Today's a New Day

Gasp. Swoon. Admiring and melting into utter amazement.
From Kim Tackett's collection. A picture a day for 365 days. See the full set here.

365 Days of Inspiration

In 2009, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Kim Tackett—a fabulous woman, mom, wife, designer, businesswoman and photographer—online. Somehow, our paths crossed and she has, time and time again, proven to be a huge inspiration to me. This past year, she challenged herself to take a picture a day for 365 days. The images that follow are a result of that endeavor. Some fabulous reminders as we look forward to 2011. To see the entire set of her flickr images, which are AMAZING, check them out here. Thanks for the inspiration Kim!!

I love nature

The kind and wise Avia Veneficia—who shares her knowledge through her What's Your Sign, Symbolic Meanings, Tarot Teachings and Tattoo Symbolism websites and her gorgeous, earth-centered photography through her wonderful blog—asked me recently what I was grateful for.

In addition to overwhelming gratitude for my friends and family—who have stood by me in good times and bad—there's only one other thing on this planet that inspires my existence as much as they do.

Nature.

It never ceases to amaze me—it's grandeur, it's splendor, it's intricacies, it's shapes, it's complexities and it's color!! Such magnificent color! It's humbling and blissful at the same time.

Photos below by Avia Veneficia. Enjoy.

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?