Wearing Nothing New

Wow!! after watching this, I am so totally in the mood to go thrift shopping.... not that I'm brave enough to pull off some of these ensembles.  Still, there is nothing I like better than treasure hunting at "Chez VV", Goodwill and "Sally Ann".  Lucky it's garage sale season!!!

Declaration of Principles by Paulo Coehlo

1] All human beings are different. And should do everything possible to continue to be so.

2] Each human being has been granted two courses of action: that of deed and that of contemplation. Both lead to the same place.

3] Each human being has been granted two qualities: power and gift. Power drives a person to meet his/her destiny, his gift obliges that person to share with others which is good in him/her. A human being must know when to use power, and when to use compassion.

4] Each human being has been granted a virtue: the capacity to choose. For he/she who does not use this virtue, it becomes a curse – and others will always choose for him/her.

5] Each human being has the right to two blessings, which are: the blessing to do right, and the blessing to err. In the latter case, there is always a path of learning leading to the right way.

6] Each human being has his own sexual profile, and should exercise it without guilt – provided he does not oblige others to exercise it with him/her.

7] Each human being has his own Personal Legend to be fulfilled, and this is the reason he is in the world. The Personal Legend is manifest in his enthusiasm for what she/he does.
Single paragraph – the Personal Legend may be abandoned for a certain time, provided one does not forget it and returns as soon as possible.

8] Each man has a feminine side, and each woman has a masculine side. It is necessary to use discipline with intuition, and to use intuition objectively.

9] Each human being must know two languages: the language of society and the language of the omens. The first serves for communication with others. The second serves to interpret messages from God.

10] Each human being has the right to seek out joy, joy being understood as something which makes one content – not necessarily that which makes others content.

11] Each human being must keep alight within him the sacred flame of madness. And must behave like a normal person.

12] The only faults considered grave are the following: not respecting the rights of one’s neighbor, letting oneself be paralyzed by fear, feeling guilty, thinking one does not deserve the good and bad which occurs in life, and being a coward.
Paragraph 1 – we shall love our adversaries, but not make alliances with them. They are placed in our way to test our sword, and deserve the respect of our fight.
Paragraph 2 – we shall choose our adversaries, not the other way around.

12A] We hereby declare the end to the wall dividing the sacred from the profane: from now on, all is sacred.

14] Everything which is done in the present, affects the future by consequence, and the past by redemption.

15] The impossible is possible


Paulo Coelho

Candle on the Water

Easter 1981, when I was 10 years old, my family moved from Ottawa to a tiny village in Northern Ontario (population 300), to take over my grandparents cottage resort. Needless to say, it was a pretty sad and scary time for me, having had to say goodbye to all of my friends and finish grade 4 in a temporary new school, in a new town, and in a new language (Although English is my mother tongue, until then, I had been enrolled in an early french immersion program, and this was the first time I would study in English full time - but that's beside the point to my story)

One of the only things I think I remember from that spring is my music class.  In particular, I remember learning the song "Candle on the Water" from the Disney movie Pete's Dragon. At the time, the lyrics carried a special significance to me, as I struggled to overcome my homesickness and fit into my new life.... over the years as I grew up, the song has remained with me with changing significance. Sometimes I wished it were being sung to me, and other times, I have wished it out to loved ones - both friends and family.

Currently, there are some people who are very dear to me, struggling through challenging times in their lives. Without naming them, I wish them to know how much I love and care for them, and wish them continued strength on their life's journeys.

If there is one thing I have learned in my life so far, it's that everything changes and nothing stays the same - both the good stuff and the bad stuff. So dear loved ones, please try to trust that this too shall pass. I believe in you.




I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn


I'll be your candle on the water
'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light


A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air
Lighted by a prayer


I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go

A message to my children

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
- Lee Ann Womack

14 day Countdown to 40 - Self-indulgence #14 (part 3)

My final self-indulgence was champagne and wild hibiscus - how's that for decadence - (thanks Mom) at my surprise birthday party (thanks to my dear husband Ken and good friends Jen and Sandra for organizing the shin-dig, and to everyone who came out!!)....

This final treat was a perfect end to a wonderful couple of weeks.  The wild hibiscus flowers are actually wild sorrel blossoms, preserved in a sweet syrup.  They can be used in a bunch of different ways, but I think the most beautiful way - by far is in champagne.  The blossoms taste a bit like apple, and add a lovely pink hue to the champagne.

sigh....... I guess this technically brings us to the end of the 14 days of self-indulgence, counting down to my 40th Birthday....it's been a fun exercise!!!
You know what - I'm going to keep at it.  I think it's ok to be a little self-indulgent every now and then ....This exercise in little self-indulgences has been all about looking after my inner-self and, calories-aside, my outer-self thanks me.  I find myself feeling more energized, envigorated and motivated than I have in a long time.
Life has gotten surprisingly busy, from shuttling kids back and forth to school and extra curriculars; to running errands and managing playdates; to doing laundry and keeping house; trying to prepare healthy snacks and meals; nursing owies and illnesses; paying the bills and trying to start a business...
The day-to-day craziness of life, nevermind caring for a family, can make it difficult to forget that if we want to be whole and balanced individuals, we need to take care of ourselves too - both our bodies and our minds. 
I am at peace with getting older.  I find I know myself better than I did when I was younger, and I like who I have become.  I continue to learn and grow everyday, and I'm excited for my future.... what better place to be at at the dawn of ones 40s?

Thank you for coming on this journey with me :)  I look forward to continuing to keep track of little bits of everything and nothing in particular right here in my blog about everything Dayna-ish... I'm having more fun blogging than I thought I would!! Feel free to follow if you wish... and even better, feel free to share your favourite things with me too :)

TTFN

As Always,  Dayna

I dare you all, test your strength: Open a book.

A Wonderful Letter of Note from a gift of a website

I dare you all, test your strength: Open a book.

Affirmation

so what if this music dates me a bit, I'm almost 40 and entitled to be nostalgic.  To me the messages in this song are both timely and timeless.  I do believe in Karma - what you give is what you get returned.

Affirmation - by Savage Garden:

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

(chorus) I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold

I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

Chorus

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity
 

Chorus....

The world would be a much gentler place if we could all live by the affirmations listed in this song would.
What do you believe?

Japan

I lack the eloquence to properly express all of my thoughts and prayers going out to the people of Japan, in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami, and the subsequent horrors they are now facing; but this prayer from Paulo Coehlo's blog today can say it for me: We pray for Japan

Keiki, the Japanese exchange student who was living with some good friends of ours for the past year recommended this link to anyone who is wondering how they can help: Seven Ways You Can Help Earthquake and Tsunami Victims in Japan.

P.S. Keiki returned home in January, and reported on his Facebook profile that he and his family are safe.

14 day Countdown to 40 - Self-Indulgence #4

A Perfect Afternoon Nap

I had a relatively quiet day today, with 2 kids home from school.

My 5 year old daughter had a dentist appointment to fix a "sugar bug nest", while my 8 year old son had something like the flu.  So, we lay low for the day, and drank lots of fluids and ate fairly bland foods.  

STILL - I managed to swing this quiet day to my pre-birthday celebration advantage by shamelessly indulging in a blissful afternoon nap, curled up along side my kidlets...and I'm not talking about an energy-efficient power nap - nope - I'm talking all out, fully relaxed, lucid dream filled SNOOZE. 

It was wonderful!
Finding the time to take an afternoon nap is becoming part of my ongoing quest for renewed inner-balance.  Napping helps to calm my mind in the middle of the day.  The lucid dreams I sometimes experience while napping not only help me sort through my thoughts and feelings, they can also make for wonderful escapes... with lucid dreaming I'm able to relive wonderful memories from my past, visit again with friends from long ago and visualize ideal moments of peace and calm, spent by myself or with loved ones, so that I awaken refreshed and appreciative of the blessings in my life today.

The Three Ages of Women (detail), 1905 by Gustav Klimt

I think napping is an under appreciated indulgence, and a gift that we should give ourselves more often.  I am grateful I periodically have the time to indulge in them now, before I make my next plunge back into the workforce.

A day without a nap is like a cupcake without frosting.  ~Terri Guillemets

As always, Dayna

PS My son's flu-like bug appears to be abating - he's kept down all of his fluids since this morning and had no problem eating a light dinner.  He's sleeping soundly now with no fever - so I think we may be in the clear.

Counting Down - 14 days to my big 4-0

Last year, while celebrating my 39th birthday, I had an epiphany - unlike many women my age, I actually enjoy getting older.  Here's why:

I know myself better now than I ever have, and - I like who I have become.  I have come to realize it's so important to feel comfortable in our own skins because if we don't love and value ourselves - how can we truly love and share ourselves with others?

I have learned not to worry so much about what others think about me and my lifestyle.  I try living my life being the best person/mother/wife and citizen I can be, and don't feel compelled to make compromises because they might make my life easier, or simply to "keep up with the Joneses". 

I am learning not to regret decisions I made in my past... not that I have any skeletons to hide, nor do I have any big secrets... but when I look back over my first 40 revolutions around the sun, even though some choices were difficult, and others might not have been particularly advisable at the time I made them, everything I did has brought me here in the good place I am in my life today.

I am learning to live in the moment, not worrying about future possibilities that are beyond my control.  I am trying to trust that the universe is unfolding as it should, and to enjoy this life's journey for what it is - a big adventure.

I love my community, I love my family and I love my friends.  Even though many of them live so far away from me, thanks to modern technology (especially Facebook), I don't feel as out of the loop with them as I might otherwise ... as hokey as it may sound, I really do feel that my life is full of blessings, and I am Thankful.

SO - over the next 14 days, as I countdown to my big 4-0, I intend to begin celebrating the milestone by treating myself to something special each day - something totally self-indulgent, that makes me feel good .... and I'll write about each of them here.  Some of these self-indulgences might seem silly to you, but whatever, I'm going to enjoy them anyways.

As Always,  Dayna

"Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann

When I was a little girl, my mom had a poster that she kept on the wall in our home.   I remember it being very long and very wordy, and because there were no unicorns on it (yes, I was that kind of girly girl), I never bothered to really look at it.
Just before Thanksgiving of my first year at university, my father had a very serious health scare... so scary that when I came home from school for the long-weekend, my parents called my siblings and me together for a family meeting to let us know the doctors were giving him 6 months.
I Thank God they were wrong about that, and I Thank God for modern medicine, because my father is still with us today - more than 20 years later.  ANYWAYS, it was during that trip home that I happened to notice my mom's poster, and actually read it for the first time.

Perhaps it was because I was distressing myself "with dark imaginings" and had many fears "born of fatigue and (the anticipated) loneliness" of losing my beloved father; AND perhaps it was because, at the tender age of 19, and living away from home for the first time, I was always comparing myself to others, and was overwhelmed by the misguided pressure to have to know right away what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life; BUT, whether it be the context of when I read it the first time, OR whether it be the inspiring message it carries - this piece has stayed with me over the years,

The poster was a poem called Desiderata - at the time it was credited to Anonymous, but I have since learned that it was actually written by a gentleman named Max Ehrmann.
Today, I have a plaque that bears the same words as that old poster did, hanging in my bedroom.  I don't pretend to read it everyday - BUT it does catch my eye from time to time, and whenever I'm feeling particularly stressed, or unsure about my future, I read it again to keep perspective on life.
SO, in honour of my younger self, who didn't trust enough that the path she was on would lead to a full and wonderful life and who constantly worried about the fact that she would choose the wrong fork in the road -  I share it with you today.

As always, Dayna



Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

The lyrics of today's favourite thing say it all.
Give it a listen - forward it to your younger self and take to heart this advice for the ages....

As always, Dayna