Let Your Life Bloom

Playing for change

Another gem found via Twitter. Enjoy!

Ode to Nevada County

I love where I live. I've always wanted to feel that about a place. To have a draw and connection to the community, the location, the activities. I've admired. Appreciated. Definitely liked. This time, I LOVE.

It's an unexplainable feeling. I could point to what's going on, and I will in a moment, but my affection for this place goes way beyond the describable. I had all but given up, figuring home really is in the heart. Then I came here.

First, the people are friendly. I know, weird, right? It was for me at first. I didn't understand what they wanted or why they were talking to me. I had not realized that living in the Bay Area, I had a guard up and a perpetually "I'm busy" sign energetically planted in my front yard. Now, I'm so used to chatting it up with folks, when I go back to visit my hometown of Oakland, I keep on talking often to a look of blank responses.

Second, lots of cultural events. From the Sierra Storytelling Festival to The Center for the Arts to The Magic Theater to the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival to the Victorian Christmas and so much more.

Third, and most importantly - for me, the river. This river is like sweet nectar for my soul. Here's a taste:

Do you love where you live? If so, what about it makes it special? If not, what kind of place would you like to live in?

More river pictures...

Princess philosophy

Have you ever felt like you were just dropped in the middle of a movie scene? It feels magical and strange and wakes you up in ways that you didn't even realize you were asleep. Colors appear more vibrant, food is tastier, and you look through the lens of curiosity at everything that passes by. This is what my time as a princess was like.

Applying lots of make-up, dressing in sparkly gowns, and daintily waving my hands in the air as I talked was expected. What I didn't expect was how  it changed what was around me. People interacted with me in a different way. I traveled to places I'd never otherwise find myself in. I learned how to change in and out of ballroom gowns and wigs in 5 minutes or less in the back of my car. Imagine that! You see a lovely blond princess in a pink dress get out of the drivers seat of her carriage, step into the backseat, and emerge as Snow White.

During this time, I developed the princess philosophy. It's a theory. An attitude. A practice. And it is summed up below.

"It's all good"
Didn't Run DMC have a song that went - not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good? Well, I'm not talking about good or bad in the traditional sense either. I'm talking about acceptance, being ok with what is. Not complaining and not being sugary sweet fake either. Rich or poor, black or white, mean or nice, many or few - it doesn't matter. Your job is to spread magic. Period. You see beauty everywhere. You know what I'm talking about, it's the kind of person that just feels good to be around. It's about wearing the glittery tiara even if you don't physically see it.

Out of this grew the princess trilogy - 3 books designed to inspire you, remind you of magic, and apply the "it's all good" philosophy to your life. Have a sneak peak at the first one and carry it off with you to your royal cottage by going here. The other two of this princess set have to do with synchronicity and tips to feel more magic in your life. Do you have any stories or tips that you'd like to share that would be great additions to the books? Do so by going here.

To you and your magic!

TED talks: Creative genuis

If you haven't discovered TED talks yet, you must do so now. What a great adventure and privilege to listen to these inspired thinker and doers. Here is one of my favorites - Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame. 

How do you play and have fun?

Play, fun, and magical experiences. Yes, please!

Have you noticed that when you are having a good time and feeling light about life that everything seems easier? I see play as both an activity and attitude. And I'm always curious about how people bring that quality to their lives. What helps you to do that? I would love to hear your responses for research and practice purposes!

Here are some of the ways I play:

• Going to concerts & festivals
• Singing at the top of my lungs
• Making art, especially collages
• Air hockey (be prepared to be whooped)
• Fake but sort of real wrestling with husband
• Having my cats chase my hand under the covers
• Putting on a fashion show out of my friends closets (yes, it's still fun to do as an adult)

And you?

Inbox Zen

How would you like to feel a sense of peace when you check your email? Instead of overflowing with to do's, resources, priorities, and the like - calm and clarity rule the day. That's right, it's time to tame your inbox.

I'm no stranger to inbox overload, so I was thrilled when I had the chance to review Inbox Zen: 7 Simple Steps for Making Peace with your Email. It's a handy e-book designed to help you get a grip on one of the most common time and organization suckers we all deal with - the growing inbox.

My favorite and most useful tip was:

Unsubscribe to newsletters - "If you stay subscribed because you think you’ll use the information one day, consider putting yourself on an information diet. And don’t be deluded into stockpiling information just because it’s free. If you’re not using it, it’s not free. It’s costing you time, distraction and loss of focus."

I've been seduced more than once by an opt-in box. It's rare that I read the newsletter or the free gift that I downloaded for signing up. Yet, they are all saved, in my resource folder, all 3000 of them. Did I just admit that outloud? Well, at least they are out of my main inbox right now!

Chapter 7, Monkey Mind: How to Defuse An Exploding Inbox, was also really helpful. Put that with the Action Checklist at the end and your on your way to inbox nirvana. Save yourself some frustration and gain some peace today by getting Inbox Zen.

This superhero is strong and healthy

The days have gone on, and each one brought a subsiding of the pain I was originally feeling. Where I could not originally envision myself healthy, I now could. I find that one of the most helpful keys to having visualization work is to over-exagerate it (like the lasagna bed). See something so ridiculous that it can't help but lift your spirits.

I am now a superhero!

That's right. You know I'm wearing a tiara ♕ with my orange cape, glittery creme tights, sparkly and pointy but oh so comfortable shoes that are able to climb walls and help me fly, a short ruffled slightly ballerina skirt - gold, of course - with a lace top that has good vibe affirmations that change depending on my mood.

They say:

Love well.

I rock.

Today is a new day.

Vibrantly healthy.

Did I mention, I rock?

I choose my life.

Feeling good being myself.

What's your inner superhero look like?

Roooaaaarrrrr!

Have you noticed how kids like to take on animal personalities? Being a cat was one of my favorites as a kid. I lapped milk out of bowl, rubbed up on my mom's leg while I was down on all fours, and meowed profusely.

There are so many different aspects to our personality. Being playful is one of them. Though the way we play changes as we change in age and preference, engaging in childlike activities can be fun, liberating, and healing. It's part of the magic of being a parent, if you can allow yourself to go there - playing dress up, sipping imaginary tea, watching ants, swinging and sliding, and of course, becoming an animal for the afternoon.

Give yourself a gift, like this lady did. Be an animal for even just a few minutes. Find your strength when you roar like a lion. Do your happy dance as golden retriever. Hug a tree like a koala. Tweet like a bird on twitter. Let your inner animal out to play and come over to meow on this page!

Imaginary furniture

I love being on the computer and I love moving. Hmmm, how to reconcile the two so they can live harmoniously together? Sure, I can take breaks from sitting. That's the easy way out. Instead, I have designed a piece of imaginary furniture. If this exists anywhere, please let me know immediately.

It's a movable desk. White, modern, crisp, clean, with rounded edges on its slightly rectangular body. The legs are metal, thin poles with easy wheels (no grocery cart turn in opposite direction wheels). It's got one of those jelly/gel-y support your wrists thingamajigs which is red in color. Oh, and it's adjustable so I can use it sitting or standing, walking or stretching. Did I mention the wheels can lock into place?

Anyone want to make this for me? What imaginary furniture would you create for yourself? Share here...

Fun and inspiring

I recently signed up to receive Tut daily inspirations in the form of Notes from the Universe. First, I've got to tell you, their sign up form was one of the best ever. Go check it out here.

These are great treats to receive as you start the day. Read them before you get to your to do list. I'm sharing a few of my favorites with you here. Enjoy!

One of the things I've learned from witnessing civilization after civilization after civilization is that one should never underestimate the profound resiliency of the human spirit, nor how swiftly things can change for the better - often overnight.

Swoosh - 

    The Universe

***

Never underestimate how many friends you have, how close you are, and how much fun you're going to have.

Because, as you've seen throughout your entire amazing life, one usually gets exactly what they've been estimating.

You thrill me,
    The Universe

***

Just curious, when was the last time you looked into a mirror and addressed yourself as "Gorgeous," "Magnificent," or "Sublime"?

Vanessa, it matters.

Tallyho,
    The Universe