My April Artist's Date...

April's artist's date...

Yesterday, I engaged in an artist's date.  This month's solo foray included mindful shopping--followed by tea sipping and journal writing at a sweet, local cafe.  The pics, below, highlight it best (smile)...

Mindful Shopping (all purchases made locally (Bowling Green, Ohio))...

Second-hand book 
(purchased using in-store credit I received for trading in unwanted books)

Tin of fave tea from a local, woman-owned business

Yummy java from local coffee grinder (love this stuff!)

Vintage Albert Nipon scarf

(purchased from a woman-owned consignment shop)

Journal Writing at the Cafe...

Cool local cafe!

Tea sipping + journal writing

Peaceful views...

Uber cool cafe (Already noted that, right?)

What are your plans for this month's artist's date?  I would love hearing about them!

Joy and peace!  T.

Defining Meditation via Everyday Moments

A recent art journal collage...

This past Thursday evening’s yoga class was purely sumptuous--combining a full hour’s practice with fifteen minutes’ worth of meditation,   The yoga instructor began class by talking a bit about meditation—noting many see it was a mystical, magical occurrence.  She quickly dispelled this myth by explaining that meditation was simply those moments in life when we’re fully present.  Her definition of meditation may sound simplistic—yet, (in my estimation) it is totally spot on!

Defined in this way, I now realize all of life’s little moments, when experienced fully present, are mini meditations...of sort...  A few examples of this (that I truly adore) include:

• Taking a deep, cleansing breath to refocus myself;
• Feeling my bare feet connect to a yoga mat;
• Satisfying my craving for a deep stretch (or six) post a workout;
• Basking in the momentary warmth of the sun on my face as I walk outdoors on a cool day;
• Savoring the taste of herbal tea as I sip it (smile);
• Allowing the sound of music to enliven my spirit;
• Idolizing the scent of a bouquet of flowers I stop to sniff;
• Intently watching birds from my back patio;
• Stopping to swoon at the moon; and
• Being fully engrossed in the creation of an art journal collage.

What moments of meditation do you enjoy experiencing?  Would love hearing about them!

Joy and peace, T.

Springtime Transitions...

Diva Tabitha checking out yesterday's transitional attire!

Yesterday, the temps swung into the fifties here in northwest Ohio.  If all goes according to forecast, today should be fairly nice as well (woo hoo!).  No doubt--I am indeed excited for springtime to truly arrive!

Spring fever burning brightly (smile), I’ve begun to transition my wardrobe away from wintertime: the cashmere and woolen coats have been put away (hello trenches, leather jackets, faux fur vests and shawls), no more tall boots (heels, peep toed pumps and short boots, only), and the heavier tights are yielding way to patterned, lighter weight ones (My favorite pair of tights (leopard print) were featured in this past post).  Sure, these seasonal transitions make for a comfier, more appropriately-attired me.  But, they also serve to transition my mind and spirit.

As of late, I’m transitioning in other ways, too: finding it much more inviting to spend added time outdoors—walking (whenever possible) versus driving. And, there’s been a bit of what I call “spot” organizing—at work, in my home office, and amongst my clothing and accessories.  If time permits this weekend, think I’ll spruce up the flower beds—clear out the dried up remnants from last year. Perhaps, scatter a bit of fresh mulch here and there...  It’s yet another nice transition I can experience—before I plant the annual blooms next month.

What seasonal transitions are you enjoying?  Would adore hearing about them! 

Joy, peace and happy Friday to you!  T.

Continuous Reinvention=Blossoming Potentials

Personal reflection, for me, prompts continuous reinvention...

Spring’s a season marked by ongoing evolution...  Take, for example, the chorus of singing birds in the pear tree outside my home office window—their voices grow stronger, each morning this new season progresses.  As the calendar rolls forward, the sun appears to be arriving earlier and, likewise, staying later every day.  Here and there, buds and shoots of greenery have begun to emerge; their presence becoming even more noticeable each passing day...

Spring’s ever-changing character reminds me of the importance of continuous self-reinvention.  When I say, “self-reinvention,” it’s not a matter of losing who I am—of compromising my authenticity.  No, it’s more an issue of adopting small shifts in perspective, applying itsy bitsy shake ups to my etched-in-stone routines, and switching out my self-care practices in various new ways.  Reexamining thoughts that no longer serve me, getting to bed earlier than normal from time-to-time, engaging in a yoga pose mid-day, rather than solely just at night... Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ about!

As I immerse myself in more journal writing, art journaling and time in quiet reflection, the concept of seeking change appeals even more to me.  Realizing the beautiful results reinvention brings about within the natural realm, I am open to the blossoming potentials for myself as well.

Joy and peace, T.

Sharing My Spring Reflections...

My spring reflections as recorded in my growth journal!

Last month, I encouraged a bit of spring equinox reflection via this past post.  In the spirit of growth and renewal (two of this season's finest attributes), I am sharing a few of my springtime musings--penned during reflection time...

In what ways did I prepare my life's flowerbed this winter?

• blogged daily
• attended yoga class weekly
• enjoyed at least one yoga pose daily
• savored art journaling
• chose quality over quantity
• engaged in almost daily exercise
• participated in Britt Bravo's Juicy Blogging e-course
• employed micromovements (led to a first draft of my book proposal!)
• recognized my creative gifts
• honored my intuitive gifts

What seeds will I plant in my life's garden this spring?

• finalize book proposal
• strategize my next steps for getting my book published
• embrace joy
• exude grace
• live mindfully
• envision desired success and know I can have it!

How will I water, feed & weed life's garden?

• journal
• art journal
• affirm daily
• give gratitude daily
• read to feed my mind
• don positive thoughts
• be creative 
• live authentically
• put my best foot forward
• use my voice
• eat healthily. 

Please share your springtime reflections.  Would adore hearing them!

Joy and peace.  T.

Resourcefulness=Creativity!

A recent measure of resourcefulness took place--here--in my growth journal!

My latest Tickled Pink Woman podcast sets forth my tips for stressing less.  One of those tips is to employ resourcefulness--wherever possible.  Why? Well...resourcefulness solves problems.  Resourcefulness is empowering.  Resourcefulness is a confidence booster.  Resourcefulness is fun. All these things are decidedly stress busters, yes?  Resourcefulness does something else (and this, too, combats stress): Resourcefulness enhances one's personal creativity.

This past Sunday morning, I sat down with a recorded teleclass and my beloved growth journal.  For the most part, my growth journal contains scores of beautifully embossed pages that totally speak to me.  The couple of pages featured directly below were the exception--they just didn't.  Besides, they were rather dark and might be difficult for me to decipher what I'd even written--at some point in the future...

These two pages didn't resonate with me...

Following a moment's thought, I scurried upstairs to retrieve several folders full of magazine images--I'd pored over only the evening before.  My plan was to collage over the not-so-inspiring pages in my growth journal--tailor them into something personally inviting.  The end product is displayed directly below.

Post a bit of resourcefulness, these two pages are now ready to write upon!

Guess what?  As a result of this super-fun (resourceful) experience, I felt more empowered, confident, and enriched.  Furthermore, I lavished the feeling of being more creative, too!  My actions actually spurred added creativity--as they led me to write not only this blog post, but provided an idea for another one and possibly a future Tickled Pink Woman video as well (smile).  

Joy, hugs and peace!  T.

April's Dreams...

An art journal collage, where I'll record my April dreams...

February, much transpired in my personal life (the deets are shared in my latest Tickled Pink Woman podcast episode)...  As a result, very few of that month's dreams were realized...

March, I tried to keep my dream list to a minimum--baby-step myself back into the swing of things.  This strategy actually worked quite well.  

April, I'm still easing myself back into the swing of things.  I'm stepping it up a tad bit more than last month, though.  

The way I see it, my dreams aren't meant to overwhelm me.  They are here to enhance my life--serve as guideposts for what I'd like to do, and, if at all possible, achieve.  If I do realize this month's dreams, fine.  If not, that's okay, too.  

My April dreams are as follows:

• Read Yoga Chick: A Hip Guide to Everything Om
• Work in my flower beds
• Take maxi dress to tailor for hemming
• Replenish and repot house plants
• Relax via a massage
• Facilitate Art Journaling: Spring Blossoming workshop at the 577 Foundation on April 20
• Attend Fashion, Food & Fine Art Luncheon (April 27)
• Read Chapters 3 and 4 of The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
• Attend Women in Leadership: Becoming a Woman of Influence seminar at BGSU (April 30)
• Finalize book proposal
• Fine tune query letter
• Enjoy an artist’s date
• Treat myself to a pedicure
• Attend Small Business Leadership Essentials workshop on April 2
• Read The New Diary

What's on your dream list this April?  Would adore hearing about it!

Joy, peace and happy April!  T.