feeling alive

/

mindy and I at

squam by the sea

A year had past from when I first met Mindy on the Oregon Coast at the

Be Present Retreat

. At that time I had no idea of the incredible influence we would both have on one another. Thanks to

squam arts workshops

, Mindy and I had the opportunity to connect again in person near the ocean but this time on the opposite coast.

It was our last night by the sea. We were in the living room of the main house. Mindy sat with her elbows on her knees on the wooden coffee table directly across from me. I sat in the same position on the couch. We leaned into one another as we both opened up our hearts. I wanted to soak in Mindy as much as I could before we had to say our goodbyes.

Mindy's voice was filled with joy and enthusiasm as she talked about her painting and how I have inspired and opened her up. She shared with me some of her dreams as her eyes were sparkling and an enormous smile was beaming from her face. I sat there listening to her speak soaking in that beautiful accent of hers.

We spoke of writing and painting and reflected back to each other the beauty that we each radiate but sometimes struggle to see. Mindy cracked open my heart and soul. She gently lead me to see, feel, and know that my words have the ability to have an effect on others. They can inspire, heal, and even help someone.

As Mindy and I shared our stories my heart filled up with love and gratitude. The world works in magical ways. A girl from New Jersey and a girl from Arkansas crossed paths in Oregon. But that was just the beginning of their story.

I am so honored to watch Mindy spread her wings and fly. She is soaring and it is beautiful. I am also so grateful for that moment in time when I got to sat across from Mindy and felt truly alive. I look forward to all that has yet to be.

~~~

Mindy is a mixed media artist living in Arkansas. She has a passion and joy for life and a smile that is contagious. You can see read more about Mindy on her blog at

Tim's Sally

and see all of her beautiful creations in her

Etsy Shop

.

arriving

/

It has taken time

In certain moments it felt like an eternity

I was not always standing tall

Brave

Strong

There were occasions when I had fallen to my knees

Tears soaking my cheeks

Feeling like I could not take one more step forward

But I did

I stepped forward

Slowly finding my footing

Learning with each progression ahead

Finding my own way

This does not mean that it is all sunshine and laughter

The constant ebb and flow of life is still there

It keeps me whole

Breathes energy into me

And teaches me to observe

But I do feel an inner peace

A sense of wholeness within

It begins with a smile deep in my soul

Letting me know that I am on the right path

Digging deep

Falling down

Getting back up

Traveling along life's path with my eyes wide open

I cherish....

/

* I cherish my studio apartment and the love and strength I feel when I am here

* I cherish giggling in the rain. It is a door that has lead me to so many wonderful and inspiring people

* I cherish my proximity to my family. Living so close allows us the opportunity to spend so much time together. It is lovely.

* I cherish art retreats and how much my world has grown because of them. Opening my eyes and heart up to so much love and support.

* I cherish that I live so close to mountains that I can hike in. Taking a walk through nature always opens my heart and clears my head.

* I cherish my bicycle. Giving me so much freedom and the opportunity to explore the world around me in fresh new ways.

* I cherish my friendships and the love and support we give one another. Nothing is more powerful than what an happen when we are kind to one another, cheer each other on, and support one another.

* I cherish my connection with writing. It heals me. Pushes me forward and allows me a place to show myself to the world.

* I cherish the sound of the ocean and the feel of sand beneath my toes. Nothing grounds me more than the ocean.

* I cherish kindness. It is what brings us together. Lifts us up. And propels us forward

~ what do you cherish?

opening

/

I was standing there

But I felt like I was somewhere else

Looking in on this interaction that was taking place

I was speaking

Yet I was not sure where the words were coming from

I felt like myself yet also totally outside of myself

Words were coming out of my mouth

Yet I was not even sure what I was saying

They came quickly and without thought

My heart was beating a little bit faster

Redness flooded my cheeks

I surprised myself with my inner reaction

I was not sure exactly what I was saying

Or even where it was coming from

All I knew is that I wanted to keep the conversation going

I wanted to hear more

Listen to the stories

Look into those eyes

What does one say to someone they never met before

But would like the privilege of getting to know?

What are the right words to bring someone in?

What was coming out of my mouth sounded foreign

I was stumbling over words and thoughts

Struggling a bit to keep myself going

Then I walked away

Without looking back

Never asking the question I really wanted to ask

I was awakened with nervous energy

Pulled towards this unknown

Filled up with hope again

A brief interaction

Infusing my heart

With the possibility of what lies ahead

thankful

/

I am so thankful

For this precious life I have been given

For the journeys my feet have taken me on

And for my wide expansive heart

That just keeps opening with each new experience

I am so thankful

To be dancing around this earth

And have the chance to soak it in

The laughter, the tears, the heartbreak, the joy

I am so thankful to feel all of it

Love surrounds me

Family

Friends

Scarf sisters

Each of them filling me up with so much

I am so thankful for each of them

Life is pretty amazing

Each day a precious gift

Where opportunity awaits

I thankful to get to share my life here

With all of you

Thank you

To all of you

For loving me

Seeing me

Taking me in

I am so very thankful