Eventuality....

So I'm thinking ... E ... what begins with "E" that is happening in my life right now. I hit the thesaurus and wa-laa ... EVENTUALITY

Nouns] eventuality, event, occurrence, incident, affair, matter, thing, episode, happening, proceeding, contingency, juncture, experience, fact; matter of fact; naked fact; bare facts, just the facts; phenomenon; advent.

Yep, all of the above and then some, if that could be. It seems like there are so many life happenings right now yet really there is only one ... Big Jake leaving for the Marine Corps on Sunday. Who would have thought? When he was a little kid he always said he 'never' join the Marines.


I have recently found through the grapevine a really great scrapbooking community. So many creative souls, artists, and fun loving individuals. Their collective work is amazing.

And you know, I just really don't feel like 'blogging' today. My mind is so full of thoughts of Jake and just this major life 'event'. I'm trying to focus on work, but am finding it difficult. Just going through the motions.

Delight!

Delight -- delightful -- delicious! Oooohhh, devious! Couldn't resist that "D" word. :-)

I do delight in the little things each and every day. Each evening or I should say, I try each evening, to list things that I'm grateful for ... maybe I should leave that for the "G" word. Ok, I will.

Anyway ... today I'm delighting in the fact that I am able to wear shorts to work. That I work with a diverse group of women (a few guys).

"How delightful!" ... sounds kinda phony, yet it is so light and refreshing. A soft lemon cake with a light frosting comes to mind ... now that is delightful. Oh, and lets add a lime mojito ... sinfully delightful.

My life is filled with delight. It is walking through my gardens in the morning, watching the birds in the yard. I delight in hearing the cattle 'moo' throughout the evening (unless it is weaning time, then it is no longer delightful!) It is the simple times in which I find delight. Driving home after work and watching the changes in the fields, whether it be the harvest crews or the fields themselves that have changed in the last few weeks. I delight when I turn onto our road and know that home is just at the end of it. I delight that there are these two great dogs that just come running & jumping towards me ... that unconditional love. I delight in the fact that there in a man close by that 'delights' in my cooking! And of course ... me. Had to add that.

Overall delight is an incredible emotion. I love it and look forward to it each day.

Calamity

Calamity is defined as: 1. a great misfortune or disaster, as a flood or serious injury.
2. grievous affliction; adversity; misery: the calamity of war.

Geesh, I was thinking more along the lines of the Cowgirl Calamity Jane. Maybe I should have stuck with the first C word that came to my mind .... calm. But for me the idea of choosing a different letter each day is to challenge myself ... to think/write outside of the box.

My son is leaving for Marine Corps boot camp in 13 days -- he has started the countdown. Some parents might see this as a 'calamity' ... I see his decision as courageous; especially as he is following in the footsteps of his Dad ... eerily starting training 27 years to the date.

Calamity ... Iraq. Calamity ... the miners in Utah. Calamity ... the lack of discipline in our schools. The list could go on.

In each of our lives we have expeienced a degree of calamity whether it be through the death of a loved one, a relationship or a disease processs. It is how we deal with calamity that defines us, that shapes & molds us. It is calamity in my life that, for me, has assisted me in truly knowing the other words that begin with a C and are truly part of me ..... creativity, contentment, & 'calm'.

Cheers!

Another past article ... "The Soul Box"

The 'Soul' Box

How often have you heard people say think outside of the box? Well, I've a new idea for you - relax outside of the box. So many times individuals get stuck in a 'relaxation' rut. After awhile what once worked for them no longer does. It is almost has if they have built up a tolerance to their relaxation exercises.
When I facilitate workshops I ask people to look within, to become aware of their physiological
responses to the stressors outside of them. How do you know when you're experiencing distress or eustress? Eustress being the positive, motivating stress and distress being the stress that lingers on and we just can't seem to shake it without a good massage or getting rid of the stressor. More often then not, you will feel the stress in the same part of your body. Example: When I am in a situation where I may be about to encounter conflict or I'm experiencing stress, the muscles in my shoulder below my neck begin to tense and my breathing becomes deeper. What happens in your body?
In order to relax, you must first understand the importance and health benefits of relaxation. The benefits include, but are not limited to, healthier relationships, healthy levels of blood pressure, improved sexual relationships and less cardiovascular problems. It has been proved that stress is a major cause of cancer.
Did you know you could relax in a crowded elevator? Or, while individuals are arguing? Relaxation is an incredible skill, once you figure out what works for you. I am not promising anything here, but I would be willing to bet that if you practiced relaxing each day for about for about 15 minutes at a time, after three weeks your relaxation technique (which will be one of
many to come) will be almost second nature to you ... an unconscious habit.
One idea is to create a 'soul' box. To do this you will need: A container that is special to you. I
bought a blank cardboard one at a craft shop and decorated it myself. In this box you will need to put the following things (these are suggestions only):
~A scented candle that the aroma will speak 'relax' to you (lavender is known as the relaxation scent); A CD that invokes 'quiet' thoughts for you; A memory that is written, maybe a letter from someone special, a poem, or words that for you are very comforting; A picture of a serene place, maybe one that you've visited or a place you'd like to go; And anything else that is special to you.
Now, I want you to get your 'Soul' box out. Find a space of your own. Get comfortable. When relaxing for the soul it is essential that you set aside quiet time. If you are in your home or office, turn off all technological communication devices and put up 'Do Not Disturb' signs or whatever will work. Put your CD on or if you have a water fountain, have that on. Anything that assists in creating the atmosphere for you -- the atmosphere that you need to create the 'relaxation' that you will be doing. Once you are in your space -- be quiet. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes and continue breathing slowly. Clear your mind. At this point you can look at the things in your box, read the writings, look at the pictures or keep your eyes closed and look within your soul. Notice the physiological responses in your body. Is your heart rate slowing? Is the tension in your body dissolving? Remember this is your relaxation time. You are maintaining peace of mind and soul. When you begin to practice this relaxation technique you will notice that some of it will become automatic, especially since you won't always have your 'soul' box with you. You will notice that physiologically you feel better. You will notice less tension in your body.
As women we are continuing evolving, our roles in life are continually evolving -- we cannot stop
growing. We must think outside of the box and do what works for us. This is not being selfish --this is called 'self-care'. Today I challenge you to think outside of the box, create your own 'soul'
box and let your self-care journey begin.
**************
Suzy Kingsly is a Life Coach, Motivational Speaker
and Training Consultant who lives in Colfax,
Washington. She has designed and facilitates the "Soulful
Self Seminar for Women" and created "Soul Parties" for
women.

The 'snack runner' and her guy!

Last evening I did the 'snack run' for the Harvest Crew. I made cupcakes in ice cream cones and brought out the cooler full of our cold beverages. After six is 'our' time for that very much need ice-cold beer! Oops, looks like Dick was having the Fresca and I was having the beer for him! Hey, I had a rough day baking cupcakes, doing yardwork, working on some scrap stuff & housework.

This picture was taken while sitting on the back of our pickup. Couldn't find my good sunglasses so had to put on my Hollywood Big Style ones. My daughter's have told me these are not so stylish looking on me, so I avoid them at all costs. Although, I thought I was being pretty stylish when I bought them back in VA. Oh well ...

Yesterday they were harvesting barley and boy does it itch if you get barley powder on you.

Don't you love how beautiful & blue the sky is? The fields of the Palouse are amazing.

Just a few more days and then Harvest will be done for another year. Wheat prices are at an all time high .... $6.75 a bushel! Woo-hoo!!!!

This morning I went to worship service at the Dusty Bible Church that I attend. I love going to such a small country church. Doesn't hurt that Wiley (of Wiley & the Wild West or the famous "Yahoo" yodel) sings at church when he is in town. The sermons are intimate & meaningful ... meant for our community of farmers & ranchers. There is a sense of genuine sincerity in all who attend. When they say 'have a safe Harvest' ... they mean it!

Have a great week!

Boggled ....

**I'm doing the 'meme' as proposed by a Cottage member where an individual blog begins each day with the next letter of the alphabet**

Boggled .... thinking outside of the box for a word that would best described where I am today in life. Blessed was the first word that came to mind. But (another B word) as I begin to think about a variety of current life 'issues' ... boggled camed to mind.

Boggled that those who claim they love you are able to hurt you. I've heard it said those who are closest are hurt easiest or 'we hurt those we love' and the sayings go on and on. I've always told my kids that when a finger is being pointed, there are three pointing right back at you.

Boggled that as individual grow in age, they don't 'mature' and think with 'wisdom'.

Boggled that individuals are quick to make & pass judgement without asking questions, taking time to consider the options or much less trying to educate themselves about the subject matter.

Boggled that family is able to hurt family.

Boggled that what is one person's agenda should not be expected to be another persons agenda.

Amazed

Amazed ..... So amazed at where I'm at in life today. Always hoped, never thought. Always dreamed, never anticipated those dreams would become reality. Not all dreams & hopes -- yet a scewed (spell?) version of them.

Amazed that I'm able to look out my window and watch the sunrise beyond the hills. Amazed that I'm able to watch the alfalfa fields being irrigated. Amazed that the birds are chirping and dancing about one of my many gardens.

Amazed that my son will be going into the Marine Corps in two weeks. Amazed that my beautiful daughters are such wonderful 'Moms' to him. I should clarify, not amazed, but so incredibly blessed that they've this relationship. My children are amazing in my mind & soul. Each so different. My Mom always said ".... it takes some flowers longer bloom then others". Lord knows I'm the poster child for that saying.

Amazed that Mom, our 'Honey', transitioned from this life 10 years ago.

Amazed that I'm in a relationship with a man that is amazing! So strong, gentleman, a man of his word, steadfast values, hardworking, and of course .... my cowboy!

An Article I wrote a few years back....

**I wrote this article in 2002 ... I sure wish I still had this business. I had so much fun life coaching and working with women, especially Moms who were 'overwhelmed'.

Enjoy!
Inspiration - The Possibilities are Endless
by Susan Kingsly, Professional Life Coach

Motivate me! Inspire me! Rejuvenate me! Whoa! I'm asking others to do something for me -not a bad thing. But consider this, the inspirations that you hold within your soul are infinite. On any given day each of us finds something, whether is be a phrase, a picture, or someone that we feel inspires us. What does inspiration feel like? What does inspiration look like? How do you know when you are inspired? How do you use that information? I recently read a mediation card that read " . . .. Joy lives in small places." Does that mean I have to go on an inspiration hunt? Maybe, and maybe not.

Each of us lives with the possibility of inspiration right in our own souls. We know what inspires us, but often don't allow ourselves the 'permission', if you will, to inspire ourselves. Why is that? Who knows? THE TIME IS NOW! The possibilities are endless! So get ready my friends and
receive the inspirations freely. Remember as a child when you had an idea, you'd get so excited, and couldn't wait to follow through on it. Or maybe when you were in a new relationship you wanted to try new things ... just because.

Those were times of inspiration. When are your times of inspiration now? If you have to get out your Palm Pilot or day planner to schedule 15 minutes a day to 'reflect' on inspiration -- then do it. One idea might be to keep a small notebook in your purse or on your desk and when you have an 'inspiration moment' write it down. It doesn't have to be a complete sentence - it might be a word, a picture you cut out of a magazine or a song that you hear. Why not start an 'Inspiration Journal'?

My challenge to you is to put those inspirations to use. Inspiration and motivation sometimes go hand in hand. My goal in writing this article is not to inspire you, but for each of you to consider the possibilities of inspiration in your life. Think of something inspiring right now -- how do you feel? Are you smiling? Do you feel warm? Are you motivated? Remember those feelings; that is what you want to go for and recreate.

Recently I received an email from an old friend - I couldn't wait to open her email. It started off like this: Suzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, you know when a letter starts off like that and I have a huge smile on my face, that this individual is a definite friend. When I think of her I begin to smile, my mind remembers fond and fun memories ... she is a soul friend. Her email was a reminder to me of what I need in a good friendship ... something I haven't really done since moving to my
new home. Her email inspired me to work towards the goal of an inspirational and 'soulful' friendship ... one that is good for my soul and for me. Whether you have to go on an inspiration hunt or give yourself permission to open up to the possibilities of inspiration in your soul, the time is now. The possibilities of inspiration are endless .... they are within you.
____________________________
Suzy Kingsly is a Life Coach, Motivational Speaker and Training Consultant who lives in Spokane, Washington. She has designed and facilitates the "Soulful Self Seminar for Women" and created "Soul Parties" for women. For more information on Suzy and Side-by-Side Consulting & Coaching, check out her website at http://www.sidebyside4u.com/.

Simplify

Simplify ... Simplify my life. Saying "no" and meaning it. Following through with a task -- yet keeping the task 'simple' and not 'overwhelming'. Hearing my guy when he says he wants something light to eat and not thinking I have to make a 5 course meal.

Simplify. In scrapbooking .... to not think I have to put a gazillion embellishments or try many techniques on one page. Simplify --- fresh, clean, less is more.

Simplify. Knowing it is okay to not have a dozen closets full of clothes. Great book that amplifies this ... "Jesus on a Harley".

Simplify. Keeping my lists to 'five or less'.

Simplify. Being realistic and not overwhelming myself with others expectations.

Simplify. Keep it simple.

Word of the day -- Breathe!

What a day! It started out so quiet, relaxing and peaceful. Made breakfast for my guy & I, took my time getting ready for work. I guess it is just one of those days where there is so much to be done ... too many projects/reports due right now.

I'm busy organizing the 6th Annual Family Caregiver Support Conference. This year our speaker will be from the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco. I'm very, very excited for this conference. Each year our conferences get bigger!

Oh, back to my word of the day -- BREATHE. I have taken a couple walks this morning to practice just this ... breathe. Luckily I work in a small town when I have the luxury of being able to take a walk to other offices to drop off items or to just take a walk around the block or down to the local farmer's market. This morning I bought a fresh peach ... so refreshing and luscious.

I'm going to work out at lunch time ... always a good thing and I feel better afterwards. Been trying to drink more water ... even brought in some lime slices from home.

Bless ~

I got a band-aid!

Oh, I just about forgot ... my word for today is 'PEACE'. Recently a co-worker came back from a retreat with a gift for each of us. She personally selected a written verse for each of us in a frame. The one she chose for me is so appropriate .... 'Let peace be your quest and aim'.

I've got cooties!!!!! So today I decided I was finally going to see the doc because I'm continuing to get bit up (I'm so sweet!) and for some reason this year, my body is not liking the bites and is reacting. The NP decided I needed a shot. Didn't think anything of it until the nurse came in and told me she was going to give me a shot in my bum! Haven't had a shot there since I was a kid. But, she put a band-aid on it!

My daughters called me today and asked how to make salsa. I love the feeling that my kids still need me. The fun part was that they were both in the grocery store .... all the way across the United States in VA! A little bit later Missy called back and asked why her food processor wasn't working ... I had used in back in May when I was visiting. So, I walked her through the steps to get it to work ... it did.

Last week Missy and I had talked about different ways to cook ground beef and to eat healthy on a budget. She mentioned that she was making hamburger helper. I reminded her that I NEVER cooked HH when they were kids, to full of sodium, etc. She said "I know ... but we've discovered how good it tastes." Oh well.....

We went to a funeral yesterday for the wife of a dear friend of ours. She was only 64. As the picture show set to music was showing, in my mind I was thinking not only how fun this individual was but at the same time ... what pictures would my family pick for me ... or should I pick them out? Ever since I worked in retirement community, this has been a continual thought for me. Maybe gruesome, maybe not.

At the Cottage, there has been a challenge issued to post our "To Do Lists or Agendas" for the next few days. Mine is:

• Stop itching these blessed *&^%^&*(*&( bug bites!
• Take ice cream & beverages to the harvest crew this p.m.
• Finish the recipe & decorated item swaps
• Continue to resist the temptation for sweets & calorie laden foods
• Do a load of laundry tonight
• Continue to work in the garden of weeden
• Bake some banana bread
• Clean up the kitchen
• Get a grocery list & recipes together
• Make relishes this weekend
• Get my peaches so I can can them & make jams
• Continue practice patience with particular individuals in my life
• Pray for my son's continued healing and his beginning of a new career, the Marines, the last week of this month
• Pick out the paint for the laundry area

That's about it for now.

Harvest Update: We're on barley now, so it should be about less than 10 days or so. When harvest is done we'll go on our annual get away. My guy is such a sweetie, always lets me pick where I want to go. This year I'm choosing the Imnaha, Oregon. My Mom grew up there and it is absolutely beautiful. My cousins own the Tavern/Store there, so it is always a fun place to visit, catch up on family and just kick back and relax. We enjoy just driving around, looking at the other farms/ranches, checking out the cows and more than anything .... spending time together. We even take our dogs with us. We'll stay in Joseph, Oregon. Joseph is home to bronze foundries. The artwork is exquisite.

That's it for today.

Half-way through Harvest

I can't believe it ... we're half-way done! I thought all the projects I had lined up in my oh-so-cluttered mind would be 'half-way' done ... nope!

Last night we had the annual McRanch mid-harvest pizza party. We have it in whatever stubble field we're at. This year we were right off of the highway ... lots of fun! Friends & neighbors of all ages were there. A few were teasing me that I had a tablecloth (wasn't white) on the table and I pointed out that in Country Living magazine all of their outdoor shoots have table cloths! Next year we'll put out straw bales and then who knows, you might just see us on the cover of Country Living! Our saving grace this year were two things .... the weather cooled (we had to get sweatshirts on) and the biggie ..... we finally have a pizza place in town!!! Woo-Hoo!!!! I ordered a garlic chicken pizza and put that on the back of the pick-up (one of many there) for the 'girls". The guys just wouldn't have appreciated a 'gourmet' pizza! We had a few coolers .... an adult one and a 'kiddie' one! Next year I'll definitely bring lanterns out. A couple people asked where the preacher was .. guess they thought we'd be having a surprise wedding. Puh-leeze .... I'd at least have taken a shower! I did chuckle and tease my guy ... wonder if he got the hint?

Went to a crop on Friday night ... got only five cards done. Yikes .... I'm way too slow on some things. I was helping my neighbor with some of her layouts and I just am plumb slow when it comes to doing some things. I just need to do it! So, this evening I'll get my cards done and print out the recipes for the recipe swap. Got deco swap shopping done, just need to deco the (can't say it just in case Rox is reading this).

Heading to a funeral on Tuesdays. Always so sad to someone pass away at a young age ... any age at that. Arlene was 64 and the wife of one of my guy's best friends.

So, what else is going on in my life right now.....
Oh, here is my to do list I'll share with you or a portion of it

• Make zuchinni relish
• Make pickles
• Pick green beans
• Pick swiss chard
• Make pesto from basil in garden
• Pray that my tomatoes will really show up from those cute little blossoms
• Pray that my green peppers will really show up from those cute little blossoms
• Hope & pray I get lots! and lots! of adorable pumpkins in my pumpkin patch
• Go grocery shopping this afternoon
• Get stuff together for the Harvest Breakfast in the morning
• Scrap my swaps tonight
• Weed my garden of 'weeden'
• Iron some shirts
• Get the farm dirt off of my good black heels for the funeral on Tuesday
• Clean out my car
• Wash my car
• Cancel my pedicure appt on Tuesday (I'll be out of town)
• Return library books

What's on your To-Do List!!!!

To Life ... or another Wednesday morning & I'm dragging!

Harvest!!! It is that time of the year when farmers get 'paid'. I love the intensity, comraderie, traditions and also, my quiet time in the evenings & weekends. This morning I cooked breakfast for the crew & enjoyed it. I sure do miss cooking for a big family, yet at the same time, welcome the opportunity to enjoy life & our 'moments' with my guy.

I'd like to do more of my scrapbooking & writing but just seems likes lately something else pops up. I need to get motivated .... lots of ideas, yet blocks. I miss alot of my friends from the Cottage, yet know that each of us grow & move in a variety of directions/areas --- it is part of our personal growth & what defines us. Enough of that.

My latest 'question' ... ok, this sounds so lame, but --- do I really need to hold on to those ka-dozen rubbermaid totes full of material? Am I really going to make all those quilts? pillows? Baby blankies & Barbie blankets/clothes for my 'not even a twinkle in the sky' grandkids?

Well, back to work.