tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88113422024-03-07T04:39:44.963-05:00courage and perseverancesilviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-17163766681464338252009-01-16T09:19:00.003-05:002009-04-19T12:37:25.579-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYKtXU2vgC0ugvsRZni8mXdpqlWTdoEyK7-xl9zpBK3ILh3Gctq0jGaiBd1mPHKQObnDFAiZdgc-7UJAP8hUfKGn-qNBcHRBMrZwd6625bzGw3Q7dcxMxNJrOK85mNbUElosJ/s1600-h/SilvieJohn1a.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 336px; HEIGHT: 341px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291896447506661922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYKtXU2vgC0ugvsRZni8mXdpqlWTdoEyK7-xl9zpBK3ILh3Gctq0jGaiBd1mPHKQObnDFAiZdgc-7UJAP8hUfKGn-qNBcHRBMrZwd6625bzGw3Q7dcxMxNJrOK85mNbUElosJ/s400/SilvieJohn1a.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Me and my sweet friend John.</div><div></div><div>I am leaving for the Inauguration today! Feeling happy, grateful and focused.</div>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-26222382130821918612008-11-28T02:23:00.007-05:002008-11-28T02:48:45.408-05:00Gratitude list1. My experience campaigning for President Elect Obama.<br /><br />2. The moment I heard that Indiana went BLUE. We can make an impact.<br /><br />3. My mother, my grandmother and great grandmother. I come from a lineage of very strong and determined women. Abuelita shared tonight that the one thing her mother wouldn't hear of from her children is "I can't". When they didn't want to travel for 18 days on the boat from Spain to Argentina she told them this. She travelled with her 5 children ranging from age 7 to 1 to meet my Abuelito who had gone 2 years earlier. "Sí, puede" she told them. Yes you can.<br /><br />4. The support of my father in pursuing my dream. He wrote: "You can prevail. Yes We Can."<br /><br />5. Sleeping pups.<br /><br />6. My health and strength.<br /><br /><br />Tricia and Zoe.<br /><a title="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV- I5D5 Staging Location by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/3023342904/"><img height="334" alt="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV- I5D5 Staging Location" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/3023342904_5e452ab8a1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Gohara knocking on doors.<br /><a title="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV - knocking on doors by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/3022514081/"><img height="334" alt="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV - knocking on doors" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3022514081_15710d2d70.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Busy but happy.<br /><a title="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/3016142231/"><img height="334" alt="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/3016142231_d4f9cc799a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Turf cutting.<br /><a title="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV - Packets by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/3023342574/"><img height="334" alt="Indianapolis Washington Township GOTV - Packets" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/3023342574_1525a7dfb2.jpg" width="500" /></a>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-14784831379162011502008-10-26T01:01:00.017-04:002008-11-15T11:35:37.237-05:00children who care<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45rQhmR_tUIRXXqcJZQ-WQO0WRQ7USXLmn3iL8zJOYltSIuS6E21dLknrFu7At-bjq-6g7LIYzVCcOt2W_o9N4anqQo16ZLtkOjD24fxofKEdVFlagt-pgd-lM_VsrQoFIxxb/s1600-h/IMG_1743a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261328235079446898" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45rQhmR_tUIRXXqcJZQ-WQO0WRQ7USXLmn3iL8zJOYltSIuS6E21dLknrFu7At-bjq-6g7LIYzVCcOt2W_o9N4anqQo16ZLtkOjD24fxofKEdVFlagt-pgd-lM_VsrQoFIxxb/s400/IMG_1743a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Abuelita proudly displays the first eggplant I have grown. She made some fantastic baba ganoush with it.<br /><br /><p></p><p>~~~~~</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_HZWYzG-mGZl2-55uGMPYD-dBKpSD93tcaV8BfSQXVooh-nI1p_cJvL6bT9d7zdZ0Vk4vf3evked0MioyQsK_8KL_s6nReYCKsrjORy4kPa_dkIauEpc6eI8HhmZ8dEbh2LH/s1600-h/img077%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261324420817963522" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_HZWYzG-mGZl2-55uGMPYD-dBKpSD93tcaV8BfSQXVooh-nI1p_cJvL6bT9d7zdZ0Vk4vf3evked0MioyQsK_8KL_s6nReYCKsrjORy4kPa_dkIauEpc6eI8HhmZ8dEbh2LH/s400/img077%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Scene from the Broad Ripple Campaign for Change office today: All three of these very young kids are holding cell phones and making calls to Indy residents to confirm their support for Obama and tell them of the Early Vote locations. Talk about hope and a willingness to do what you've never done before!<br /><br /><br />Some fantastic photos of <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/23/145825/10/721/639983">Obama in downtown Indy</a> on Oct 23. 35,000 gathered at American Legion Mall and in surrounding blocks. Take a look.<br /><br />~~~~~<br /><br />I'm researching current international collaboration on climate change. There are a lot of highly instructive executive summaries, papers, webcasts for those who may have interest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ipcc.ch/">IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://unfccc.int/2860.php">UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.un.org/climatechange/index.shtml">UNPCC (UN Partners on Climate Change)<br /></a>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-8708658051568599332008-10-23T00:36:00.000-04:002008-10-23T00:37:13.597-04:00<a href="http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/10/23/obama_sister/index.html">Interview</a> with Barack's sister Mayasilviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-81102222177292156242008-10-21T14:28:00.006-04:002008-11-15T11:33:51.960-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMQWfHvLBX-XYHskafAAguKdTyEIhmkcjOwwp7p-1O1IR2t0LP0G_y-cMp57wPhruiZvaVqad1M6Lrqv9jI3bU5I7p4BylI9rG9lqKOrYeGIVLtoDtQJmZgTuBh3LZDCh3vjZ/s1600-h/story.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259676830833764930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMQWfHvLBX-XYHskafAAguKdTyEIhmkcjOwwp7p-1O1IR2t0LP0G_y-cMp57wPhruiZvaVqad1M6Lrqv9jI3bU5I7p4BylI9rG9lqKOrYeGIVLtoDtQJmZgTuBh3LZDCh3vjZ/s400/story.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm going to be a Staging Director for Washington Township in IN. It should be an intense yet fantastic couple of weeks. One <a href="http://www.pollster.com/blogs/in_obama_48_mccain_46_ppp10181.php">blue</a> poll.</div>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-5265579835410726112008-10-12T22:48:00.003-04:002008-10-12T22:53:25.401-04:00<a href="http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGgFrb">A Last Chance - Jeff Tweedy at Park West, Chicago</a>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-8507343019579447222008-10-08T00:18:00.023-04:002008-11-15T11:33:36.010-05:00the risingThe <a href="http://www.theindychannel.com/news/17655424/detail.html#"><strong>Indianapolis Obama rally</strong></a> (estimated at 21,000) was inspiring. I'm having trouble with how to channel the amount of energy I feel and this compelling, urgent drive to work for the Obama campaign on green strategy in Washington. I'm thinking on what actions to take.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~<br /><br />New Yorker: On Saturday, October 4th, Jeffrey Toobin hosted a panel discussion with <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/festival/justin-vogt/2008/10/">Donna Brazile</a>, Alex Castellanos, Edward J. Rollins, and Joe Trippi. As reported earlier, Brazile <a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1827871374/bctid1842741065"><strong>stole the show</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br /><br />~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><a href="http://election.princeton.edu/2008/10/03/obamas-red-ceiling/#more-1542"><strong>Obama's red ceiling</strong></a>. For those within a interest in data and statistical analysis the ppt file is worth a read.<a href="http://election.princeton.edu/2008/10/03/obamas-red-ceiling/#more-1542"><br /></a><br />~~~~~~~~<br /><br />I identified with this: Bruce's Springstein's support for Obama in Michigan (<a href="http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html"><strong>full speech</strong></a>):<br /><br /><em>"Our sacred house of dreams has been abused, looted, and left in a terrible state of disrepair. It needs care; it needs saving, it needs defending against those who would sell it down the river for power or a quick buck. It needs strong arms, hearts, and minds. It needs someone with Senator Obama's understanding, temperateness, deliberativeness, maturity, compassion, toughness, and faith, to help us rebuild our house once again. But most importantly, it needs us. You and me. To build that house with the generosity that is at the heart of the American spirit. A house that is truer and big enough to contain the hopes and dreams of all of our fellow citizens. That is where our future lies. We will rise or fall as a people by our ability to accomplish this task. Now I don't know about you, but I want that dream back, I want my America back, I want my country back.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>So now is the time to stand with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, roll up our sleeves, and come on up for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHbSXiKeMhc&feature=related">the rising</a>."</em><br /><br />~~~~~~~~<br /><br />RALPH STANLEY RADIO SPOT FOR BARACK OBAMA Now playing in Virginia [<a href="http://www.folo.us/2008/10/02/ralph-stanley-cuts-the-best-radio-ad-of-the-cycle/" target="_blank"><strong>Link</strong></a>]<strong> </strong><br /><br />~~~~~~~~<br /><em></em><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyBc33UjvDU"><strong>Michelle Obama on Larry King</strong></a>. As consistent as Larry King was in his fear based, provocative questions throughout the entire interview was Michelle in her heartfelt, rooted responses. Wonderful job! I like her.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-89295417304269526242008-10-04T20:32:00.012-04:002008-11-15T11:32:04.332-05:00Think BLUE IndianaObama is speaking Wed in Indianapolis. I'm going with my mom and neighbor. I'm looking forward to this. I'm even more looking forward to election day when we elect him. I'm going to take that day off so I can support the process, help people get to the polls or whatever is needed. I feel pulled to be involved.<br /><br />The Broad Ripple Obama office is packed full and full of action. It is exciting to be there. Today I went to a low income strip mall in the hood to register voters. I talked to a couple of soldiers in their late 50's who just got back from Iraq. One had been there for six years. He didn't believe we should have been there. He wasn't registered but after some talking agreed to register. We registered about 30 people and talked to probably 150. The remainder, outside of say 10 who were not interested, were strongly empassioned and committed to voting. A portion of these had recently just been registered by the campaign. It was moving. It was probably the most meaningful few hours I've spent in months.<br /><br />I too was pleased with Biden. Hands down pleased.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-5434283227835202472008-09-18T23:39:00.019-04:002008-11-15T11:30:55.417-05:00I received a survey from the Obama campaign which closed with a comments box. Here is what I told them.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#336666;">We are a time in our country to speak in root causes and must not be afraid to go deep. While depth and complexity are very difficult to campaign with, let’s speak to the root causes simply but completely. Obama has spoken to many of these and done so with grace and eloquence.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">I will only speak to one root cause.<br /><br />The outside is a reflection of the inside. Where we are as a country is a reflection of the collective conscious of the American people. I am horrified at the level of messaging that so many respond to in politics, but no more than judgment and shame heals children, it won’t heal a nation. The single most important factor I can see for the Obama campaign and presidency is to continue to call Americans to their highest potential – a higher level of awareness, accountability, listening, speaking, and acting. Hold this place for Americans not only in words but in consciousness. It is a shift in awareness of people that will rebuild our DNA to an authentic and lasting change (in all of the areas I selected as most important in this survey). For us to make a marked impact on global warming our beliefs about ourselves and relationship to living things around us needs to fundamentally change. We get this internally and big things happen quickly. It is time we win our war within ourselves – not any country.<br /><br />I speak from experience of having been through difficult times and having come to personal freedom and growth unlike what I understood was possible for me. This started with others who “held me large” – planting a seed that reached my core in spite of my plans.<br /><br />Obama’s authentic invitation to Americans to reach their own excellence is one of the reasons I am a heartfelt and passionate supporter. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="color:#336666;">I will close with my sincere gratitude for bringing heart, intelligence and compassion to the election process. It has woken so many. Yes We Can!</span></span>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-59936332326164887762008-09-13T23:55:00.013-04:002010-01-26T05:16:35.022-05:00surrenderI have been remembering surrender.<br /><br />Being in the present moment with curiosity, compassion and gratitude for life exactly as it is. In my body it is about awareness of breath. Long inhale, longer exhale. Release shame, fear and anger and my sometimes staunch ideas about who I think I am and who I think God is. Being open to for something new to enter other than my constructions. How can I be a better steward of the my own body, heart and mind and in turn be a steward for others?<br /><p>Some things that have this feeling for me: filling the bird feeders, listening at work without judgement, washing my dogs in the shower, singing, dancing in my living room, yoga, honest writing, and always my visits to Arizona to see my dad.<br /></p>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-23068841981541066962008-09-06T23:26:00.008-04:002008-11-15T11:26:28.920-05:00Barack Obama on <a href="http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/pants/">David Letterman</a> on Wed, Sept 10th.<br /><br />Getting to know Joe Biden. <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26591000#26591000">NBC's Meet The Press.</a> I like what I see so far.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-33136960336841013732008-09-02T13:49:00.014-04:002008-11-15T11:29:35.779-05:00grace and formThe Democratic Convention pleased me. How fun to say that! I was moved by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTFsB09KhqI">Michelle Obama's </a>sincerity. (Katha's Pollitt's response: <a href="http://www.thenation.com/blogs/anotherthing/349841">I Heart Michelle O'Bama</a>.) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3r6xvwPGcY">Bill Clinton </a>- swift, thorough, funny, engaging and direct. He called it right about the Obama being the right person to unite difference.<br /><br />I spent 2 full days on the slalom course on Labor Day weekend with <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2822302930_7c295ae7d6_o.jpg">Rick and Connie </a>after not skiing all season. I do things like that. I did my best, which is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/2821464405/">6 greens.</a> Clearly, I've got some work to do on technique - I get the buoys through strength and guts to lean vs. grace and form.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-8900256914149271212008-08-24T22:48:00.004-04:002008-08-24T23:39:08.570-04:00Gold medalsA gratitude list might help me to feel more kind right now.<br /><br />1. Asia. Asia is my love. I am homesick for it. I decided not to travel overseas this year with the idea of exploring my own town and neighborhood, spending less money and the green-ness in not travelling.<br /><br />2. Juicing. I just discovered the marvel of juicing. Do you any of you also juice and do you have a source for good recipes? So far carrot, apple, celery and honey has been my favorite. Maybe ginger would have worked well also.<br /><br />3. Yoga. I look forward to Mondays and Fridays. 2 classes a week is so much better for me than one. It really helps to have at last have a physical practice of surrender where for years it was solely a mental practice of forgetting and remembering. I have a bit more awareness when I get charged and resist. A small seed is being planted on a new art for me.<br /><br />4. My parents. I can say with completeness that I feel close to and very peaceful with both of my parents. I've been through life and death battles, isolation, an ocean of grief, and real work. For some time now it has felt very easy to be in the flow of loving them.<br /><br />5. Laura Wilkenson, Olympic diver. She didn't end her diving career in a gold medal as she did in 2000 -- but what grace, such kindess with herself and what loves she so openly expresses. We should give medals for great loving.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-7252449516805164122008-08-03T23:44:00.011-04:002008-11-15T11:23:59.089-05:00Storing energy for when the sun doesn't shineBiking is bliss. I remember it now. Today I rode to do all of my errands instead of driving my car - to the grocery, to Rusted Moon Outfitters and the hardware store. I have a bike basket now which makes a big difference. Every place is closer than what I thought. It reminds me of living in Bloomington in college when I biked everywhere. It is a much more open and connected way of travelling - to feel the wind, to exert my own horsepower to meet my wants and needs, to see people and the details of their living, to stop and take a picture of the floppy, delicate flowers that I admire.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVQ0GpBjLIPnAN3tFiwxO3s95Fcd8fog0Qrt-6ghdamtt4r7rxw6_rIildN7ucqK2UbgV66MuAvd7dz-NiVfMaVCrFzhPd5htPwzXwu7YP-XSfSAIKDIozTdN4E42DZ_fOdSR/s1600-h/IMG_1617.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230509956940514050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVQ0GpBjLIPnAN3tFiwxO3s95Fcd8fog0Qrt-6ghdamtt4r7rxw6_rIildN7ucqK2UbgV66MuAvd7dz-NiVfMaVCrFzhPd5htPwzXwu7YP-XSfSAIKDIozTdN4E42DZ_fOdSR/s400/IMG_1617.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Tomorrow I am going to bike to yoga. I think it will take 30 minutes. Ned, you have inspired me to see about biking to work. I commit to try it once and report back.<br /><br />This MIT discovery is exciting. How should we replicate this in the heart and mind space?<br /><br /><div align="left"><em>MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: </em><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/oxygen-0731.html"><em>storing energy for use when the sun doesn't shine</em></a><em>....Sunlight has the greatest potential of any power source to solve the world's energy problems, said Nocera. In one hour, enough sunlight strikes the Earth to provide the entire planet's energy needs for one year.</em><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWzaElwzYjRzd4VDC3yYfJQ5iqeZBh4TdTm60jHLELtc8MwUUrxCKsILkEJAurSAoFXKznAAxbIPcAmOMeCX1B_N4KAzXB-xBzGttLZlwEskD1FcL3NfgZO1RuUr1zJNp35Gd/s1600-h/oxygen-graphic-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230508293153260770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWzaElwzYjRzd4VDC3yYfJQ5iqeZBh4TdTm60jHLELtc8MwUUrxCKsILkEJAurSAoFXKznAAxbIPcAmOMeCX1B_N4KAzXB-xBzGttLZlwEskD1FcL3NfgZO1RuUr1zJNp35Gd/s400/oxygen-graphic-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-67959695039416993262008-07-18T01:53:00.011-04:002008-07-20T02:55:53.068-04:00life is all around us<em>Even a stone, and more easily a flower or a bud, could show you the way back to God, to the source, to yourself. When you look at it or hold it and let it be without imposing a word or mental label on it, a sense of awe, of wonder, arises within you. Its essence silently communicates itself to you and reflects your own essence back to you. </em><br /><em>- The Earth Within, Eckhart Tolle</em><br /><br />I have gained this heightened sense of awareness for all that is alive around me. In walking around my neighborhood I see intricacies of so many gardens, of tree trunks, trees uprooted and cut down from our recent storms, layout of rocks and am noticing the distinct bird and insect sounds individually and as they blend.<br /><br />In my front yard a robin in nesting.<br /><a title="New bird by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/2663373212/"><img height="326" alt="New bird" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2663373212_4dd5516158.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />A raccoon lives in the gutter of the house next door. He watches from his perch so still and just stares at Neko and she goes bezerk in her existential quest to jump up and show him who he is dealing with.<br /><a title="IMG_1577 by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/2679367224/"><img height="313" alt="IMG_1577" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2679367224_24c89d2dbc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />A katydid. I felt a little bit invasive taking her picture. <em>Few other groups in the insect world have as wide a range of survival tactics as <a href="http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4TH/KKHP/1INSECTS/katydid.html">katydids</a>. Katydids do everything from posing as remarkably life-like leaves to mimicking other insects in their attempts to make it through the day without being eaten.<br /></em><a title="Red home by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/2662548209/"><img height="347" alt="Red home" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2662548209_a3efed0996.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />My tomato plants are 7 feet tall. I ate my the first vegetable I have ever grown today - a cherry tomato. Excellent taste.<br /><br />There so much going on in a moment.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-52333053289584876132008-07-01T00:45:00.008-04:002008-07-18T02:32:21.553-04:00old dogs and new tricks - by liviMy nieces <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2619453743_a49799afa6.jpg">Adri and Livi</a> stayed with me for the weekend from Ohio. We had a lovely time. Being an aunt and having kids for the weekend is a special treat for me. What joy! We made pottery, got manicures/pedicures, went hiking, shopping -- and I should not forget to mention we completed jump class with my dogs.<br /><br />Livi rides horses and has a sincere intent to teach all capable animals with four legs to jump as her horse does. She has already taught her 15 pound pup and any other dogs in her neighborhood in Ohio that she's been able to convince to participate. She was wildly successful with Neko in a matter of moments. Obi did about average but did well in stealing Neko's hard earned treats.<br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyZgbOV1WG3uNOfP7JLNGgkrRiWNdOTMqj8A_U-zDg42yI4enyOm7HzNElaN_JM1nSiL0EHzihGUg8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p>To share a little insight into Olivia, she is one of the more courageous people that I know. She is confident, creative and trusts that she will know how to put it together even if she doesn't at the start. I love all of those things about her. It has always felt like <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/41290974_ffc2e2138c.jpg">birds of a feather</a> for as long as I can remember.</p>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-38359978628205693622008-06-18T01:12:00.008-04:002008-11-15T11:21:10.093-05:00buck wild<p>Thoughts on how to have a good time:</p><ol><li>Declare independence from pressures that I don’t really respect and which distort my relationship with myself. It's not necessary to do battle with them anymore. </li><li>Pay attention to where I can be of maximum service. Lead more quietly.</li><li>Think of my internal resources as an ecosystem. Expend energy that is renewable and restorative for me and others and not more than what I have. Likewise be aware of my capacity to absorb waste, what kinds and how much. View nature as a partner and design my living patterns around this. Learn from nature's intelligence. Nature is smarter than I am.</li><li>Let intuition go buck wild. Explore any new place that excites my imagination and captivates me. Take note about what causes delight and where I feel at home in the world and do those things a lot. </li></ol>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-79298083192180402862008-06-15T17:23:00.005-04:002008-06-18T00:43:15.882-04:00santa catalinasI am on my way home from Tucson visiting my Dad. He lives way up in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/sets/72157605621428735/show/"><strong>Santa Catalina mountains</strong></a>. I adore those mountains amidst the quiet and stillness of Tucson. In part because they connect me to him.<br /><br />I went jogging and rock hunting and took some evening drives in the mountains. One evening I went off the beat and path in an area that was for authorized personnel only and got in trouble from a park ranger. She warned me how dangerous it is to out in the desert at night, that it is rattlesnake season, that there are mountain lions, pumas, javelinas out there. I'm not sure what harm javelinas do but I she knows better than I do. I was probably 400 feet from my car. I have an adventurous spirit, am pretty tough physically, and quite intuitive when it comes to danger. And yet in some respects she was right.<br /><br />My dad and I saw a coyote. He looked puny. My dad thought he was limping. I feel such warmth and wonder any time I am close to a wild animal. I think I will go on a safari in Tanzania for my next big vacation.<br /><br />My dad came to a major awareness about his life and shared it with me. Happy Father's Day to you my sweet dad.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-84070916176766311962008-05-25T18:54:00.015-04:002008-11-15T11:19:50.684-05:00today<p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I had a lovely lunch with my mom and abuelita at my house. abuelita says i know how to set a good table. Like her I like I like fresh flowers, placemats, details. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">A</span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">buelita has been afraid of dogs her whole life and has now befriended mine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">A very good friend of mine feels far away. I suspect we won't talk for months or years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I have a new vision for a job -- it may take a year or two to build it.</span></p><p><p><a title="IMG_1491 by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/2522757796/"></a></p><span style="font-size:100%;">blue moon drawing</span> <p></p><p><a title="IMG_1471 by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/2522805080/"><img height="176" alt="IMG_1471" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2522805080_8655baf82b_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">me and abuelita</span></p><p><a title="IMG_0402 by love notes, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/254630571/"><img height="500" alt="IMG_0402" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/254630571_67fbe16725.jpg" width="431" /></a></p>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-38945791924649598452008-05-20T20:26:00.004-04:002008-05-23T22:54:12.246-04:002 ducksI planted a garden this past weekend -- lettuce, spinach, squash, cucumbers, blueberry plant, strawberry plant, 3 types of tomatoes, celery, oregano, parsley, cantaloup, cabbage. I took back some of the dog's territory (which is the whole back yard) with a small green fence. Neko has already squeezed through it and explored this little magical place. But I am going to get a new fence. I love being in my yard.<br /><br />I feel genuinely happy and very connected - more than ever in life. It is truly spring for me.<br /><br />Decisions are coming easily and rapidly. I sold my Grand Cherokee for a used Prius. I've not been coloring my hair which is fun. It is dark blond. I will be making my way over time out of the corporate world and using my business skills for living things -- animals, the earth. It has come easily to me to reconnect with so many people from the past that I have loved or grown away from. And at the same time there are some that I see to leave be. I'm starting to acknowledge what I use in water, how I consume in general. I would consider myself wealthy by some people's standards and I consume a lot. I like the idea of using the resources that I have vs. buying more. I have a lot of food, colored pencils, bags, candles, pictures, books, clothes, nail polish, shampoos, and on and on. And with what I have there is so much that can be built, dwelled in, explored, enjoyed, shared.<br /><br /><br />I am supporting Barack Obama for President. What I feel most responsive to is that there he presents an invitation for us to sincerely engage. Can we all just sit a bit more still through the invitation for own our change? I pray and send my very best compassion to those that may feel a little or very threatened by his voice or the voice of those who support him. Yes we can!<br /> <br />My neighbors across the street have built a natural habitat setting in their yard, which has attracted 2 particular ducks - a female and a male. They visit every evening to their yard, sit by the duck pool, and sometimes walk across the street to my yard and hang out in the middle. I feel so pleased that Patti and Conrad's ecosystem has extended to mine.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-42801962287085952962008-04-19T02:15:00.014-04:002008-04-27T16:47:51.086-04:00nourishment<p>What is it that feels nourishing? Which things sustain my life and its ecosystem?</p><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">planting, growing, watering, watching plants, flowers, trees; my yard</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">day to day rhythm with my dogs</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">yoga on monday</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">singing and dancing</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">taking pictures</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">going to holiday park and sitting at the water while neko and obi run free and neko swims up and down the river</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">going with joanna to visit her horse (blue) and his horse family</span></li></ul><p>I welcome a change. Sometimes I get to a pattern where things that feel like this I do when I'm on vacation or maybe some small part of the weekend. This is really my life and the rest of it the background.</span> </span></p>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-15105036607235135722008-04-15T22:04:00.009-04:002008-11-15T11:15:32.777-05:00happinessI value very direct communication, authenticity, accountability, intimacy and an environment that supports each of us reaching our highest potential. I feel a sense of responsibility, joy actually, in helping to create that for others and most importantly not to limit that for others based on my own fears. If and when I do, then I feel responsible to own it and grow through it.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-60554562830903926022007-12-10T23:56:00.005-05:002010-01-26T11:43:15.737-05:00indianapolisI was on a plane 2 weeks ago from Indianapolis to Austin heading west to see my father in Tucson. I changed flights just that morning because I didn't want to get up at 4:30 a.m. for my 6:00 a.m flight.<br /><br />We were waiting to take off and there was one last passenger slowly making his way down the aisle. He was struggling a bit. He looked to be in his nineties. He was dressed in a red sweatshirt and carried a brown women's clutch and a cane. He grabbed the seats on both sides of the isle tightly inching down with each step. Make no mistake, he was determined to make his way on his own. There was a sense of the sublime in this moment I and felt blessed that he was to take the middle seat next to me.<br /><br />The first thing he does is smile at me. The second thing he does is start talking in words I couldn't clearly make out, but then I see he wants to share what is in the women's bag: 6 or so Depends diapers. He was explaining their attributes in great detail and that they are made in all sizes for both men and women. The man on the right side was a very kind soul. We had an instant bond as hosts for our new friend in the red sweatshirt. He talked almost the whole flight and I listened. I learned that he was a builder, had 5 children but one had died, taught his son how to make stain glass windows, and many other things. I think I understood about a third of his words.<br /><br />We were interrupted by the flight attendant who made a point of telling him that we were going to Indianapolis. I corrected her that we were <em>leaving </em>Indianapolis and she corrected me to insist that we were<em> going </em>to Indianapolis. Later when I got up she pulled me aside to tell me that this kind man has severe dementia and had found his way from Orange County, California to Indianapolis to visit his wife. I also learned that she passed away ten years ago and that his son was trying to get him back home.<br /><br />So this tender life that was sharing with me became a bit more so, and also a little sadder. I got back to my seat and he proceeded to tell me about his wife and myriad other things. It was heartbreaking to be in his presence and at the same time life preserving. What I remember about him most is how earnest and intent his eyes were.<br /><br />I had 2 small rocks shaped like hearts with me. My plan was to give one to my father and one was for me. One was a shiny red one that a hispanic maid at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando gave me. This heart rock was from her home. She had seen my brown heart rock and inquired about the meaning of it. She made a point of remembering to bring her red one for me before my conference ended. I decided that her gift belonged to him.<br /><br />He smiled and said that it was very sweet of me. Then he immediately put it in his mouth with the instinct of a child presented with candy. I laughed out loud and suggested that maybe he should take it out. He took my suggestion and put in his oxford shirt pocket underneath his sweatshirt. Then he changed his mind and put it in his t-shirt pocket underneath his oxford shirt. He showed me that both shirts were tucked in so the heart would be more safe.<br /><br />About half of the time I'm awake and paying attention. In this case the message was so clear: be kind and cherish him.<br /><br />We were in the first few rows and upon landing the plane members and crew patiently waited for him to slowly make his way seat by seat and finally to his wheelchair. I left before seeing who it was that was to greet him. It felt like it was too private of a moment and not mine. But I did feel grace again with me and was grateful to him.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-15399024478622711202007-11-25T20:10:00.001-05:002008-04-27T13:22:42.758-04:00gratitude listThings I'm grateful for tonight:<br /><br />1. Neko. So ardent about everything, such a great communicator and physically a superstar (a quarterback). Currently 65 pounds organized in a surprisingly small circle on my bed.<br /><br />2. Mom and Julio. For staying until every last dish was done at my house and paying attention to every detail so that my first hosting of Thanksgiving went smoothly. For collecting special rocks for me from every place they visit.<br /><br />3. Susan. For her brilliance, generosity, sense of humor and graceful way of living and teaching me.<br /><br />4. Obi. Sleeping with his 2 bears. That is his story and he is sticking to it.<br /><br />5. My new long, red bathrobe.<br /><br />6. Asian looking tree next to my living room that my brother mistakenly calls "the pobre cita tree" whose leaves turn red at the end of November for about 2 weeks.<br /><br />7. Doug. His care with words and actions and their deep significance. The warmth in his voice when I call.<br /><br />8. The job I have and the freedom it gives me in my lifestyle.<br /><br />9. For courage. This comes easily for me though I don't know why.<br /><br />10. My dad.silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8811342.post-14030543313042992342007-10-15T22:38:00.002-04:002008-11-15T11:12:59.136-05:00It is fall and I felt to write<span style="font-family:arial;">It has been more than a year since I've been on my site. It seemed to be the arrival of fall and visiting Peptide's blog for a moment that inspired me.<br /><br />I changed jobs in September from a very large corporate job to a very small consulting firm. I had six weeks off in between, during which time I made a stone garden in my back yard and went to Cambodia, among other things.<br /><br />I got a second dog. He is the yin to Neko's yang. Very quiet, patient, quite sad when he first arrived. He is a little insecure and is learning how to be a dog from Neko, although she is 2 and he is 7. He seemed to miss out on some basics dog-being things up in his life like barking, chasing, running. His name is Obi, meaning "heart" in African Igbo. He and Neko appear to have gotten married which was very sweet to observe.<br /><br />I will leave with pictures from </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silviespence/sets/72157601735160655/show/"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#3333ff;">Angkor Wat</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> in Cambodia. I will return, I think, to share with someone.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span>silviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15118668832080429595noreply@blogger.com1