Reading Fewer Books?

     Here's a fine article about the fact that fewer people are reading fewer books, and why. It describes me all too well, I'm bummed to say. Hopefully it will lead me to more discipline and more book-reading time. http://philipyancey.com/reading-wars
     It won't take long to read it! 😉
         Leta

Freedom

"When we become love and cease having anything to prove, we are finally and exquisitely free."
                                  - Rev. Karen Wylie

     The combination of freedom and flexibility is one of my top five core values in life. I love having a flexible schedule so that I can travel when I want. Having that flexibility gives me a great sense of freedom.
     The quote above, however, inspires me to dig deeper into the idea of freedom. I am in the process of releasing some obligations from my schedule. As I look on those things I have let go or plan to let go, I see it's because in those areas, I have ceased having anything to prove. I am letting them go easily and gracefully, not with any angst of incompletion or failure. I am opening the way to be more love, by being able to do more of the things that I love. Yes, it does feel very free and heart-opening.
     Happy Monday!
            Leta

My Choice for Today?

I ran across this quote from Yoda in my morning roamings:
     Give off light, or darkness. Be a candle, or the night.
It's not easy in our fear-filled, perfectionistic world to be a beacon of light. In fact, with that very statement, I was being "darkness." It is possible, however, to be a candle. It takes a bit of effort, continually reaching for a better-feeling thought. We don't need to light the entire world, either, just our local path. My choice for today is to give off light, smile, be enthusiastic, live a "life is good!" attitude. 
     Shining,
           Leta

Playing with Art

     This is the year that the artist in me (not sure if it is tiny or big) escapes. I did a group painting experience with friends in January and decided that I want to paint (other than walls in my house). I have purchased all the supplies to get me started, but haven't yet dived in, because...
     I am busy having fun with Zentangles (zentangle.com). I am creating these to use in my forthcoming book for coloring.

 
     I bought the Zentangle starter kit, but you wouldn't need to. Google "zentangle" and you'll find plenty of resources online. I do, however, really like the paper provided in the kit. Doing this is a great form of meditation. I get lost in the creativity of it all.
     Who knew when I agreed to write the book that I would end up putting MY art into it? Had someone told me that when I started writing, I would have scoffed vehemently at the them. I guess I am evolving, even if I don't see it sometimes. Oh, yeah, that's part of being a Brave Broad!
      Getting artsy-fartsy,
            Leta

Eyes, Wonder and Milestones

     I am in awe even more now over the human body, in this instance, the eyes. The ability to heal, an amazing mystery, is very dear to my heart right now, as I had the cataract removed from my right eye just two days ago, Wed. morning, May 31. The general path regarding the lens implant is for folks to have their distance vision corrected, leaving the up-close vision requiring glasses, as most folks near vision has deteriorated significantly with age. I went into it with still excellent up-close vision, which I wanted to keep, and a willingness to keep wearing glasses for distance. Losing my great up-close sight would be traumatic for me. So that was the big question as I came out of surgery.
    First opening of the right eye on Wed. found everything slanted at 45 degrees. Weird and freaky! A quick call to the doctor's office let me know this abnormal vision is normal at first. I've rested the past two days, giving my body time to heal, and I've slept even more than usual. My body is using the rest time well to heal my eye. Scratchiness is gone. Last night I was able to do a drawing, seeing clearly up-close through my newly repaired eye. I am so grateful for all the talent, good care, technology and health insurance (thanks, President Obama) that made all this possible.
     Wait a minute. Did I say "drawing"? Yes, I have taken up drawing. I am doing Zentangles for my forth-coming book, which (happy dance!!) is now in the hands of my editor and friend, Jeanne Smith. Huge milestone accomplished! The drawings will be in the book for coloring. I love exploring my budding talent at this very fun art form. Check it out at https://www.zentangle.com/.
     Life is good!
        Leta

Fall Retreat Info Now Available

Check out the tab at the top of the blog: Leta's Next Retreat.
The theme is "Introspection and Inspiration." Look within and be inspired. Relax and restore your soul.
Guaranteed to be a great weekend!
         Leta

Where Have I Been?

     It's been a while since I've written on the blog. I was consumed for three months by my annual tax prep job plus my regular yoga teaching schedule. I have also been working on a book... more to come on that later this year.
     I do the tax prep job to earn travel money, so let the traveling begin. Colorado, Minnesota, Pacific Northwest, Chicago (Cubs baseball!!!), upstate New York and parts in between. These travels include working on my bucket list item of seeing a baseball game in every major league city. It's going to be a great year of exploring, both our beautiful country and my vast inner world.
     What adventures do you have planned for this great year?
             Leta