When Is Enough Enough?

Here I am, sitting in front of the screen, coffee in hand, mind spinning, and my thoughts leaping forth. I'm disappointed. I saw a posting on a friend's Facebook page that disturbed me, along with a post on my newsfeed page that made me start questioning social media. I like the idea of keeping in touch with what my friends from various parts of the world and my life are doing but I'm starting to question the cyber environment we've come to count on.
I never got into MySpace; too many drama queens there, along with people looking to "hook up." Grow up. Facebook appeared to have more grown up vibes, so after an invite, I signed up. Now I'm seeing lots of "paste & copy," "repost," and drama that I don't think belongs there. Games that take a person's focus off of real life-I never signed in for those and refuse to do so. I know a number of people with Twitter accounts but I'm not sure I have alot to offer with "tweeting." I have a LinkedIn account, in need of updating-appears to be a more grown up type of social media environment. I've got an invite to Google+ that I have yet to answer, which now I hear that site isn't doing so well. And then I hear about links posted on Facebook-read it, too-about how to kidnap, rape, and murder your friends for fun? When does the madness stop? Have we isolated ourselves that much with social media that we fail to know what is appropriate? What happened to engaging in an actual face-to-face conversation? I know for some of us who keep in touch by way of social networking, face-to-face isn't always possible, especially if there are hundreds or thousands of miles between friends. But really? Have we forgotten what it means to truly communicate with each other? And is it really "ha-ha" funny to post garbage that someone just might take seriously and put into action?
Don't get me wrong. I post my blog posts with social media. I read about business reviews friends post. I've "liked" topics of interest to me. I've touched base with people I've not seen or heard from since high school. Social networking can be a positive place to reconnect but there are some things that just don't belong. When the environment becomes a place I don't feel like logging into, I begin to question why I'm there to begin with. This thinking prompts me to take a cyber vacation. Perhaps its time for me to leave social media down to notification via email to go in and check to see what's new. I don't mind walking away for a bit; its healthy to back off of social networking now and then. Clears the mind and helps one to refocus.
So, for those who've read my post today, I'm not throwing in the towel. Taking a vacation, to clear my mind, to refocus and to take care of business. I will be posting on my blog, posting those posts to social media, and then checking out to smell the fresh air. Life is good. I can only hope we all take time to smell what Nature begs us to re-embrace. ~Momma

Four Days Before The Equinox

Another Monday in September here. Four days before the Autumnal Equinox, and lots to do. Good thing today is a catch up/relaxed type of day for the boys and I. I try to keep Mondays and Fridays as days where we can make plans but go with the flow and not worry if we didn't follow the day to the letter. Not every day should be so regimented that you can't have changes that you can't deal with. My guys are good about routines and in the swing of going with the flow; a change here and there is not bad and they bounce along with it. If its a complete disaster of a day, there's crying and tantrums. Right now, they're playing with trains, dabbling with breakfast.
Its another list day. Make a running list of things to do but with the intention of spreading it out over the week so as not to feel overwhelmed by it all. I'm also starting a mental list of writing topics, as I notice my posts here are starting to look like "Dear Diary......" Schedule, darling, schedule. Its ok for me to set a schedule for myself and keep myself in check with my day; just keep it fun for the boys. And remember, have fun with them while they're having fun, Momma. Its so important.
Even though I'm early with my post, I'm keeping it short so I can keep up with my day today. I love to sit and empty my head in the mornings, its a relief from thinking all day and half the night. Just as much as I love to sit and write, as I've learned to work it into my day, I love to get moving and get things done to be able to go do the things we love to do best: have fun. My boys will not be little forever, and there will come a day when they may shy away from me hugging and kissing them in public. They will grow and one day not want me to kiss the boo-boo's and reassure them that it's all good. Ahhh.....being a parent is a committment. Sometimes, it feels like a thankless job you're not getting paid for. Yet, I would never take it back. I would never change my mind about being a mom. I love my boys.
So, here's to today and the smiles with laughter. The endless possibilities of what and where, how and why. Make each day count, live today like its your last day. ~Momma

Friday in September

The seasons are changing; the heat is on here in the house, our preparations to close up windows to avoid escaping warmth has begun. One transition signals another, and life continues to move along at its pace. Coffee in hand, warm quick breads and muffins for breakfast. I love this time of year; not too hot, not too cold. Just right, Goldielocks.
My mind is filled once again today, seems to be so each morning. Maybe I need a dream catcher to suck up some of the dust of thinking but I believe those only work on dreams; at least that's what I've always been told. My ambition list looms in front of me, and my desire to procrastinate battles for top spot. Time to enforce meditation, for sure.
Tristan is starting a new class on Sunday through our church. I'm excited about it because of the Montessori approach to learning and being present in the room. I feel he'll do well once he and the other kiddos settle into how the hour goes and what they will come to learn each week. I'll be with him during the hour, more so as a classroom aide to assist with the teachers and the other children; I don't want to hover with Tristan but as his mother, being there to help will give me the opportunity watch how he'll grow. Observation without making it look like observation.
Speaking of classes, our local library is offering free, non-credit courses (through the state's department of libraries). As a member of the library, I can sign up for as many classes as I want, and they give you six months to complete the courses. I signed up for two, just to give it a shot. I figure it gives me an idea of what to expect with online learning, especially as I am ambitious to go back to school but really can only do it online. This could be good.
Yeah, I sound like someone putting alot of pokers in the fire of my life, but as each day comes, as time unfolds how my boys learn and how I adjust to meeting their needs, I find time to add. I also have been finding those moments to subtract. I'm scaling back on my time with Facebook, which I've really not been there all that often lately. Between doing new things with the boys, getting ready to close up gardens and move into new activities for the colder months to come, I'm just not finding the desire to go there like before. I have other ways to keep in touch with people, which I find refreshing. Change is good. I'm also getting more involved with other moms I'm meeting in the local area, so my focus is changing yet again. Like I said, change is good.
Well, the bell for my time is ringing; that would be Zachary giving me the cue he needs me. So, here's to Fridays and the potential for what they hold for each of us. ~Momma

How Many More Days of Summer?

Wednesday morning speaks of afternoon cool temps after a brief show of summer weather. A day to enjoy, and that's my goal. I notice my boys are starting to droop into naps in the afternoons these days, and aside from the knowledge that Tristan may stay up later than usual, the quiet time in the afternoon is welcome. There' s potential today.
So, here I sit, bags sitting on the table next to my laptop, and my mind is swirling with ideas. Yeah, the thinking woman. Depending on how today pans out with rest time for the boys, I may try to get into some sewing. I have an idea for a mini project, and I want to try it out on my sewing machine. Almost craving it. Feed the need, right?
I feel wired, so my post today is brief. I want to make the most of today, as we are edging closer to Autumn and its wonder; I love the change of season and what happens while the temps drop, there's frost in the mornings, and the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. Days of warm cider, sweaters pulled out to wear to the park, and that sense of change and getting ready for Winter. Yes, its that time of year again.
Enjoy your pre-autumnal day! ~Momma

At It Again

Sometimes, I think Monday comes too quickly. Here we are, another week started and already in the midst of catch up and diving in headfirst for the busy week ahead. Errands, appointments, places to go....sometimes, it seems like it never ends. Today is a catch up day, along with prepping for the rest of the week. Household tasks, a soap order to fill, and best of all, to make sure my boys have fun today. If anything counts the most, its how I make use of the day for them. Everything else is peanuts.
My youngest sister's dad placed a soap order late last week, and its today to put it together and send him the details per email. Once I get his payment, then I can send it to him. Not a bad way to get back into business. I've been thinking how to get going again, and the order I fill today just may be the ticket. When nights of teething and days of high energy cloud your brain with hyperactive fuzz, you have a tendency to run on auto-pilot.
I'm back on my reading list again. I say "list", even though its actually "lists." Research & writing list, spiritually inspiring, and leisure. Add one more? No. Oh, wait. I do have another to add. Hereditary craft. Baby on one hip, nose in a book, stirring a pot on the stove, schooling a preschooler....picturesque. My new crafting list is starting with sewing, one of my favorite past times. I'm actually getting into learning to pattern, something I never really got into. Good a time as any, I suppose. I will be photographing this new "poker in the fire," so stay tuned. I'm excited.
I went to AC MOORE last night for their moonlight madness sale and won a $15 gift card while there. Set me up to pick up a few things, even though I was only there to pick up yarn that someone else bought before I got there. Poo, I thought. Then, I realized that it was ok to miss out on that opportunity and create space and an open mind for what I did pick up while there. Tracing paper and a set of pencils just for pattern making, knitting needles and a crochet hook that light up-yes, I said light up-clearance yarn to make a pillow for the sofa, and a Paula Deen recipe journal (make your own cookbook?). Not a bad shopping experience. And of course, coupons for the next week to two weeks.
My mind is swirling with ideas and thoughts, almost like a traffic jam in NYC. Horns beeping, drivers shouting out windows. Everyone wants to be heard....no, my name is not Cybil. Just the typical thinking woman; always thinking. My surface cleaning is done for the morning, my boys eating breakfast, coffee in one hand while checking my post for errors. I'm itching to get started on new things, finish the unfinished, and somehow find the time to breathe and keep me going to keep everyone and everything else going; if I don't take care of me, how do I take care of everyone else? Self care is so important.
So, with that in mind, let's get this party started for the week. We're off and running like a shot out of a gun. And if I play my cards right, I might get a couple of little ones to relax this afternoon. There's always hope. ~Momma

Book Review and on the Run

Here's to Friday! Sometimes, I wonder why I get excited about today, as I don't work a 9-5, don't worry about what to wear to work on Fridays, and don't wonder what my weekends will become. Old habit, I guess.
I finally finished "A Woman's Book of Meditation," which I have some pages to copy off before taking back to the library. Good piece, I have to add. As I started my reading, I wasn't sure if I would stay committed to finishing the book; in the past, I've started a book about meditation without finishing and feeling like I wasted my time. Not so this time. Perhaps because this was focused on women? Perhaps. When a specific focus group is the mainstay of a piece like this one, maybe it takes a different tone as opposed to a general audience.
I also wasn't sure about the approach to meditating. I'm not one to sit still for very long, and if I do, its because I'm into a book I can't put down, working on some type of fiber art, or getting ready to nod off. Empty my mind of all the crazy, busy buzz of the world? You have to be kidding, right? Nope. No joke. There are several different mantras to work through, depending on what you're working with to get into your meditative state. Need only 5 mins? There is time. Want to sit for 2 1/2 hrs? Go for it-if you have the room to do so.
I also came across two very interesting points throughout my reading. Meditation doesn't belong to any one particular group of people. It belongs to us all, universally. It doesn't interfere with religious preferences either. And if you think about that one, didn't Buddha, Muhammad, and Jesus Christ meditate? Meditation can be used as a way of opening yourself to listening for the answers to your prayers/petitions. If we just take the time to still our bodies, calm our minds, and allow even a minute's worth of time to have a sense of peace. I'm not here to upset the apple cart, only to add my point of view to a sense of awareness to one's connection to all that is. We are all connected.
The second interesting point I found was a small diddy about neurotheology (the study of how yoga, religion, and meditation affect the functioning of the brain). I investigated further, by way of the 'net, which after sifting through the rubble, I found my way back to transpersonal psychology; I looked into this field years ago, while finishing my undergrad. After the passing of my grandmother earlier this year, some interesting transpiring elements to color my palette, I find myself looking at this field again. And the best part is, I can do this online. I will be praying and meditating about this one, as I have about some other things in my life, too. And as a tidbit, with my EAT-PRAY-LOVE quest, I am looking into making a mala; after discovering it contains 108 beads, this will be a meditation in itself.
So, ladies, don't be afraid to meditate. I still find my meditation through needlework, but giving it a try to find that still, calm moment. I'm onto my next spiritually inspiring book, which is about the shadow self and how it affects our daily lives. More to report on this later, as I'll be giving a review of it as well. PS-there's visual art & journal exercises in this one. More meditation? Perhaps. ~Momma

Coming Into My Own

Looking to be another rainy day today; we'll take what we can get and make the best of it. I only wish the rains here on the East Coast would fall on Texas, as it is burning. Sad.
This outline of a day seems to work well for me; at least I know what is going on every hour. I don't want my day to be scheduled every second, so I treat it like a running grocery list; hit every aisle and realize you forgot the cat food when you get home to unpack the bags. Hey, it happens. Not every day is going to be perfect, so live and let live.
I'm getting back into my knitting these days, and enjoying the spare moments and nap times of being able to add a few rows here and there with whatever project I grab for the time. I have a few projects running, so I have a variety to choose from. Once we go to the library this weekend, I'll be working on other stuff, too. Yeah, busy girl...busy momma.
I've compiled a list of books to check out based on my creative outlets surrounding fiber, beads, etc...what a list. Not all books are instructional, I did find some fiction as well. Yeah, fiction with the arts as a backdrop to the main line of the story. Cool. Oh, my list? Check it out-just highlights.

-Sewing
-Knitting & Crocheting
-Needlework (whatever doesn't cover sewing, knitting, & crocheting)
-Jewelry making
-Crafting (whatever doesn't cover the above bullets)

I have a pretty good list of books, many to choose from. To avoid overload, I've decided to work on each list, a little at a time. Example, I'll take an instructional book from sewing, along with the one fiction piece to accompany it. Each outlet has fiction as well as instructional, so I'll be entertained while learning and/or enhancing my craft. Being a descendant from a long line of artisans, I feel a sense of pride for handiwork. I love running my hands over hand tooled craftsmanship, sensing the time and love going into that piece. I love handcarved furniture but that's not an area of specialty for me; shop class in high school didn't go well for me.
As I let my mind empty with my thoughts here on my post, I realize my part in being sustainable is right in front of me. My craft is what sustains me, among other elements of my life. Those things that don't cost a cent, that's what sustains me. And I finally feel I'm coming into my own with my craft. Harnessing the talent of my craft to sustain us here on the urban homestead. Imagine it. ~Momma