The Pursuit of Healthfulness - Week 5

Fun with Instant Camera

Hello Friends.. This week post is late because I was having posting problems..but It's here now.

This last week as I and Melissa over at My Red Tutu finish our 5th week of our Pursuit of Healthfulness I noticed a few things in regards to my health that I believe I can make improvements on. 

1.  I never seem to get to sleep before 12 or 1am and I usually wake around 6 when my husband gets up and the I go back to sleep for awhile longer.  So I am not getting a straight 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  And I usually fall asleep in front of the TV in the den and then wake and go to the bedroom.
2.  I made a Good Luck meal on New Years Day that made me sick to my stomach..lol.. I am thinking it may be the combination of onion, lentils, fennell and sausage.  It may have been too heavy on my digestive system.
3. I feel down and sluggish when just sitting around watching tv or reading.  low energy.

What I can do to make some small changes.

1. Try to actually go to bed around 11pm even if I am not tired.  Stop drinking any liquids around 9pm so I don't have to go to the bathroom this might also help me sleep uninterrupted a bit longer.
2. Try a clean food plan.  Eating closer to the source and less processed.  I think this may help me get my digestion back on a healthy track.  I have been getting this CLEAN EATING magazine and it has some great recipes and suggestions.  I'll let you know if I try any of the recipes and how I like them.
3. Try to get outside in nature for a minimum of 1/2 hour a day.  This weekend I was out driving around taking pics of the sky and trees with my Fuji Instant Camera which I got for Xmas and am having so much fun with.  I noticed my energy and spirits being lifted by combining the creative with being outside. (see some of the pictures I took above in the group shot)

So my friends what are you doing this week for yourself, feel free to share your story below by linking your post or just leave me a comment.  Let's jump on over to Melissa's and she what she has to share this week.



Namaste,
Karen

Day one ...2012

welcoming my words for 2012

Happy New Year my friends.  Today I am welcoming my words for 2012 starting with clarity and then flowing into focus.  I am also sharing these pictures over at Bella's 52 Photos Project, the prompt was:  Day 1.

We started the day making a good luck meal for the beginning of the New Year.  Sausage with fennell and lentils, it was so good.  You can find the recipe over here at  Epicurious.   You can also read the traditions around the world regarding New Years and good luck foods to be eaten this day here at Epicurious Lucky Foods for the New Year.

Today is also my 46th birthday which I'll be celebrating with family.  My husband started my day out with a great surprise of canvases and a Dick Blick gift card.  I love that he supports and encourages my creativity.

So how are you and yours bringing in this New Year?  I would love to hear your traditions, resolutions or words.  May this year bring you good luck, health, joy and love.

New Years Day night falling with a beautiful flare

 

Namaste,

Karen

The Pursuit of Healthfulness - Week 3

Hello Friends.  This is really the 4th week of my Pursuit of Healthfulness with Melissa over at My Red Tutu but I was sick for 2 weeks and took a break filled with lots of tea and chicken soup.  I learned the hard way time and time again if I don't take good care of myself in November I will inevitably get sick in December.

November can be a challenge for me physically and emotionally.  My Dad's birthday and death date are in November as well as my husband and brother s birthday along with the start of the holiday madness.  I get run down very quickly and the weather changing effects my asthma.  I now added a note to my calendar next year with BIG LETTERS  at the start of November, it reads :  DO NOT FORGET TO PRACTICE GOOD SELFCARE.

My good friend Maureen Huntley is a holistic nutritionist and I asked her what her top 3 health tips were especially when you are feeling run down or stressed out.  Her answer was,  GREENS, WATER and BREATH.  They all have equal weight in her book.  It seems like every year starting with Halloween I go on a 3 month carb fest and forget to eat my greens.  Maureen feels the more greens the better, they are the bringer of all things good for health.  You can steam, saute, bake, roast, juice, smoothie them just get them in your diet.  I also forget to drink water especially when I am stressed out and it is so important to stay hydrated.  Just google water and health and there is a bounty of information on why water is so good for you.  Additionally when stressed I find myself holding my breath and this prevents my mind and body from working properly.  If you can stop a few times a day and take a couple of deep breaths in and out it can really do wonders for your health and state of mind.

So these are on my mind as I look towards my healthy goals for 2012.  I will check back in next week and see where this week takes me.

Until then please head on over to Melissa's site and she what she has been up to.  You can also find Maureen at The Family Balancing Act Radio show and blog where each week she gives valuable health information for mind boday and soul. 

Much love and good health to you and yours this New Year.  And if you would like to share your health journey please feel free to add your post through the link below.

Namaste,

Karen

Year End 52 Photos Project

Hello Friends.  Today I am sharing my last pictures of 2011 for Bella's 52 Photos Project. I have been so inspired each week by Bella and my fellow photographers who have have played along this year.  I can't wait to see what Bella has up her sleeve for 2012.

This weeks photo prompts were:  What will you leave behind in 2011? and What will you welcome more of in 2012?

Last week I joined in with many others in Pixie Campbell's Solstice Releasing Ceremony.  The picture below is the list I made of the things I would like to leave behind in 2011.

There are many things I want to welcome more of in 2012.  One of them is spending more time in creative space, especially within community.  The picture below is from an art gathering I had with a few local artists, it was so much fun to just be in that space with others and I welcome more of that this coming year.

So friends what are you looking to release in 2011 and welcome in 2012?

May this day find you and yours well.
Namaste,
Karen

End of Year Wishcast and 52 Photos Project

Summer 2011

fall 2011

Hello Friends.  Today is the last Wednesday of 2011 so that means this will be the last wishcast and 52 Photos Project of the year.  I'd like to thank Jamie and Bella from the bottom of my heart for a year filled with inspirational prompts and reflections. 

Today's prompts are:
Wishcast:  What do you wish for this winter
52 Photos: Favorite pic of the year

The wish I hold for winter is that after participating in Pixie's Solstice Releasing Ceremony tomorrow that I will move forward from the doubts, fears and anger that have held me in their grasp on and off this year.  It is that simple.  I wish to shake and shed them like an old skin that no longer fits.  Winter is a great time to retreat and prepare for the coming of new growth in the Spring.  Shedding can be hard and can leave you tender so I will take my time and be gentle with myself.

As for my favorite pic of the year for Bella's 52 Photos Project, I chose the ones above of my husband and I.  This past year has held many ups and downs for us and looking at these pictures helps me see that we ARE still connected by love and hope.  I needed that reminder as I look back on this year.  These are not the best pictures, taken with my iphone but I feel happy when I look at them.
**I know technically I posted 2 pics for my 1 favorite picture, but these two respresent the same thing for me and I needed double the reminder ;-)  **

So my friends as the year comes to a close what are you wishing for your winter?  As you wish for yourself I wish for you also.

Namaste,
Karen

The Pursuit of Healthfulness - Week 2 part 1

Tune in tomorrow for my full post on week 2 of my Pursuit of Healthfulness.  I have been sick these last few days.  Loading up on chicken soup, with ginger and curry and lots of hot tea. 

Jump on over to Melissa's over at My Red Tutu for her sharing this week.  And I will be back next week with a full post.

Namaste,

Karen

The Gift of Gathering

Gathering - the definition - "an occasion when people come together as a group".  Yes it is that BUT it is so much more than that. 

I feel the art of gathering has become a bit lost in this busy age we live in.  When I'm at a gathering and I remember all the gifts found within I know I can find the time, I need to find the time.  It matters not if the gathering is around a table of great food, in front of a hearth with knitting needles, at a table full of art supplies or surrounding the bedside of a loved one.  What does matter is that we don't forget the gift of gathering.

I gathered with a group of creative souls this weekend, women who showed up with open hearts, each bearing the gifts of self.  I wrote this poem afterwards so I won't forget and maybe I won't wait so long to gather again.

 
Much love and gratititude to those women and all the women and men I've gathered with before.  May we all remember...
 
The Gifts of Gathering

to see and be seen
to hear and be heard
to hold and be held
to nurish and be nourished
to know and be known
deeper gifts
to tell your story
to see theirs
to speak your truth
to hear theirs
to share your fears
to hold theirs
to show your joy
to nourish theirs
to know and be known

 
Jennifer over at Giggling in the Rain and Kolleen Harrison at Heartwing Sisters have also been writing about gathering  if you'd like to hear their stories.  How have you been gathering lately?  I would love to hear your story as well.

Namaste,
Karen

Pursuit of Healthfulness - Week 1

Hello Friends. Today Melissa over at My Red Tutu and I are doing our weekly check in for our Pursuit to Healthfulness. Here are some things I discovered this week while tuning in to my eating habits.

1. If there is any candy in the house, I WILL eat it, just a fact. I love chocolate.
2. Breakfast is oatmeal with non-fat yogurt, honey and cinnamon. I usually eat around 9am but find I am hungry again around 11am.
3. If I don't bring lunch to work, it can be anything from soup/salad to pizza from takeout joints.
4. I arrive home between 2 and 5 pm and I am STARVING. I open the fridge and start grazing immediately.
5. Dinner is usually a good mix of whole grains, veggies, and lean protein, though I noticed I do not get nearly enough veggies as is recommended.
6. If I have chocolate (which I do, everyday!) I crave bread, if I have breads I crave chocolate, it must be a sugar thing.
7. I have confirmed that I am an emotional eater.  I noticed a few times this week if I was upset, angry or insecure about something, I reached for the chips.
8. I just LOVE food.

 Some things I am thinking of doing to work on the above:

1. Only have the best dark chocolate in the house and treat it like a treat, not a food group.
2. Bring some snacks to work so when I am hungry at 11 I can have a little something and then not overdo it on lunch. Maybe a handful of almonds, cheese stick, apple.
3. Try to brown bag it as much as possible and when I can't keep it to soup and salad. Maybe have pizza once a week so I don't feel deprived.
4. On the weekend build some snack packs, maybe nuts/fruit or single servings of carrots and hummus so I don't just open the refrig after work and grab a bite of everything not nailed down!
5. Come up with some ways to incorporate more veggies, maybe have a big soup with lots of veggies one night, adding greens to omelettes. There are also a ton of smoothie vegie recipes online to try.
6. When feeling emotional I might start by writing in my journal or putting on some great music before automatically reaching for the food. This one is going to be tough but I am committed to changing some of my patterns.
7. Watch portion sizes and try one new recipe a week, I love Ellie Krieger's book (see below link) to make eating fun again.
8. It's great to love food and be nourished by it as long as it's in a healthy loving way and not being used as a crutch or a way to beat yourself up.  

Some resources I checked out this week:

1. Kris Carr's blog - Crazy, Sexy, Life. She has great recipes, tips, advice and support on her blog.
2. Dr Weil's anti-inflammatory food pyramid, something I am thinking about as some of my health issues are directly related to inflammation in the body.
3. Ellie Krieger's cookbook: "The Food You Crave" I love this cookbook and she has a great way of looking at health in relation to diet.

I did weigh myself and I gained 0 and lost 0 and that is just fine. I am learning how to tune into my body and that was my goal for the week.

Now I know realistically this may be a long journey and I don't want it to be all about numbers and diet. I am hoping to make even one small change a week that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. I am also going to be gentle with myself when I take those steps back and start each day anew.

Thanks for listening and if you want to join us please add your blog post to the below link widget. I'd love to hear about your Pursuit of Healthfulness. Now let's jump on over to Melissa over at My Red Tutu and see what she has to share this week.

Namaste,

Karen

Wishcast Wednesday, 52 Photos Project and Getting Through the Grey

The color of the Season - Restaurant Tree - Iphone

Today is Wednesday and we are sharing our photographs and wishes with Bella over at 52 Photos Project and Jamie Ridler over at Jamie Ridlers Studios.  I have also just started Vivienne McMasters, Getting Through the Grey Photography e-course today. 

Prompts:
Bella Photography Prompt:  The Colors of the Season
Jamie's Wish Prompt:  What do you wish to celebrate.

The picture above to me represents the colors I love most during this season: red, green, gold and white, a  magical combination that really helps to lift my spirits during the grey days of fall and winter.

What I wish to celebrate is not just the joy, good will, community and festivity of the season but also the darker days, the colder nights, the turning inward that natural occurs this time of year.  There are many gifts both light and dark to this season and I wish to celebrate them all.

My first picture for Vivienne's Getting Through the Grey class illustrates my point above.  While attending a family funeral this week I shot this picture.  It was a grey and rainy day and at first all I could "see" was sadness and gloom in that cemetery.  I decided to stop for a moment and take a deeper look and what I saw then was a solemn beauty and I thought it's not just happy and bright or sad and dark but a combination of greys that held both.

Cemetery - Dec 2011 - iPhone

This week I am also embarking on a Pursuit of Healthfulness with Melissa over at My Red Tutu.  You can read our first posts here:  Pursuit of Healthfulness - the beginning.  All are welcome to join in, I would love to hear your stories as well.

Special Birthday Shout Out to the wonderful Jamie Ridler who continues to inspire me everyday!

Namaste,

Karen

Pursuit of Healthfulness....the beginning

Me and Shelly - NC Serendipity Retreat October 2011

Hello Friends, today I begin a Pursuit for Healthfulness with Melissa over at My Red Tutu.  We were both talking about living in a healthier way recently and decided it might be fun to blog about it together. 

I am the one on the left in the above picture, it is the only full body shot I have of myself from recent times.  I do not like getting my picture taken since I have gained so much weight but I am going to share it here because this is who I am right now.  A number of things combined got me to this place, which is my highest weight ever, they include steroid treatments for asthma, emotional eating, turning 40, leading a sedentary lifestyle and a recent leg injury which uncovered underlying arthritis in my knee. 

Weight loss may be one of my goals but more importantly I want to feel good about myself and my body at whatever weight I am, so part of it may be about body image. I also believe that it is about leading a healthier lifestyle, feeling fit and comfortable in my own skin which may or may not lead to major weight loss.

Here are my goals for this first week:

1. Investigate some online resources which include some overall health advice from Dr. Weil, Dr. Oz and other inspiring bloggers who are in the business of helping others to get healthy mind/body and spirit.

2.  Paying more attention to how my body feels when I eat certain things.  I have a feeling my body intuitively knows what it needs to maintain good health, now the key is to tune into that.  I might do this by taking notes after meals and such.

3.  Really pay attention to how much I am moving overall each day, I have a feeling it is not going to be too much.  I have a desk job where I sit most of the day.

My hope is that by taking an honest look at my lifestyle that I will be able to see where I need to make some healthy changes.  We have decided to write an update each week on Friday where we share what may or may not be working for us as well as recipes or other heathly lifestyle tips.  All are welcome to join in as we travel on this Pursuit to Heathfulness.  I'd love to hear your story as well.

Let's jump on over to Melissa's blog to see what she has to share today.

If you want to join in add your link below and join in the Pursuit of Healthfulness.

Namaste,

Karen

Wishcast Wednesday and 52 Photos Project - November 30,2011




Twinkle lights in the blizzard

Morning friends, today we are sharing wishes over at Jamie Ridlers Studios and pictures at Bella's 52 Photo's Project.

Today's prompts are:
Wish:  What treasures do you wish for?
Photos: Twinkle lights

The treasures I wish for are simple:  Love, Peace and Happiness for myself and others.  So simple yet so hard.  For me when I start to feel any of these, my defenses go up, my anxiety kicks in and the doubts start creep in.  I just want to be in a place that I can give and receive these with an open heart.

Here are some more twinkle light shots, there is just something about these lights that invokes joy for me. Be it dark nights of the soul or shorter days, twinkle lights lift the spirit.


 



So what treasures are you wishing for this week?  As you wish for yourself, so I wish for you also.

Namaste,

Karen

Wishcast Wednesday

November Full Moon 2011

We are sharing wishes today over at Jamie Ridler's Studios.  The prompt this week is:  What do you wish to remember?

This time of year as night takes over the day and the darkness seems deeper, I wish to remember that this season will pass to the next soon enough.  This time of year I feel my mood turning inward and a slight gloominess overcomes me, especially around the holiday season, there is too much forced stimulation and the pace of things seem to speed up unnaturally making me wish to retreat.

some leaves still holding on.. yellow and blue

Some other things I wish to remember are:

the color and light WILL return
trees baring their beauty for all to see is a visual gift
the moments of joy are still there to be had
twinkle lights can really lift your spirits
my love for fuzzy socks and warm cozy scarves is back
though there has been loss there is still so much to be grateful for
beyond the commercialism of this season there is good will to share
it's OK to slow down, you are not missing anything that won't come back around again when you are ready

You can also see me over at Jen Lee's place this week talking about self care as she rolls out her "Care and Keeping of the Creative Soul".  Karen over at Jen Lee's place.

I leave you with this picture of our pup Bella who finds much joy digging through the fallen leaves for her ball.

Much love to you and yours this Holiday Season.
Namaste,
Karen

My Care and Keeping Story over at Jen Lee's

A favorite self care moment - drinking some tea out of a favorite mug

The wise and wonderful Jen Lee is rolling out her "Care and Keeping of the Creative Soul" manuals after Thanksgiving and she is starting off the week sharing student stories of her "Care and Keeping" workshops that were given at Squam Art Workshops.

Jen Lee Squam Art Workshops Sept 2010

You can see my experience today over at Jen Lee's place (click below link).  I can honestly say Jen has changed the way I look at self care most simply by reminding me that I deserve it and showing me that when coming from a full place I am able to give more to others and myself.

Karen's Care and Keeping Story

May your today be a good one.

Namaste,
Karen

11/11/11

sunflare hitting dreamcatcher

There has been much talk regarding the significance of 11/11/11 floating around the web today.   I like what John Cainer says below in his video about it being a re-boot,  how you can re-define and clarify your intentions for yourself and the world. 

Today is also Veteren's day Gratiude to all of our service men and women, past and present this day



So my friends what intentions are you making today?

Namaste,
Karen

52 Photos Project November 9th 2011

Reaching for the Sun

The Prompt for Bella's 52 Photos Project this week was "Shades of Aqua"  I ran with that and pulled together some of my favorite iphone pictures from this last week that had shades of  blue in them.  This time of year can be tough with all the gray days so I look for those spots of blue to carry me through.

You can check out Bella here at:  52 Photos Project come join the fun.



flare through the trees highlight the blue sky




poor Bella , she sat still so I could get this pic of her (blue in the hat)





my favorite chimes .. love the sun shining on the blue heart

 


the trees are almost bare, love the shapes of the branches against the blue canvas of the sky




Blue and Yellow so good together




My husband with his Giant's FBall shirt, he bleeds blue for his team!

So friends where are you finding the bright spots in these gray days of fall?

Namaste,
Karen

wednesday wishcast and 52 Photos Project

Halloween 2011

Today is Wednesday and we are sharing wishes and pictures over at Jamie Ridler's Studios and Bella's 52 Photos Project.

Prompts:  Jamie Ridler's Studios:  What do you wish to nourish
                Bella's 52 Photos:  Halloween

I missed the prompts last week as I was at Serendipity Art Retreat in North Carolina, which I will write more about when I have sat with the whole experience for a bit.  I know for sure I want to say yes to more of these workshops as they really help nourish me in a way that I don't do for myself at home.



Serendipity Retreat:  Peace is found in the space in-between

 My hope is that I learn how to incorporate more of that creative retreating in my daily life, even if it is just for a moment a day.  Just a moment to check in with myself and see where I am and what I need before I give it all away to the worries of the day.  Do you know what I mean?  A moment of grounding of coming back to self.  It can be in the form of writing, art journaling, picture taking, painting, anything that takes me out of that head space.           

One thing I learned at Serendipty was to nourish others you really need to make sure you are nourished also so you can give without becoming depleted.  Now logically I know I can't attend all the retreat and workshops out there but I can keep showing up in my daily life and attend the ones that I am able to and I will keep reminding myself that I am important and worthy of self care and love.

Now for the Halloween photo prompt, you see all that candy up there at the top of my post, well it's still in my house!  We had a freak snow storm that downed wires and tree limbs and caused my town to cancel Halloween.  So I am sad to say (or glad) that bounty of chocolate is still in my house.  I hope the kids come around this weekend before my husband and I eat it all.  Below are some pics of the fall snowstorm as well as some goofy halloween pics that I was posting with friends on facebook, hey I had to entertain myself some way! 

trees weighed down with snow blocking street

snowy leaf

falinter

Halloween has been hair raising this year

the better to hear you with - Bella

So how are you wishing to nourish yourself this day?  As you wish for yourself, I am wishing for you also.

Namaste
Karen

      

Peace



Nags Head, NC - Serendipity Retreat



Sometimes Peace is found in the spaces in between

Monday Musings

Glimpse

some days

I catch a glimpse of her

in the

window passing

mirror reflecting

eyes looking back

rusty smile

words written

pictures taken

unguarded thoughts

compassionate actions

heart openings

loving touches

fearless moments

some days

I catch a glimpse of her

who I could be

if

who I would be

if

who I will be

when

Wednesday Wishing and Pictures

Hi my fellow wishers and photogs.  Today is Wednesday and we are wishing over at Jamie Ridler's Studios and sharing pictures over at the lovely Bella's 52 Photos Project.

Prompts this week:

Wishcasting:  How do you wish to be loved?

Photo:  Picture of writing.

These two prompts end up going together this week in a beautiful example of syncronicity.   I wish to love and be loved whole - heartedly.  To keep showing up, to keep being open to love, to feel that sense of belonging with someone.  This quote from John O'Donohue really says it for me.

“Love allows understanding to dawn, and understanding is precious. Where you are understood, you are at home. Understanding nourishes belonging. When you really feel understood, you feel free to release yourself into the trust and shelter of the other person's soul.”

― John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom

The above picture was a handwritten blessing that I received from Jen Lee during her "Care and Keeping" class last year at Squam Art Workshops.  I was cleaning out some clutter yesterday and found this in my journal.  I really needed this reminder as I have been floundering a bit lately.

I feel like the closer I get to the truth the more I doubt everything but I have a feeling that's ok things are just getting clearer.

So my friends how are you wishing to be loved this week?  As you wish for yourself, I whole-heartedly wish for you also.

Namaste,

Karen

Wishing and Taking Pictures

Hello fellow dreamers, wishers and photogs.  Today is Wednesday and we are sharing wishes and pictures over at Jamie Ridler's Studio's and Bella's 52 Photos Project.

Today's prompts are:
Wish:  What do you wish to do one day?
Picture:  A circle

I have been quite around here lately, trying to find focus and direction for myself.  I have so many things I wish to do and I actually have some time to do these things in so I can't use that as an excuse.  What I need to do is to give myself PERMISSION to do these things, instead of distracting myself with food and tv and the millions of other distractions I  fall into.  Here is a list of things I wish to do one day?

*  I wish to write once a day, be it a journal entry, poem, lyrics...ANYTHING
*  I wish to spend some time outside each day with my camera/iphone just taking shots.
*  I wish to de-clutter my space so I can actually have some physical and mental room to work in
*  I wish to convert a very small extra room into a creative space for myself.
*  I wish to go through the bags of magazines being saved for collaging and actually rip out what I need.
*  I wish to give up white flour and sugar even if only for a week to see how that would feel.
*  I wish to find clothes that express who I am inside without waiting to lose the weight.
*  I wish to be firmly in  my own skin, to own who I am with no excuses.
*  I wish to love and listen with my whole heart.
*  I wish to walk with my pup for a 1/2 hour a day.

Oh there are so many more but I am getting a wee bit overwhelmed here.  So I will leave the list at this for now.

Over at Bella's we were taking pics of circles.  I love these friendship/witch balls and have them in front of different windows throughout my house.  The one above is not the best picture but I love the colors of this one.

So my friends what are you wishing to do one day?  As you wish for yourself, I am wishing for you also.

Namaste,
Karen