In less than two weeks, I will be travelling to New York for a hen party. To be very clear, this is huge for me. When I first read the invitation I almost cried, because I could hardly begin to think of leaving my son for a weekend, yet I could hardly bear to miss the celebration. It might sound trite to want so badly to go on to a party, but the hen do is for my dear childhood friend, Anna, and my travelling companions are the two wonderful women (Stella and Kirsten) who make us into a solid little group of four. And Anna is getting MARRIED, for goodness’ sake!
I just returned from a whirlwind trip around the state of Wisconsin, an amazing experience shared with local folks and fellow teachers/listeners. As is usually the case after a journey like this, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and overflowing with thoughts and ideas. Harnessing them all proves difficult so soon after, but John O’Brien (who was a member of our ‘roadtrip’) shared this gem with me halfway through our week. It from Anthony McCann, Social Philosopher, based out of Ireland. The discussion around this notion of Garaiocht fits beautifully in with the mission of this here blog. Thanks for sharing John!!
From time to time here on this space, posts on other fantastic blogs, pieces written by amazingly gifted people, the question of whether social media facilitates more connection or more disconnection, is raised. As a blogger, and someone who leans toward the side of ‘more connection’, I utilize social media for what I perceive to be ‘good’.
“The beloved community is not a utopia, but a place where the barriers between people gradually come down and where the citizens make a constant effort to address even the most difficult problems of ordinary people. It is above all else an idealistic community.” ~Jim Lawson
Tom Kohler at a reading of Waddie Welcome…
This quote appears at the beginning of the book, “Waddie Welcome and the Beloved Community”, Continue reading →
As we enter 2014, Linda and I want to personally thank all of you for your readership, comments, support and love. It means the world to us that people connect with what we share. In this week’s post, we link another warm video from the Soul Pancake team. Sometimes all that is needed is an ‘invitation’ and the love will flow from there…let’s set our intention in 2014 to love one another each and every day!
Peering out of our descending aircraft this past Wednesday, my eyes gazed a scene unfamiliar to me…snow, ice and bitter cold.
Brr…
Landing in Chicago for the 2013 TASH Conference, ready to meet up with old friends and colleagues, as well as meet new friends, I was unaware of the physical reminder I’d walk in and out of all week…reminding me of why we named this blog Come In From The Cold. Being from San Diego, the streets don’t look like, and certainly don’t feel like this. Continue reading →
Here in the states, Thanksgiving Day came and went. As I evolve, my belief is that this particular holiday offers an opportunity for people to embrace gratitude. If you’ve been a follower of this blog, you’ll know I believe sending out your gratitude every day is something to aim for…but is not always reached (certainly for me). In this short film by Louie Schwartzberg, through his brilliant photography and cinematography, he captures the gifts surrounding us each and every day. He invites us to treat every day as if it were our ‘first day of life and last day of life’…and if we approach each day like this, ‘then it will really be a good day.’ Take 6 minutes to watch this film and try not to have an ear-to-ear smile emerge within the first 30 seconds and stay throughout the film.
I repeat these words internally daily, externally almost daily and practice them as best I can (which is certainly not daily). Relentless positivity is the foundation of Come In From The Cold, a value Linda and I agreed on at the genesis of this adventure. This short film encompasses just that…and as he says in the film, ‘every day is a gift.’
Several people over the past year have recommended a documentary titled “Craigslist Joe” and said “you’ll love it.” Well…all of those people were correct. I’ve linked in the trailer to this film here and would like to share my thoughts and recommendations on it.
Here in the states, Thanksgiving Day came and went. As I evolve, my belief is that this particular holiday offers an opportunity for people to embrace gratitude. If you’ve been a follower of this blog, you’ll know I believe sending out your gratitude every day is something to aim for…but is not always reached (certainly for me). In this short film by Louie Schwartzberg, through his brilliant photography and cinematography, he captures the gifts surrounding us each and every day. He invites us to treat every day as if it were our ‘first day of life and last day of life’…and if we approach each day like this, ‘then it will really be a good day.’ Take 6 minutes to watch this film and try not to have an ear-to-ear smile emerge within the first 30 seconds and stay throughout the film.
I repeat these words internally daily, externally almost daily and practice them as best I can (which is certainly not daily). Relentless positivity is the foundation of Come In From The Cold, a value Linda and I agreed on at the genesis of this adventure. This short film encompasses just that…and as he says in the film, ‘every day is a gift.’
What do you see here? A family portrait? Love? Two beautiful, strong women and their amazing children? That’s what I see too. This portrait adorns the living room of Beth and Carolyn. It represents a family wrapped in love, a family with ups and downs, a family with rich traditions and a family that until this past Friday October 18, 2013…didn’t have complete, legal recognition. That last, ridiculous little tidbit of information, became exiled into history when Beth, Carolyn, their two children Trystin and Taylor, and about 10 of their closest family and friends walked into the Vista County Assessor’s office and got married!! Continue reading →
Come In From The Cold 