Meri's Musings

It's been over two weeks since last I posted. Where does the time go? Part of the time drain was surrendered to the black hole called computer crash. I lost virtually all my photographs, something that makes blogging a trial since I am a firm believer in  words + images. Don't worry. . . my eldest son thinks he can salvage them on Saturday when he, his wife, and their two boys come for brunch and present opening. I'd say the rest was frittered away with Christmas preparations, but that's not accurate.  I did decorate two trees and buy a few Christmas presents but I spent Christmas eve and most of Christmas day by myself, reading and watching my favorite movies. Having children with in-laws who get a share of holiday time means time alone if you don't have a significant other. I've read 3 novels and a memoir in the past five days and watched favorite movies (plus -- a week ago, I saw "Green Book" ...

Once you try to stop thinking, look out. You'll be bombarded with miscreant thoughts. Remember the saying, "Where attention goes, energy flows?" By trying NOT to think, you're putting your energy into your thoughts whether those thoughts are bidden or unbidden. If you want to quiet the thought chorus, try painting abstracts. Or walking while saying a mantra (four one-syllable words work best) a form of meditation.

Do you set your intention by choosing a word each year? I've done it several years in a row and thought I'd share some of my choices. 2015's word: Inspiration What will be your choice for 2019?

Know anyone like this? Seems to be going around.

No one makes you happy. It's something you decide to do for yourself (kind of like forgiveness).

I used to host a blog meme called "Share the Joy" on Thursday morning. It celebrated the little (or big) moments during each week when you noticed that something touched your heart or brought a smile to your face. Seems to me that honoring joy invites more of it into your life. And that's a good thing.

Nothing quite so enriching as hanging out with the "girls," no matter how quaint and un-politically correct the term might be. Female friendships offer a haven inspiration play silliness consolation cheerleaders and oh, so much more.

Sometimes it's okay to fly your freak flag.

A montage of elements all mashed up together, yet somehow there's a unity. Inexplicable.

Doing things with love has an ease about it and in this frantic world, a bit of ease is a blessing.

Haiku My Heart journey of the mind visualize the not seen adventure awaits

"Activating the Third Eye" 

"The Purpose of Wings" - ©2012 Meri Arnett-Kremian

It's been so long  since I loved anyone in that romantic, let's partner up forever kind of way. Almost half a decade since my last "date." I've pretty much given up on finding love again because it just doesn't seem like it's going to happen. There just aren't many organic ways of meeting suitable partners if you're not in school or the workplace. But don't feel sorry for me. I've had lots of love interests in the past. Some I'd call "love prep" partners, because. . . well, you get what I mean. Some were full on, flat out, all-consuming loves. Looking back, I wonder if that was a good or a bad thing. But that's neither here nor there. With one of those milestone birthdays approaching, I'm looking back and celebrating the romantic loves of my life to date. Here's the list. 1. Steven Louis Hellwig - birthday April 12 hometown - Shoreline, WA Bes...

This little guy has to be my favorite bird of all time. Don't you think he should be named Twinkletoes?

Windows. . .  so expressive and metaphorical don't you think? Some, like people, shuttered and closed off. Some are vantage points -  a place to satisfy curiosity to observe anonymously to get the lay of the land before participating. And some just reflect the beauty around them. I have to say that this photo makes me very proud. It was jury selected for a show called "Give Us Your Best Shot" that was featured at Tacoma's Museum of Glass. It's the only creation I've ever had shown in a museum.

Reading.

Aqua colander filled with apples. Umbrella and jackets outside Newgrange. Mexico sky. Sculpture in early morning light. The rim of a margarita glass. Selfie with layers. The best senior photo I've ever taken (in a graffiti garage. . .  and yes, he was full of mischief and rebellion)

Pamper yourself. Take a leisurely walk  in a beautiful garden. Light a candle on an altar. Dance like no one is watching (they're probably too blitzed to watch. . .  or remember) Let the waiter bring you a drink with an umbrella in it while you watch the men. Eat scrumptious food, with a beautiful presentation. Have dessert (share it with a friend). Listen to the waves roll in. Relax. Play. and laugh a whole lot. 

In the distance.

Hope. I hope for another dose of love in my life because