photo credit: wheeldog

Hi.

I am back.

Sorta.

Where have I been?

Well, I have been traveling all over the world.  From England to Scotland to Ireland to Austria to Germany to Australia to New Zealand. I traveled through out Canada and all through out the US.

Whew.

I am exhausted.

Actually, I am lying like a sack of potatoes.

I wish this were true.

But, alas…it isn’t.

I have had some major writers block.

Major.

I continue to journal.  I continue to do my morning meditations.  I am even working out again.

But writing a blog?

It just hasn’t been happening.

Not at all.

Lots of great ideas.

But, as soon as I sit down to write about them…the toilet starts whispering in my ear:  “Clean me”

Or the laundry mumbles something from the hamper: “Wash me!”

Then I notice these big things floating around on the floor.  They dance about, trying to get my attention: “Sweep me!”  And before they attack anyone, I get up and sweep them away.

I sit down.  And try again.

As I look out the window…gathering my thoughts, a butterfly floats into my view…and I have to follow it.

I just have to!

And then once I am outside, there are weeds to be pulled, gardens to clip back.  Birds to hear…bunnies to smile at. Cartwheels to do on the grass.

I come back in.  Sit down and try again.

Ah, but then the next thought floats in.

“Call mom”  She is done with lunch now.  The nursing home has very set times for meals.  She does better in the afternoon.  Her Alzheimer’s mind is better able to focus. Good time to call her.

I have to be in a good head space to make these calls.

I take a deep breath, do a wee bit of tapping, and dial the phone.

The conversations are getting shorter and shorter.  They are sometimes very strange.  And sometimes they are very sad.

Lots of things to blog about due to these weird and unsettling conversations.

I sit down. And try again.

As I gather my thoughts together to share about this journey,  I feel deflated.  Another butterfly floats into my view. This time, I don’t follow it.  I don’t go outside and listen to the birds sing, or watch the bunnies hop about. I don’t do any cartwheels.

I am completely out of creative energy.

It was barely there.

Now it has floated away.

I am imagine it floating away with the butterfly~ Maybe it will be transformed into something light and beautiful.

Maybe.

If I see one more pelican covered in oil…

If I see Anderson Cooper in one more tight black t-shirt (though he does look cute as a button!)…

If I see one more sad story…

I will fall so deep into a pit of despair…

Well, not that deep.  I am too much of an optimist to go to far down.  But, I sure have been getting my toes wet.

The challenge with all of this news is that there is so much information out there that I can’t do anything about.  Yes, I have signed a bunch of petitions.  Yes, I have written my congressman.  Yes, I have thought of going down there to help with the clean up… Yes, I have done tapping for the gulf…meditations for the gulf…all of that stuff.

And the sad news just keeps coming.

So, what do we do with all of this?  What do we do with the tragedy’s that are happening over there and still be present with our lives over here?  Can we hold sadness for that while appreciating and loving this?

In the history of this planet…we have never seen so much information at our fingertips…in the air…surrounding us.  We just can’t take it all in.  I am not sure if we are meant to…I am thinkin we are not.

Maybe we have to become very good sifters.  Sifters of our reality.  Sifters of information.  What do we want to take in…what do we want to leave out?  Were do we want to focus our energy?  What changes do we want to be a part of?  Where does our inspiration land?

I know some folks who are taking action to help in the gulf…physically being present down there.  That is not what resonates for me.  I am working with some clients who live down there to help them with what is going on…with how there lives have changed over night.  That kind of support does resonate with me.

We all have our ways of contributing.  Some are small…some are big.

And for some of us we can have conversations and share ideas.  Some of us can’t even talk about these sorts of things.

So where ever you are with all of this information I offer you the idea of becoming an excellent sifter.  Taking in what you can and leaving out what you can’t.  Doing those actions that inspire and leaving the ones that don’t (they will be inspiring to someone else).  And when the news gets too overwhelming…and even before you reach that point…turn it off and focus your attention on something that soothes your heart.

And for those of you who still like to know what is going on in the world but want a more uplifting focus, I have listed some good news sites.  These are only a few…there are tons more where these came from

good news network

Ode Magazine

positive news

Good news daily

Happy news

Positive economic news

Okie dokie…that’ll do it!

Peace~

]]> http://lynnemorrell.com/2010/07/cnn-you-are-bummin-me-out/feed/ 3 http://lynnemorrell.com/2010/06/frappachinos-and-a-brief-love-affair/ http://lynnemorrell.com/2010/06/frappachinos-and-a-brief-love-affair/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:01:13 +0000 Lynne Morrell http://lynnemorrell.com/?p=652

When I ordered my first  frappachino last year, l fell in love with the yummy tasty cup of delight…pretty much right off the bat. I realized that this could be a problem.  One cuz I rarely fall in love with a food or beverage in that way…and two because I rarely fall in love with a food or beverage in that way!

And because of the unusual-ness of this whole experience, I knew the potential for indulgence was great.

Why shouldn’t I have one of these yummy cups of cold, whipped coffee goodness every day?  I deserve it right?

So what if they cost a wad of cash for each one?

I could just order a small!

So what if they have a bajillion calories per small cup?

I don’t need to eat anything else!!!!

So what if it is totally politically incorrect to go to starbucks everyday?

I could do the drive thru and no one would know!

I decided to give myself a frappachino budget.  I know.  I know.  Such a Virgo thing to do….

Anyway, I figured out my little budget (while dreaming of new ways to make more money so that I could increase this puny little wad!)  and off I went.  I decided that I could spend it any way I wanted.  What did I do?  I bought one everyday until the money ran out…which lasted about a week!

Funny thing was…after about a week…my love affair was quieting down.  The dreamy dates had become predictable.  The staff at starbucks were beginning to say “Hi” in a way to familiar tone.  And my stomach wasn’t liking the major sugar infusion at all!!!!

It was time to end the little brief love affair.  And lucky for me…the weather had started to turn cold and so this choice felt pretty easy to make.  Onward to hot cups of chia.  Plus, I could make my own chia at home!

The other day, was a very warm day.  I had been out doing some errands and found a $5.00 bill hiding in my billfold.  I decided that it was the perfect day to have a frappachino!  Besides, I hadn’t had one since last fall!!!!  Couldn’t be that bad right?  I pulled into the Starbucks and breathed a sigh of relief when I didn’t recognize anyone.

Unknown person behind counter (Upbc):  “Hi there!!!!!  How can I help you????”

Me: (Feeling a little bit overwhelmed by the perkiness of this person): “Um…ya, I would like a grande frappachino”

Upbc:  “Oh my gawwwwdddddd!!!! That is my favorite drink EVEEERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!”

Me: Smiling “I know!  They are so yummy!”

As she turned to go make the drink, I noticed that her hands were shakin pretty bad.

Me:  “How many frappachino’s have you had today?”  said with a nice warm smile

Upbc:  “I know!!!  Right??!!!  I have had 4 of em.  My hands are even shakin!  I gotta stop having so many…they are sooooooooooooooooo addictive!!!  Right!!!???”

Me:  “They sure are!”

As she hands me my little cup of joy, I said ‘goodbye’ to her and then headed out to my car.  After taking one sip…I knew that the love affair was back.  I was just in a more mature place with it.  I made the decision right then and there to enjoy my love of frappachino’s in a more relaxed way.

Once in awhile.

That’s it.

Once in a while.

For a treat!

Well, I gotta go now….ummmmm…errands…you know!

Then maybe…just for a treat…maybe…..I will stop by and say “hi” to  the Upbc.

She did invite me to come back

Have a delightful day~

First of all, we have been having some wind.  I’m not talkin about a breeze.  I am talking gale force winds that make strange creatures fly up into the air and hit ya in the face!  I made up the story that somehow this wind was gonna blow all of the allergens out of the air. Nope.  Ain’t true.  This morning our eyes are even redder then they were yesterday~

Where the hell did I put the visine?????

The next part of wildness is happening in and around our property.  Our gardens are exploding with life.  I have spent many hours out there the last few weeks, cutting back old dead stuff from last year, clearing out new weeds and getting things ready for some new additions.  I swear that last Saturday and Sunday all the weeds were cleared out…only to wake up Monday morning to find a half an acre of weeds sprung up over night.  How is that possible?

This year I have decided to bend these weeds to my will.

Whaddya think?  Head banger? or Possibility? or Just plain stupid?

I have also decided to paint.  Yep.  Paint. The inside of the house.  My color palette has changed and these old colors just gotta go.  You see, the first time I painted the whole inside of the house (the first year we were here), I was really ill and wanted nice mellow, cozy colors.  Now that I am feeling more energized (I still have some pain but, it ain’t like it used to be!!!) I want vibrant, clean and crisp colors.

The process has already begun…

Paint chips anyone?  With some salsa?

What else….

Oh, right.  I am in the Beginning stages of creating some new super cool products.  I will let ya know more about that when they are close to completion.  Hint:  Fun greeting cards with Lynne-isms and some snazzy EFT recordings focusing on all sorts of things…beginning with weight and body stuff

Hmmmmm….anything else….My son is visiting   Yay!!!!!  We are all hanging out having a great time together.  Pictures will follow soon:)

Well, I gotta split.  Lots of clients today and a hike with my son~

More to blog about later….

What is happenin’ in your neck of the woods?

Me: Am I going to be able to come up with some new interesting blog ideas?

Magic 8 Ball:  Yes!

Me: When?

Magic 8 Ball: Outlook is good

Me:  Ok…that is great.  But, I need to know when?  I keep starting blogs and then sticking them in my “Drafts” folder where they will rot cuz I will never go back to them.  So, I really need a sense of when this good outlook is gonna show up!!!!

Magic 8 Ball: Try again

So…I move to my Inspiration 8 Ball.  Maybe that would give me a clearer time frame!

Me: Inspiration Magic 8 Ball when am I going to start having some new interesting things to write about in my blog?

Inspiration Magic 8 Ball:  Great idea!!!!

Me:  I know…but, when?????

Inspiration Magic 8 Ball: Nice Outfit.

Me: Thanks.

Signed: Major writers dullness in Colorado~

I just returned home from a fabulous workshop where I learned a ton of cool new tools, met some new friends and hooked up with old friends.  It was an action packed handful of days.  We ate super yummy meals…drank super icky coffee…and went on many walks and had many talks.  To top this all off was the location.  Sunrise Ranch. Gorgeous land, lots of trails, great vibe place….right below Estes Park.

There is lots to share with you about what went on during the conference…which I will be doing over the next few days…but, today???? I am too pooped to party.  I have the workshop flu!  My mind is filled with lots of cool ideas, interesting memories and tons of dreamy future possibilities…and my body?

TIRED!

I kept today nice and light in my schedule with plenty of room to rest, read and journal.  Oh…and watch “Desperate Housewives” which I sadly missed last night!

So, without further ado…I’m off to go watch my show with my yummy cup of coffee

Chat with ya tomorrow

But, do I have the right to share this funny event?

He might get embarrassed.

The problem is I can’t get the image out of my head.

It won’t go away.

I have been trying to get it to go away.

I have even taken out my notebook titled “Blog Ideas” and looked through that.

Nothin’ is sparkin’ my interest.

Except what happened this morning.

Ah well, I am just gonna have to share it.

…but, ya gotta promise me that you won’t tell anyone!

Okay?

Good!

Here is what happened…

My fella threw his back (not funny at all…in fact, that is a big bummer and it is very painful).

He decided that taking a nice warm bath in our new fancy pants jetted tub would help.

So, I drew him a bath.  No, not on a piece of paper I filled up the tub with warm water and put a little of my lovely bubble bath in it.

Once the tub was nice and full, he gently climbed in…and off I went to do some this’s and that’s.

Soon I heard the jets going.  He is the first to really use them…I tried them briefly but they were a little to much for sensitive little ol me

He is also the first to use the jets with bubble bath.

In a few moments I hear this:

“Lynne”

“Lynne”

“L-Y-N-N-E!!!!!!!”

Running down the hall, I reached the bathroom door.

Me: “Are you ok?  What’s goin on???”

My Fella:  “I need you to come in here!”

I open the door….

He is in the tub with the bubbles overflowing….I mean OVERFLOWING up and over the tub.  He is peering over the bubbles.

“I can’t get the jets to turn off! The bubbles are about to kill me!!!”

After a few frantic pushes on the jet knob…it finally turned off.  By this time the bubbles were pouring over the side and onto the floor…and all I could see of my fella was his cute little head peeking out.

He looked at me.

I looked at him.

We both started to laugh.

A big big belly laugh.

I haven’t laughed that hard in awhile.

Wow!  I didn’t know that bubbles and bath jets didn’t mix.

Learn somthin’ new every day!

Well, here is all I have to say today:  Blah blah blah blah blah. Thinking blah blah. What would blah blah blah? What about blah blah?  And then there is the blah blah blah!

So, what do you blah blah?

How far will blah blah blah?

How will you deal with blah blah blah?

I was sitting here this morning thinking that blah blah blah blah is blah blah.  What do you blah?

I mean come on blah!!!

Now I am wondering if blah blah is really blah blah blah?

Profound!  I know!

Would love to hear about you blah blah blah’s!

Blah blah for now!

The folks that built this house in the early 60′s seemed unaware that they were building on expansive soil.  They also seemed unaware that you need to use cement board when backing a shower or bath area.  Jump ahead a bunch of years and you have the mess that is our bathroom.  To remedy our little problem of cracking tile and a falling tile wall, my fella used some duct tape to hold everything in place.

Duct tape.

Ugly gray duct tape.

Well, of course that just wouldn’t due for me…cuz I like things to be perty…not ugly!  So, my fella took all that off and decided to use packing tape.  Ahhhhh that was way better.  So, for the last 2 years we have held up the bathroom tile walls with packing tape.  Which did not stop all the water from leaking behind the tape but, at least the walls didn’t fall on us.

Just as a side note.  Weird things grow were there is water damage…weird freaky things.

Jump ahead to a couple of weeks ago when the project went into full swing.  We decided to start with our bathroom cuz that seemed like the worst one.  As the tile and flooring were ripped out, we stared in horror at the damage.  No wonder I have had this weird cough that lasts for months at a time and then disappears.  The rot was extensive.  The mold was gross.  And the subfloor had to be completely replaced.

At this point the bathroom is just a shell…and it looks so much better than it did on a good day when it was just cleaned!  The fella that is doing this work is trying to figure out how to stop all the shifting of the house so the floor is off and we can see the dirt underneath.  Still looks better than it ever has.

I told him that it would not be ok with me to keep the floor open like that during the night…due to creepy crawly things, raccoons, and other freaky friends that I just know live under the house! So every evening, he closes it up nice and tight.

Until last night.

Last night he needed this big fan thingy to be drying under the house.  He found an area that has lots of moisture due to the recent snow…hmmmmmm wonder if that might be part of our problem???  Nahhhhhh!

Anyway, he seemed to think that this was an important finding (whatever) and so he wanted to dry it out.  Which meant that the fan thingy would be in our bathroom facing down under the house, towards to problem.  Which meant…the floor would need to stay partially open.

Partially open.

Crap.

Before I went to bed, I bravely opened the bathroom door, turned on the light (which for now is a bulb hanging from the ceiling) and took a peek.  Any creepy crawly things, raccoons or other freaky friends?  Gulp.  Nope….not YET anyway!

So, I jumped into bed, really fast, in case there were invisible crawly critters that had already crawled in.  Right before I feel asleep, I realized that I needed to visit the bathroom one last time…which meant I had to walk across the room, out into the hall to the other bathroom.  Which meant I could be vulnerable to a creepy crawler attack.  Especially by those invisible ones!  They are sneaky!  I jumped up, headed for the door, hit my leg on the bedpost (great another bruise) and quickly got to the other bathroom.  Turned on the light.  Whew.  Nothing got me.  Yet.

As I got back into bed, my heart racing racing and my thoughts taking on a life of their own…I took a deep breath and soon feel asleep.

Then I dreamed…of crawly monsters and spiders that make webs over people. The dreams went on and on and on and on.  When I finally woke up, I was relieved to see the sun shining in the window, my fella was all cozy next to me…and no gargantuan spider trying to suck the life out of me.

As I breathed a sigh of relief, I noticed a little spider crawling along the wall…heading somewhere fast…probably trying to get back home from a long night out…and I smiled.

I wasn’t scared of this little guy at all.  He seemed perfectly harmless.

Nothing like a little perspective!

Our guy just got here to do some more work.  I told him that tonight, the floor has to be closed up.

I am just weird that way.

BUT…along with this is the other side of my business.

The marketing side. Most all of my marketing is done on the internet,  which is a brain bender for my little mind!

I do pretty good with my blog.  I try to write at least twice to thrice a week (which is not so easy for me, cuz I am just not that prolific).  I visit other blogs and comment on the various conversations.  I really enjoy this part.  I love reading what other people write…sometimes I comment, sometimes I just quietly enjoy a good read.

I am getting ready to launch a fabulous radio show hosted by myself and my brilliant friend Christine.  You can check out more about our show on the blog talk radio link to the right of this blog! :~)  This radio show is something that I have wanted to do for years and I am so excited….terrified…AND excited! Planning the shows and figuring out the technology has taken up quite a bit of time.  But, I think once we get used to it, it will go smoothly!

I have joined Facebook…which you can also check out on the link to the right of this blog.  Facebook has been very interesting.  I am reconnecting with some folks I knew way back when and maintaining friendships from not so way back when.  I chatted with a cousin that I hadn’t talked to for many years.  And I have met some new people.  Joined some new communtities.  Then there was one time where I had to figure out how to “unfriend” someone who was kind of…hmmmm…sorta stalking me.

Recently, my good friend Kerry (who is a wonderful poet and blogger), helped me sign up for Twitter. I played on it for about 1/2 hour and then my brain imploded and that was that.  Twitter has been mentioned to me by my brilliant VA and also as recently as this Friday by another social marketing genius…Jackie.  So, this weekend, I went back onto twitter and it took about 35 minutes before my brain imploded. Hmmmmm…is that an improvement?

Oh ya…and then there are the articles that I need to write and the other internet social groups that I want to join where I can have conversations and write blogs and comment on other peoples blogs…and…and…and….ouch.

My head hurts.

Now I am not saying that this type of connecting isn’t fun…it is!  It is just a lot for my little brain to keep track of.

Maybe, I need to write a daily reminder list that goes something like this:

6:30am Check emails and drink a big bowl of coffee

7:00am: blog

7:45am:  Twitter and facebook

8:00-noon: clients

Noon: Twitter

12:30: go outside and run around and remember that there is a whole world out there too!

1:00-4:00: clients

4:00:  Twitter, Facebook, read and comment on blogs, checkout the other social groups that I have signed on for….BREATHE

5:00: go to the gym, or do some yoga, or go for a walk…or dance about or roll on the grass or do cartwheels or do a jig…just move your cute bod!

6:00: Twitter for the last time, Facebook, check emails, Poor self a big glass of wine and turn the damned computer off!!!!

I think that I am going to need more coffee…

So, this is directed to all of you out there who live in this internet world…how the hell do you keep up with all of this?

Oh, and what am I supposed to say on Twitter…I still don’t get it!?

SIGNED: spun out in Loveland, CO