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Letting Go of Hanging On
Happy Friday Gentle Reader,
Hope your week is going very VERY well and that you're working on your "Ta-Da!" list for the weekend. Hey, I saw that smirk. I thought I was the ONLY cheeky monkey here!
One of the most difficult things someone can do is learn how to let go of attachments to people, places, and things. A detachment of outcome. I realize as this wacky planet spins every day, we grow pretty close to our stuff. However, we can also be pretty touchy-feelie with people in our world and how we would like them to respond, act, and behave (that only happens on tv - well EXCEPT for reality tv - that's something else entirely!)
Sometimes great friendships can end abruptly, solid relationships fade away, and your best bud at work can get a new job out of town and be gone in two weeks. Life doesn't always give us explanations or reasons why these things happen but they do. Sometimes the answer is no answer. Yeah I don't like that one either!
However, the key here is to enjoy everything in our life and not be too attached to how things will turn out. Give yourself that much needed breathing space.
Also turn off the news this weekend (yeah that goes for me too, the CP24 fan)! You'll be pleasantly surprised at how your anxiety level will decrease when you stop needing to feel so attached to world events. Unsubscribe from those CNN updates. You can do it!
Until Monday, keep smiling and BREATHE!
Linda
Hope your week is going very VERY well and that you're working on your "Ta-Da!" list for the weekend. Hey, I saw that smirk. I thought I was the ONLY cheeky monkey here!
One of the most difficult things someone can do is learn how to let go of attachments to people, places, and things. A detachment of outcome. I realize as this wacky planet spins every day, we grow pretty close to our stuff. However, we can also be pretty touchy-feelie with people in our world and how we would like them to respond, act, and behave (that only happens on tv - well EXCEPT for reality tv - that's something else entirely!)
Sometimes great friendships can end abruptly, solid relationships fade away, and your best bud at work can get a new job out of town and be gone in two weeks. Life doesn't always give us explanations or reasons why these things happen but they do. Sometimes the answer is no answer. Yeah I don't like that one either!
However, the key here is to enjoy everything in our life and not be too attached to how things will turn out. Give yourself that much needed breathing space.
Also turn off the news this weekend (yeah that goes for me too, the CP24 fan)! You'll be pleasantly surprised at how your anxiety level will decrease when you stop needing to feel so attached to world events. Unsubscribe from those CNN updates. You can do it!
Until Monday, keep smiling and BREATHE!
Linda
Blue Sky Thinking!
Hiya Gentle Reader,
The heatwave continues to be appreciated here in the city. Well by this monkey for sure. I am a summer baby after all!
Cooler temps are on the way and Fall is officially here on September 22nd. Kids (and bigger kids) head back to school this Tuesday. Change is a-coming!
Now is the perfect time to jump on that CHANGE wagon (yes, I "coined" that phrase!!)
We can get pretty comfortable with the same old,same old routine in our lives. The "if it ain't broke" mentality. I say PSHAW! When it gets too easy, it's exactly when you should take your dreams to a higher level. BLUE SKY THINKING! I love it!
We've chatted about this kind of goal setting before but you know me, I like to repeat stuff - especially the good things.
Too many of us write our goals and dreams using the laws of reality - where's the fun in that?! If you plan your life based on what has happened in the past or what you feel you deserve, AND it hasn't been what makes you happy, well then it's time to do try a different approach.
I'm here to say that you CAN write goals on your list that may seem wild and "out there " but WILL happen if you believe they will - truly with-all-your-heart believe.
Remember this much is true -- there is only an apostrophe between IMPOSSIBLE and I'M POSSIBLE!!!
Linda
The heatwave continues to be appreciated here in the city. Well by this monkey for sure. I am a summer baby after all!
Cooler temps are on the way and Fall is officially here on September 22nd. Kids (and bigger kids) head back to school this Tuesday. Change is a-coming!
Now is the perfect time to jump on that CHANGE wagon (yes, I "coined" that phrase!!)
We can get pretty comfortable with the same old,same old routine in our lives. The "if it ain't broke" mentality. I say PSHAW! When it gets too easy, it's exactly when you should take your dreams to a higher level. BLUE SKY THINKING! I love it!
We've chatted about this kind of goal setting before but you know me, I like to repeat stuff - especially the good things.
Too many of us write our goals and dreams using the laws of reality - where's the fun in that?! If you plan your life based on what has happened in the past or what you feel you deserve, AND it hasn't been what makes you happy, well then it's time to do try a different approach.
I'm here to say that you CAN write goals on your list that may seem wild and "out there " but WILL happen if you believe they will - truly with-all-your-heart believe.
Remember this much is true -- there is only an apostrophe between IMPOSSIBLE and I'M POSSIBLE!!!
Linda
Back to School, Back to Paper!
Hey there Gentle Reader,
Bet ya thought I had disappeared into a vortex or at least were lounging on a sunny patio in the city. I'll never tell....
Kids are enjoying the final week of summer fun before putting on their new shoes and getting out the knapsacks. For me, it's time to get back to projects and planning and paper!!!!!! Office supply stores have great notebooks, pens, and other fabulous items that help in charting your life goals. A visit to Staples makes me a very happy gal!! All those colours, patterns, and SALES are a wonderful way to jazz up your living space. I like having many rainbow shades around me (chartreuse mostly - of course!) and being an artist, more colours are always better.
Plus with the change of the season, it's a good time to really do some brainstorming with pals about projects you'd like to accomplish before the new year. 4 months is a perfect amount of time to finish some BIG STUFF!!
I'm still working on my art and now will be out more with my camera too. Average 30+C temps were a bit too hot for the Canon Rebel AND the photographer! No complaints though - I love love love the heat.
Bigger paintings and more of 'em. I did enjoy the big artsy trade I did in the summer and plan another one for the Fall. Catch me on Facebook if you're interested!
Today I may pick up a dazzling journal or notepad. Plus some new sparkly pens. Ohboyohboyohboy!
For your homework (YESSSS homework before school starts, that's how the monkey rolls!), I would like you to write down some of the goals you would like to complete over the next few months. Nothing too official today - just a rough outline of some ideas.
We can chat about them tomorrow.
Until Wednesday!
Linda
Bet ya thought I had disappeared into a vortex or at least were lounging on a sunny patio in the city. I'll never tell....
Kids are enjoying the final week of summer fun before putting on their new shoes and getting out the knapsacks. For me, it's time to get back to projects and planning and paper!!!!!! Office supply stores have great notebooks, pens, and other fabulous items that help in charting your life goals. A visit to Staples makes me a very happy gal!! All those colours, patterns, and SALES are a wonderful way to jazz up your living space. I like having many rainbow shades around me (chartreuse mostly - of course!) and being an artist, more colours are always better.
Plus with the change of the season, it's a good time to really do some brainstorming with pals about projects you'd like to accomplish before the new year. 4 months is a perfect amount of time to finish some BIG STUFF!!
I'm still working on my art and now will be out more with my camera too. Average 30+C temps were a bit too hot for the Canon Rebel AND the photographer! No complaints though - I love love love the heat.
Bigger paintings and more of 'em. I did enjoy the big artsy trade I did in the summer and plan another one for the Fall. Catch me on Facebook if you're interested!
Today I may pick up a dazzling journal or notepad. Plus some new sparkly pens. Ohboyohboyohboy!
For your homework (YESSSS homework before school starts, that's how the monkey rolls!), I would like you to write down some of the goals you would like to complete over the next few months. Nothing too official today - just a rough outline of some ideas.
We can chat about them tomorrow.
Until Wednesday!
Linda
Monday - Bring it!
Hello Gentle Reader,
Monday is here already! Those weekends are zippy eh? I have endless coffee so we're good!
Now I totally get the whole "I don't like Mondays" feeling however, I've never known it to make the day better. I used to be like that too. "Moan-days" as one friend calls them. However, now, I have a different twist on the day. I say "GAME ON!" and like to start the week off in a positive light.
On Sunday, I like to write up a list (yes, ME with a LIST!!!) about what goals I want to accomplish during the coming week. As basic as "buy socks" to complete commissioned painting. Then everything in between! The list changes as the week progresses too.
Dreading a day just because, well, it's A day, is like looking for the clouds when the sun is out. I mean your thoughts about Monday when you're on holidays is a whole different ballgame!! Then you love it. Even more so when you know you would normally be at work but are off instead.
Now that the weather is getting a bit cooler in Toronto (and rainy), it gives us a good opportunity to plan for the next season. SWEATERS!!!!!!!!
Everyone likes a clean slate right?
Plus I've always said that Friday is just Monday after a couple of beers on the patio.
Until Tuesday!
Linda
Monday is here already! Those weekends are zippy eh? I have endless coffee so we're good!
Now I totally get the whole "I don't like Mondays" feeling however, I've never known it to make the day better. I used to be like that too. "Moan-days" as one friend calls them. However, now, I have a different twist on the day. I say "GAME ON!" and like to start the week off in a positive light.
On Sunday, I like to write up a list (yes, ME with a LIST!!!) about what goals I want to accomplish during the coming week. As basic as "buy socks" to complete commissioned painting. Then everything in between! The list changes as the week progresses too.
Dreading a day just because, well, it's A day, is like looking for the clouds when the sun is out. I mean your thoughts about Monday when you're on holidays is a whole different ballgame!! Then you love it. Even more so when you know you would normally be at work but are off instead.
Now that the weather is getting a bit cooler in Toronto (and rainy), it gives us a good opportunity to plan for the next season. SWEATERS!!!!!!!!
Everyone likes a clean slate right?
Plus I've always said that Friday is just Monday after a couple of beers on the patio.
Until Tuesday!
Linda
Attitude with Altitude!
Howdy Gentle Reader,
Yay for Friday and yay for us here in the Chartreuse Monkey kitchen. Coffee, tea, chilled beverage? Ok, who wants to have breakfast? It's all day here!
Cooler temps here in Toronto (no complaints though I DID love the hot weather this summer). Once a Leo baby, always a summer girl!
Weekend plans include fun, naps, appointments, more napping, and of course goals! Having all these kitties in the house makes for interesting challenges in trying to get caught up on sleep. They just want to play, play, PLAY! Usually on my head or under the covers or both! 5:18am seems to be a very popular time too as they have reminded me three times this week alone.
So I rearranged a few plans until next week to give myself some Linda Time in there too (you need YOU time each week - ideally EVERY day but certainly every seven days). All about balance!
Also lifting your attitude up is so important as I'm finding the higher the attitude, the better the day!
I was in kind of a funk yesterday but after chatting with a good pal on the phone, my spirits improved 100%! Always good to start your day with your face smiling towards the sun - makes others happy too. I love walking to the office and smiling at strangers along my journey (doggies too if they're around). Takes only a few seconds and it is contagious. Holding open a door for a stranger is easy peasy and you can even change the moods of those watching too. Try it!
Whenever you can, take your attitude to the next level. The rewards will be endless.
Enjoy your weekend and we'll catch up on Monday!
Linda
Yay for Friday and yay for us here in the Chartreuse Monkey kitchen. Coffee, tea, chilled beverage? Ok, who wants to have breakfast? It's all day here!
Cooler temps here in Toronto (no complaints though I DID love the hot weather this summer). Once a Leo baby, always a summer girl!
Weekend plans include fun, naps, appointments, more napping, and of course goals! Having all these kitties in the house makes for interesting challenges in trying to get caught up on sleep. They just want to play, play, PLAY! Usually on my head or under the covers or both! 5:18am seems to be a very popular time too as they have reminded me three times this week alone.
So I rearranged a few plans until next week to give myself some Linda Time in there too (you need YOU time each week - ideally EVERY day but certainly every seven days). All about balance!
Also lifting your attitude up is so important as I'm finding the higher the attitude, the better the day!
I was in kind of a funk yesterday but after chatting with a good pal on the phone, my spirits improved 100%! Always good to start your day with your face smiling towards the sun - makes others happy too. I love walking to the office and smiling at strangers along my journey (doggies too if they're around). Takes only a few seconds and it is contagious. Holding open a door for a stranger is easy peasy and you can even change the moods of those watching too. Try it!
Whenever you can, take your attitude to the next level. The rewards will be endless.
Enjoy your weekend and we'll catch up on Monday!
Linda
Back in the Game
Hey there Gentle Reader,
Was that a break or was that a BREAK?! Summertime I tell ya, you can drift for miles if you want to! Got in that inner-tube on the river and was floating all over the place but I'm back now. Whew! Enjoyed my birthday in there as well - a Leo tends to have more than a birthDAY - just ask Madonna - my birthday twin!
Having fun with my new studio - organizing and decorating. Putting up photos and art from other artist pals - truly inspiring!!! I have an entire board near my easel (7'x4') that I am covering with photos that thrill me. Did an artsy swap last month and the art is still arriving (paintings for pix and other amazing works). Also rearranging my own paintings on the wall too. Will be submitting in 3 to an art show soon. Details to follow!
The camera definitely needs to be checked out - very sluggish and some problems with focusing with the regular lens - hey don't we ALL have days like that sometimes?!
We're also heading towards the transition to the cooler weather and back to school! Despite not actually returning to classes, I like to think of this as a "clean slate" season and time to UP those goals and dreams! I just ordered two positive thinking books too - "The Power" by Rhonda Byrne (of The Secret) and Paul Boynton "Begin With Yes". I will be reading both asap and reporting back soon!
So today I'm starting to plan my "ta-da!" list for September. You know, that month also marks my first anniversary here with you! How great is that eh? Cake!!!
Until Friday!
Linda
Was that a break or was that a BREAK?! Summertime I tell ya, you can drift for miles if you want to! Got in that inner-tube on the river and was floating all over the place but I'm back now. Whew! Enjoyed my birthday in there as well - a Leo tends to have more than a birthDAY - just ask Madonna - my birthday twin!
Having fun with my new studio - organizing and decorating. Putting up photos and art from other artist pals - truly inspiring!!! I have an entire board near my easel (7'x4') that I am covering with photos that thrill me. Did an artsy swap last month and the art is still arriving (paintings for pix and other amazing works). Also rearranging my own paintings on the wall too. Will be submitting in 3 to an art show soon. Details to follow!
The camera definitely needs to be checked out - very sluggish and some problems with focusing with the regular lens - hey don't we ALL have days like that sometimes?!
We're also heading towards the transition to the cooler weather and back to school! Despite not actually returning to classes, I like to think of this as a "clean slate" season and time to UP those goals and dreams! I just ordered two positive thinking books too - "The Power" by Rhonda Byrne (of The Secret) and Paul Boynton "Begin With Yes". I will be reading both asap and reporting back soon!
So today I'm starting to plan my "ta-da!" list for September. You know, that month also marks my first anniversary here with you! How great is that eh?
Cake!!!Until Friday!
Linda
When LESS is MORE
Hey there Gentle Reader,
How have ya been? Fab I hope!!! I disappeared for a bit to get caught up on the old "Ta-Da" list!! Having those lovely weeks off only gave me energy to enhance the list BIG time!!! My list HAD a list! Soooo I'm back!
When you get the chance to relax at home for a bit AND your regular routine is changed, you see a lot! A lot, a lot! Despite my desire to follow the recycle, reuse. and repair items around my place, I can see that I STILL have so much stuff. Not a bad thing really as I do appreciate all in my world but I know that I don't need everything that's in it. Like most people, I have a tendency to hang onto things long after their value wears out (EVEN if I have no idea what the heck it was in the first place!!)
Plus I like to gear up for "back to school" in September. I'm not really going back to school BUT I love the idea of beginning a new year like the students do.
So my goal for the rest of this month is to really decide what I need to keep in my life and which items can go out. Of course I will start to justify some things (this purse? THIS purse? Why I ALWAYS use my Hello Kitty purse because it's cute. Why yes, it barely carries my cell phone but...but...BUT...yeah - that kind of thing)
I find it helps to make a list of items that are taking up space but you haven't used in many months (or even years). Especially those things lurking in the back of your closet or hiding down in your storage unit/basement. The old "out of sight, out of mind" goodies. Sometimes seeing them on paper and not actually being in front of them makes it easier to decide what to do. Especially good for sentimental items and we ALL have those in our homes.
I'd like you to write up a list of 5 items that you haven't used/worn/or even seen in the last six months and their next "home" (sounds nicer that way). Once you get started, it does get easier (says the monkey to herself!)
We'll compare lists later!
Until Thursday.
Linda
Taking a Wee Brake (yes brake!)
Hey Gentle Reader,
Seems the world of Chartreuse Monkey is a bit ramped up now and this keeps me from going on the computer (and even checking the iPhone - go figure!)
Soooo, I will be taking a brake (as it stop the presses!) for a bit. To me, being on "break" is fun. Being on a "brake" - not so much.
In the meantime, keep drinking coffee, use ALL the colours in the Crayola box, and LIVE and LOVE BIG!!
We'll chat soon.
Linda
Seems the world of Chartreuse Monkey is a bit ramped up now and this keeps me from going on the computer (and even checking the iPhone - go figure!)
Soooo, I will be taking a brake (as it stop the presses!) for a bit. To me, being on "break" is fun. Being on a "brake" - not so much.
In the meantime, keep drinking coffee, use ALL the colours in the Crayola box, and LIVE and LOVE BIG!!
We'll chat soon.
Linda
Bloggin' about the Blog
Hope your day is fabulous - this week is flying by!
Can you believe that in September, this blog turns 1?!! Amazing. Originally I wanted to write every day (KEENER or WHAT?!) however, that changed to 5 days a week. Have I missed a day or two here and there - yeah - but I do try to catch up where I can. Vacations usually have me cramming in so much activity that I tend to be outdoors more often and away from the computer. Plus I work in IT so the computer is a reminder of work at times too. Always good to take breaks.
I started this blog after a friend encouraged me to go "global" (so to speak). She used to get this blog (aka blog for one) every single day. Yeah, that WAS a lot of emailing BUT I can be chatty - even in the virtual world - hence the nickname MONKEY!) So when that changed, I decided to add a blog to my website www.chartreusemonkey.com and the rest is herstory!
I've often been asked if I edit or write drafts of this blog. Nope, just me typing away as if I were talking with you. That's how I visualize it too. You and me, here, now. Some topics just show up. Others take a bit of coaxing! Some have to do with current events but most tend to be about goals and living our BEST life. ALL of the blogs are fueled by endless coffee and kittens racing around the computer. Usually one will lie on my lap while the other tries to dance on the keyboard. So yes, I DO have lots of energy despite some days being sleep deprived!!
I have NO idea who reads this blog but I write it for one reason, and one reason only. To connect with other artsy souls out there. I am huge believer of getting positive thoughts out into the universe. Think of this blog as my shout-out to all things happy and joyful. Even if your current world isn't that sunny right now, I will always have good vibes to send you.
Until Friday, over and out from the kitchen of Chartreuse Monkey!
Linda
Can you believe that in September, this blog turns 1?!! Amazing. Originally I wanted to write every day (KEENER or WHAT?!) however, that changed to 5 days a week. Have I missed a day or two here and there - yeah - but I do try to catch up where I can. Vacations usually have me cramming in so much activity that I tend to be outdoors more often and away from the computer. Plus I work in IT so the computer is a reminder of work at times too. Always good to take breaks.
I started this blog after a friend encouraged me to go "global" (so to speak). She used to get this blog (aka blog for one) every single day. Yeah, that WAS a lot of emailing BUT I can be chatty - even in the virtual world - hence the nickname MONKEY!) So when that changed, I decided to add a blog to my website www.chartreusemonkey.com and the rest is herstory!
I've often been asked if I edit or write drafts of this blog. Nope, just me typing away as if I were talking with you. That's how I visualize it too. You and me, here, now. Some topics just show up. Others take a bit of coaxing! Some have to do with current events but most tend to be about goals and living our BEST life. ALL of the blogs are fueled by endless coffee and kittens racing around the computer. Usually one will lie on my lap while the other tries to dance on the keyboard. So yes, I DO have lots of energy despite some days being sleep deprived!!
I have NO idea who reads this blog but I write it for one reason, and one reason only. To connect with other artsy souls out there. I am huge believer of getting positive thoughts out into the universe. Think of this blog as my shout-out to all things happy and joyful. Even if your current world isn't that sunny right now, I will always have good vibes to send you.
Until Friday, over and out from the kitchen of Chartreuse Monkey!
Linda
Book Face (time)
Howdy Gentle Reader,
How about some iced tea? Seems to be warm all over the planet these days! We could all use a bit of cooling off.
Now if you know me, you know how much I adore Facebook. All the connections with people, events, art, and even the news. I have a few pals who provide me with more fascinating articles than any personalized wire service could ever do. They know where to find the information that will have the biggest impact on my world. THANK YOU!
I've made many terrific friends on FB - and can't wait to meet those pals in person. I have had the opportunity to also reconnect with people from my past including relatives, school chums, and even more well-known folks that I have admired for decades. Also a group of artists - music, painting, photography, actors, and my beloved comics/performers (I love to laugh!!) that have enriched my life more than they could ever know (though I do tell them - you always need to tell someone when they brighten your world! No moment like the present.)
The amazing thing though is this - having a beautiful virtual community has enhanced my day to day life too. I now make extra effort to SEE my pals in person - whether it's over coffee or a movie, or just a chat to say hey. I love saying hey! I'm traveling more around the city and also attending evening artsy events to show my support. Seems that having more in my life makes me appreciate MORE!
Homework time (ohhh come on, you had it easy when I was on vacation you silly GR, you). I want you to pick one pal from your address book and schedule time to SEE them in the next week. Or have a chat by phone, but at least reconnect with them. We tend to do lots of fun stuff over the summer months and this should be one of them.
Looking forward to seeing y'all on Thursday!
Linda
How about some iced tea? Seems to be warm all over the planet these days! We could all use a bit of cooling off.
Now if you know me, you know how much I adore Facebook. All the connections with people, events, art, and even the news. I have a few pals who provide me with more fascinating articles than any personalized wire service could ever do. They know where to find the information that will have the biggest impact on my world. THANK YOU!
I've made many terrific friends on FB - and can't wait to meet those pals in person. I have had the opportunity to also reconnect with people from my past including relatives, school chums, and even more well-known folks that I have admired for decades. Also a group of artists - music, painting, photography, actors, and my beloved comics/performers (I love to laugh!!) that have enriched my life more than they could ever know (though I do tell them - you always need to tell someone when they brighten your world! No moment like the present.)
The amazing thing though is this - having a beautiful virtual community has enhanced my day to day life too. I now make extra effort to SEE my pals in person - whether it's over coffee or a movie, or just a chat to say hey. I love saying hey! I'm traveling more around the city and also attending evening artsy events to show my support. Seems that having more in my life makes me appreciate MORE!
Homework time (ohhh come on, you had it easy when I was on vacation you silly GR, you). I want you to pick one pal from your address book and schedule time to SEE them in the next week. Or have a chat by phone, but at least reconnect with them. We tend to do lots of fun stuff over the summer months and this should be one of them.
Looking forward to seeing y'all on Thursday!
Linda
