Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Ann Roth

I am taking the week off to work on the current work-in-progress and to get ready for Thanksgiving. Shopping, baking, getting the tables set and ready.

That’s right, tables. At our house, we host a big crowd of family, friends, and people who need a place to sit down and enjoy.

Even when life throws you a horrendous curve-ball, there is much to be grateful for. May you find something for which you can give thanks.

Until next time, and wishing you a thankful Thanksgiving,

Ann

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Be Still, My Brain… As if!

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Ann Roth

I envy those who spend endless hours in meditation. How do they do it?

My mind just won’t shut up.

That said, I wanted it to. Just for a while. Which is why, several years ago, I purchased an album of Tibetan monks chanting. http://bit.ly/1xaxm0j

From an American perspective, this “music” isn’t melodic or harmonious, but it is pretty darned amazing. For six months, every morning, after the gym and my shower, but before breakfast, I listened to pieces of a chant. I did this for 5-6 minutes, which was about as much as I could handle before my mind drifted away from the chant and went into its usual frenzied overdrive. And you know what? While I was still, I felt peaceful and centered. What a wonderful way to start the day.

But then I stopped taking the time to listen.

Why? Because my modus operandi is, “Hurry up and get crackin’. There’s writing to be done!”

It’s been a good three years, and I’m craving that peace again. So… drum role (and Tibetan chimes): I’m going to get back into the routine of spending 5-6 minutes, listening to something that clears my mind and helps me get peaceful and centered. Yes, I know that I have tons of writing to do, and that we are heading into a frenzied time of year. That is exactly why I’m starting again now.

Until next time, and wishing you peace and centeredness,

Ann

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The Care and Feeding of Yourself

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Ann Roth

Good advice, yes?

The folks who put this list together left out one very important item, though: Forgive yourself. Or maybe they lumped “forgive yourself” under “be kind to yourself.” To my mind, the two are related, but separate.

Let’s talk about forgiving ourselves. We all mess up. Heck, I sure do, sometimes several times in one day. Making mistakes is a big part of the human condition.

Some mistakes are bigger than others. Some can never be forgotten. But if we learn something from our missteps, then at least they have served some purpose.

Isn’t that what mistakes are all about-learning and growing so that we are able to forge ahead as slightly different, slightly wiser and more compassionate beings?

Something to think about…

Until next time, and wishing you self-forgiveness and self-love,

Ann

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Not Quite Back from the Dead

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Ann Roth

Over the weekend, I attended my first ever Day of the Dead party. What an interesting event! People decorated their faces and dressed in costumes commemorating the dead. Sounds macabre, doesn’t it? But it wasn’t. This holiday is all about remembering the dead with laughter and celebration. What better way to remember those who have passed away?

Arnie and Becca Moreno, the party hosts in their Day of the Dead makeup and costumes.

One of several shrines, commemorating loved ones who have departed this earth. Party attendees were invited to place photos of dead loved ones and/or beloved pets here.

This Day of the Dead skeleton cake was one of many on the tables and tables of food and drink. Did I mention that this was a party of laughter and celebration?

Just your friendly, everyday mummy, relaxing on the bed where we laid our coats!

This fanciful Day of the Dead plate certainly caught my eye.

What Day of the Dead party would be complete without a backyard “cemetery”?

It’s always good to try something new and different, and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Who knows- it must might end up in a future book. 🙂

Until next time, and wishing you new and interesting experiences,

Ann

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The Time, It Is a Changin’

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Ann Roth

Remember to set you clocks back tonight! A whole extra hour of sleep. Yay!

Until next time,

Ann

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Costumes, anyone?

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Ann Roth

So…. what are you wearing today? I’m talking Halloween costumes, of course. 🙂

At the gym this morning, one of the trainers dressed as Wonder Woman. I told her she looked adorable (she’s all of 5’2″ tall). “Adorable?” She frowned. “But I’m Wonder Woman!” So I said she looked fierce. She like that a lot better!

Have you ever worn a costume to work?

Years ago, when I was hired to work in the finance group at what is now Bank of America (armed with my brand new MBA), my boss told me that people dress up for Halloween, and to come to work in costume on my first day. Which just happened to be Halloween. So I did–dressed as a bum, in tattered clothes and a shapeless old hat. I put dried coffee grounds on my face so that I looked like I really need a shave.

Wouldn’t you know I was the ONLY one in costume. If that wasn’t enough, we had an all-department meeting that morning, where I was introduced as the next Whiz Kid on the block. I was really embarrassed, but everyone laughed and so did I.

Still smiling about that one.

Until next time,

Ann

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Spooky pre-Halloween Neighborhood Fun

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Ann Roth

I don’t know what your neighborhood looks like during the Halloween festivities. Some of the houses around mine go all-out.

This huge spidey and web thing is one block from out house. Only one comment is suitable: eek!!

Until next time,

Ann

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