Baby New Year

A new year is upon us and it has been almost two years since I have posted. I read over my last posting and it is amazing how things just don't really change and I am still working on the same things. I am sitting here late late at night trying to sleep, but not able to because of a cough that is making it absolutely impossible. It is good though because this is something I wanted to do and I am able to because sleep is beyond my grasp right this moment.
So here we are with Baby New Year in our arms and eager to jump in again. This year has proven to be a whopper! The United States has voted in its first president of color and we will be saying goodbye to a man who has led this country into some crazy places. The worlds economy is in shambles and it doesn't look as though things will get any better in this new year, (I am not blaming the last man mentioned soley with the colapse of the economy). There is change a coming and like the birth of a baby it will be uncomfortable and even painful, but it will be worth it. Everyone I know is going through some uncomfortable events in their lives, I know no one who is untouched. This birthing process I believe will be longer than we all would like, but relatively short in the scheme of things. I don't mean to sound apocalyptic, quite the opposite, because I believe that there is a greater world to be had at the other end of all this, it just isnt going to come without a price. I am sure our western stadard of living will be compromised more than we would like...but other than that who knows? It is all an open blank book at this point and I am looking forward to a great read.
What would the new year be without some resolutions....

1>YOGA everday in some form, even a little. Just showing up to the mat even for a few moments.
2>Posting on this blog. Writing more, getting my thoughts out and really looking at them.
3> Meditation....work in progress, but I need to put it down.
4> Be patient with my oldest son, love him, accept him, guide him gently. That one is actually number one, but without the YOGA I own't be able to do it.
5> Accept and love...ME.

So here is to a great year, with all the twists and turn a great novel can take you on, so will this calender year 2009.
Love, Light, Laughter and PEACE

Winter Everywhere

Wow! It has been too long since I have posted... life has been too crazy! The holidaze were good, family here that hasn't been in sooooo long, if not ever! Life is jam packed with all kinds of wonderful things, that I feel grateful for and stressed out about, all at the same time. I want more time to "Just Be" and I don't seem to be finding it. But I am looking....
Here are a few things that I have walked away with from the last few months...

1.We created some new traditions this year that I hope will stick around. They helped the holidaze have meaning for me and a sense of calmness.
2.I miss my garden and my time in it. We have been having some work done on the outside of our home and my yard has paid the price. When it is all done I am going to make some really thoughtful plans for what I want our yard and garden to bring into our lives.
3. I must get exercise or I am not a nice person to be around. It is something I must make room for. if I don't have it I won't be any good to my family, friends or the world.
4. I am still simplifying, simplifying and getting the stuff out. More and more yet to come. My closet is getting ever so bare and it feels good to have the stuff (and the choices) GONE. I will make very conscious decisions in the future as to what comes in.
5.Looking for space...space in my life to show myself of the possibilities. I am trying to create space by prioritizing and letting go. This is such a work in progress.

It is winter even here in Southern California. So I am cuddling up, hunkering down and taking some time to think.

K

The Compact and Choices

Edible plants and herbs from our Vista, Farmer's Market. Cilantro, perennial Basil with clove scent, Society Garlic and Vietnamese Coriander.








When first thinking about joining the Compact, I worried about my love of gardening. Often I buy too many annuals that die within the season, just so I would have to buy again to fill up the spaces. It was wasteful, but I love to garden. So I made the stipulation with myself that yes I can still garden and buy plants but that they had to be either edible, herbal or native to my area. I will also allow myself to buy seed packets for annuals that I just can't do without, Snapdragons and Pansies to name a few. Now to watch these babies grow.

Fresh Eggs from our chickens. Tomatoes in backround homegrown.












I love eggs. For me they are a perfect food. Offering me the protein I need to feel good and have energy. My boys like eggs as well, so it is an easy meal for me to whip up. We sometimes even put them raw into our smoothies and because we know who the chickens are who laid them, we don't worry about them making us sick.

This is our bunny, Ember. Ben and Augustus got him this summer.

What keeps me balanced....

One of my cats hanging out outside....













I am seven days into the Compact and feeling good about it. Since having the "tummy flu" it is one of the only things I am feeling good about lately. Other than my wonderful family, friends and love of this planet. When I am sick I get a real reality check, on just how good life is. Since we have been house bound all I want to do is get outside and play with the boys in our yard, a park or the beach, shopping holds no intrest for me. But it will...
It is the hidden things that end up ususally tricking me into buying them. A magazine at the grocery store, "Isn't that a neccesity!?!?" "NO!" Well I almost got one the other day, but passed it up when I remembered the Compact.
I went to the library the other day, needed a new card (got a great one that hangs on my key chain), now when I feel like buying that magazine iwill go look for it at the library and have a few moments to myself and read it.
So much of this all has to do with balance in my life. When I feel balanced I am more; orgainized, at peace, fun to be around, the list could go on and on. Finding that balance is the key for me, something I have been lacking tremendously lately.
Things that help me stay balanced:
Exercise
Time Alone
Time with girlfriends
Days when the boys and I don't go ANYWHERE! And just have fun together.
Dates with my DH T
Meditation/Contemplation/Prayer time
Outside time in my garden, and just outside in general!
Journaling

So there it is, what I can do to stay balanced.... now to just follow it. When MaMa is happy everyone is happy....

Another Day on the Path

One of our feathered friends in my garden.












I am dedicated to a idea called the Compact, no purchasing anything new for a year. It has been four days for me and with all the time I am taking to figure out this blog thing, I probably won't have time for a year. My DH is on board, but he promised DS a halloweenie costume so they went to get that for him. I got on e-bay last night to look to see about used legos for Christmas, and wow what a world out there. Now I am also trying to declutter my life, so I can't spend much time there.
I do have exceptions for the year... my sister who hasn't been home with her 3 children EVER for Christmas, is coming. We have chosen names and I will buy a presant for my nephew who I chose. I also will allow myself some plant nursery expenditures. I love to garden, but I am going to keep it as much as possible to edibles and at least permanent perrenials, or things I grow from seed and cuttings. So there... I am not sure I am making myself clear, I am doing all this with one hand as my DS2 is breastfeeding back to sleep.

I wanted to acknowledge a blog that is SO INSPIRING, a must look for everyone wanting to simplify and downscale. Go take a look...
Walk Slowly, Live Wildly

Okay I hear you!!!!

A statue from our garden. You never know what you will find there.



Well my family has been sick for over a month now. First a flu that really got a hold of T and I, knocking us off our feet. The boys were pretty sick over it as well. Thursday night A started throwing up and did so for eight hours. Little B started throwing up in the wee hours this morning and has just come out of it eight hours later. What do I hear from this? That life has just been too crazy in the past and if I don't slow it down, something will for me. I would rather be the driver here. I have had to step out of so many things lately, and it is okay. I need to take care of myself and my family.