FOR TODAY 04 January, 2011

Outside my window...
I am curiously watching a duo of raccoons finishing the remnants of two gnarled post-Halloween pumpkins laying frozen under several days of snow. They look so panicky trying to paw and eat what they assume to be a delectable treat! I have been warned, through my attempts to befriend them, not to! There is a kind of magic that lays invisible between myself and these creatures.

I am thinking...
How tired I feel, but elated and happy with life in general. I resist in indulging in self-pity or gloom of those difficulties I face in the accomplishment of life-long dreams.  However, always returning to the fear I may not get what I want, but, instead get what I need. And having lost too much of what was wanted, I am passive about getting what I need; those needs seem very far away and unattainable in the present moment.

I am thankful for...
Women!  My women friends who support and nourish the communal identities of self residing within me.  In this sense I am bonded, in a unquestioning way, and forever grateful of their protective care of my soul. 

From the garden...
New garden catalogs arriving daily! Ideas are springing into my head; a poetry of garden delights.

From the kitchen...
Simmering slowly, with a growing strength of aroma, black beans seasoned with onions and garlic. Fresh corn tortillas, salsa fresco, white rice and mounds of sliced jalapenos to make ones mouth go "ummmm"!

I am wearing...
Blue corduroy jeans, a pink hoodie sweater and my black little boy loafer shoes. Although I do consider myself a 'girlie-girl', I love the clean look of men's dressing, thus, my little boy shoes are really 'little boy shoes'.

I am creating...
Almost finished with that lovely jewel-toned knitted scarf.  One last hank of yarn and I shall don the handiwork of my efforts!!!!  

I am going...
My new yoga class starts this week.  I am so happy!

I am reading...
Nothing in particular, just odds and ends until I return to the rigors of academic work in 6 days.

I am hoping...
To maintain small changes that I've identified as important pieces contributing to personal growth and awareness.  That hope includes spending more time volunteering at local food and homeless shelters increasing my sense of community and giving back. 

I am hearing...
Silence.

Around the house...
Simplicity through my intent to live with less possessions in order to live more fully.

One of my favorite things...
Brooke (with an 'e').  A beautiful, rambunctious yellow lab that has her own skiing trips allowing her to feel expansive and free in nature; just as its intended to be.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Resting and thinking about all those people who fill my life with joy.  You know who you are, and I am the lucky one who must live with such goodness. I marvel at my obsession with books and will be found luxuriating amongst the book stacks at my local library.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is titled "Watching" from Michael Mahoney's website.  Moving and stillness.  Watching and waiting.  A blind instinct that prevents either from happening.  This picture reminds me of double meanings; double feelings; double lives that could be; would be; if only . . . .   For me, its a picture of being torn to go or being torn to stay or having the sense to 'just be'.

Have a nice week.

Peace,
Taylor

Please join me and the growing world of 'The Simple Women's Daybook"; a diverse collection of women's thoughts, hopes and dreams.  Graciously created by Peggy, the host, whose blog may be found at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-2011-daybook-edition.html