Why are you not giving yourself permission to live? What is it in you that refuses to pursue your potential? What do you dream of doing that if only________were not in your way, you could? Recently, I pondered these questions while thinking about someone I care about who is fearful of pursuing her dreams. Her situation reminded me of …
#59 Weaving Life Stories
I say I trust God, but then I'm all over my unanswered questions like a kitten on a ball of string. Playful, yes, but often obsessive just the same. I want direction presented straight up, but my Creator seems more interested in weaving life stories. Daily, I sift through memories in an attempt to create meaningful prose. In …
In Search of my “Desire Line”
Recently, I read an insightful article titled, "The Key Elements of Writing a Good Memoir" by author Adair Lara http://writersdigest.com/article/elements-of-an-effective-arc/. The author's approach to creating a narrative arc simmers in my mind as I seek to craft my memoir: "The first step in drawing an arc is to answer this question: What did you (as the …
“Mary, I miss you.”
I miss my former Twelve-step sponsor. I want to tell her I sang her favorite affirmation on the way to work yesterday, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad," and it worked. I felt my courage return. I want to tell her that I sing this scripture …
The Wrestling
Recently, someone asked me about the gap in my personal history they noticed by reading my blogs. I shuddered at the thought of posting writings from those dark years of my soul. Yet in time, other bloggers' courage to post their personal poetry and reflections inspired me to take the risk and create http://ontatteredwings.wordpress.com. I …
Resisting Perfectionism: The Harsh Taskmaster of our Souls
"Progress not perfection" -AA Slogan Perfectionism is a harsh taskmaster of our souls. Perfectionism replays those child-like messages filled with shame, "If you don't do what he/she says, you're a failure. You'll never write good enough, blog good enough, teach good enough…" This endless list of lack haunts my mind when I submit …
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Resilience
Resilience Oh willowy beauty Unearthing treasures from the sea A priceless knowing lost in youth Dark waters engulfed identity Remember, Resilience Oh willowy beauty Extracting courage from your soul A costly pearl retrieved through loss Oysters fill with wisdom to cajole Remember, Resilience Yesterday, my daughter repeatedly came to my mind. I walked into my art …
Codependent Cake
What if all of life's oddities and perplexities could be processed through making pies, cakes, and other delectable treats? After watching "The Waitress," starring Kari Russell, my husband, best friend, and I started creating our own "Recipes for Living." This romantic comedy features an unhappy waitress from the "deep South" who processes her pain through …
#53 Top Ten Unforgettable Comments
In search of my blogging identity quest post #53 is my "Top Ten most Unforgettable Comments" spoken to me over the years. They have all formed a part of who I am today. Some still make me cringe while others chuckle. I cannot believe some of the things people have said on one hand and on the other, gratefulness fills my heart for …
