Don't you hate those negative political ads?

I truly hate the mudslinging side of politics, all those people against this and against that even each other.  We'll soon be queueing up to vote again and I'm looking for  some positivity out there.

Negative people never learn the rules.  Give your attention to what you are for, not what you are against. I want to know what you are for.   The mind focuses on the thing; it doesn’t discern if you want it or don’t want it.  So give your attention to what you want.

 If you think you are surrounded by thieves, you will be robbed.  If you think you will fail, you will more often than not. 

I want someone in office that is optimistic about our future.  I want to stand in line to vote knowing I have a good choice.  I'm still looking.

What is your journal to you?

My journal, my little 5x8 spiral notebook goes most everywhere with me.  From my nightstand, to the kitchen bar where I sip coffee, to breakfast whether home or at a restaurant, tucked near at hand in my purse throughout the day, and returned to the nightstand at day's end.  It is my friend, confidant, psychoanalyst.  I firmly believe I owe my sanity to committing my day good or bad to the page. 

Natalie Goldberg said, "Take out another notebook, pick up another pen, and just write, just write, just write. In the middle of the world, make one positive step. In the centre of chaos, make one definitive act. Just write. Say yes, stay alive, be awake. Just write. Just write. Just write."

I agree.  Last year with so much loss, it took my pain and grief.  These days when death stalks a sweet friend, and we can only watch and wait, it helps to put pen to page and voice the feelings there that cannot be voiced aloud. 

It also helps to end the day by listing at least 5 things I’m grateful for that day as well, whether that thing is as simple as birdsong, sunrise or a gentle rain.  Gratitude soothes the soul.  Yes, Natalie, I’ll keep taking out another notebook and I will write, write, just write.

© Perle Champion

Does your horoscope ever hit the nail on the head?

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Does your horoscope ever hit the nail the head? 
Mine did today.

Pisces: 1/2/12
 "You may grow tired with the thought of returning to the daily grind and want to retreat into your own private space instead. Even if you need to be around others now, you're still likely to feel a bit withdrawn. Fortunately, this isn't a problem because you can still do your job while letting your imagination wander. Just continue to do your work while keeping your personal thoughts to yourself. "

  
This one was written for me.  I've gotten accustomed to the rhythm of my life at home over the holidays.  I like the commute from the kitchen with coffee in hand to my sunny studio/office with the big sunny windows, Jazmine purring an arm's reach away on the corner of my desk, my music streaming in the background. 

Old Year/New Year

It's been a year of incredible loss.  The February fire took most all of my worldly goods and the life of one of the sweetest men I've ever known. I don't miss the things, but I do miss my friend.

I pulled an old poem from my archives which speaks to me now, as it did when I wrote it at another trying year's end many years ago. 

Old Year, New Year.

Old and gray – tired and worn

many died – more were born

much was said – so little done

with the rising and setting of each sun.

Farewell to thee with tears we say

and greet the new with laughter gay

So much could, should, would have done

but alas, I’d just begun and the year was gone.

And so, today I make firm resolution

to do much more by this year’s conclusion.

© Perle Champion