissolved
...which instant antidotes would benefit you?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Top Five Gifts I'd Love to Give You, John
all the things that money can buy,
(but more importantly, what it CAN'T)...
1. keys to a new mustang...but you know you have the keys to my heart.
2. the deed to a beautiful house...but i know you cherish the beautiful love that fills our home.
3. plane tickets to a coastal getaway...but i know you'll enjoy a simple evening here.
4. that top-end triathlon bike you drool over...but i know you're thankful for your breath and your strength and your health and the inward soaring you experience with every ride.
5. all the best and latest electronics...but i know you're entertained (and more importantly, warmed) by the two tiny girls whose fingers you're wrapped around.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!
(but more importantly, what it CAN'T)...
1. keys to a new mustang...but you know you have the keys to my heart.
2. the deed to a beautiful house...but i know you cherish the beautiful love that fills our home.
3. plane tickets to a coastal getaway...but i know you'll enjoy a simple evening here.
4. that top-end triathlon bike you drool over...but i know you're thankful for your breath and your strength and your health and the inward soaring you experience with every ride.
5. all the best and latest electronics...but i know you're entertained (and more importantly, warmed) by the two tiny girls whose fingers you're wrapped around.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Top Five Cheap Thrills of Childhood
who needs toys...
1. emotional tug of war
2. spinning
3. jumping on the bed
4. wind
5. listening to self talk, scream, sing, make rude noises
...what free fun do your kids find?
1. emotional tug of war
2. spinning
3. jumping on the bed
4. wind
5. listening to self talk, scream, sing, make rude noises
...what free fun do your kids find?
Monday, April 07, 2008
Top Five Less and More's
less IS more, as they say...
1. less talking and more listening
2. less doing and more being
3. less complaining and more thanking
4. less looking down and more looking up
5. less feeling right and more making changes
...what would you reduce and ramp up?
1. less talking and more listening
2. less doing and more being
3. less complaining and more thanking
4. less looking down and more looking up
5. less feeling right and more making changes
...what would you reduce and ramp up?
Friday, April 04, 2008
Top Five Ways to Eat Fast
a problem i have...
1. gobble up
2. scarf down
3. snap up
4. wolf down
5. inhale
...how do you eat?
1. gobble up
2. scarf down
3. snap up
4. wolf down
5. inhale
...how do you eat?
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Top Five Sounds of Silence
kids still sleeping, all is quiet...
1. clock, softly ticking
2. baby monitor, quietly rushing
3. furnace, intermittently kicking
4. computer fan, wordlessly whispering
5. early-spring birds, tentatively singing
...what sounds of silence serenaded you this morning?
1. clock, softly ticking
2. baby monitor, quietly rushing
3. furnace, intermittently kicking
4. computer fan, wordlessly whispering
5. early-spring birds, tentatively singing
...what sounds of silence serenaded you this morning?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Top Five Ways I Irritate My Husband
sorry, John...
1. apologizing for things that are not really my fault
2. taking a long time to make up my mind
3. refusing to admit i'm wrong
4. taking everything too seriously
5. reacting defensively to criticism
...in what ways do you drive your loved ones nuts?
1. apologizing for things that are not really my fault
2. taking a long time to make up my mind
3. refusing to admit i'm wrong
4. taking everything too seriously
5. reacting defensively to criticism
...in what ways do you drive your loved ones nuts?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Top Five Building Blocks
beyond molecules and matter...
1. food and love, the building blocks of children
2. words and metaphors, the building blocks of literature
3. energy and stillness, the building blocks of optimism
4. trust and commitment, the building blocks of marriage
5. hope and faith, the building blocks of change
...what do you use to build?
1. food and love, the building blocks of children
2. words and metaphors, the building blocks of literature
3. energy and stillness, the building blocks of optimism
4. trust and commitment, the building blocks of marriage
5. hope and faith, the building blocks of change
...what do you use to build?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Top Five Things Best Ignored
focusing elsewhere, away from...
1. the ego
2. the said and done
3. the clutter
4. the commercials
5. the piles of chocolate in our cupboard
...what do you try to ignore?
1. the ego
2. the said and done
3. the clutter
4. the commercials
5. the piles of chocolate in our cupboard
...what do you try to ignore?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Top Five Things That Need Attention
i try to focus, sometimes successfully (sometimes not), on...
1. the kids
2. the breath
3. the news
4. the clouds
5. the words i choose
...what do you direct your attention towards?
1. the kids
2. the breath
3. the news
4. the clouds
5. the words i choose
...what do you direct your attention towards?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Top Five Under-statements
bringing this out from under wraps...
1. we were under the weather.
2. there's a lot of junk under the bed.
3. eliza understands more than she can say.
4. i need new underwear.
5. we're all over worked and under paid.
...what under-statements can you make? (you're not under pressure)
1. we were under the weather.
2. there's a lot of junk under the bed.
3. eliza understands more than she can say.
4. i need new underwear.
5. we're all over worked and under paid.
...what under-statements can you make? (you're not under pressure)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Top Five Mistakes Easily Made
all recently...
1. toenails, cut too short (ouch!)
2. important document, misplaced (shoot!)
3. left turn, wrongly made (argh!)
4. simple word, misspelled on something non-reprintable (seriously!)
5. milk, left out much too long (guzzled by baby, oh no!)
...what little errors have you made recently?
1. toenails, cut too short (ouch!)
2. important document, misplaced (shoot!)
3. left turn, wrongly made (argh!)
4. simple word, misspelled on something non-reprintable (seriously!)
5. milk, left out much too long (guzzled by baby, oh no!)
...what little errors have you made recently?
Monday, March 17, 2008
Top Five Five-Syllable Words
the first five off the top of my head...
1. congratulations
2. humidifier
3. imperceptible
4. actuality
5. chronological
...quick, can you think of any?
1. congratulations
2. humidifier
3. imperceptible
4. actuality
5. chronological
...quick, can you think of any?
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Top Five Drops in the Bucket
small...
(but SIGNIFICANT)...
1. this earth is just a molecule of water in the ocean of the universe.
(appreciate it)
2. this house is just a speck of dust on the map of the world.
(love it)
3. this beating heart is just a grain of sand on the shore of souls.
(live it)
4. this blog is just a point of light on the milky way of cyberspace.
(read it)
5. this moment is just a note of music in the symphony of time.
(savor it)
...what other tiny parts of the whole can you identify?
...(and deem important)
(but SIGNIFICANT)...
1. this earth is just a molecule of water in the ocean of the universe.
(appreciate it)
2. this house is just a speck of dust on the map of the world.
(love it)
3. this beating heart is just a grain of sand on the shore of souls.
(live it)
4. this blog is just a point of light on the milky way of cyberspace.
(read it)
5. this moment is just a note of music in the symphony of time.
(savor it)
...what other tiny parts of the whole can you identify?
...(and deem important)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Top Five Things
a word your english teacher told you not to use...
1. if it's not one thing, it's another
2. you poor little thing
3. it's all or nothing
4. give it everything you've got
5. "And Sally and I did not know what to do. So we had to shake hands with Thing One and Thing Two..."
...come on, i'm sure you can think of a little something!
1. if it's not one thing, it's another
2. you poor little thing
3. it's all or nothing
4. give it everything you've got
5. "And Sally and I did not know what to do. So we had to shake hands with Thing One and Thing Two..."
...come on, i'm sure you can think of a little something!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Top Five Artificials That Don't Quite Cut It
an attempt, but just not good enough...
1. artificial sweetener when you're craving true flavor
2. artificial light when you're dreaming of the summer sun
3. artificial smile when you need genuine kindness
4. artificial flowers when you long to see soft petal attached to living stem anchored in fertile earth
5. artificial intelligence when you're searching for real conversation
...what imitations don't quite compare?
1. artificial sweetener when you're craving true flavor
2. artificial light when you're dreaming of the summer sun
3. artificial smile when you need genuine kindness
4. artificial flowers when you long to see soft petal attached to living stem anchored in fertile earth
5. artificial intelligence when you're searching for real conversation
...what imitations don't quite compare?
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Top Five Eights
following seven and preceding nine...
1. the 8-fold path
2. Romona Quimby, Age 8
3. Around the World in Eighty Days
4. Crazy 8's
5. V8
...what are some other pieces of eight?
1. the 8-fold path
2. Romona Quimby, Age 8
3. Around the World in Eighty Days
4. Crazy 8's
5. V8
...what are some other pieces of eight?
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Top Five Forces
sure, there's gravity and whatnot, but consider these...
1. the force from below, anchoring us to the earth (and the daily grind).
2. the force from above, willing us higher (in soul-space).
3. the forces from every lateral direction, pressing with expectations (and standards).
4. the force from within, expanding outwards from the heart (to keep the self from collapse).
5. the force from two souls adjoined, radiating a patch of beauty (into our gray world).
...what forces do you feel?
1. the force from below, anchoring us to the earth (and the daily grind).
2. the force from above, willing us higher (in soul-space).
3. the forces from every lateral direction, pressing with expectations (and standards).
4. the force from within, expanding outwards from the heart (to keep the self from collapse).
5. the force from two souls adjoined, radiating a patch of beauty (into our gray world).
...what forces do you feel?
Monday, March 03, 2008
Top Five Extracurriculars
activities i'd squeeze into every day, if i could...
1. physical motion: biking, yoga
2. stillness: meditation, prayer
3. mental motion: writing, contemplating
4. escape: reading, movie watching
5. connecting: get togethers, phone calls
...outside your day-to-day duties, what do you like to do?
1. physical motion: biking, yoga
2. stillness: meditation, prayer
3. mental motion: writing, contemplating
4. escape: reading, movie watching
5. connecting: get togethers, phone calls
...outside your day-to-day duties, what do you like to do?
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Top Five Shreds
in tiny amounts, but definitely there...
1. shreds of decency, offered from one to another
2. shreds of dignity, left after some kind of horror
3. shreds of paper, strewn about after a search
4. shreds of light, illuminating Truth
5. shreds of hope, buoying our souls
...what other shreds does the world hold?
1. shreds of decency, offered from one to another
2. shreds of dignity, left after some kind of horror
3. shreds of paper, strewn about after a search
4. shreds of light, illuminating Truth
5. shreds of hope, buoying our souls
...what other shreds does the world hold?
Friday, February 29, 2008
Top Five Types of Thoughts
a variety of thoughts stream constantly though our minds...
1. remembering
2. planning
3. analyzing
4. judging
5. observing
...how do you categorize your thoughts?
1. remembering
2. planning
3. analyzing
4. judging
5. observing
...how do you categorize your thoughts?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Top Five Reasons to Close Your Eyes
lids down, we lose ourselves...block things out...
1. in dreams
2. in pain
3. in bliss
4. in anticipation
5. in fear
...what else causes us to close our eyes?
1. in dreams
2. in pain
3. in bliss
4. in anticipation
5. in fear
...what else causes us to close our eyes?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Top Five Things Everybody Wants
above all, our souls crave...
1. to have one more breath: to try again, to sense the world
2. to be encircled: by love, by acceptance
3. to have some guarantee: of safety, of survival
4. to be free: from hate, from fear
5. to have a little room: to make mistakes, to change, to forgive, to be forgiven.
...what needs would you call basic, intrinsic, universal?
1. to have one more breath: to try again, to sense the world
2. to be encircled: by love, by acceptance
3. to have some guarantee: of safety, of survival
4. to be free: from hate, from fear
5. to have a little room: to make mistakes, to change, to forgive, to be forgiven.
...what needs would you call basic, intrinsic, universal?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Top Five Projections from my Younger Self
when i was 17, i could hardly fathom 27...
i thought i would be:
1. together: you know, like without doubts and stuff. (still working on this...)
2. figured out: yep, i'd have, like, a plan (still working on this...)
3. mature: i'd be totally grown up and everything (still working on this...)
4. married: to john, duh (got this one!!)
5. happy: because...why not? (got this one!!)
...another year gone by!
i thought i would be:
1. together: you know, like without doubts and stuff. (still working on this...)
2. figured out: yep, i'd have, like, a plan (still working on this...)
3. mature: i'd be totally grown up and everything (still working on this...)
4. married: to john, duh (got this one!!)
5. happy: because...why not? (got this one!!)
...another year gone by!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Top Five Word Sentence Game
it's a game, let's play...
1. i'll make up the starting sentence: She Wrote This Post Quickly
2. next sentence is composed of five words, each word beginning with the last letter of the previous sentence's words.
3. so, the next sentence uses these letters: E E S T Y
4. and next sentence is: Each Elephant Squeaks Toward You
5. post a comment with your sentence, using the last letters in each word from the previous commenter's sentence. (first commenter, use above sentence, letters = H T S D U)
...it's not complicated, really. humor me--join in!
**game made up by someone else**
1. i'll make up the starting sentence: She Wrote This Post Quickly
2. next sentence is composed of five words, each word beginning with the last letter of the previous sentence's words.
3. so, the next sentence uses these letters: E E S T Y
4. and next sentence is: Each Elephant Squeaks Toward You
5. post a comment with your sentence, using the last letters in each word from the previous commenter's sentence. (first commenter, use above sentence, letters = H T S D U)
...it's not complicated, really. humor me--join in!
**game made up by someone else**
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Top Five Orders
in no particular order...
1. birth order
2. chronological order
3. alphabetical order
4. law and order
5. monastical order
...i'm placing an order for more--can you think of any?
1. birth order
2. chronological order
3. alphabetical order
4. law and order
5. monastical order
...i'm placing an order for more--can you think of any?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Top Five Seasonal Exchanges
i'll gladly accept the annoyances that may accompany a warmer season...
1. i'll take the terror of the monthly tornado siren test over the scariness of night-time snow plow visits (claire's fears)
2. i'll take a profusion of sweat and melting makeup over dry skin and staticy hair.
3. i'll take the boredom of a rain day over the insanity of cabin fever.
4. i'll take hot and sticky sheets over constantly freezing feet.
5. i'll take mosquito bites over jack frost's bite.
...what do you promise not to mind about summer, if it ever comes?
1. i'll take the terror of the monthly tornado siren test over the scariness of night-time snow plow visits (claire's fears)
2. i'll take a profusion of sweat and melting makeup over dry skin and staticy hair.
3. i'll take the boredom of a rain day over the insanity of cabin fever.
4. i'll take hot and sticky sheets over constantly freezing feet.
5. i'll take mosquito bites over jack frost's bite.
...what do you promise not to mind about summer, if it ever comes?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Top Five Arts
in mastering these, we become artists...
in attempting these, we grow...
1. the art of doing nothing
2. the art of self forgiveness
3. the art of raising a child
4. the art of constructive criticism
5. the art of balance
...what art forms do you aspire to learn?
in attempting these, we grow...
1. the art of doing nothing
2. the art of self forgiveness
3. the art of raising a child
4. the art of constructive criticism
5. the art of balance
...what art forms do you aspire to learn?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Top Five Points
a pointed discussion...
1. Eliza's demand : a finger point
2. the present moment: a potential turning point
3. a tool, a weapon: the pencil point
4. love : a life point
5. a basket, a goal, (the dishes done?) : a scored point
...can you point out more?
1. Eliza's demand : a finger point
2. the present moment: a potential turning point
3. a tool, a weapon: the pencil point
4. love : a life point
5. a basket, a goal, (the dishes done?) : a scored point
...can you point out more?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Top Five Contagions
1. sneeze on me and i'll catch your cold;
2. smile at me and mine will unfold.
3. yawn near me and i will, too;
4. storm at me and my own will brew.
5. speak your mind and mine will weigh;
how else do we infect one another's day?
2. smile at me and mine will unfold.
3. yawn near me and i will, too;
4. storm at me and my own will brew.
5. speak your mind and mine will weigh;
how else do we infect one another's day?
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