Missing my friend

/

I opened up

iphoto

today

And I was brought back to

here

To the days when things were simple between us

Laughter rose from deep inside

We spoke openly with one another

And truly listened to each others responses

We were honest

Kind

Loving

Things were easy

There was no drama, no anger, no stress

We promised each other we would always keep it that way

Especially because of everyone else involved

But look at things now

So complicated

So stressful

And me getting angry

I rarely get angry, how did this happen?

How did it all go wrong?

When will things get back on track?

What is the magical thing that has to happen for it to be

ok

again?

I miss the days of hanging out

Laughing together

Sharing stories

Listening to one another

No worries

No preconceived

notions

No drama

No stress

I miss my friend

Will I ever see him again?

Liz Lamoureux

/

Oregon Coast, Be Present Retreat

I first met

Liz

at

Squam

Arts Workshops back in 2008. The fates would have us sharing space together in the same cabin, sitting around the fireplace at night, listening to stories, and seeing each other. I was very shy then and sat back taking everything in.

In 2009 I had the opportunity to fly across the United States to

Be Present.

Liz created a the most stunning Retreat that brought like minded souls together, each on our own path of our creative journey's. Over the course of the weekend she soothed my soul with her

voice

as she read us poetry

out loud

. I was

able to

fully be present and shed they shy skin that I used in the past to protect me.

Liz is one of those people that instantly calms your nerves when you see her. She has a way of making you feel

completely

at ease. She stops to listen, and she really hears you. She has a warm heart and a loving smile. She inspires you to create. She is an incredible photographer and sews the most wonderful creations from her

little room

. If I were you I would sign up to know when she is going to be back there.

Liz is hosting another Retreat in the Fall this year.

Reveal

Everything Liz has her hands in always ends up spectacular. I left the retreat last year feeling so full and happy. That feeling has stayed with me. I know once you reveal yourself you too will feel this elation, this calm, this heartwarming tingle inside of you.

Liz just had a beautiful new baby. And while she is soaking up the goodness of being a new momma I am guest posting on

her blog

. Hop on over there to check it out.

A secret dream

/

Deep in my heart a dreams lies.  Hidden in the darkness.  Covered with dust.  It has always been there, but as time has passed the dream has become dormant.  My lips are terrified to speak of it.  My mind too scared to even think about it.  But dear Kelly Rae is giving

Flying Lessons

and she is teaching us to spread our wings, acknowledge our fears, and speak them out loud.  So I am taking the leap and sharing my dream.  

I always dreamed of being a teacher.  Every since I was a little girl I  held that dream in my heart.  I remember receiving a "teachers kit" for Christmas one year.  It was filled with all sorts of fun things like report cards, a roll call book, stickers, awards, a pointer, and a little American flag.  I would make my brothers sit at the kitchen table with me and play school.  Me being the teacher and them the students.  When they wouldn't play with me I would go to my bedroom alone and still take on the role of teacher all by myself, and I was happy.  

As I sit here thinking about what it is that I really want to cultivate in life, being a teacher came right to mind.  The thought of it terrifies me.  What if I fail?  What if people do not like me?What if I am terrible at it?  Am I to shy to teach?  This fear has stunted me from putting myself out their and taking any steps to achieving my dream.  

Awhile back I was a preschool teacher for three year olds.  Oh how I loved it.  Creating lesson plans, doing art, connecting with the kids.  All of it made my heart sing.  I loved going to work.  I looked forward to seeing those children and getting the chance to interact with them.  Once I left the preschool my dream became silent and the fear grew. 

I can feel in my heart that working in a public school would not make me happy.  But teaching in some fashion would.  Teaching an appreciation for life, each other, our environment.   Being kind to one another and sharing our stories.  Creating along side each other.  Watching each other bloom and grow.  I am not sure exactly what it would look like.  But I do know that I am going let the thought of teaching sit inside me.  Now that I got the courage to speak it out loud I am going to let the idea grow and expand.  

What is it that you secretly dream about but are to afraid to say?  What is holding you back from speaking it out loud?  Share it here today, I will hold your hand as you speak that secret dream.