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Getting to Go

Hi Gentle Reader,

WOW. What the H-E-double-hockey-sticks is going on with the weather? I mean HEY, I like it and all but can't but think what adventures Winter will have for us! It's all gotta balance out, right?

Ok, today's bevy is chilled tangerine-orange juice. Fighting off some cold germies that have attacked the family. Luckily the felines are perfect as always. *sniffle*

You know, when you're feeling a bit low (or a whole lotta low), getting to GO can take mucho energy. You have your sparkly "Tah-Dah" list in hand, some glitter pens, and lots of enthusiasm BUT you just can't get to the starting point. Feels like you are HERE and it's waaay over there. Yeah. Me too these days.

WHAT?!?! you exclaim, MONKEY you too?! The horror, the horror!!!! Yes, I know Gentle Reader. Me too sometimes. However, I know that I will get through it AND even the tiniest step forward is good.

For times like this week, I like to surround myself with positive reading materials, watch documentaries like THE SECRET or INSPIRATIONS for the umpteenth time, and have lots of TLC (the music AND the real thing). You'll know when you're ready to lace up those Nikes!

Please know that you will eventually get to the starting gate and your journey will indeed take off!

Until then, take great care of yourself and we'll catch up again soon!

Linda








Step By Step!

Hiya Gentle Reader,

Is THIS autumn I ask you? No seriously, it's summer out there weather-wise. We have had all 4 seasons the past month. Makes it tricky for selecting outdoor attire! LOV-ER-LY though. How about a low-fat pumpkin muffin and a lite latte?  Comfy? Ok, let's go!
 
LOTS has happened on Planet Monkey. Capital L lots. I have the absolute best support team in the world - my cherished loving partner, my family and friends, to travel with me on the great and not so great journeys that have occurred in 2012. It's all about the journey itself really!

Today I was back on ye olde exercise bikey.  The numbers on the scale have been too high for my liking lately so I am determined to wake up on January 1, 2013, with more energy and less monkey. 50 days to the new year = 7 weeks and a day! The perfect amount of time to become healthier.

One fun moment I had lately was receiving a terrific CURRY's (the art store people) gift card from folks at work and getting to go on a mini shopping spree. FABULOUS!! I managed to get 6 paints, a green pen, more canvas, and cute recycled bags from the site BLUEQ - they will inspire your creativity through cuteness! I have created 5 paintings since then!

Last week I attended a memorial ceremony for a dear friend's father. It was very touching to hear heartfelt stories from loved ones about her dad's life that was so well lived. I have adored this family for years and am always grateful to be in their company. I'm very blessed.

I've always been very good at starting A and reaching B but never really good with the C's, D's, and E's - the maintenance letters! I've lost a lot of weight more than once but it is only a matter of time before it reappears (like now!) 

So I have ramped up my "Tah-Dah" list. More connecting of the "dahs" so to speak! I truly believe that everything we do all comes from the same thing - the desire to live a life well lived. It really is about taking those black pants in for hemming or painting the bathroom a bright sunflower shade or even volunteering at the puppy shelter. It's about finding things that make our heart smile. It's about taking care of ourselves as well as we do others. Also maintaining what we have and being grateful for it.

This week's homework is getting out your sparkly pen and that crisp clean notebook from the dollarstore and making a list (like SANTA - 43 days and 8 hours!) and making sure you not only record your goals but ways to maintain them! It's groovy writing down "lose 10 lbs by the holidays" but writing "set up a walking club with work pals" or "taking only stairs - no elevators" is just as valuable! 

Every step is important! 

Keep on smiling Gentle Reader! Until next time.

Linda

Been there, done that!

Hello Gentle Reader,

Just made some hot apple cider for this feels-like-autumn day. Cheese scones to go with it. Comfy? Good, let's go. 

WELLLLLLLL I DID it! I checked off a goal on my Tah-dah list! Kitty Jack's book "Jack of Hearts" was published yesterday via Blurb. All proceeds from the book will go Tails of Joy, comedienne (and animal lover!) Elayne Boosler's animal rescue organization.
You can view and order the book here: (Jack thanks you in advance!) Elayne is part of our family too.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/2917479/5aeba457ee9fe836eacbdd543d0270bdaa2b664f

20 colour photos of the boy when he was Mr. Tiny Pantaloons.

Of course there are many other sparkley items on my list that need completion too.  However, this one had been looming for awhile. I didn't take my own advice here (a-Ha moment for the Monkey!) because all I had written down was "self-publish book on kitten Jack to help the animals." That's it. No tasks, plans, deadlines. Nada. Of course there were many steps but I hadn't taken the time to list them out (um, ya know, what I always ask YOU to do!) I had to set up a Blurb account (free and it took all of 15 minutes), select the 20 photos (from countless folders but thankfully here I had organized them prior), decide on the order of the pages, etc. I wanted to have it rather small, no text, soft cover, and just some sweet photos of Jack's first two years. I managed to take photos of him every day for the first year. The one thing that took the most time was choosing those photos!  Hard not to reminisce about those months.

Ok, time to take out your Tah-dah list! Plus the glitter pens and markers. Colour always makes it more fun!

Here's your YOUwork for this week (homework just sounds so zzzzed). I want you to pick that one item that never seems to get checked off. You know, the one thing that you keep justifying WHY you don't have the time/resources/money to finish it. Yup, that one.  I want you to break it down into detailed steps.  For that goal that says "Have a yard sale", you could list 1) Put sale items into plastic bin, 2) Ask the neighbours if they would like to be part of the sale, 3) write up a price list - paperbacks 3/$1.00, stuffed toys $1 each, etc. If you have big ticket items, you may want to post those on Kijiji or on a bulletin board in your community centre or supermarket. 4) Pick a date. and 5) Deliver the remaining unsold items to Goodwill.
 
Of course "Have a yard sale" could be actually be a task from your larger goal to "Clear out basement" or "Move to new apartment."  The key is writing the big goals down and listing them as smaller manageable tasks.

Until next time - enjoy the cider and scones!

Linda








Kicking it up Old School!

Ooooh Gentle Reader,

The Monkey was MMIA, no? The summer months were simply lovely and it gave me time to catch up with pals, drink a whole lotta lattes, and happily spend time with my Love and the Siamese kitties.  Plus I was finishing up a work contract and that did keep me hopping! Oh and two of my close pals have left the country for more adventures so I wanted to enjoy coffee chats with them before they took off (different parts of the world).

Now that it's September, it's time to get back to the books and the homework (we call it YOUwork) right?  Warm apple cobbler and chai lattes for all!

I heart this time of year - the sparkly new school supplies, all the vibrant colours in nature (ok, soon!), and you can feel a change in the season already.

Some of my summer projects included creating more paintings and  jumping into other artsy adventures. Photography is back on the map too.  Speaking of which, just finishing writing a book this month - more details very soon.

Ok, back to YOU and your goals this season. Since dazzling art and school supplies are everywhere now (don't you love the flyers by Curry's and DeSerres?) this is a fabulous time to get some new ones to jazz up your "Tah-Dah!" list.  I got another mini journal from one of my fave Etsy artists -- Bookgirls Studio http://www.etsy.com/listing/35554396/paris-blank-travel-journal-eiffel-tower - something about small, hardcovered journals makes me smile!

Of course there was mucho ice-cream this summer too. The...um...air shrunk my pants. ALL of them. Chaos in the closet.

Homework (aka YOUwork) will be teeny weeny this week. I just would like you to organize your supplies - your pens and high-lighters (remember the dollar store has an entire row of everything you need for fun fun fun!!), journals or papers. Maybe add one or two new items in your favourite colour. Group everything in a canvas bag or (if you're lucky) in a desk drawer.

Until next time, keep smiling! 

Linda 








Sunny Side of the Street!

Hi there Gentle Reader,

Excellent timing! Just finished making a batch of chocolate shortbreads - mini ones of course! It's all about moderation. Oh and lattes too. Don't forget the java!

You know I really do walk on the sunny side of the street. It was a song from 1930 and it has been recorded by everyone from Louis Armstrong to Cyndi Lauper. Basically said that if you always keep a positive outlook, you'll have a happy life. Now I hear you say "but Linda, have you SEEN the news lately? The economy, the employment situation, world affairs, unrest, sadness, etc....How am I supposed to keep smiling when THAT'S going on in the world??" (Note to CNN, would it hurt ya to have a little good news now and then? Pardon me? Ok yes, the baby ducklings delivering the mail in the nursing house was sweet. More of that pleaseandthankyou).

What is so important here is your focus.  I too have had many dark days (months and even years) but have always moved to the sunny side of the street. Literally and figuratively. It's not a case of living in denial but rather appreciating all the good in my life. Knowing and believing that things will change for the better. Even little Orphan Annie felt that tomorrow would be brighter. I'm here to say that it can start today!

Time to get out that Tah-Dah list and those glitter pens! We're going to be adding
more sparkle to your life. I want you to write down at least 3 positive things that you have done lately. Could be that you walked a friend's dog while she was working late, you had the veggie special for lunch instead of the burger and fries, or you donated some books to your local library.  What we want to do here is find things that make you smile and boost your happy credits. Yes, happy credits DO exist and they are rainbow coloured and marshmallow-scented.  

While it is exciting to write down your future plans and dreams, it is equally important to record those moments that have left a positive impact. Those seamingly small things do energize you to do more!

Right now as I write this blog, the song "Ya Gotta Be" by Des'ree is on the radio. Remember that tune from 1993 or so? "Listen as your day unfolds, Challenge what the future holds, Try and keep your head up to the sky..." The Universe will give you reminders every day about the good stuff out there. If you don't think so, google Karen Huff Klein and her recent verbal attack by 4 teens on the bus she monitored. That story of course is heartbreaking but then read about lovely Max
Sidorov from Toronto who set up a fund so people could contribute towards a vacation for her.  The initial goal was $5,000. Currently the fund is at around $650,000. Positive from a negative. Thank you Max.

Keep smiling GR, keep smiling and follow the sunshine.

Linda
 

Right Place, Right Time.

Howdy Gentle Reader,

Lovely sunny weather no? Si! Breezy and fabulous. Warm and cozy in the kitchen here. Just made a batch of cheesecake squares to go with the lattes. Sound good? Great! (hope you're wearing your stretchy pants).

So we all know about the Hollywood story of the starlet being in the diner when the casting agent drops in for a coffee (Lana Turner), or the musical understudy that gets the starring role when the lead has an accident (Elaine Page got the part of Grizabella in CATS when Judi Dench broke her leg. yes THE Judi Dench and we all know that her non-musical career worked out very well). It's wonderful to dream about these kinds of serendipitous moments. While these are lovely stories, it doesn't give us much hope that we have control over our own future. Well, I'm here to say that YOU have the ability to make your own "lucky" moments.

Last night, like millions of people around the world, I watched Nik Wallenda achieve his childhood dream of walking on a tightrope over Niagara Falls. I admit I held my breath for 30 minutes but was impressed by his calmness and focus. He definitely MADE his own moment. You could say he was at the right place at the right time but I think it was more he made his place and time just right!

Today I am doing a lot of organizing as I continue to make space for my new life. The more items I give away, the greatest sense of peace I feel. It's amazing how much "stuff" can keep you grounded when you're trying to reach for the sky!

A few years ago, I wasn't the most proactive person on the planet and liked the idea of winning that next big lottery - whether it was a job, relationship, or even a real lottery! That sense of "fate" was appealing though at times it seemed that others were achieving their dreams and I was waiting for a dream to happen.

I now believe that YOU make your dreams a reality by your own actions, and not by the hand of fate awarding prizes.  You have much more control over your future that you may realize.

For your h*o*m*e*w*o*r*k  this week, (y*e*s), I want you to get your journal or pad of paper where you have been keeping your TAH-DAH list, and write down 3 items that you would consider very LUCKY if you achieved them. Then underneath each item, I want you to list tasks you could do that would move you closer to that LUCK.  I think you'll be very pleased with the results!

Until next time!

Linda





When Less is More.

Hi there Gentle Reader,

Just finished baking some SKOR cookies - if you like SWEET, you're come to the right kitchen! Want Latte? A lovely duo.

Well technically we are still in Spring but Summer does peek out now and then. Today is overcast but still warmish. My hair is doing that wild and wavy jump for joy to celebrate the almost-rain.  If only wearing a hat didn't make me look like the Great Pumpkin sporting a chapeau. I would make a much better sister to old Charlie Brown. No offence Sally but your noggin' isn't big enough!

Sooo back to Spring. I'm still in organizing mode here. Papers, books, clothes, trinkets...nada is left unturned. I find as I get older, well my stuff gets older too - and more of it! At times I will run across items that haven't seen the light of day since WHAM was a group and that's not good. Sometimes I can't even recall why exactly I still have the things stored or what they belong to - like keys for locks or computer cords for items no longer in my possession. Take up both physical and mental space.  Most importantly it is taking up much needed real estate for other items that deserve to be out and showcased. Nothing like having novels in your bookcase that you no longer read and ones that you are stacked like a small mountain on your night table. Our kitties love to climb and knock over as many books as possible. If they had little kitty flags, they would be up all over the place!

In the mid 1990's, I discovered the "Simplicity Movement" where people were downsizing their lives and using and enjoying what they kept. Some did this by working less hours and smelling the roses a bit more often. Others got rid of years of unused items in their home by selling everything and travelling around the world. The majority though were more modest in their life changes but still reorganized their lives so the things they used every day were appreciated and valued and not kept in a dark expensive storage locker. That A&E show STORAGE WARS exists because of all the stuff people think they need to live a great life. They are wrong. These lockers become available only after the owner of the items can no longer pay the fees for a few months. 

Plus there is something very freeing about having less in your life to maintain and own.  Twice in my life, I have opened my front door and said "if you can carry it, it's yours!" and started over.  It's quite satifisfying when you are grateful for what you have and can easily take care of it. I'm at that point again in my life so only keeping items that I truly treasure and everything else is going to be recycled and given to a new home.  

If you don't value an item in your life enough to have it displayed in your home then it's time for it to live elsewhere.  If you still have cartons of items that you keep moving from one place to another and rarely even look at, then it's time for the boxes to go! Personally I always need to find "a home" for those things that I want to give away - a book, sweater, vase, pretty much anything.  

Right now the clothes closet is getting reorganized. If the shirt or pair of pants doesn't fit this very minute then it's out the door to Goodwill.  It's all about TODAY and not the future.

For your homework (AHA - AMBUSH!!!!!!!!!), I want to go to your closet tonight or book shelf or whereever you know you have more things there than you actually use, and take out 3 items to give away. Every little bit of space helps and you really will discover that less is so much more!

Until next time GR,

Linda



 

It's not the Speed but the Direction!

Hey there Gentle Reader,

Hope your week is just groovy in all the best possible ways! I have frosty cold lemonade and warm shortbread bisciotti in the kitchen. Comfy? Good, ok here we go!

Sometimes you make the greatest plans to reach a goal but only to find yourself putting the brakes on before you even get out of the drive-way. It feels wonderful to review your goals, right down to the teeniest details, but that first step. OH BOY! That action to go forward....out in the world of the do-be-do-ers. It's throwing off the blankets and stepping out into the crisp air. SOUNDS inviting but it is nice and lovely under the covers too! 

I've never been the fastest one out of the gate on anything. Ok, MAYBE for the ice-cream truck but that's entirely different! I was a late bloomer for my career, for my art, and even finding my true love, but there's something to say about taking your time.  The key thing here is that no matter how slowly you move towards your goal, the main word is "towards" - as long as you are inching towards achieving your dream, then it's all good. Very very good.

My world is pretty standard office-y by day but at night - comics, musicians, and artists, oh my! My other life is part of many artsy communities and most of them come alive after 5pm. Can make for long but very fun days. I find that surrounding myself with creative, kindred spirits gives me energy and joy every day. They inspire me to send out my own art into the universe. Plus it feels amazing to support my partner and other artistic pals. The circle of love!

Is there that one goal that you want to accomplish but feel overwhelmed to even start? I'm here to say that even checking off the smallest task on that list is a positive thing.

For me, I haven't done much with my photography lately. While I did take some fun photos at a few local events recently, there hasn't been any real taking-photos-for-the-love-of-art activity.  So my goal for this week is to take just 5 random photos on the way to the office.  Kitten steps moving forward....

Your homework this week (you KNEW that was coming next right?) will be to complete one small part of your TAH-DAH list (remember, the sparkly "to-do" list!) that gets you closer to your dream life.

You deserve this and more.

Until next time!

Linda


Positively Positive!

Hi there Gentle Reader,

Oooh the sunshine is LOVE-R-LY even if the temperatures are still a bit chilly! Treats today include lemon cranberry mini muffins and cinnamon lattes (lite of course!). 

I'd like to chat about those big BIG dreams that are on your Tah-Dah! list that sometimes (Um...SOMETIMES Linda??) seem overwhelming.  It's one thing to write "Complete Art Degree" and then feel like you're a million steps from doing so. Please remember that every day that you accomplish even a wee bit of the list is a good one! The very best BIG plans are made up of many little ones.  Like a colourful jigsaw puzzle of an English meadow, every piece of flower will slowly make the landscape. The picture may seem abstract at first but it will eventually become clear.

Some of those smaller steps won't seem so bright and shiny either. Those are the ones that we tend to dread the most - making that first phonical to a potential employer or submitting that application to join your local theatre group. All necessary in order to achieve your BEST dream. Balance is everything.

I find it always good to match up a positive with a not-so-positive task. A reward system where you actually get two items for the price of one. Ya gotta love that idea!

For example you need to weed out your book collection but it seems like an never-ending chore. Promise yourself the treat of one new book for every shelf you reorganize. That of course means at least one book goes to another home - to a buddy, your local library, or even your laundry room.  I have donated many books to the library and if I ever miss reading them, I just have to get out my library card. The ultimate organized bookshelf in my eyes.
 
For your YOUwork (sounds jazzier than home...), I want you to select one big dream and then add two baby steps underneath - one has to be something you really REALLY don't want to do and the other one can be fun and happy! 

Keeping it positive add light to your journey making it that much brighter.

Linda

What The World Needs Now is YOU!

Hello hello hello Gentle Reader,

Welcome to "some-kind-of-season-goes-here"! Sunny today and lovely temps so all is good.  How about a vanilla latte with a few cinnamon hearts sprinkled on top. Yeah, nice huh? The lemon cranberry loaf is still warm too.  Enjoy!

Today's chat is about YOU becoming more involved in YOU. It is very easy for us to get caught up in the bright shiny world (I'm thinking more virtual planet actually) by clicking on LIKE on Facebook causes or sharing articles and videos - all fine and dandy but I'm more  interested in what YOU did for YOU today.  There is always something goin' on out there. This time we need to focus on what is in HERE.

Ok, GR, time to get out that Tah-Dah list and review those baby steps towards reaching your dreams.  I'm a Facebook fanatic like the next monkey but lately I have been investing time in myself too.  Nothing like reviewing your journal (my latest one has all the Pantone colours listed on the cover!) and feeling a sense of accomplishment at all the tasks completed so far. Some are still pending and a few others are hibernating (yeah that's it, hibernating!). Time to wake 'em up!

Since we're in Spring mode now, it's a fabulous time to work on a new series of projects.  A great variety of goals from all areas of your life - mind, body, and soul!  I also love supporting creative pals too by attending their shows, promoting (and purchasing) their art, and making sure that they get their creativity out into the universe. The world needs your authentic voice more than ever! So much of reality in media is really not - how refreshing to have individuals making the planet a more beautiful place to be. 

So homework my dear GR, I want you start giving as much time to you and your goals as you do to watching others achieve their dreams. Whether it is working on your music career, some health goals, or writing a poem that makes others smile, I want YOU to do this for YOU because we all need YOU! Makes sense? Groovy.

Until next time!

Linda



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