The Adventures of Sadie and Sue: Living in a Monastery

It’s been a while since Sadie and I have checked in. We have not moved, but we have been spending quite a bit of time in the monastery. Let me explain.

Spending time in a peaceful place filled with inspiration holds appeal. And it doesn’t need to be atop of a mountain, miles away from civilization. Dr. Joe Dispenza creates beautiful monasteries in huge conference rooms during his multi-day events. Witnessing transformation that eases the numerous bolts of stress we live by is incredible.

It’s been a chaotic summer. If I were sitting on the shore, watching the events and craziness of recent months travel downstream, it would be a raging flood, a torrent of water washing over rocks and boulders, carving a new shoreline in stormy circumstances. I dip my toe in carefully, knowing the currents are strong but no storm lasts forever.

It’s a good time to create my own monastery. A safe place for reflection and connection.

The home Sadie and I share is a peaceful refuge. It’s easy to stock up on inspiration within our walls.

The amazing thing about an inner monastery is that I am the architect. The rooms are as large or as small as I want. It makes no difference. If something is not working in my experience of life, I can remodel. The spark of calm when connected is vast.

And my monastery is mobile.

I can take it with me. When I’m away from home, the monastery fits quite nicely in my suitcase, and takes up much less space than one might think. If any inner stress pops up, I take it out, shake it open, and have instant respite.

Others help my monastery grow. It gets a BIG upgrade when my grandson’s come over. Their infectious joy and laughter transforms the rooms with so much light. When I ask them, “Is your heart happy today?” They both answer instantly, “YES!”

Sharing a weekend retreat with a small group of amazing women sparked some major upgrades to the monastery. A sense of community, unconditional support and heartfelt connection was palpable and powerful, fueled by the backdrop of gorgeous Vermont gardens, hills and so many divine shades of green.

I feel gratitude. I create the space in which I dwell, and the views are amazing. Sadie and I are excited to see how our monastery grows and expands. Her sweet, precious energy forms a powerful foundation.

Til’ next time friends, live a great story.

Sadie and Sue

Photo credit: Catherine Board
Greater Levels of Love Retreat- Leading Fields, Vermont

The Adventures of Sadie and Sue: Searching for Superpowers

 

It’s been a long summer. The hot sizzle of the sun and hazy smokey skies have prompted indoor activities, and one of my favorites: contemplation. Sadie is up for anything, so she rests quietly, nose on paws, waiting to see what happens. Cheap entertainment.

I’ve been thinking about superpowers. I know we all have them, and I’m trying to laser focus in on mine. However, I am surrounded with those whose superpowers ooze out of the very air they breathe.

I’ll start with Sadie, my faithful companion with a wet nose, a penchant for ‘shake’ and sheer adoration for hot dogs and doggie ice cream. Her superpower was firmly established when I brought her home as a pup. Pure love. If you are a dog lover, you know what I mean. She trusts. She counts on me to feed her, provide water, walks and lots of love, but she doesn’t worry about it, stay awake at night with anxiety or ruminate. I walk to the door and grab her leash, and she is instantly joyful, ready to go.

I think about my grandkids.

Kaylin, age 12 and ¾ has the superpowers of wisdom and resilience.  She is what my mom would call an ‘old soul’, someone who was born with a divine plan and huge heart. She is smart, has tons of courage and navigates her life with a maturity that astounds me.

And then there is Kason, age 8. He rocks superpowers of extreme kindness, care, and positivity. His inner light and spirit shines so brightly, I’m pretty sure we could use it to power the grid if we ever needed to. When I talk to Kason, I always feel my heart open even wider from his precious energy and presence.

Little Nolan is almost 3, and his superpowers grow all the time. He has the best imagination and shares willingly his adventures of dinosaur watching, Harry Potter spells and the wonder of rolly polly bugs when we go for nature walks. He lives in the moment, a dynamo of pureness. When he’s sad, he’s sad. When he’s mad, he’s mad. But he is always shimmering sweetness.

If you are in my circle of family and friends, I recognize your superpower. I wish I could list them here, because I am constantly in awe and have great respect for each of you. There is a collective web constantly spinning chock full of magic and wonder. And each of you has a part in creating that. So, if you ever doubt or need a bit of encouragement, comment below or send me a message, and I would be honored to share what I see your superpower as.

So, I’ll continue the adventure of excavating mine. When you are surrounded with inspiration, it rubs off, I am sure. Sadie and I are both enjoying the superpower of Mother Nature, who is offering a sneak peak of fall this week.

Until next time friends, live a great story.

The Adventures of Sadie and Sue: Episode 365

 

I’ve decided these episodes need not follow any particular numerical order. Some things are linear in life and some are not.  Creativity should have the freedom to bounce around wherever it might alight.

Happy New Year friends. Sadie and I have jumped into 2021 with gusto. She started the year with several of her best friends, Jake, Nolan and Kase.  I welcomed the year meeting 1000 new friends at a weeklong meditation retreat on a beautiful island with the additional blessing of having my sister there with me.

Picture walking on the beach for sunrise and sunset meditations, heart felt conversations, and an energy of love that likely spread so far as to dance on distant shores. It was powerful, mystical, humbling and the integration of information is still fueling my soul.  

What better compass could one hope for to navigate another trip around the sun.

2021 is not about planning and striving and yearning for things to be a certain way. It’s about letting go. Cleaning out the gunk that may still lurk in the shadows of my past. It is a gentle, yet fierce excavation that leads to a deeper dive of creating what I do want to experience. To allow, receive, to be and feel worthy. These are powerful words, each deserving of its own muse.

It’s a year to celebrate wins. This week marks 365 days of walking at least 10,000 steps each and every day. One full year with no excuses. I made it happen and it was pretty easy. A bit of focus, will and determination was helpful. I figured if I could do it on the day I fell and broke my arm, there wasn’t much that could stand in my way as long as my feet work. Sadie was with me for many of those walks. We knew that this was something we did have control over when the outer world seemed to show something different.

Dating in this day and time deserves a gold badge of courage.  However, I am happily discovering how easy it can be to let go of people who need to be on a different bus. This is a big win. It invites a tender vulnerability to sharpen my vision and allow my heart to open even wider in that letting go. The relationships I have in my life are precious, and I want to bring my best self to each and every one of them. Those relationships that do not serve me dissolve into nothing and are non-consequential. As a recovering ruminator, that’s empowering, don’t you think?

I wake up each morning grateful for my beautiful life. For the aroma of my favorite cup of coffee as I sit at my desk and write. For the opportunity to envelope my family and friends in the biggest circle of love and appreciation many times throughout the day. To drink in fresh air and the beauty of a brilliant blue Colorado sky edged up against the crispness of the mountains.

Sadie and I will be in touch soon. Until then, wishing you magical moments and much love.

Live a great story, friends.

Sadie and Sue

 

 

The Adventures of Sadie and Sue: Episode 2020

 

This episode is out of order of the others, but who cares? It’s been a year.  Expect the unexpected has taken on new meaning.

Sadie and I have been out of touch for a while. Let’s get caught up. We will start with the important stuff. Sadie is her sweet chill self. She was happy when the dog park re-opened after the initial COVID surge and she’s keeping her paws crossed no further closures are necessary. She still chases balls and eyes the multitude of rabbits who live in the ‘hood who have no understanding of social distancing.

We navigated the year mostly unscathed.

Sadie and I were out for a walk in April following a late spring snowstorm and I took a pretty nasty slip on ice. She was off leash but came right back to me as I hobbled home and discovered I had broken my arm. It took a few months to heal but we had amazing support from family and friends. My sisters came from Florida, despite the pandemic and offered much comfort and help.  A good friend came and walked Sadie twice a day for months, as I regained strength in the arm and shoulder. What a relief to know Sadie was getting the exercise she needed when I wasn’t able to provide it.

We’ve managed several direct exposures and self-quarantined until results came back (negative).

The social isolation can feel daunting.

However, I squeezed in a few trips away. It’s still so strange to see everyone wearing masks. Eye contact is fleeting. I know everyone is doing the best they can, but it seems otherworldly.

It’s been a year. Pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, a presidential election. Such a time of extremes.

What better time to make huge decisions?

Huge Decision #1:  Stepping away from my full-time job in December. Taking a bit of time off and then re-focusing on doing more of what I really want to do. To write. Trusting deeply within the unknown that a new path is emerging that is not dependent on outward appearances. It feels amazing!

Huge Decision #2: Decided it is time to get out of the stand and onto the field and explore dating. During an international pandemic, you might ask.  Well, I’ve asked myself the same thing, but why not? Where do you meet singles during this weird time? After swearing up and down I would never do so again, I’m making a foray into the world of online dating.

Spoiler alert: Online dating is not for the weak of heart. But with an attitude of curiosity, I’ve chatted with some nice guys who have the same badge of courage. Sadie is right there with me as I create my profile and she mostly approves of the photos I include of her. She and I are a team.

Again, this is a time to trust deeply that a new path is emerging that is not dependent on outward appearances.

Here we are in November, in the home stretch of 2020. I am grateful for my family and friends. For the energy of love that transcends anything else.  The crazy twists and turns have upended many plans. It’s ok. It’s helped me sink deeper into trust and to make new plans.

Be well, my friends. Sending each of you a ton of love, support, and virtual hugs.

Until next time, live a great story.

Sadie and Sue

The Adventures of Sadie and Sue: Episode 150

Sadie and I had planned some grand adventures in 2020. We were well on our way as the year began.

Nothing, however, even sparked a glimpse of the possibility we are faced with in our world today. I wake up on day 17 of ‘stay at home’ contemplating the events that have grabbed our collective shirt ties and spun us into a ravishing dervish of uncertainty. We are ensconced in the depths of the unknown.

The unknown, I am learning, is not to be feared.   The unknown can call forth a wide array of feelings and emotions. Fear, worry, sadness and anxiety have all made visits. But I find I’m better able to lean into those feelings as they arise. They don’t stay very long.

Hope, acceptance, and appreciation for all I have is most often in charge.

We are all hunkered down in our respective homes and communities, yet I sense and feel this collective spirit of cooperation. There is a gentleness of care and concern as our awareness embraces the good of the order. We stay home to help break the chain of possible infection for those most vulnerable.

In our community we go outside in the evenings and howl at 8 pm, to show our appreciation for everyone on the front lines. That simple five-minute show of solidarity brings me much comfort.

There are encouraging signs in windows, and sidewalks have chalked messages of fun and inspiration.  It’s truly amazing what our world community can do, when we pull together in ways we might never have imagined.

Spring continues to re-birth. The birds seem unbothered. I have my window open a bit at night, and I enjoy hearing the chorus of song as dawn approaches. Trees are blooming.

In our daily walks Sadie and I visit the sports field which is mostly empty. It’s been nice to see the brown withered grass slowly recover vibrant shades of green. Each blade seems to stretch up, sway softly in the breeze, hopefully awaiting the tickle of little feet, when children can freely run and laugh and play again.

Sadie lays her head on my lap and looks up at me with her big brown eyes. I’m grateful for her company. Soon enough, we will be revisiting our list of adventures for 2020.  We will do so with a much more tender awareness of what is truly important. Seeing family and friends in person and giving real-time hugs. Appreciating this beautiful life just a little bit more.

Be well friends. Until next time, live a great story.

Sadie and Sue

The Adventures of Sadie and Sue: Episode 149

The Magic of Morning

Sadie and I started a new habit this week. The days start a little earlier. The temperatures are a bit warmer. And, as tempting as it might be to turn over to snuggle into sleep a bit longer- well, the magic awaits. I ask myself, “Are you in, or are you out?”

So, I sit up, 5 am or so. I take a bio break, wrap up in my robe and blanket, sit up in my chair and settle into a nice meditation. My dreamy state is stretched out a bit more. Nice.

Then it’s time for Sadie’s bio break. After, she is happy to settle back into her bed.

I make a cup of coffee and heat up my neck warmer. I bundle up with that extra warmth around my neck, put on my hat, coat and mittens. I grab my coffee and off I go to watch the sunrise. Temperatures may hover around freezing, but I am warm.

It’s not yet 6 am, but Mother Nature is spot on, sculpting another beautiful masterpiece. She never gets it wrong.

Joy fills my heart as I walk East. The horizon awakes. A broad sweep of the cosmic paint brush- pinks and crimsons build up. It takes my breath away.  I walk my path, drinking in the cold air, listening to the song of a bird, or the hoot of an owl. This is a sacred time.

I watch the barren trees own their power. The buds at the tips of the branches push forth a bit more each day. All that possibility is brewing below the surface, seemingly stagnant. Yet, magic is happening.

Another timeless miracle of nature, hidden potentials, just waiting to burst forth with brilliant life.

We have that same power, I muse.

Our world is waking up. My eyes may still be sleepy, but I drink in the beauty of possibility. What broad strokes of a brush will I make to create my day? It’s an open invitation, saturated with possibility.

I walk. Grateful for this day to contribute to the good of the order. Grateful for that delicious sip of coffee. Grateful for the warm cocoon of my coat and hat. Grateful for the brilliance of the impeccable morning sky as it powers up, each moment bringing more light.

It’s a simple hour creating a great day.

I return home and sit at my desk.  My workday begins. I feel centered and calm.

Sadie is as always, way ahead of me. She snoozes quite contently nearby. She figured this out way a long time ago.

Until the next time, my friends, live a great story.

S&S

The Adventures of Sadie and Sue: Episode 148 and a Smidge

Smidge might not be easily accepted as a mathematical term, but for me, it works perfectly.  

I have imported my ‘old’ blog to this new one. I am firmly ensconced in my roots, back in the fold, with my given name. Finally. It’s been a journey- almost 61 times around this brilliant sun of ours, but I do remember that age only burns brighter.  Some of those old blogs might have episodes that have no need to be here. Bear with me for a few until we catch up.

Ok… enough about me.

Sadie had a very exciting week at doggie camp. All reports tell of late nights, plenty of puptacular conversations, lots of treats, and of being one with her pack.  Perhaps still wondering where Mom was. I tried to explain I’d be gone for a while. She’s a strong puppy, so there were no complaints. In her normal easy going way, she went with the flow.

I missed her, and wished she could have been with me, but I was on another adventure that did not lend itself well to us being together.

It was a magical, mystical time with about 1000 like-minded souls traveling a journey together figuring out our place in the Universe.  My pack.  So much beautiful energy. This was a week-long event, chock filled with early morning meditations, great conversations, incredible teachings, amazing healings, fantastic research, and so much more. 

This is kind of a tip of the iceberg description, but everything happening below that surface was thunderous.  I wrestled many aspects of self to the ground and said farewell with no regrets. Good riddance.

Even within the quite long list of self-limitations, I also connected with my brilliance.

My path in life has carved out a little differently than I thought it would. But each etch in the landscape is perfect, creating this living, breathing masterpiece of life that could not be better. And you know what? It is the same for you.

So much gratitude to my sweet pup, who allows Mom to travel about as she needs. Much gratitude to you… for contributing your most powerful threads to this grand tapestry of my life.

We are so much more than we know.

Except for Sadie. I think she gets it.  She’s centered, resting on her pillow, grateful to be home, knowing that everything unfolds in perfect timing.

Until next time my friends, live your best story.

S & S