FEAR.LESS

OK, I just have to add (just shoot me now for all the Seth Godin references BUT...), here's a link to an article from the November 2010 issue of Fear.Less. (which, btw, I just learned about from my fabulous friend Terri Johanson @TJSimpleFocus on twitter or, you can check out her brilliant photography on her website here: http://www.terrijohanson.com/)

In this issue, Seth is featured and talks about fear versus anxiety and moving past fear to action. It's a great article... and you can finally see what this guy looks like! Check it out. His philosophy is totally inspirational!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/40933636/Fear-less-November-2010

Fear of Communication?

I had a great conversation with my dad tonight.

I was a bit nervous prior to the conversation because I was dealing with an emotional subject. I'm not sure why the anticipation of a conversation leaves me so verklempt. Regardless, I'm happy to say, the end result wasn't quite as intimidating. In fact, I felt energized.

What is it about expressing ourselves that creates fear?

Do you ever experience this?

The Universe Provides

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and endless plans.

That the moment one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred.

A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

Begin it now.

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Thanks universe.

Thanksgiving EVERY day.

Because Seth Godin's posts always seem to hit me at the heart level, and because today I'm focusing on drawing instead of writing, I'm re-posting another one of his blog entries... because I concur with his thoughts—110%. SOON, I'll post something original. But for now, enjoy Seth's philosophy.

A modern thanksgiving

Wherever you are, you could celebrate Thanksgiving today.

Not the Thanksgiving of a bountiful harvest before the long winter, the holiday of pilgrims and pie. That's a holiday of scarcity averted. I'm imagining something else...

A modern Thanksgiving would celebrate two things:

The people in our lives who give us the support and love we need to make a difference, and...

The opportunity to build something bigger than ourselves, something worth contributing. The ability to make connections, to lend a hand, to invent and create.

There are more of both now than there have ever been before. For me, for you, for just about all of us.

Thanks for joining me every day, thanks for your support, but most of all, by a longshot, thanks for doing the work, work that matters.

Amen brother! To view his amazing blog in it's entirety, click here.

Ideal Inspiration

I love Seth Godin and the concepts he represents. I loved this so much, I wanted to repost it. It's about innovation and ideas. I particularly agree, that great ideas come when the mind is relaxed, when we're in the car or shower, and not really trying. It's like the subconscious coming to the surface, guiding us. I'm all about ideas. They're so important. Besides opening up a new perspective, you can actually get PAID for your ideas. Look around you... everything you see was once an idea.

His blog post can be found here, along with many of his other amazing ideas. But I've reposted it below too.

1. Ideas don't come from watching television
2. 
   
3. Ideas sometimes come from listening to a lecture
4. Ideas often come while reading a book
5. Good ideas come from bad ideas, but only if there are enough of them
6. Ideas hate conference rooms, particularly conference rooms where there is a history of criticism, personal attacks or boredom
7. Ideas occur when dissimilar universes collide
8. Ideas often strive to meet expectations. If people expect them to appear, they do
9. Ideas fear experts, but they adore beginner's mind. A little awareness is a good thing
10. Ideas come in spurts, until you get frightened. Willie Nelson wrote three of his biggest hits in one week
11. Ideas come from trouble
12. Ideas come from our ego, and they do their best when they're generous and selfless
13. Ideas come from nature
14. Sometimes ideas come from fear (usually in movies) but often they come from confidence
15. Useful ideas come from being awake, alert enough to actually notice
16. Though sometimes ideas sneak in when we're asleep and too numb to be afraid
17. Ideas come out of the corner of the eye, or in the shower, when we're not trying
18. Mediocre ideas enjoy copying what happens to be working right this minute
19. Bigger ideas leapfrog the mediocre ones
20. Ideas don't need a passport, and often cross borders (of all kinds) with impunity
21. 
    
22. An idea must come from somewhere, because if it merely stays where it is and doesn't join us here, it's hidden. And hidden ideas don't ship, have no influence, no intersection with the market. They die, alone.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Recently, a very meaningful friendship with a very bright, yet drama-filled spirit ended. It was a mutual decision, sparked by life circumstances, that, though painful throughout the healing and dealing process, is serving me well now.

Since I have committed to Gaia Greetings, friendships and opportunities that truly serve me, my vision, and the people I am connected to, have been unfolding in the most beautiful ways.

Tonight, I'm feeling extremely grateful and inspired by those relationships, both online and in reality.

There are so many to mention but specifically, I want to give a few shout outs to the ladies and gents who have supported, inspired and nurtured me on this journey (in no particular order) …

THANK YOU

Becky, an amazing sister, teacher, and adoring mom, with absolutely brilliant brainstorming capacity.

Erin, a dedicated, thoughtful, generous, amazingly strong woman, listener, caretaker and friend who I already miss profusely—wah :~( VIVA SHEMS!

Rachel, a bright-eyed, idea-filled, eager, gregarious, energetic wealth of resources and inspiration.

Jennifer, a sweet and hip co-collaborator and down-to-earth, amazingly-talented designer with vision, passion, and an intriguing desire to capture the history of tattoo art.

web: http://tigeramapublishing.com/

blog: http://tigeramapublishing.com/blog/

Peyton, a frank, gorgeous, mom and savvy businesswoman who is one of those WOW-I'm-so-lucky, always-there-for-me, couldn't-do-it-without-her kinda friends.

web: http://baybirdinc.com/

twitter: @baybirdinc

Sharon, a kind, connected, conscious, fabulous, growth-seeking woman, mom, designer, mentor, and all-around-super-supportive-soul-sister.

web: http://sharonthompsondesign.com/

Lisa, an honest, driven, long-time friend, mom, confidant, laughter-lover and soul sister.

Megan, an inspired, deep, oh-so-welcome blog-stalker and amazing mom and wife with a heart of gold and a dazzling smile to match.

Naomi, a conscientious, loving, dedicated mom, wife, friend, and supporter.

Merete, a sweet, strong, connected, dedicated, and FABULOUS (in an I'm-so-grateful-to-have-her-in-my-life kinda way) friend, mom and super cool person.

Meghan, a talented, super-sweet, never-says-a-bad-word-about-anyone kinda woman and beautiful soul who I miss dearly!

Pam, a super-intelligent, kindhearted, shoot-from-the-hip, laugh-till-your-belly-hurts kinda friend who I am seriously grateful to know. One of 4 musketeers.

Tiffany, a super-funny, REAL, life-lovin', laugh-till-your-belly-hurts kinda friend who I am seriously grateful to know. One of 4 musketeers.

Buck, a super-conscious, intelligent, always-there-for-you and laugh-till-your-belly-hurts kinda friend and entertaining storyteller who I am seriously grateful to know. One of 4 musketeers.

Chris, a silly, fun-loving, super-special friend, soul-brother, supporter, and fabulous father and husband.

John, a super-silly, innovative entrepreneur and oh-so-snuggly, soul-brother, life-long friend and confidant.

Jasmine, an uber-talented, intelligent, bright-light-in-a-dim-environment, energetic, passionate spirit and collaborative partner.

web: http://www.jasfitz.com/

flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasfitz

twitter: @jasfitz

Lindsay, a straight shooting, lively, vivacious, creative soul, entrepreneur, and amazing brainstorming partner (in an wow-this-girl-really-knows-her-stuff kinda way) with a knack for getting to the heart of the matter, understanding and behaving appropriately. ;~) PLUS, she has the cutest, sweetest dog ever—Sadie buns—who makes me smile.

web: http://gormili.com/

Amy, a demure, patient, sweet soul and talented web designer.

twitter: @WebCabbageCre8v

Rebecca, an involved, health-conscious, passionate artist, mom and catalyst for movement and community.

Rebecca's Fine Design: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebeccas-FINE-Design/115802991790204?ref=ts

twitter: @momartyogababe

Terri, a helpful, supportive, positive spirit with an infectious smile and a passion for photography and the environment.

web: http://www.terrijohansongallery.com/

twitter: @tjsimplefocus

Elizabeth, a down-to-earth, connected, amazingly talented designer, mom and kick-ass pattern designer and sketchbook project participant.

twitter: @ecdesignz

web: http://www.onthesurfaceblog.com/

David, an involved, inspired, open, sharing, eco-conscious coach and collaborative cohort.

web: http://www.davidlecours.com/

twitter: @davidlecours

Jeremy, a participatory, free-thinking, passionate, supportive friend, cheerleader and strong spirit.

Thanks for your support!!

Vacation = Revitalization

Wow. Just wow. I love vacation. There's something about removing yourself from the daily grind that is particularly invigorating.

Between myself, my mom and dad, my three sibs + their so's and kids—there are 17 of us in my village.

Now, you would think that a vacation with 16 family members would not be particularly relaxing but… I'm fortunate. I'm lucky to have an amazing family that gets along.

We went to our old stomping grounds in Wisconsin, for my aunt and uncles 50th wedding anniversary. Besides having the opportunity to celebrate such an amazing couple, us adults got to reconnect with our cousins (+ their so's and all of their children) and share our childhood experiences with our own kids. We had so much fun in the process—fishing, visiting a dairy farm and cheese factory, catching frogs, swimming in the lake, riding in the speed and pontoon boats, and exploring.

It's beautiful there. It's green and lush and the clouds, wow, those cumulous clouds are so amazing. Then, there's the lifestyle, which, as a relatively internet addicted person, I thought I would have a hard time with. But no. I purposefully limited my connection—even when I had the opportunity to connect—to revel in it, and appreciate it.

It felt good to simplify and just enjoy the moment, which, in and of itself, is a lesson for us all. I came home to a renewed sense of purpose and a refreshed spirit. More appreciative of my life and my relationships, with the motivation to act upon creating a richer existence, for my son and myself.

Can you remember how your vacations have affected you? What have you gained from them? What revelations, if any, have stuck?

I Created Something Pretty Today

I have always considered myself an artist, even though I've had no formal training. I feel at peace when I am organically drawing shapes, implementing vibrant colors and engaged in the process of creating. But, it's been a little while, since I've put pen to paper and have felt inspired. *sigh*

I spent a little time recently, watching a promotional video my friend Adelaide made. She's a young, vibrant soul and artist who does everything from pen and ink drawing to modeling to face painting to stilt walking, hula hooping, belly dancing, sword balancing, snake charming... and the list goes on.

In her video, there's a clip of her drawing... in which she mentions that she draws in pen because in her mind, there are no mistakes. What I love about her and her spirit is her absolute abandonment when it comes to art.

Tonight, I took her advice and allowed the perfectionist within to let go. You know that little voice in our heads, that inner critic that prevents us from accomplishing the things we want to sometimes? Well, tonight, I gave it a swift kick to the curb and I have to say, it felt pretty damn good.

p.s. As an added bonus, my son and I created together, which made me feel even better. :~)

Urban Inspiration—Shepard Fairey in South Park

Of all the places in San Diego, the South Park neighborhood is my ABSOLUTE favorite. One day... one day I will find myself living there, in an old home with character that I've purchased... and I will live happily... oh yes, very happily.

On Sunday morning, I had a delightful breakfast with a good friend of mine at Alchemy (wow, if you haven't tried them yet... DO) in South Park. It was such a lovely breakfast, everything felt SO gourmet, from the little pickles in the Bloody Mary's to the tiny little dishes and tiny little spoons for the salt and pepper, to the fresh peaches and mango garnishes.

During breakfast, she mentioned that Shepard Fairey (of Obama HOPE poster fame) had recently completed a new mural in the area. So, we packed up the munchkins and went for a walk.

Lovely. Absolutely lovely.

Yeah, San Diego has beautiful weather, but above all, the culture and people here are really quite amazing. I regularly run across urban inspiration that fills my senses in the most wonderful ways.

Is Email Becoming Obsolete?

I have this really good friend, who shall remain nameless, because if I posted his name, he’d never forgive me. In fact, merely alluding to who he “might” be, may be enough to do me in. He’s a punk rocker at heart, “the man” is a regular part of his vocabulary and, let’s just say, conspiracy theories and privacy issues are relevant in his life.

The other day on Facebook, I received a mysterious message from someone whose name I had never seen before. There were enough clues on his page to convince me it was his but I have to admit, I was quite shocked! He has resisted joining for various reasons, so to see him there required further exploration. When I spoke to him on the phone, he told me, “The only reason I did it is because I wanted to get back in touch with (let’s call him) Mr. X. Ms. Y told me the only way he communicates with people is through Facebook.” Aha. The lure of connection tangles another unsuspecting victim in the web of social media.

Since I’ve been on Facebook, I’ve noticed a similar trend. More and more, I’m receiving less and less personal email. I get an occasional evite but, a personal email? Haven’t seen one of those in awhile. More likely than not, that left hand column says I have a message in my Facebook inbox.

I am quite the Facebook junkie, so I must say, I’m guilty as charged.

But, in an effort to get back to basics, recently I purchased a beautiful, soft, fabulous address book (made out of paper!). I figured the best way to get my friends addresses was to request them via Facebook. I got a load of crap for obtaining the info online when I was trying to go “old school” but I noticed an interesting thing. Very few of my friends included their personal email addresses in addition to their home addresses. The truth of that hit me—Facebook has inadvertently become my new email service.

Sigh.

At least now I can include my newest buddy in the emails that go out to my "Best Friends" group. ;~)p