Just what I always wanted! Christmas 2007

This Christmas has to go down in my book as one of the best ever. Our house seemed almost enchanted...yeah.... I said enchanted. The kids were delightful, funny, gracious with of course a few small helpings of cheekiness thrown too!

As Christmas day grew closer Evan kept adding new items to his Santa list. I tried my best to explain to him that Santa's workshop was closed and the elves were now in lock and load sled mode. I almost started to panick when he told me early on the 24th what he really wanted the most was an electric guitar so he could have a band with his best friend Ari.

I told him not to worry, if Santa couldn't get to it I would buy him one for his birthday (ha! July 31st). I didn't need to worry one tiny bit...because everything he opened on Christmas day was "just what he always wanted!" Hearing his exclaimations was one of the best gifts I will ever receive. His almost 11 year old sister was just as happy with her gifts as well, just not as verbal as he was.

I wish there could be 20 more Christmas like this years but I know it won't happen. So I will put it down on paper and watch the videos over and over. I need to remind myself to enjoy these years, days, moments...in the end they are always too short.

Merry Christmas

xo,
Sher

My favorie Haiku by friend Claire Zoghb

My friends Joe, Karen & I used to write really silly haiku's at work and try and out wit each other with our sarcasm and cutting humor. Ha! While it is not exactly funny, my friend Claire won the competition hands down with this gem! I had it hanging next to my desk for years because it brought me such joy. During my recent job move I misplaced my copy, so I asked her to resend it to me. It is so beautiful I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy!
xo,
Sher

P.S. Claire is a Red Sox fan too...can't beat that!!!!!

Land of Dreams (October)

The mist makes the night strange
and every light is worth more
(or less, depending).
Somewhere down the street
someone has lit the year's first fire
with damp logs,
and at first I mistake
the creeping, sparkling clouds
for smoke.


More of Kate's writing. Sooooo good.

Ghosting by Kate Horowitz

She was rapidly becoming invisible.
The automatic doors at the pharmacy
would not open for her,
and she sailed through
behind a solid old man
who did not hear her footsteps
or feel the breath of her sighs.


Another bit of beautiful wordcrafting by friend and poet Kate. Enjoy!

Performance Anxiety

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not. —Author Unknown

We are our own worst enemies. By we, of course I mean me. It could be you too, but I don't want to be presumptious. What does it take to say “I am the Best” and really, truly believe it. Are there people who really believe they are?

Why must we always second guess ourselves? Is that God’s way of keeping us on the top of our game? From resting on our laurels, getting too fat, too rich, too full of oneself. Is that even possible? Is it okay to just say, well I do the best I know how and will deal with the consequences later.

Recently I told a artist who I really admire, how much I loved a particular piece of his art, to me it was beautiful and so well crafted. He told me “You know that sat on my easel for a such a long time because I really didn't like the way the shadow looked on her face”. That blew me away. This man is incredibly well-known, respected and admired...yet he admitted he was not quite pleased with his own creation...but he let it go. Boy, that is true self-confidence.

I guess that is my lesson...just let it go. Put down the self-imposed pressure, get into the groove and let it go.

As always I would love to hear your comments...you can post them. No one will judge...this is a judgement free blog. Go ahead hit that little comment button and rant, rave or just babble like me. It's sooo easy, I promise.

xo,
sher

Reinventing Yourself

There are so many times in our younger lives when we get the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. You know, a do-over. When you start college, date someone new, get married or have children. These are all do-overs, times when you really get to re-examine who you are, who you want to be, or how you want others to see you.

As we get older (say just entering your forties), there are not as many chances. We get set, get comfortable, life keeps coming at you and you need, you have to just keep on, keeping on. But what if you get the opportunity for a mid-life do-over and you can use all the experience your past has given you.

It's sort of like an old wood floor, which has so many coats of varnish that it is just yellow and dull. It needs to be stripped down to the bare wood. Then slowly, gently, the varnish is reapplied one layer at a time. Pretty soon the beauty of the wood's grain shines right on through.

So it's all good right?...no preconceived notions, no scuffs or ugly build up. Just a beautiful new floor, a whole new you waiting for a chance to shine.

Yeah, I am starting a new job on Monday. I got the do-over, I sure hope I have some shine left!

xo,
sheryl

Real Poetry

I love, love, love this poem by friend Kate Horowitz. I can close my eyes and see the entire scene playout like a movie. If you would like to read more of her work check out her blog at http://hem0philia.livejournal.com

GO SOX, YOU ROCK!

Sorry I couldn't resist!

Night Moves

Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night and while still half asleep do the rounds of your house? I did last week or so and thought that this ceremony should have a name, something like Night Moves (I know that's already taken, and for different reasons!). So, I wrote down some words on a piece of paper because I was still half asleep, but I thought it would make a good poem someday. Not that I have any idea how to wite a poem! I am hoping maybe Claire will teach me.

Cool to the touch
oh yes that's good
tuck in a foot
always on the move
sleep does not come cheap


Corny... I know, but it's my continuous nocturnal journey. Maybe you will share yours. Please feel free to do so.
xo,
Sher

The Beauty of Words

I was listening to a podcast interview of author Gregory MacGuire. He wrote this poem about Snow White to get started on his book Mirror, Mirror. I secretly (or not so) wish to be a writer (singer & painter too) but have no talent for it. Doesn't stop me from appreciating this gift in others though.

I am a girl who did no wrong
I walked this side of Jesus when I could
I kept an angel in my apron pocket
I do not think it did me any good

“Up from the Moil and Toil” by Emily McPhie

I just adore this painting by one of Greenwich Workshops newest artist (and Mom of 3) Emily McPhie.

I think the title says it all. “Up from the Moil and Toil” I thought so much about it since I first saw it. I had so much to say about it, but now I am not so sure I need to say anything. It just is...really good, so good. I am anxious to hear what all my friends think.

I can totally relate to that beautiful woman on the ladder in her grown-up clothes, daydreaming of all the things she would like to do.

As I try to write this post my 6 year old refuses to go to sleep. It's 10pm...I would really like to have this time to myself, but his lips are chapped and burning, and he can't sleep. So I will tend to him (again) and kiss him some more, tell him I love him, go to sleep my angel boy. please.

Life is just that way, it's not good or bad....it just is. Plain & simple, trying to get the balance right. Give enough love, feather the nest, make everyone cozy.

Check out Emily’s website www.emilymcphie.com and enjoy her incredible talent.

xo
Sheryl

Quote of the Day...

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

from Kahlil Gibran

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.


Thanks to two dear friends Kim & Claire, who both helped me keep some much needed perspective today.

Quote of the Day...

From 6 year old son...

”Mom, you have enough fat and meat that if you got shot, you wouldn't die.”

You have to love that kind of honesty...you just don't get that from anyone.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter and the sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. —Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Quote of the Day...

The place where optimism most flourishes is the lunatic asylum.
Havelock Ellis (1859 - 1939)

The key to success and happiness in life...

are you kidding? I have no clue, but I do know one thing that is certain. YOU CANNOT HAVE IT ALL. It's that simple.

I was just laying in bed with my daughter, thinking of all the things I should be, I could be doing. Putting away the 6 loads of clean laundry scattered across my bedroom floor, paying bills...they are almost over due now. I could empty the dishwasher and fill it back up with all the dirty dishes in the sink. But then I would be neglecting time with my daughter, who at 10 really won't be wanting me to lay with her much longer.

You can't work, be a mom, wife, partner, keep a (clean) house, stay thin, and look beautiful. Those who you think have it all...it's just a facade. At least thats what I'd like to think. I jokingly say about the person who is beautifully groomed with the impeccable home, "they lack creativity". But I really wonder... what have they given up?

So you have to give up something to get something. I for one give up having a clean house and because of that I have also given up entertaining. (Note to Lana, it's just too much, just say NO). But I have not given up on my friends...who could care less about my messy house and will pop over anyway. And get this...they will not say a word about the build up of dog hair on laundry room floor.

So I will spend more time with my kids, because in a very short while their world will not revolve around me anymore. I will tend to my overgrown garden and sit for a minute to enjoy the beauty of the daylilies (before the deer have them as a midnight snack) or just take a book and sink into the little slice of quiet time and the end of a long hectic day.

Trust me, you really can't have it all...(at least I am still trying to convince myself) but if you do let go, maybe you can enjoy some of life's fleeting beauty.

xo
sheryl

Rave on...

Rant & Rave, it came to me in a flash, I spend so much of my life doing it!

I just love the idea of "woman on the edge", it has so many meanings, both good and bad. I will confess that I have often felt like I am "on the edge" of insanity—hey, who hasn't been?!

But on the other hand, you can also be "on the edge" of a brilliant idea, "on the edge" of a terrific new opportunity or "on the edge" of an exciting new chapter in your life.

I started this blog as a way to communicate thoughts, share ideas, and make observations. My hope is that my smart, creative and always funny friends will join me on this e-adventure. Be free to share without judgement the good, the bad and if needed the ugly!

So go ahead and rant...or rave.

xo
sheryl