A Whole Month*

A whole month! 31 days of photos. I'm honestly amazed at myself. Other than getting up, brushing my teeth and feeding myself, I don't think I've ever done something, every. single. day. And it looks like only a third of the photos were the cats! And I guess I feed them every day too.

Dinner Time Frenzy*

The kitties get wet food for breakfast and dinner. A small can divided, half for Lucy and the other half in half for each of the other cats. Part of the fun of having kitties is torturing them, in fun ways of course. So all I have to say is "anyone want some breakfast?" or "dinner time" and a frenzy ensues. Mostly from Lucy Poo. She really just loses her mind, whining, running in circles and serious butt shivers. If you own a cat you certainly know what a butt shiver is.

This photo perfectly captures the Dinner Time Frenzy with Lucy. She also has no manners and gulps her food down, snorting like a pig in a trough. I have to distract her the minute she is finished by having play time so she doesn't bother the other cats while they slowly savor and enjoy their treats.

Here's another of the Dinner Time Frenzy. No matter what kind of day I've had or if I sat in heinous traffic on the way home ... this will always bring a smile to my face.

Tiki*

Meet Tiki Baby. She's our old girl at 15. She's quiet, honoring us with meows every now and then. She doesn't rip snort or act like a lunatic like some other kitties in the household. She sleeps a lot and while she still gets around fine she's not as limber as she used to be.

We let her go outside in the backyard with us in the summer because we know she can't go far and she can't go fast. But when she thinks it's time to go outside she can run down the stairs and beat us to the door. Tiki's a good old girl.

Icing*

It's the icing on the cake. The cake of a snow storm that didn't get me out of work but just gave me a pain in the butt. I'm posting this while I'm waiting for my car to warm up and melt the ice on it so I can open the other doors and get the ice scraper out of the car. And scrape the rest of the ice.

Snow*

Well it finally snowed here in Northern VA. My friends had been doing the snow dance for weeks with no results. But today we got some. About two inches so far.

Yes, it is pretty but what a pain in the ass when you have to do things, like work. Getting anywhere takes at least 3 times as long. And it's a white knuckle, harrowing experience. You have the cautious drivers like myself. But then you have the overly cautious. Then you have the total jack asses that fly along as if there is no reason to be at all cautious.

If it's going to snow in the DC area it either needs to dump like 2 feet so the whole area is shut down or just not bother at all. There's no in between that makes it worth it.

The Cuteness*

Oh, the cuteness... This was playtime cuteness. There's also sleepy cuteness, insolent cuteness, squeaky cuteness, vicious cuteness and it goes on. No matter what she's doing this silly little kitty is displaying some form of cuteness. And that's why we are totally smitten with this kitten:)

Anti-Zen*

This is my desk at home. It is a complete disaster area, total anti-zen. It's a mess, chaotic, disorganized, trashed. There are jewelry supplies, yoga books, freelance files, a box of stuff to be filed, and on and on. And that doesn't even count the disaster of a desktop on the Mac. The one and only positive thing is that the computer is backed up.

I don't know why I can't seem to find a good system or work flow. I've tried reorganizing, moving stuff around, different systems and nothing seems to work. It stays organized for maybe a month and then somehow all of my hobbies and side work puke all over the desk. I know my nature tends to be a bit on the unorganized and chaotic side but this is just out of control.

I seriously need at least a week off from work to organize it. When I get home in the evening I'm just plain tired of sitting at a desk doing stuff. Weekends have been booked lately. And on top of that the whole prospect is just overwhelming. Then from that overwhelm, I become paralyzed.

So, I'm putting it out to the universe... I need help organizing this mess. I need a system. Universe, please send me some guidance and wisdom. Please help me take this total anti-zen mess and turn it into a beautifully zen work place.

Synchronicity*

Ok, so I have to admit, I did not take this photo today. I actually took it a few days ago as part of a photo shoot. But, the synchronicity of it demanded that it be posted.

I usually check in with Shutter Sisters every few days to see what's happening and check out the challenges for inspiration. I hadn't checked out the site for about 10 days but when I did today, I found this. A challenge related to photos I had just taken. Beautiful photos of a fabulous massage therapist working her magic. When I saw Jocelyn working on Rachel's hands I was inspired and had to make sure I got this shot.

Synchronicity is when things just start happening, because you are present, aware and awake. While I didn't know about the challenge, I knew I had to get this shot. Only to find out that the current Shutter Sisters challenge was all about shots like this. Clearly posting a photo every day is keeping me present and awake.

Relaxing*

There's something about the soft glow of candle that is so relaxing. Maybe it's the flame that catches your eye thus drawing you out of your head and into the moment. Maybe it's the softness of the glow itself. Maybe it's watching how the candle morphs into a blob like thing slowly melting away, a physical representation of your stress melting away. So the next time you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed just burn some candles and chill.

Ganesha*

I'm working on a photography project for my home away from home, the wonderful Pure Prana Yoga Studio, www.pureprana.com. They are redesigning their website and are in need of photos. So over the next few weeks I'll be shooting the studio and different classes. So far it has been a fabulous experience. Just watching people in the moment, moving, breathing and capturing that energy and peace.

Today I got some photos of the awesome Ganesha statue in the large studio. It's about 6 feet tall and carved out of wood. It's an amazing piece of art. But beyond that, it's Ganesha, remover of obstacles. Call on Ganesha when you need to remove the obstacles standing in your way of joy and bliss. It works.

Handsome Fella*

Mr. is a handsome fella. This was his look saying please get off the computer and give me some attention.

Unity, Inspiration, Hope and Virtue*

This was the first inauguration I ever remembering watching. I'm not sure why, but my best guess is lack of inspiration. But our new president and his energy totally inspire me. I would not have missed it. It would have been cool to be there on the mall but really cold weather and huge crowds just aren't the best situation for me to be in. So I watched history from the warmth of my home. Nevertheless, I felt the energy 30 miles away. This energy of unity, inspiration, hope and virtue were like ripples in a pond. Emanating from the center to the edges of the world.

Life in Winter*

So even though it's winter and most of the plants in the garden are dead, there are some things that are thriving. The pansies of course are hanging in there but the rosemary is kicking ass. It has never been this big and full. And I didn't even notice it until I was present in the winter garden.

Dead of Winter Two*

More shots of the winter garden.

Dead of Winter*

Pansies*

It was 13 degrees out this morning. Yes, I know compared to other places in the world that could be considered balmy. But this is Northern VA. It's only been over the last few frigid days that the pansies started showings signs of being over the cold. But somehow they are still hanging in there. Only about 95 days until Spring.

Heat Seeker*

Little heat seeker. The spot in front of the fire place is prime real estate in the winter. I've even laid on the floor in front of it to warm up. The cats don't like it when I infringe upon their space. Hmmm... their space?

Lots O' Veggies

Lots o' veggies in my homemade veggie soup. Mmmmmm.... Growing up I was never a big veggie eater. I was grossed out by canned vegetables and how they had this nasty smell and were mushy. And we never had fresh vegetables, except for corn on the cob. I think it had something to do with my mom being a child during WWII and how fresh vegetables were hard to come by so canned was the way to go.

As I got older and started cooking for myself, little by little vegetables made their way onto my plate but it was still limited. Then when Shawn and I got together and I would wrinkle my nose at something without even trying it, he would say, "you're not even going to try it???". So I started trying and what do you know, veggies are good!

Sometime in the last year I decided to try making a vegetable soup. It looked and smelled great but when I sat down in front of the bowl I was still a little apprehensive, thinking , that's a LOT of vegetables. Well that soup kicked ass. It's full of fresh stuff, except sometimes there might be frozen edamame or corn (when it's out of season).

The soup was perfect for today considering it's like 20 degrees out. Plus it's tasty for the tummy and wholesome for the spirit.

Sleeping Buds*

Little, sleeping buds on our tree. Covered in a fuzzy coat to stay warm until spring.

Tempting*

Colorful jelly beans. Four, yes four pounds of colorful jelly beans. Does anyone really need four pounds of jelly beans? Evidently we do. Shawn's mom gave us this four pound jug of jelly beans for xmas. Clearly, the attraction is the bright, yummy looking colors. It's totally tempting. I myself am totally drawn to the colors. Although, some of those flavors are questionable. Buttered popcorn flavored jelly bean? Ew. The red ones are good, some of them cinnamon, some cherry, some other are a berry mix. But, alas, I am on day 8 of a 40 day diet of no sugary, candy, cookie, cake, dessert style treats. So, I'll just have to enjoy the colors.

Opportunist*

Old Mr. is an opportunist. The cats aren't allowed to lounge in the bedroom whenever they want. Only when I say it's ok. But leave the door open a hair, by mistake and he's there, lounging on the bed for hours and hours and hours. And then when you find him in there, all cozy and comfy you feel like a real ass making him get out. Of course there's the cuteness factor too. And it all leads to special pets for him. I think he knows what he's doing.

Tedious*

This is what I've been doing all day, for the last 11 hours. A very boring, tedious, dry layout of charts and tables. On a Saturday. But alas, I knew it was coming. It's a freelance job I picked up that while extremely boring and uncreative it pays very, very well.

In design school they never tell you that some people actually consider this design work. In design school you get to design cd artwork, museum publications, cool posters. Never boring ass charts and tables. But people pay me well to layout their boring ass charts and tables. So I take the jobs.

I know it sounds like I'm complaining, and I kind of am, but really I am grateful to even have this opportunity. Some people don't even have ANY opportunities for work and I have not only a great full time job but on-going, multiple opportunities for side work. Sometimes my side work is way cool sometimes it's not. But I'm very thankful for all of it.

And on top of that, this job will be completely finished in less than 2 weeks. By the time I get that sweet, fat check I will have completely forgotten that I spent an entire day of precious free time doing it.

So I'm thankful for the opportunity, I'm thankful for the sweet cash that will come, I'm thankful for the skills I have, I'm thankful for my awesome MacBook and I'm thankful for the glass of wine that is waiting for me right now.

Poser*

Yes. Lucy Poo is a poser. Especially in the cat house. Shawn built the cat house a few years ago and Lucy uses it to its full potential. Here's the whole house.

Sexy*

Oh yeah! Now that's sexy. I've never been a slipper wearer. In the summer I wear flip flops and in the winter, well, I just wear socks. Problem is, I'll be all cozy, in warm socks and then step in a puddle of water in the kitchen. That really ruins a good sock vibe.

So my dad gave me slippers for xmas. As first glance, these are something that I would never wear or even consider wearing. But then I remembered all the ruined sock vibes and thought, hey these will come in handy. And they are. No ruined sock vibe in two weeks!

Combine the hot pink, fuzzy slippers, with my gray snowflake socks and martini flannels, and you've got one sexy outfit. Seriously, it's just too cold to flit around in a sheer lace nightie with high heel fru-fru slippers. And it's way more fun to give my husband a good laugh. Nothing like a good laugh to keep you present.

Here's the whole outfit that Shawn captured.

Gloomy*

Today's photo was inspired by this challenge at Shutter Sisters. Today was just gloomy and yucky but I embraced the gloom to get a photo. I took this from inside my car in the parking lot of my office not wanting to get out into the cold and wet but just wanting to turn around, go home, dive under some covers and snuggle with hubby and kitties.

By the way, this is not a black and white. It was totally that gray out! It's hard to believe that nature could be so void of any color.

Seedling*

I just finished a 200 hour yoga teacher training program. Even though I had taught yoga for about 5 years, it was time to go deeper into myself and into yoga. To become a better teacher.

When we started the program last August, we planted seeds, to nurture throughout the program. Then we created vessels to hold those seedlings as they matured. At that time, I still felt like the same teacher and person.

Well those poor little seedlings didn't make it. Not for lack of nurturing or lack of transformation, it was just too dry and too dark in the studio. Then because it was too dry, the little seedlings got overwatered.

In November, I took my vessel home and decided to try again. When I planted those seeds, we were two thirds of the way through the program. And I was doing my assist teaching requirements. A shift occurred in me as a teacher after these assists as these new little seedlings were sprouting. I am a more confident teacher, fully, 100% comfortable teaching from my heart with authenticity.

I feel like these seedlings represent the new teacher in me. The first plants were the old teacher, finished with that cycle of birth, life and death. These little plants are the fresh, new teacher, ready to grow and spread.

Tonight I take the seat of a yoga teacher again, rebirthed, transformed, elevated and awakened.

Welcome to the Jungle*

This is the first thing you see as you turn the corner to my cubicle at work. It's my oasis, my tropical paradise. It's the jungle in the office.

Purge*

The photo on top is our pantry before purging. The photo below is our pantry after purging. I was totally asleep when it came to our food and meals and how much waste was happening. It's shameful really. I had no idea what was in that pantry and found stuff that expired in 2005! And because I didn't know what was in there, I would buy more of the same stuff. And then the stuff that was already there would expire.

We have been awakened by this waste and have purged everything that was no longer good. Now that we are aware of what we have, we can be more aware of what to make, what to buy and how we are eating. Now that we are present with our pantry, fridge and freezer contents, we will no longer waste shamefully.

Yummy*

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm... yummy Persian food. Tonight's dinner. Shawn and I are both half Persian so a few years ago I decided I needed to really learn how to make Persian food, especially the coveted tadeegh. Tadeegh is the crunchy rice that "fries" at the bottom of the pan of spices, rice, vegetables and meat. At a table of Persians the tadeegh goes fast. If you cook it too much it burns and if you don't cook it long enough, well you don't have any tadeegh. I am officially Master of the Tadeegh.

Grace for tonight's dinner was ...

"Let us be present with our yummy Persian meal,
savoring its flavors,
the crunchiness of the tadeegh,
the organic wine without sulfites,
and its wholesomeness and nutrition."

We were totally present.

Shining*

Woo hoo! Day 2!

Today started out very gray, dark, overcast, brown and very January in VA. But then I went to yoga and the sun came out. I left that yoga class feeling great, shining. Yoga makes you shine from your heart with your fullest potential. Just like the sun today.

Some other moments of the shiny day.

Intention*

January 1, 2009. One of my intentions for 2009 is to be present. Every day. Somehow. As much as possible. An intention is defined as a determination to act in a specified way. I'm going to be present. And I'm going to take at least one photo, every day, as a way to be present. And I'm going to post it here. Aaak! Commitment!

I'm no writer but I think I can take a photo. But sometimes maybe I'll have a profound thought, or maybe not. But regardless there will be a photo here each day. The photos might not be perfect, life isn't perfect. They might be out of focus or over exposed but they will capture that moment where I was totally, intentionally present.

There is likely to be lots of cat pics. They're part of my life and there's nothing like a critter to keep you present. They also have a tendency to think it's all about them, hence today's photo.

I was drawn to the stained glass of the sun with it's warm rays. Behind it, is the outside where it is butt ass cold today. Then Lucy decided it needed to be about her.

There will probably pics of my rock star hubby jamming. There will be plants and gardens. Stuff around my house. Or maybe I'll try to be really creative. We'll see what happens. With any luck, there will be a photo here tomorrow.