Living Our Dreams

Chronologically Speaking

So...since turning 50 + 2 this weekend, I've taken to pondering...

what exactly does it mean to "act your age?

 

This is a confusing time to be a woman over a certain age...

You've all heard...

40 is the new 30...

50 is the new 40..

but what does all that REALLY mean...

and who exactly determines these things?

 

Am I supposed to follow these instructions?

 

or do I get to make my own? 

And now that I'm past that mid-life marker 

I ask you...

what's 52 supposed to act like?

?

Am I supposed to act like this?

 

or this? 

 

 

or this

 

 

or this

 

 

or this

 

 

or this

 

in the end...

I guess it all boils down to one thing gals...

 

 

we get to ACT the age we feel inside and in the end make our own rules! 

 

Wanna join me?

 

 

 

 

 

Yum! It's First Friday's at The Spark!

 

  
Painting by Rochelle Norwood 

First Friday's Gallery Showing and Bake Sale with artist Rochelle Norwood
Time: 6-8pm
Place: Creative Spark Studio at the 3rd St. Center, Suite 15

The Skinny: Artist and art teacher Rochelle Norwood will be hosting a bake sale to raise funds to purchase additional sewing machines for student use. The machines will be shared by CMS and Creative Spark Studio for workshops and projects. The gallery will host and exhibition of Rochelle Norwood's paintings. Rochelle's paintings are made from acrylic and donated house paints on recycled surfaces. The final piece is a mixed media production incorporating heart and soul to create a variety of works ranging from people to birds. 

 

Healing with Horses...

Horses are my healers. Since the time I first sat on a horse at age 3, I've had a deep spiritual connection with these amazing creatures. I haven't ridden in about 4 years. I've had plenty of invitations, but there always seems to be something keeping from taking up the generous offers.

Since my mother's been in hospice, they have been calling. I've been hearing them...but I haven't been listening. What I hear instead is, "Not enough time, not today, etc." All excuses I take responsibilty for... No time for self-care. But today...I listened. 

Last night I had a profound dream. It was very disturbing. My shadow side was calling and I woke up very agitated. After writing the dream out, I realized that my shadow was indeed calling me. Not to act out, but to act INtentionally and connect with my healthy wild spirit. In one part of the dream I was riding a horse and had a small toddler on my lap. I had no reins in my hands and felt calm and in complete control. The animal, child and I were one.

After writing my dream, I called a friend who I've recently reconnected with. "I could really use a horse snuggle today." Truthfully, I just wanted to go and rub my face in the winter fur. To breathe in their scent and to brush a tangled mane. She hadn't expected to go to the barn today, but a client cancelled and she was headed to  exercise a couple of horses, and invited me to join her. "Can this be happening today?", I wondered. Pure synchronicity? Truthfully is was my Higher Power in action. Healer...Heal thy-SELF.

And so I found myself surrounded by love, a full heard nuzzling me and breathing warm air into my ears..both of them at one time! This is BLISS...

When we came from the herd, with the two we would ride, I said to my friend, "This is the one place in my life, where I have no fear. I am calm, grounded, completely at peace." And then we ran...there is nothing to describe the feeling of being in tune with a creature who has its own heart, mind and spirit. To bond together in a dance of rhythm and harmony. To fly...

When I am with the horses...I am home.

 

Gypsy Spirit Outpost-Florida

It's been challenging logging on while visiting family, so I'm here in Starbucks this morning taking care of business. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  

It's interesting leaving the Mountains and visiting the tropics this time of year, but look where I ended up during one of my Holiday Bliss walks!

Andy and Blue are home fending for themselves, as it's Andy's hig season teaching on the mountain, so I am in Florida spending time with family. 

Finding bliss-FULL moments in chaotic South Florida is always a little challenging for me, but I have taken better care of myself this trip than I have in the past. Walks on the beach with friends, walks in the neighborhood for much needed breathing, a Reiki treatment at an awesome yoga studio which was gifted by my buddy Sues, and opening up to what is alive here in the same way I do at home-which can be difficult in a city environment. I love my iPhone for that reason, it helps me stay awake, noticing those quiet moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed. 

 

I'll be home on Monday, so I'll be checking in again Tuesday in the meantime...lot's of 

  
 

  

Meeting our Teachers in Unlikely Places

© 2009 Sheri Gaynor-www.sherigaynor.com

Note: This post was written in my journal yesterday as I traveled from Colorado to Florida...

Today I was a traveler on the adventure called life

UNAFRAID

OpEn

SEEING

and a SEEKER...

What lives within me is to listen, to collect and hear people's stories. Today I met a man who in the most loving of ways told me, "You're not ready yet." 

This statement came on the heels of an enlightening conversation with a complete stranger who's empty chair I had inadvertently stolen after standing at the crowded gate for a half hour. When I realized what I had done, I offered to move, but he sat next to me as another seat opened. We chatted and laughed amidst the Holiday chaos and weather delays. As we talked, his story unfolded. The conversation led me to unexpected places, inspiration, hope and questioning. This man had clearly LIVED his dreams. Not only did he live them, he MANIFESTED them in extraordinary ways. He shared with me photos on his phone, taken with celebrities and even the Dali Lama...yes, the Dali Lama. 

What is most impressive about this man is that not only has his life been rich in terms of monetary gain, but more importantly, his life was RICHER through giving, kindness and generosity. He is someone who "knows." He also appears not to just spout the talk, but clearly has his feet on the path. During our conversation, I had the sense this meeting was no accident. I stayed open, open...open. I listened...What is this about? And then I knew...

As our conversation deepened and turned to the spiritual and financial realm, the old fears presented themselves. With a few simple NEGATIVE comments, this man was able to see RIGHT THROUGH ME. 'Oh, see, did you hear what you just said? Why would you think that?" He looked directly into my eyes and then he asked, "What are the only two things you can't control in life?" Thankfully I was able to answer that question correctly, as it felt like a spiritual pop quiz.  I felt my throat clench with school trauma..."SHIT...What if I don't know the answer...I am going to look like a fool!"

It was at the end of our inspiring conversation, after he had given me a gift of one of his beautiful products, that the harsh words came again. "You're just not ready yet," he declared with a giggle and a big smile, yet the words cut me like a sword. I felt myself SHUT THE DOOR. We shook hands, I thanked him, and we parted ways. As I stood in line to board the plane, and played the words OVER AND OVER in my mind,  I felt that familiar feeling of shame rising and then ANGER, a old defense reaction to the PERCEIVED insult. "Who the hell does he think he is telling me I am not READY." And then, SHAME...again. The shadow showed itself...and I heard, "I'm never going to be GOOD ENOUGH." As I walked down the jetway to my seat onboard, I played the tape over and over and I began to feel depressed. REALLY! Remember, this is exactly the opposite of what I screamed from the mountain top while waiting to hear about the book proposal (see the book intro), so it really hit hard. 

But as I sat in my seat and looked around at the faces boarding the plane, the smiles, service men and women returning home and people helping one another with heavy luggage,  I was able to SEE again. Suddenly I could shift the focus, get out of my head, out of my fear, out of my self-judgement and suddenly I heard the word EGO---and there it was--a glimpse of the TRUTH. My mind heard what it wanted to hear, in that old familiar story, "You will NEVER be GOOD ENOUGH." In this realization, everything shifted. I saw the meeting for what it was, a powerful reminder and opportunity to practice transformation. I realized I had met a teacher on the path, someone who became my mirror of negativity and uncertainty for that day. Someone who was much further down the road than I....a wise man if you will. And suddenly I felt GRATITUDE! 

And with this realization, I began to relax around the the truth and actually began to laugh! "Of COURSE I AM NOT READY, I am only beginning this journey of awareness!" After all...in the end...don't we begin each day with Beginners Mind...right here, at the very beginning, doing the best we can in the moment? 

I am but a TRAVELER on this road of life

STILL WRESTLING

my DEMONS

STILL insecure

STILL GROWING

and GRATEFUL

It's about the JOURNEY...not the destination

 

Walk in Bliss

As we move closer to the true season, I think we can all feel the pace picking up a bit. I leave on Saturday to visit my family in Florida and it's been a busy week of clients, classes and getting things tied up in a neat bow, before I leave. 

I won't fib...there have been moments of stress as the list seems to grow longer, but I will tell you this, the BLISS has helped. My biggest moments of quiet have been those times with Blue, watching him hunting for mice-icles in the snow. Fortunately, they evade him, but his joyful pouncing and romping brings a smile to my face a few times a day. Our walks have also been a time of daily reflection in the spirit of Thich Nhat Hanh, he is my teacher...Innocence, simplicity and Bliss....he is my daily reminder. 

I will be checking in from the road, sharing with you my upcoming Gyspy Spirit Holiday Adventure.

May you find some BLISS today....

The Road Less Traveled

Photo: © 2009 Sheri Gaynor

Home again after a luscious personal retreat with the wild-hearted and deliciously FEISTY Chris Zydel. With 850 miles under my Gypsy Spirit belt and a week in the New Mexican landscape, I have had some powerful awakenings. Even a nasty cold, can't keep me from feeling the bliss of the past week. Finally meeting Chris in person cemented our belief that we are indeed soul sisters. I had a full week to paint, hike, and fully let go and BE. I surrendered my cell phone and computer for an entire week and you know what, it was actually EASY! 

I was reminded of simpler times, a road less traveled now. Sans computers, cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, etc. I am grateful I am part of a generation that actually lived without all his "plugged-in" behavior. It's interesting. I love the connection these things have brought to us, and the fact that it's expanded ability to reach one another in a truly global way, but as an artist who craves silence, nature and introspection, it is also a double edged sword. Once we got there I found out there were places I could go to plug in, but choose to give myself a full week off. It was important, yet felt completely decadent. I am so grateful to Randall for holding down the fort while I was gone. There was SO much silence I could actually hear what was going on inside. I could hear my own rhythm, my own voice, my own creative heartbeat. 

I went to the retreat with no expectations except to meet Chris, paint and surrender. That is exactly what happened and as a result there were some powerful personal awakenings. To paint everyday for a full week was incredible. Meeting other women on the path was-as always-like finding long lost sisters. Each day, there was nothing to do but walk down to the studio, pick up a brush and see what showed up! WOW!!!! PURE HEAVEN!!!! 

As a result, my painting unfolded and a story was revealed. It is the largest painting I have done to date and mostly because I finally had room to go BIG! Below is a small section.  I will try and photograph the entire piece to show you...but it will be a challenge.

Chris Zydel and I are scheduled to teach a class October 23-25 at her yummy studio in Oakland, CA, Finding Your Inner Frida.  This promises to be quite the event and registration closes Sept 30th!  If you are looking to hear your own creative heartbeat, replenish your well, meet some phenomenal women and give yourself the gift of a few days of creative bliss, give us a shout, we would LOVE to have you join us. 

Early morning hike with Helen, Meredith and June (not pictured). Can you see the bliss bubbles??? June thank you again for sharing all your sacred spots! And to all the wonderful women I met, THANK YOU for holding my heart within yours, you helped to make the week PERFECT!

Gypsy Spirit Adventure-Deck of Transformation

Awakenings: Notes from the Journey                            Each month we will feature a Transformation Deck Card and issue a Creative Awakenings Coach Challenge and call to Dream Spirit The Card: Gypsy Spirit This excerpt from the Deck of Transformation in Creative Awakenings, invites readers to set one day aside to take a Gypsy Spirit Day! In honor of my upcoming travels, I chose to share this card for our August selection. "When you take a Gypsy Spirit Day, your only task is to be curious, LOOK UP, and remember there is no rush. When you head out for your journey, always remember your adventure pack (see page 11), a journal and a camera." To see my world with fresh eyes, I always pretend I am on a photojournalism assignment for a travel magazine. To try this challenge on for size, find someone in your area who you admire who has stepped successfully into his or her dream and ask these questions. Even better, add to the list with questions of your own. View the complete Gypsy Spirit Transformation Card and Challenge on p. 117 in Creative Awakenings. EnVision Guided Principal: Create It: Create a page in your Book of Dreams depicting your Gypsy Spirit Photo Story.  When you have completed your story. Scan the page and place a copy in your Milestones Passport to celebrate your success!

Gypsy Spirit Outpost-Abiquiu

©1992 Sheri Gaynor

I leave tomorrow for the Land of Enchantment, for a week long personal retreat with the wonderful, wild Chris Zydel, who I will be teaching with in October. 

 
©1992 Sheri Gaynor

I am heading to Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, home of MZ. Georgia O'Keefe and although there is much to do before I leave, I am counting the hours until I can splash and spill, and Paint My Heart Out, for an entire week! I can't imagine what will come of this time in Abuiqui, meeting Chris for the first time, meeting new amazing women and giving myself time to Replenish My Well. 

Just to let you know, there is no phone service and apparently limited email, so I am going to take a REALLY BIG JUICY Gypsy Spirit Adventure. 

Before I go, I wanted to give you a small gift. Last week we reached 500 members in our Salon. I am so incredibly blown away and grateful to everyone who has shown up ready to do the work and the members who are actively supporting and encouraging one another to DREAM...CREATE...LEAP and FLY! 

I posted a little Giveaway Goodie..The Rock Star Tutorial featured on pg. 30 in the book for your Milestones Passport. 

Happy Trails to everyone...as I ride off into the New Mexican sunrise....Enjoy...

Home Again

There's nothing more wonderful than coming home after 2 weeks on the gypsy spirit trail. The IEATA conference was just incredible! I am re-energized and blown away by the powerful explosion of my field. I met some amazing people doing all kinds of work in arts and healing, from researchers who are quantifying data, expressive arts therapists and consultants, therapists looking to bring the creative process into their work and artists who are using their gifts to bring the power of creativity into other people's lives and MEN!!! FINALLY!!!. WOW! 

This is from a day spent with RAW a non-profit that supports "youth in the struggle," by giving them the power of creativity to change their lives.  We engaged in several experiential exercises and were ablt to meet some of the RAW chiefs, kids who have worked their way up in the program and are now mentoring and teaching other kids.

To my right is my new friend Fena who is now a member of the Salon. She is one amazing woman and I am so grateful I met her at the conference. In the background is one of the RAW staff. She was very insistent in sharing that she is "not a therapist, I am an artist who heals." I loved her ability to stand in the power of that truth. 

Weaving the silk together.

Laura and I took off one evening to visit and old friend of mine, Susan Rodgerson, director of 

Aritsts for Humanities.  Susan and I have not seen one another since 1994 when she had just started the program and I went to work with her and some of the kids. We've kept in touch over the years, so I knew that this was high on my list of Boston priorities. HOLY COW am I glad I went! I can't believe what Susan has created with this program. She is a dynamic, go-getter who does not have the word "no," anywhere in her vocabulary. I also got to reconnect with the students who were in the program way back then and who are now full grown adults and teachers for Artists for Humanities. I am determined to find those photos of them from 1994. Can you say AWESOME! They were getting ready to go to their first NY gift show with products the kids have created and we were able to see the display and the line of furniture. 

Here's Susan and Laura looking at a painting one of the kids sold for....$3000.00! YES I said $3000....

I posted the full IEATA album on my FB profile and will be posting it also on Flicker for those of you who aren't FB members.