happy birthday bernadette!!!!

My creation
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

waldbaum's bag-0-bunny

sorry i just can't handle the cuteness
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

the next thirty

As my 30 Day Yoga Challenge is still going strong, I ponder what to reach for next. Here are some of the ideas thus far:

30 Day completely vegan diet (I am already a lacto-ovo-pesca vegetarian; I'd take it to the next level with inspiration from my new vegan cookbook)
30 Day sugar purge (no added sugar/sweets/juices, except whole fruit/whole fruit smoothies)
30 Day apartment cleaning/purging project
30 Day stay within points diet
30 Day raw foods (Though I have done this one before and, even though I felt great it is a bit pricey with the amount of nuts, raw cheeses, etc.)
30 Day creative arts (not counting my 365 on flickr)
30 Day cardio
30 Day spend no extraneous spending

I am not sure which feels right but I am likely to start before the end of the yoga challenge so I need to get deciding! As for the yoga challenge, I am already up to day 19. I am truly feeling the health improvements more each day. The increase in muscle strength is most evident to me now. I deeply want to, and will, continue this as a daily practice. It is never a chore to fit it into my daily endeavors. This is more than I hoped for when I put myself to the challenge. I wonder if I can make this one a 365 challenge...hmm......

i said yes

122.365 i said yes
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

details to follow.

these are a few of my favorite things

121.365 these are a few of my favorite things
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

What an amazing Christmas!!!

why?

why?
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Because I like visual tracking systems! Today was day fourteen of my "30 Day Yoga Challenge". (Is that what I called it in previous posts?) The orange y's are the times I have done yoga (notice it's been twice on some days) and the blue is Groovy. I feel wonderful and it never feels like a chore to have to get all bendy and stuff. Even if it is late, late at night, I simply do a more relaxing program. I am thrilled that Groovy's been joining in, too.

My body feels so much better and I can feel the difference in my muscles and joints. My flexibility is increasing, strength is building and my mind is clearer.

This is definitely a habit that will continue beyond the 30 days. I was debating making it a 365 challenge, but I would have to have a disclaimer for days that I am sick because, really, a main part of yoga is listening to your body and giving it what it needs...which is usually yoga!

the mark of a birth

the mark of a birth
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Oh I apologies about the out of focus, pale leg photo, but I wanted to share a little more about myself. I have two birthmarks. Both reside on the side of my left leg. I always kind of thought this one looks like North America (If you flip the photo over and squint a little) and I assume the other one (higher on my leg) looks like some European country. Perhaps one day I'll take out the almanac and figure it out.

It never bothered me having them except when, as a child, my older brother would say that I have dried leaves stuck to my leg. It's funny, the things that bother you as a child, but it did. Now I just chuckle and think, "It's true. They do kind of look like dried leaves...if you flip it over and squint a little." Perfect!

What are some of your "perfect flaws"?

those boys are much too much

Can I just tell you? This is my favorite public service announcement EVER! I crack up every time (and it's a great message to boot!)


The actor in this is priceless!

(sun) salutations!

I am a week into my "yoga for 30 days straight" challenge and, let me tell you, I am feeling the positive changes already. My neck, which has a vertebrae that likes to rebel against the rest of the spinal column, has rejoined alignment with the rest of my back. My muscles are already feeling more "bendy" and daily I experience the post-workout "good" soreness. Perhaps I am starting to re-solidify my wimpy muscles already!?!?!

I start feeling better as the orange Y's continue filling up the calendar boxes. Coincidence? I think not! And Groovy joins in with me, too!

Why the "30 day" challenge motivates me, I am not too sure. It could be my competitive nature of team sports as a child/teen that I used to strive on. It could be my goal-setting nature. Or it could be something I have not yet tapped. Whatever the core reason, I do not need to have a deep understanding to reap the benefits.

At this point, I'm thinking that my next 30 challenge will be an addition to my life rather than a replacement of the yoga challenge. This regular yoga practice is a good mind/body-focusing tool that will support any subsequent challenge.

The next question is: What will my next 30-challenge be????? Any ideas?

Stay tuned for late breaking news!

beautiful mess

109.365 beautiful mess
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Two days ago, I decided to motivate myself back into a regular yoga practice.

To do this, I challenged myself to
30 days straight of daily yoga practice.

Classes,
On Demand,
or DVD,
it doesn't matter
as long as I am practicing.

This is me post yoga workout day 3. (yoga glow?)
I did a class that was difficult...no...currently challenging to me. (I did it with modifications but stuck all the way through the full 55 minutes.)

I'm going to do this class again towards the end of the 30 days.
Let's see what a breeze this class will be at that point.

103.365 naughty or nice

103.365 naughty or nice
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

perhaps both

holy crap

101.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

it's true

exploration

exploration
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Some days I feel I know exactly who I am, some days I'm not quite sure. But I find that, as I get older, the question of "who do I want to become tomorrow?" is a more poignant question.

Behind this is a laundry list of goals. I used to keep a running list in my dally planner and record the dates I achieved each one. This system feels antiquated to me now and does not spark me to move forward. Today I need something more visual. Inspired by "inspiration boards" that some artists and creative individuals use (sometimes a cork board that they affix photos, items, words, etc. to that inspire them to create), I'm starting an "inspiration wall".

Since, I am in the process of creating a studio space in the apartment (formerly the second half of the table nook in the kitchen; first half is already commandeered by Sherman), I have decided to start out with sticky notes of the things I want to do and/or become. I adore the idea of being able to move, rearrange and hold them in my hands. Perhaps a small photo or picture to go along with each will add to the inspiration. I'll see how it evolves.

Having my goals and inspirations right there in front of me perhaps will help me pinpoint which to tackle next (or concurrently. Again, I will see what happens.)

So today, I do indeed know who I am: a self-inspiring motivating organizer. (Hmm, I hope that will fit on my business card...)

95.365 life*

95.365 life* some assembly required
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

*some assembly required

94.365

94.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

WORD!

and...

Stevie commenting on my last post reminded me:

Laughter.
I am thankful for laughter,
and comedy
and belly laughs
and the laughs of children
and finding the humor in life
and hearing loved ones laugh

yes, laughter.
I am grateful for laughter.

thanks

We do not need to wait for Thanksgiving to acknowledge gratitude. So, today I start my list:

I am grateful for:

having family and friends in my life
falling asleep wit Greg holding my hand every night
being able to give to others even when times are tough
art and creativity
finding hope
experiencing joy
the possibility of having a child
my cyber-friends that share their stories online
having a mother who can handle anything life hands her
having a father who is going to get through difficulty and come out even stronger in the end
having a brother who has always been my hero
having a sister-in-law that enhances his life and our family
having a best friend and her family that has always been my family too
Greg putting up with me, no matter what shenanigans I present :)
being able to learn and grow every day
having a job in these tough economic times
every one that has been in my life, are in my life now and who will be in my life in the future
a childhood where I was always encouraged to be me
being able to recognize gratitude

you, for reading my words, rants, raves and expressions

more to come

vfw

89.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

i'm not using all blood anyway

88.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Before I moved out of New York, I was a regular whole blood donor, in the Gallon Club and everything. Unfortunately, life and grad school helped distract me from this task.

Thanks to my flickr friend DeHoll posting this picture the other day
flickr.com/photos/thegranddaddyisin/3046069452/
I was inspired and did a walk in donation today.

I'm posting this because I am hoping to inspire at least one of you to go out and donate, too.

You'll be saving a life at a time of year when the blood banks tend to have a shortage.

And if you are not into the whole life saving thing, then donate in honor of the tween marketed Twilight!

Next time I can donate is January 17th. Maybe I'll see you there!

t.g.i.f. - thank god i'm funky

t.g.i.f. - thank god i'm funky
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

true

i'm melissa and i'm a chap-a-holic

84.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I admit, I have a chapstick addiction. I hate chapped lips, on myself or on those I kiss.

I get overjoyed to buy the mega Costco size package.
I can leave on at work,
one in my briefcase,
one in my bag,
one in my jacket, on in my pocket,
one by the bed,
one in the bathroom,
one.....

yeah, I got a problem.
But I can quit whenever I want! Honest!

my, how you have grown.....hair.

my, how you have grown.....hair.
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

For real.

gooooooooooaaaaaallllllll!

Something that keeps me motivated is working towards tangible goals. The past few days my focus has been directed at sorting out my next goal (or concurrent goals). Though I strive on the sense of moving forward, sometimes my laundry list of goals itself is what keeps me stagnant. (Aaaa!!! Too many choices! Where to begin? Where to begin???)

My immediate goal for the next couple of days is to sit down and transfer this mental list of goals (ooo, "mentalist"....sorry, humor in my own mind) into a tangible format. Perhaps in an artistic way. There is great potential and great possibility, now to organize my focus. I will share more as this project progresses.

listen up

81.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

horoscope and career in conflict

Here's my horoscope from yahoo today:

Be careful about how you approach any kind of tense situation today, unless you want to get involved in arguments! Your urge to step in and help someone is admirable, but unwise. It is best to let other people handle their dramas, even if you are somewhat involved. Unless you started the fight, you can't get involved in ending it. Surrounding yourself with peace and quiet is a much healthier and pleasant goal for this day. So if the fur starts flying, head for greener pastures.

Wow, as a mental health therapist, this kind of gets in the way of doing my job. Shoulda taken a personal day. sigh.

comment for a chance to win!

www.drschnookleheimer.blogspot.com
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

In an attempt to simplify my life, I am tossing, donating, selling and gifting things away things. This one qualifies as a gift to one lucky commenter.......with one condition: Pay It Forward. Do something kind for someone else.

The description:
Crystal lotus candle holders. Set of 2. Shannon Crystal by Godinger.
(additional pictures on flickr)

To enter:
Leave a comment telling of an act of kindness you have experienced, whether you were bestowing, receiving or witnessing said kindness. Winner will be chosen at random. (All names will be put on pieces of paper and the one Sherman nibbles on first wins. If that isn't unbiased, I don't know what is! Yes, I am a dork.) Please make sure there is a means of contacting you if you should win (email address, email me on flickr, mental telepathy).

Good luck! You have a few days to enter.

a witty saying proves nothing

76.365 alternate
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

autumn

75.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I completely adore this time of year, when the air gets crisp and the leaves change, fall and blanket the ground.

The sound of feet shwoosh shwoosh shwooshing through piles
While the brisk air make senses come alive.

The smells, simultaneously earthen and heavenly,
grounds my sense.

I love bundling up in clothing to keep warm.
Each layer an added hug of the body.

I love the change of it all
and that hope that this brings.

be okay

B E . O K A Y

and on the topic of license plates

69.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I will always hold the experiences from living in other states close to my heart. Difficult or joyful, every step has helped me grow. There are things and places and people that I miss from both Colorado and Rhode Island, but they will always be a part of me. Someday, I will go back and visit both locales to re-explore fond memories and create new ones.

Travel on!

f.u.n. at the d.m.v.

it is official
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

No, nothing is ever simple, now is it? Since purchasing my car in Colorado, I have moved to two other states. Now, the mere fact of transitioning car registrations is inately a hassle. Add to that doing it while there is still a lein on it and you have a recipe for a grande headache.

First off, you have to have the original bill of sale (which of course is still hiding somewhere in moved boxes of papers....or did RI take my last copy?). Luckily, I got another copy mailed to me from the dealership.

Then you need a copy of the title with the leinholder. In some states (Colorado and Rhode Island included) the leinholder receives the original until it is paid in full, at which time you would receive a clean copy of the title. Not so in New York. The possessor of the car gets the title with the leinholder on it, then when it is paid off, you trade in the title for a clean one. A couple of weeks ago, I contacted the bank back west and requested a certified copy of the title. When I went down to the DMV with what they had mailed me, the DMV informed me that it was not certified. Luckily, a branch of my leinholding bank is in the same lot as the DMV. They were very helpful, notorizing my title copy and typing up a letter giving me permission to register the car.

Trouble averted. I went back and was able to register with ease. So, I am once again, the proud driver of a car with NY plates! Luckily, the future moving plans keep me in the same state. But I think I will brave the Long Island traffic for a spell before moving again.....and wait until AFTER I pay off the loan.

fat cat sat hat

devilish

devilish
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Spooky Halloween, Everyone!

it is the only me i can be

it is the only me i can be
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

little jackie

I was unaware that Imani Coppola started a new project, but now I am aware. And I share with you:




Here's another video that may be offensive to some (but entertaining to me):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOcYvczXMjw

stay at home dads get some props

Stay at home dads are a demographic that has been ignored for far too long by ganster rap.


http://view.break.com/558622 - Watch more free videos

Rrrrraaarrrrl

Rrrrraaarrrrl
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Amazing that a little goofiness can lead to some creepy photos. As I continue on with the 365 project, I have begun attempting to add a little creativity to the mix. These photos (larger individual shots on flickr, click the photo or the side bar flickr icon to get there) were taken while I was jokingly lying upside-down on the exercise ball with the ceiling light overhead. I was aiming for a simple and silly photo, but after viewing the first one (not pictured here), it looked a little creepy. So in lieu of silliness, I worked with the creepiness that occurred.

Well, I am off to get Sherman's nails tamed, then I heading in to the city with my pops to the PhotoPlus Expo.

Gonna get my photo-groove on!

dear dr schnookleheimer

Here's a letter and response from the "Dear Prudence" column and I just had to add my two cents at the bottom. Read on:

Mr. Right Is Never Wrong My genius boyfriend wins every argument, and I'm sick of it.

Posted Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, at 6:57 AM ET

Dear Prudence,
My boyfriend and I are both in our early 20s and have been dating for three years. We have a really strong relationship in almost every way, and I can't imagine being with anyone else. But here's the rub: My boyfriend is a genius. In so many ways, I love this about him. He challenges me to think about things, I am constantly learning, and he is always honest and rational. Unfortunately, these last two qualities have caused a bit of strain. I consider myself a very intelligent person also—nowhere near his level, but I've always felt confident academically. This sometimes takes a hit when I am around him. I rarely win arguments because I simply can't keep up with him. In matters of politics or world issues, this can be frustrating, but it doesn't really raise my ire. However, sometimes his argumentative style and calculating rationale are applied to our relationship. In many situations, I feel as though I am the one who has to compromise because he always wins the argument. I know my positions are reasonable, but I just can't articulate them as well as he does. I have talked to my boyfriend about this, but I think he has a hard time seeing my point of view—that though my feelings may not always be logical or rational, they are still valid. Am I being unreasonable for wanting a little bit of slack, or should I just accept that I'm dating Dr. Manhattan and let it go?

—In Love With a Super Computer

Dear In Love,
Did you conclude on your own that your boyfriend is a genius, or is this one of the things he had to articulate to poor, dumb you? I don't know what his IQ is, but his emotional intelligence comes in somewhere around "dolt." I'll take your word that you're dating a virtual Einstein, but take mine that he's an arrogant twit who's got you confusing bullying for brilliance. It's also possible he has some kind of disorder that leaves him unable to process the feelings of others. If so, he should be seeking help, or else he is destined to go through life alienating co-workers, friends, and loved ones like you. Actually, you might want to examine why you have spent three years being told by Mr. Spock that what you say has no validity because it lacks rationality. Mr. Spock and Dr. Manhattan are effective characters because while they seem human, their lack of emotion and empathy means they aren't quite. So give your mastermind a copy of Emotional Intelligence and tell him it's about a subject in which he's deficient, but it's important for the two of you that he learn.

—Prudie

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear In Love,

While everybody has their strengths, they also have their weaknesses. A boyfriend who does not validate your views and feelings is nothing more than an insecure and covertly mentally abusive individual. A love partner should not make you feel inferior even when their strength in one particular area is better than yours.

It is not possible that his side of EVERY disagreement is the right one. That is not realistically nor statistically possible. When a person is made to feel "wrong" all the time, they eventually stop bothering, begin to self doubt and their self esteem lessens.

A loving person does not flaunt their strengths and invalidate their partners. A loving person accepts the differences in the one they love, supports their partner's strengths and both encourages and supports them in improving their weak spots (in a loving, non-condescending way).

Here are some things to consider:

Does he constantly surround himself only with people who "blow smoke up his ass"?

Does he insult, put down, or point out the flaws of those who are not "blowing smoke" or (worse) are challenging his views?

Do your family and friends dislike him or merely tolerate him because you love him?

Does he always make excuses or declines activities and celebrations when it involves your friends and family?

Does he fail to acknowledge or praise you on anything you do?

Does he rarely compliment you?

Does he not encourage you to pursue your own goals and dreams if it does not involve him?

Does he belittle your goals or imply that they are not important?

Does he lie to others to make himself look better?

Does he try to convince you that your friends or family are not worth being around?

Does he seek attention (covertly or overtly) from other women?

If you want to talk about something he's done wrong, does he turn it around to somehow be your fault?

Do you find yourself having to continuously point out his good points to friends and family to explain why you are with him?

Is your self esteem even slightly lower than when you started dating him?

Would you be unhappy if, ten years from now, he still is not validating your feelings and continues to treat you the exact same way?

As a therapist and someone who has dated a guy with these traits, I think it is valid for me to say: If you answered yes to even one of these questions, run! Any of these on top of what you have already described is an unhealthy relationship with an insecure individual that will likely end up hurting your own self esteem.

You are worthy of being treated with respect and love. You are worthy being in a relationship that enhances who you are and your views and feelings are, not only validated, but encouraged.

—Dr Schnookleheimer

(More on finding maitri)

to sleep perchance to....not wake up until morning

54.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I have not been sleeping well lately. I fall asleep no problem, but inevitably wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning. Weekdays, weekends, it does not matter. Then I lay there, wide eyed trying to force them closed. I toss and turn and my thoughts are all over the place. My only solution is to get up and turn the television on and then, like magic, I am able to fall back to sleep for an hour. The biggest problem is the couch is not so comfortable anymore. Misshapen cushions and pillows. It is a sofa bed so I probably should open the dang thing up. Maybe I will try just going to sleep on that to see if I can get a full night sleep without waking up. I guess anything is worth a try since this has been going on for at least two weeks now. Perhaps the strangest thing is I am able to function throughout the day and feel relatively awake in the late evening.

Hey Universe! What's going on with this lack of sleep thing?

yes

51.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I bite.

the word of the day is today

Today has become my mantra.
Today is the day I do, rather than plan to do.
Today is the day I live.
Today is the only day I have.
Today I can think about tomorrow or yesterday or last year,
but only as inspiration for today.
Today I am the best me I can be.

today

I feel like setting sail to find a new world.

embracing light

embracing light
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I have not been in a writing mood lately.
But I think it's time to break the silence.
I feel something is missing when I am not expressing myself.

Something has shifted in me and I am trying to embrace it.
More to come.

sherman ears

sherman ears
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

He gets cuter every day

sometimes you just have to kick off your shoes and hike

sometimes you just have to kick off your shoes and hike
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Even when it is a little tough at the tail end of being sick, a long walk in nature can help clear the mind. Yesterday, we took over an hour and a half hike on the beach. I needed it. My lungs needed the salty fresh air. My legs needed to be pushed. My feet needed to feel the sand and ocean water. My blood needed to pump.

And now, back to work, in a small office, without so much room to fit more than two client chairs. But when things seem stuffy, I will recall the salty breeze of yesterday.

i ain't go no monkey butt

25.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

But, come on....who wants monkey butt?

I am truly a sucker for clever marketing. Of course, I usually only buy the products once, so how cleaver is it really?

blue plate special

On Thursday, I took my dinner break around 4:00pm and decided to take a book and drive on over to a diner for a relaxed and comforting meal by myself. The place was quiet except for a few televisions broadcasting the news with low volume and a handful of regular elderly clientele indulging in pleasant conversation with their mates and enjoying their usual early dinners in this establishment where the waitstaff knows them by name.

The calm of the place was delightful. A sense of peace filled me as I casually read page after page of my book, while dipping bland french fries into some Heinz 57, avoiding turning the page with greasy fingers.

For that hour life was simple and stress-free and perfectly indulgent.

I need more moments like these.

spin's baa-aack!

20.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Woke up this morning and it was back.

The spinning room.
The tilting floor.
The nausea.

ugh

I had to call in sick (and I have no sick time yet) and hit the walk in clinic today. (Due to some sort of screw up with my health insurance not starting when it was supposed to.)
The doc drugged me up to deal with inner ear problems due to seasonal allergies (Yay! Welcome back to Long Island and the horrific allergens, Melissa.)

At this point, I'll take what I have to in order to stop the room from spinning and making me want to yack.

It's an inner ear thing like I had suspected a couple of weeks ago. This will likely be a reoccurring issue. GRRRRRR!!!! Long Island has horrible allergen levels and we live in a basement apartment (double whammy).

I am going to have to get crazy consistent with the neti pot once the meds are done, and try to be more diligent with avoiding possible foods that can exasperate the problem.

Nothing like a few good bouts with vertigo to get one's butt in gear towards better self care.

adopt sherman's sixth cousins twice removed

Animal communicator, ya say?

rabbit goes wack

rabbit goes wack
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

The one, the only, Sherman performing his famous binky routine.

I'm amused.

sherman makes progress

13.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Sherman has become dramatically more comfortable in his forever home. He started letting people pet him without totally going into hyper breathing, scared crouched down mode. Yesterday, we put down an area rug to give him an space where he's not Thumper on ice. Yes, linoleum is quite slippery on those fuzzy little feet. Running around on the rug brings him into super binky mode, which is a good sign (they usually do this when they are happy). Of course, if you didn't know what binkies are, you might think they are wigging out. After the first time he did a binky a couple of weeks ago, (after thinking he was wigging out and noticing that my house rabbit as a child only did small ones) I researched this rabbit acrobatics and found out the name of this odd behavior.

Normally, when he is out of his cage he will only run around or explore is if one of us is sitting on the floor with him. Earlier today, when I was cleaning in the kitchen, he started running laps around my feet! Progress, I tell you! And he simply cracks me up! I'm thrilled that he is becoming more comfortable and (dare I say) happy in his new and forever home. Finally the year of neglect he suffered in his original place of residence is becoming a fading memory for him. Yippee!

Here's a video someone posted on youtube of their bunny doing lots of binkies (I'll get one of Shermie soon):

i want to be a proton

Charge me up! I want to be a positive energy for those around me, particularly Groovy. I am well aware of how one person's energy effects those around them, but sometimes I lose track of this when I am in a negative funk. And when you live with someone, this influence is magnified. But I am bringing awareness back and am making a conscious effort to continue being cognizant and try to be a positive influence most of the time (I'm realistic). Or course, there is a fine line between being positive and being positively annoying. Let's hope I don't cross this.

Now I'm off to positively influence the apartment a little more (fall cleaning...woot woot!), go to work for a few hours and hit the gym for another cardio workout.

Proton, away!

everyone needs a little iron in their diets

12.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

And I'll be pumping some at the gym.

I love working out at a gym, so we joined one yesterday. Though I have been out of touch with it in recent years, part of who i am
is an athlete...an out of practice athlete, but an athlete none the less. Half a lifetime ago, I played many sports: ice hockey, field hockey, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, something that resembled ballet, skiing and even street games (hockey, stick ball, kickball, etc.).

Recently, I have inconsistently participated in hiking, walking, jogging, yoga and weightlifting.

With the weights and cardio, I always do well on consistency
when i belong to a fitness center. This one we joined rocks and it's super low cost. The downside is, they do not offer classes, but they do have group training times so you can learn more about the machines and designing general or targeted training and nutrition plans.

Today's agenda: Do some cleaning, go to work, and then Groovy and I are heading over to the gym for some cardio work instead of TV watching.

Improved motivation, health and self esteem...here I come!

love for adoption

Hello local animal lovers!

Newday.com ran an article this morning about North Shore Animal League taking in 100 dogs from a puppy mill in West Virginia. In the market for a new furry family member?

http://www.nsalamerica.org/feature/puppy_mills/wv-puppy-mill-rescue.html

www.newsday.com

blood seeking missiles

5.365
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Today, I became a feast for some rambunctious mosquitoes. Apparently, my feet and ankles are quite delicious!

om in the home

Two nights in a row, I have succeeded at getting full, mostly restful nights sleep. I think it has helped having completed some deep cleaning in the bedroom; dusting, changing pillow cases, vacuuming and organizing. It amazes me how much more at ease I am when things are neat and organized. Not like this is some shocking revelation since I am fully aware how our surroundings affect us. It is more that I am amazed at the stark difference I feel between chaos and calm. This alone should be motivation enough to keep things clean and tidy, but I'm an artist at heart and like many artists I know, order is not an easy thing to keep.

On a positive, as I grow more aware of how I walk through life, I also become less attached to things. I find it much easier now to part with things than I have in the past. My goal now is to simplify. Yes, it is nice to have possessions, but I want to be realistic. I no longer want to hold on to stuff for the sake of having stuff. I want less things in order to be able to actively use the things I need and want to use, without extraneous things hindering this.

I want to keep my cleaning of the apartment as simple as: keep, toss, donate

I want to be realistic in the "oh, I use this such-and-such someday" and get rid of the "Yeah, I might use it eventually but right now it is useless and taking up too much space" things.

Cleanse and purge the physical in order to calm the internal.

What I want is "om in the home".

Who's with me?

can you guess what's been affecting me lately?

Come on, take a guess:






That's right.....uncontrollable need to post videos about spinning vertigo.
No, actually I've been having some wicked inner ear thing going on, making my world spin....and not in a good way. And THAT is what's causing me to voraciously post video clips.

what's the meaning of this?

what's the meaning of this?
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

I love warning signs. Of course, the way my mind works in strange ways so I see things like picture 2: "Warning! Child labor prohibited" and 7 "Flock of Seagulls not allowed". I have a "create your own meanings" set on flickr. Go be creative and...um....make your own meanings. Go on. Amuse me.

good reason to clean

August 27, 2008

1. Aries (3/21-4/19)

   One of the very best ways to remind yourself that you are the commander in chief of your life is by rearranging your life -- literally. It's time for some house cleaning! Now, before you get annoyed at the prospect of organizing closets and scrubbing out the refrigerator, stop and think about it. What better way is there to feel powerful than by improving your living situation in such a way that, every day moving forward, you can actually see the influence you have?

the line

Where do you place the line between hurting others and getting your own needs met? This is something with which I struggle. Sometimes, when we express our needs it is at the expense of other peoples' feelings. In the past, all too often I put the needs of others needs on a much higher plane of importance than my own. I have since come to recognize that my own needs are just as important and valid. Usually, I am very aware about how I express things and how they may affect the person I am expressing them to. This morning I realize that an expression of my own needs yesterday was offered at an inappropriate time. The listener was vulnerable and I was aware, yet insensitive of that. I chose to let out my feelings for fear that, held in, they would turn into resentment. Reflecting back, I could have been more sensitive in my choice of timing and more delicate in my delivery. Now I choose to learn from this, offer a hug and an apology.

....I love you, Greg

small home

Simplification to the umpteenth degree. How cool!

365 days

I am going to tackle the 365 self photo project (explanation of why, on finding maitri). Photos will be on my flickr page. I will let you know when I get started. It will be in the next day or so.

well there you are

Yes, I have been slacking on the posts. Stuff has been going on: good, bad and neutral. A few bumps in the road and some more motivation. I am manifesting life as I want it. I am picturing the future that I desire, which includes love and art and giving and growing, and building it. There is stress, but there is more hope. There is adversity and the opportunity to grow.

I choose to move forward. Onward!

623 atwells ave

623AtwellsAve
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Google Maps has this neato "street view" option in certain areas. I happened to be at work in Providence when they did the photos. How fun! I don't work there anymore. Heck, I don't even live in Rhode Island anymore, but I am forever "at work on Google Maps". My paychecks going to rock!

h p lovecraft

HPL
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

*the following is not my writing, credit following, photo credit: me*

It's the birthday of H. P. Lovecraft, born Howard Phillips Lovecraft in 1890 in Providence, Rhode Island. He wrote science fiction, fantasy, and horror, a genre that during his life was called simply "weird fiction." Lovecraft wrote hundreds of poems and short stories, but they were scattered throughout various pulp magazines and publications. It was only after his death that some of the people he had corresponded with in letters were determined to share his work with the public, so they formed a press called Arkham House specifically as a way to publish Lovecraft's work. They issued The Outsider and Others in 1939, and his books are still widely available— books like The Dreams in the Witch House and Other Weird Stores (1932). Fantasy and horror writers like Stephen King and Neil Gaiman consider Lovecraft one of their major influences, and Jorge Luis Borges wrote a story, "There Are More Things," in memory of Lovecraft.

from The Writer's Almanac 8/20/08

flick flick... hello! this is the universe calling!

Sometimes adversity is the means for moving towards something better. It comes down to depending on if you choose to let it hold you down or allow it to spark you into moving forward. Yes, there are some things we cannot control in the world but we always have some sort of autonomous control, even if it is that control is simply how we choose to respond to a hardship. We always have command over that. Are we going to react irrationally or do we choose to respond rationally?

Perhaps the adversity is the Universe flicking you in the back of the head to make you take notice of something. Best to not ignore that because it will not ease up until you do something.

I am all about the lemonade.

gonna get my polka on!

Once a year a section of Riverhead, NY, dubbed "Polka Town USA" has their annual Polish Town Fair. This huge street fair has been going on for years and it is the one time of year I get to indulge in some pierogies, polka dancing and buy something frivolous that I just cannot resist! (Okay, the frivolous purchasing might happen more than once a year.)

This year, I will even teach my goddaughter how to polka even though that probably means I will be one-two-three-hopping with her in my arms. It's all good!

As I may have mentioned in a previous blog, part of my heritage is Polish (I'm a true American mutt). My maternal great-grandparents were from Poland, and my grandmother spent part of her life living in Europe. My great-grandmother (the only great grandparent still living when I was born) spoke mainly Polish and my grandmother was bilingual. Unfortunately, as is true with most acculturated American families, the native language was not taught to the next generation. Sigh, perhaps one day I will learn more than the few words and the children's folk story I know. But at this street fair, you don't need to speak the language or be Polish to enjoy. And enjoy it I will! I will even bring along my camera to capture some of it to share.

And just remember, Polka Can't Die!

Miłego dnia, do jutra!

(Have a nice day, see you tomorrow!)

and they called him sherman

Yes! We have named the rabbit Sherman after the street Greg and I lived on in Denver and at the corner of which we kissed for the first time. It was the start of our love and we now have such love for this little fuzzy, hopping creature. Sherman is sweet and fragile and skittish and lovable.

rabbit rescue

rabbit rescue
Originally uploaded by misslissa13

Oh my, you have no idea how I am in love with our new bunny. Groovy and I adopted him from Luv a Pup Animal Center where all of the available animals are rescued and up for adoption. Poor thing, along with it's bunny family had been neglected. Filthy and starving, this little guy was found with rabbit bites all over from having to fight for his food. Luv a Pup nursed him back to health and now he's got a forever home where he's already getting smothered with love. I have no idea how I am going to go to work tomorrow, when all I want to do is hug him. As of yet, we have not named him. We're waiting to get to know him a little better before deciding. We're open for suggestions if you have any.

Okay, enough blogging, I have a bunny to cuddle.