Gypsy Feet Antics

Ruby Tuesday

2012-02-06T12:01:00.000-04:00

Swaggering
Yesterday's
Redemption

My ruby
My Tuesday

© 2012 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This week's photo prompt on The Mag, instantly made me think of Ruby Tuesdays at The Girls. Wanting to have a weekly special for our customers, something that was a gem of a deal, and being the music fans that we are, we decided on a Ruby Tuesday each week. Two, maybe three years running, and we still have a lot of fun with it.

Virtual Living

2012-02-03T16:50:00.000-04:00

Social media butterfly
Tweet
Check in
Places
Foursquare
And one moment ago

That would make a great status
Facebook friends
Pages and pages
Like it
Pin it
Retweet it

Social media recluse
Blogs
About the chit chat, chatter
Hide
Settings personal
Delicious

© 2012 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Couldn't sleep last night because of the online noise. Think I need a break. Giggle.

Morning Thoughts

2012-01-30T08:25:00.000-04:00

Mag 102

What?!
Seriously?
Ugh.
I need to ping Erika again
Coffee
Or maybe I should
Damn
That's going to make a mess
Yep, there it is
Whoa
So that's what a sunset looks like
I need her notifications tags
Sunset? Sunrise
Pretty
Grr
Why always around my feet?
And of course with the purring
Think you're that cute do you?
Or do I...
Can I write it without the tags?
I'm coming, I'm coming
Enough whistling already
I need one of those
Automatic makers

© 2012 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This week's image prompt by The Mag make me think of jumbled thoughts so I decided to do a steam of consciousness. Unfortunately, too many thoughts got away from me. I couldn't capture them. Visit The Mag and see all of the ways others were inspired.

Pedestal Created

2012-01-24T22:42:00.000-04:00

Mag 101

They fell in love
Deeply
As poets often do

Discovered
She the muse
He the afflatus

Pet nouns
Relation verbs
Endearment terms

He left
Her on the
Pedestal created

© 2012 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

A quick stab at getting myself back into the practice. It's been way too long. In response to picture prompt from The Mag.

Draft: Endangered Pleasures 2/Your Way

2011-06-25T11:42:00.000-03:00

You walk in all big and tall

Owning the place

Kick off your shoes

And put your feet up

Blissfully unaware

That you weren't

Invited

Baby, I love your way

Say what you mean

Stop begging me to ask you

I'm not a puppet

Only interested by the

Trailers you use to

Tease me

Charming and funny

In your way
I watch you in awe
Unsuspecting the
Twister
Standing still

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

A friend suggested that the thoughts in Endangered Pleasures were three stories. And after Brian suggested I flesh them out, I'm giving it a try. So story 1 is Your way. Still not quite there but coming.

Draft: Endangered Pleasures

2011-06-18T12:04:00.001-03:00

Floating on an aria in my back sea

As the seagulls in
Finding Nemo say: Mine :)

I smile as I think, it doesn't get better than this
Unless, of course
It's like this
I sip timber inspiration from a cup of mistake making
A muse less decision to live a life I envy

You walk in all big and tall
Owning the place
You kick off your shoes
And put your feet up
Blissfully unaware
That you weren't
Invited

Baby, I love your way

You wind my clock never ticking
Yepping like you heard my story never told
I walk through walls
Did you know that?

I refuse to think I can't

Not a mirror reflecting
But a woman projecting
I'm defending endangered pleasures
Mine

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

A first draft inspired by way too many seemingly mismatched thoughts in my head. From people invading personal space, getting lost in a love, to making choices to live how you wish, to loving life and protecting it. I sing the line "Baby I love your way" to my cat all of the time. Garnet Rogers played at a venue last night and made an electric guitar sound like an underwater aria, his voice the timber of a ship floating along it.

Roomy Shell

2011-06-15T16:20:00.000-03:00

My home
A shell
I side crawl
Defensively around
Near
Far

Memories
Stopping the door
Open
Room for more

In response to Magpie Tales picture prompt this week.

Intuition

2011-06-06T21:22:00.001-03:00

My gut

Smarter than me

Tells me so

Before I see

In response to Magpie Tales picture prompt this week. Also contributing to One Stop Poetry, Free Verse poetry. My kinda thinking.

Hmmmm

2011-06-03T12:40:00.001-03:00

This might be just the thing to help me find time for writing again...

http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/general2/2011/06/03/contest-so-you-think-you-can-write-a-song-for-canada/

Summer Lover

2011-04-30T14:34:00.000-03:00

beachy.jpg

I lie here in anticipation
Soaking you in
My skin glows
From the weight of your heat
Pressed against me
Burning me
The scent of us
Reaching my nostrils
Soothing me
Lying still
Begging for more
You hide behind a cloud
Returning to caress me
Again and again
I absorb you greedily
Not wanting this to end
Again you cloud over
Leaving me behind
Shivering
Yearning to feel your heat once more

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

I love being warm. I love feeling the heat of the sun on my skin. So I thought about how it would be if the sun were a lover.

Traveling Fit

2011-03-27T22:31:00.000-03:00

It was a somewhat uneventful travel day to DC. Although I did get my first customs agent who didn't sucumb to my smile and friendly attitude. For a moment I didn't think he was going to let me into the country...the fact that I worked for an American company but out of my office in Canada baffled him and he didn't like that much. Shrug.

The flights were short: I finished reading Jerk Calfornia on one flight and saw 1/2 a movie on the other.

About an 1.5 hours after landing I made it to the hotel in a meandering shuttle. Shrug. Travel is travel. It does what it wants with your schedule. You'll have a much better relationship if you just realize she will get you there but will have her way with you first.

Some of you may or may not know that I achieved a personal milestone a few weeks back. After much struggle, I finally believe that I have a foothold on living a healthy lifestyle: daily leave-it-on-the-table exercise and well eating are now a priority and part of my personal description. As much as traveling is.

So you can imagine my concern with traveling for the next three weeks. I know myself, it's easy to get lazy and I really don't want to lose what I've achieved. Sure there is a lot of hiking planned but if I don't have that committed exercise until-you-swear-and-pant daily, I feel like I'll lose my momentum. Thankfully, in this global environment it is becoming quite the trend.

Yes, the hotel did greet me with a warm cookie but room service had this amazingly delish Mediterranean chicken salad with kalamata olives, feta cheese, chickpeas, geens, roasted peppers and other goodies. Add a large bottle of sparkling water and you have healthy in-room dining. They even give you the nutrition breakdown!

To finish off the day of travel and just enjoying my room I googled hotel room exerices and did this one (http://www.ehow.com/how_4549389_exercise-hotel-room.html). Can I just say: mamma mia!? Yes, there was some swearing, but also some creativity as my eReader just doesn't have the weight of a book, generally the appeal with travel...who knew? Giggle.

Now to enjoy a hot bath and Anna Karina.

Tomorrow is a comfy shoe work day as we walk from the office to the Buildiing Museum and look at Lego structures, Italian lunch, and then the Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The festival kicked off this weekend. Yes, I get paid to do this. It's intended to inspire our design. :)

Untitled

2011-03-14T18:26:00.001-03:00

I'm annoying, opinionated
I'm terribly shy
I'll regret not doing
And wonder just why
Around this globe I spin

Comfort gone awry

Defending endangered pleasures

Sipping reality and rye

Apprehensive to face the day

From tomorrow spilt

He's addicted to affirmations

She to digs of guilt

Swooning in a bookstore

Man not transformer built

Caring aid human
Hearts full tilt

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Have been thinking about my visit to Japan lately with the disaster that has happened there. Such a beautiful island with a remarkable people. Can't believe the trip was in 2006. It feels like yesterday. If you wanna see more pics they are here: https://picasaweb.google.com/tnewman711/Japan#

Scar

2011-03-14T00:03:00.000-03:00

Winner of the
Oncology on Canvas:
Expression of a Cancer Journey

Cuts heal
Scar
The same
But strong

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

To all those amazing survivors out there.

TGIF

2011-02-04T11:42:00.005-04:00

http://www.artofseductions.com/
wp-content/uploads/woman-leaving.jpg

This week,
You and I,
We're through!
Enough of you
Propelling me through
Day by insistent day.
I'm leaving you
For Another.
It's ending,
This week!

His demands are few,
This week ender.
Days and nights
Are mine

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/
_NME713Ri80I/SC4KKCk45QI/
AAAAAAAAAIk/35RQWlAl14g/
s400/coralie%2Bcolmez%2Bfeet.jpg

As I choose,
With him.
Doing things
My way
Not your's, This week.

You say it's a tryst.
It won't last.
This end is short.
You claim I'll be back
In a few days time
To you waiting week.

I don't care.
I love him,
This week ender.

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This week has been a challenging one and I am definitely celebrating the break of the weekend. If only he wasn't so fleeting. Sigh.

Check out the amazing talent at One Stop Poetry this week!

Trying on a Ballad

2011-02-01T10:44:00.001-04:00

http://www.oceansbridge.com/paintings
/artists/b/botero_fernando/big/
botero_xx_a_couple_1995_.jpg

He's addicted to affirmations
She to digs of guilt
Stepping stones eggshells breaking
This the life they built

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This week the One Stop Poetry Form is a ballad. I only had time this week for one stanza...more to follow next week. Also, I'm doing a workshop on using poetry to improve your technical writing. Would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for activities.

Running off This Tuesday Drain

2011-01-24T12:22:00.000-04:00

Drowning in my own refrain
I can't shake it haunting me
Running off this Tuesday drain

Chin held high total feign

Right left jab smartly

Drowning in my own refrain

Pounding treadmills burning reign
Holding onto the lock box key
Running off this Tuesday drain

Racing round my own chicane
Limb and organ form chassis
Drowning in my own refrain

Finding solace in the pain
Tears and sweat bead salty
Running off this Tuesday drain

Fists extended made neuvieme
I am made maraging
Drowning in my own refrain
Running off this Tuesday drain

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved

My second attempt at a Villanelle for One Stop Poetry. Also tossing my hat into the Potluck poetry at Jingle Poetry.

Villanelle First Attempt

2011-01-18T17:16:00.000-04:00

Writers block for this refrain

Learn about form Villanelle

Time to write a second refrain

A line to rhyme with each refrain

A line to rhyme with villanelle

Writers block for this refrain

Digging deep creativity reign

Writing stanzas not very well

Time to write a second refrain

Can you tell a work by name?

A title of an evil belle

Writers block for this refrain

Practice is the perfect feign

Line by line this villanelle

Writers block for this refrain

Time to write a second refrain

Learning about a form called Villanelle. It's suppose to be rhythmic, which admittedly does get lost when you repeat the exact word instead of rhyming it. To learn more about the form, check it out on One Stop Poetry.

Untitled

2011-01-14T10:22:00.000-04:00

Self portrait

Shoveling Zen
In my driveway
Beginning-less end
Chasing flakes formed desire

Saving a quarter
Spending my time
Dispensing justification
No answers satisfy

Seeing while sleeping
Waking eyes blind
Midnight scars reflection
In morning sun rise

Puzzle pieces choosing
Not needing to rhyme
Knitting loopholes for laces
Life's wellspring fortify

Pressing boundaries

Starching the lines

I discovered

Myself

Missing me

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved

Something I have been working on and feels suited to the music posted on Friday Poetically at One Stop Poetry. Check out great inspirations created there.

I Don't Want To

2011-01-13T15:59:00.000-04:00

Traffic camera in Pisa caught us going
where we shouldn't. Giggle.

I don't want to do it that way.
I've done it before.

I don't want to think that way.
I've thought it before.

I don't want to go that way.
I've been there before.

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved

Second Haiku

2011-01-11T15:28:00.000-04:00

I mean what I say
But not as you hear me now
Spring understanding

© 2011 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved

My second attempt at a haiku as I learn from the creative individuals at One Stop Poetry and inspired by this week's Magpie.

My First Haiku (Untitled as it should be)

2011-01-03T19:22:00.000-04:00

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/
4463406731_6e1cf7de14.jpg

Winter sun summer
On my skin petals to bloom
Like a cat purring

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

My first attempt at writing a haiku. I hope I added the elements identified on One Stop Poetry Form and sounded my syllables out correctly. Giggle. What a fun exercise!

Love Lost

2011-01-01T19:37:00.001-04:00

Love lost is
Better than
Never found
All the better
For it having been

Walking this
Tightrope of
Hope
Sleeping with
The memory

Grieving agog
Draped from
Rye and Reality

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

I've posted this on One Stop Poetry. Check out their site for really great pieces of work.

Happy New Year's Eve

2010-12-29T18:32:00.000-04:00

He was puking into the wind
But then realized and turned around
High-fiving with a corsage
I was hopeful about the corporal
Skirts held high
While praying to the porcelain god

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: I really have no idea where this came from. Just seemed to flow. Giggle. Adding it to the wonderful collections of One Shot Wednesday.

The Season's Reason

2010-12-22T09:13:00.005-04:00

http://www.graceforlife.com/uploaded_images/
manger-cross-728263.jpg

Jesus is the reason
For the season
We are reminded
Every year

Jesus born to die

If Jesus is the reason
For this season
Then maybe this season's
Reason is you and I

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This post was inspired by a recent sermon. Adding it to the list of great poetry in One Shot Wednesday this week.

The Arrow Shot

2010-12-19T12:03:00.000-04:00

The arrow shot
Straight and true
Devour mine
Dark purlieu

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This posted was inspired by Claudio Muffarege's stunning photo seen here entitled "The Arrow Shot". To see more of his work and other poetry inspired by his photo visit One Shoot Photography Sunday.

December Baby

2010-12-19T10:44:00.000-04:00

It's a girl
It's a boy
It's december

Little cone head
Knitted cap covering
Squishy cheeks
Asking to be poked
Mittons containing
Perfectly manicured nails

Thomas and Robert
Tammy and Beth
Rhonda and Shaun
Jesus too

Yuletide birthdays
Joint celebration wishes
Santa wrapping
Trees and nativities
Dickens dinners and
Birthday cake

Friends are away
For the holidays
But never do they forget
To wish you a happy
Birthday in their
Holiday set

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Posting inspired by Sunday Scribblings prompt of December and today being my birthday. I've been overwhelmed how all of my friends have remembered me on this day. :D

Music Inspiration

2010-12-16T17:35:00.001-04:00

Spinning twirling
Swooning and sway
Skirts held high
It's a wedding march
Walking to her husband

http://www.musichouseshop.com/
store/media/bsf8429715949.jpg

Slowly and confidently
Seeing him before her
Gleaming her glory
Light on her toes
A tune recognized
But not clear in her mind
She's been here before
Returning to love lost
Finding home in what was once familiar
Finding refuge
In a music box
Twirling
Swirling
Sway

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This was an interesting exercise for Moondust Writer's Thursday at One Stop Poetry: free write to a piece of music and see what is inspired. Editing stops when the music stops. 1st 1/2 of December by George Winston

If I were an Ornament

2010-12-15T00:22:00.000-04:00

Me as an ornament

If I were an ornament
So tiny and small
I would sit on the tree
And look at it all

I would smile at the laughter
And games that were played
Grin at the snuggles
And presents laid

I would sparkle and shine
Working my bling
Enjoying all the love
On my popcorn string

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This was inspired by a gift I was given tonight at our staff party. I'm lucky to know and work with such amazing women. Each of the two years we have been in business we have drawn names and exchanged ornaments. Each year I see how well they know me. This year, it was me as an ornament...the one in the picture. I so love it. I'm pleased as Christmas punch to be participating in this week's One Shot Wednesday with this ditty.

The Sled

2010-12-13T16:55:00.003-04:00

Magpie 44

Mittons with strings
And pink colored faces
Mufflers knitted and
Brakes prehistoric

A dray
Hauling goods
And toboggan
Luging

Standing tall
Against the wall

Mom's painting of a Christmas
Tradition: Animal's Tree

Winter playgrounds
Waiting on

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Inspired by Magpie Tales photo prompt and old memories that were also painted by my mother and posted on her folk art blog. And oddly that is the correct spelling of luging (derives from luge) according to online dictionaries. Shrug.

Annual Christmas Shopping Adventure

2010-12-08T12:44:00.001-04:00

Maine

We were Sunday driving

On a Saturday

Savoring country roads

Sandwiched in trees

Dusted with snow

Cafe gas bars

Red barns and cows

Passing Santa and

His reindeer

Listening to holiday tunes

Braking for moose

And trucks

My 4 month old Lance.

Shit

She didn’t see me

Hopeful about the Corporal

And everything fine

No bumps, scrapes, or bruises

We’re lucky this time

Driving home in a rental

Beep beep

Buddy

In your lane you stay

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This lyric is inspired by recent developments and being tossed into the One Shot Wednesday ring. Thankfully nobody was hurt during the accident and in spite of everything mom and I had a crazy fantastic time.

Shopping Success in North Conway

Ode to Allergy

2010-12-01T23:24:00.000-04:00

http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/
0511-0810-2315-2022.html

Something has changed
Within me
A new sensation
That was always there
I’ve tried to ignore it
But it grew black
Aching my hair

Headaches
And Migraines
Upset stomach too
Flu?
Or allergy stewing?
Brewing its
Debut

Could it be that the
Nectar so sweet
That I adore
Has been causing me
Uncomfort and more?
I never knew
I chose to ignore

My friend
My companion
My java so warm
Betrayed by a love
I can’t take it
No more
I pray loudly
Flu let it be!!

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This lyric is inspired by recent developments and being tossed into the One Shot Wednesday ring.

The Trophy

2010-11-26T08:11:00.000-04:00

Magpie 42

High on your pedastel
Hands on your hips
Impervious to
Time slipped by
Lime light
Tarnished beauty
Basking in a memory

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

This snippet is in response to this week's Magpie Tales photo prompt.

Time Chimes

2010-11-20T17:02:00.000-04:00

Magpie Tales Photo Prompt

Bing - Math Class
Ring - Recess
Gong - School's out
Clang - Graduation
Chime - Somebody's married
Tink - Happy hour drink
Ding - TGIFing
Dong - Monday returns
Chung - Not enough done

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Sorry to pull out an old one but unfortunately time has gotten away from me again this week so I'm posting it to this week's Magpie Tales prompt. I'll try to get a better handle on time...um next time. :)

Parables of the Brokenhearted

2010-11-14T06:14:00.002-04:00

My shine is a little dull this morning
I'm tired of understanding
So hideous, it's stunning
I don't want to think
Of how you don't want me
Restless in my house
Our house, my house
Tossing and turning in my bed
Our bed, my bed
I sleep with the memory of you

I am the daisy
Whose petals are plucked away
As you decide if you love me
I am the tree
Whose bark you cut
To write your initials in
I am the ring you tossed
For your trophy

In the shower I lather
My face wet
I miss you
I'm sorry telling you I love you
Hurts you
I wish it made you smile
Coffee black
Sugarless
Where did it all go?
No control, spiraling
How did I lose you?

I am the daisy
Whose petals are plucked away
As you decide if you love me
The tree whose bark you cut
To write your initials in
The ring you tossed
For your trophy

I wish I made you smile
I sleep with the memory of you
My shine is a little dull

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

The prompt of One Shoot Sunday made me think of heartache and reminded me of this lyric I wrote for a friend over a year ago. It also a perfect contribution to Jingle Poetry Potluck on moods and feelings.

What do we know?

2010-11-11T11:12:00.002-04:00

Photo prompt from Magpie Tales.

Fact or faith
What’s the difference?
Two and two are four
Is it?
What is two?

Knowing it is different
Than feeling it
I know hard
Have faith it will hurt
Feeling it lacerates
I know love is good
Have faith it is beautiful

Feeling it is euphoric

My grandmother was right
“Nobody knows”

But there is faith

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Inspired by this week's Magpie Tales photo prompt.

These Walls...

2010-11-09T16:42:00.003-04:00

My travel companion Mambo in Greece

These walls grow tall
Mortar of “I don’t care”
Dries slowly and hard
Covering cracks
Where light once shone through
Untouchable

Anticipating the core
Biding time
She lets down her hair
But he’s too heavy
Chisel in hand chipping away
Persistent

These walls crumble
Mortar forgotten
Rainbows resilient
Tentative stepping
In this forgotten place
Loved

© 2010 by Tammy Newman. All rights reserved.

Inspired by Jingle Poetry's Potluck Monday. Also participating in One Shot Wednesday.

Buoy Resiling

2010-11-07T10:27:00.002-04:00

Photo by Andy Ilachinski

I come here alone
To think
To talk to you
Walking the distance
Shouldering the storm
Each step journals
Heart’s desire break
Questions
Drops reverberate in the waves
Mine or yours?
You meet me here
Like a chowder
Knit scarf
You comfort me
Rushing to embrace me
It is what it is
Good in its being
Knowing
I resile
Buoy in the storm

Inspired by One Shoot Photography Challenge. I love the beach on a rainy day. Perfect time for solitude and thinking.

Memory of Sand

2010-11-05T15:34:00.004-03:00

We had each identified our top three things we would regret not seeing or doing on this trip. One of mine was Santorini, and now after being there twice I hoped to never return again. Heather picked hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete. I spent the first weeks of our trip dreading the hike and hoping she would change her mind. I have always had bad knees and worried I would be able to do it. I never told Heather this but in the end the hike and memories surrounding it are a highlight from that trip. Since then I try to include a hike in each of my travels and have never been disappointed by the effort or vistas.

Our ferry was late arriving in Crete. All of the buses had left and we had to get to the other side of the island. Our schedule for the hike was tight, leaving it at the end of our trip. 24 hours. That’s what we had to find a place to crash for the night, do the hike, and then catch an 11 hour ferry ride back to Athens and our flight home. Taxi it was.

Typical of our experience in Greece, our driver heard our plan and became very concerned about our timeline and decided he would help. The hike we knew was slated as a 6 hour hike. If we wanted to be done in time to fit our schedule we had to catch the bus heading up to the summit of the hike early in the morning. We were visiting weeks before tourist season and there were very few places to stay. I can’t recall why, but Crete was the only place we didn’t have pre-arranged places to sleep.

Immediately arriving in Chania, our driver took us to his friend’s place. There we stood in a vine draped courtyard while three men, the taxi driver, his friend, and his friend’s father, assumingly discussed where we would stay in their mother tongue. That moment stays with me. It was night. The sky was black. Cement, vines, and Greek surrounded me. I thought it couldn’t have been more perfect.

It was decided: Heather and I were to stay in their hostel still closed for the season. This was not to be the last time I was astounded by their generosity and kindness. We set the alarm and crashed for the night.

In the morning we walked to the bus station, ready to start our day. Although uneventful, the bus ride left many foreigners woozy with motion sickness from the hairpin turns up, up, up narrow roads. When we arrived we took no time starting the hike down, down, down stairs for hours, covering 1,250 meters. I watched my feet as much as the majestic view.

Marching ahead of Heather, she let me set the pace. I giggle now when I think of how fearful I was of my knees and there I was hiking down a gorge with a gal who had had a knee surgery and was wearing a knee brace.

We stopped at the midway station with many from our bus. An older German man had fallen somewhere along the climb and had torn up his hands. Doctoring him up with band-aids and antiseptic gel we started on our way again fearful of seizing up and not being able to go further. I was sore, sweaty exhausted, and having the time of my life. We passed mountain goats, men with donkeys tasked to help those who couldn’t make it, boulders, foliage, and imposing mountains.

We arrived at the most beautiful beach on the Libyan side of Crete. I can’t recall if it was truly the most beautiful beach or just very welcoming after that grueling 5 ½ hour hike. That’s right; we completed the hike a ½ hour shy of the 6 hours. Proud of ourselves and utterly exhausted we changed, with little care for modesty, into our swimsuits on the golden sand. We were eager to refresh in the crystal blue Libyan Sea.

I still beam as I recall us laughing to the point of bursting as we were beaten around by those vigorous waves while our German friend floated by with this bandaged thumbs up. Nothing had ever felt so good.

On the ferry back to Athens we lay on our top level bunk beds listening to the family below us sleeping, thanking God for the wonderful day and the people we had met. The father who owned opened his hostel to us the night before had been at the bus station anxiously waiting for our return and cheerfully saw us off. Somehow in that 24 hour period he had become our Greek father.

This memory was taken from my novel in progress and was inspired by Theme Thursday's prompt of Sand.

Fried Chicken

2010-11-03T20:53:00.002-03:00

This cock crows
Thrice
Fatter than he is
Eating with all
Three
Chest puffed
Breast white
Titillating
Strut triumphant
Roost in this house

Inspired by this week's Magpie Tales and the conversation around me. Nothing like friends for fodder. Also tossing this hat in to One Shot Wednesday.

Magic Knowing

2010-10-26T10:11:00.004-03:00

Swell, swoon, swirl
Dipping
Holding her garments high
Blind meeting
Birthday gift
Christmas stocking
Magic knowing
Mind echos Yes
On tongue's tip
Love

Midnight, New Year
First kiss
Fire place and works
Flame to ember
Steady glow
Snow and angels
Magic knowing
Sunset in her pocket
On tongue's voice
Love

This entry was inspired by this week's Magpie. The image invokes thoughts of a winter romance for me, which is how mine began.

Wheel Experience Abroad

2010-10-25T21:49:00.002-03:00

I highly recommend renting a car when you travel abroad. Not only do you get to see the country-side from non-guided excursions, you have the adventure of following their roads and…their rules. Traversing down narrow lanes, navigating through a heard of mountain goats, gliding the open spaces, and bending along the sharp cliff-edged turns.

On my second visit to Greece, Jaclyn and I decided we would do just that: rent a car and tour the Peloponnese for a week before skipping off to the ever popular islands. I would wheel the cities relying on her navigation and she the country-side. Trusting a travel agent I had used before, our hotels and car were booked. Great prices and great itinerary; we really couldn’t complain. Anxious to get there and start our adventure, days moved at a snail’s pace.

The day we finally arrived in Athens I was astounded by my memory and walked us straight through the Plaka to the travel agent. The ancient city stayed true. Nothing changed. Why should it? 1000s of years or 7? What’s the difference there?

Sitting there, excited to get our vouchers and itinerary we were all a glow…until: “Did you say the car is a standard?” Blanched faces, fluttering tummies, eyes as big and white as the moon. “We don’t know how to drive a standard!”

Images of trying to learn how to drive a standard in downtown Athens raced through our minds. “What do you mean we’ll be ok? Isn’t the Peloponnese mountainous?!”

We spent our first night pleading with God for an automatic.

Answered prayers the next day, the last automatic in the entire city became available at the last minute. Not car girls, that Matrix was a well hugged car!

Beaming we drove off. Praising our blessings. That car took us wherever we steered it. We learned fast is good and stop is just a suggestion.

Days later our dear Matrix had a flat. Stereotypical girls, we couldn’t figure out the jack. So Jaclyn ran back to the hotel where we suspected we would find help. I can imagine the scene even now: A 6’2”, slender woman with chocolate hair and eyes, and a brilliant smile running into the hotel lobby past the dining men on the patio. She’s wearing short shorts and a tank top and has tourist written all over her. Who could resist her cry for help?

Shortly after I see her running back with not one, not two, but five (YES FIVE) members of a local soccer team to change the tire of one wheel. Cheers to Jaclyn.

We like to tell ourselves it was their National team. Giggle.

Thanks boys!

This memory was inspired by Theme Thursday's: Wheel. Oh and they had trouble with the jack as well. ;)

Knotted

2010-10-18T08:57:00.001-03:00

Clenched
And knotted
Racing to a goal
Reaching high
And bending further
Surprised at the distance
Beaming
Arms raised high
Pumping pumping
Almost there
Check on the bucket
It's done and doing

An ode to the business I co-own with a dear friend. We recently franchised and our first franchise location is opening in Nov. Also inspired by Theme Thursday's Knot. It feels good to be writing again. Hoping I can find more time for it.

Tipped (Draft 1)

2010-08-17T09:19:00.000-03:00

Mary Kline-Misol: Chicken Act, Balance Ball

I have no balance
Juggling on a ball
My feet try hard to grip
Running running running
Circles
Going nowhere
Battery dying

Chargeable existence
Seeking source
What feeds me?
Disciplined pausing
Rusty pipe reaching
Stretching to center
Directing
Formally directed
New shoes

Once consuming
Shelved in order
Looking for space
Fragile center
I claim me
Matter is rising
Downward dog

This is inspired by a recent effort to reclaim balance in my life, by Magpie Tales, and ABC Wednesday's letter D. I already have plans to revise this but thought I would post the first draft anyway, which is why it's a different photo than the Magpie photo. Look for the new post...soon I hope. :)

Gypsy Feet Play List

2010-08-09T16:27:00.000-03:00

Fairy Wings ~ Kim Barlow
Don't let your feet touch the ground ~ Ash Koley
New Shoes ~ Paolo Nutini
Put Your Foot Down ~ Layah Jane
These Boots Are Made for Walking ~ Nancy Sinatra
Get on the Good Foot ~ James Brown
Shoe Box ~ Barenaked Ladies
Pink Shoe Laces ~ Dodie Stevens
I Feel the Earth Move ~ Carole King
Walking in Memphis ~ Marc Cohn
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) ~ The Proclaimers
The Way You Make Me Feel ~ Michael Jackson
Walking After Midnight ~ Cowboy Junkies
Cold Feet ~ Tracy Chapman
One Foot Wrong ~ Pink

Am I missing any? Would love to hear your suggestions!

Blue Memory

2010-06-30T21:25:00.001-03:00

Climbing down the 600 steps to Hades for the second time, I watch my step. You would think that climbing down would be easy, but it's not. Careful to miss what the donkeys before me left, I take my time. I'm in no hurry to get there.

It's hot. Litres of water are being consumed but with little effect. I'm tired and sticky. Sexy. Braided pigtails clinging to my neck. Freckles rapidly darkening in the sun. Why am I doing this to myself again?

Why didn't I just stay at the top with the blue domed churches? Just to prove I can? Is that reason enough?

Although I've been here, done this and have the t-shirt packed with me somewhere, the view stuns me as it did seven years prior and I find myself elated. Crystal waters lay out before me like a blanket, enveloping the tip of an active still volcano, grey in it's ash.

An excerpt from my novel in progress, about my second visit to Santorini...In response to this week's Theme Thursday prompt of Blue.

Snap Shots

2010-06-18T17:26:00.000-03:00

Cute and pudgy
Tiny toes
Little coos
Shoot me now

Running energy
Beaming face
Sundresses
Shoot me now

Shy wallflower
Bored by school
Boys with coodies
Shoot me now

Jeans and sandals
Def Leopard
Sockhops
Shoot me now

Higher moments of learning
Braided pigtails
Dreams and writing
Shoot me now

Greece and Italy
Backpacking
Missionary
Shoot me now

E-Learning
Remote employee
Home office mine
Shoot me now

Entrepreneur
Humble confidence
Love of a man
Shoot me now

Tomorrow
Buckle up
Ride's not over yet
Shoot me then

This is in response to Theme Thursday's prompt of camera.

Power Duo (Giggle)

2010-06-18T16:44:00.000-03:00

This Friday Ann and I are claiming our place in the list of great power duos of blond and brunette.

Today we stand with Betty and Veronica, Laverne & Shirley, Starsky and Hutch, Thelma and Louise, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse!

Today we launched the new look and feel of the blog for The Girls Bra Shop Inc., our very demanding but and most days rewarding child. We launched the new look and feel to celebrate our new slogan: Real women. Real bras. Real beauty. Because like our customers, we are REAL WOMEN, who want REAL BRAS, and want to feel REAL BEAUTYful.

Check us out! Giggle.

Superhero

2010-06-17T19:29:00.000-03:00

Faster than a speeding bullet
You are everywhere
Always with me

Through atomkinesis
I almost hear your voice
A whisper over storm

A pryokinetic ghost rider
What you sow is ablaze
Through cracked clay of your making

The empathic watcher
Vitakinetic
All is well

Resurrected
Spawn new life in me

This is in response to Sunday Scribblings' post of Superhero and ABC Wednesday's letter V. I'm not sure about this one. It may be too abstract, too out of the context of what is going on in my mind. Maybe some tweaking is in order....We'll see.

Electrical storm and fireball captured on camera © Phil Bland

Friday

2010-06-11T19:46:00.000-03:00

TGIF indeed. My first thought this morning was an almost weepy relief of "it's really truly friday!"

What a hard week. I'm sure I have felt this drained before. I just can't recall it. A reflex maybe. I'm sure I must have felt like this that night when I got home from the store to no dinner, more work, and my car stuck in the drive. I remember that I felt bad. I just don't remember how that felt.

At this moment I feel like a knot loosening. Slowly because I don't really remember how to relax.

I'm finally sitting in my backyard. I've been wanting to be here all day. I'm writing as butterflies flutter around my head. Not as majestic as one would think when you find yourself ducking with each dive bomb at your skull. Pretty but doing nothing for my levels of tension.

I'm not one of those people who serenely sit still as a bright winged insect perch on their hand, shoulder, nose. No. I pull muscles as I jump, flinch, duck, jerk out of their way.

Finally, they've rested and I can enjoy their visit...from a distance. All the better to appreciate their beauty. Don't misunderstand and think I don't enjoy the outdoors or even mind sharing my backyard with God's other creatures. I just find sudden fly byes and attacks stressful.

There are tiny strawberries growing in my lawn and ants climbing my chair...possibly my toes as well. Buttercups, pansies, dandelions, and lupines. My lawn is a derelict beauty.

Ugh. My nemesis is on the move again. I'm going to seriously hurt myself. Sigh. I'm tired. Not physically. Mentally. This week took a lot out of me.

Something is eating the rhubarb. Maybe those kamikaze butterflies with diamonds on the tips of their antenna.

I'm hidden in the weeds and contented to be here. Taking what repreave offered from Friday evening and the promise of weekend.

Dah! Seriously, must they fly so low? Why insist on being unfriendly? How did I offend them so? Sneak attacks from behind are uncalled for!

We went to a butterfly farm in Martinique once. You can imagine how I fared. Shoulders raised and hood wrapped tight around my head. I imagine I was the fastest observer they met.

Tomorrow I'll google the butterfly diet. Stubbron I'll flinch and jump but go nowhere tonight. Right here I sit.

Coffee Shop Affair

2010-06-11T08:36:00.001-03:00

I'm late
You don't see
I sneak to the back
How appropriate

Inching
I come closer
Oh
She smiles
Jealous I bow
Shuffle my feet
You expected me
Right?

Oh
She leaves
Beaming
Stretch onto my toes
Inching
Beside you now

Swooning
In a coffee shop
I smirk at your boldness
Oh
You smell so good
Dressed in green
You look like candy
My Mexican

Get your own coffee cozy @ waysideviolet's shop on Etsy.

This post was in response to Theme Thursday's prompt, Candy. Coffee is my candy and as of now, my favorite is the Mexican coffee at Red Whale. I have a green cozy made of fleece that a friend got me at the local Eco Store, but love the one for sale above as well.

Head Butt Eve

2010-06-08T07:42:00.005-03:00

He looked at what He created
And it was good
It was good

Silvery snake tongue
Try the apple hun

She bought it, ate it up
Then shared her cup

When I get to Heaven
I'm gonna head butt Eve

Pieces from a "song" I wrote years ago when a friend commented that she wanted to head butt eve. It made me laugh. I was reminded of it today when I saw mom's magpie posting so I am piggy backing on her insightful post.

Check out Magpie Tales for other great inspirations!

I should also add that I am a Christian and love my God. No disrespect is meant. :)

T

2010-06-08T07:18:00.004-03:00

Time
Traverses
Tumultuously

Tying
Tendons
Tight

Tense
Torment
Total

Tenacious
Toes
Trail

Trying
To
Tether

Time
Tick
Tock

This post was inspired by ABC's Wednesday's letter T prompt.

Savouring Toes and Shiny Knight

2010-05-29T10:24:00.005-03:00

Picnic and a blanket fort
Peacocking his building bent
She prepares the mealy banquet

Shoeless in the moment
Twirl on savouring toes
Spontaneous tangos

Falling angels in the
Blanket's wrinkle
Tipping gently bowl

He tames dragon shadows
On a fluttering wall
Her shiny knight tall

Inspired by ABC Wednesday's letter S, Sunday Scribblings' Dragon, the Magpie Tales picture shown above, and Theme Thursday's Wrinkle. Click each to participate and see how these prompts inspired others.

Also inspired by a date a friend of mine had recently where they had a picnic and built a blanket fort. Giggle. Sweet Romance. Love it!

Plenty of Fishes

2010-05-23T09:31:00.004-03:00

Plenty of fish
In the sea
Big variety of fishes
Small variety of fishes

Cutle Fish
Octopus
Plenty of fish
In the Sea

This was written in response to this week's Magpie Tales. Visit the Magpie Tales site to participate or visit others who have.

This was also inspired by a sign I saw in Naxos, Greece a few years ago. It made me giggle then. It makes me giggle now.

Quandary

2010-05-14T07:13:00.005-03:00

Honey and Lemon
Stir
Tink clink chink

Swirling black
Sip
Ahhh

Rattle
Bone on bone
Glances

Silence blankets
A drone ahead
Blah blah blah

Heads nod
Lulling or agreeing?
It's a mystery

Sip
Hours of minutes
Ladies room beckoning

Shift
Courage swells
Fades

Sigh
Sip
Shift

A very silly response to ABC Wednesday's letter Q: a conference room quandary, Theme Thursday's Mystery, Sunday Scribblings' Courage, and Magpie Tale's photo of a saucer (bone china?). Click each link to see other creative juices flowing.

Pink

2010-05-05T09:10:00.005-03:00

Chewing it up
Spreading it out
Just right
Blow
Blow harder
Tongue pushing
Cheeks swelling
Bubble expanding
Pink growing
Pride swelling
Pop!

**************************

Pink is for girls
Blue is for boys
Red light stop
Delightfully color blind

Green is the new black

In response to Theme Thursday's prompt: PINK! and ABC Wednesday's prompt: P is for... Check each out to participate.

Bicycle

2010-04-28T07:25:00.009-03:00

I’m proud to say that I want to be like my mother when I grow up. Ha; when I grow up. My mother has always been the youngest person I know: so full of life and ready for the next adventure. She taught me that life is truly what you make it. It can be about the picket fences and the nine to five or it can be about doing what you really want to. Don’t get me wrong, I think picket fences are cute and I’ve done my time but I wanted and still want more.

My friend Anna had moved to Japan, after living in England and Lithuania for some time. Working in youth hostels and mission fields she’s a gypsy I admire. I traveled during my time off, while she lived the travel and has the mud stains to prove it.

She was teaching English to a small school in Osaka and invited me to visit for the nth time. “I don’t know. It’s so far, costs a fortune, and honestly Japan has never been on my list.”

Never been on my list? What was wrong with me? I decided I needed to go, to be reckless, to do something frivolous because quitting my job to go on a six week trip to the Philippines wasn’t reckless enough. I needed to get out of my not-so-comfortable cubical and mundane every day.

So, I bought a ticket and found myself on a 13 hour flight to Japan. Hour six is the hardest. It’s when you realize that you no longer want to be in that can and know there is nowhere to go. Burdened with many forms of entertainment, forced sleep is what got me through it.

Anna met me at the airport, chauffeured by Maki, a now dear to me friend and Geisha. Excited to see someone from home, Anna was anxious to show me her Osaka, which of course meant playing Russian roulette with Octopus.

We hopped on her wicker basket adorned bicycle and started to pedal up the street. Wind in my hair, ass falling asleep from the metal bag holder over the rear wheel. I was on top of the world and thought I was Rose in that iconic scene from Titanic. Swerving here and there, off balance, the air tasted like frivolity, recklessness, and pollution.

I was grinning from ear to ear in my bliss.

Anna turned to me after we veered into traffic a second time and said, “Um, can you put your feet in? I’m trying to pedal here.”

An excerpt from my novel in progress, in response to this week's Theme Thursday's prompt.

Converted

2010-04-06T17:58:00.002-03:00

Just returned from a fantastic week away in the Dominican Republic. My first experience at an All-Inclusive Resort.

Admittedly I was skeptical when Ward suggested it. I had images of march break girls gone wild parties in my head. Not my idea of a great time. Shocking I know.

But I couldn't have been more wrong. Mostly an older population at the resort we were staying at, it was quiet and leisurely. Just what the doctor ordered. ;)

Walking along the beach, swimming and playing in the pool, making new week long friends, finishing each night with a cappuccino, taking archery and almost losing a boob, and soaking up mucho sun.

I'm blissful sighing all over the place. We're already talking about our next trip. Stay tuned.

Dawn of the Dreadfuls

2010-03-03T08:32:00.004-04:00

Somehow this title seems very appropriate this morning.

I've had the recent pleasure, and I do mean pleasure, of reading an advanced review copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls. A prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies this book is equally as funny and charming. Steve Hockensmith does a wonderful job of taking Jane Austin's characters out of Pride and Prejudice and imagining what they might have been like prior. At times I found the description of the characters to be missing the subtly of Jane's doing, I still found most characters held true to their selves. A few were altered with the understanding that this is how they came to be the reserved, excitable, proud individuals we have known them as. I loved the new characters he introduced and I was appropriately disgusted and laughing with each one.

Quirk classics, the publisher, is holding a competition for you the blog reader. Go to their site and tell them where you read the review and you will be eligible to win prizes.

Do pick this book up and have a read.

The Face Behind the Voice

2010-03-02T09:04:00.001-04:00

After much delay I safely arrived at the Dulles airport. I immediately let Ward know I was safe. I then called Tommy and was greeted with a hearty "Welcome to the USA Tammy". We made arrangements to meet at the airport and he would chauffeur me to dinner, wine, and finally the hotel.

While waiting I was entertained by the free H1N1 Vaccine clinic at the baggage claim. With them hollering "free H1N1" it's not a wonder nobody signed up. I also witnessed a gentleman have a very lively conversation with a vending machine, telling the dispenser that whatever it did was not acceptable. I say good for him for saying something. Giggle.

Dinner was fantastic as was the company. It was nice to finally put a face behind a voice I had worked with for so long. A dear friend who I was only just meeting. We laughed, we ate, we enjoyed a bottle of Innocent Bystander and were invited to join the electric slide happening at the bar.

All in all an enjoyable day one. Today is full of meetings but I'm sure I'll find some adventure in it somewhere.

On my way...maybe

2010-03-01T08:36:00.000-04:00

I'm enroute to Washington, DC. Well, at least that is the plan. I haven't left Saint John yet. My flight has been delayed for the 3rd time due to weather. I can claim to predict the future: I miss my connection in Halifax.

Being somewhat of a local celebrity as one of The Girls, I'm well taken care of. I get to enjoy the VIP lounge of getting the table and chairs closest to the TV and outlets.

The staff here have been so wonderful; taking the initiative of researching weather and seats in Halifax and discovering that if I follow that route I won't make it to my destination today. The lovely ladies have booked me now through Montreal.

So unless the weather does not improve, my 7:10 flight is now at 11:45. Here I sit in the Saint John airport 30 minutes away from home enjoying a perfectly toasted bagel, a steaming cup of coffee, and taking advantage of the wireless internet.

His Girl Friday

2010-02-26T10:31:00.003-04:00

Movies
Pizza
Cheesies and wine
Pjs
Snuggles
Chips and alpine

His Girl Friday

Response to ABC Wednesdays

Bottle

2010-02-26T09:59:00.003-04:00

Sunday.

Bleck.

Tomorrow she leaves for a week. It sounds exciting: Washington, DC. But it’s work and it’s away from him.

Their relationship is new; comfortable and exciting. They hold hands while strolling, link arms when talking. She drapes her legs over him while reading and dreaming. He holds her tight.

A week without his snuggles. Boo.

If only she could bottle him.

Response to Theme Thursday: Bottle

When Pigs Fly There Will Be Latte

2010-02-24T08:09:00.003-04:00

Eight years it’s been. Eight years since she canceled her cable. Seven years since she first unplugged her TV for weeks at a time. Seven years of watching DVDs of her favorite TV shows or memorized movies. She learned to paint, play guitar, craft, write, and spent much of her time reading. Eight years of missing pop culture references.

“It’s been a good run”, she thinks as she stands with her boyfriend ordering cable.

“The first six months are free, and you can have the technician install up to three boxes at no extra charge.” The agent tells them.

“Wonderful”, her boyfriend responds, “one in the TV room, one in the living room, and one upstairs in the bedroom.”

“The bedroom?!” She exclaims. “I’ve never had a TV in my bedroom”.

“Really? Never?”

“Never.”

“You’ve never had a TV in your bedroom?”

“That’s right.”

“I bet you have.”

“You’re on. I bet you a latte.”

“OK. You have one in there now.”

“What?” She muses. They are doing renovations in the bedroom and she wonders if he has moved a TV upstairs without her knowing...

...The light of realization dawns.

Crap. There may be no TV in her bedroom, but she is sleeping in the TV room.

Laughing she relinquishes.

“The technician will be there on Wednesday. Enjoy your latte sir.”

Response to Sunday Scribblings

E is for Ethics

2010-02-19T14:56:00.008-04:00

If only we do as ethics say, and not as we does...

Image retrieved from: http://www.chrishorner.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/calvin_ethics.jpg...It's only ethical to give credit no? :)

Response to Sunday Scribblings and ABC Wednesdays

It's Here!

2010-02-19T13:54:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited.

My advanced review copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls is here! I'm one of the lucky bloggers who gets to review it.

Return on March 3rd, for my thoughts and chances to win prizes.

The Bell Tolls

2010-02-19T13:05:00.007-04:00

I haven't had much time to blog this week, actually any. I've missed the writing but life can get away with you. I'm late for my Thursday Theme post of Bell and ringing it for Barry. I was going to write about bell towers and how a friend became obsessed with them on our multiple week vacation in Italy.

But instead, I find it appropriate that I write about time and running against that bell. Do you remember in school, time was counted by the sound of a bell.

Bing - Math Class
Ring - Recess
Gong - School's out
Clang - Graduation
Chime - Somebody's married
Tink - Happy hour drink
Ding - TGIFing
Dong - Monday returns
Chung - Not enough done

What are you looking at?

2010-02-11T09:37:00.004-04:00

What does the mirror see
When she looks at me?
Am I a reflection of who I want to be?

Theme Thursday: Mirror

The Medium is The Message

2010-02-09T08:02:00.000-04:00

Sparkly marbles hold your stare
Silence blankets my smile
Naked in innocence
Standing imposingly before you
With a star beating in my chest

The medium is the message
I am yours

Sunday Scribblings - message

You ARE Beautiful

2010-02-05T12:25:00.000-04:00

I've had my insecurities. Who hasn't? I still do. But for years I struggled with feeling unattractive and I can't describe to you how wonderful it was when I realized my own beauty.

I am by no means a supermodel. There is lots about me that I would like to change. But I see my beauty. I love my smile. It's big and sunny. It lights up my face. My eyes sparkle a little, expressing the joy I feel inside. I am who I am and I like me. It's taken me a lot of years to get here.

Realizing my own beauty has been...well...empowering. It changed my life. That's no exaggeration.

I went from wall flower to co-owner of a successful Bra Boutique, and participating in a photo shoot for said boutique. Once the girl who hid behind everything...I'm now the woman who I want to be. I'm an adventurer, I laugh a lot, I have fun, I love...that and so much more is what makes me beautiful. I am me.

I want every woman to experience this. Every woman should feel beautiful. We all are. Mother, sister, friend, we are all beautiful. I could list off dozens of beautiful and amazing women I know. There are a lot. I will tell you about one: Ann my business partner and bestest girlfriend. She is passionate, caring, funny, stunning, artistic, expressive, reserved with some things and exuberant with others. She's smart, insightful, patient. She's cool and an awesome mom. She passes no judgement and has taught me a lot about true friendships...through the great successes and the rough trials. She is beautiful.

Ann and I each individually, and united, have a passion for empowering other women. Every woman should see their own beauty. This was actually a motivator for opening The Girls Bra Shop Inc. You'd be surprised what the right bra can do for your figure and self esteem. You stand taller, your clothes fit better.

We're hired remarkable women who are beautiful in their own right and share our passion of empowerment. We held a photo shoot of real and beautiful women (us) in our product. We blogged about the experience and have hung the glorious images around the store. We are every woman.

I heard that phrase today when Ann and I visited the Coverdale Center. Since opening the store Ann and I have been looking for a not-for-profit organization to get behind, to support. What better organization than one that strives to empower all women. This team of caring women provide counseling, shelter, clothing, food, and so much more to all walks of women in the greater Saint John area. All for free. I couldn't be more thrilled about this partnership.

I've been blessed and I'm so pleased that something as commercial as owning a business can allow me the opportunity to help others. Today we donated a basket full of bras to the center. We have also started a program called Fill Your Cup. With every purchase of a bra in our store we'll donate one dollar to the Center. If one woman has the experience I did when something fit me right, then I am the happiest girl in the world.

Juices Flowing

2010-02-04T08:42:00.000-04:00

After a long day of work, I was finally able to settle down with a hot cup of honey and lemon and browse through my new books last night. I'm so pleased and excited. They are fantastic. I can't wait to get started. So many ideas on what I want to create, all for me. Giggle.

I was also able to spend the morning writing. What a great feeling. I'm recharged. Energized. And a little resentful that the work day has begun. Grr.

Let the fun begin

2010-02-03T11:05:00.000-04:00

My books have arrived!! Yay!!!!

The Sewing Bible: a modern manual of practical and decorative sewing techniques

and

Design-It-Yourself clothes: Pattern Making Simplified

Now to get my work day done so I can look through them!

Wanted: More Gumption

2010-02-03T09:09:00.000-04:00

Today is one of those days where I just feel restless. I feel stuck and cautious. There are so many more adventures I want to experience and multiple excuses as to why I haven't yet. Don't get me wrong, I feel blessed by the ones I have had so far. I'm just feeling like in this moment, I'm standing still.

Lately, my excuse has been time, the lack of. It's true: I do need more hours. But it is just an excuse.

I want to write a fiction novel, a book of poetry (lyrics). I want to continue to see the world; every nook and cranny. I once dreamed of living on a catamaran or on a tropical island....

This week I've stumbled across two really interesting blogs. Two women. Both youthful although there is a large age difference between the two (16 and 88). Both adventurous and taking their lives by storm.

Abby is attempting to be the youngest solo circumnavigator. This January, at 16, she began sailing solo around the world. At first I was shocked; she's so young to be traveling on a sailboat around the world solo! But then admiration set in. Good for her! Life is too short to sit still.

Granny Smith shares her travel and adventure stories on her blog. I recently read captivating posts about some extreme folk art she stumbled upon while on a walk and one about some of her time spent in Kenya.

I want to be more like these ladies. I want more of this in my life!

As I said in an earlier post: "I'm not slowing down". I'm looking forward, moving ahead. Gumption is on my horizon again.

Milestones

2010-01-31T15:44:00.000-04:00

Traveling miles
Skipping precious pebbles as I go
Engraving indigo veins
Milestones on this fluid journey

Inspired by Sunday Scribblings prompt of Milestones

Pen...er...keyboard

2010-01-29T09:49:00.000-04:00

"I write, sometimes just to see the ink flow from the pen."

Some days the urge to write is so strong that it could be described as a need. I am a wordsmith. I love to see what you can create with words, seeing what you can do with them. I love how one sentence can mean a dozen different things. I love the creation and the intent behind it.

My days are spent at a computer. I'm an Instructional Designer by profession. (Not to forget a Bra Shop owner, which consumes a great deal of my time and passion) Every day I sit at the computer and think of creative ways to educate people on a particular software or concept. I ponder how to say something in such a way that everybody will hear it.

The computer is convenient and definitely compensates for this writer's lack of spelling skills. I also always change my mind, constantly thinking of how I can better that last sentence. Make it crisper, clearer, more complex, prettier...

But I still love the feel of a pen in my hand. The weight and beauty of a pen set aside for writing in my journal. Another pen set aside for creative writing. And yet another pen for creating lists. Giggle.

I've discovered some interesting blogs online recently that prompt you with writing themes for the week. I'm so in. We'll see what I create. My interests are many and often cyclical...but never fleeting is writing. In and around everything I do, I write.

Someday I hope to produce something I feel worthy of publishing. Not for any other reason than to say, "I did that".

Recycled Sweater

2010-01-28T09:53:00.000-04:00

I was a little impatient to do something creative last night. So I grabbed a few old sweaters that I no longer wear and decided to make a new and improved one. Giggle.

I had seen a few vendors on Etsy who have done this very thing. I'm not sure how it is going to turn out but I'm having fun in the process.

Already I've taken it apart three times. It orginially had a white terry body with zipper.

I need to scrounge for more sweaters. I'm not sure what the bottom is going to look like yet. But I'm having fun seeing what it will turn into.

Felting?

2010-01-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

I'm just in love with this felted scarf that I found on Etsy. I have so many "first projects" that I want to start and this one is right up there. Hmmm...need to learn felting first.

There is a workshop on Friday at the Arts Center but I can't get away from work. Ann's going. Maybe she'll teach me. (Hint Hint)

Not Slowing Down

2010-01-27T15:29:00.001-04:00

It's been months since I have blogged. Months since I've done things that I typically do. It's wild how time flies and gets away from you.

After a year of the great adventure of becoming an entrepreneur with my dear friend Ann and seeing some success in our business The Girls Bra Shop Inc., this gypsy is suffering from itchy feet again. New adventures are to be had!

This year has already begun to sweep me away: I've become rather attached to a remarkable man who wants to share adventures with me. That in itself is a huge adventure for me!

I'm planning a trip or two. With Mambo and Ward by my side.

AND I am also exploring making my own clothing. For now I'll be like the Selfish Seamstress and make only pieces for myself. Giggle.

Stay tuned. I'm not slowing down!