Category: Uncategorized
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Automaticity
Last week my writing groupbrainstormed wordsor phraseswe say with automaticity,things that spring from our mouthsautomatically,with nary a thought.They are…Hey, how’s it going?How are you?Fine.Good.No problem.Of course!Thank you SO much!Busy.Sure!I appreciate that!Honey, Baby, LoveI’m sorry.No worries!No offense, but…No offense taken.It’s fine.That’s okay!Cool!That’s AMAZING!Wow!That’s so funny!It is what it is.What are you gonna do?These words have meaning,deep…
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Story
Looking back at all I have known,The times that I rose and I fell,I have my soul story to tell, It’s one that I’m trying to own,And reflect on how much I’ve grown.The time is finally here,Though the thought does fill me with fear,I am empowered by the choice,And the desire to hear my voice.So…
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Help!
Attempt to help with words,To do what’s right, Though filled with uncertainty.Words improve and inspireThe hearts of others.Listen, ponder, unspool, write.Build compassion and gratitude,Putting a spotlight on making friends.We’re learning to be changemakers-Abandoning complacency, searching within,Understanding we must be patient, willing-This is the moment!Bring your best self to the world!This is a found poem with…
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A Better World
Cool our fevered world,Celebrate acceptance, freedom, respect.Show more compassion, gratitude,Courage, tenacity, and hope.Consider history and meaning,Remember triumphs and failures.Forge ahead with determination,Do what’s right.Improve ourselves and inspire mindfulness,Without perpetuating fears, misunderstandings.Put a spotlight on making friends-What is more powerful than gathering?A small voice whispers,”Listen. Share. Ponder.”We’re learning.Challenge ourselves, abandon complacency,Search within for how to be…
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Writing
Pencil Glides across pageLike a skater on ice,Etching thoughts, ideas and feelingsThrough words.
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Spring Break
SpringBreak ishere! We’re offto Miamito spend time with her-with Gigi! It’s been toolong! I can’t wait to see herface, to give her a giant hug.There will be so much to explore there-white beaches, crystal water, spicy food!photo: Miami, Florida. Claughton island. 1.19.24 by GGC
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What a Day!
Whoosh!Exhale!What a day!Busy, busy,Flitting here and there-I&RS meeting,Teaching found poems to 4th grade,Supporting non-tenured teachers,Stretch students designing their structures,Debriefing with the literacy coach.The day was full of opportunities,So many hats to wear in my job,So many ways to contribute.I love the variety,But boy, am I tired,And feeling quite old!Nice to be hereWith my friends,Writers,Whoosh!
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What a Difference
What a difference your practices make,Your daily promises to Self,Your routines and rituals.Where once you were self criticalLodging harsh accusations and wordsAt your imagined foibles and flaws,You respond now with self compassion,Reminding yourself that many of your thoughts and feelings,Are default settings with faulty wiring,And aren’t surprising given your life experiences.You walk in authenticityMore and…
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Loving Parent
In receipt ofone loving parentwho listens well,is thoughtful and responsive,and validates the experiencesand points of viewof the inner family.She is direct and trustworthy,available and approachable,affectionate and boundaried,holding spacefor our feelings.Togetherwe laugh and play,sit and feel,process and regulate,staying present in this moment.We all have voice in this family;we all feel safe.
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My Toolbox
A few favorite items in my toolbox, gathered and curated through years of introspection, discussion, connection, reading, writing, listening and learning… affirmations, to shower myself with loving kindnessmindfulness, to slow down and remember to stay in the moment,journaling, to have a conversation with myself,play, to have fun and feel childlike,creativity, to shed responsibility and embrace…
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Trust
Trust,to myself first-embodied, present, whole,connecting to intuition and feelings,identifying wants and needs,examining my shadow parts,dropping my defensive shield.Trustto my people-belief, safety, love,opening up and being vulnerable, taking a risk and being authentic,giving and receiving,dropping my defensive shield.Trustto others-empathy, compassion, humanity,without assumption and judgment,with grace and benevolence,expecting the best,dropping my defensive shield.Photo: Greenwich, CT. 9.30.23 by…
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Words Matter
I like to choose just the right wordSo my thoughts and feelings are clear. I like to speak from my heart Without writing or rehearsing.I play with words, finding just the right combinationTo create a melody with meaning. I know that actions are just as strong, So I make sure they are aligned.Words can be…
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What if…?
What if…I strive and I fail,I attempt that risk,I show up authentically,I proclaim my truth,I practice vulnerability,I open my heart,I trust others,I challenge my fears,I live wholeheartedly.What if I get hurt?But what if I don’t?What if I don’t strive, Attempt, show up,Proclaim, practice,Open, trust,Challenge and live?Won’t it still hurt?Photo: Greenwich, CT. 9.30.23 by LA
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Grief
“Let your heart break so your spirit doesn’t.” Andrea Gibson Just how many times has my heart been broken?Surely as a child, when needs went unmet,Surely as a kindergartener when my first boyfriend, Coleman, moved away,Surely as a middle schooler when my friends turned on me,Surely at the hands of misogynistic and predatory men,Surely at…
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Today
Today I want to cultivatemy curiosity,my creativity,my authenticity.Today I want to exercisemy voice,my wants and needs,my empathy and compassion.Today I want to nurturemy love of self,my acceptance of self,grace toward myself.Today I want to show up authentically.Photo: Greenwich, CT. 9.30.23 by LA
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Perfectionism
If I’m perfect, surely I can avoid shame, blame, judgment,and the disapproval of others, and if I don’t achieve that, it was because I wasn’t perfectenough. Fear of failure, fear of risktaking, missed opportunities, life paralysis, playingit safe to stay cool.What a waste ofa life tomanage animage.Vulnerabilityis theanswer to perfectionism,opening up to see that the…
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Addiction
All it takes is a moment,His eye off the prize,Not being present,Not taking the pause.The HIT!It comes in unexpectedly,Catches him off guard,Sends a thrill down his spine,And he feels the undeniable urge.Sneaks off to get it done,Hides the evidence,Tells no one,Denial,Isolation,Prime feeding groundsFor dysfunction,For addiction.He gives up everythingFor one thing,Instead of giving up one thingFor…
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Foreign Objects
A handful of years ago, I had a bike accident while riding on a towpath beside the Delaware River. I ended up beneath a couple of bikes and bodies and we all slid a distance before coming to a stop. In addition to cuts, scrapes, swelling and shock, I had a good deal of gravel…
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As
As startling as finding your privates on fire after dumping a hot travel mug of tea on your lap as you sought to balance all the things you got into the car with and somehow decided the tea was the thing to let slide.As guilt-inducing as your dogs looking forlornly out the front window at…
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Judgment
a thought, a word,judgments-the confluence of opinions,the committee of decision,the ‘right’ reasons,public announcements,analyses,”discussing” the matter,without hesitation or worry.she didn’t ask anyone for advice,she didn’t search,she didn’t call the prayer line.the anxiety held her back,kept her from moving forward.it wasn’t good.This is a Found poem, curated words from Rev. Safire Rose’s poem, “She Let Go.”
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What’s in a Name?
My name – Leigh Anne – a combination of the names of the parents who brought me into this world. Leigh for my father. Well, kind of. He was Levin, Lee for short. Anne for my mother’s middle name, Joanne. A group effort for their last child. A sweet story. Except I hated my name.…
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Inside of a studio
Inside of a studio is a group of women, yearning for more,And inside a group of women is a knowing, a shared experience in the world,And inside a knowing is intuition, a turning toward and away from,And inside intuition is trust, daily rituals that are promises to Self,And inside of trust is peace, a feeling…
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A Thought or Word
a thought or word-judgments, opinions,reasons, advice,books, scriptures,planning, calculations,memories.journal, write,announcement, ad,report, horoscope,prayer, thanks, praise,notice good and bad.it is just that.let it all be.This is a Found Poem, with words lifted from “She Let Go,” by Rev. Safire Rose
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Creative Expression
You are a creative expression of the Universe,Necessary, essential, criticalTo the interwoven fabric of this world,To the balance, synergy and rhythm.You are a creative expression of the Universe,Your very existence was pre-ordained,Your path laid out before youTo walk just as you are.You are a creative expression of the Universe,YOU, the way you are, the way…
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Detachment
Withoutjudgmentsswarmingwholly and completely,searchthe memories,the anxiety,the promise.Journal,write,read,let go.Should friendscall,just go.When thereisspacelet it all besmileforevermore.This poem is a Found Poem from Rev. Safire Rose’s poem, She Let Go. I redacted portions of her text, leaving these words exposed and creating my own message about how to detach.Photo: Frenchtown, NJ. 3.3.24 by LA
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Forsythia
Waking from their sleep,Yearning to expand and grow,Bursting with new life.Photos: Flemington, NJ. 3.7.24 by LA
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Affirmation
My story is my truth. My truth is my story.I validate my experiences.I accept my shadow parts.I love my uniqueness.I am always enough and never too much.I live authentically.I am in exactly the right chapter, here because of where I’ve beenAnd where I will go.
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Authenticity
I am cultivating curiosity interests, hobbies passions, possibilities, and perspectiveI am exercising voice, wants, needs, empathy, compassion and grace,I am nurturing creativity, playfulness and fun, awareness, acceptance, love.Photo: VA, 1.16.24 by RSH
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Imperfectness
Is it shocking to say?Or not to be spoken of?Is it a lack of determination?Or not having aspirations?It is slacking off?Or lacking discipline?Is it a lack of accountability?Or simply complacency?To say that I am perfectly okay,Totally good,With my imperfectness,And yours?This poem was inspired by my fellow writer, Nancee.
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Beyond/Closer To
I am beyond winter’s plunging temperatures and closer to spring’s warm up,I am beyond the 100th day of school and closer to summer’s flexibility,I am beyond multiple layers and closer to t shirts,I am beyond dark wakes and closer to longer days.I am beyond puppy days and closer to better behaved days,I am beyond teenagers…
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February Thoughts on “STORY”
My word of the year is STORY. Each month I try to do something related to that word. This month found me noticing the word EVERYWHERE-in podcasts, at workshops, in articles, through friends’ experiences. I realized that when I state my longing to the Universe, to feel closer to and more accepting of my story,…
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2024’s Gift
If you saw my post a few days ago, I wrote about how I buy myself a gift each year on my birthday to celebrate and honor myself and shower love and affection upon myself. It’s something I started a few years back when I came to understand how circumstances may have existed that made my…
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Birthday Gifts
Each and every year,For the past several,I have bought myself a gift,A birthday gift,Something shiny,Or indulgent,Or practical.Something that just jumped out at me.I’ve bought birthstone earrings,A ring, a tote bag,This year fun prescription sunglasses,Always something special,Always given in love.Because this 55 year old “little girl”,Never got over feeling that she wasn’t wanted,Maybe from an embryo,Maybe…
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Love
“…where I come frombeauty is in the eye of anyone who seeswhat’s missing but can’t stop pointingto what’s still there.” ~Andrea GibsonI see what’s missing…the communication,the vulnerability,the openness,the affection,the spontaneity,the curiosity.I see it and feel it,and yet I love you.I love you becauseI see what’s there…your sense of humor,your grit and determination,your discipline,your softness inside your…
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55 Years
55 years I’ve been on this planet,55 years where I’ve loved and been loved,Got it right and messed it up,Grew and shrank,Learned all I could and stuck my head in the sand,Hurt and hurt others,Connected and isolated,Trusted and was skeptical,Walked in authenticity and donned my mask,Lied and told truth,Felt energetic and lethargic,Loved and detested myself,Gained…
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Peach Pits
I hear them whisper,These older versions of myself,That warn of failure,Of embarrassment (humiliation even),Pain and suffering,Judgement and cruelty,Danger and violence,Of paralysis and helplessness.They want to keep me safe,Remind me of what can be lost,How things will most likely turn out,Why _____ is not a good idea.The voices speak urgently,Protectively, seductively.They want to keep me safe,STUCK.What…
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One Beautiful Life
What do you fear, Little One? What troubles and worries you? Why so frightened? It’s pain, isn’t it? The pain of lies, the pain of betrayal, the pain of misplaced love, the pain of loss, rejection, alone-ness. I see how you try to protect yourself: hypervigilance, looking and listening closely; logic, proving theories and piecing together likelihoods; interrogation, asking…
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Apatheia
It doesn’t matter if things are “just so” for company, yet I get grumpy when they’re not,It doesn’t matter if I’m late, yet I think everyone will be let down if I am,It doesn’t matter if I make the bed, yet I can’t leave the room without it,It doesn’t matter what others think of me,…
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Creativity
Creativity needs…inspiration, that which grabs our attention & sparks our imagination,curiosity, observing without judging,willingness, stepping outside our comfort zone,space, to let ideas & thoughts & feelings flow,boldness, to create what doesn’t already exist,playfulness, reclaiming the child within,audience, even if it’s only you.Creativity needs each of us to bring our talents & traits & tribulations &…
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AnGeR!
I am angry!I am ANGRY!Where once I was afraid,Afraid to feel and express it,I now look to claim it,Reclaim it,Integrate it into myself,And see its awesome healing power.I say the word a lot now,ANGER!I love to hear it roll off my tongue,Or ricochet around my brain,But I’m not content to stop there,For I have begun…
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Promises to the Pain
While reading Andrea Gibson’s poem, “The Year of No Grudges or Instead of Writing a Furious Text, I Try a Poem,” I came upon this… I’ve been dancing in the end zonesince you taught me to start breakingevery promise I have madeto my pain, taught me my woundswill never be bigger than I am.”It made…
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Goosebumps
Ford’s Theater,Washington, DCFriday, Feb. 2, 2024Written Then, Spoken Now: African American Letters to Lincoln.My sister, my daughter and ITogether for an eveningLovers of books, history and learning…The warmest goosebumps.Seated just feetFrom the boxWhere Lincoln was shot…The chilliest goosebumps.The scholarPresenting his researchFraming the time and thinking of President Lincoln…The tingly-est goosebumps.The actorsDramatically reading the letters,Firsthand accounts of…
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Solitude
Late in the night,Or just past midnight,When all around are asleep,The house silent and the town mum,I move with ease about the place,Loving the feeling of being alone.Penning poems and writing my thoughts,Reading avidly or looking through pictures,I relish memories, crave the creativity,Release burden and expectation,And descend into peace.Peace.Photo: High Bridge, NJ. 9.16.23 by LA
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Tea
The warmth spreads through me,As my hands clasp the dog mug,Given by Santa,That holds the tea of the day-Chamomile and Vanilla.Photo: Flemington, NJ. 1.31.24 by LA
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Comfort Zone
The Universe wants to help you,To bring you all you’ve ever wanted,And more.But you’ve got to do your part.You’ve got to step outside your comfort zone,Go where you don’t ordinarily go,Say what you don’t ordinarily say,Do what you don’t ordinarily do.The Universe is listening,It’s holding its breath and waiting,For you to utter your longings,Your desires…
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Intentions
I am working on the practice of setting intentions. Instead of goals that I actively work toward or aggressively pursue, these seem more like I am allowing my values to guide my thoughts and actions on a daily basis so I can live intentionally. Here are some I’m playing with. ~Be impeccable with your word~Be present…
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A Letter from an Admirer
Dear Friend, I wanted to sit down and write you a letter to let you know how dear you are to me. I love the way our friendship has grown over the years, with us getting closer and closer despite our physical distance. We met through other people, but they became secondary to our friendship. We have carved…
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Apatheia
Why do I careAbout the things that don’t matter?Like what others think of me,Or my “magic” hair that turns to frizz in the humidityOr why people ask, “How are you?” but don’t even pause.Why do I care about the things that don’t matter?What if I stopped caring about the things that don’t matterAnd cared about…
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Touch
There is literally Nothing, absolutely nothing, that Isas intimate or as comforting, Sovery necessary to our Healing,as being enveloped in a hug. Aswe turn to others for consolation, Thevulnerability within reminds us we are Human.And we all long for a loving Touch.Quote from Bobby FischerPhoto: Boston, MA. 1.13.24 by LA
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Love Letter – Anger
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My Sweet Peach, what I want you to know is that you do not need to fear anger. It is not a “negative” emotion, nor is it harmful or dangerous or violent. Anger is a sign that your needs are going unmet, by yourself or others.…
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The Half Moon
When I was young, I believed at my core I was an inherently bad person. I felt that way for a whole host of reasons, including the information I took in from around me, trauma events, and the shame I internalized . I spent my life trying to “prove” to myself and others that I…
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Service
I know this sounds horrible and shocking, but the word SERVICE exhausts me and makes me resentful in this time of my life. I read self care article after article that talk about being of service to others and how that gives your life purpose. I don’t disagree. Stay with me here… As a woman, my whole life…
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Empowering Resources
I am someone who thrives on hearing a message repeatedly, from different people and through different mediums. The challenge in a class I’m taking was to list the empowering resources you can surround yourself with. I was ready for this one! Podcasts: I listen to 3 podcasts very regularly and hear messages I need to hear delivered…
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Truth
“The truth hurts.”That is sometimes true.”You can’t handle the truth.”That is rarely true.”The truth will set you free.”But not without pain and suffering and consequences.”If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”Until you hit 50 and you can’t remember most things!”When in doubt, tell the truth.”That keeps it simple.”Speak the truth, even…
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Affirmations
Those little sentences that pick me up, move me forward, keep me going, help me to believe in myself a bit more each day. I love them, but don’t say them enough.I’ve decided to concentrate on one a week…or maybe a month. I don’t know yet. Here are a few I’m tossing around…I hold myself in high esteem.I…
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When I Was a Child, I Behaved Like a Child
My word this year is STORY and I’ve been thinking a lot about what my story is, how I tell it, who I tell it to, when I tell it and why I tell it. Little memories come to me and I think about whether they are ones worth sharing, turning over, finding meaning in. I am…
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Counter-message
A class I’m taking challenged me to play detective and observe my thoughts, words and actions. Where I used to be self critical, self conscious and self battering, I now embrace this practice and the curiosity that goes with wanting to understand, not judge. So this exercise was relatively easy for me. The step I hadn’t taken…
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Eagle and Mouse
I heard recently that we need both eagle vision and mouse vision. Eagle Vision is our greatest hope for ourselves. It’s the big goals we set and the places we want to go, things we want to have, the way we want to be in the world. It is our big picture, our manifesto. It is LARGE! It has no…
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The Bridge
The bridge spans two sides of camp, Its legs firmly planted and its arms spread wide, Watching over the meandering creek and weathering its highs and lows, Always seeking to create connection. Always seeking to create connection, Watching over the meandering creek and weathering its highs and lows, Its legs firmly planted and its arms…
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Showcase Inspiration
“Really, all one has to do to transform their life is remind themselves to think and behave a little bit differently each day.” Author unknown When I begin my year, I like to choose One Little Word that has a big impact on my year. It shapes my thinking, my goals, my conversations, my reading and my…
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More
I read this quote: Has it occurred to you that you could ask for more? Not just more than you now have, but more than you’re now asking for? This quote knocked me back a bit. A fellow teacher and I work with a small group of women leading a workshop on manifestation. What struck me was…
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Snow Day
Inside of a snowflake is a phone call, telling you to roll over and go back to sleep. Inside of a phone call is warmth, snuggling deep under covers Inside of warmth is comfort, sheltering in place Inside of comfort is rest, deep and peaceful Inside of rest is waking, feeling energetic and revitalized. Inside…
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Details
I’m taking a class called Love Your Life for the month of January. Each day I listen to a lesson and then do some journaling in the workbook. Although nothing has been too new to me, I appreciate the time spent on and with myself, as well as getting clear on what I want and focusing my…
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Priorities
I’m taking a class called Love Your Life for the month of January. Each day I listen to a lesson and then do some journaling in the workbook. Although nothing has been too new to me, I appreciate the time spent on and with myself, as well as getting clear on what I want and focusing my…
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Story
I have been picking Words of the Year since 2018. At first, I would pour over lists of words, circling those that resonated, writing about each and narrowing down to one winner. These past two years, the words have come to me! They nip at my heels, tug at my sleeves and beg to be noticed, accepted and…
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Relevance
Love, what would you have me know today? My sweet, I would have you remember that your children still need you. You have done an amazing job of raising independent girls who are self-sufficient and resourceful. They can handle most things that come their way with very little assistance from others. But then there are…
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Letter to a Friend
Dear Friend, I have never had a friend who could compare to you. When we met, I was so young and you immediately took me under your wing. You changed, and literally even saved, my life. In my early years, you showed me a way forward and gave me the strength and security, confidence and courage to…
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Her Birthday
It was her birthday, the day after Christmas. The second without her. Still so hard to wrap my head around. This was her season. We were her reason.I still talk to her. Here and there, now and then. About the girls, about teaching, about decisions. But mostly, I talk to her about our generational hand-me-downs. I tell her how I’m working on My…
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Repair
HurtNeeds repairMore than apology,For one to ownTheir words and their behaviors,Not riddle the other with excusesOr justification for their way of seeing it,To repair is to see the hurt and acknowledgeThe damage, the carelessness, the dysfunction, and look to change . Like the art of kintsugi, mending broken areas with gold,Repair moves the relationship forward…
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To Plug or Unplug
I’ve upped my Christmas decorating game this year by adding smart plugs to my trees and evergreen swags so that I can light them with Alexa commands. The ease of using my words rather than crawling under and behind things has been so efficient! But these plugs also got me thinking about all the ways I connect…
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Disembodied
Shrouded in fog,Only my body visible,My head obscured by clouds,I stand tall and proud,An awe-inspiring sight to those who behold me,Mysterious, powerful, even foreboding.But a mind disconnected from its body,Is nothing to envy,Nothing to hold up and admire,Nothing to be intimidated by.Yet society rewardsThose who separate mind and body,Armoring up with expertise,To avoid vulnerability,Showing up…
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Peace
I sit here and ponder,This likeness of me,Which you chose to cast in stone,This pose, this expression,This calm aesthetic.Does it please you to rememberMy gentler ways,My pensiveness, my industriousness,My sweet and my calm?You and I both know,The fire that was within me,The curiosity that set me wandering,The indignation that made me restless,Unable to hold my…
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Within My Reach
So close,So close I can feel it,I am nearly there,To all that awaits me,All that could be,The freedom I have fought for,It is all within my reach now.Yet it is not to be-Not for me, not today.Instead, I feel pain,Disappointment, frustration,A lack of understanding, a lack of gratitude,Because it was all within my reach.But maybe…
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Parent Teacher Conferences
Tonight kicked off parent teacher conferences for my district, a time when both parties get to come together as partners to compare notes on our shared child. I love these meetings, as I gain so much insight into my students by looking at and speaking to the bigger version in front of me! In some…
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Letters from Love – Young You
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? Peach, I would have you love…with your whole heart and your whole mind and all of your compassion and all of your acceptance…the child you were. She needs to hear from you that you delight in her imagination and creativity. She needs to know from you…
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Letters from Love – Fun!!!
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? Peach, I would have you recognize the importance of fun in your life. The importance of silliness, laughter, and feeling uninhibited. You have lived such a tightly reined life, always worried about how others perceive you. That approach has kept you small and under wraps. So…
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Letters from Love – Self Love
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My sweet peach, self acceptance has been a wonderful step along your journey. Accepting your flaws and foibles and imperfections integrated all your parts and gave you full dimension. Putting aside notions of perfectionism and “should”and “must” began your liberation. But your journey towards self-love is…
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Letters from Love – Solitude
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? Peach, I would have you know grace for your need for solitude. The world is a loud and busy one and comes at you from all sides. It compels you to work and talk and accomplish and contribute and lead and follow and make decisions and…
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Rose Colored Glasses
Dear Rose Colored Glasses, I am so grateful for how often you took the wheel and steered us through life. You took trauma and spun it into resilience. You took disappointment and spun it into a silver lining. You took criticism and spun it into character. You were always there to pick me up-and quickly.…
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Letters from Love – Intuition
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? Peach, I need you to trust your intuition. It hasn’t failed you yet, but you haven’t always been able to hear it. And here’s why: you live in your head. You research, puzzle, analyze, compare, contrast, worry, catastrophize, and circle round and round. All in an…
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Thank You For Your Service
Dear Fear, I thank you for all the ways you tried to keep me safe. When I was little, you were there to caution me as I biked around town. As I got older, you let me play on the roof, but not near the edge. You kept me physically safe. You also kept me…
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Letters from Love – Stay in Your Lane
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? Peach, keep staying in your own lane! Focus on yourself…the things that bring you joy, the things you are working on, your creativity, your inner peace, your healing. Those are the only things you are responsible for. Self-care and self-love give you the strength to do…
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Letters from Love – Peace
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? Peach, I want you to know quiet in the midst of chaos. I want you to know quiet in the midst of busyness. I want you to know quiet in the midst of anxiety. My sweet, you have always handled difficult situations well. It might be…
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Letters from Love – Unimpeachable
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My sweet, I would have you know that you were not meant to live a life that is unimpeachable. When you were a child, you believed that mistakes were practically life and death, that you were being watched at all times – and judged! – and…
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Letters from Love – Release
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My sweet, I would have you notice how much sweeter life is when you’re not trying to control the outcome of its moments. Believe me, I am not knocking you… I fully understand where that urge comes from. I understand your need to protect yourself. I…
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Letters from Love – The Shadow Parts
Love, what would you have me know today? My Sweet, I would have you know that although your Word of the Year is embodiment, and you have cradled and nurtured it to let it grow within you, there is one important component that you haven’t considered and that is because it was hiding from you,…
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How Dare You?
Word Prompt: Aggression How dare you? What gave you the right? Who did you think you were? Why did you get to take what you wanted With no regard for her? Why did you feel the need to flex your power? How could you manipulate someone so innocent? How could you choose to cause so…
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Letters from Love – Gratitude
Dear Love, what you would have me know today? My Sweet One, today I would have you know that you have so much to be grateful for, but that is not the same as finding the silver lining to everything that has happened to you. Being grateful for where you are and what you have…
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Letters from Love – Fear
Dear love, what would you have me know today? My Sweet One, I would have you know that it is okay to be afraid. It is okay to take a beat, step back, not trust. Your life experiences brought you wisdom and you can read situations well. That fear is your intuition and I want…
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Letters from Love-Competition
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My sweet one, know this…you are enough. You were brought up to believe that life is competitive, and you were frequently compared to others. As such, you have gone through life “sizing up the competition,” comparing yourself favorably or unfavorably to others on any number of…
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Inside of Beginning
Inside of beginnings is a start, a chance to write a new chapter, And inside of a start is an opportunity, intentionally laid before you, And inside of an opportunity is manifestation, receiving that which you sought, And inside of manifestation is empowerment, actively choosing your course, And inside of empowerment is belief, knowing at…
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Letters from Love…Motherhood
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My sweet one, you need to know, and I mean really know, that you have been the best mother you could be at every stage of your children’s lives. And that you continue to evolve as a mother every day. You are human and you made…
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Letters from Love – You are enough
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My sweet one, know this…you are enough. You were brought up to believe that life is competitive, and you were frequently compared to others. As such, you have gone through life “sizing up the competition,” comparing yourself favorably or unfavorably to others on any number of…
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Letters from Love – What’s Next?
Dear love, what would you have me know today? My sweet one, I would have you know that it is okay to relax. I realize you think this is slacking off or being lazy, but I would challenge you to think in terms of matching energy. When you do not feel motivated or excited about…
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Letters from Love-Work
Love, what would you have me know today? Sweet one, I would have you know that your worth is not equated with your productivity or your accomplishments. I know, I know, this flies in the face of every message you’ve been given, in word and in deed. It is a message that feels like it…
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Letters from Love-You are not alone
Dear Love, what would you have me know today? My Sweet One, I would have you know this…you are not unique, but that does not mean you are commonplace. What I mean is that there is nothing you can feel, nothing you can think, no state of mind, and no experience you can have that…
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Letters From Love-Embodiment
I’ve subscribed to Elizabeth Gilbert’s LETTERS FROM LOVE group and have enjoyed reading and listening to her Love letters, and those of her famous guests. I hopped right in to join, but have sat back the past few weeks and watched the emails fill my inbox. A friend had recommended this knowing it was right…
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That Face
Soulful eyes That twinkle and smile, Under brows Full of expression, Beneath a forehead That wrinkles when worried. His nose, Neither small, nor large, Between cheeks Soft and sweet. Facial scruff That highlights and enhances, Mostly grey now Tickling and teasing. He looks at me And I avert my eyes For how can you stare…
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Outside
Take one cup of fresh air, Wind and wildflowers, Rainfall and rainbows, Scents of the season. Add two dollops of sunshine, Bright and brilliant, Warm and wonderful, Seducing my skin. Three pinches of activity, Running and riding, Walking and watersports, Soothing the senses. Mix and marinate, Dawn to dusk, Peaceful or Playful, Nurturing my soul.…
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I’m Smart
So you’re probably reading this to find out just how much hubris I’ve got going on here. Well, spoiler alert! This isn’t about me. I teach children who have been identified as “Gifted and Talented.” They are between 8 and 10 years old. This designation is somewhat of a badge of honor (and probably more…
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People Pleasing
So many years Spent shape shifting, Waffling, bending, Compromising, sacrificing, Quieting, Denying, Being what I thought Others wanted me to be, Putting their comfort Before my own. So thoughtful, caring, selfless, altruistic, Right? Let’s be honest, it was for me, not them. I was fearful. Fear of disappointing, letting others down, Fear of letting them…
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Values
Values, the core principles that guide me, Aren’t as black and white as they once were, nor are they on Loan to me from parents or society. Instead, they are borne from Understanding of Self, my needs and longings, my internal moral compass, and Empathy for the experiences of others. Decisions have never been So…
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Moon Poem
I step outside Into the dark, dark night. Blackness surrounds me, And I see nothing. But then a shape, An outline- My daughter’s tree, The backyard fence, The birdbath. My eyes adjust and I know why. The silvery moon Peeks out from behind a cloud, And soon nighttime Is revealed to me.
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Magic
I co-teach a class on Wednesday nights, That’s nothing short of magic. My partner and I perfectly sync, We’ve found our special magic. Our topic is manifestation, That certain kind of magic. Empowering us to strive for more, The Universe’s magic. The women circle up on the floor, Their presence is sheer magic. Unsure of…
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The Genius Zone
Have you heard of it, The Genius Zone? The Sweet Spot where What we’re good at, What we’re working on, And what brings us joy, Overlap, Intersect, And create our Genius. The Genius Zone, The place where we learn, Grow, Maximize, Challenge ourselves, To be our Best Self, To push beyond, To create, innovate, inspire,…
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Resistance
Here lies Fear of failure, Fear of genius, Fear of getting lost. Forever gone The desire to conserve energy, To conserve time, To conserve Self. Here lies resistance, May it give way to expansion. Photo: Pittsburgh, PA. August, 2023. Photo by LA
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Dad
This well worn picture has been my favorite for 50 years and it shows! It was taken in the front yard of my childhood home, mud brown cedar shakes on the side of the split level, with stone covering the bottom third of the house. It was not a stylish home, nor beautiful in any…
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Detach
Detach- Step away, Breathe in and breathe out, Is this here? Is it now? Or echoes from then? Detach- Pull back, Breathe in and breathe out, You can’t bear their load, Just focus on you. Detach- Step back, Breathe in and breathe out, Not selfish or cruel, Let them do their work. Photo: Franny Reese…
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Actor and Reactor
When conflict arises,My heart feels the scare,I’m tempted to wall off,But know I should share.When my heart feels the scare,Reactor kicks in,I know I should share,But old records win.In place of Reactor,I find a New Me,I recognize Old Self,But choose to be free.When I choose to be free,I act, not react,I embrace the New Me,And…
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Writing (It’s National Day on Writing!)
Writing Challenges the children, battling spelling and specificity, Writing Heals the heart, bringing clarity and calm, Writing Inspires the inclined, who sharpen their senses, Writing Soothes the sorrowful, memorializing those they miss, Writing Validates the voices, of the unconsidered and unseen, Writing Expands the enlightened, seeking transformation and truth, Writing Maximizes the manifestor, focusing on…
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Living Amends
I can’t right all my wrongs, Or soothe all those I’ve scalded, But I can make amends nonetheless, By living authentically, integrated, By showing greater patience, compassion and empathy, I can share my thoughts and feelings, I can look at my flaws and be open to feedback, Listening with an open mind and heart, And…
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Truth
What if we lived our truths differently? Not hidden and tucked away neatly, But boldly, naked, on our sleeves, Across our faces. What if someone asked, “How are you?” And someone answered, “I’m having a tough day.” What if someone asked, “How are you feeling?” And someone answered, “I’m in pain.” What if someone asked,…
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Grief
Grief is not just for the dead.We grieve loss of innocence, loss of childhood,We grieve lack of connection, feelings of isolation,We grieve the experience of traumas, regardless of size,We grieve feeling silenced, helpless and small,We grieve paths not taken, what ifs, why didn’ts,We grieve disappointments, disillusionment, rejection,We grieve loss of relationships, jobs, trust, independence, mobility,We…
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Inner Child
What infects the child, Affects the adult. Messages received Deliver a jolt. Born into wholeness, We slowly are told Brokenness exists- Our confidence folds. Our essence is pure, Souls perfect and true, The world gets to us, And changes our view. But listen, Dear Child, Grown as you may be, You have all that you…
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Remember
Remember the times he made her laugh,Harder than she’d ever before…Remember the times he planned for her,Making her feel just so special…Remember the times he had a surprise,And swept her off of her feet…Remember the times he pledged his love,And promised her forever more…Remember the times he held her hand,Always wanting them to connect…Remember the…
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One Year
Dear Mom, I can’t believe it’s been a year since I’ve seen you, hugged you, heard your laugh. I miss the way you made small talk with everyone, not sure who was family and who was caregiver, but simply leading with kindness. I miss the way you laughed so easily at yourself and what others…
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Sadness
Concern- A friend shares a story of relational abuse. Empathy- I hold another dear friend in a strong embrace as she learns of her dad’s passing. Fright- A third friend shares that she has a life threatening disease. Shock- My brother has an accident and is rushed to the hospital. Seriously?- My sister leaves the…
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More
Lying deep within, Only known to me, Never expressed for fear of Giving the impression of selfishness, Ingratitude, restlessness; but Now being unable to contain that Life Giving force that is my desire for…MORE! Photo: Flemington, NJ. by LA
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The Rhythm of Family
Dark timber beams race up The high ceiling that slants to an apex. Floor to ceiling curtains shut out the darkening sky Behind the wall of windows. The long, deep room is lit by soft lamplight Filled with comfortable seating In a variety of sizes and shapes. Dad settles into his chair Whiskey sour on…
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Laughter
Can you imagine laughter as something frivolous? Something that covers up your substance? Something that takes away from your credibility? Something that can be experienced just briefly, And only toward a show, movie, baby or pet? Can you imagine hearing the sound of laughter so infrequently, That its cadence sounds unfamiliar, shocking, perplexing? Can you…
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Catch the Wave
Catch the wave of joy, As it surges toward me, Eyes bright, mouth open, head thrown back, Laughter emitting an uninhibited, unself-conscious yowl! Catch the wave of happiness, As it envelops me, Arms strong and secure, Wrapping me in contentedness. Catch the wave of melancholy, As it circles my shoulders like a blanket, Sort of…
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Manifestation
Not a wish or a dream, Nor a passing fancy, More than a goal or desired result. This is a longing, a yearning, A vision of what can be, Of what will be. When we embrace it, own it, declare it, Pen our desire in the affirmative, And then step boldly and bravely forward, Knowing…
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You’re Never Too Much and You’re Always Enough
“You’re never too much and you’re always enough,” Said a demanding mom in a moment of tenderness, On a fictional Netflix series. But a salve to my middle aged soul- Much needed words that have become a mantra That I repeat every day When emotions are strong Or competency feels weak. I’m reminded how much…
The Journey Inward 