sap of the tree

over the labor day holiday weekend, much long awaited relief was to be had, however paradoxical and formed with cheshire grin.

the cool front blew in on friday night, dropping temperature highs below 100* for the first time in months, and also fueling towering out of control fires all over austin.  amazing, fast, and destructive.  fin and i sat by our open patio door with eyes closed and enjoyed the coolish breeze on our faces.  it was glorious.  picture perfect days for those like us who could enjoy the cool sunny weather and be so so grateful for our safe homes away from harm.

monday morning and afternoon, i sat down with canvas, paint, and other supplies and a plan of artistic action that i actually implemented instead of just conceptualizing.  i took my time and kept with it.  i got my hands dirty and created something that, at least outside of my mind, did not exist before. pretty cool.  these creative juices always cause me to meditate on the nature of limits. - usually in the context of defying limits.  but in order to think of boundary busting, my thoughts are also drawn to those struggle places inside where i seem, to myself, to be hopelessly limited. painting brings the focus on trepidation and places where i might be holding back and then on the breakthrough, the bold line, the courage to make a mark.

this week is all about holding close all possibilities simultaneously and choosing my most perfect outcomes, at least with regards to those outcomes i can influence. this week is all about sculpting out a big inventive life.

Ganesha Chaturthi : September 2011

change change change change 

all above and below the place.  autumn is so close, 

time is ticking over, and i am in love 

with it.  all of the high pressure cooker richness of the summer is 

starting to spill open, 

an-tic-i-pa-tion 

for what is being cleared away 

moment by moment.  

seen this week:
* a lone dildo sculpture in the middle of the sidewalk near my home.

heard this week:
*good news

taste of the week:
*spiced indian lentils and potatoes

felt this week:
* mad venusian love

touched this week:
*potting soil

{blessed blessed september}








 

the personal stamp

what's your mark?

party planned : lessons learned

1. allot twice as much time to complete all event preparation tasks.
2. provide guests with unusual things to look at.
3. clean up in bits and pieces while the event is taking place ( without looking crazy.)
4. create and post a menu for the food table so that folks can know what they're eating without asking.
5. have a stated end time to the party.
6. get help somehow, from someone.

next stop, my treintañera!

a life map

The Tao of Travel

Post written by Leo Babauta, Zen Habits.

I’m not the world’s most seasoned traveler, but I have made a number of trips lately and have learned a few things that work well.
This year I’ve traveled to Guam for a month, to Portland, New York City, Las Vegas, London, Paris, Southern California. They’ve all been beautiful trips, and I’ve never taken more than a small backpack.
Travel lightly, with no set agenda, and you’ll have an amazing, stress-free trip.
Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be simple, if you keep it so.

Essential

1. Pack little. I take a small backpack, and don’t pack it too heavy either. I’ve found through experience that I just need a pair of jeans, 2-3 T-shirts, 2-3 quick-dry boxer briefs, 2-3 pairs of quick-dry socks, maybe a light sweater. I wash things in the shower if they get dirty and hang them to dry overnight. I bring my laptop so I can work for 30-45 minutes every morning. A paperback novel, maybe a small notebook. Minimal toiletries: deodorant, toothbrush, razor, Dr. Brommer’s liquid soap, dental floss. I never wait to check my back or get the bag after the flight, and I can pack in 5 minutes.
2. Have no agenda. I often ask for recommendations from locals, and get a list of incredible things. I’ll also put everything on a Google Map, so I can see where everything is. Then I toss all that out and let the day lead me where it will. Having no set agenda means you aren’t pressured to get anything done each day, which means you can enjoy yourself fully.
3. Walk a lot. The best way to explore any place is to walk. Walk all over, with no set directions. Get lost.
4. Eat lightly. Eat anything you want, but don’t eat a lot. I like to mix fruits and veggies in with the heavier stuff, so I don’t feel so heavy.
5. Find space to relax. Most people try to do too much, and rush around all day. Stroll casually, find good coffee shops or tea shops to relax in, or a good sidewalk cafe with good wine. Find parks and enjoy them. If it rains, walk in the rain. Read a lot.
6. Be present. Don’t be on your smartphone or laptop all the time. Don’t always think about what you’ll be doing later, or work stuff. Be fully present, and you’ll have a great time.
7. Smile at people. Talk to the locals. Ask for recommendations. Find out about their lives.

brain melt 2011

Tlaloc
(Classical Nahuatl: Tlālōc [ˈtɬaːloːk]) was an important deity in Aztec religion, a god of rain, fertility, and water. He was a beneficent god who gave life and sustenance, but he was also feared for his ability to send hail, thunder and lightning, and for being the lord of the powerful element of water. In Aztec iconography he is normally depicted with goggle eyes and fangs. He was associated with caves, springs and mountains. He is known for having demanded child sacrifices.

it is so disturbingly hot and folks are becoming nutty.

desperate texas sun zombies.
send the needed rain.
please and thank you.

lovingkindness

goodbye july supper, shared.