Karmalized Life

I live my life in widening circles ...

2010-09-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

The infamous, stress inducing, time sucking, 405 freeway in Los Angeles is not often, if ever, associated with calm, peace, and reflection. However, as I drove from Sherman Oaks to Beverly Hills by way of the 405 last Sunday, I experienced all three of these things. I was listening to the radio show called On Being with Krista Tippett who was interviewing Joanna Macy, a philosopher of ecology, a Buddhist scholar, and an exquisite translator of the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke.

It was late afternoon on a cloudless, sun drenched day and I felt vibrant and elated for no specific reason. For the first time in about a year, I noticed my entire being was at peace. No worries, no stress edging under my skin, no to-do list playing silently on repeat. I was living in a blissful moment of pure acceptance of my life ... career, relationships, body and mind. As I noticed this freeing feeling, I embraced it further and let myself indulge wholly in the words on the radio as I sped down the freeway. The poems read spoke to me, clearly a message from the universe, reminding me that this happy-for-no-reason feeling is what it's all about. No matter what job I have, what financial situation I am in, or how many things I did or did not check off my to-do list that week, life is what it is at that moment and we can choose the path of least resistance ... choose to be like water, free flowing and flexible when facing obstacles.

I am busier than I have ever been with my first corporate job, my relationships, and my personal career goals that I work on late into the night. The urge to tightly control everything that's whirling around me had grabbed hold of my spirit, anchoring it to the mundane, the physical, the temporary.

"I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world. I may not complete this last one but I give myself to it." Upon hearing these words in my state of true fulfillment, my soul soared once again and I remembered the truth. There is very little that we encounter on a daily basis that is worth the stress, the worry, the sadness, the frustration that blankets so many lives. Give in to the chaos, the imperfection, the path that is yours this time around. Ride the currents of life as a participating passenger aboard the ship called Earth and recognize that we were never meant navigate this world without getting lost along the way. I hope you find your own meaning within these two poems and enjoy ... your life.

Widening Circles
By Rainer Maria Rilke; Translation by Joanna Macy and Anita Barrows

I live my life in widening circles

that reach out across the world.

I may not complete this last one

but I give myself to it.

I circle around God, around the primordial tower.

I've been circling for thousands of years

and I still don't know: am I a falcon,

a storm, or a great song?

Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower
By Rainer Maria Rilke; Translation by Joanna Macy and Anita Barrows

Quiet friend who has come so far,
Feel how your breathing makes more space around you.
Let this darkness be a bell tower
and you the bell. As you ring,

what batters you becomes your strength.
Move back and forth into the change.
What is it like, such intensity of pain?
If the drink is bitter, turn yourself to wine.

In this uncontainable night,
be the mystery at the crossroads of your senses,
the meaning discovered there.

And if the world has ceased to hear you,
say to the silent earth: I flow.
To the rushing water, speak: I am.

With Gratitude for Public Radio and wise words that guide us back home
~L~

A Priceless Message

2010-07-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

Art By Josephine Wall

Sometimes I stumble upon a song that resonates with every sinewy fiber of my physical being and speaks to my beyond physical soul, in an ancient language so innate and so familiar, that I'm certain I've heard it's message a thousand times before and must heed it's meaning once more.

Art By Josephine Wall

Xavier Rudd's "Messages" is one of these songs. I've highlighted my favorite parts that opened my heart more fully to the universal consciousness buried (too deeply) within us all.

So now come sit down
Will you talk with me now
Let me see through your eyes
Where there is so much life
We are biding our time For these myths to unwind For these changes we will confront

So please beware
With every place that you had
Look to your soul For the things that you know For the trees that we see Can not forever breathe With the changes they will confront

You know some people they just won't understand
just won't understand
These things
Thank you for your message but I don't understand
no I just won't understand
These things
For this sacred land It has seen many hands It has wealth and gold Yet it is fragile and old And all the greedy souls Just don't care to know Of the changes it will confront

So speak out loud
Of the things you are proud
And if you love this coast
Then keep it clean as it evolves
'Cause the way that it shines
May just dwindle with time
With the changes it will confront

You know some people they just won't understand
won't understand
These things
Thank you for your message but I don't understand
won't understand
These things
So hold nice and close The ones that to get to your soul So that when it is cold You won't feel so alone 'Cause the roads that you take May just crack and break With the changes you will confront

With each gift that you share
You may heal and repair
With each choice you make
You may help someone's day
Well I know you are strong
May your journey be long
And now I wish you the best of luck
Well I know you are strong
May your journey be long
And now I wish you the best of luck.

You know some people they just won't understand no I just won't understand These things Thank you for your message but I don't understand no I just won't understand These things

With Gratitude for the Language of Music
~L~

My New Mantra

2010-06-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

This Monday, I got home from work and it had been a very "Mondayish Monday." I checked my e-mail to find the below message from my Mama. The subject was "My New Mantra" and after reading this simple but brilliant story, it will become my mantra too. Let's share this with as many souls as possible. We all need reminding from Monday to day, that we have a choice when we wake up each day to choose happiness.

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. "I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!"

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

3. Live simply.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less.

Have a nice day, unless you already have other plans.

With gratitude for e-mails from Mom
~L~

Finding Diamonds on the Freeway

2010-06-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

When I wrote my last post, I was standing at a fork in the road. Since, I have chosen a path and been cruising/stumbling down it. I am not sure I can say I chose the road less traveled this time around. I feel like I'm on the 405 , not a dusty, hidden trail. Many who have come before me have raced down this multi-lane freeway known as corporate America, but I am determined to make my time on this path as unique as possible. I meditate each day on the way to work (eyes open of course) instead of listening to music or my beloved NPR. This 20 minutes of reflection and gratitude help center me for the remainder of the day and remind me that I am more than my physical body, I am more than my current job, and it is not what we are doing while here on earth necessarily, but how we go about doing it.

I see so many bland, dry, lack luster faces walk by in the tall office building that I visit for 8-10 hours 5 days a week. The eyes I try to peer inside of look glazed and still. "Did you want to end up working in an office building?" I often wonder. "What did you want to do when you were little?" I am always wondering when I see these stoic humans ... so far removed from the life that once, sizzled and popped within them ... even if only at birth. But, usually, I don't inquire. I am guilty of letting my gaze, though not yet glazed, fall downward and I ride up to my floor, the second floor, in silence. "Have a day unlike any other!" I want to say with gusto as I make my exit. "Find one way to make this mundane day memorable to you ... please!" But, I don't say this. I say, "Have a good day," if I say anything at all. I, despite my best attempt to keep an open heart, and present mind, am not immune to the long days spent in a rainbow of beige walls, the only breeze, from the AC unit.

Normally, I have some sort of takeaway after a semi-rant like this. Tonight, I am not sure I do. What did you want to do when you were little? What are you doing now? How did you get there and how do you make your days count if you are not working your dream job? I'd just love to know. And by the way, I am thankful to have this job and I know, as always, I am on this path because it's my path, however confusing it may be.

Here's a few lovely links.

Tips for Discovering Your Dream Job

Project Dream Job

~with gratitude for traveling multiple paths~

Namaste

Lindsay

When Two Roads Diverge ...

2010-04-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite poems is The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. I memorized it in fourth grade and the poignant, elegant words have lingered in my deeper heart ever since. Now I find myself, once again, at a fork in the little meandering road called my life, trying to answer the looming question ... which road shall I take?

Now in this lovely poem, the person chooses the "road less traveled" which I can honestly and proudly say I have taken up until somewhat recently, when the real world smacked me upside my little blond head :) Oh well ... it was bound to happen and I can still, at very least, choose the road less traveled in smaller ways, that are sometimes more meaningful, right? I might be working in a cubicle currently, but I can choose to live by The Four Agreements as often as possible. I can remind myself that bliss cannot be disturbed by gain or loss and I can keep writing about living a Karmalized Life in Los Angeles.

So, as I stare down both paths at this fork in my road, I can see that both are well traveled, but I hope to choose the one that's is less traveled between them and blaze my own trail anyway.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

The Magical, Karmalized Skyscraper

2010-02-02T01:14:00.000-08:00

WOW! I cannot believe I haven't written a post since December 16th. Yikes. My day job has left me little time for things my soul loves, like this blog. Not a good sign. My life is out of balance. Hmmm ... note to self >> Change this and even out those scales Libra lady. <<

I would love to say that as the self proclaimed "Karmalized Girl" I always have fantabulous days, but of course, I'd be lying and that's not Karmalized, now is it? A few weeks ago, I was going to my 6 month dental check up at Dr. Dorfman's and having a below average kind of day. I'd left work early to get my teeth cleaned ... whooo hooo. The last time I went to my dentist, I had a very Karmalized experience, random I know. Well ... you won't believe what happened this time.

As I'm waiting for the elevator to arrive on the bottom floor of a giant skyscraper in Century City, an elderly man, immaculately dressed, shuffles into the lobby and waits beside me. He is leaning heavily on a walker, his gnarled knuckles white from intensely gripping the handles. When the elevator arrives, I hold the door as he slowly makes his way inside and a Russian lady, dripping with diamonds and makeup, climbs aboard as well. She gets out first and when she does, the well aged man turns to me and grins, "Oh, I thought she was with you. Maybe your Mother?" "Nope," I reply, "But she sure had a lot of jewelry on didn't she?" He chuckles as we ride up and up.

On the 16th floor the door opens and it turns out we are both getting off. I ask him where he is heading, knowing he'll need a wee bit of help. We walk to the left and I open the office door for him and say "see ya later," even though I know I probably won't. That simple interaction warms up my less than cheery heart. I walk down the hall to my dentist, happier about my day.
An hour or so later I emerge, teeth cleaner, mouth tasting like that awful gritty polish they use. I can't believe it when I see the old man come out of his doctors at the exact same time. "Boy, am I glad to see you," he says. And I feel so thankful I can help him back down the elevator just as I'd helped him up. We get in and as the door closes, he begins struggling to open a piece of chocolate wrapped in shiny red foil and shaped like lips. I watch, wanting to help him without offending him. He catches me eying the candy and quips "Did you get one of these at your doctor?" "I definitely didn't. You're lucky," I say. "Wanna split it?" He offers. "I'd love to," I chime as he hands me the chocolate so my younger, more able hands can tear away the foil. I give him half as the elevator doors open. We get out together and head out separate ways, smiling with our mouths full of melting chocolate.

It was instantly clear the universe had put me there, at that exact moment, to assist this gentle old soul. He must have crossed my path to remind me that tiny moments can make an ordinary day extraordinary, if we are open enough to see life's simplest offerings are often the most fulfilling.

Born with Bright Flames

2009-12-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

Time for a cyber object lesson and a special thanks to my high school teacher Mrs. Landis who taught me how powerful these can be ... and that blonds can kill it on the debate team ;)

OBJECT: Fire

Fire needs oxygen to burn and stay "alive." The more oxygen it's openly exposed to and fanned with, the bigger and stronger it burns. Even a small candle with a small flame needs oxygen to stay lit. Once you cover the candle, taking away its oxygen source, you steal away its ability to burn, to flicker, to light what is dark.

People are like small candles each born with a flame. Upon entering this world, we have all the oxygen we need to breath deep and shine bright. As so many of us grow older, our once endless oxygen source begins to diminish slowly. The rigid, restrictive rules created by our society to impose conformity, block the free flowing fuel to our flames, our lights, our souls. Eventually, many of our flames sputter out completely, their oxygen source cut off indefinitely by too many constraints on how we should live our lives.

When the flame goes out, our destined path becomes dark and much harder to navigate. Tonight, I felt like my flame, my soul, my very essence was being covered by a large, looming rectangle of glass. While there was still a small flicker of fire, I fled, ducking out from beneath the translucent walls, about to close in around me and become, in fact opaque. I think I'd better fan my flame before I become an unlit candle that shines no light.

This is my new favorite book: Live What You Love by Bob and Melinda Blanchard, authors of A Trip to the Beach and Changing Your Course. Also, owners of Blanchards Restaurant in Anguilla and lovers of a juicy life.

This is their blog and a fabulous post that pairs well with mine above:

"Your Life Doesn’t Have to Fit Neatly Between the Lines. Color It Any Way You Want!"

Enjoy, keep your flame burning brightly and fan the flame of others often.

With Gratitude for Moments of Clarity in Chaos
~L~

Blind Sided by Life ... So Lovely

2009-12-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

I currently find myself in a place in the world that provoked my Mom to send me the quote below. After taking a moment to internalize it, I had to share ...

"We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that what is deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit." - e.e. Cummings

Somehow, Thanksgiving passed without a Thankful post here on Karmalized Life, but that doesn't mean I am not INCREDIBLY thankful, grateful, whatever you want to call it, for the gifts that have been magically, yes, magically presented to me during the past few months. They did not all appear to be gifts at first, some seemed more like soul-tearing wounds sprinkled with salt. But those same things that made me cry and cringe earlier this year, have ultimately reminded me of a greater strength that lives within and often emerges only during times of tragedy or great sadness. The sudden, difficult changes in my life long plans and the severe heartbreak I experienced this past summer brought me to where I am today. For the first time in a long while, I feel I am standing on the edge of a grand cliff, able to look to the horizon and see why my journey led me here, to this space, very different from what I could have imagined 6 months ago. This is a song I wrote in college when something happened in my life that didn't make any sense and forced me to live outside my comfort cube but was all the more wonderful because of its spontaneity. Sometimes my friends, you get blind sided by life and it's a lovely thing.

LiFe’S InViSiBlE
You may have your eyes wide open
You may have your journey planned
You know just where you’re going to
You know just where you’ll land

But you can’t see life coming
In every color, every form,
It’s like the wind at lightning’s speed
The hour before the storm

Ships navigate rough waters
When they’re sailing on the sea
But obstacles divert their course
And lost they’ll always be

So don’t plan on planning out your life
Just choose one road to take
And from that point make twists and turns
And welcome your mistakes

‘Cause you can’t see life coming
In every color, every form,
It’s like the wind at lightning’s speed
The hour before the storm

Endlessly you wonder
What does the future hold?
A lifetime of good fortune
Or dreams lost, love gone cold

But don’t stare into the future
And please don’t dwell upon your past
Cause life is happening right now
but it won’t always last

‘Cause you can’t see life coming
In every color, every form,
It’s like the wind at lightning’s speed
The hour before the storm

Written by Miss Lindsay Lorraine Jones

Sometimes ...

2009-11-23T01:18:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you experience moments that make you re-think everything you've ever been told. In these moments, you realize this life is just a play, and yes, we are all merely actors. So play whatever part you want ... become the star of your own life and remember we all began as slobbering babies in diapers. You really can do what you want to do in this life ... Hollywood is only one example of a perfect illusion.

100 Things You've Never Seen

2009-11-02T23:04:00.000-08:00

Each day is a gift ... right? We're supposed to relish each moment above ground and feel grateful just to be alive, kickin' and lickin' a chocolate dipped, soft serve cone from McDonald's ... correct? Well, I'd bet that delicious ice cream cone that I'm not the only one who finds days flying by, blurring together, and disappearing without every being truly "un-wrapped."

As a newbie in the corporate world, I'm finding it especially difficult to juice unique and memorable experiences out of my Monday-Fridays. Peering out at the world from a cube located high off the ground behind large glass windows, I wonder ... how do people who do the same thing, day in, day out, how can they, me, we, still make our days separate, inspiring, and satisfying? It might be a cube that confines you, a relationship, or simply a rut. We are human and seem to thrive on consistency and schedule because it's safe.

But don't we secretly (or publicly) want to bubble over with awe-inspiring enthusiasm for life each morning a la Tony Robbins? We dream of living lives that snap-crackle-pop with the thrill of the unknown (see the beauty of blank). In reality (whatever that means to you) most of us cannot be vagabonds and follow every wild whim ... so what are we to do? Let the daily grind percolate through our souls, squeezing out every drop of la vida loca? No! (I love being dramatic.) I invite you to look. LOOK around you ... then look beyond where your eyes would normally stop. On your way to work, your morning run, at your coffee shop, consciously focus on objects you would never otherwise notice. I tried this for the first time while walking into the office, then on a jog yesterday. It's amazing how much we don't see because we're on auto pilot ... not noticing all the unique nuances that surround us daily.

If this sounds simple, and lame ... just try it for five minutes. Go somewhere you've been hundreds of times and try to see it in a totally different way. Let your eyes flow beyond the stone wall and past the telephone wires ... what's there? Gaze at the frame, not the window, the dirt between the blades of grass ... it's a meditation on how to be present and more connected in our daily lives.

With gratitude for things I've yet to see ~L~

By the way ... love this blog

~The Big Trip~

2009-10-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

A little shamless self promotion here ya'll ;) Rate me on You Tube to help me win "The Big Trip!" With gratitiude for your precious time ~L~

How Peaceful Are You?

2009-10-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

Have you read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle? If not, it's well worth the time and effort it takes to really understand it. It took me oh ... 4 months to get through, a few pages a day then a digestion period. I highlighted the entire work practically.

Tonight my Mom heard Eckhart Tolle on the radio asking this simple but life changing question: "Are you a peaceful presence in the relationships you have?" My mom said it really stuck a chord with her. She's been married for about 37 years and she was explaining how after a time ... you can begin to forget to keep things as peaceful as they can be. Conflict becomes the norm, not the exception, however minor the conflict may be. My parents get along very well compared to many couples, but still, I could tell she felt there could be more peace if they were both more conscious of being a peaceful presence in the marriage.

At the end of my relationship with Derrek, I was anything but a peaceful presence. I let my own feelings of being unfulfilled bleed through to our relationship and soil it. Now that we're broken up, we actually have a more peaceful relationship. So ask yourself this question and answer it honestly. "Am I a peaceful presence, more often than not, in my relationships?" This means in love, friendship, family, and work. Do you cause unnecessary drama and unrest? If so, why? Let's try to be the most peaceful beings we can be this week in all our relationships. It's Monday ... begin now. Tell me as the week goes by ... how are you being a more peaceful presence and do you notice a change?

With Gratitude for an awakening consciousness ~L~

KARMALIZATION AT ITS BEST!

2009-10-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

"CAN YA SPARE SOME WATER MATE?"

"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains un-awakened."

An e-mail I got last week made me smile from the inside all day long. You know that full body kind of grin when you just have the overall feeling that BIG PARTS of this life are so magical, so kind, so simply good?

Enjoy and share these pictures of overheated Koalas in Australia "asking" humans for a drink of water .... awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

"AHHHHH ... THIS FEELS NICE."

"JUST A TASTE ... MMMMMMM, YUMMERS."

"I LOVE ME A GOOD COLD PLUNGE!"

~With gratitude for all animals ... us included ~ L

The Beauty of Blank ...

2009-09-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

"CASH ARNOLD CARUTHERS, 10WKS YOUNG"

Before I start typing this space is blank. Pure white, untouched, with endless possibilities as to what will transpire on this "page." A blank blog post, a blank canvas, a new born baby ... they all have one phenomenally exhilarating thing in common ... the idea of nothing. No mistakes have been made, no commitments broken, no direction chosen. I love the blank beginning of things ... travels, relationships, jobs, days.

There is so much wonder and excitement when every option is a distinct possibility. About 8 minutes ago, this blog could have been about traveling to Peru to experience an ancient Shaman ceremony or a list of 10 free things you can do to make daily life MUCH BETTER. We enter the world as pure consciousness ... unscathed by any human inflicted thoughts, rules, emotions, or regulations. We don't pop out of the womb wondering why we're naked or where our hair is. We just are for awhile. A very short while until we begin to be written upon, painted on, molded into the egoic "me" we will become.

Now, I've written about this before, but I'll write about it again, and maybe again because it is a question that's ongoing in so many of our lives. As young people, we are still hopeful, ambitious, spirited and some of us REALLY believe we can and will lead the life we imagine. Nothing is certain, we can do everything!!! As we age sooooo many of us get stuck in intense, grinding obligations: Earning money, caring for a family, running errands! Seriously ... how many of us at 18 think, "Well I plan to spend 40% of this life doing mundane things that have no real meaning to me," a.k.a errands. We don't think like that when we're young and still somewhat blank.

When a painter starts a canvas and hates it, they trash it or paint over it and begin again. When a blogger dislikes their post, they delete it. When a writer wants to take the story in a new direction, they do just that. Paintings, blogs and books are easier to change than lives ... yes ... but we can learn so much from how we treat our blogs, canvases, lyrics, scripts. When we don't like what we've made we scrap it. Isn't your life AS IMPORTANT, NO MORE IMPORTANT than any canvas? If you are miserable 5 days a week because of your job, or 365 days a year because of a bad relationship you're in, scrap it!!!!!!!! Why don't we do this? Why are there millions of people roaming the earth like drones, too scared and docile to wake the $@*&^((@@**!? up and say WHAT AM I DOING HERE? WHAT DO I REALLY WANT TO DO? TODAY, RIGHT NOW AND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I BAILED ON MY LIFE AS IT IS AND CHANGED? Change ... people hate it, but shocker ... nothing ever changes without change.

So, I am challenging you to GET OUT OF YOUR ROUTINE RUT and do something different today. DO SOMETHING YOU HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT YOU DEFINITELY WOULD DO IN THIS LIFETIME. It can be huge ... like join the peace corps ... or small like buy a pink cruiser bike and ride through town in a violet bikini. Just do something that makes you think, yes, this is MY life! No, I am not stuck without choices and I am REALLY living. This week I drastically changed my eating habits. A 5 day cleanse of fruits, veggies, whole grains, tofu, tea, no sugar, no coffee, NO WINE!!! Day 3 ... I feel more alive, grumpy, but juicy too. Make change a habit ... it'll change your life.

With Gratitude for Change and Blank Blogs

~L~

Feelings About Life, Death & Facebook

2009-09-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Social Media has become a HUGE part of many people's lives. I have a job because of social media. I use Twitter, Facebook, and blogs ALL DAY LONG! Soooo my own little blogs have been feeling neglected for sure! But when does it all become TOO MUCH ... too invasive ... too permeating ... oh I know when ... this morning. That's when FB became like the paparazzi ... annoying, always there, reporting very private details of life.

I signed on to show my mom a few pics and noticed this post on my cousins wall ...

"S is Missing her Grandpa ... R.I.P"

Ummmm .... What %#@*@($*?? My mind quickly calculated the facts ... we have the same Grandpa ... and her other Grandpa had already passed. I looked up at my mom, tears on the brink of spilling down. My Grandpa, my Mom's Dad had passed away on Thursday night and she couldn't bring herself to tell me over the phone. So, instead, I found out on Face Book ... huh? It felt wrong, surreal, and at the same time almost laughable. If my Grandpa, Richard Matthew Lynch, had known I would find out about his death through the internet, on something called Face Book, he would have been beyond confused.

There is nothing wrong with my sweet cousin putting her thoughts about our Gramp on Facebook ... most of our family is on there and now I'm blogging about it! It was just so strange to find out from Face Book, that my funny, golf loving, cane collecting, doughnut eating Gramps had left earth. Grampa never even knew FB existed!!

Things on earth have changed ... no question. And I guess it's better not to label our new experiences as good or bad. They just are ... and they couldn't be anything else at the time. And when we leave this all behind and float into the ether ... none of these earthly details will matter, will they?

With Gratitude for growing up with a Grampy who couldn't have done the whole Grandpa thing any better! I'm having old fashion doughnuts for breakfast Gramp!
~L~

Hot, Tired, & Wired

2009-09-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

Just finished baking Caffeine, I mean Coffee cupcakes to take to work tomorrow with the new POMx iced coffee ... delish BTW and no, there's no Pomegranate in the coffee. Just the antioxidant part from the POM, so I guess it's kind of a healthy way to crack out :) I'm exhausted and hot, but wired from tasting a lil' too much frosting. Gotta get it just right ya know?

This weekend I'm heading to Palm Springs to R&R and see the parental units. I'll go with the tangent that just popped into my head and say I've been trying to wake up 15 minutes earlier than I need to so I can sit on the floor, get grounded, and meditate a bit before trudging headlong out into the crazy city I call home. Those days are better days ... I can tell you that. The mornings I rise and give thanks, and be quiet, and focus on one intention for the day (today it was compassion) ... those days are more graceful, calm, inspired, and present.

I begin by chanting OM 3 times to quiet my sleepy head and just breathe deeply for a few minutes. Then I express my gratitude and thoughts out loud to the universe or whoever is listening. And I always give thanks for the taken for granted, vital things that are sadly luxuries for so many in our world today.

I am grateful that never one day in my life have I gone without an abundance of food, clean water, shelter, general health,safety, a home free of war, and love.

What are you grateful for right now? What are you grateful for every single day that you get to experience life?

With the deepest gratitude for seemingly simple things that become extraordinary once you no longer have them. ~L~

I'm REALLY REALLY Rich

2009-09-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

I'm really, really, really, really rich. Doesn't sound too Karmalized, but read on. Last week, I was driving along and I realized this. No, I didn't find out about a huge trust fund with my name on it nor did I win the lottery. I had just listened to an incredibly thoughtful voice mail left by a girl I barely know. She was sending me good wishes in my job search. She was sending me light and love to heal my broken heart. She took time out of her busy, busy day, to comfort me, someone she'd just met. By the way, she, Lenka, is proof there are indeed amazing people living in this mad city of angels.

I saved the voice mail and began thinking of all the phenomenal people I'm so blessed to know and be able to spend my days and nights with. In the past month alone, the people that have entered my life have been truly spectacular. Characters, who live life fully and find juiciness in the everyday. For each one of my new friends, I am deeply grateful. For all of my old friends, no amount of cold cash, could ever buy the joy and happiness I've experienced as a result of having you all in my life. And to my family, Mom, Dad, Dan, Kathy and extended, you simply cannot put a price on the unconditional love you give me everyday. It's true, that money cannot buy happiness. The happiness in my life has come from the endless circle of loving, caring, genuine, people who cross my path, for however long. And all the monetary wealth in the world, cannot buy a fairytale family, cannot buy forever friends, cannot buy the precious moments we experience because of the people in our story. Here is one definition of rich:

rich
adj. rich·er, rich·est

1.Having great worth or value.

2.Having an abundant supply.

I have an abundant supply of what's most important in this life. I recognize, not everyone is lucky enough, rich enough, to have an ample amount of dear friends and loving family. Relationships with special people are a heavenly gift, never to be taken for granted. If you know someone who could use a little "heart wealth" share some of yours. Despite this crazy economy ... I am very rich, and this kind of wealth does not rise and fall with Wall Street. This kind of rich, has nothing to do with dollars. This rich is real, but like financial wealth, must be taken care of and attended to. Are you showing those people that matter in your life how much you appreciate them? Your bank account will never love you back my friend. You can't call it at 2am crying or laughing for that matter. Let's remember today what being truly rich really means.

With gratitude for every single person who has touched my heart and every new friend to come ~L~

The Art of Love

2009-08-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure everyone goes through "anti-love" times in life. Those periods when everywhere you look, there seems to be gleeful, lusty-eyed couples, embracing and basking in the golden glowing light that only L-O-V-E can produce ... and it makes you cringe. All of a sudden, even your favorite hip-hop station seems to be on a LoVe song kick ... JT brought sexy back, then fell in Summer LOVE and Drake's singing about finding "the one." Awesome.

You are not in love and want to forget the whole fairytale concept that's been drilled into us from childhood. You're bitter. A brutal divorce, death of a loved one, terminal illness, a breakup that's left your heart shattered but still beating ... all these things can make us want to JUST SAY NO TO LOVE. I can't say that I've been a huge fan of the emotionally charged four letter word lately, but, I have tried to remember that like all things, love comes and it goes. It changes, grows, shifts, and moves spontaneously through our lives. I'm learning this. I'm learning love can't flourish in controlling situations and love doesn't mean "He'll change for me and I for him." Real love comes naturally, without ultimatums, excuses, and selfishness. I'm learning.
My childhood friend Galen got married to the fabulous Shayla in Tahoe a few weeks ago. When your weddings been called off, going to another wedding is not high on your "to-do" list ... but I love Galen like a brother and could not miss this celebration o' love. After the ceremony, instead of feeling sad and heart-wrecked, I felt inspired and grateful to have witnessed a marriage that happened for all the right reasons. Galen and Shayla have gracefully mastered the art of love. They are two very different people, but I could tell neither one wanted to change the other and that, I now know, is one of the main ingredients in a never ending love story. These two got married for the only reason anyone should: They learned they wanted to live together forever, in friendship, love, and everyday life.

Today, it's more common for people to marry for every wrong reason that exists. See sad but true list below:

#1 - Because it's time. The girl is about to turn 30 or the couple has been together for about 5 years and is living together so ... why the hell not riiiight? WRONG.

#2 - Because they feel they should. This is about pleasing family, pleasing friends, pleasing the status quo in our Western world. Don't get married to please anyone but you and your love.

#3 - Because you're scared to be alone. This reason makes people settle. Settling sucks! Don't, don't do it. Wait for who you REALLY want.

#4 - Because we're SO in love. Wait what? Shouldn't this be the ONLY reason to get married? Nope. Sorry. Marriage is a complex animal. Yes, you must have LOVE for the person, but there has to be some common ideas about life as well. Also, you need to be enlightened enough to grasp what love is and isn't about. You must really LIKE the person, because when the glow wears off, which it will, you want to be left with your best friend who you think is quite attractive. People who are crazy in the throws of Serotonin driven la-la-love, often forget to look down the long road ahead. This mistake can be disastrous. If you want to travel the world and he hates leaving the state, but the sex is amazing and you REALLY love him ... don't do it. If he loves small town life and you're a CITY GIRL, but you love each other, still no. Bummer huh? Ok, now for the Karmalized, uplifting part of this post ;)

The morning after the wedding, my best friend Tif (she was my date) and I decided to stroll around Tahoe City for a while before driving back to Reno. We walked through a little craft fair where I bought this beautiful print of two dolphins ... I'm rarely moved enough to purchase a piece of art, but this picture touched my currently healing heart. It just happened to be called "The Art of Love." This is the caption by Tim Wistrom on the back:"Every day that he paints, Tim adds more paint and more colors to his palette which will soon create a vision from his imagination, directly on canvas. The dolphin on the canvas has already been created and is awaiting his sweetheart, who is on her way. The leap from the palette to the canvas will bring them together forever."

On our walk back to the car, we pass a trash can and I notice this sticker:

Hmmm ... the universe is not always subtle. A love filled wedding, a heartfelt painting, and just in case I was feeling a little dense, a sign on a garbage can reminding me not to "throw love away." Clearly now is not the time to shun love. That time is never.

There Now, That's Better

2009-08-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

A little more John Butler before I bounce off to the gym. In the Western world especially, we're taught from a young age to strive to be better, push yourself harder, you're only as good as your last ... but I'm beginning to think that concept's a little (or a lot) flawed. We need to practice being the best person we can be during each moment of life, but constantly trying to be better than ... make more than ... work harder than, has led us to a society of stressed out, uptight, heart attack having humans. Enjoy the moment ... how 'bout that? There now, that's better, isn't it? ;)

John Butler - Better Than - LIVE

Losing You

2009-08-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite songs of the moment. It puts in perspective the idea of "losing things" in this life time. Some would say I've lost a lot lately, but really there's only one thing I've lost that cannot be regained, replaced, or repurchased. We're all so scared of losing stuff ... our job, our house, our car, our stock options ... but in the end, the only thing we should really care about losing is love. Enjoy now a lil' John Butler. The sweet lyrics are below for your reading pleasure ;)

There are things in this life I,
would rather not sacrifice
You girl I cannot live without
And you know there's no doubt that
All I mind's losing you

And I don't mind losing sleep
Pray the lord my soul to keep
I'll get plenty rest so when I'm dead but 'till,
'Till then won't you share my bed 'cos,
All I mind's losing you
All I mind's losing you

And I don't mind losing money
There's nothing this life owes me
I've been given more than I can receive
But for, for you there's no receipt so,
All I mind's losing you
All I mind's losing you

And I don't mind growing old
Losing teeth and going bald
Not as handsome as I never was but,
You love me just because
All I mind's losing you
All I mind's losing you

And there are things in this life I,
would rather not sacrifice
You girl I cannot live without
And you know there's no doubt that
All I mind's losing you
All I mind's losing you
All I mind's losing you

More Moments ... More Life

2009-08-16T23:33:00.000-07:00

After D and I decided to part ways, my mom came to LA to help me apartment hunt. It wasn't the fun kind of "I'm so excited to be moving into a new place," type of hunt. It was the frantic, crazed home search you experience when you HAVE TO get out of your current living situation ASAP. By day three, we were emotionally exhausted and I found myself, through a deluge of tears, asking the Universe or God, or whoever is controlling this whole shebang, to please, please help me find a little one bedroom I could afford. True story: Not ten minutes later we drove past a really nice building with a 1BD for rent sign posted in front. While I thought it would be way out of my price range, I called. A well aged voice answered the phone and to my surprise, the apartment was just within my budget. We pulled over and asked to view the place right away.

As she opened the front door I could tell her life had been long and not always easy. Her face was painted with the softest, deep set wrinkles, that only time, laughter, and struggle can create. She wore a full face of makeup ... bright rose lipstick, dark rouge and haphazardly curled hair. Inessa was from Russia, we learned in the elevator ride up to the third floor. Her husband and she managed this 48 unit building, but he'd passed and now she did the job alone! We were shocked since she looked to be around 80. The Universe had responded pretty quickly to my plea and Inessa helped speed up the credit check process (though this building is notoriously hard to get into) after she heard about my breakup situation. She was clearly an angel sent to my rescue and declared herself my Russian Mother! I hugged her, eyes watering, lips smiling with relief.

It's now mid July. I move in and make her promise to call me when she needs a ride to the bank or grocery store because she doesn't drive. She tells me she has her "Mercedes" a.k.a. shopping cart that she pushes down the street to Ralph's Grocery! I'm in aw ... this precious lady is old, really old, and not only does she work full time, she walks to the market and back every week in the heat of summer. At first I feel sorry for her, but quickly I realize how happy this work and exercise makes her. "It is my life, you understand?" She asks me in a Russian accent thick like the best Borscht. "Yes," I smile. "I do understand." And all of a sudden I really do. In this life, as we age and ego fades, it's not what we do that makes us fulfilled and content. It's if we do, anything, and how we do it.

Inessa, while being the oldest apartment manager I've had, is by far the very best! The building is immaculately clean and she makes sure fix-it complaints are attended to within 24 hours maximum. It's amazing how hard she works and I can see it is the sole thing that keeps her going. She has a reason to get up and get out into the world. She has a purpose and she is proud. On top of all this, she dropped off homemade cream puffs to me last week! She is my new inspiration.

A few days ago, I drove her to the bank to deposit the rent checks. As she got out she told me to go, she was taking the bus home. I insisted on waiting. She insisted on taking the bus. I'm not one to argue with a Russian Grandmother so I said OK. As I watched her close my car door and walk into the bank, dressed in a pretty blouse and skirt, I experienced yet another MOMENT. Inessa is 80. Her husband died recently. She must work to stay in her home. She is 80. She accepts her life. She smiles, she bakes, she takes care of her tenants, and she inspires me to be "she" one day, if I'm lucky. The little moments in life are so wise. The simple person, so important.

With Gratitude for Inessa and Angels ~L~

This Man's Got it Right

2009-08-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

We all have days when we want to give up ... on our job, our family, the world, ourselves. Don't and I won't either, OK?

There Are Moments

2009-08-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

There are moments. That my friend, is a fact. Every month, day, hour is made of tiny, individual moments. But, there are moments and there are MOMENTS. Those split seconds in time that you remember forever because they spoke to you on a visceral level. These moments are not grandiose. On the contrary, the moments I speak of are quiet, subtle ... but life changing and soul altering.

A lot has happened in my life recently and I am just now able to write about all that's transpired. Sometimes pixels seem to be a cold way of expressing such intense, raw emotion. On July 1st, my Karmalized fiance and I came to a fork in the road on our journey of love. As much as it pained both of us, we could not keep traveling in the same direction. One of us needed to go left, the other, right. We walked backwards for awhile, watching each other, as the space between us grew. Finally, rounding two separate bends, we lost sight of "us" completely. It was at this heart-shattering juncture that I was forced to look ahead and face my uncertain future, as me, not we.

It's been just over one month and there's a strange, numbing calm surrounding my everyday. This feeling of being an empty, blank canvas creates space for MOMENTS to occur. These MOMENTS gently guide you back from the darkness and towards the light.

Here are a few of my most recent MOMENTS:

1) MOMENT: Seeing one black umbrella lying on the sidewalk, open, on a sunny summer L.A. day.

MEANING: The possibility of death.

FACTS: The umbrella belonged to an old homeless man who lived in that exact spot on the sidewalk in a chair, sheltered by 3 umbrellas. In 2 years, I never saw him move once. One night when it was pouring rain outside, I drove by, shocked he was still there enduring the frigid, wet weather. I wanted to save him, but I didn't know how. I'm ashamed to say I was too scared to approach him with blankets, etc. as I'd never even seen his face, always covered by umbrellas. Sadly, my fear of the unknown,intensely horrible situation won over, but every time I drove by, I looked for him. Last week, I looked for him once again, but only saw the lone black umbrella. I don't know what happened to the man with no home, but in half of one second, I realized how much pain and suffering one human can endure before it becomes too much. The lost black umbrella reminded me that the despair caused by a broken heart may feel life threatening at points, but in reality is simply a scratch.

2) MOMENT: Hearing three loud honks from the horn of a U-Haul moving truck driven by Derrek, my once fiance.

MEANING: Signaling the abrupt ending of a great love story and the beginning of my new book, title unknown.

FACTS: Everything of mine was finally packed up. It felt like we were getting divorced even though we'd never married. I told Derrek to honk when he was outside with the moving truck. When I heard the horn I was standing in the now empty living room and I looked up at the door, paralyzed. Time seemed to stop for a moment, allowing brutal reality to gush over me. We were really breaking up and I was really moving out. The time to leave had just arrived and it was honking at me. I never knew the arrival of a U-Haul truck could convey such profound sadness.

More moments to come in my next post ...

With Gratitude for Guiding Moments
~L~

Have You Seen These Signs?

2009-06-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the universe screams at me. It waves me down with "hands" flailing saying "STOP!!!! LOOK! Pay attention to the signs! I need your attention so I can show you why you're here." How many times have you been aimlessly floating around wondering just that ... "Why am I here? What is my purpose? My destiny." There is every chance the universe, God, whatever you believe in is trying to show you why, but you're just too busy, too closed, too unconscious to be still and listen.

An ex-boyfriend of mine was the first person to tell me about these signs. It was my senior year of college. He was a freshmen and I thought, really? What can this kid know about the universe. He knew a lot. Anyway, from time to time, usually when I'm feeling for spiritual and extra karmalized ... I begin to see the signs that guide me to places I'd otherwise never go and I end up experiencing new things and helping people along the way. Lately, the universe is screaming again, (well talking loudly at least), telling me to get out of my head and help the world any way I can.

This song "Say Hey," by Michael Franti and Spearhead came on the radio the other day and I LOVED IT! You know when a song just hits a chord in your heart and it's like you've heard it hundreds of times already? He says it's not a love song for the world, but I beg to differ.

Another sign I need to get off my tush and help others? One of my favorite blogs, the soaring impulse, lead me to find Young Heroes. This is an amazing organization that helps orphans in Swaziland. I did tons of research to make sure it was legit and it definitely checks out. I read this guys blog whenever I'm feeling down or grumpy for some LAME reason and it puts a smile on my face, tears in my eyes, and opens my heart. Try it ... you'll like it. It might change your life. Who knows.

With Gratitude for Signs from Above,
~L~

Quit Staring

2009-05-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a watcher ... I love to look at people and think about the details of their lives. Sometimes they'll catch me staring and I want to say ... "sorry, I was just wondering what your life is like." But that would probably make them feel weird, so instead, I quickly look away. If I had one "anything" wish, I'd like to be able to embody other people, animals, & living things for a few days. It's funny, because I've always thought of myself as kind of self absorbed, and yet I continually find myself being more interested in other peoples activities, than in my own. (Maybe I just need to get a more interesting life? lol) I'm always amazed when I see people in a restaurant who have not looked around once the entire meal. They are so engaged in their conversation that nothing else matters. Is that a gift? Are people who are mainly engrossed in their own lives living more in the moment?

A great listener, I am normally not. If you happen to be dining with me at a loud, busy place, getting my complete attention is difficult ... and I have no clue as to why. Why am I so concerned with what others are up to? Strangers, who I'll most likely never know. So often, I just want to ask the ticket taker at the mall, the waiter, the sales clerk, the dentist, "What would you really like to do with your life? Are you happy? What would you have done differently?" Part of me wants these questions, at that moment, to spark something inside them and change the course of their life. Another part just wants to learn from their experience. (Oh and one part is just nosy.)

So I stare, wondering, then I feel awkward when I'm caught :) Oh well. So ... what's my point here in this little post? I would just like to be able to be more honest with everyone ... shun the social graces and ask ... what's your deal? Are you living the life you imagined for yourself when you were 8 years old? If you are ... can you show me how? Sometimes, not all the time mind you, but sometimes when I ask a random stranger, "How are you?" I wish they'd really tell me.

So Simple, So Grand, So Easy, So SMILE!!!!!

2009-05-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to a nasty e-mail to which I responded with a somewhat nasty e-mail (wrong I know) which left me feeling well, nasty and less than karmalized. This video from a blog I love, Goodness Graciousness, changed all that and put things back in perspective.

How to Find or Keep Your Soul Mate

2009-04-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

WARNING: THIS POST IS NOT A SNUGGLY KARMALIZED POST BUT A PERSONAL RANT AFTER A 14 HOUR DRIVE, ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE OF MY RELATIONSHIP.

I'm sitting at my parent's house eating Crunchy Salty Trader Joe's peanut butter (my fav) and bananas. I drove about 1,100 miles with my mama over the past 2 days to get back to the land I love ... California. My blogs have been sparse lately ... due to 2 things: A, I've not been feeling very karmalized lately (embarrassing to admit after my last post) and B, in the last month, Derrek and I have made some major changes to our somewhat certain life plan and as a Libra ... I have a HARD time with massive changes that happened pretty much overnight ... tips my scales out of whack ya know? He's a Libra too ... but these changes were his idea making them easier to handle. Some I thought brilliant, others not so much.

I'm also a controlist ... meaning I like to BE-IN-CONTROL and when Derrek began making all these decisions to move, not build, buy a house, sell the land, close his business, I started to feel like a tiny bug who had been swept off my flower by a mini tornado with no clue as to where I'd be set down again. (Not a great analogy, but all I can come up with due to car brains.) I felt the same way when he wanted to move from LA to Colorado a year ago ... I went to be with him, but it wasn't really a joint decision. When I feel out of control, it's like I have permanent PMS and sadly, it's usually Derrek who feels the wrath. We've had a rough 2 weeks ... tons of fighting caused by me mainly ... being overly emotional and bitchy. Not using "my words" to communicate that "I feel like Derrek forgot there are 2 PEOPLE in a relationship," but instead, screaming through a deluge of angry tears. So, what to do? How to patch this cut in our love?

I'm a Tony Robbins fan and some of his best advice I believe was this: When you are looking for a partner, soul mate, etc. ask yourself, "Who do I have to become to attract that person? Who will that person be looking for?" Derrek is very much the type of person I've been looking for in this life ... but recently, I have become someone my ideal partner wouldn't want to be with. So I have to ask again ... to remind myself ... who must I be, not to attract, but to keep my soul mate? Of course, I need to be myself, but what qualities made him fall in love with me? Have I let those disappear during my own, internal struggle with control?

Here's my new list which is a little different from the list I made when I was still searching for my soul mate ... this list has to be custom made for Derrek.

"Who I Need to be to Keep Soul Mate"

(a.k.a. who did he fall in love with and where did she go?)

By Lindsay Lorraine Jones

I must treat him with loving kindness

I must respect him, his ideas, thoughts and quirks

Be nice

Support him

Be flexible

I must compromise

Trust him and believe in his abilities to do anything really wants

LISTEN!!!

I must not be his mother

I must be calm

Be honest and communicate my feelings without yelling

I must take time for myself and understand he will want to do the same

Accept that he is messy and likes to stay up late sometimes

I must appreciate his efforts to change things that really bother me

I must take the rocking chair test more often

I must not let myself be so comfortable that we become friends but not lovers

Be successful in my own right

I must put him first when something really matters to him and often for no reason at all

I must let him be who he is, fully and completely ... if I can't, we're not a match

I must RELAX

Cheer him on

I must be the water, clear, open and capable of flowing over any rocks in the river

Be a thoughtful woman, willing to go the extra mile

I must remember I am far from perfect and have quirks he could live without

Be intelligent

I must be confident

Always treat our love as a precious gift from the universe

I must cherish him, protect him and care for him

Be more selfless

I must live with him side by side, not 3 steps ahead

I must be flirtatious, fit and fashionable

Be affectionate, but not smother him

I must treat him, as wonderfully as he treats me

I must star in my own movie and let him star in his ... so we can co-star in our movie together with a happily ever after ending.

With Gratitude for a place to Rant,

~L~

You Can't Make Lemonade without Lemons

2009-03-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

I'll be cliche and begin this blog with a cliche ... "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Great! Easy enough ... but has anyone ever asked "What if there are no lemons?" Try making lemonade without the key ingredient. Not following me? My point is in life, sometimes we need to deal with "lemons" before we can enjoy any sweet "lemonade." Right now, many feel life is handing out lemons like free samples at Costco ... I personally know many people who are having a really rough time because of the current economic state and it is SCARY AS HELL! SUPER SOUR if you will. But, it's during hard times, not blissfully flourishing times, that people revert back to living a more simple life, which does wonders for the soul.

My mom sent me this article that made me realize how hard times force people to examine what really matters in life ... food, shelter, water and family. That's about it. And so those of us who still have those 4 basic necessities ... should be feeling REALLY darn lucky right now. And, those of us who have any more than that, should feel the deepest sense of gratitude, for many have lost at least 1 of those 4 basic necessities. If you have a job right now, you're probably pretty pumped about it, even if you hated that same job 2 years ago.

Notice how when you are feeling grateful, it's hard to feel negative at the same time. So cultivate an attitude of gratefulness for all the small things in your life you normally take for granted when everything is lemonade. Try to be grateful for something in each activity you do today. It will change your state, lift your heart and allow you to help others remember that you can't make lemonade, without the lemons. This is my favorite excerpt from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet ... it pretty much says the same thing ... just a bit more eloquently. Enjoy! :)

With Gratitude for Lemons
~L~

Following a Whim and a Wish

2009-02-24T23:17:00.000-08:00

My New Home!!!! Well, close to it ;)

When life magically changes course without any prior notice whatsoever ... it's invigorating, spastic, unsettling, and fabulous! 2 days ago Derrek called me to ask a "hypothetical" question. "What if we moved back to LA while the dome is being built (our new home) in Colorado?" Hypothetical turned into very real when we booked a flight to Los Angeles yesterday to view a house we saw on Craigs List today. We rented it on the spot!!!!!!!!!!! I'm moving back to the city I love and I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
fantastically thrilled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let life take you away sometimes in directions you never thought you would go! It feels really good, trust me.

With Gratitude for Unlikely Wishes Granted

~L~

January ... turned and burned?

2009-01-29T09:32:00.000-08:00

Well, January 2009 is now a memory ... already one month turned and burned or lived and cherished, depending on who you are. I've done a little bit of both, with more turning and burning perhaps. Derrek and I just got back from a weekend in Denver, trying to escape the snow and cold in Aspen, but Denver was just as wintry. We managed though, to buy most of the furniture for the luxury dog boutique we're opening here called "D.O.G. by D. Haft." The store will highlight his custom collars and leashes, but we'll carry other fine pooch products as well.

It's about this time of year that I tend to reflect and revisit the "resolutions" I made one month ago with such gusto ... you can read mine for 2009 here. I try to read them a second time to assess how I've been living up to them so far. (It's very helpful to re-read them every month actually.) This year I chose to work on 4 areas of my life and this is how I am doing 1 month into '09 on a scale of 1-10.

1-My relationship with Derrek - treating him as kind as he treats me, nagging less - 4
2-Health/fitness - make the healthiest choices 90% of the time - 6
3-Financial Situation - spend money more consciously - 2
4-Career Goals - use my time more effectively - 5.5

Sooooooooooo ... I'm glad I decided to re-read these ... any time I take another look at my goals, plans, etc. I become "re-motivated." So take 10 minutes RIGHT NOW and think back on January ... have you let your resolution get eaten up by the busy buzzing world we live in? If you didn't make a resolution, how satisfied are you with how you lived your life in January 2009?

One last thing ... Derrek and I are trying out vegetarianism for the next week, beginning today. Wish us luck!

With Gratitude for February (the month D and I met)
~D&L~

I AM NOT GRATEFUL !$#*($&!@?

2009-01-16T22:21:00.000-08:00

I went grocery shopping today after 3 weeks of avoiding the store. The local food shops in Aspen are SUPER $$ and the produce lacks serious luster, especially during the winter season ... yet the mushy cucumbers and frozen, yes frozen, avocados are still $3-$4 bucks each. However, there comes a point when cereal and soup are no longer cutting it so off to the store I must go. Wandering through the isles I felt annoyed ... annoyed by all the people crowding the tiny lanes, grossed out by all the "American" processed foods, over-packaged and under the category of "barely real food." (I'm reading The Omnivore's Dilemma along with Ishmael and both are really making me think about what we eat and consider to be food in our Western diet and how much more food we take-in than we really need to live.) Anywhooooo ... all if a sudden I stopped and thought of something I'd read earlier this morning in a little Gratitude book Derrek gave me. "Think of something you are not grateful for and be grateful for it all day." Sounds strange but it really changes your perception of things.

So ... as I gazed around at all the shelves brimming with food, processed or not, I thought I'm grateful for this plentiful, if not over indulgent display of edible products. I'm happy I have enough money to come into this overpriced store and buy any food at all. I am grateful I have never spent one day hungry in my 27 years here on earth. And I became grateful for all those shoppers surrounding me who also, are not suffering from hunger. I still bought food items with as few ingredients as possible, and tried for the organic stuff ... but my state changed in an instant from annoyance and frustration, to appreciation for what I was being given right then.

With Gratitude for Being Grateful in Ungrateful Circumstances
~L~

Blow Up Your Life TODAY!!

2009-01-06T13:47:00.001-08:00

This isn't really the time of year for spring cleaning ... but it is a great time to take inventory of your life, your day to day routine, the clutter in your head. Sit down somewhere quiet, or somewhere bustling, somewhere you can think for 30 minutes. Go through a typical day ... what do you do in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Focus on specific, if mundane tasks and think about how you feel, REALLY FEEL, throughout your days. Opening your eyes in the morning, seeing first light ... how is your energy level? HOW DO YOU FEEL on a regular basis? Forget about an afterlife for now and be present. If this is not a dress rehearsal ... if this is it, then are you starring in the play of your dreams? Or are you just an extra in a dull production someone else wrote? Take stock my friend ... do you need to make some leaps, or just some minor changes?

What do you need to be doing, daily, to be living a life you love to live? I'm 27, still trying to figure out how to love life more everyday.

A New Kind of Resolution

2009-01-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you can relate ... every year at this time, making one big, all important resolution for the coming year that gets lost as quickly as the ball drops on New Year's Eve. So this year, I'm trying something different. Instead of making 1 high pressure resolution, I'm giving my life a bit of a make-over, that will hopefully leave me feeling more fulfilled when 2010 rolls into town.

I sat near a fountain this morning, meditating on what I would have changed about my 2008 on all different levels. Health, love, finances, etc. Then I imagined what I would like to see change for the better in all those areas of my life. I focused on these 4 things:

1-My relationship with Derrek
2-Health/fitness
3-Financial Situation
4-Career Goals

For each area, I made up a small goal to work towards ... i.e. be as kind to Derrek as he is to me.
Then I came up with a question to ask myself often, to help me achieve my goals.

1-relationship - Am acting with loving kindness towards Derrek right now? Is this worth getting mad about?

2-health- What is the healthiest choice I can make right now, in this moment? What will I gain by choosing the healthy choice versus the unhealthy choice?

3- money - Is this the most financially sound decision I can make at this time? How many hours of work is this purchase costing me?

4- career- What action can I take today that will have a direct effect on moving my business forward?

I plan to ask myself these simple questions when I am faced with various situations and by doing this, I am hoping to consciously make better decisions, exist in the moment and be living a more loving, healthier, happier life by 2010. In my re-vamped life I will:

ENJOY MORE ... STRESS LESS

LIVE MORE ... WORRY LESS

LOVE MORE ... JUDGE LESS

THINK MORE ... REACT LESS

GIVE MORE ... TAKE LESS

Does Death Ever Knock on the Wrong Door?

2008-12-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

LAUREN AND CHASE

Last week I got a call from my best childhood friend, Tiffany. It was late, around midnight, so I instantly thought "what's wrong?" She told me some tragic news about our good friend Lauren. Her brother was in a boating accident and had been missing for over 48 hours. Your whole body freezes when you hear news like that. Chase and some friends had just taken a ride on a lake in Texas to celebrate being done with finals. His friends set up a Facebook site urging people to pray for the missing Chase, only 23 years old, which quickly grew to over 5000 members. Almost a week later, his body was found in the lake.

When death comes like this, so suddenly, stealing the life of a young guy just out having fun, it's very hard to believe it was this soul's "time to go." It becomes harder, at least for me, to believe that "everything happens for a reason," and that God, or the universe, or whoever you believe in, has a master plan. But, as Derrek told me, if this death was just a pure accident, a truly random event, then that would mean there is no order to our universe at all ... something even harder to swallow. When I look at the way nature functions, I can only believe there is order and a grand scheme being played out each day. The human body, an amazing machine that functions without effort ... that too makes me believe in a higher power and that there is a reason for everything.

But then a death like this catapults a huge boulder into the smoothly moving gears of my mind and I question all I believe and wonder ... is every event just a random happening on this big ball flying through space? No. It can't be, right?

Please pray for my friend Lauren and the Bergfeld family and everyone who knew and still loves Chase. Meditate, send out energy, do what works for you and help this family unit heal and understand this time in their lives.

Friends have set up a memorial fund for the family. Donations can be made at any Bank of America location.

Chase Bergfeld Memorial Fund
Bank of America
2900 West Davis St.
Conroe, Tx. 77304
(936) 539-0299

You can also donate at:
http://chasebergfeld.blogspot.com/

With Gratitude for Living Each Day
~L~

DOG SAVES DOG!!!

2008-12-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is the most amazing, touching video about 2 dogs, who clearly mean a lot to each other. We often forget how emotional animals truly are ... I think they're more emotional than humans a lot of the time. Only 52 seconds of your time and you'll think of doggies in a whole new way!

4 Peculiar Suns Appear

2008-12-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

This video is really interesting ... do you think 4 small suns really appeared? I don't know what to make of it ... but I like it ;) So I'm sharing - now go eat a cupcake and think on this unique clip!

Farms Moving Into Sky Scrapers?? Maybe!

2008-12-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

Derrek and I begin building our monolithic dome home in April on some land we bought 30 miles from Aspen. We've been looking for innovative, nifty, neato ways to create a green house where we can grow all of our own fruits and veggies year round before 2012 hits ... (just kidding kind of). This is difficult to do in Colorado where it snows all winter ... but this may be our solution! Pretty amazing ... I'm shocked this guys not super-uber famous by now.

OMEGA GARDEN

3 Great Weeks - 3 Great Men - TOTAL INSPIRATION!

2008-12-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

No, no ... I did not meet someone else ... Derrek is still my one and only (we're actually more in love than ever) but I did meet 3 amazing men in the past 3 weeks while hosting Plum TV ( my new J.O.B) and I feel each one of their stories deserves some "face time" on my little karmic blog. Aspen Co. and the roaring fork valley seems to lure in good people ... real people, sincere people, people with a PASSION for living life. I've been privileged to meet many awesome souls since I arrived in gorgeous June. This months meetings just iced the already wonderfully karmalized cake I've been enjoying here in Colorado.

My first Plum TV interview was with Chris Klug, an Aspen local who started The Chris Klug Foundation after he received a liver transplant which he waited 9 years to get. Derrek and I hiked the mountain you see on our "somewhat daily pic" at night with about 300 other people to support Chris's cause called Summit for Life. Oh, and after he got the liver transplant, he became an Olympic medalist in Snowboarding! Hmmm ... after chatting with this kid, I was feeling PRETTY lame for ever letting a small obstacle in my life stand in the way of a dream.

The following week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shad Ireland, first dialysis patient to complete an Ironman Triathlon! That's a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run!!! WHOAAAAAA MAMA or DADA! His body rejected 2 kidney transplants, so he lives by dialysis everyday week and guess what? He lives his dreams despite his hardships! Makes you take a long hard look at the teensy tiny things we all complain about and let hold us back doesn't it?

I never actually got to meet my third man, but his story still resonated within the walls of my heart. Brad Ludden, world champion kayaker, serious philanthropist, entrepreneur, and oh yeah, Cosmos Most Eligible Bachelor of 2008. This magnificent dude never made it to the Plum TV set ... due to traffic I was told (much to Derrek's relief ... he he.) Nonetheless Brad rocks. He began a free camp, First Descents, for young adults with cancer when he was just 18 years old. He had a killer career going on and yet, he looked outside that huge ego box called "ME" and thought, how can I use my passion to help others? The people attend camps around North America and learn to kayak and do other extreme outdoor sports. Brad's goal is to help them heal on an emotional level and give them confidence as well as the passion to live life fully no matter what! Pretty neat isn't it? Check out Brad's Video.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO LIVE YOUR DREAM AND HELP OTHERS DO THE SAME?

Want to be Happy Everyday? Do this dance!

2008-12-06T22:12:00.000-08:00

GET GRATEFUL. NOT A LITTLE GRATEFUL. A LOT GRATEFUL. GET THERE.
DO IT NOW. DO THIS DANCE :)

The Best Habit to Have ...

2008-12-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

I've always loved the holidays because people are nicer to each other. You notice it, especially in big cities like LA. Here in Aspen, people are pretty nice all year long, but this cheery season still makes people think more about others. While browsing some other "karmalized" blogs, I saw one woman's explanation of why this time of year is so special. People everywhere are in a heightened state of awareness ... their consciousness is raised up toward their higher self and people are more kind, loving, selfless,and giving. This is the kind of awareness we must embody 365 days each year.

No matter what your current situation is with money, relationships, your career, etc. remember there is always SOMETHING you can do to make someones day a little easier, a bit brighter, and sometimes all it takes is a smile. Give more when you think you cannot give and more will come to you. Search you soul for what you can do to help another soul today, tonight, this holiday season, and this coming year. Thoughtful kindness feels so good ... it becomes a habit and that kind of habit can save our world. Just try it out for a few days ... goodness always feels better than the alternative!

One World, One Family

2008-12-04T23:38:00.000-08:00

Last night Derrek and I went to grab dinner in the bar at our favorite hotel In Aspen, The St. Regis. As we sat there by a warm fire eating a delicious ham a gruyere cheese sandwich, we noticed 2 other parties in the bar and grinned ... each was super multi-ethnic. Black, Asian, White, Indian ... I have to say rather unusual for Aspen but wonderful to see! Our world is melding, melting into one family like chocolate melts into cream and makes a decadent ganache! It warmed our souls to see old barriers disappearing on this cold winters night.

With Gratitude for Human Kind
~L&D~

2 "GOOD" THINGS THAT ARE VERY BAD 4 U!

2008-12-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

This video is one of the BEST Derrek has sent me because the information is very important but not widely known. It's not fun stuff to hear, but there is a reason many countries in Europe have banned fluoridation in their water! Also, think twice before getting a flu shot this year ... the flu is better than pumping your body with mercury which is in thimerosal, the preservative used for most flu shots! Yikes! You can find thimerosal free flu shots, but it's hard.

49,275 Things We Are Thankful For!!!!!

2008-11-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

Derrek and I are thankful for so many things it's hard to count! But there are 4 basic things we are most thankful for ... simple things, crucial things, though we often take them for granted! We are very lucky, very fortunate because every day since we were born we've been blessed with enough food, clean water, shelter, health, and love. It's easy to forget that many people don't have all 5 of these necessary luxuries everyday. We have been blessed with them 365 days a year for 27 and 31 years respectively ... giving us around 49, 275 things to be thankful for!!!!!!

With Gratitude for Great Food and Friends
L&D

Don't judge ... just listen.

2008-11-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

This is pretty interesting considering the information is coming from a member in the catholic church. No judgment here ... just take it all in ;)

A TOUR THROUGH OUR REALITY

2008-11-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Derrek sent me this video ... another amazing clip he found at stumbleupon.com. Take a few minutes to watch and walk away with a new view on what IS and what is not REALITY!

Derrek's Creation Story

2008-11-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

TIBETAN REINDEER

Recently, my man has taken his hobby of crafting leather and copper to a new level. He is a creative to the core and has a passion for animals, especially D.O.G.'s ! This summer he opened D. Haft, a boutique company that makes custom dog collars. He's worked SO hard and I could not be more proud of my insanely talented man ... so yes, I'm shamelessly promoting him here on our blog.

DOME

However, besides wanting him to succeed, there is another reason for this post. Derrek is happier than he's been in a long time and we both feel it's because he is constantly creating and working on something he's passionate about. When you are painting or writing or even building a website, when your mind is fully engaged, you live in the present moment and it is in the moment that we find bliss.

If you have a special dog in your family this is the perfect Christmas gift for any extraordinary pooch. You can see more of D's work by click here. Feel free to call him if you want to create a unique dog collar of your own!

NOEL

With Gratitude for Creative Spirits

~L~

Post Office Angel ~ Best Story of the Year!

2008-11-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

I got this in an e-mail forward from a special friend of mine who I met while doing yoga in Aspen. Someone sent it to her and I am thankful she shared it with me. Pass this story on to anyone you know ... we can all appreciate this type of gift! The letter brought a smile to my face and even Derrek got a little teary eyed as I read it to him. Let's ALL try and be as kind and thoughtful to fellow human beings as a person was to this little girl!

With the deepest gratitude for earthly miracles

~L&D~

THE E-MAIL READ:

"This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith, and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' ....in an unfamiliar hand writing. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies'. Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank yo ur mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love, God

The White Envelope

2008-11-14T20:20:00.002-08:00

Tonight I was in Carl's Pharmacy ... an iconic store in Aspen where you go to buy everything from organic eye cream and cheese whiz to art supplies. I was at the check out counter purchasing 3 of my favorite Alba lip balm (BEST LIP STUFF) when I remembered I needed an envelope. I asked the clerk where I could find them, but they were located upstairs and honestly, I was just feeling too lazy to make the climb and told him so. He turned around, shuffled through some papers and handed me a white envelope. "Do you just need one?" he asked. "Yup, just one. Thanks." Right then, I remembered the Karmalized cash, still in my wallet. I thought about giving him the dollar as thanks for the good karma but then I saw a little plastic bucket for a kids charity. "Perfect! What a great way to begin circulating this karmalized dollar," I thought and dropped it in.

WiTh GrAtItUdE for small acts of kindness
~L~

What We REALLY Are ... No Offense

2008-11-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

This little video is definitely worth the 4 minutes it takes to watch it! You'll laugh, you'll be slightly offended, you'll question your purpose as a human here on earth, and you'll think ... how interesting and silly, but true this is! At least that's what I thought. What do you think? Enjoy the show.

Karmalized Cash

2008-11-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

I came up with this idea last week after a perfect stranger paid my $10.00 parking fee since I held the elevator door for him. I took the $10 and wrote around the perimeter, "This is $10 is an act of good karma. Pass it on to someone in need or use it for a special good deed." I wrote the same thing on a $5 and $1 bill. I believe the "rate of return" on this small investment will be priceless. 1 bill passes through thousands of hands and is seen by thousands of eyes before it gets put out of circulation. If only 1/3 of the people who get this "Karmalized Cash" actually pass it on for a selfless reason, many lives will be touched and karmalized!

I haven't given my Karmalized Cash away yet ... but there are tons of ways to use it ... give your coffee bar person a $10 tip, leave the bill in a random place and let someone else discover it, or just hand a few Karmalized $1 bills to people on the street and say ... pass it on. The money will help those who need to spend it and hopefully be used for good deeds by those of us who can afford to give it away. An amazing teacher once told me "Give like you have it, and one day you will. Then give even more." Make some Karmalized Cash today and you'll know when it's time to give it away :)

With Gratitude for Selfless Acts

~L&D~

Corporate Karma from LA to India

2008-11-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

I'm back in Aspen and the snow on the ground seems grand at the moment, but I wanted to report one more inspiring story of good karma from my trip to LA. Century City is a corporate mecca; Skyscrapers over 25 floors high dominate the small but powerful city and suits decorate the streets in mass. True, I'm judging, but it's just not somewhere I'd expect to have a conversation about karma, unless I was at Equinox, taking yoga. What I'm discovering while writing this blog however, is karma really CAN and DOES turn up everywhere. All you have to do, (as cornball as it may sound) is be open to receiving karmic energy.

On my elevator ride down from the 15th floor of one of the massive buildings (after my dental cleaning,) a gentleman in a suit got on. He got out in the lobby and I heard him say he was on the wrong floor so I held the door so he could travel on to his final destination. He smiled, and said "thanks, where would I be without you?" "On the wrong floor," I replied with a grin. He told me it was good karma, holding the door, so I gave him a karmalizedlife card and told him to check out this blog.

When we got to the parking garage, he paid for my parking, to repay the karma I guess. Ten bucks from a total stranger! I saved that $10 bill and plan to pass it along to another person when the time seems right. That's how this works ... you have to pass goodness on! More touching than paying my parking fee however, was the story he told me:

"I'm travel all over the world for business," he began. "One time, my car broke down in a small village in India. It seemed like the whole town came out to help me get the thing fixed. When they finally did, I wanted to offer them compensation, but all they wanted was my BIC ball point pen. I gave them that with a business card. Many months later, I received a thick letter in the mail. Each child in the village had written me something using the pen I gave them, until the ink ran out on the last page." I could see this big-time business man had been truly touched by their gesture. I thank him for sharing that story. It made me smile all week!

Do something kind for a stranger today and ask them to pass it on!
With Gratitude for random karmic kindness
~L~

A Karmic Dental Experience

2008-11-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

I don't LOVE going to the dentist ... who does ... but I am neurotic about keeping my teeth cavity free. A few days ago I went to Dr. Dorfman (great place if you need an LA dentist) for my 6 month cleaning. It's a large office so unless you specify, you'll get a different hygienist each time. This time I got Suzie. I am a complete baby when it comes to any sort of discomfort or pain, so I decided to close my eyes and try to meditate through this cleaning session. About halfway through plaque removal (so fun), Suzie and I discovered we were both foodies. Hooray! I quit attempting to meditating and enjoyed the rest of my time there as she told be about her large home garden right here in LA! (See Derrek, we did not need to move to Colorado after all!) She grows fresh lettuce, in season veggies and fruit. I think that it's so karmalized that she found a way to get close to the "land" and all mother earth can provide while living in a large city. I for one left the dentist feeling very inspired and that's never happened before :) I'll try to get Suzie to e-mail some pics of her harvest and post them here!

With Gratitude for Fresh Produce

~L~

Inspired in LA

2008-10-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm swimming in Karmic Heaven! Last time I returned to LA after being in Aspen, Co. for a few months, I experienced something similar and was shocked at how karmalized Angelinos really are. I've only been back 2 days, but I already have 3 stellar good karma moments to share! Here's #1

GOOD KARMA ON WILSHIRE BLVD:

My favorite place to get a cheap but very good mani-pedi in LA is Wendy Nails. It's a tiny little shop tucked away on Wilshire Blvd. just east of Robertson. I went yesterday and stumbled upon an interesting boutique just 2 doors down from the nail place called MADE TO INSPIRE. The writing in the window drew me inside ... it said something like, live life with love, laugh, inspire ... all gushy feel good things. I had a nice chat with the sales woman and picked up a little black t-shirt by courierfontwear that says "GIVE MORE THAN YOUR SHARE." I like the shirt, but what I loved more was the tag. It's a plastic card that reads:

"Personal Mission Statement

From this moment forward I resolve to live my life

with integrity and purpose, operating from principle,

not ego, in order that I may inspire love and trust

by being an example to all; I understand that life is sacred

and, therefore, will not judge nor deny another my

unconditional love; I will seek only to be of service

and understand that as long as I align myself with

the Power and Wisdom of the Universe,

I have nothing to fear."

- tag on t by courierfontwear

With Gratitude for Creative Businesses

~L~

The Ideal Way to go GREEN!

2008-10-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

I found this site in Woman's Health Magazine. It's one of those "great ideas" that makes you wonder ... "why didn't i think of that?" Anyway, I've been off blog duty for a while since I was "stranded" in Lake Tahoe ( my home town) with no internet to be found. (YAY! for about 3 days, annoying after that.) It's 10pm and I'm tired but I wanted to get back to the blogsphere so here's a quick post for you to nibble on :) Check out Ideal Bite and get your green on, in a very user friendly way of course.

With Gratitude for Easy Green Living & Great Ideas!
~L&D~

Hope or Hate?

2008-10-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

How can we be so evolved in many meaningless ways, yet so completely primal in areas of evolution that truly matter? For example, our capacity to love, accept, and respect every member of the human race. It is in this area that many seem to be permanently stuck in the stone age.

Overall, I have little interest in the puppet show called politics ... but I have to say, there seems to be something bigger happening this election year. This is not just another race to be won. Thousands of people, who, like myself, would normally take little to no interest in the election, are now some of the most active, interested Americans! Why? Why are there hundreds of creative videos being made on youtube in support of Obama? Why are everyday civilians taking time out of their busy lives to create inspiring messages for him? It's hard to find even 1 youtube video a McCain supporter has made out of their genuine interest in his campaign.

Can Obama really change everything or anything in Washington? Who knows ... who knows who really wields the golden reigns up on that hill. But guess what? Obama, win or lose, has already made a HUGE CHANGE! He has inspired the "un-inspirable." He has impressed the generation that cannot be impressed, and he has initiated a movement in a country that has stood still for many, many years. For the first time in a LONG TIME, people who don't follow politics care and that alone is change enough for me.

A very special person sent me this video, and it brought me to tears. As a 26 year old girl from California, I have seen very little of this type of HATE, but it does still exist and at the moment, it's rearing its UGLY, SICKLY, IGNORANT head in many parts of "the land of the free."

Please watch and ponder this scenario: A loved one is terribly ill, at risk of dying, and the only Dr. who can operate on them happens to be someone who, on paper, you dislike or even hate. This doctor practices eastern medicine, you're unfamiliar and uncomfortable with that. He doesn't talk like a typical doctor.This doctor is a democrat, you're a devout republican. This doctor is a black man. You happen to be racist. This doc's name alone makes you cringe and think "terrorism," because that's what you've been told to think by the powers that be. This doctor is young, you're, well, old. He's different from any doctor you've ever known. You don't like him, but you LOVE the person he is going to TRY and save. He is the ONLY DOCTOR who can try to bring your loved one back to you. Do you let him treat your daughter, husband, wife, son, mother, brother, best friend, mom, dad? Do you set aside your stubborn differences to give your loved one a fighting chance?

Our GREAT NATION, our loved one, is extremely sick.
Obama is the only doctor who has any chance of saving us at all.
We need some different medicine, even if it is experimental, and for some of us, uncomfortable.

The Time Has Come: INTERCONNECT

2008-10-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Obama, no matter what his platforms, is one step closer to "Oneness" and a thousand steps away from separateness.

In Thear - E

2008-10-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a land ... the beings that inhabited the land believed their home to be ancient, but in truth, it was very young. Thear began as a vision, conceptualized by the great mystic Nus. Male nor female, Nus had the ability to materialize anything it saw clearly though the third eye. At one point in time, Nus drifted into a state of conscience awareness while sleeping, and Thear was born. A large globe, covered with water and a few barren spots of land, that was all. Nothing should have come of the planet. Nus had created millions of planets before, never with this much water, but nothing had ever come of them. They spun off into the universe, ne'er to be seen again.
Time passed and this planet remained in the same spot, there to see, every time Nus passed through the Yaw Ykilm galaxy. Curious Nus was, though not bothered. Time flowed on as it does. Thear did not move, but settled into a swirling, cosmic current that kept it from disappearing into space. Marinating in the same spot for centuries, The Life Process began. Nus noticed this, the lands turning green, small organisms growing under the great waters, but didn't think it would ever disturb the overall well being of the universe. For once in eternity, Nus was wrong.
TBC ... one day

With Gratitude for Space in My Mind
~L~

Misplaced Space

2008-10-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

Center of a Crop Circle: Avebury, England

Derrek's in Kauai for 2 weeks with Rob (his bff, yes guys have those too). For the first time, I'm alone in Aspen, in the apartment, with his dogs, my thoughts and feelings. And I'm feeling like I'm only living here for him and now that he's gone I'm thinking "Why the hell am I here?" That's known as "putting all your organic happiness eggs in one basket," which EVERYONE knows is not smart. I was/am planning on using this time to find a life in Aspen outside of Sir. Haft, but I feel quite uninspired to do so. Mentally, I am unwilling to begin growing roots here and I must ask myself why? So ... I wrote this:

MISPLACED SPACE

Breathe in, breathe out
Slow down enough to notice
Where are you now ... now that he's gone?

Slow breath, in deep
Eyes closed, can't sleep
Where, tell me where are you now?

Where did the you go?
The one you said you'd always know ...
The only one you can't let slip away.

Silence speak louder
Than any conversation
And it's screaming you have lost your way.

So now sitting, slowly breathing
How can I climb back inside myself?
Live life for me, my life only, stop living life for someone else.

If You Haven't Seen This ... WATCH!

2008-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen Zeitgeist and your wondering what the %&#*#@& is going on with our world today, watch it before October 2rd, when part 4 debuts at the LA Artivist's Film Fest and online.
Part 3 is all about the Federal Banking system and extra interesting in times like these.

Here's a sneak peek!

Shelter from the Storm

2008-09-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

How sheltered is too sheltered? Living in Aspen is a lot like living in a bubble that's virtually impossible to pop. Every morning I read about turmoil in the rest of the world ... the crisis on Wall Street, the dark cavernous valley our economy finds itself in today, the war on "terrorism." But around here you would never know the zeitgeist of the times is dismal. What makes Aspen so impervious to the woes of the world? The easy answer is the affluent residents that support the town, no matter what's happening on Wall Street ... but surely some of the wealthiest lost out over the past few weeks, no? There must be something bigger that keeps Aspen "safe."
I was hiking to American Lake at 7am, the morning after everything when bust. All of a sudden, I stopped dead in my tracks, not because I saw a bear, but because of the gargantuan mountain looming in front of me. The silent stillness of early morning in the wilderness surrounded me like a cocoon. Tiny white butterflies flew around, riding gentle zephyrs. On the ground, a jet black beetle made it's way to wherever ... with no plans, no sense of urgency, and no idea what was "really" going on in the world that day ... rather strange given that animals have an innate way of knowing before something catastrophic happens. They head for higher ground days before tsunamis hit and sense earthquakes far before we predict them. So, why were all the animals completely calm before, during and after the recent economic crash? Clearly, on a cosmic and universal level, it just wasn't that threatening or important. We can learn so much from nature and the way it responds to things.
The trees were still growing, the sun was still shining, the Aspen leaves were still turning their annual palate of sunset shades. Nothing on Wall Street was affecting the awe inspiring nature that surrounds this little tucked-away town. Standing on the top of a mountain at 11, 000 ft and staring up at another mountain that's who knows how high, I felt small and insignificant but calm and strong at the same time. You realize, if only for one moment, how trivial the society we've constructed is compared to Mother Earth. She has been here long before public companies, big business brokerage firms, and the Fed. Not one market in the world could crash hard enough to bring a mountain range crumbling down. We don't control everything like we think we do. In fact we control very little that matters.

So, do I feel guilty living in this beautiful bubble? Is it making me "soft?" Maybe, but the last thing we need is more humans, hardened by the society-created chaos that currently ensues.

With Gratitude for Bubbles and Aspen in the Autumn
~L~

Enjoy Uncertainty

2008-09-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

Until I met Derrek, my life was full of certainties ... little rules I set up for myself and often expected those around me to live by. Plans and daily routines made everything just right, so nothing would go wrong of course. Well, Derrek, I believe, is my soul mate, but the D man knows nothing of rules, plans, or routines. Lately this has caused a bit of, shall we say, confusion in our relationship. He cannot understand why on earth I think we must make our bed everyday complete with decorative pillows and I cannot for the life of me fathom how he can sleep in until 12 noon each day and let the floor be his closet. Hmmmm ... who's right? Neither one of us you see ... we're just different. We must compromise and learn from each other.
So ladies and gentlemen, I am trying to do just that. I am attempting to be more spontaneous, less regimented, and embrace the freedom that uncertainty gives you. At the moment I don't have a set schedule because, well, I'm somewhat jobless. This may sound like a walk in the park/day at the beach but truth be told, it's irritating the hell out of me. I almost took a very un-Lindsay-like corporate job at Louis Vuitton today just to have certainty and routine back in my life. Why? Why would I do that? What is SO bad about uncertainty? Our society has trained us to live in this little box ... we live in boxes, drive to work in a box to sit in a cubicle box, then go home to watch TV on a box and sometimes we mix it up and eat dinner on a circular plate, but many of us, eat dinner out of a ... you guessed it: box. (Zeitgeist) I WANT TO GET OUTSIDE THE BOX!
So, I am throwing away the box life I've been told to lead and moving to an abstract shape full of uncertainty. I am planning on writing a cookbook despite all the things I've read about how HARD it is to get published if you're not famous or on TV at the very least. So ... 1 st step, get on TV. I'm screen testing for Plum TV in Aspen next Monday. Yay! Wish me luck and I hope to see you outside the box! EMBRACE UNCERTAINTY NOW. Derrek is living proof that it's more fun.

With Gratitude for Uncertainty
~L~

Karma in the City

2008-09-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

So ...... clearly, I am not great at blogging and traveling at the same time. I'm just back from a month in sunny, palm tree laden California, my state I miss so much. It's great to go between 2 homes but easy to feel lost in translation. (Cliche yes, but I don't care.) On August 13th I boarded a plane headed for the Golden State planning to spend 2 weeks, but 14 days somehow turned into 32 days ... oops! Derrek drove to La La Land and we went to San Fran for a few nights. I ENJOY that City so much it's kinda perverse, but more on that later.

After being in Aspen since June, the first few days back in LA felt weird. It was like returning to your old house and noticing, for the first time, its peculiar smell ... you never notice stuff like that until you leave and come back. There is a harsh energy in the city that's quick to wrap itself around anyone feeling the slightest bit vulnerable and out of place. By day 4 though, all that crazy energy was fueling my soul and I felt energized & peaceful. Maybe it was the Zen calm of Aspen radiating from within, or perhaps people everywhere are just becoming cooler and more genuine, but I, we, met an unusual amount of karmalized, spiritual humans in the most random places while in LA & San Fran.

First karmalized stranger: I was waiting in line at Loehmann's, one of my favorite bargain shopping joints, when the girl behind me asked if I was spending over $100, which I'll admit I was, but I bought A LOT for around $225! D-E-A-L. Anyway, she gave me a coupon she had for %30 off since it expired the next day and she was spending less than the required $100. SO very karmalized of her ... thank you wherever you are :)

Next karma stop: San Fran TAXI DRIVERS! Yes sir, the guys who scared my parents and I years ago, whizzing up the stupidly steep SF hills and screeching to nauseating stops, seem to have been replaced by mellow, kind, and yes even spiritual cab drivers. By the end of our trip, we were wondering if their was some kind of peaceful taxi driver movement taking place.

The first guy flipped a u-turn just to pick us up from Ghirardelli Square. As thanks, we gave him a Duet Chocolate Bar. "This is a little good karma coming your way," I said. "Pass it on." You guys believe in Karma?" he asked. "Very much we do!" "More people need to believe in such things" he grinned. Next we had Dikesh Maskey from Nepal who couldn't have been sweeter and told us to visit his country in our lifetime since it is a very friendly, spiritual place. His business card read, "Reliable transportation with good conversation." Call him next time your in San Fransisco (650-793-0157). Another guy asked Derrek to take his hand out of the window so it didn't get hit by a bus or crazy driver. Silence ensued until we got out ... then the driver said, "You are both very kind. Stay that way." I felt like I was in a movie called Sacred Messages from Yellow Cab. On the way back from Haight Ashbury, our cab driver was a lady, and while she didn't say much, we could tell she'd been smoking something peaceful :).

Our final cab ride in SF was almost our final cab ride period. As we took off from a red light, an oncoming car veered into our lane nearly hitting us head on. If the driver hadn't swerved so quickly, well ... who knows. He was really shaken up and talked to us for the rest of the drive. He said he saw his whole life flash before his eyes and never before had he been in an accident. He was a safe driver, he said, not one of those crazy guys. He told us how lucky we must all feel for everyday above ground. Each driver was different ... young, old, Korean, Middle-Eastern, Nepalese ... but all delivered one soulful message of kindness, good karma, and love.

With Gratitude for Karmalized Cabbies & Coupons

~L&D~

A Question for You ... Yes You!

2008-08-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Are you happy and fulfilled or just busy?

It's easy to confuse the two. Remember, permanent happiness can only come from within. Everything on the outside that makes you "happy" is temporary, fleeting.

With Gratitude for Happiness,

~L~

Shoe Box Time Machine

2008-08-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

MY 1ST DAY ON EARTH

I just traveled back in time via shoe box. Well, via the contents of a shoe box actually, and no, I don't mean a stellar pair of vintage Chanel shoes. This old shoe box held heaps of photographs from my childhood. Most of the pics I hadn't seen since the year they were taken and BOY can a picture bring back memories with a large side dish of untainted emotions. From seeing myself as a baby, little fat hands clinging desperately to my Dad's big arm to photos of my first high school prom ... a trip into my past was exactly what I need tonight.

NEW BORN BABY or just consciousness in disguise?
I'm almost done reading A NEw EartH and THe Way of the PeaceFul WarRior. Sometimes it's easy to get completely immersed in the various "spiritual" ways of thinking and forget how simple and wonderful our human experience is. I mean, I get it, we're all the same, all one, because at our roots, we are all consciousness. True (I think). I understand my purest essence is not REALLY Lindsay L. Jones, 26 year old female, self-professed creative, albeit confused, culinary fanatic. That is simply how I have been taught to perceive myself. However, looking through all those pictures tonight, reliving precious single moments, family vacations, ice skating competitions ... I felt strongly connected to my human "avatar" Miss Lindsay L. Jones. Those photos, those events, have been the thread that has woven my life together up to the present day. So why is it so important that we re-connect with our spirit bodies while in our human bodies? Can't we just enjoy this ride for what it is? Maybe that's the answer. Feel free to enjoy the human experience, this earthen roller coaster ride, as long as you realize that's exactly what it is ... one more experience, another event, in the endless vibrational, in the eternal. Whatever the case, at the moment ... I'm feeling very content with my life, past, present, and future.

The Necessary Bucket of Ice Water

2008-08-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Why aren't more people talking about 2012? If disaster is going to strike our world, putting the earth "out of business," changing our planet's geography and climate completely, why then are so many people in the dark on this subject? Derrek has done quite a bit of research about this highly prophesied year, this 2012, and we're both still confused. Recently though, I came across this piece of writing by Michael Brown ... author of The Presence Process, who we just saw speak in Aspen. The light he shed on this gray area subject seemed to me, the best information I've found thus far ... so I felt I had to share it with all my loyal karmalizedlife readers! ha ha, all 3 or 4 of you :)

Please click on this link to read "Here Comes the Sun" by Michael Brown.

Also, cruise around his website when you feel the urge ... great stuff. He's published by the same people who publish Eckhart Tolle ... just FYI.

With Gratitude for Today and What's to Come,

~L~

Don't Forget to Groove

2008-08-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in the bar at The St. Regis, my new favorite place to blog late night, while sipping sparkling wine (poor man's champagne :) Usually it's a very quiet spot, but tonight a deep, velvety sound is pulsing throughout the packed room as a live band "BooCoo" plays soulful beats. Today, everything seemed to be reminding me to "groove." In other words, don't take life too seriously ... in fact, it's probably wiser not to take life seriously at all. Lately I've been so worried and confused about what I'm going to do for work up here in Aspen. Today, I killed that worry.

After my 9am yoga class, I had another nice chat with my friend/mentor who helped guide me in a very intuitive way last week. Her words reassured me that worrying was not necessary ... work, a career, a job would come to me when the time was right. Later, reading A New Earth over coffee at Zele's, the chapters came across as if he was speaking to my situation directly. My entire life I have been pretty serious, especially as a child. I've always been driven and hard on myself, taking life so seriously. In LA, it's hard to take yourself seriously, so i got away from it, but since moving here, worry seems to have returned. After reading these excerpts, I felt a great sense of release and lightness towards life.

"Nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom an enlightened living."

"When you are no longer totally identified with forms, consciousness - who you are - becomes freed from its imprisonment in form. The freedom is the arising of inner space. It comes as a stillness, a subtle peace deep within you, even in the face of something seemingly bad ... Suddenly there is space around the event ... Now you can enjoy and honor the things of this world (material, formed based things) without giving them an importance and significance they don't have." (i.e. a promotion, new purse, or new job.)

"Whenever you are upset about an event, a person, or a situation, the real cause is not the event, person or situation, but a loss of true perspective that only space can provide." - Eckhart Tolle

After reading all this in my Tolle book, I decided to let go and stop taking this job hunting process SUPER SERIOUSLY ... and guess what? I landed a writing gig a few hours later for The Aspen Sojourner magazine. So remember, we are living our lives on a large playground called "Earth." Everything we experience here is fleeting and temporary, so enjoy it while it lasts, but don't get too attached for your own sanity, and don't forget to groove ... daily :)

Are You Awake?

2008-08-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

tAKE 15 MINUTES for you ToDAY AND watch this video clip ... then ask yourself, are you awake? If not, the blog I post next will wake you up like a blue bucket of ice water! Sounds fun, huh? My mom used to pull my toes to make me wake up when I was little and late for school ... because sometimes, you just HAVE TO WAKE UP!

Innerspace and all that... (Sufism)

Tossed Into the Universe

2008-08-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Could it be true that all we must do is ask in order to receive? Is it that simple? My experiences over the past few days are leading to me believe that yes dear friends, it is that simple. A few days ago, after a rejuvenating outdoor yoga session, I began chatting with one of the girls from class. We ended up having a 30 minute heart to heart conversation in the locker room, mainly discussing my recent confusion about life here in Aspen vs. life in LA. It was as though she had read the post I wrote the night before "Torn in 2," but I knew she hadn't. By posting that blog, I tossed my questions, my concerns, out into the vast universe, and received unbelievable guidance almost immediately. This perfect stranger seemed like a beacon, sent to inform me that I don't have to choose one path over another ... that I can nurture my spiritual interests and still enjoy this material playground, "real-eyes-ing" that's all it is. My new friend also told me about an interesting person who was speaking in Aspen the following day who I might enjoy experiencing.

Derrek and I went to see the man she told me about, Michael Brown, author of The Presence Process. His words also seemed to provide valuable insight for me at this time. Lastly, someone from my gateway program at The Monroe Institute who read my blog, sent me an e-mail, very pertinent to my "Torn in 2" posting. The information was actually not his advice, but rather simple truths, bubbling up from the oneness, that we, as ego entrenched beings have long forgotten. Thanks for that J.

So ask, ask, ask ... it doesn't matter who you ask, or how you ask, as long as you get the question out into the collective consciousness, the all knowing universe, the vibrational, then wait, with an open heart, for guidance.

With Gratitude for Asking & Receiving
~L~

Torn in 2

2008-07-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

Today I am torn between two lives, two paths, two places. 5 years ago when I moved to Hollywood, I wanted everything glamorous and frankly materialistic that can be found in LA. Stardom, sure, the best shopping, check, the finest restaurants ... well ... at least they're celebrity filled. I wanted to play on the playground that most people just watch on E! news each day.

When I met Derrek last year, I was feeling burnt and jaded by the glittering city. I was craving something more substantial than a Pomegranate martini at the Standard on Sunset. He breathed fresh Colorado air into my smog filled lungs and it felt wonderful.

So, here I sit today, in my new "down to earth" home wondering why I am SOOOO damn home sick for La La Land? Don't I want to live a pure & spiritual life free from egotistical pressures and shallow worries? I'm currently reading The Way of the Peaceful Warrior and it sure does sound peaceful! But still, I find myself unable to squelch my dreams of working in the entertainment industry ... the very least spiritual industry on earth (beside politics). Yesterday I hiked "The Ute," a hard-core vertical climb, straight up. When I reached the top I sat down on a huge boulder to meditate despite my nausea. I never made it to that peaceful place known in meditation as "the black pearl," because thoughts kept swooping in and disrupting the calm.

Is it my destiny to live a quiet life on a ranch in Missouri Heights, Co (where we bought land)? Should I devote myself fully to a wide array of spiritual practices and become a yogi to find inner peace and everlasting happiness? I'm a 26 year old girl from a 1 stoplight town and I feel torn between man made reality and the ethereal world.

Dalai Lama = Partial Peace

2008-07-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama spoke in Aspen this past Saturday. We were lucky enough to get lawn tickets, seating outside the tent where he gave his "informal chat," but the experience was quite different from what we expected. People were not as euphoric and love-filled as one might think they would be at such an event. Many, including Derrek and myself, were desperately trying to catch a glimpse of him through windows in the tent. We finally found a spot where we could see his contagious grin if we squatted down, peered under the railing and around the ushers ass ... I mean tush:) Derrek decided to climb over the railing to ask the usher if he could please move a bit to the right so we could all see and was promptly told to get back behind the barrier before he got shot. Ummmm ... excuse me what ?%#*%&#*@?? The volunteer who spoke these unkarmalized words was surely "joking" but none the less, a surprising thing to hear while seeing the greatest spiritual leader of our time. We also overheard a unique conversation that went something like this: "We just need to give Tibet a bunch of guns and tell them to build an army and fight off China. You just gotta take what's yours." Hmmm ... hopefully His Holiness got through to that person.

We finally retreated to the grass and to listen to the important words the Dalai Lama surely had for all of us. I laid back on my blue beach towel and closed my eyes. Although I could only understand about every other sentence due the poor sound system/language barrier, 1 clear message came through, vital and simple ... delivered by "a simple monk" as he so often refers to himself. The message, in summary, was this: To create peace and harmony in this modern world, we must first look within and find inner peace. That personal peace will then spill out and touch our immediate family, our community, our social circles. You can only truly be responsible for yourself, so focus your energy on being compassionate, kind, and living life from a place of love. It is then that you will help others do the same.

What Do You Do?

2008-07-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

"What do you do?" The omnipresent phrase that plagues our Western society by forcing people to define themselves by their work. What do you do? In France it's actually considered quite rude to ask someone what they do for work, unless you know them well enough. I wonder what defines "well enough?" In the good ole' USA, it's as common as asking someone their name.

As you may or may not know I've just moved to Aspen, Colorado with my fiance Derrek. People keep asking me what I do and at the moment, I don't do. Actually, I'm doing a lot, but I'm not doing anything that makes money. So what should I say? Sometimes I'll answer, "Whatever I want," in a joking sort of way, but usually, I say I'm "in transition." What I want to say is "I'm in the business of enjoying life and learning to live in the present moment. If you would like to learn how, call me at this number." But I'm afraid of the strange looks I might get and I am trying to make friends in this small town, not isolate myself.

So, what is it that I want to do? Well there's plenty I want to do before I say farewell to Earthland. But what career(s)do I want to have? It changes every hour; I want to cook and get paid for it. I want to write for the Aspen magazines so I can go to all the "uber cool" events they have here. I want to own a multi-million dollar company called "Spotless," a household invention I came up with. I also want to open a gourmet cupcake/cookie shop, oh and somehow, I still dream of being and entertainer/actress. AND I'm 26 ... so you tell me ... what do I do?

1 Road to Happiness

2008-07-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

What does traveling do for the soul? Why is it such an enticing notion to fly across endless oceans or drive cross country through territory unknown? After spending 3 invigorating weeks in Europe, I have some answers.

In short: Traveling to unfamiliar places makes it easier for us to live in the present moment which is where we are the happiest.
In long: Foreign cities thrust us into strange situations that scoop us out of our comfort zone, make us perk up and pay attention to the everyday details of life that we take for granted on our own turf. We regain our childlike wonder and something as simple as a tiny grocery store filled with unrecognizable foods can hold our attention for hours. Now let's be clear: Laying around at some resort you've been to 5 years in a row is not traveling; it's vacationing. Travel and vacation can mingle, but they are two different animals. A vacation is meant to relax you, while true traveling titillates the senses from every angle. (I recognize their are few times when the word "titillate" can be taken seriously. This is one of those times.)
For me, vacations zip on by but when I travel time sloooowwws down. Waaaaaaaaaay down.
Remember how long summer vacation lasted when you were 7 year old? It seemed like an eternity. That's because children live in the moment naturally. Learning to embrace and accept circumstance in the now (whatever the circumstance may be) is vital to longterm happiness. Traveling is one of the easiest ways to re-learn the power and the joy, of living in the present moment.

It's Greek to Me!

2008-07-10T01:52:00.000-07:00

YahSU! ("Hello" in phonetic Greek) to anyone and everyone who happens to read this! Long time no blog for KarmalizedLife ... but as of next week I'll be back to my regular (almost) daily blogging. Derrek and I are in Greece at the moment on the island of Naxos. Words will not do this unique place justice so I'll be posting tons of Derrek's pictures from this Europe trip to England and Greece when we get back to the good ole' USA :) We found crop circles in Wessex county in the UK. I must tell you they were far more phenomenal than I could have imagined. More on that later!

NEW THOUGHT: When I left LA I wrote the "nearly arrested for picnicking" post, which I ended as "to be continued," but I'm quickly learning, life doesn't always continue in the way we expect it to and sometimes, a moment is lost and you just have to move forward and pay attention to what is happening in the present. I'm sure I'll finish writing that story when the time seems right. The lesson I learned that day was truly vital to my journey towards a more karmalized, enlightened life.

Anyway, now I'm off the wake up Derrek's sleepy little self so we can continue to soak up this experience we both feel so very lucky to be enjoying at this time in our lives. I hope you have a day unlike any other and remember this when your living daily life - knowing about something is very different than knowing something ... i.e. knowing about Greece is very different than living in Greece for awhile and knowing it's true essence. This also applies to knowing yourself versus knowing about yourself.

Bear Hugging Big Changes

2008-06-20T23:33:00.000-07:00

Why is change so $&*#@$&@*@# hard? Is it worth it? After 2 straight weeks of nothing but changes in my life, I'd have to say yes ... choose change whenever you get the chance and experience a life of never ending growth spurts!

Stop Picnicking ... We'll Call the Police!

2008-06-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

How does a girl (me), so committed to "World Karmalization," to become a mad, raving bitch? By being selfish, ego-engrossed and stubborn, that's how. When I met Derrek just over a year ago, he went above and beyond to make me fall head over toes in LOVE with him ... from the hot air balloon ride to a romantic day at Disney Land. Before he drove back to Colorado, I desperately wanted to surprise him with something equally as fabulous, but my bank account was curiously low, so I got creative and took him on a "treasure hunt." Little note cards held clues that once cracked, would lead us to special places we'd been together. The hunt ended at Tree People park where I'd hidden a luxurious picnic basket, found by following a tiny trail of Altoids.

To commemorate our last days in LA, I took him on Treasure Hunt Part II last week. The entire hunt was going swimmingly until the last clue led to Greystone Mansion, a pristine public park set high up above Doheny, that over looks the city of lost angels. When we arrived, ready for a scrumptious picnic lunch, a lady told us the entire park was closed for a private children's charity event . Hmmm ... "Can we buy tickets to the event?" I asked. "No. It's over in 30 minutes," she said. "Is the entire park really being used? Can't we just sit over in that little corner and eat our lunch?" I pleaded. "This is our last week in LA and we just got engaged." "THE PARK IS CLOSED" is all she would say. So, I became irritated, annoyed, and determined to have our picnic at this park! That's where the trouble began ... this story will be continued since Derrek is yelling for me to hurry up and get in the car! I am about to drive my medium size butt to Cedar City, Utah ... half way to Aspen. This is my last post as a Los Angeles resident, as an LA Lady ... today I embark on a new adventure, a new chapter of my life high in the Rocky Mountains. This is one of my favorite quotes of all time that was sketched into a bracelet I got in Kauai ... perfect for this moment.

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."

With Gratitude for Adventure & Change
~L~

Derrek Wasn't Always So Karmalized ...

2008-06-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

You Only See It, If You Seek It
Written By Derrek

Ever since I can remember, I have always been looking for something more. It started on the night of my fifth birthday. Curled up on the soft, furry backseat floor of my dads car, listening to the rhythm of the road, I fell into a state of deep meditation. I was so moved by what I saw and felt that I induced that state almost every night thereafter by clearing my mind and staring into the darkness with my third eye. I never knew that I was meditating. I just knew it felt amazing. Dreaming with out sleeping ... feeling so connected!
Two years later I had and out of body experience. My heart flat-lined on the operating table while having my tonsils removed. This was a most profound look into the idea of how much more lies beyond our mundane three dimensions. A few years later puberty and girls stole my attention and all things spiritual were lost in the shuffle.
It took being thrown 30 feet from my motorcycle to remind me. This happened about four years ago. It reminded me how precious each moment is and how magic fills everything. You only see it if you seek it. Since then I have been following my intuition and it has served me very well ... better than all the logical thought in the world. I have been asking for guidance and it has brought to the right places and always at the right time. When I decided to learn a true form of meditation, Transcendental Meditation (TM) showed up. Meditation brought me back from Colorado to meet, fall in love with, and propose to the perfect spiritual woman. Together we traveled to Virginia to learn Hemi-Sync at the Monroe Institute which greatly increased the depth of my meditation. Now, I continue this open path of awareness which has been a source of pure and consistent happiness and peace in this chaotic world.

Free Yourself - Let Go ...

2008-05-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some wise words from Marisa, a blog reader and KarmalizedLife myspace friend:

So yesterday afternoon I decided to go jogging, it was still rather hot outside, but I'm trying to stay active. I have a love/hate relationship with jogging, mostly hate. As I'm running along, not even a quarter way through, my legs feel like rubber as I haven't run in a while, my chest is pounding and my throat burns from sucking in hot air. Then I tell myself mind over matter, turn it around. Then it wasn't so bad.Then I thought of you and the huge changes facing you and thought you might need some encouragement, as I so admire what you're doing and know how hard it must be, and I came up with this:
"You are never more free than when you can let go of the things you know as safe, familiar, as you can only be bound by that which you choose to let bind you.When you can do that I think you call all the shots and I imagine it'll be a pretty amazing feeling." ~Marisa

This message came at a time when I really needed encouragement and I am very greatful.

With gratitude for myspace friends - D&L

5 Ways to Karmalize Your Life Today!

2008-05-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

When we began this blog, we wrote a definition for the term "Karmalized Life." Since writing that post, Derrek and I have been trying to put that definition into action in our everyday lives. What I'm realizing is how many simple, fast, & easy ways there are to live a more "Karmalized Life." The term karmalized life just means living your life from a place of love, kindness, compassion, goodwill, respect, selflessness, and joy as often as possible. By doing this, you not only create good karma for yourself naturally, but also have a positive effect on all people who cross your path, from a waiter in a restaurant, to your closest friends and family. One drop of pure goodness has a ripple effect that goes far beyond your single act of kindness.

Here are 5 insanely simple ways to karmalize your life right now, today ... this week ... and this month! Karmalize people for a better world!

1. Smile at someone you normally might not even look at ... not a half ass little grin, but a big, heartfelt, toothy smile! You feel great when they return the favour and you can make someones whole day a lot happier by giving away just 1 smile.

2. Send a care package to someone you think might need a little pat on the back or some encouragement during a rough time. Try to think of someone you may not even know that well, but who could really use a nice surprise in the mail or on their doorstep.

3. Give a stranger a bouquet of flowers and tell them you just felt like brightening someones day.

4. Let 1 car cut in whenever possible with a smile, even if that same car did not let you cut in a few miles back in traffic. Teaching by example is the best sermon.

5. Do something thoughtful and unexpected for ANYONE, then tell them not to thank you, just to pass on the kindness to someone else. This is a random act of karmalization ... RAOK. E-mail us with your RAOK stories and we'll post them on our blog! karmalizedlife@gmail.com

4 Minutes Very Well Spent!

2008-05-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

Derrek found this on stumbleupon.com and thought is was perfect for our blog ... the message is so simple but so true and important so take 4 minutes and watch ... everyone has 4 minutes to learn a lesson that will help you 4-ever! Been packing ALL DAY so I'm signing off with just a video tonight.

With Deep Gratitude for the time I've enjoyed in LA
~Lindsay~

The Bigger Picture

2008-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my little roomie was feeling down. Surviving in LA is a tough, especially when you're better at spending money than you are at making it, which happens to be both of us. So, we hopped in my car and headed to the only place we could afford ... Starbucks ... where 3 bucks can buy you temporary happiness in the form of a tall, mocha lite frappuccino with whip. Between sweet, icy sips of caffeinated bliss, we talked. We talked about life ... guys, love or the lack thereof, being broke, being rich, being ridiculously rich but not appreciating your wealth, and most importantly, how to become comfortably wealthy when you're broke. That conversation led to a discussion about the importance of seeing the "the big picture" versus living day to day, moment to moment. This is a fine line because so many people would be happier if they could just live in the moment more often. Eastern schools of thought are all about living in the moment, but the truth of the matter is, we live in a western culture, in Los Angeles no less, where blissing out in the moment too often, can ultimately lead to a life of constant struggle and fleeting happiness. You see, there are 2 types of living in the moment. The first is more of a "throw all caution to the wind" don't think about the consequences type. The second kind of "living in the moment" means being fully present no matter what you are doing, rather than physically present but mentally elsewhere. This latter "type 2" living in the moment can awaken us to many beautiful, subtle details that make life worth living. Type 1 can cause destruction and sadness, since taking certain actions without any concern for the outcome, can lead to a dead end.I only began to see the bigger picture within the past year. Up until that point, I was content living day to day, paycheck to paycheck, even though at times it made me crazy! Seeing the bigger picture means choosing actions that might bring you less immediate pleasure, but will bring you far more happiness, fulfillment, and sustained pleasure long term. For example, you'll start to save $200 a month instead of spend it on another pair of shoes. You will opt to have only 1 glass of wine, since you have a huge meeting tomorrow that could land you a big promotion. You will choose not to argue over trite things just because you have PMS. (Derrek and I argued today over something sooo stupid and I just wish I'd seen the bigger picture.) Contemplating the bigger picture is one of the BEST things about growing up. If I'd been given the chance to move to Aspen, Colorado this time last year, chances are I wouldn't have taken it. I was too obsessed with the idea of living in Beverly Hills 90210, despite the fact that I lived in a little apartment with a roommate and could barely pay the bills.
Since I've grown up a bit, I can see beyond the glitz and temporary glamor that's right in front of my face in LA. I can see that living in Colorado will mean a better quality of life ... spiritually, mentally, and yes, financially. I went hiking in Coldwater Canyon today, one of my favorite places in LA. I sat down on a bench where I always meditate and looked towards the valley below. Blocking my usual view of the lush green trees were tons of tall, dried, twiggy bush-like-things. By carelessly gazing straight ahead, that's all I could see, but with a little more effort and vision, I was able to see through the bushes to the emerald forest. Thinking of "seeing the bigger picture" I forced my eyes to look past the forest and I saw huge mansions in the hills beyond. Looking even farther up, higher than the hills, I saw the clear blue sky, vast ... limitless and I realized how rewarding it is to teach yourself to see "the bigger picture."

With Gratitude for Vision
D&L

True Love VS. HollywoodLove

2008-05-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

One week from today, we start our drive to Colorado. I have packed exactly 1/2 of 1 box. This morning I found many ways to avoid packing ... I wrote a food blog about my favorite Indian restaurant in LA, Electric Karma. I went running, met Derrek for lunch and now I'm blogging some more. I keep telling Derrek to "pack a little each day" but somehow I can't take my own sage advice. When I'm finished writing this post, I will pack 4 boxes and throw out 2 bags full of stuff I don't need and probably never needed. Maybe by declaring this publicly, I'll actually do it!

On my run this morning, I did have a great moment of clarity about moving to Aspen, so I'm glad I wasn't packing all day. My cardio sessions have turned into my "hour of power" that Tony Robbins says is ever so important, and I have to agree with him. I can be in the nastiest mood and within 10 minutes of exercising and going through the steps in my hour of power, I am suddenly living in a completely better place mentally, emotional and physically.

The Hour of Power recipe is as follows:

5 minutes just walking and breathing in a rhythm of 4 breathes in through the nose, 4 breathes out through the mouth.
3-5 minutes spent "getting grateful" meaning thinking of everything you can possibly think of to be grateful for in your life. (You can jog at this point ... or not.)
5 minutes spent visualizing the life you want to live. What do you want to see happen this week, today, next month, this year? Visualize things as if they have already happened and be grateful for them. (For example, I'm currently visualizing the move going smoothly, this blog becoming very popular and touching many people's lives, getting a book published, and hosting my own cooking show.)
5-10 minutes repeating incantations (positive statements) you've made up. I say them in my head but out loud is even more effective. Here are 2 of mine:

"Effective action everyday will make me financially free and turn my dreams into my destiny."
"I shine the light, share the love, and give the help I wish to receive."
Then just continue exercising for about 30 minutes, doing an incantation every few minutes. End by being grateful during your 3 minute cool down.

So ... as I'm nearing the end of my power hour, which was more like a power 35 minutes today, I asked myself, "Why am I leaving LA? Have I found something that is more important to me than staying in Hollywood and chasing my egocentric dream of fame and fortune?" The answer was obvious enough; Yes I have. My relationship with Derrek is more important. I am choosing real love over the slight possibility of someday being "loved" by thousands of people who don't even know me, which is all FAME is really. (Now you might ask why do I have to choose between LA and Derrek? Maybe, one day I can have both, but for right now he wants to live in Aspen and I love him enough to try it out.) Once I looked at my decision from this angle, I felt an instant sense of strength and clarity and I came up with this quote:

"It is far greater to be adored by one person who truly knows & loves you, than by thousands who just love the idea of you." - Lindsay Lorraine

With Gratitude for True Love
D&L

SAGE ADVICE - By Elizabeth

2008-05-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

THIS IS AN INSIGHTFUL E-MAIL FROM ONE OF MY DEAREST SOUL MATE SISTERS ... ELIZABETH WHO WE MET AT THE MONROE INSTITUTE IN VIRGINIA THIS PAST FEBRUARY. SHE IS A PERSON OF LIGHT AND GENUINE LOVE WHO WE WERE TRULY BLESSED TO MEET. I AM GRATEFUL I CAN TO SHARE HER WISE WORDS WITH YOU!

Hi Lindsay,
It was great talking to you the other day! I hope Derrek had a good adventure up in NoCal. I read the new blog entry & RAOK part too. What a fabulous aunt you have! And cousin too, for reporting the story and appreciating what happened.

Big or small, change scares us all. Whatcha gotta do is simply be you.The message I get for you is: it doesn’t matter what you do, whether you stay in LA or go to Aspen , what’s important is being in the moment and being true to (and truthful with) yourself. Your heart will never steer you the wrong way. You might also watch what the change process is like for you. Here’s what I’ve observed: Once we become aware of a change we’re going to undertake, there’s a time of feeling the loss of the old and grieving for what had been. Like the road in front of you is suddenly curving in a different direction than anticipated. Then we reach the point where we’ve given up the old but we don’t know where the change will take us. As if we are at the exact place where we can see the old road but the new one is still a mystery. That’s the scariest place, the most uncertain, and the most exciting. Then comes the day when we can feel we’ve “turned the corner”, the old way is left behind and we can feel the new moving into position and then clearly see the way to go once more. The more comfortable we can be with “not knowing”, being in transition, the easier life can be. That’s my take on it. I’ve put up a temporary web page until I design the new one. With the Peru trips no longer the focus, it needs to be revamped. Anyway, I put my little poem out there too as I’ve been asked for it by a number of people. Take a peek if you want: www.ohj.us.

Happy moving, Elizabeth

THE DUCK WITH A HUMAN MIND

2008-05-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Let me clear; The purpose of this post is not to bitch about my roommate woes, but rather to share with you the enlightening, uber synchronized day I had as a result of my roomie bringing the "classic Hollywood after-party" back to Casa Lindsay this past weekend. Sure, sure, fun times for her who's been up all night dancing, but hell pour moi who's been snuggled down in bed fast asleep since 11pm. Her party girl ways have clashed with my unabashed love for a quiet apartment since day 1, but after months of 3am fights, a handful of civilized discussions, and 1 near eviction notice, we found a middle ground. That's why I was SURE I was dreaming when the bumping sound of techno music woke me up at 5:30 am on Saturday and seemed to be coming from our very own little living room. Much to my dismay this was not a dream nor a nightmare, but the harsh reality of roommatedom.

I was feeling far from Karmalized when I marched into the living room Sunday at dawn, scowling at the perpetual partiers. I snatched the remote, shut off the music and demanded they all "GO TO BED!." At this point I was so angry that my heart was pounding, thoughts were racing and the last thing I could do was go back to bed, so I went to Starbucks, Eckhart Tolle book in hand, hoping to gain a little perspective along with a caffeine pick me up. In lieu of a little perspective, the universe (by way of my Tolle book) offered up a large golden nugget of truth that made me see my roommate situation for what it really was: a mechanism to teach me the priceless, but lost lesson of acknowledging each moment as it comes, letting it pass through you and letting it go once the moment has past. Between sips of my cafe au soy-milk, I devoured the content in chapter 5, The Pain Body. It was unreal ... I felt like Eckhart knew precisely what I was trying to deal with at the ungodly hour of 6:30 am and had written this section just for me, just for this moment in time. Hey, I can dream, this is my blog after all :). Here is the analogy that spoke volumes to me and enabled me to have an incredible Sunday, instead of a grumpy day, spent plotting very un-karmalized ways to get back at miss party pants.

THE DUCK WITH A HUMAN MIND

By Eckhart Tolle

After two ducks get into a fight, which never last long, they will separate and float off in different directions. Then each duck will flap its wings vigorously a few times, thus releasing the surplus energy that built up during the fight. After they flap their wings, they float on peacefully, as if nothing has ever happened.

If the duck had a human mind, it would keep the fight alive by thinking, by story making. This would probably be the duck’s story: “I don’t believe what he just did. He came to within five inches of me. He thinks he owns this pond. He has no consideration for my private space. I’ll never trust him again. Next time he’ll try something else just to annoy me. I’m sure he’s plotting something already. But I’m not going to stand for this. I’ll teach him a lesson he won’t forget”. And on and on the mind spins its tales, still thinking and talking about it days, months, and years later. As far as the body is concerned the fight is still continuing and the energy it generates in response to all those thoughts is emotion, which in turn generates more thinking. This becomes the emotional thinking of the ego. You can see how problematic the duck’s life would become if it had a human mind. But this is how most humans live all the time. No situation or event is ever really finished. The mind & the mind-made “me and my story” keep it going.

We are a species that has lost its way. Everything natural, every flower or tree and every animal have important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look, and listen. Our duck’s lesson is this.

“FLAP YOUR WINGS”

This translates as, “Let go of the story"

and return to the only place of power

the present moment.”

Eckhart also discussed how we fretful humans are quick to dwell on a worrisome or fearful thought and our bodies (brilliant as they are) don't know the difference between an actual situation and a thought. If your thoughts are angry or scared, the body responds physically ... rapid breath, faster heart beat, etc. even though there may be no real danger. This creates a build up of energy that is only mental fiction and thus, the energy has no outlet. The ducks ruffle their feathers to let the negative energy pass through, but we hold onto that toxic energy which interferes with the harmonious functioning of the body.

So, I did my very best to let the whole issue with Lauren fade away, realizing I would only prolong my unhappiness by holding a grudge. I went to the gym, then to the farmer's market with Derrek, and finally to The Bodhi Tree Bookstore. That's where unbelievable synchronicity #2 of the day occurred. I'm walking around with a pile of books in my arms to send to various friends and family. "Oh my gosh, have you read that book?" gushes a pretty blond woman gesturing towards A New Earth. I tell her I'm half way through, thrilled by it, highlighting every word and she says "Oh me too! Me too! I've been highlighting everything! Have you read the Pain Body chapter? It's amazing." Can you believe that? She asks me about the very chapter I read and reaped so much from just that morning. Crazy coincidence or a higher synchronized plan at work? Hmmm ... I ended up buying Lauren (roommate) a small box of affirmation cards called gifts of Goddess. It felt much better than arguing with her. I wrote a short letter asking if she would mind taking the party elsewhere until I move to Aspen in 2 weeks and she happily agreed. What could have been a potentially angst filled, negative day turned out to be 24 hours of bliss, peace, and joy thanks to living in the moment and letting the past, pass.

Work to Live, Don't Live to Work - Jaclyn

2008-05-16T23:39:00.000-07:00

Ok people (whoever you are that reads these-lol), I am now on Day 5 of my "Life Appreciation Month of Reprieve" from any sort of work or monetary related activity. And thus far, I have experienced something new EVERYDAY. To heighten this experience and to ingrain all that I am learning into my mind, body and soul I have decided to blog about my experiences these next few weeks. I am even thinking about eventually writing a book called something like "30 days to live in LA." I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Anyways, it's so mind boggling to me how busy and caught up we can get when we are working. There are so many things that get overlooked, from sunsets and smiling faces to the ability to clean our room, read for pleasure or even the ability to make nutritious food for ourselves and really get enough rest! So when Tuesday morning came around, it only seemed natural that I would take advantage of my FREE time and venture out somewhere. I woke up to see that the sky was overcast. I contemplated doing pilates at my friends apartment indoors vs. rollerblading outside and I chose the latter. A few clouds never hurt anyone, right?
I threw on my work out gear and hopped in my ZX3, cruised down Wilshire then turned onto Ocean Ave. There were people out and about everywhere. Some were running, some were bums (literally), the place was crawling.

I drove down to a metered lot by one of the most popular hotels in Santa Monica called Shutters and parked the whip. Once my blades were on, it was down to the beach where I skated up a storm. I tried to smell the fresh smoggy air, and take it all in while making sure to stay balanced because with my luck I'd fall on my ass and be the laughing stock of the pavement. I glided in and out, pushed my legs left and right and had a great speed going. I felt so darn alive, listening to the music on my ipod shuffle all while watching the waves, other bladers and bikers when suddenly, the clouds broke, the sun came out and I smiled. What a miracle, what a beautiful sight I had just seen. I seriously stopped blading after twenty intense minutes, closed my eyes and thanked god for the opportunity to experience this simple pleasure then headed home. Later that day I juiced my very own veggie juice blend, ventured downtown, bought ballet shoes on Robertson Blvd, and took a ballet class with my friend Chloe. Hell, while I was driving on Wilshire I even saw a street called "Mullen Ave". TALK ABOUT AMAZING!

I woke up Wednesday morning with so much energy and excitement that even my housekeeper said something to me. She and I have been drinking veggie juice, taking vitamins and speaking Spanish to each other everyday. I explained that I was very excited to catch up with my friend Lindsay, the young lady who inspired me to find my life's purpose Monday afternoon. I got dressed and headed over to Lindsay's crib in Beverly Hills. As soon as I picked her up and we were in the car together, we were shrieking like two school girls. Both of us are undergoing MAJOR times of change in our lives, both of us are looking within and being very reflective.

We pulled up to this delicious organic restaurant in the very happening Culver City called Tender Greens. Lindsay and I were so happy to see each other that the clerk behind the counter had to interrupt our conversation to take our lunch order. So Sex and the City!!!! After an amazing lunch of spinach salad, fresh mashed potato's and steak, we spontaneously decided that I would meet Lindsay up in Palm Springs this coming Sunday to explore the Joshua Trees and that we were going to drive over to Barnes and Noble so I could buy Eckhart Tolle's " A new Earth." Off we went to the Grove, an outdoor shopping center in LA. The rest of our afternoon consisted of swapping stories, sipping Starbucks, wishing in waterfalls and last but not least trying the most AMAZING CHOCOLATE and caramel I have ever eaten in my life. You see Lindsay used to work at this chocolate shop called Boule. I had never been there so we stopped by for a quick sweet snack and boy was it worth it. Check out their website, www.boulela.com
All I have to say is our experience that day had me so pumped up to go to dance rehearsal that night!!!! Did I mention that not only am I taking ballet but I am also in a hip hop dance crew now???????

Yesterday was a great day, a little strange but nice nonetheless. I woke up right where I had slept the night before, my bilo Jenny's house. She had given me some sort of dream drop before the lights had gone out Weds night, hahaha. That morning she and I drank some coffee and chit chatted. Eventually when she went off to work I went home. My other bilo Carly texted me and we decided to "be productive." We ran around town, dropped my car off at Pep Boys so I could replace my windshield wipers, hit up the Dental lab at USC, Fedex'd my mothers day packages, jogged around the hood, and then I made an awesome sesame crusted chicken terriyaki dinner that we devoured. I also made my very own VEGETABLE broth. Carly kept calling me Iron Chef and thinks I should never work again since I running around the house singing Andrea Bocelli, dancing uncontrollably, juicing my juice, speaking my Spanish and cooking up a vegetable storm. The evening concluded with ballet, catching up with Ms. Erica and partaking in some pleasure reading of "The Four Agreements"-it's a wisdom book folks.

So here I am today, it's Friday. I woke up at 9:30, did the usual juicing. Talked to two of my best friends in VA-Darcie and Christy. Went to Starbucks. Drove over to Runyon Canyon and hiked. Came home and cooked some black beans. Talked to my Mommy and Daddy. And now I am going to conclude this blog so that I can go to dinner with my friend Ev.

One thing I thought of all day today, this past week has been incredible. I am VERY blessed to experience this time off because I worked very hard and saved my money. I used to think that the purpose of life was to try and make as much money in my youth so that I could "be set for life." Not materialistic in anyway, I just always feared living paycheck to paycheck or struggling financially. And yet, this past week it has dawned on me that all of my hard work has enabled me to finally live!!! All along, I had it wrong.

You see, I lived to work. It was wake up, hit the snooze button, eventually get dressed, drive in traffic, check email, deal with problems, solve problems, fight as a female to be respected and get my point across, fly across the country like a ping pong ball, collect my paycheck. I finally see loud and clear that when I do eventually return back to work, I have to be passionate about more than just the $$$$$$$ Hence my quote "Work to live, don't live to work."

Living to work is like that movie Office Space. Don't do it, just don't do it. There is time to make money, there is time to get ahead, but there is only ONE time to be YOUNG!!!!!!!

On that note, I'm out! More to come over the weekend.

Say Good Bye to Hollywood

2008-05-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

WILD FLOWERS BEHIND HOME DEPOT IN RANCHO MIRAGE

I think I'm in denial ... what was meant to be a three day stay with the parental units in Palm Springs has turned into a week long "vacation," hiding from what awaits me back in LA: Packing up my apartment, saying good-bye to friends, and saying arrivederci to my lovely LALA land ... (booo hooo hooo, sniffle, gulp.) FYI, I'm keeping my LA cell number ... as long as I have that, Colorado will seem temporary ... I'm ignoring the fact that buying a ginormous plot of land and building a house/farm on it is far from temporary. Tomorrow I will face my fears and head home on I-10 West to begin the 2 week process of changing my entire life. Reading just this post alone, you might think I'm moving somewhere awful, oh, no no ... I'm moving somewhere fabulous, and I am excited, but no matter what, it's hard not to be afraid of change. I'm changing states, changing living partners, changing jobs, and changing cars (a 4-wheel drive is a must in Aspen) so yes people, I'm feeling a little scared OK? And it feels GREAT to pound away about my uncertainty on this keyboard so thanks for reading.

I keep asking myself "Why am I having such a hard time with the idea of moving out of LA?" I arrived in Hollywood 6 years ago with the same dream as every other young person who "arrives in Hollywood." I wanted to be a STAR!!! A bright, shining star, the next "it" girl, whatever, as long as I "MADE IT." Well, I didn't "make it" and I'm still trying to decide if that was by choice because the industry is so SLEAZY, oops, I mean Un-KARMALIZED, or if I just plain gave up on my dream. Some dreams are never meant to be realized so you can go on to live out your destiny ... that's what Tony Robbins told me anyway. I guess my Hollywood dream is just dying hard, and that's OK ... I think there is something else for me just over the horizon. But enough about moi ...

My hot man Derrek is up in Northern California on a solo spiritual retreat. He was going to go with Rob, aka, Bob, Bobert, or Robert, who is his best friend of 12+ years, but he decided to go alone on this adventure. Some things are just better done alone. He is seeking guidance from some shamans in hopes of further opening himself up to the spirit world. Nifty huh? He'll be back soon, hopefully with plenty of great photos and stories for our blog. While he's searching his soul, I'll be organizing the plans for the Monolithic Dome we're building and booking our trip to see the Crop Circles in England this summer! A tiny smidge of advice ... if you're ADD or just plain hate organizing things, (like my man) hook up with someone who is a control freak and uber organized (like myself), that way everyone is happy!

With Gratitude for Opposites,

D&L

Don't Cry Over Spilt Water, Tip - Random Act of Karmalization (RAOK) #2

2008-05-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I asked for readers to e-mail us with Random Act of Karmalization (RAOK) stories. The story can be about something Karmalized you did, someone you know did, or someone did for you. Until tonight, only my Mama had stepped up to the plate to write a RAOK story, that's why I was really excited to get an e-mail from my sweet cousin Lauren. This is a perfect example of a heartfelt RAOK, performed by a soul who chose compassion over ego and anger.

Hey Linz - I have a story for you about my mom ...

My mom and I were spending the day together on Saturday for mothers day. We decided to go out to lunch for one of our favorite salads. When the waitress came to serve us water, she spilled the entire glass all over my moms lap. My mom jumped up (from shock) and brushed off the ice, but she was pretty much drenched. The waitress instantly started to apologize, but my mom just laughed it off and keep telling her not to worry about it. My mom told her, if she was going to spill on anyone, she chose the right person. I think the waitress was having a really bad day, she mentioned something like she figured something like this would happen today. My mom simply moved to a spot in the sun so that her now see-through pants could dry out a little (luckily the water only got the lower half of her lap). We decided that the waitress was out on the patio by herself and probably not having a good day and so when the bill came, my mom left her a 50% tip. She also left a little note on the receipt that said "I hope your weekend gets better." - By Lauren

NOW THAT'S GOOD KARMA!

30 Days to Live

2008-05-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

My friend Jaclyn is on a new path ... she has left the corporate world and is embracing her gypsy soul for 30 days, after which she plans to continue pursuing the dream she moved to LA to realize ... she graciously agreed to be a guest blogger and let us in on all the juicy details of her journey to ... wherever she is meant to go. Here is her first blog: P.S. You can also check out her myspace page here.

What's My Life Purpose?

On my way back from San Diego this morning, I received a really interesting email from my friend Lindsay. And I thought the timing couldn't have been better. You see, as of last Friday I quit my job and am taking some time to really figure out just what the heck I am doing with my life. I made a promise to myself, my friends and my family that I will use this break wisely and not work for 30 days. I know, I know people.....how am I able to not work for a whole month??? Let's just say after 3 years of bouncing ALL over this country like a ping pong ball, living in and out of suitcases and being physically exhausted from it all, I earned this break.
So it's Day 1 of my "discovery" time and I get Lindsay's email which is actually a link to this new blog-site she has created. After reading the instructions posted for "Finding your life's purpose" I came up with the following:
When I was a child, I always dreamed of becoming a famous singer. I wanted to earn Grammy awards, have a star on the walk of fame and truly pave the way for music programs in the schools which often come under major budget cuts and lack the recognition they deserve in the public school system. Studying music has taught me to be analytical, expressive, a confident public speaker, able to learn various languages, etc. So I always wanted to use my fantasized infamy for good causes. Children's charities, helping the needy, and making the world a better place.
Naturally it would only make sense that the other career I dreamt of as a child was that of a school teacher. It's no secret that I LOVE CHILDREN and the innocence of their youth. I thoroughly enjoy protecting and creating their self image and happiness.
I also considered a career as a therapist. I really like to help people solve their problems and see the light at the end of their tunnel. My grandparents taught me that NOTHING is impossible to overcome. Sometimes obstacles just present a different way for you to go about solving your problems. So I dreamt of being this therapist that made people use negative experiences as a crutch to push on, fighting harder and much stronger.
With all of that said, I have determined that my life's purpose is the following.
"I am destined to be a nurturer of all people, closing the wide gap between our existence as individuals. Through the art of creative expression, lending a helping hand, and leading by example, I will try and show that we have the ability to impact the world and make a positive change one day and one person at a time."
A little deep for Cinco De Mayo, this I know. But so necessary for really being able to figure out just where my path will lead to in the grand scheme of things. Be sure to peep Ms. Lindsay's blog, Karmalized Life. IT IS TRULY INSPIRING!!!!!!!
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8va2FybWFsaXplZGxpZmUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==
What have you done differently today people?????? Just a question to ask yourselves!
PEACE, LOVE AND BLESSINGS!
xoxoxoxo
Jajas

TALK IS CHEAP ... OR IS IT?

2008-05-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've heard the cliche, "Talk is Cheap," but is it really? I was thinking about this the other day after I discovered my life purpose. I thought "Great! I've written down my purpose in life. I know what I am meant to do (more or less) while I'm here. Now what?" I had to take action right away. Start living my life purpose everyday or I'd just be full of shit, I mean poop! (Both Derrek and I are trying to swear less. We not totally Karmalized yet.) This led me to contemplate the phrase "Talk is Cheap." See, talk is actually very costly if you look at it this way: If all you do is talk about your ideas, your dreams, your purpose and you never take action, it will cost you more than any diamond, any sports car. It will cost you your destiny, your dreams, your life purpose. So talk alone my friends, is actually quite expensive ... but talk combined with action is priceless.
Tony Robbins directed me to create a few incantations (short positive phrases) to motivate me on my "Hour of Power" each day. This is one of the 4 I made up: "I live my life purpose everyday, by creating entertaining ways, to inspire people to live from their higher self." Dorky? Maybe ... empowering when I say it 50 times over in my head on a run? YUP! So for the past three days I have been VERY focused on living my life's purpose. This blog is one way I am doing that. For the first time 3 total strangers commented on a post letting us know we were inspiring them! WOW! That felt amazing. Today I met with 2 different friends ... both in states of transition, both on the brink of awakening to their higher selves and I tried to encourage them, listen to them, motivate them. Not only did I feel fulfilled doing this, but they seemed to be thankful for the time we spent together as well. One friend is someone I don't even know that well, but it was clear we connected today for a specific reason. She got an e-mail about our blog during a time in her life when she was looking for something more. Coincidence? Nope, just the universe conspiring to help us on our perspective paths.

With Gratitude for Action,
D&L

Can You Karmalize Sin City?

2008-05-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Our drive back to LA from Aspen, just happened to take us straight through VEGAS BABY! Good news for me, BAD news for Derrek. No, not because he has a gambling problem, he simply has a problem with the relentless flashing lights, drunken souls, eternal noise, and prostitution. He despises the strange energy of the glutinous city and I must admit, it's not my favorite place in the world, but I have had some crazy, over indulgent nights there in the past 5 years. He would have been perfectly content staying at the Ramada Inn 10 minutes outside of the adult playground, but I convinced him that even Vegas can be a Karmalized experience if you're with the right person doing the right things. After a petite skirmish, he agreed he'd give LV one more try and I agreed we would sequester ourselves in a plush hotel room, order room service and watch movies. No gambling, no clubbing, no boozing ... no hangover in the morning :) Fine with me!

We arrived at the Bellagio around 10pm and schlepped one large blanket, 3 pillows, my stuffed piggy and a suitcase from one end of the hotel to the other since we'd pulled into the wrong valet entrance. So far, he wasn't thrilled. To make matters worse, check in took an hour thanks to the "gentleman" in front of us who was quite upset they could not upgrade him to the suite he wanted. I couldn't help wonder if this bump in the road to our room was the universe telling me there was no reason for us to be in "Sin City." Derrek sat patiently on floor, in line, while I sat with our pile o' stuff on a sofa people watching. Since we weren't there to party down, I noticed things I'd not seen before: Mainly the desperation in so many people eyes, hungry for more, more of anything. More money, more food, more sex, more, more, more in a feeble attempt to satiate something that can never be satiated from an external source ... confusing a thirst for true peace and happiness with a thirst for vodka. It was sad ... I mean, of course many people were just experiencing the egoic fun I too have enjoyed in Vegas, but there was definitely an unkarmalized energy present.
Just as I was beginning to think we should have stayed at the Ramada Inn, I looked up and saw the gorgeous ceiling bouquet of Chihuly Glass flowers over head. I focused all my attention on the multicolored garden above and took a deep breath, whisking myself far away from the clinking of slot machines and the thick stench of smoke. I realized beauty, peace and karmalization can be found virtually anywhere when you choose to make it so. Derrek and I finally made it to our room, a small pod of stillness in the vibrant hustle and bustle. It was quiet, luxurious, and unless we peeked out the window, we could have been anywhere it the world. We ordered chicken fingers, brioche French toast, and I indulged in 1 glass of bubbly. We did Vegas our way and it was wonderful!

On the way down to breakfast before check out, Derrek stopped by one of the housekeeping carts to ask if he could snag a piece of the "pillow chocolate." (It was unusually delicious!) The maid gave us 3 boxes full with a big smile! "See," I told him "Even Vegas can be Karmalized."
As we drove west towards La La Land, I said "It's official, we are true soul mates ... who else could come to Vegas, not gamble, not party, not even leave the hotel room, and depart totally content with 3 boxes of free chocolate!"

Still Searching for Your Life Purpose?

2008-05-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

I'm back in my beloved LALA Land where egos stand tall and strong just like the buildings. It's curious how the most mundane, even grungy details become magical when you really LOVE something ... the gritty sidewalks made me giddy as I was running this morning. The familiar strip malls, the constant hum of life, (aka honks in traffic), all have a permanent place in my crazy Hollywood Forever heart. All this love yet, I'm still leaving come June 1st. I'm moving up to the Colorado mountains to grow, because for the past year I haven't created much in LA. I'm comfortable here, but I'm no longer blooming in this city. "Excitement comes from change and creation, not so much from maintenance." That's what Anthony Robbins, motivator extraordinaire told me today (via CD).

It took me a month to finish his "7 Day" Get The Edge program but better late than never riiiiight? 2 words: BAD ASS. 2 more words: WORTH IT! He is cheese whiz cheesy at times, he even admits it, but what a great journey. This guy was a janitor, never went to college, is totally self-made, and has helped an immense amount of people around the globe change their lives in incredible ways. Karmalized? Hell yes he's karmalized! If I ever meet Tone in person I may crown him the California King of Karmalization! One thing he said that rang so true for me, especially right now was "It's not where you live in a physical sense, it's where you live mentally and spiritually." Good to know ... perhaps I'll only cry half way to Aspen :)

The last disc was about finding your life's purpose. Not the easiest thing to do on a Sunday afternoon, but none the less, I did it. The process was pretty simple. He had me write down all the things I wanted to be when I was a kid and why I wanted to be those things. This is my list:

Lawyer - because I loved public speaking and debate and wanted to use my knowledge to help other people and make lots of money doing it! Just being honest.
Bakery Owner - I wanted to combine my passion for gourmet baked goods with my artistic creative ability.

Actress - I wanted to entertain people and help them feel a wide variety of emotions. Oh, I also thought fame and fortune sounded just dandy.

President of the good ole' USA - First off, I definitely would have done things differently than President Bushy Baby ... I basically wanted to take on this hefty job to change the world. At age 14, I was not aware I had to be a descendant of the British or French Royal Family to get elected :)

If you notice I highlighted the most important reasons why I wanted to be those things. Tony said to take a good look at those reasons and use them to write down a one or two sentence synopsis of your life's purpose. NO PRESSURE, no pressure. Seriously, you can always rewrite it, but you probably won't have to. When we're kids, we often know more about what we truly want than when we're adults.

Here's what I came up with in about 15 minutes:

I am destined to be creative, share knowledge, entertain people, and change the "zeitgeist" if only on a small scale.

My Life Purpose ( for now anyway)

Create entertaining ways to inspire people to live from their higher self and lead them on artisitc culinary adventures. I'll do this by shining my best light, being friendly, compassionate, patient, sincere, aware, thoughtful, funny, charismatic, helpful, and motivated.

I figure this blog is a grand place to start living my life purpose everyday!

KARMALIZED QUOTE

2008-05-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

"How people treat you is their Karma; how you react is yours." -Karma

I planned to be in Colorado for 2 weeks, stayed a month and a half, and just got back home to LA. I have a roommate. She's quite messy, I'm super neat. When I walked in the door, it was like walking into an explosion of clothes, papers, dishes, etc and I FREAKED OUT! She's gone for the weekend and it really irked me she would leave our place in disaster mode, especially since she told me she'd cleaned the whole apartment! My first reaction was to toss all the stuff into her room and shut the door. Then I thought ... no, I want her to see this mess and clean it up herself on Sunday. I felt this was totally disrespectful. Even Derrek who is super messy thought it was really rude and thoughtless.

I went to my room to check my e-mail, before deciding what to do with the mess in the living room. That's when I stumbled upon this quote. Clearly a message to me about this mundane little situation. So ... I plan to react karmically, by not over reacting and possibly even cleaning up her things ... we'll see :) This karma stuff takes practice, but being aware is definitely a step in the right direction!

Night Night and Namaste

D&L

Keeping Up with the Sloops

2008-04-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

The other day we got an e-mail from a friend, Gil, who we met at our Gateway Program at the Monroe Institute. (I still have to write a post dedicated to our time there.) He offered us some sage advice about the 36 acres of hay fields we "land rookies" just bought in Colorado. See below:

"Take the time to go talk to some good ole boy and be sure to lean on his pick-up. Seriously, you can't be a friend of a farmer till you've chewed the fat while leaning on his pick-up. They might be able to steer you to a good used tractor (good luck with the 3 point hitch). " - Gil

Well, we still don't know what a 3 point hitch is, but we did "chew the fat" with our soon to be neighbor, a one Mr. Glen Sloop. Derrek spotted him outside with his dogs and pygmy goats as we drove by our land for the billionth time. Glen's had his ranch for 35 years and declared it a little piece of heaven! We asked him to give us the real low down on the property we're about to buy. In just 15 minutes, we learned some high quality information about our new home and our new neighbor:

1. Missouri Heights is windy but that keeps away the bugs you'll find on the valley floor. What kinda bugs I wonder? Derrek asked me to include here that the wind will also be great for the wind turbines he plans to install to "get us off the grid" and generate energy. Karmalized!
2. The 93 lots that are being sold for residential development by a neighboring ranch, are in fact far away enough from our land, not to be a deal breaker. DERREK IS A HAPPY BOY.
3. There is not a lot of land like this left in the area and we ought to feel real lucky to get our hands on it.
4. Neighbors must hash out ditch water rights amongst themselves. Fight! Fight! Ha ha.
5. Our land has ample well water and decent water rights. YIPPEE! That's a really good thing in ranch land for you city folk who don't know what the hell I'm talking about :)
6. I will be baking with fresh apples and apricots from the Sloops fruit trees! Glen said he'd share. Soooo nice :)

7. Glen is not only generous with his fruit, but with his CUTE CUTIE CUTE pygmy goats as well. He let us into their pen and we got to pet them. Their eyes are bright yellow/orange and they have little horizontal black slits for pupils. Other than the crazy eyes, they are totally adorable and I want one or three. As I was "chewing the fat" with Mr. Sloop, I found myself recalling Gil's e-mail, so I propped my elbow up on the fence, leaned back into it and tried to look like I belonged on a ranch. It was a bit difficult since I was in full Juicy Suit attire, toting my Louis Vuitton and sporting Uggs, the only snow boot in LA, but I tried my best and that's all a girl can do right?
8. Glen told us he's a tree hugging liberal, but if we hear him shooting his shot gun not to worry. He just pops the gophers to get rid of the badgers and the bullets only fly 50 ft. Hmmmm ... ok.
At this point I felt like I was in a movie ... a movie I'd been cast in mistakenly :) Just kidding?
9. Our land produces TONS of hay on a good year. "How much is hay worth?" we both ask. "Farming hay isn't really something you do for money," Glen replies, so I assume hay is not worth a whole lot. Darn!
10. We are known as LAND ROOKIES; A.K.A city people who purchase a ranch without having a clue as to what they're getting into. Fun Times ahead at Crazy Acres ... that's the tentative name of our ranch by the way. Wish us luck! We may get a few fainting goats too!

With Gratitude for Helpful Neighbors,
D&L

Food for the Mind and Soul

2008-04-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Derrek found this karmalized collection of quotes on stumbleupon.com ... his new addiction :) Enjoy.

RANDOM ACT OF KARMALIZATION

2008-04-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the weekly RAOK (random act of Karmalization).

"Be Impeccable With Your Word"

As you may know, I'm trying to open my baking business in Aspen, Co. There is a business located directly above the space I want to rent and they have a commercial kitchen so, I stopped by to ask them which contractor they used. The young guy raised his eye brows and said, "I really don't wanna tell you. " Now, up to this point everyone had been really helpful so I was a bit taken aback ... until he said "We were just not that happy with the job he did so I wouldn't want to recommend him." Ok, now I understood. When I asked who the insufficient contractor was so I could make sure not to hire him by accident, he still wouldn't tell me. "I don't want to pass around bad Karma ya know? By telling everyone in town who this guy is that did a below average job." That's smart in a small town, or in any town and very Karmalized in general!

1 Big Question ... 1 Great Answer

2008-04-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

WHAT ARE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION FOR?

Karmalized QUOTE OF THE DAY

2008-04-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

"No matter where your home is, conduct yourself as though you live in a small town ... be friendly and helpful, don't act in a manner that burns bridges, and slow down enough to notice each day is a gift, not a race."
~ Lindsay ... after living in Aspen for 1 month and comparing it to LA.

Derrek Finds HEAVEN on EARTH?

2008-04-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

Normally our "karmalized kitchen" does not condone eating a bag of Fritos corn chips every day. We try to focus on whole foods ... local, organic produce, and ways to make veggies taste like dessert! However, Derrek is still on his "allergy diet" and one thing he can eat is corn. Here's pictures as promised from this previous post.

Together Forever: Joy & Sorrow

2008-04-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Every relationship has highs and lows ... peaks and valleys, and as long as there are far more peaks than valleys, I think it's worth staying on the trail.

Derrek and I have been together for just over a year and our peaks have been high and long, but we have definitely encountered some serious dark valleys along the way. When I met him, he warned me he was "a travelin' man." Not one who could be counted on or held responsible for anything. "I'm spontaneous," he said, "and if you wanna come along for the ride ... great, but don't invest too much in me." Hard concept to accept when you're falling in love faster than a bowling ball dropped from the Eiffel Tower. We've broken up 3 times ... hanging in there is not easy. Making it work, is not easy and I'll go ahead and use a cliche ... the very best things in this life, are not always easy or joyful. That which brings you the greatest joy, will also bring you the deepest sorrow ... when I first read about this concept in The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, I was confused. Could it really be true ... everything that makes me elated could, would also be the cause of sadness one day? Test the theory. Think of everything in your life that truly makes you happy ... then imagine how that very same thing could make you extremely sad. The correlation is clear.

A great martini for example ... drink 2 and I'm thrilled, drink 3 or more and I would happily except death the following morning :) Ok, not a great example, but you catch my drift.

Here's the excerpt about Joy and Sorrow from The Prophet:

Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.

And he answered:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow," and others say, "Nay, sorrow is the greater."
But I say unto you, they are inseperable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

KARMALIZED QUOTE OF THE DAY

2008-04-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

TWO DREAMERS, TWO DREAMS

"Every human being has a personal dream of life. In a relationship we can pretend to be the same ... but there are two dreamers with two dreams. That is why we need to accept the differences that exist ... and RESPECT each other's dream." ~ Don Miguel Ruiz