Back at the Ponderosa.....

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This is an AMAZING picture. Why, you ask? It is because the floor is visible instead of being strewn with the laundry of five people! It took most of the weekend to get things put back in order and still, I have a ways to go but I am settling back the normal routine.

One of the things that I notice each time I travel is the I return to my abode and surroundings with new "eyes". I notice things that I "numbed out" to before. As such, it seems that I have quite a spring cleaning/reorganization project ahead of me. After looking at my calendar today, the launch date will likely be in April. I have a distinct need to clear, cleanse and reorganize. What I don't have is a lot of time to do it in. Several projects from all directions are calling to me. I've learned the fine art of prioritizing so I'll get to them "all in good time".

This brings me to this week's word: balance.

There's a part of me right now that really wants to just throw up her hands and walk away! This is post-travel blues and it happens every time I come home to the seemingly monumental task of reintegration. Each time I travel my personal energies and awarenesses are expanded and I find it hard to fit back in to where I was, because where I was has now shifted....a lot. It's all good, it's all part of life, the planets, the energies, the cosmos and all that other stuff that we feel but may not see.

In this pre-equinox shift, I'm choosing to open to new ways of balance, perhaps ways that I haven't practiced or pondered before. I'm ready to spread my wings and see what is ready to come through...it most likely will be as much of a surprise to me as everyone else! I just never seem to know what's coming next....guess I must love mysteries?!?!

What are your tips, tricks and techniques to stay balanced and focused when you have a whole lotta things shaking in your world? Feel free to share in the comment section below. If you are creating an art journal, photo collection of balance, song lyrics, paintings, etc, be sure to add the link to your site so we can all take a peek!

Happy Spring!

The South

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Greetings Everyone!

I've finally taken time to update the blog. As usual, we've been on the go. This morning we're taking a slight break from our adventures to rest. The younger two are still sleeping next door. Chad and Pake have gone to listen to the ICBA presentors and I'm typing.

Nashville is a really pretty location. I'd like to come back in late spring early summer when all of these trees have leaves though there is plenty of green to help me remember what that color looks like!

Some of our highlights include visiting Franklin, TN which is where one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place. It lasted about 5 hours and over 2000 men were killed. We've visited the Carter house where the battle was fought and the Carnton Plantation, which became a Confederate Field Hospital.Pictured above is the Carnton Plantation. This gorgeous, spacious home housed the wounded soldiers and years later became the final resting place for the Confederate dead. There are still blood stains on the floor of the south facing rooms. Doctors did the best they could in the morning/daylight hours. It had to be one of the most harrowing experinces to witness. If that old house talk.....

We've also been on a ghost tour (we didn't see any ghosts but viewed some really cool old houses!)We've seen Andrew Jackson's Hermitage and took in the Grand Ol Opry. Most of Sunday was spent getting situated and placed in our room. We're staying at the largest convention center in the world....which I believe is true because I've gotten lost several times. Interestingly the kids seem to be well orientated and so I just follow them!

Later today we'll head to Goodlettsville, home of the Old Hickory Bat Company. I'd also like to tour the Belle Meade Plantation. I'm really loving the architecture and viewing the houses. I've always loved learning about history but seeing these locations in person brings such a richness to all that I've read about. This trip is certainly making me want to visit other historical locations and check out neighboring states. I think the rest of the family is on board with this too.

Both boys purchased civil war figures, Parker, being the sympathetic child that he is, wanted to even the score a bit so I'm supposed to report that the Confederate Army is ahead 4-1! He set up his camp outside of the state reception last night. Interestingly he and one of the hotel employees started talking and he learned some interesting facts. He also learned the importance of listening and allowing information to find you, no matter what or who the messenger appears to be!

Chad and I discovered this as well. We went to the Jack Daniels bar to have a drink after the reception. The guy playing the guitar was REALLY good and as we were listening, I realized who it was....Ira Dean. Ira used to be with a band called Trick Pony. Ira is a great guy, very friendly and fun to visit with. He sat at our table during break and then played, "Just what I do when I Can't Get No Loving", one of our favorites! He'll be releasing his solo cd later in the spring. I have an advanced copy with his signature.

As always, I'm amazed at how quickly the time flies by. It doesn't seem like it should already be Tuesday! I always have the best intentions of blogging every day but I don't always take the time or have the energy. I am working on a great playlist to summarize the days. I'm also gathering some awesome ephemera for the art journals. One of these when I'm end the mood, cre8tivitiy will strike and I'll be happy to comply...til then I'm gonna be moving and shaking!

Peace y'all!

I Could Fly

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"I wanna thnk ou for the love you gave me and the sun that you put in my sky. You don't know how much you've lifted me up but I feel so alive that I could fly, I could fly"~Keith Urban

This song is a perfect fit for our departure, which happens in 10 minutes. We left NE last night and stayed with our dear friends, The Terrell Family. I have just a few mintues before we start boarding for our flight so I grabbed Chad's computer to write a few notes. I detest the tiny, impossible key board on the droid!

Later today we'll land in Nashville and this evening we'll be seeing the singer of the song listed above. I'm thinking it would be pretty darn nifty if he sang this song! It's one of my favorties (I have a ton of favorites!)

I'll be blogging our day's events so if you'd like to join our adventure, please check back!

So far our greatest accomplishment is getting 5 peeps successfully through security. I can tell that my children have matured because it doesn't take nearly as long as it used to. And..... Chad did check to make sure the fence plyers were left in the Dodge!

This week's word:Journeying

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There are times when I love to be on the move, traveling and exploring; there are times when I want to ground, nestle down and be a total homebody. I get “flashes” of favorite places I’ve been or I see an image in my mind of a place that is calling me to visit. I can close my eyes and smell pine trees and hear mountain streams bubbling. Though I may want to get in my car, fling open the sunroof and head west, I usually stay! (Can’t promise that will happen after May 21st!)

Without the domestic and professional responsibilities that I currently sport, I’m fairly sure I’d only be touching “home base” now and then. As crazy as it sounds, I have plans of living out of my camper, biking, hiking, kayaking, turning myself into a modern day gypsy. In time that will happen. I figure I’ve got a few years to plan this out thoroughly.When my 3rd graduates, I’ll have a nice long list of things to do, places to see and what it is that I want to experience. I do enjoy each phase of my childrens' lives and I know for the present I’m right where I need to be. That said, when they are on their own, I’ll embrace that phase as well; I’ll embrace it with a fabulously long adventure!

For the time being, my journeys have been primarily close to home, with the exception of a monthly trip to UNO. Most of the traveling I do is in my mind and on web sites. I’m currently learning to navigate the Library of Congress site for my Managing Collections Library Class. There’s a monumental amount of information so I do feel like I’ve trekked some miles by the time I’m done for the day! Today I trekked on over to Arrowhead Meadows (AND IT WAS GLORIOUS!) My game was great, but who cares, I golfed on March 5th!


As Emerson says, “Life is a journey, not a destination” and I believe this is true. We are constantly moving, continually evolving and experiencing ourselves against the backdrop of our environments. As I write this, I'm planning a lil 'ol trip to the east, a place that I've never been before. I'm acutely aware of all that needs to be done before I depart for this journey. I have to wonder if I am half cracked to even attempt this feat, given the many hoops I'm jumping through to make sure all will be well in my absence. I trust that it will.

My question/offering this week is, "What items go with you on your journey? What are your essentials? What luxuries do you tuck away?" If I travel by car, I ALWAYS pack a pillow, blanket, reading material, journal and camera. Travel by plane means extreme downsizing....I WILL be bringing my art journal and supplies,a camera, music (of course!), Salomon footwear and my t-shirt scarf (which doubles as a pillow, fashion accessory and is soft and cozy enough to remind me of home!)

So.....how about a song, poem, sculpture, journal entry, painting, scrapbook page, or collage on the "comforts" of travel? Feel free to share your "favs" in the comment section below or on my fb page! Maybe you can help me remember what I might be forgetting?!?!

And...I'll be posting our "Nashville Adventures" to the blog next week, so stay tuned (and please have patience with any spelling/grammar errors! I DETEST my droid's keyboard, but I will muddle through!)

Happy Trails!

This week's word: Expression!

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This week’s word: Expression~

Greetings friends, instead of posting the word of the week last night, I was actually in material collection mode. Pictured above are the items I’ll be using in the next days, weeks and months. Here’s the scoop: I’m now into Art Journals!

In the past, I’ve loved scrapbooking. It was a wonderful outlet for my cre8tive vibes and then…in the time crunch, I’ve gotten away from it. I now have the space that I’ve always dreamed of but I seem to spend more time out of the craft room than I do in it! Kids, sports, home care, domestic requirements and education have taken their scoop of my creative time.

If you’ve been reading my posts, then you know one of my 2012 intentions was to take more time for me and this has resulted in s l o w i n g down long enough to allow cre8tive inspiration to find me, where it can, where it will. It arrived over the weekend, at a basketball game. A noise gym is an unlikely place, most would surmise, yet in the solace of a warm car, I began to dream and search…(thanks to a wifi and Kindle, I’m uber-mobile.. (not sure if that is actually a word). The idea is that I have a NEED for creative outlets and since I’m often gone from home, on the go, I realized that I need portable devices and creative outlets that can travel at a few moment’s notice (i.e. “Robyn, can you……insert Chad’s lovely surprise suggestions for how to spend my day!)

It don’t really know how to explain the process other than to say “art journals” found me and it didn’t take long for the idea to “stick”. I do not fancy myself as an artist nor can I draw, sketch or paint. However, I do love the idea of keeping a daily journal and making it a little prettier than just words on paper. I’ve been an avid journal writer for years and yet, something has been missing. I am known to keep stubs of movie tickets, baseball games and other bits and pieces. I have the best intentions of putting these in a scrapbook and yet, time is usually not a commodity that I have in excess, at least not right now. I love to loose myself in an afternoon “scrap fest” but right now that’s not an option. The idea of journal/scrapping as I go DOES resonate! Instead of a formal scrapbook page, I'll be plopping in pictures, notes, receipts, comments, quotes, bird feathers....(I LOVE picking up feathers) and adding them to random thoughts and pages. Seems like a great match for all that I am experiencing in my life right now. If I wait to have a "sit down in my studio" I'll likely have already forgotten the cool, daily treats that I am receiving. Scrapping on the go, writing and recording, 'tis a "poifect fit" for Miss Robyn's adventures this year! I'll then be able to use the inspiration if I want to go back and create "official pages".

I’ve gathered a few portable supplies and I’ll be packing these along to ball games, rodeos and road trips of all kinds. I love the idea of tuning and recording often. Now this may not trip your trigger in anyway and I completely respect that so…..this week I’m opening the floor to sharing what YOUR favorite form of cre8tive EXPRESSION is? What is it that you do daily that brings you peace, joy, inspiration, motivation, delight and back to your amazing soul? Is it writing a song? Dreaming of a vacation? Implementing a project? Taking great photos? What is a simple, inspiring practice that you’ve found you can do anywhere you go?

I’ll look forward to hearing all about it!

This week's word: Ailments :(

This week’s word of the week: Ailments:

In our fast paced world, listening can be hard to do, especially when the outside world is so very loud! I crave silence and solace. I often have to fight for it by eeking time out of my day to take a walk on the road or to sit on the hillside and watch the sun go down (I appreciate a gorgeous sunrise, but I prefer to sleep until the sun wakes me…still working on that goal!)

I know my inner voice is strong, when I let it be. It speaks to me softly so I will purposely listen. If it was as loud as everything else in my life, it probably knows I’d ignore it. My children know all too well, the louder they are and the more they fight, the more liable I am to walk away. If you want my attention, I’ll need respect, attention and softness.

So how am I with listening to myself? I do pretty well for the most part. I believe in intuition and I know how to tune in. Listening then is quite different than following through. Following through means I actually act on what I hear; and this week I didn’t do that well.

I started feeling “lung issues” on Wednesday. I could feel that tickle deep within my body and knew that “sleep” was needed. I’m famous (sadly) for pushing through my reserves and driving hard. Responsibilities galore pile up and I tend to ignore my body's basic needs in lieu of a clock and the false belief that there isn’t enough time……

So this “crud” had been creeping up on me for a while and I ignored it along with my body’s request for sleep and nourishment. Long story short, we left the basketball tournament last night at 8:30. I was in pretty rough shape with fever, chills, hacking cough, headache, body ache and feeling as worn out as could be. I’d done several rounds of reiki, quantum touch and even ho’oponopono. I could feel a shift and I knew I’d live, I just needed deep rest. After a warm bath (we don’t have a big enough water heater and two very sweaty boys needed the water pretty badly!) I collapsed into bed.

I slept on and off until 1 pm today. I haven’t done that in…well, longer than I can recall. I did not do anything today. I sat. I watched the wind blow against the grass. I looked at my messy house and I sat some more. My mind told me to get out of the chair and get to work, my body said, sit. And I listened. This totally goes against my will. I am usually doing something but not today.

This evening I find that my cough has subsided. I’m still on the tired side but I won’t require anything more than sleep. I’ve nourished myself with several rounds of blue violet and chickweed tea, hot bath with espsom salts and baking soda, essential oils, Vic’s vapor rub and soup. It’s not fun to be under the weather but something tells me had I listened before, I quite possibly could’ve alleviated this ailment. And then again, maybe this aliment was what I needed to remind me of the importance of listening, resting and taking care of my body. Either way, I got the message loud and clear! I'm off to enjoy one more round of herbal tea and then another deep, rest. Tomorrow I should be back on track.

What lessons have your “ailments” taught you?

This week's word: GOALS!

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Hi Friends! I hope this blog post finds you cozy, comfy and in a peace-filled state of mind. I’m preparing for a super busy week, one that is filled to the brim with “go”! I’m ready. I may not know EXACTLY what’s on the rise, though I’ll be prepared for it as much as possible. Looking down the barrel at the next five days, tomorrow is the only night that I don’t have some type of event or activity happening. Time management has become second nature and though the internal clock is always tickin’ I’m learning to find ways to enjoy myself as well.

This week’s word, (and I’d lourve your input!) is GOALS. I’ve been working through Marci Shimoff’s “Happy for No Reason” course as well as Paul Scheele’s Genius Code. I noticed that my goals/intentions are really “down to earth”. There was nothing earth shattering or impossible on my list. Just about everything I wrote down was “do-able”. Some goals will take time (that I currently don’t have an excessive amount of). Some goals will take money (quite a bit of it actually) but many of the goals that I hold are not that far out there. It’s not that I’m afraid to dream big, it IS that I know where I’m at right now, energetically, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, financially……

I’d gladly welcome a large sum of money landing in my lap (I’m sure Id find some way to channel it!) and yet, I know that my goals are “rich” and entail much more consideration than, “can I afford this?” Instead I ask, “is this the best way to use my time, talents and resources?”

My major goal right now is getting my master’s degree. I had no idea that I would ever travel down this path. I love reading. I love libraries. I love technology. What I’ve learned: enjoy the journey. Unlike other classes and experiences, I’m not trying to power through the requirements. I’m doing something every day to inch toward this goal. I’m settling in, enjoying the journey and absorbing all I can. Instead of focusing on “getting done” I’m focusing on doing what I need to do AND then TOTALLY FEEDING MY SOUL throughout the day. I tend to put myself last and one of my goals for 2012 is changing this up and doing something that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE daily...not just when I feel I have time to do it.

This week, I’ll contine focusing on goals, what I want to do, where I want to go, what I want to experience and what I’m willing to invest. Please join me. You’re invited to share what you’d like to do from here on. What is your greatest hope? What do you focus on every day? What have you committed to and what have you learned from this? How are you caring for yourself while working toward this goal?


Feel free to post here or on Facebook! I look forward to hearing about your experiences with GOALS!