What I'm Writing at Blissfully Domestic

A few months ago I mentioned that I'd be writing for the Healthy Bliss channel at Blissfully Domestic, an online magazine for women. I realized today that I haven't really mentioned it in a while and thought you might want to know what I've been writing about.

You can view all my articles, or check out a few of my favorites:

• Before the holidays I wrote about holiday stress and exercise, holiday travel and healthy holiday cooking--all topics that can be applied year round.
• You can read about why I joined a CSA and how you can, too. (Now's the perfect time, by the way.)
• Today's article is on living in the now and how being mindful can benefit every area of your life.
• Finally, there's my ongoing cleanse series, where I describe my experience participating in a "whole body and mind cleanse" with holistic health counselor Amanda Moxley. These posts will be going up regularly for a couple more weeks, so check them out. And if you're interested in joining in on a cleanse group, Amanda's next program starts on March 4th. You can learn more at her website.

If you have any comments or questions, I'd love to discuss any of these articles with you. I hope you enjoy them.

Making Lemonade

I opened my mailbox today to find a comment from Over Coffee letting me know that she'd given me the Lemonade Award. Thanks, Over Coffee!

This award really couldn't have come at a better time. I've been feeling a bit out of sorts lately but this weekend was relaxing and productive, and even brought with it the possibility of a new freelance client. I also spent some time thinking about my freelancing future and tossing some ideas around in my head. Finding notice of that Lemonade Award in my inbox was like a message from the Universe that things are going to be OK. No, better than OK. Things will work out exactly as they're supposed to if I just get out of the way and relax a little.

As recipient of this award, this is what I have to do:

1. Thank the person who was so thoughtful for giving you this award by linking their blog to this post.
2. Put the logo on your blog or post.
3. Nominate 10 blogs which show great attitude/gratitude.
4. Link your nominee to your post.
5. Comment them to tell them about the award they've won.

Now, to pass this little award on to a few of my favorite blogging people. People with attitude and/or gratitude who inspire me and encourage me regularly with their words.

1. Biped Sideways
2. Cranky Fitness
3. Gumbo Writer
4. Jen Lemen
5. Katy
6. Mocha Momma
7. Calling Dr. Bombay
8. Magical Thinking
9. Kathryn Magendie
10. Louise
    

Thanks to all of YOU for being exactly what I need, just when I need it.

All Over the Place

For proof, go here.

And the Winner Is...

Jessica!

Jessica gets her very own copy of Perfect on Paper. Congratulations Jessica! I've sent an email to you requesting your shipping information. If I don't hear from you in 48 hours, the book will go to the person with the next highest vote count.

Thanks for playing everyone!

Have You Ever Seen the Grand Canyon?

Have you? I'm not talking about in pictures or on television or even from the air as you fly from one coast to the other. Have you stood on the edge of the huge Canyon and felt the wind swoop down and then back up again blasting you in the face with dust from thousands of feet below? Have you looked out across miles of rock that have been carved away by centuries? Have you?

There's something heart-stopping and, dare I say, spiritual about experiencing a sight like the Grand Canyon. It's awe-inspiring and humbling to walk to the ledge and look over the side of history into the depths of our world. From where you stand at the heights of Canyon, the rushing Colorado River looks like a tiny trickling stream and the clouds look like they're napping on the flat tops of the rock formations. Ravens play on the wind, swooping into protective nooks and crannies and then swooping back out to dance and swirl around.

The Canyon is so big, so vast, that it's hard not to recognize how small we really are. And yet, before We were even on this planet, time and water and wind were shaping and forming this land by doing nothing more than what they were created to do. And I wonder: can I have an impact like that, too? One of adjusted proportions, of course. But if I do those things that I was created to do, if I am me and nothing else, can I create beauty like that?

I believe I can.

I hope I am right.

Dating Horror Stories - Time to Vote

You all had such great dating stories to share and I'm so glad I don't have to chose the winner of this contest. It was hard enough picking just a few for the top slots! In fact, instead of three choices, you get four because I couldn't narrow it down any more.

While I loved them all, these were my favorites:

#1 was from Scribbit. This one was the first of several that made me laugh out loud. I can just picture this:

I can't remember how it happened but I ended up going out with a short Italian man who hardly spoke any English who drove me out to a lake and wanted to make out (ew) and when I told him I wanted to go home he ended up chasing me around the car for awhile thinking I meant "yes" instead of "no." He ended up taking me home but the evening was not a good one :)

#2 was from Jessica. Again, I laughed out loud imagining poor Jessica being mortified by her Aunt.

My FIRST EVER date was a movie date with a boy named Richard. (I think I was about 13?) My mom & aunt drove me to the movie theatre but Richard (who was supposed to meet me in the lobby) was no where to be found. Well, I was crushed but my Aunt was determined to figure out what had happened. She talked the staff into allowing her into the theatre (a fully packed theatre) and then proceeded to shout "Is there a Richard Shipley in here???" Sure enough, he was in the back row with some friends. I was mortified, he was mortified, we barely spoke during the movie and I don't think I ever talked to him again. My aunt and I still laugh about the experience!

#3 was from Amanda B., who had to get rid of creepy Mr. Octopus:

I had the guy pick me up from work (I got ready in the staff bathroom). For the date he took ne to his house to watch movies..lame but I had an open mind. Well, HE didn't want to really watch the movies. After repeatedly fending off tentacles,I told him I wanted to leave. Well, he told me no. So I screamed "Take me to my car", and when his roommate came to see what was going on, he said fine. So after he dropped me off at my car, I made sure to drive around so he couldn't follow me home. Then I never answered his calls again.

#4 was from Kelly, whose prom date was less than romantic. MUCH less.

Ugh. I met this guy online (this was maybe 8, 9 years ago) and after chatting for a few weeks, we arranged to meet. I thought he was cute, so we agreed on a movie.

Well, he asked me to meet him in a public place (at a mall). No problem. The kicker? He was going to get food at the food court for his dinner and said that I could sit with him while he ate "if I wanted," or I could go get my own food. Uhhhhhhhh. Right. I chose to shop for 20 minutes. Great start already, huh?

So we went to the movie and he was just trying the whole time to touch me, hold my hand, rub my leg, etc. Perhaps here I should explain that he was a pre-med student and just thought he was the bee's knees. After the movie, he took me back to my car. He asked for a hug, so I went to give him a quick one, and he just grabbed me and held on for what seemed like an eternity (30 seconds, a minute, I don't know). I could just tell he was going to kiss me (or at least try), so I stepped back so I could reach my door handle, said "OW" really loud, pretended my ankle had twisted, and swiftly opened the door and "fell" into the car.

He asked me the next day if I wanted to come "spend the night" sometime. He was actually so full of himself that he thought there was no way I was disinterested! What a CREEP!!

And now it's up to you, my friends. Read carefully, consider well and then cast your vote in the poll below. Voting will be open until Sunday, February 8th at 11:59PM. I'll announce and contact the winner on Monday, February 9th and the winner will have 48 hours to provide me with mailing address information.

Vote well!

*Voting is now closed.*