Hair Mood

(Vase photo compliments of Random Harvest in Alexandria, Virginia)

Do you recall reading or seeing the movie Like Water for Chocolate? This is a lush tale written by Mexican novelist Laura Esquival that reveals the power of emotion when cooking. Food takes on the character of the cook right down to the thoughts and emotions being experienced. It is worth a read.

I had just such a remembrance recently when I was doing my own hair for a special event. My cell phone rang and I saw who was calling. Intuitively I knew not to pick up the phone at that very moment. For at the time I was in crucial mid scrunch. No kidding, if you have fine hair you will know of what I speak. Had I taken the call and heard what I knew I would hear, I would have made a mess of my hair.

I am reminded to thoughtfully expose myself, when it is in my control, to possibly stressful conditions when I am not in the middle of doing something special for myself or others.

To see more mood setting antiquities, check out Random Harvest at www.randomharvesthome.com

Stars and Beetles: The Nature of God

Beautiful wall decor photo compliments of Chatree's in Alexandria, VA



Most weeks I check out Rob Brezney’s Free Will Astrology. He is one of the most creatively articulate astrologers and universe ponderers of his kind (as best as I can tell). More than anything I am always moved visually by the images he posts with his crafty, literate interpretations of how I should best spend my week. I go there for some sight-food as well as consideration-candy.

This week it was suggested that I tarry over what mark I make here on earth. It does not refer to my oft flogged carbon footprint but rather what is the indication that ‘Gemgrl wuz here’. Thanks to some kind and quirky personality features and more than a bit of work in the soul embodiment arena I am just now beginning to know.

It seems that God, according to British geneticist J. B. S. Haldane had a definite interest in beetles as they make up 20% of all animals and stars given that there are 1 trillion stars per person on the planet. That’s awesome information.

What is your mark?

Check out Rob Brezney and his Free Will Astrology @ www.freewillastrology.com
To visit Chatree's go to the website at www.chatrees.com.

Partying in the Personal

At a recent party with family and friends I took sheer pleasure in layering the experience. What I mean is that just like a yummy towering confection, say a sweet English Raspberry Triffle, I added delightfully personal and especially selected elements to welcome each person to our table. The best part of all is that I had a wonderful time holding each person in mind as I made my selections. Some of the layers were for the common group and some were for individuals. I was able to play with the décor of the space as it was reflected in the wrapping paper and bows as well as the menu place cards. The gifting and welcoming feel was an apparent hit given the many dear comments I received during and after the event.

Whether it’s a party or a meal during the week, what layers can you build in that tell each person that they are loved and cherished?

What about Light and Sound?

The human nervous system is very sensitive to external stimulation. I should know. I am one of those types who will immediately hit the dimmer switch of overhead lighting as my college roommate will tell you. Too much overhead lighting gives me a sterile almost clinical sensation as if I should hop up on an exam table at any moment. My new husband can attest to my lighting proclivities. He likes to light up suddenly whereas I like to light up gently.

Sound operates in much the same way. As a kid I always noticed that adults, especially older adults, seemed to play the radio much lower than my harsh young ears preferred. I just noticed the other day driving home that now I too drop the volume to a soft comfort zone. My life is so rich and full of light and sound and a myriad of other stimulants that I have to delicately balance various parts of my nervous system across them at any one time.

If you have not already done so, consider paying a little attention to your nervous system’s daily exposures. Are you tolerating something that you can reduce or eliminate and gain some of that energy back with which you were only coping?

Harnessing People Power

I have become increasingly sensitive to the effects others have on me. I've noticed that I can be exhilarated by time spent with one person and drained by time with another. In the same way, certain people have a way of bringing peace and centeredness to a home. I recently had an important life event in which I had many people in my home at once. One person in particular provided that anchoring, quiet calm that was much needed for the occasion. Her poise and posture and softly spoken directions and utterance of affinity were the perfect elixir for spatial and emotional groundedness.

I am reminded to be thoughtful about with whom I spend time and where others are permitted in my space and in my life. Think about your life and loved ones. Do they support who you are by their presence? Be thankful if they do and consider your options if they don't.

Have Pottery Will Travel

I have given away more things than I have kept. This is true. I am not a keeper of things. At least not up until this point in my life. I’ve done a fair bit of moving about the country and prefer not to haul things around. That said, I have carried my four pieces of Rebecca Wood pottery around with me from place to place since my early adult days in Athens, GA. Her studio was (and remains) in my old Little Oconee neighborhood. The neighborhood was a funky blend of students and long time residents with homes in various stages of repair.

I use the pottery on a weekly basis as an augment to my daily dishware. I put special things on it as well as mundane things that I want to make special. When I touch or see them I get the feeling that some part of me is made manifest for that meal. I am communicating my artfulness and organic nature. The designs are simple and colorful. The pottery is made of Georgia red clay by one of last remaining hand formed pottery studios in the United States.

To visit Rebecca Wood Pottery go to www.rwoodstudio.com and tell them I said hello.