satisfying tribal urges

I crave community, conversations, and reflections.  Often on a daily basis.  It not only nourishes me, but helps me to achieve clarity in ways beyond my own doing, thinking, and being.  It takes a community to raise a child, but also to cultivate self awareness and release the potential found in many of us.  I am who I because of the many relationships I have encountered along the way.  Some have been limited in length of time, but no less limited in their impact.   They have all shaped me.

For me, I am seeking something even greater than a community, I am seeking a tribe.  To many this is probably one in the same, but not for me.  Tribal members may come from a variety of the communities I am apart of, but these tribesmen and tribeswomen hold even greater meaning and purpose.  These are soul changes and motivators.  They reach a deeper level.  This is not to say that my communities are minimized, they just serve a different purpose and cause within my life.  Not better or worse, just different.

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how to work smarter – and be happier

[Originally posted on CurrentMom]

Monday through Friday we are on a very strict schedule. Up at 6 o’clock, my husband and I juggle showers, breakfast, coffee, and getting our almost seven month old ready for the day.

On a good day I have about eight hours of uninterrupted work time available before picking up my daughter, my husband coming home, and jumping into our evening routine. Am I a frazzled working mom? Nope, but I am an efficient one. We can all benefit from tips on how to work smarter (and a chance to gain back some sometimes lost sanity).

I know my priorities, both personal and professional, and what I want out of each day. I want to produce good work for my employer and push my career forward as well as spend quality time with my daughter, and relaxing evenings with my husband. Therefore I work smart.

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be back soon.

Time to mix things up a bit. We’re headed to the Midwest (as of today). I’ll be resurfacing once we’re settled – or at least once our bed is unpacked and the Internet is up and running. For now, relax and enjoy the rest of what summer has to offer.

Be well.

(Wonderfully appropriate photo, courtesy of ChepeNicoli)

i love pretty things

A little corner where I can share my love for all things colorful, fun, and pretty. Enjoy!

the good life :: what grounds you

[Photos by the lovely Joanie Tobin, 2010]

I have only one priority in my life – it’s my family. This doesn’t mean that other things, like work, aren’t of importance. In fact, work is a very important part of my life, it challenges me, nurtures me, and enables me to provide for others. But the truth is I would drop everything for them – especially Lucy and Colin.

They are my life as well as the two best cheerleaders anyone could ask for. They ground me. They inspire me. They encouragement me. And perhaps most importantly, they love me, unconditionally. What grounds you? What is the one thing that brings you back to what’s important?