TRAVEL AT THE SPEED OF "NOW" WITH YOUR PERSONAL CHEERLEADER, JOAN ELLEN GAGE.COM

Welcome May's Guest Jan Lundy, on the Joan-Zone!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:05:00 +0000

JAN LUNDY

Speaker, Author, Mentor, and Spiritual Retreat Facilitator

Greetings and felicitations to all of my friends! This month please visit the joan-zone and read about my guest, Jan Lundy. Jan is multi-talented and a wonderful resource for women of all ages.

Please stop by the "zone" and get Jan's links, including a video blesssing that Jan has given us the link to.

Ciao!

Joan

The Dragon and the Damsel

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:34:00 +0000

Stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy. I seem to have a major problem with doing this, therefore, I tend to avoid confrontation. When I do have to confront a problem, I am likely obsessing about it beforehand for sometime. This way I rehearse the coming "event" and try to get a handle on whatever way I think it will go. Of course, I am imagining the worse case scenario in my mind, and I am most likely stressing about the "event" to a great or less degree depending on what the problem is.

You see, anxiety rules me to an extent, and the old cortisol tends to flow in my veins a little too often. This isn't good for my heart and my health in the long run.

I curse the fairy tale endings and all of the romantic movies where happy ever after reins. You see I am still waiting for my knight to rescue me.

The crazy thing is I have a knight. But, he can't rescue me--only I can do this.

My knight cannot rescue me from the slipping economy. My knight cannot rescue me from lack of work. All he can do is offer some support and that helps somewhat. I would have to be my own knight, and I try to, but, some dragons are bigger than others.

I am afraid of these dragons. They are not the dragons of old, however. These dragons just wanted to grab damsels and eat them or burn your castle down--they could be beaten. These are the dragons that may not respect women. They are the dragons who try to squeeze the last drop of blood out of you; they do not care about you personally. What they care about beating you out of a couple of bucks, and in this economy there are a lot of damsels up for grabs. And so it goes--to quote Kurt Vonnegut.

I do believe that women need to stand up for each other. Oftentimes we are all that we have. to keep the dragons at bay.

So, keep the faith, baby! Think positive thoughts and pass them of with a hug and a smile.

Here's a poem for you from my unpublished book, Embracing Your Inner Cheerleader!

Peace,

Joan

I Can’t “Stands” No More!

Were you ever overcome

By an emotional upheaval

Where you felt that you just

Could not take it any more?

Your head’s relief valve

Was stuck on overload

You couldn’t possibly jump

Through one more hoop

Kiss one more butt

Smile one more smile

Your good nature

Had run out of gas

Has this happened to you, dear reader?

Welcome to middle life!

You have reached an impasse

A stage I’ll call:

I’ve handled this

My whole life, but

I can’t stand it for another minute!

You will find yourself

Echoing your elders

The phrase “I’m too old

To put up with this!”

Falling from your tongue

Before your brain recognizes

The unoriginal sentiment,

With some misgivings

Don’t be too hard on yourself

All that you can perceive

From this consternation

Can be simply stated:

Your body and mind

Are ready to retire

But, your bank account is not!

Happy Spring! Please View April's Guest Anne L. Holmes--Boomer Extraordinaire!, at the joan-zone

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:57:00 +0000

ANNE L. HOLMES, MARKETING,COACHING, AND MORE!

Please visit the joan-zone to read all about my special guest for April, Anne L. Holmes. This woman really has it "going on"!

Well, spring is officially here! It has been an abnormally warm winter and so everything started blooming and pollinating early--sniffle, sniffle, hack, hack. However, all the foliage is so lovely!

I recuperated in North Carolina for over two weeks with my broken finger and saw spring arrive and suit up. It was so hard to leave the mountains in all their glory and return to Florida.

But, that is life, as they say. My work is here, for now, and with the economy the way it is it is difficult to find work in my field.

So, I have to try to "live in the now"--my biggest problem, and suck it up!

Blessings to all of you!

Joan

Be Careful What You Wish For!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:35:00 +0000

Last week when I posted on Facebook, "I need a jail break from my j-o-b!", I was not asking the universe for a fall that broke my little finger on my right hand!

Yet. mea culpa, I have been muttering "I really need to get out of here", on a daily basis, when I am at my #1 job. So it seems very ironic that I fall at my #2 job by tripping over a concrete parking barrier, landing on my dominant hand and my right side and head. I also have a sprained right wrist, bruised ribs,etc.

Could it be the universe heard the word break and took me out so as to not hear my bitching and complaining about my j-o-b? Or did it just hear the word "break" and took it literally? Be careful what you ask for!

Funny, I have so much trouble staying in the "Now". I do believe in a weird way, that I have been given a gift of time and reflection to realign and heal my hand and spirit.

Here is a poem from my yet unpublished book, Embracing Your Inner Cheerleader. Have a wonderful week!

Ciao!

Joan

Patch, Patch, Patch!

Why is it?

Just when you think things are going to be

Rosy

Life sideswipes you, and throws you in the

Ditch!

I seem to spend

Half of my life patching things back

Together

The other half I spend worrying

About

Whether the patch will hold!

Oh, no!

Don’t tell me!

Is that another leak

I hear?

My 38th Year in Dentistry and Commentary on Women in the Workforce

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:13:00 +0000

Please note that the following is an opinion of this author, and does not mean that the entire profession treats it's employees this way. Thank you.

Valentine's Day marked the 38th anniversary of working in dental offices. It was a day that went by relatively unnoticed. I was aware of it, and the thought did nothing to comfort me.

I worked my way up in the dental business. I applied for a part-time receptionist job in an office in 1974; the dentist made me an assistant the first week that I was there.

It was a school of hard knocks. I learned to dental assist; I was also the subject of attacks of anger or guilt when things did not go well--and he was an excellent teacher that first dentist boss of mine. I had low self-esteem so I stayed for 2 1/2 years.

After that I began to glean some self-esteem. It took many years, and conscious decisions to speak up when unfairly treated. It was extremely difficult for me, I was shy and did not have good communication skills, but, I never went back to being that punching bag.

Obviously, my personal life was riddled with self-doubt and low self-esteem, poor skill in communicating in relationships. I was a mess. So, these steps that I took toward speaking up helped shape who I became.

Over the years, I have worked in many dental offices. I have seen the treatment of staff by dentists, and much of it would be considered verbal abuse. Unfortunately, since dentistry is slow, workers with low self-esteem tend to stay in whatever job they can get, and many of these women are yelled at and criticized daily, told that they are useless, and stupid, and worse.

I am sure that this sort of behavior goes on in a multitude of small businesses across the country, and across the world. I have a very heavy heart about the way women ave been treated historically, and still are treated this way.

This is a sad commentary on the rights of women. Many women have worked so hard for us, and we seem to be back-sliding.

Please say a prayer for women, that we may not fail, not give up, and respect ourselves. Here is a poem from my yet unpublished book, Embracing Your Inner Cheerleader.

Thanks!

Joan

View From Below

What have you done to deserve this?

You say, not expecting an answer

We have all asked this, at one time

Or another, when we are hurt, or

Under attack on some unexpected front

We usually do not see the “blow”, or

Brick falling on our head, until it hits us

Then BAM it strikes us to the heart

And soul of our being, we are floored, pinned

Unable to move and uncertain of what to do

Eventually, we get up and limp along

We try to get that “stiff upper lip” thing

Going on; moving through the motions

Until some sense of normalcy eventually

Creeps in and healing takes place

As women, we need be strong enough

To survive these affronts

We HAVE to, if we want to continue

To grow and compete in this world

And we WILL do it, too!

We will believe and achieve all

That we must do

We will do this together, you and I

Make a promise today to help your sisters

When they are down, raise them up

Raise them up, and believe in them!

And they WILL succeed

You go girls!

(Photo Courtesy of Clip Art uthsc.edu)

Februay Ramblings and New Guest Interview on The Joan-Zone!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:58:00 +0000

Carolyn Flannery--See Our Guest Interview On The Joan-Zone!
http://thejoan-zone.blogspot.com/

Greetings! It's been an interesting couple of weeks. My husband has been in NC, and Maggie and I are holding down the fort in Florida.

Since I rarely sleep well when Rob is out of town, I've been a little sleep deprived. As a result of this, I found myself brushing with the dog's toothbrush the other night. This was followed by much rinsing with Listerine! Supposedly dog's mouths are cleaner than humans and it was Maggies' brush, after all, so it wasn't really freaky.

The days have come and gone alternating with work, dog love, and some great girlfriend fun. I had a visit last weekend from one of my "girl gang" from South Florida. We had a nice visit, lunch out, followed by a little shopping.

Yesterday I experienced a hematoma in my right foot while I was bathing. Apparently from the anti-inflammatory medication I've been taken and the hot bath water. So, I am forced to goof off in my recliner with my faithful dog companion! I guess I can suck it up!

Have a wonderful week!

Joan

Mourning Our Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:02:00 +0000


I'm Cracking Up!

I read an interesting article recently that I found in the February issue of More Magazine The author, Emily Listfield, talked about going through a period of mourning for your lost youth. Listfield sites the book, Face It: What Women Really Feel As Their Looks Change, by Vivian Diller, PhD. Diller's take on letting go of wanting to look young, was you wouldn’t be able to move on and love the person you are now if you are still clinging to your youth. She may have something there.

When I look at my journey for the last several years, I can see my “youth” slipping away from me as if I am sliding down a snowy slope in slow motion. Slip by slip the menopause weight piles on--subtle at first, then suddenly you cannot fit into any of your clothes. On the positive side, I really like having breasts, finally. But, why do they seem to slip into my armpits and show themselves on my back, really?

The skin is next; it seemed to go renegade on me, starting with lines and creases, then age spots and other interesting growths. Plus, I get pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. My dermatologist and I keep a close watch on my skin.

And don't get me started on the spider veins, and other exciting blue veins! I actually had the salt water injections in my legs twice, as I was turning 50. This unfortunately did nothing.

Also, I'm not bringing up the aches and pains from numerous areas of my body. I just try to keep it moving!

So how do we get used to the “self” that keeps changing? I guess since it doesn’t happen quickly we adjust by degrees. I'm not sure that we ever really get over how we once looked in our prime. Here's hoping that we have lots of time to figure it out!

Ciao Babies!

Joan

Here's a poem from my first book, Water Running Downhill!

EIGHT IN DOG YEARS-- (AKA FIFTY!)

Here I am

Stuck

In the middle

Of me

Trying to redefine

My identity

At the precipice of

Midlife, i.e.

Menopause

There

I've said it

The “M” word

(Sounding the death knell

Of youthfulness, as we know it!)

Enter the curse of middle age

See . . .

Skin sag, lines deepen

Into the antithesis

Of “perky”

Zombies, recite the litany:

“I’m not getting older

I’m getting better”

The Golden Years

(Such rubbish)

Forget that tired rhetoric

News flash! We are supposed to age

We are not Barbie dolls

We are people

Let’s not fear our natural metamorphosis

May we embrace who we are and

Who we are becoming, with fortitude

We are powerful; we are WOMEN!

Welcome Linda C. Robinson to the joan-zone!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:08:00 +0000


LINDA C. ROBINSON, LIFE COACH

Happy New Year Friends!

Let's hope that this year is a better one economically for all. May we help each other in small ways whenever we can.

December was a whirlwind, actually that started after Thanksgiving and continued until after New Years'. But, everything got done with the exception of some pumpkin bread that was baked yesterday and distributed today. Better late than never! Now it's New Year's bread!

If you have a chance, please visit the new blog, and visit my guest Linda C. Robinson, who is a wonderful spiritual life coach for women.

Have a glorious week, and continue to count your blessings!

Peace!

Joan

http://thejoan-zone.blogspot.com/

Counting Your Blessings at Harvest Time

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:58:00 +0000

Even though many of us do not have gardens or farms, we still celebrate the time of harvest by decorating with pumpkins, or gourds, straw bales and scarecrows. We feel a connection from our childhood that marks this time, the time before and including Thanksgiving, and the upcoming Christmas and holiday season.

Fall harvest is a time for enjoying the fruits of our labors, and celebrating family and friends. Often this harvest time gave farming folks some free time, as the colder weather approached some of the chores would disappear.

I remember this time as a child, with my family on our farm. We had wonderful apples and cider, fresh grapes, and pies--oh, my! My Mom could bake any kind of pie, and we had apple, and pumpkin this time of year. Thanksgiving was always a bountiful celebration at my Grandparents. Everyone brought a dish, and the food was always wonderful.

Just as wonderful was playtime with my cousins. There was hide and seek in the barn, and tree climbing.

I am thankful this season for our loving family and for our friends. May all of you be blessed with your families and with friendship, also.

Peace to all!

Joan

The Tale of the Bee Bees

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:06:00 +0000

It was one of those days, I had slept uncomfortably last night, due to the impending to-do list in my head.

Morning arrived, I jumped in with both feet to attempt to conquer all that needed to be done.

I was doing good! I walked, downed a liquid breakfast drink and a few almonds. I arrived at my mammogram a few minutes early, and was the first on the list and the first taken in.

Having survived the mammogram, I found that I had an hour before I had to be at work. So, I took my car to be cleaned, and while waiting, went next door to the bank, made the three important phone calls, and walked across the street to the Dollar Store to get a few things.

I saw all of my patients, including one that was worked in where I made an opening by moving a couple of patients up.

Finished! Home I went to treat my girlfriend to soup and salad, and go in her new spa.

O.K., I'm changing my clothes to go to my friend's house. I am taking off the bra when I remembered. . .the bee bees. The x-ray tech had taped them on my breasts before she took the films, one on the right and one on the left. They had remained there all day without my noticing them, and they were taped on!

So much for being on top of things! What is the moral of this story? When you are in a multi-tasking frenzy, you may be missing some little detail; like a bee bee!

LOL!

Joan

Oh, and I left them on my husband's dresser. When he gets back from NC, he will be puzzled!

THE SPLENDOR OF AUTUMN

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:35:00 +0000

I believe that there is nothing that compares with nature's autumnal colors. This is surely Mother Nature's jewelry box laid open for all to admire.

We spent a week watching the colors gradually peak. Yellow and green with spotty red and orange metamorphosis to brilliant yellow and fiery orange with radiant red. Timing is really everything--we lucked out with our travel plans this year.

The new house is progressing. We are in no great hurry, now. Things just need to be done right,so time is not an issue.

Here is poem from one of my unpublished books, Naturescapes.

Contra dance

Wind exhales--

Natures collective sigh

Sun dried oak leaves

Circle and bow

Then dance their rustling

Autumn finale

Maple Leaves drop in

Showing off their fall finery

Causing a jealous stir

Happy Fall Y'all!

Joan

New Blog from Joan Ellen Gage: the joan-zone

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

I want to announce a new blog that I have started that features women helping and/or uplifting women. Please visit me at the joan-zone@blogspot.com.

Joan

Dark Thoughts from Guest Blogger Karen Gage Arango

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:29:00 +0000

DARK THOUGHTS

Through the years, I have always loved epitaphs.

Perhaps it is from my interest in local lore and culture, or from my early visits to the many old grave yards in my home town. My father is fascinated with genealogy and is a member of the Historical Society. Through him, my curiosity has grown, and on my many visits to my childhood home, I often frequent the graves of my ancestors. Here are some of my favorite epitaphs some real, and others imagined:

Remember friend as you walk by

As you are now so once was I
As I am now you will surely be

Prepare thyself to follow me

†

Knowledge by suffering entereth
And life is perfected by death

†

Let us go in; the fog is rising

†

Now I lay me down to die
I pray the Lord will take me nigh

For I have died, shall nevermore wake

And now my soul is his to take kga

†

Give me peace now and let me be

Sleep eternal in endless dreams

Away from ridicule and torment

My soul in God’s hands lies dormant kga

†

Live well my dears, your time well spent

For years rush past ‘till you’re old and bent

Someday you will die, and die you must!

And we will all lie here in dust kga

†

My glass is run, my life is spent

My earthly temple was but lent

Why should I wish for a length of years

To spend them in a wail of tears

Friends nor physicians could not save

My mortal body from the grave

Nor can the grave confine it here

When Christ doth call me to appear

†

Happy Halloween from my sister Karen and I,

Boo!

Posted by Joan Ellen Gage at 1:26 PM

New eBook , Stranger In A Strange Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Hello! Yes, I am actually writing on my blog! The reason being, I have a new eBook that was published this week. The link is:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95140

This is a free eBook, which actually is a something of a marketing device. Stranger In A Strange Skin, contains some new material, excerpts from Water Running Downhill!, and excerpts from my next book Empowering Your Inner Cheerleader!

I realize that eBooks are not books in print, although they can be. I am expecting the next book, Empowering Your Inner Cheerleader! to be both.

I also have a new blogger site,the Joan-Zone. With this site, I am planning to host someone, starting with every month, who strives to help women in some great or small way. So please let me know if anyone you know fits the bill!

The house in North Carolina should be finished at the end of the year. We should be moving up sometime in late winter, early spring, I think! I am excited and terrified at the same time!

Let me know if you know a dentist in western N.C. who needs a part-time dental hygienist!

Blessings to you and yours!

Joan

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY COUSIN HEATHER AND HER HUSBAND MATT!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:20:00 +0000

You were kids then

Sizing each other up

She, granddaughter of a horseman

Singing “Landslide” with her cousins

The boys hooting and hollering outside

Throwing a football, laughing

Both of you exchanging looks, rosy

With the first flush of love

Somehow you made it through

The almost grown-up years, then

Into young adults, bonded

Holding together tightly

Love growing steadily into the,

“I’m here for you, always

You can depend on me”,

Kind of love

Today you enter into a new era

She the radiant cowgirl bride

He her knight/cowboy groom

May your wild hearts meld

And beat with joy as two

Become one, taking that first

Sweet kiss as man and wife

Branding one anothers lips

With your passion, as you hear

“Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present

Mr and Mrs. Matt Cross”

Congratulations Heather & Matt!

Joan Ellen Gage

10/01/2011

New House Site in NC

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Sun, 15 May 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Magnolia Approving Her New House Site

Finally, we are getting to the business of making a home in NC. This is such a lovely site; I can imagine myself writing on the porch when it is completed.

The construction will take a while, and the move won't be for a while. All these things will become more concrete as the house takes shape.

I treated myself to some quiet time with nature this morning. It was cool enough to sit on the porch and listen to the wind blow. There is nothing like communing with the great outdoors to stimulate creativity. May we all have time for ourselves like this.

May your day be blessed!

Peace,

Joan

Ode to Dog II

Quiet companion
Almond eyes filled with canine wisdom
Peer into my soul

Content to be nearby
I rise, she follows
"Where are you going?"

Heart entwined with mine
Live long dog friend
Stay with me, always

Getting On With "It"!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:41:00 +0000

Mired In The Florida Sand

Yep, that's me. Self-mired for the last few years in Central Florida. I have felt like I drove up from Delray Beach, got my "tires" stuck in the sand, and here I sit!

Before the move, I felt that I was so close to success, both Rob and I had good jobs and were financially solvent. We had a lovely small cottage and I had cleaning help for two years after back surgery. I had a wonderful circle of girlfriends who were fun and key in pushing me to write and self-publish my book.

I was in a writing cycle; it felt obsessive, but, now I know that is the nature of creativity. Even though I spent a lot of time on the writing, I had energy from the process that helped me with the domestic chores.

But, life moves on, and changes--that is the nature of life. I have had good times here; they are just different. Success cannot be measured by how much money one makes--it never has and never will be the right criteria.

I am trying to find my imprint at this stage of the game. I look at my image and am not sure who I am just now, not fully. "Joan" is a work in progress--under construction at the moment! I am in the journey, although it is so slow that it is almost imperceptible.

Blessings on you all, today. Do something nice for someone and for yourself, too--and smile!

Peace!

Joan the Turtle

New Video--Wooman!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:20:00 +0000

Wooman, Video by Joan Ellen Gage

Please enjoy this video I made with a program that animates photography.

Ciao!

Joan

Oh Hail!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:53:00 +0000

What A Hail Storm!

We had quite a blow this afternoon, complete with golf ball size hail! You could hear it hammering against the front windows and the garage door. Nothing seems to be broken; there is just a lot of debris everywhere.

I was reading my friend's blogs on blogger, thinking, I really should write something, but what? Then bam, the hail introduced itself--quite timely, I thought!

I spent about an hour cleaning some of the mess up. It served to get me outside and moving; that was good! The dog finally quit hiding and joined me.

It is amazing how nature can get your attention when you least expect it. The good part of this was, it served to remind me of how lucky I was to have avoided a worse tragedy.

I have not been counting my blessings every day, so this was a good reminder.

Blessings to all of you!

Joan

New Web Design for Water Running Downhill

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:14:00 +0000

I've Kindled Her!

That's a Wizard of Oz reference to "I've Melted Her"; yes, I know--it's weak! But, seriously, I uploaded the book to Kindle.

It's not a bad way to go; it's free to publish it. They have pricing options to choose from, also. I chose to receive 65%.

I wanted to upload the first book to Kindle, as I have the second one finished. I may skip the publisher entirely and Kindle that book. We'll see!

Joy to you all today (and y'all, too!)!

Joan

Spring Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Robins waiting for a bath!

It is spring in central Florida. Actually, it has been for two or three weeks, that is how long the Robins have been here. We have hundreds of them in the neighborhood, and frequently tens of them waiting in non- ending rows for a turn at the birdbath.

I like Robins. They are very beneficial birds, as they eat bugs. Robins are regal and very shy.

Along with the migrating birds, we have a return of pollen, ah-choo! I've had to break out the antihistamines, oh well!

It is getting to be time for a spring cleaning of our homes, and the clutter in our heads. I seem to have accumulated more than usual! I think I'll pop open my ear, and let the brain air out!

But, seriously, if one declutters their home, their life can feel much "lighter". According to an article I recently read from Whole Living Magazine, Susanna Sonnenberg sites excerpts from the book Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui, by Karen Kingston.

Sonnenberg quotes Kingston saying: "clutter drags your energy down, and the longer you keep it, the more it will affect you. Sonnenberg decluttered her home with the criteria that you ask four questions when considering keeping something. Kingston's questions were: 1) "Do you like it?, 2) Do you love it?, 3) Do you need it?, 4) Does it bring you peace and easy energy or uneasy trouble"?

Does this pique your interest? Certainly, I have an abundance of "stuff". I love clothes and even though I have spent some time clearing some of them out, I still have more than I need.

What I'm going to start with, though, is paperwork. I have a pile of paperwork that "a show horse couldn't jump over"--a quote from my husband from some unknown source! I'll let you know how the process is going over the next few months.

Meanwhile, back to that spring thing! Embrace it! Grab some sunshine and stop and smell the flowers.

Peace to you!

Joan

Robin redbreast
Stately hops with
Eyes intent, focused
Moving with purpose
Snatches the green beetle
"Gulp"she swallows her prize

My Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Happy Valentines Day!

For all our valentines, our spouses, lovers, friends, parents, or children, let us tell them that we love them today, and at every opportunity. The loves in our lives are what makes everything worthwhile; and although this seems rote, we must not take them for granted. We never know when our last words to a loved one will literally be our last words.

So here is a special "I Love You" to my parents, my siblings, children, grandchildren, and the love of my life, Rob. Here is a poem that I wrote many years ago for Rob.

Work of Art

My lovers hands
Are the hands
Of a working man

They are scarred and roughened
Through being beaten up
By the elements

They are very strong hands
Strong and beautiful
And surprisingly gentle

They are the hands
Of a real man
My man

Here's wishing you a wonderful day, and a wonderful week. Remember to love yourself, too!

Ciao!

Joan

Striving to be Fearless!

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:51:00 +0000

Me without my makeup!

Hello Friends!

I cannot believe that it is February, already! But what a winter it has been! I can't complain, as I've been cocooned in Florida for most of it.

Today I want to write about being fearless. Why is that, you ask? Well. probably because I am such a big chicken! Seriously, I have anxiety issues, and I'm basically shy, so it can be difficult to get out of the rut and step out of my comfort zone. In fact, I have to dare myself to do things, like publish a book. How did I do this? I told a couple hundred people about the book. I knew that I would be embarrassed, and often, if I did not publish it. It worked! I got my fraidy-cat self out from under the bed and self-published.

Unfortunately, that is not the end of my fearfulness problem. So here I am dealing with the same issues as I was four or five years ago. I am telling all of you out in the blogisphere so that you can help to guilt-trip me!

I like these quotes from Terri Trespicio, from January/February's Whole Living Magazine: "The path to fearless living goes straight through the roadblocks, not around them", and "Creativity goes beyond sheer artistry: it takes courage to express your ideas." This is good stuff. I think I should post them where I can see them every day, and drill them into my lizard brain.

If anyone has any ideas on transitioning from chicken heart to dragon, please offer your suggestions!

Meanwhile, here is a poem from the up and coming Embracing Your Inner Cheerleader!, my future book! I know, I know!

Peace to you all!
Joan

The Libra

Here I am
Straddling my life's stream
One foot in the "now"
Deeply planted in necessity
One or two toes of the other
Foot have strayed into the unknown--
The unmodeled clay of dreams
Where ideas are scattered about
Like amorphous clouds--almost
Becoming concrete, palpable
Close to conception
Egg of idea and sperm of intention
On the point of action
Nearly communicate, consummate--still
A breath away, a gossamer veil
Of steel separates these parts that
Must be made whole

Determination drives me
I am purpose, hurtling toward
My goal, shape-shifting until
I become the key
Unlocking the possibilities
Arriving at my future

Magnolia's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:06:00 +0000

Contemplating the snow!

Today is my sweet dog, Magnolia's birthday. She is 6 years in people years, and 36 years in dog years. If she didn't have those white whiskers, you couldn't tell.

I have had many wonderful moments with this dog. She is a lover and a cuddler. I can't imagine a truer companion. Long may she live!

Oh for the love of dog!

Peace and Happy New Year!

Joan

ACCEPTANCE

noreply@blogger.com (Joan Ellen Gage) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:39:00 +0000

SNOWED IN IN NC!

It was a beautiful snow--for about 3 days. Unfortunately, we were unable to get out for 5 days. Except on foot to the neighbors, and walking about in the snow.

We had plenty of food, so no complaints there. Our power went out Christmas afternoon, and we were not able to cook our Christmas dinner. We did have a camping heater and a propane lamp. Hot dogs were cooked on the grill and served with a green salad. That was topped off with pumpkin pie!

The electric came on in the night, and we had lovely hot showers in the morning! I have to say you really appreciate things like running water and heat when you don't have it!

Acceptance is one of the toughest things I struggle with. Being a control person, I tend to want things thus and so--rarely does life go this way, however! Being snowed in, without a way to get out on the roadways, leaves one with accepting that you cannot go out. Obviously, the only thing to do was adjust my attitude and enjoy it!

Below is a passage that mirrors the Serenity Prayer that is used in recovery. I have it posted inside a bathroom cabinet with other inspirational sayings and quotes.

Happy New Year! May we all have a bountiful year in our lives and in our hearts!

Peace,

Joan

Acceptance

Is the answer to all of my problems today.
When I am disturbed, it is because I find
some person, place, thing, or situation--
some fact of my life unacceptable to me,
and I can find no serenity until I accept that
person, place, thing, or situation as being
exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.

Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world
by mistake: unless I accept life completely on life's terms
I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate on what needs
to be changed in me and in my attitudes.

CAU