Action Plan 2016

How will I fill the pages of the calendar for 2016? How will I tell my story?
How will I be more kind? More gentle? More present?
How will I find time with my family? My friends? My thoughts?
How will I read more books? How will I write more books?
How will I be a better cook? A better piano player? A better person?
How will I listen better to other people? Or listen to more music? Or listen to more silence?
How will I take care of my body? My spirit? My prayer?
How will I be more patient? More vulnerable? More loving?
How will I want fewer things and more experiences?
I'll start with a decision to be these things, to do these things.
And practice. I'm going to need practice.
And I will start over new again every day. Often many times in a day.
Practicing.

Look Down but Also Look Up

Mr. Rosenberg and Bob jumping into the swimming hole.

Yesterday was our last full day on the island. We visited a large ranch and together with three lovely families and two tour guides we loaded into a van. The guides led the way. They were funny and smart and knew how to keep us safe.

We hiked in ankle deep mud, the kind that threatens to suction the shoes off your feet. When I remembered to look up from the mess at my feet, I took in the extreme beauty of the path we were on. 

I rowed a kayak for the first time since 2002. The creek was narrow and I got caught sideways once and recreated the Austin Powers luggage cart scene trying to right myself. I rowed on. I was surrounded by trees and vines that made a canopy overhead.

We took turns zip lining across a small valley of green. When I sat back and made myself breathe as I crossed the line, I witnessed a lush carpet of fern down below and the cloud-patchwork sky up above. 

The guys jumped  into the swimming hole near a waterfall. I just had my hair blown out the day before so I did not get wet because priorities. It was fun to watch the swimmers and take in the loveliness of the scene. 

In the new year, I wish you the drive to do something scary or uncomfortable or muddy because you know the outcome will be worth it. I wish you the determination to keep your eyes on the road and still have the mindfulness to look up and notice the beauty around you. Look for the guides. Enjoy your adventure.

About Tamir

"What were you and Dad talking about?"

"Remember when we talked about that little black boy in Cleveland that was playing with a toy gun?"

"The one that the policeman shot?"

"Yes."

"Why were you talking about that?"

"We just found out that a grand jury decided not to charge the policeman."

"How can they do that? I don't understand."

"I don't either."

"Do you think that would probably never happen to me but it could happen more to Malik because he's black?"

"I do."

"That's unacceptable, Mom."

Dear Future Me

Future Me is a writing project site. Write a letter to your one-year-in-the-future self, and it will be emailed to you in one year.

I did this today. I told myself what accomplishments I am proud of in 2016: projects completed, books read, relationships cherished. Stretching my brain to envision my ideal year-from-now was fun and more difficult than I had anticipated. It was like backing in to a list of New Year's resolutions from the other side.

You should super do it.

Smacksy Sunday Links

Ways to spread cheer.

Recharge and find happiness in the new year.

Fly through 17th century London.

And a mama otter and her baby.

Happy Sunday.

Smacksy Saturday Photo: No Rain, No Rainbows

We arrived on Kaua'i late last night and woke up this morning to this beautiful view. Ordered coffee for four. (Me, me, me, and Jeff.) Bob and I are still in pajamas, three hours later. Jeff is off running in the rain on the beach. Wishing you all a wonderful Boxing Day.

Merry Merry Retro Bob

2007