IslaChica

Sitting with my Feelings

2012-02-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

Right now I am so glad I gave Keegan lots and lots of hugs.

I know he was impatient with them sometimes and was probably rolling his eyes

most of the time.

Now I can remember how his big ol' furry bear body felt...exactly.

And that gives me comfort.

"As the rain falls, the earth responds in a multitude 
of ways, sometimes emptying out to form a great canyon, sometimes soaking it up 
to nourish an infinitude of plants. In the same way, the deeper purpose of our 
feelings is to transform the terrain of our inner world, sometimes creating 
space for more feelings to flow, sometimes providing sustenance for growth."

A Pilgramage

2012-01-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

The day after my sweet boy Keegan passed on, I walked our favorite trails - the trails we walked together hundreds of times over the years. I could feel his presence in the wind that swayed the tops of the trees, in the afternoon light that shined a mosaic of shadowed patterns onto the path before me. I reached a favorite spot of Keegan's, a place where he and I would often stop. His favorite, because there's a patch of tasty grass that always grows there and my favorite because I can sit on a tree root and watch the water, the trees and the occasional heron, egret or duck fly by. I lifted my face to the sun, breathed into the brush of wind and knew Keegan was there with me, - and I know he always will be.

2012-01-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

Keegan Eddie
August 1999-January 2012

It rained yesterday. It began as a cold drizzle that continued while my good boy, my sweet dog Keegan passed from this life to the next. The birds sang, loudly, and I remember thinking as I held Keegan's head and whispered my love into his ears, that they were providing their own loving lullaby for the gentle big dog who kept them company on winter mornings.
It rained all day yesterday - appropriately so. It felt as if the heavens were crying with me, sharing in my feelings of utter loss.
My Keegan, who accompanied me on school drop-offs, field hockey games, track meets, hikes on the trails, and who was my comfort and listening post during the long empty days when the girls went off to college, was felled by a nasty cancerous tumor. During the last few weeks it robbed him of energy sometimes and made him feel dizzy and sick on the bad days. It never robbed him of his sweet nature, his joy at being with us and his love for his family.
Rest in peace, my loyal, loving friend. You will always be with me.

Sparks of Gratitude - January 3, 2012

2012-01-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while, I'd like to acknowledge the ordinary blessings of a day...I will call these lists, "Sparks of Gratitude"
For today (so far) I am grateful for...

* My new WARM running gloves, very high-tech, very efficient, and VERY bright orange!

* The sun coming out in time for my run, causing the temp to rise from 30 degrees to 34 degrees!

* The call from the vet, assuring me that Keegan's blood work shows that while he is seriously ill, his body is handling it in championship fashion.

* Going to bed early last night, which allowed for an early morning of getting so much done before 11 a.m.!

* Not feeling sore from yesterday's "two-a-day" (a run and a spin class).

* The anticipation (and a little apprehension) for the Introduction to Vinyasa Yoga class I will be taking at 12:30 today.

Facing the New Year

2012-01-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

What will 2012 bring? I can theorize and guess what may come my way.
I know for sure that there will be some time during this year when my sweet Keegan-bear will decline even more while the mass on his spleen continues to weaken him.
I can look forward to my little girl graduating from university in May...another milestone reached.
I know this for sure - there will be changes - in me, around me. Circumstances beyond my control (how I hate that!) will create change in my life. The only factor I can control is how I deal with the changes. How will I face the changes along my journey? My hope is that I can meet the unknown with loving, open arms.

2011-12-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

Peace Lily, by Liz Romero-Kibiloski

“If you become more sensitive to beauty, to poetry, that means your love has blossomed. And all the energy that has been left by fear, anger and hate, will be taken over by your love, your sensitivity, your compassion, your creativity. This is the whole alchemy of changing base metals into gold.” ~Osho

Preparing...

2011-12-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

I find the following to be a perfect meditation for the week following Gaudate Sunday...

"Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place.

"Daily we can make an Advent examination. Are there any feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, or religion? Is there a lingering resentment, an unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other questions become Advent lights by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts."

Edward Hays

projects...

2011-11-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

With my church prayer shawl ministry, I am knitting baby blankets for preemies to 6 month olds as part of a Christmas project for CHKD. I just started on my first one...I know! I've got to get knitting here! I love the pattern and will keep this one small enough to fit a preemie...the yarn is so soft.

Memories...

2011-11-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

I was asked to take photos of the Catholic high school's field hockey senior day yesterday afternoon. It was two hours of chasing these girls around the field to get action shots and then catching them as they walked through the arch of hockey sticks with their parents and their yellow roses in hand. So sweet! And boy, did it bring back a lot of memories. All those thousands of hours spent at basketball games, field hockey games, track meets, swim meets - coaching or cheering my girls on - I wouldn't trade one single minute of it. I found myself missing those days so much...it was a bittersweet afternoon.

Quote for Today...(hmmm, interesting.)

2011-10-29T02:53:00.001-07:00

Criticism is never about you.

It's always about the person doing the criticizing.

SWSWSWSW:

Some will.

Some won't.

So What?

Someone's waiting.

Christine Kane

Mid-October Ravings

2011-10-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here it is, October 15th and usually, this time of year, I am alone, Keith is in Hong Kong and I am found whining about how lonely I am...blah, blah, blah.
It's Saturday - a day typically spent hanging out with the dear hubbie and I've run 4 miles, taken Keegan for a walk at the park, soaked in the hot tub, watered plants, taken photos, blogged, knitted, and sit here blogging again and drinking wine. What a life!
How dare I complain?
And should I add that it is the perfect fall day? 70 degrees and sunny, a sweet breeze blowing and...it's 4 pm and the whole evening stretches before me.
O.K., I tried. I still miss Keith.

Autumn

2011-10-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

photo: fall-blooming hummingbird vine, by Liz

From Creative Every Day, I copied these suggestions to get my autumn creative groove started:

*Take a walk and collect items that say fall to you.
*Use the items you've collected to make an "ode to autumn" arrangement in your space.
*Photograph a place in nature each day to capture the changes that happen during the season.
*Use fallen leaves to make prints or rubbings.
*Paint in autumn colors.
*Concoct warm drinks or foods that make you think of fall (think nutmeg, apples, and cinnamon!)
*Think back to your favorite fall moments and capture them in a poem.
*Press the last flowers of fall between the pages of book to savor or create with later.

I'm liking the suggestion to photograph a place in nature each day to capture the changes that fall brings. I just have to find the place! I'm also intrigued by the "paint in autumn colors" idea...I'm feeling adventurous today!

October 11, 2011

2011-10-11T04:39:00.001-07:00

Taking Keith to the airport this morning for yet another trip to Hong Kong....The dreary weather mimics my mood.
We set up Skype last week to make communication WAY cheaper and tested it again this morning. For the next trip we'll make sure our laptops are outfitted with cameras. What conversations would be complete without being able to see the frequent eye rolling and gesturing that usually accompany them? :-)

Contemplating Yarn

2011-10-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Visited the Yarn Club today. I was given a gift certificate as one of my bday gifts to spend there, so I thought I would go and get inspired. Instead I was overwhelmed. So many beautiful, soft yarns, so many patterns and not enough confidence in my knitting abilities to want to spend $$$ on a project I might not finish!

I was almost decided on a pattern and yarn when the clerk who was helping me told me I would need more skeins than I had picked out because I was (and I quote) "a big girl"...what? Really? Boy, did my mood plummet!
I haven't felt right since! And needless to say, I left without buying. a. thing.

I'll feel better after a weekend of strong runs, a decent showing at my softball games tomorrow night and some work on a shrug I started knitting a couple of weeks ago. It's a glorified rectangle whose ends will get sewed into sleeves...and I love the deep red of the yarn and the brushed alpaca softness of it. Big Girl, my. ass.

No Change

2011-10-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

Here I am, 50 now - and no discernible change that I can see! :-)
Going for a run (fingers crossed I get in a five-miler) soon...just waiting for the ipod to charge up. Wednesday, the 28th, was pretty perfect for a birth-day. Saturday was even better, with a kick-ass party that Keith threw for me and Alanna coming home from school to celebrate with us. The only thing that could have made this weekend more fabulous was seeing Alyssa!
I'm still trying to get back into a routine after the busy week and weekend, especially with sleep! My run this morning and spin class this afternoon should put me to rights.
I'm thinking of making a Chinese Chicken Salad for dinner tonight. My friend Lauren posted the recipe in her blog and it looks so good...napa cabbage, ramen noodles and chicken - sign me up for that!
I'm realizing that this post is very all-over-the-place...which is where my mind and my life is right now. But it's all good. Very. Good.

Where did 2011 go? Catching Up

2011-09-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

In answer to the title question, it certainly wasn't spent blogging here! :-) I opened a tumblr account and have been blogging pretty regularly there. (http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/themami) It has been easier to load photos on that site for some reason.

The last blog I wrote here on blogspot was about my first run of 2011. I have progressed since then. Not any faster, no - but I am running between 25 and 30 miles total a week, have signed up for the Wicked 10K and the Shamrock half-marathon - there is definitely more running in my future.

I've started a small photography business - Liz Romero Photography - natch, what else would I call it? My website is being designed and I had business cards printed. I've actually done shoots where I was paid...amazing. I really gained confidence in my skills after taking a few digital photography courses at the Contemporary Art Center. I was thrilled to have my photography displayed in a show there as part of my advanced digital photography course and received so many great comments about my work.

My 50th birthday is the day after tomorrow and I'm excited to see what the universe has in store for me over the next 50 years...no matter what comes I am grateful. I have my health, the health of my family, the love of my sweet husband and children and the time to enjoy it all.

Run #1 of 2011

2011-01-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

Todays Run: It was a three miler, slow (11-min miles), ponderous but glorious! The first run in a month since the flu, the sub 30 degree cold, windy days and the 13+ inches of snow conspired to keep me inside!
What a great start to the new year and a new me!

Christmas Eve, 2010

2010-12-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here it is, Christmas Eve once again! The end of 2010 has been a little rough on me with catching the flu and now dealing with a UTI, of all things. I haven't run in a little over 4 weeks and feel so blah. I've been keeping up with elliptical workouts and even added the Shred video a couple of times a week, but nothing lifts my spirits like a good (even slow!) run. I did a Zumba class this past Tuesday and it gave me a good rush - a much-needed boost - but I can't do that every day.
So, the resolution for 2011 is to get healthy, lean and focused on habits (like running, pilates and yoga) that will feed my soul and give me energy to be my creative, joyous self!
Here's to a happy and healthy 2011!

Babysitting

2010-11-23T04:45:00.000-08:00

How long has it been since I've taken care of a one-year old? Let's see, Alyssa is soon to be 23...so, 22 years ago?
And yesterday found me taking care of my friend Dawn's baby, Stellan, for a couple of hours. I had forgotten how powerful it is to be a part of a little person learning the world. He was quite a traveler...lots of walking and exploring. So of course I was reminded how exhausting it is too!

The photo above was the only one I was able to shoot as I was busy walking Stellan in the stroller, following him around at the park and keeping him out of harm's way...I love this photo because Stellan wasn't sure if he should keep following Keiku around, play with the balloon ball or turn around and hug Keegan. Cute!

Thursday

2010-11-18T07:01:00.001-08:00

Thursday is a magical day - really. No "must-dos" today...no volunteer work scheduled, no rehearsals or classes or meetings...NOTHING. Aaaahhhh. THAT is the beauty of the "empty" nest. When there are no little people in the house, a day can truly be un-scheduled.

Wednesdays on the other hand...whew! The Prayer Shawl group comes to my house from 10-12 (factor in the early run, early walk with Keegan and the straightening that must be done BEFORE 10 am), RCIA from 6:30-8:00 pm and choir rehearsal from 8:00-9:00. It makes for a long day.

Yesterday's RCIA class was my favorite so far. The subject - Saints. Love my saints! (no- not New Orleans Saints, but the Communion of Saints!) Just like a good Catholic girl should!

OK, off for a five mile run this morning, a walk with Keegan and then lunch with my friend Jim (of choir director fame) then a trail walk with Keegan this afternoon. He loves those trails! And it's cooler today then it has been so Keegan, Wearer of a Heavy Fur Coat, will enjoy it even more!

Checking in...

2010-11-16T04:34:00.000-08:00

On tap for today: a run and Jillian's 30-day shred, a walk for Keegan, volunteer work at the parish office from 1-4 and LCR night at Wanda's. A busy day is ahead. It is also the first day of the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans' newest eight week challenge. Today is weigh-in day and my team "Sugar & Spice" will work towards winning the challenge by losing the most weight - together. I seem to do better when I am accountable to others - it must be the team player in me.:-)
I remember my favorite sport growing up was softball because we all pulled together. No one player could win the game. Everyone needed to pitch in and do their job to the best of their ability...you don't want to let down THE TEAM! Collaborative efforts were fun for me...debate team, editing the school paper, group projects in AP history class - all made me happy in a high-stress kind of way! Ha!
Here's to getting it all done today.
"Come on. Let's all go be happy in front of some miserable people." The SleepTalking Man

Instead of Napping...

2010-11-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

I spent time outside taking these photos! And my headache, thankfully, is gone. NOW, I'll go run! BTW, isn't Keiku Kitty adorable?
I'm so glad I took that photography class - I love playing with the manual settings on my camera to get these gorgeous results! The photoshop class begins in January. I can't wait!

November 15, 2010

2010-11-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

A lazy Monday morning - lovely! As lazy as I feel, I still have managed to bake a batch of Hermit Cookies (in honor of National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day - didn't even know such a cookie existed! AND ordered shirts for our Team Aarrgh! debut at the Project Athena Team Trek this Saturday morning...can't wait for the girls to see them!
I've put off running and doing Jillian's 30 day Shred until after I get rid of this nagging headache! I still have grocery shopping to do for a new pasta dish I want to try tonight and if there is time take Keegan for a nice long hike.

The photos above (I tried to put them under the text in this blog...but it's a no-go) are from trail walking on Saturday...
Later!

Starting Morning Pages...again.

2010-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am a long-time fan of Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" and her practice of Morning Pages. The idea is to just write...no editing, no judgement...just write. Three pages. Every day. I know she calls them 'morning' pages but I figure anytime is a good time as long as you do it. This practice is supposed to make us more mindful, help us tap into our energy flow, and encourage creativity.
I tend to turn my morning pages into to-do lists and then if I stick with it, the writing does become more free-flow, more about what I'm thinking and feeling at the moment.

I've done morning pages off and on for years and am starting again today - as you can see in the AFTERNOON vs. the morning...

There is so much going on with me right now, it's time again to get current with the who and what of ME. So I can figure out what I want more of and what I want less of and tap into the powerful creative energy that I KNOW runs through me.

This is MY time.

Contemplating Keegan

2010-10-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Some photos I took of Keegan Saturday. Normally I would have to use a flash when he's lounging in his favorite place under the teak table on the deck. But I played with ISO and shutter speed and f-stops on my camera and came up with some images I really like of my sweet Keeger.

Creative Every Day Theme for October

2010-10-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

Earth!
*Collect leaves and other natural items to make prints from.
*Walk your corner of the Earth and take photos of whatever catches your eye.
*Sit quietly on the ground and meditate.
*Mix dirt into your paint and play with texture!
*Make mud pies!
*Sculpt with clay.
*Find creative ways to take care of the Earth.
*Take your sketchbook outdoors.

Some suggestions from Leah on some prompts for the month. What to do...what to do...
I will probably be taking my camera AND my sketchbook outside today, despite the overcast sky...at least it's not raining!

Borrowed from Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans - My October Pledge

2010-10-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Pledge to Love Myself.

I pledge allegiance, TO MYSELF.
Today I will proclaim it
out loud,
TALL AND PROUD
I LOVE MYSELF.
From this day forward,
I promise to be nice.
TO myself and ABOUT myself.
I will accept my quirks and I will love my faults.
I will love my shape, whatever it is
My bones, my muscles, my hair and my face.
My body, all of it, inside and out.
Because that is what makes me, ME.
And there is only one of me.
I will finally allow myself
to see what others see.
My kindness, my spirit, my love.
And starting today, I will share some of it,
with ME.
Because I deserve it.
I will fight for myself, because I’m important.
And I deserve to be everything I am capable of in my life.
I deserve to find my greatness and live my life fully and completely.
With no regrets.
There is so much I want to do in my life,
but first, it begins with “me.”
I LOVE MYSELF.
Today, tomorrow, and every day after that.
I LOVE MYSELF, DAMMIT!
And no one can stop me.

Feeding My Soul

2010-09-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." C.S. Lewis

Wow. This quote got me thinking, really thinking. If I am a Soul (and I am believing this as I type it) then what have I been feeding the poor thing?
Not daily bouts of creativity, or consistent meditative walks and runs...I haven't been giving my Soul what it longs for...time with nature, morning pages...No, I've been starving my Soul and giving it junk food instead!
I honor my Soul so much more than my actions have shown so far. I pledge to begin listening to my Soul and giving it the nourishment it really needs.
Something that makes my Soul smile: creating art out of flowers! I will be doing a lot of this on Saturday as I have volunteered to head the reception for the Credo concert at my church...I have four centerpieces to make. I promised Keith I would spend a minimum of money on this so I will attempt to get creative out of the plantings in my yard!

Photo credit: Faded Hydrangea Arrangement by Liz (photo by Liz)

Ah...more September

2010-09-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Keith and I went to a lovely dinner at Terrapin's last night to celebrate one or all of our wedding anniversaries for the month (three!) - I'm not sure what Keith is thinking. My plan for celebrating our anniversary (ies) is a wine tour and hot air ballooning in Charlottesville in October. Can't wait.

Starting running again and even though I was fighting strep last week (and the resulting fatigue), I still managed to get 13 miles total in. Hopefully, I will be back to around 20 miles total for this week.
I'm still coughing so much, especially at night, and this is really cutting into my rem sleep, baby!

Today I will be sure to take some before photos of the upstairs bathrooms...they will get small facelifts (as opposed to major re-dos which they really need but which the checkbooks cannot support at this time!) beginning this Wednesday. On tap for Wednesday is painting and new baseboards. Sometime later in the week or early next week will be new flooring. It will be noisy and intrusive but well worth it.

Had an A-Ha moment while running on Saturday. There I was, pounding pavement, my mind browsing around some of the girls latest events/accomplishments, when it came to me...I should be creating my OWN milestones, setting new goals for myself and celebrating who I am and what I can do! It's ok to congratulate the girls on their accomplishments and to celebrate them - I did, after all, have a little to do with who they are now...but it's MY turn now!

And so I begin this week with a renewed sense of New Year-Ness....and confidence that I can create the life I want AND deserve!

Go, Liz!

Ahhhh, Friday!

2010-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, another Friday rolls around and again I am so happy to have Keith home. What to do this weekend? The opportunities are endless. Without the girls home (sorry, girls!) spontaneity is possible!

Will update later!

Sometimes I sing in the rain, other times I...

2010-08-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

dance in the sun!

Yesterday was Gene Kelly's birthday...What a fabulous dancer he was - I would have loved to meet him and see him dance live...Alas, I was born too late!

It is already midday and I have just relaxed all morning - What is on tap for the rest of the day? I have no idea...perhaps I will do some scrapbooking, visit Target and print some photos, continue work straightening Alanna's room, workout on the elliptical or take in a yoga or pilates class....opportunities are endless...so much to do, so little energy!

Ha!

One of my fave photos from this past weekend: Keith and I at Lee's daughter's wedding on August 21st...

Another move-in day...

2010-08-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, we survived yet another move-in day. Alanna is safe at the Alpha Chi house at UVA and ready to begin her third year. She seems so happy to back in C-Ville. We will see her on Sunday at the Chester happenings there (baby shower and celebratory dinner for Keith's parent's anniversary) for a little while at least and we will exchange stuff (things she forgot to pack for Keith's tool box).
Again, I am feeling a little bummed, not too much - but there it is. My little girl getting closer to the day when she no longer calls this house her home. Alyssa has gotten there and that was rough enough.
Well, as Gene Roddenberry said, "It isn't all over...the human adventure is just beginning." I like that. New beginnings are what the fall season is all about...and I'm ready for my adventures!

It's Bad Poetry Day!

2010-08-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

In honor of this holiday, I submit the following:

Morning Run

With the first calf stretch
the sweat begins.
Rude August heats my blood,
scorches my skin.

Mile one almost defeats me,
Mile two drains me of my resolve,
but a mile from home I have no choice
I must get this insanity done.

Three miles done and a lesson learned
Run earlier in the morning, foolish woman,
or you will be burned!

Liz

If I had NINE LIVES...

2010-08-17T07:21:00.001-07:00

So, if I had nine lives to leas and I could have a different occupation in each, what would I be?

A Painter
A Poet
A Photographer
A Journalist
A Museum Curator
A Dancer
A Florist
A Pro Softball Player
A Rock Star!

OK, up until the last two I was really on a roll there! I haven't grown up quite yet - so I believe I still have a chance at becoming a few of these. No, really. Well, maybe not the pro softball player and maybe not the rock star...:-)

I will ride life straight to...

2010-08-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

OK. Gotta finish the title...
So,
I will ride life straight to....

creative fire,
love,
beauty,
light,
awareness,
joy,
laughter...
I'm on my way!

Yesterday was Watermelon Festival Day and I had pineapple instead! What's up with that?

A Mid-Summer's Resolution

2010-06-28T08:33:00.001-07:00

Don't Ginny and Steve look gorgeous? I loved taking photos of these two newly-marrieds...

After a weekend full of photographing (a wedding reception and a roadside of flowers) I am inspired to take some classes in the fall. It's more than a resolution, it's a determined, "I will do this!" statement to myself. First up, a class to delve further into digital photography. I can't help feeling I've only barely scraped the surface when it comes to what my camera can do! Next, a class description that Alanna told me about - Oil Painting From Photographs...I can't count the number of times I've said to myself after taking a particularly inspiring photo, "I want to paint this!"...

photo credit: Ginny & Steve, July, 2010 by Liz Romero

National Pink Flamingo Day...what? when? I missed it?

2010-06-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Fellow Flamingo Fanatic (say THAT three times fast!), Adrienne, informed me, woefully late, that National Pink Flamingo Day was last week! What? Last week? Yes, I checked...it was on June 20th. I approached the sunroom, head down, and wished my pink flamingo, Florence (a.k.a. Fulana) a belated Happy Day...not good enough!

We must celebrate a full-blown Replacement National Pink Flamingo Day when Adrienne comes to visit at the end of July (date TBA)...that's the deal. So, get ready...Florence will be tooling about town (in the convertible, no less) posing at her favo spots around VaBeach and demanding homage, in addition to many changes in costume and a full-blown party in her honor (Pink Drinks are a must!)...!

My penance began today when I gifted Florence a brand new outfit to replace her summer luau get-up...

What do you think? Florence is shaking it with this new look...While I took the above photos she was grooving to Usher's latest...

Stay posted - We are working on pink flip flops to match her current ensemble. Also in the works...a gardening hat and baseball cap (Go, Cardinals!)...you just never know around here...

Road Trip!

2010-06-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

This morning, after church and grocery shopping, I spied a notice in our local paper about Hindu Lotus blooming in NC off the causeway to Knotts Island. It was easy to talk Keith into a short road trip and the results, though buggy, were gorge-moi (gorgeous with some uumph!)...!

photo credit: Hindu Lotus, 2010 by Liz Romero

June 15, 2010

2010-06-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Half-way done with my to-do list, that incuded things like "Clean kitty litter box" and "change hummingbird food", I sat outside earlier today enjoying an ever-changing summer breeze and the dash of clouds playing tag with the sun.

There I was, almost in a meditative state, when three or four blue jays began squawking loudly. Soon after they began their shrill cacophony, an enormous hawk barreled through my back yard, just missing the fence as it sped to escape the diving blue jays...what an amazing sight.

It was also a reminder that while my mundane to-do list is being attended to (or ignored as the case may be!), real life and death situations are happening all around me!

Photo credits: (top) Santana the Squirrel, Bane of Keegans Existence, June 2010,

by Liz R-K

and Dragonfly with Calla Lily, June 2010, by Liz R-K

May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy day AND a Monday...funny. I'm feeling out-of-sorts...still in a funk about the finality of daughter #1's college graduation and start of her first "I'm an adult now" JOB.
I have been working on the gardens with my infinitely patient best friend (who just happens to be my husband as well!) this past weekend...the colors and scents of springtime filled my weekend with loveliness!

Fotos of Florence

2010-04-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

Just for Alanna and Adrienne, I am posting these newest pics of Florence the Flamingo.

Here she is, all decked out for St. Patty's Day...

I took this photo soon after she imbibed a

pint o' Guinness, which explains that goofy expression on her face!

Bring on the leprachans! (oops, that didn't sound quite right!)

Here she is all dressed up for Easter... This is one of Flo's favorite outfits so far...I think it's the bunny ears she REALLY likes!

Florence is eager to show off more outfits, but is especially thrilled about the lingerie she heard that Adrienne is making for her!

Her favorite color...oooh, pink of course!

Stillness...

2010-04-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

This revelation came to me as I stood up and felt my knees cringe in discomfort after an hour or so spent over my morning coffee and some reading...sitting for so long is NOT good for me.
But it feels so good to JUST SIT - nothing important to rush to, get ready for, no one expecting me to do or be anything for them..
Here I am 48 years old - two years into my "empty nest" stage and I STILL feel burned out from all those crazy years of 24-7, on-call parenting, the coaching, the volunteering...the sheer weight of all the responsibility I put on myself to maintain a ridiculously high standard for me and my kids...whew! I am worn out just TYPING about it!
The question is...when will I feel as if I've had enough ME time? Or have I just gotten into a new rut? The old one was about rushing around everywhere ALL THE TME and now...
With so much time for stillness am I losing sight of where I'm supposed to go?

Snow Days!

2010-02-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

We have had a lovely bit of snow here and like most things that come rarely, it was enjoyed to the fullest! I say was because the forecast is for rain today and I fear tomorrow it will all be gone. Keegan has truly illustrated over the last few days how to enjoy a special treat - he has immersed himself in the pleasures of snow, running through it, laying on it, rolling around in it...he has been an inspiration to me!

I made a to-do-in-the-snow list and accomplished everything on it, from hiking in it, to hot-tubbing in it and did I have FUN!

I wonder if snow was a regular happening around here if it would lose it's charm...Would I take it for granted? Would I grumble about the inconveniences it causes? Hmmmm....

photo credit: Keegan, the Snow Dog, 2010 - Liz Romero

Florence (a.k.a. Fulana) the Flamingo

2010-01-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

I came home from our Christmas visit to Chester with a bombshell addition to the family...Florence (who narrowly escaped being named Fulana!) the Flamingo! (Thank you Stacie and Kyle!)

Upon arriving at her new abode in Virginia Beach, Florence chose a sunny corner in the sunroom, perched in a pot holding a pineapple plant. As Christmas is not over around here until January 6th, it seemed appropriate that Florence would immediately don her Santa outfit, seen above.

After Christmas we had a week or so of extremely cold weather, especially for our neck of the woods and Florence decided a change of attire was necessary. Here she is all dressed in her winter finery and looking full of pinkalicious mojo! (Photo above the one of Florence as Santa...I still can't get the photos where I want them in this blog!)

Stay tuned for more Florence updates, including a Valentine's Day outfit that I will make myself...oh, too much fun!

The Body

2010-01-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have joined the Creative Every Day Challenge 2010...from Leah Piken Kolidas blog Creative Every Day. Her theme for January is The Body. I drew inspiration from a quote she left on her blog and came up with this poem...
"The body never lies." Martha Graham

In the quiet,
I listen to my body’s truths.

She shouts,
“I am strong…I carried your babies both inside and out.”

She sings,
“I am graceful…your emotions dance within me.”

She whispers,
“I am your temple…I hold your soul, your love, your creativity within me.”

She prays,
"Honor me."

Liz

For 2010, I resolve...

2010-01-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, resolutions...I can't help making them, year after year. Funny. What are they this year? I hope to blog more consistently, for sure!
I hope to find ways to be more comfortable in my skin, to be more grateful for this amazing body of mine. I want to be more adventurous.
oh, and wait! As I moved to delete the last two sentences, I stopped myself, thinking, "I will no longer censor my creative self."

Why do I continually obsess about how I'm not good enough? I'm not running fast enough, I'm not creative enough, I'm not organized enough, blah, blah...
My theme for this year..."Let Go!"

It's a good theme, now that I think about it. There are so many things for me to let go of...fear, striving for perfection, responsibility for things/people I can't control...there's more (oh, so many!) as I'm sure I will discover...2010, here I come!

photo credit: "Keiku Medidating on Robins, 2010" : Liz Romero

Parents Weekend

2009-10-26T08:16:00.001-07:00

Keith, Alanna and I at the AXO Parents Formal

Today I'm paying for the fabulous time Keith and I had in Charlottesville this past weekend. My extremeties are bloated (eww, that sounds gross!), I am still tired (how can that be!?), the cat threw up on the landing just at the top of the stairs ("Revenge, she smirked, is sweet!"), and I'm feeling somewhat disoriented...strange how getting out of my routine for a few days can kink up everything from my attitude to how my body feels!

Friday was a rush of getting ready to go, a five-mile run, walking Keegan, straightening the house up, packing and rushing out, then spending 3 hours plus in the car with Keith driving, Nascar-like, through all the traffic and craziness that is Interstate 64 on a Friday afternoon...it was a relief to get to the B&B, have a quick glass of wine and then get ready for the Alpha Chi Omega formal dinner and dance. We picked up Alanna on our way to the Farmington Country Club and arrived at the stunning venue - I wish it had been earlier so I could take pictures of the grounds... October in Charlottesville is so lovely!
Cocktails, dinner and dancing ensued and we had a great time with Alanna, her friends and catching up with some of the parents we met last year when our girls were the pledge class.
The next day dawned cloudy with warnings of sporadic rain for the whole day...Keith and I were cheered as we walked the couple of miles to Alanna's apartment at The Corner because the sun peeked out briefly. As we left for the Alpha Chi house and our tailgating party, the rain started to come down, softly at first, but with a hint of the ferocity to come! We enjoyed food and fellowship, lots of conversation about the upcoming game against Georgia Tech and then walked the 25 minutes to the stadium, again in the pouring rain. Misery!
That wet walk turned out to be just a prelude of what was to come. During the game, we alternately saw sun with sprinkles of rain, and the occasional deluge. Keith and I sat in the students' section and participated in the cheers, and the Good 'Ol Song. I particularly enjoyed the UVA Marching Band...they were so very AWESOME!
Though UVA was the only undefeated team in the ACC (against ACC opponents) up until Saturday, a win against GaTech was not meant to be! We left with 12 minutes to go in the 4th quarter when the sky broke open a final time to send strong winds and a heavy downpour of rain onto the Wahoos! The final score...34-9.

We made plans to take Alanna out for dinner and luckily, caught a bus to the downtown area which cut our walk to just a few minutes. When we arrived at our B&B, the South Street Inn, we were so relieved to peel off sopping wet clothes and dry in front of one of the two fireplaces in our suite! ahhh, warmth!
After warming up and a short nap, (the weather of course improved immediately after we returned to the game!) we enjoyed wine and cheese before picking Alanna up for a dinner at Mono Loco...good times!

We returned home around lunch time yesterday and spent the whole day alternately napping and watching NFL football...What a weekend!

Still Restless After All These Years...

2009-10-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

Paul Simon's song, Still Crazy After All These Years, inspired my blog today. I'm feeling retrospective, having celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks ago, recently attending my husband's latest high school reunion this past Saturday, and looking forward to my 30th high school reunion this coming weekend...whew... Lots of reasons to be looking to the past, there!

It's so much easier to contemplate the past, then to look to the future. The past is the past, unchangeable - you can revel in the sweet memories, have regrets about some poor decisions, justify or villify every moment. The future is uncertain, scary - but with age I'm supposed to gain wisdom, right? So, how about using some of that "wisdom" here? (I just love how these blog entries become a lecture to myself! :-)

What I know so far is that seemingly poor decisions sometimes turn out to be just the right one, eventually. I know that living in the moment is always a good thing. I know that plans, even the most thought-out ones, almost never turn out exactly the way you mean them to. I'll always be a planner, but I will always keep an eye out for the spontaneous detour that may turn out to be way more fun than the original route and I will always love who I was, who I am and whomever I become...

photo credit: Lotus 2009, Liz Romero

September

2009-08-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

And another September begins, full of joyful celebrations, marking the

Beginning of a new year for me - starting over...what will I

Create this year, how will I change, grow,

Develop? What will I discover about myself and what I can do? I feel

Energized by September's capriciousness...Will it

Fling itself into the arms of fall or cling to the warm security of summer?

Liz

photo credit: Hummingbird with Banana Blossoms, 2009 - Liz Romero

Taking a Breath

2009-08-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Whew! The rush to get the girls all ready to move back to their respective colleges is over! Multiple shopping trips and seemingly endless lists were the central themes of my life for a while there...

I am left here, wondering, "Now what?" Am I relieved the focus on the girls is over or apprehensive now that the focus is back on me?

Hmmmm...

photo credit: Summer View 2009 - Liz Romero

In honor of I FORGOT DAY

2009-07-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

I forgot that

my days here, every one, are miracles...

I forgot that

my children don't REALLY belong to me...

I forgot that

I am only responsible for my OWN actions...

I forgot

for a while - the dreams of my childhood...

I forgot

to dance, create and laugh with abandon every day...

I forgot

to be Grateful.

photo credit: Little Island Pier, 2008 - Liz Romero

2009-06-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

"Only because

I err

do I get it right:

I create

Myself.

Margin of error:

margin of liberty."

This quote by Latin American writer Orides Fontela says something that feels so true and so amazing to me...

I must fail and continually pick myself up to try again in order to find ultimate success...even when I don't know what that success is.

My past, present and future mistakes as well as my successes make up who I am, they ARE who I am - I must love all I am, all the choices I've made and realize that true freedom comes when I allow myself to make mistakes as these will ultimately guide me to my final "right" place.

Embracing my mistakes...that is a foreign concept to me. Mistakes, errors in judgement, all the failed attempts to find out who I'm supposed to be have been embarssing, even debilitating memories for me. Loving my mistakes because they are a part of me...now that is liberating!

The journey I am on now will be full of failed attempts and I must learn to love them as I do any successes that come along.

photo credit: Sunset over the Chesapeake Bay, 2009 - Liz Romero

Butterfly Day

2009-06-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time." - Deborah Chaskin

Perfect quote, I must say...especially for this time in my life. While I don't consider the years I spent being full-time mommy, volunteer, coach, etc., etc., as cocooning, I do feel as if the time has come for me to discover something beyond what I have been comfortable with...what will that be?

Am I asking for too much? Is there something wrong with being content with gardening, scrapbooking, volunteering in my church, knitting, running, photography; doing all the things I love? Is this emptiness I feel something that will pass eventually? So many questions...

I'll keep working on my morning pages and hope the answers will come in their own time.

photo credit: Dreaming Butterfly, 2008 - Liz Romero

Six Things

2009-06-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Above: My sweet Keegan, on alert, as usual!

So, I am inspired by BlissChick (blisschick.net) again. I read a post that listed her Six Things That Make Me Happy Today List and I just had to do the same. It's a good thing (sorry, Martha Stewart) to recognize those small things and moments that make up for a happy life. So many days those little things go unnoticed.

So here are my Six Things...

1. Keegan and Keiku (well they are two things, but still....the two of them make me happy every day!)

2. Anticipation of the three-mile run I am going on after I finish here and how enpowered I will feel afterward.

3. My daughter Alanna being home today before she starts working long days life-guarding tomorrow.

4. Watching the hummingbirds busily feeding in my backyard.

5. Keith being home and not on a business trip...so I get to plan a yummy dinner for the two of us.

6. A long soak in the hot tub after dinner tonight with a glass of wine in my hand.

photo credit: Keegan in the Sunroom, 2009 Liz Romero

"I like dreaming..."

2009-06-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Kenny Nolan's 1976 classic...what a song!! Video isn't great (lip-synching, anyone?) but it's such a beautiful melody and it really takes me back in time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZw2Mp3py48

"Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives." William Dement

Dreams Are...

Dreams are tiny peeks into a secret room,
magical wisps, hinting at other-world mysteries,
teasing pokes at your conscious from your subconscious.

They are ephemeral, whisking away when you try to draw them close,
and fantastical, but always truthful.

Dreams are wishes you haven't wished for yet.

Liz

photo credit: Birch Trees Dreaming of Spring, 2009 Liz Romero

I've got the music in me!

2009-06-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs by Nat King Cole and the above photo I took in early, early spring go so well together!

Go ahead and have a listen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KATovBlsJDs

"My spirit is all harmony and rhythm:

everything in my being is music and song.,

from the saddest requiem of tears

to the triumphal melody of joy."

-Oral tradition

read in Latin American Wisdom for Every Day

Revelations, by Danielle and Olivier Follmi

photo credit: Orange Colored Sky, 2009 by Liz Romero

"Nothing to it!"

2009-06-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

While reading Jill Badonsky's The Awe-Manac entry for today the following prompt inspired me: "Donald Duck has the catchphrase: "Nothing to it!" Write down some of your fears about life or creativity and then reply with his catchphrase." Here it goes!

Write it all down
honestly, fearlessly...
Nothing to it!

Create it
even though you are the only one who sees
or understands...
Nothing to it!

Feel gratitude
Accept the gifts life brings to you
even though you think you are not worthy...
Nothing to it!

Live here in your present
in awe and wonder
at the journey...
Nothing to it!

Ask the questions but
be prepared for the answers...
Nothing to it!

Nothing to it??

photo credit: Manteo Sunset, 2009 Liz Romero

Keiku Haiku

2009-06-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

You survey all - A

feline with a gremlin's face...

What are you thinking?

Feeling Reflective...but Wierd

2009-06-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today felt slow, in keeping with the unusually hot and humid weather. After my ritual early morning stroll around the backyard with coffee in hand, I knew I would be watering early. I did some weeding, spent some contemplative time under the silver maple, finished my watering duties and was chased indoors by the heat. The first smart thing I did today was decide not to go running and to take in a cardio kickboxing class instead...

Even cleaning house today felt very meditative. I moved methodically from task to task and tried hard to pay attention to what I was feeling. My body told me I needed more activity, strangely enough, and I enjoyed a dance aerobics class (Zumba!) this afternoon before dinner.

I'm pleasantly tired now but out of sorts mentally. It almost feels as if I needed to physically distract myself today from the confusing whirl of thoughts and feelings chasing each other around inside my crazy brain.

As Scarlett says (I'm sure I'm paraphrasing here), "Tomorrow is another day."

photo credit: Little Gem, Liz Romero, 2009

My Garden as My Palette

2009-06-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

I had fun last week trying to decide what to do with a section of the garden that was being populated by two very sick-looking oleanders. After hacking all the dead wood away, and still not being happy with how sad the oleander looked, I visited a local garden ceter twice before finally deciding on replacing the poor abused-by-a-tough-winter oleanders with a good-sized Pindo Palm....beautiful!

That accomplished, I could turn to another section that has been needing attention for a while - an overgrown climbing white jasmine that has taken over a wooden swing and an evergreen that needs some serious pruning currently house the far left corner of the yard. I found the perfect iron arbor to host the white jasmine at a sweet little shop in downtown Norfolk. While roaming the store I came upon a most unusual garden sculpture - a three-foot Easter Island head made of solid concrete! Of course I brought it home, placed it in it's perfect spot (right next to the newest palm tree!) and named it Matilda the Menhir...

Once again, I find myself having so much fun designing in my garden, finding parallels in what is going on in my garden with what is going on with my own life, getting in touch with my inner landscape while I become reacquainted with the denizens (flora and fauna) of my outer garden.

Today I came across this quote from Lorraine Anderson in the 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women - "Nature has been for me, for as long as I can remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion."

When I spend morning time in the garden - my little section of nature -I too feel a sense of completeness and it seems to filter through whatever I do in my day.

photo credit: Matilda Under the Pindo Palm Umbrella, Liz Romero, 2009

Blog Interrupted

2009-05-29T08:22:00.001-07:00

Ha! Where did my discipline go? It went flying out the proverbial window along with the sneezing, coughing and endless quantities of mucus my body has been able to produce, I suppose!
So I thought that my spell of bronchitis would leave soon after finishing my antibiotics, but no...I am left with the aforementioned remains.
Again I am putting the needs of my family, garden, pets first and by the time I finish with all of that, I'm just plain old tired!
As of today, I must try harder to see this time as necessary, just as vital as walking Keegan, watering the garden, planning dinner, etc., etc...

OK, I did finally find my fortress of solitude and though it isn't really impenetrable, it works for me. I took the advise of my fellow blogger Christine (blisschick@blogspot.com) and let Keegan and Keiku settle in with me before I tried to give myself fifteen minutes of quiet time.
During the first days, I found my mind wandering to all the "stuff" I had left to do that day, appointments to make for the girls, the grocery list for dinner...this was tougher than I thought it would be! Finally by day three or four, I started to get glimmers. There is hope yet! I will keep at it, trusting in the process as I go. A breakthrough is coming...eventually. I've been compelled to stop while gardening and watering to pick up my camera and get creative!

My oldest daughter is back from Greece, full of stories and excitement about her trip. While I am thrilled for her, I am a little envious as well...Is there a world traveler inside of me? Or am I too much of a homebody, too comfortable in my own spaces to appreciate the thrill of experiencing new cultures? My husband and I are talking about going to Italy to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary (it's this September) but we want to travel in the spring when there is hope that one of the girls will be home to take care of pets. So I picked up my worn copy of Under the Tuscan Sun to reread and I find myself getting inspired about going on my own Tuscan adventure!

Finding an Impenetrable Hideout

2009-05-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

My first challenge in the 12 Secrets book is reserving at least 15 minutes of quiet time every day to listen to my thoughts...easy, right? Well, I need to find myself an "impenetrable hideout" first! This should be something akin to Superman's Fortress of Solitude, I suppose. Ok, the sunroom seemed a good choice, at first...but then Keiku Kitty jumped on my lap. The next logical stop was the room over the garage which is part scrapbook room, part library, and part workout area. Of course Keegan followed me up and stood outside the closed door, panting and bumping his head against the door just for fun. There is always the bathroom, I suppose.

I think I'll give myself one more day to begin meeting this challenge.

The idea is to give space and quiet to inspiring thoughts, to ask myself questions about what activities inspire me, to give my creative voice a chance to utter some words of wisdom. I just have to get quiet enough to hear them. After I find a somewhat impenetrable place to hide, I will get busy letting my thoughts flow into awareness, journal them and as McMeekin writes, "Trust your (my) process." Hmmmm...

photo credits: Liz Romero - Keegan, 2009

Sunday Ramblings

2009-05-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today I am beginning the book "The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women" by Gail McMeekin.

The first chapter is entitled "Acknowledging Your Creative Self".

Most fitting, for me, is the following quote found at the start of this chapter: "Your creativity is waiting for you like a dancing partner." Barbara Sher

My earliest memories of a creative self are associated with dance. I glimpse the toddler me, creating little dances, the record player spinning classical favorites, watching myself in the mirror tiles behind the couch. Even as an adolescent, I choreographed routines for my grandmother's entertainment...I wonder if she was faking all that enthusiasm or if she was really secretly appalled by my "originality"?

As a youngster, sitting on my front porch or in the oddly shaped tree in our backyard, I penned poems that make me giggle today.

Before the birth of my kids, I taught dance and loved the process of creating dances for my students.

As a young mom, my creativity manifested itself mostly in the activities I came up with to encourage my daughters' creativity, in the arrangements I created from plants in my gardens, in the photos I took, the pages I scrapbooked, the elaborate birthday parties I hosted...

This is where I am now...my creative self filtered through my life as a homemaker, a mother, a wife. Why do I feel as if this isn't enough? Isn't to create really as Webster defines it... "to cause to come into existence; bring into being; make; originate"?

Why is it so hard for me to accept McMeekin's words, "...we women express our creative selves with every business idea brainstormed, every garden planted, every family member or friend comforted, every outspoken word voiced, and every feminine value expressed."?

For now, I resolve to acknowledge my creative self in however it chooses to manifest, I promise to see how I live each day, to see the moments in these days as opportunities for creativity. Maybe by truly valuing my creative self, I can finally find my unique voice, and as McMeekin writes, "...follow where it leads, and help it flourish."

photo credit: Liz Romero - Ephemeral Rosemary, 2008

Awakening

2009-05-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

"It's exhilarating to be alive in a time of awakening consciousness; it can also be confusing, disorienting, and painful." Adrienne Rich

At left: Lotus Bud, Spring 2008

It's time. I'm here, alive and know it's my time to awaken my consciousness...not that the time I spent child-rearing, homemaking, volunteering, etc., etc., was a time of unconsciousness! Not at all...I just know that some of the time when the sheer workload is so overwhelming, your mind can slip into a kind of auto-pilot and it's easy to forget to live the moment, consciously. While I was giving so much to my family, I lost myself a little.

It would be easy to stay here in this semi-twilight of in-between...content with my routine. I'm feeling a pull, though, and it's a strong one, to venture into the unknown, to find me again. Oh, and how well I know that it will be a confusing and painful time...I've already felt lost and rudderless since my youngest started her first year of college. I'm not even sure where this journey is taking me!

May 15, 2009 Day 1...oooh, scary!

2009-05-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

So here it is...my first blog. Pretty cool and yet daunting, as well. It's going to have to be a quick one as I have to wake up my youngest (19 years old, imagine!) so we can get to CardioBoxing class by 9:30...
Read this quote this morning...
"As one gets older one sees many more paths that could be taken. Artists sense within their own work that kind of swelling of possibilities, which may seem a freedom or a confusion." Jasper Johns (1930, painter and printmaker)
That's what my blog is...to paraphrase Mr. Johns - a freedom AND a confusion!!
As I search for my inner artist- a new journey for this 47 year old "empty" nester- I do feel a "...swelling of possibilities..." - through exploration of my love for photography, poetry, painting, gardening and scrapbooking...onward!