A Friday Night in One Lifetime
Right Outta Nowhere
Rain & Mud & Wild & Green
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A Thousand Girls
This Time Last Year
10 Random Things
August 25th, 2006 by Christine Kane
1. Printing My Blogs
Web Guy has set it up so that you can now PRINT MY BLOGS with ease and loveliness. My blogs are fairly lengthy, and lots of you have told me you print them up because you don’t like reading a computer screen. And I didn’t realize how lame the printing set up was until I tried to print one of my blogs for a workshop.
Web Guy has changed all that. Now it will print with just the title and the text for your reading pleasure. Don’t forget to use 100% Recycled paper.
2. Easy Archives
My website visits have increased to over a thousand this month. If you’re new here, and you’re looking around for past blogs, just click on the word Archives in the sidebar, and you’ll see a list of titles. Read and comment. Read and comment. (Unless you’re cynical and hostile. Then, you should go here.)
3. Subscribe
If you want to subscribe to this blog, click here, and it will give you instructions. (Or just click on the Orange Icon at the top of the sidebar on the left!) I’ve finally begun subscribing to blogs‚Ķand hey, it really does save time and energy!
4. Beaches, Kayaks, and Sea Glass
I’ll be gone next week. I’ll be at a remote little beach in the most beach-housey beach house I know (with the coolest porch facing the ocean.) I don’t think there’s wi-fi. I kind of hope not. I don’t understand giant beach houses with 27 bedrooms and 17 widescreen televisions and internet access, etc. Isn’t a vacation supposed to take you away from all that junk? Aren’t you supposed to spend hours staring down at the sand looking for sea glass? Or go out in a kayak? Or sit under your umbrella reading books with cover art that you’d normally hide under newspapers? Aren’t you supposed to go putt-putt golfing and get wildly competitive with your husband and throw a bit of a tantrum when he wins? (Okay, that’s me, not you.) And if it rains, aren’t you supposed to sit on your rickety porch and watch the rain and ask each other stupid things like, “Do you think you could ever live here?” Maybe. Maybe not. But that’s what I do. I also love the feeling of just being and not doing.
5. Billie and the Acorns
The big oak tree has begun to drop acorns all over my deck. Billie, my cat-who’s-not-all -there is on the deck gathering them to her chest with big paw sweeps. She flattens her body and she flattens her ears, and then with big wide eyes she springs and sends them all scattering. She chases them, and seems stunned when they fall off the edge of the deck. She goes to the edge, looks over, and then runs back to the middle of the deck and starts the whole process again. I don’t know what the score is.
6. Your assignment should you choose to take it: (Insert Darth Vader theme)
A change of morning pages.
For those of you who write morning pages, try this. For one week, instead of writing all the brain-drain monotonous stuff that you usually write in your notebook, do something different. Write as if everything you want to happen has happened. And don’t write at the top, “Well, Christine says to try this, so now I’m going to be lying for three pages.” Really try to get into the mindset of how it would feel to have your deepest desires come true. What you’re doing with this is creating what is called a “mental equivalent.” In the Law of Attraction, a mental equivalent is like a jello-mold in your mind. You create the mold and then your life situation molds to the mold you created. Some people do this with visualization. For others, visualization is pretty tricky.
For those of us who write in journals, we can use our words to conjure up the images and feelings that athletes can conjure up by visualizing. This doesn’t have to mean you’re writing about your Grammy awards. It can mean you’re writing about how great it feels to be performing four new songs at an open mic night. It doesn’t have to be big huge. (But since you’ll be doing it for a week, make at least one day be a big huge dream day.)
For those of you who don’t write morning pages and don’t know what they are: Begin your day everyday by writing three pages of long-hand writing in a plain old spiral notebook. The idea is to just get your thoughts out. There’s no wrong way to do them. This is just a turn-around of that idea. Just blurt out all your dreams AS IF they’re already happening. Especially focus on how it feels inside. Really get into it.
7. One more assignment
This is an affirmation. Throughout the day, start saying, “Thank you” for that which you desire. For instance, if you’re dealing with a health crisis, continually say, “Thank you for my health.” Over and over. Especially when you get into anxiety. Say, “Thank you for my wealth” if you’re having financial issues. Say it over and over as you pump gas. “Thank you for my wealth. Thank you for my wealth.” If you want peace, then “thank you for peace.” Or, for beauty. Start saying thank you. See how it shifts you.
I keep forgetting to mention to my readers that I send out a monthly emailer with tour updates and other little offers. Also, my email list receives notice of upcoming retreats and workshops before anyone else. Your information is totally protected and private. And you can remove yourself from the list automatically at any time. Join here.
9. I’ll still be posting
I’ve done a few blogs in advance for next week. (If they don’t post, then there was a technical issue!) But I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up with the other details of blogging. But I’ll let you know if I find sea glass. You can have my brown sea glass if you want. I don’t like the brown stuff.
10. A beachy song
This is an old song from my second CD A Thousand Girls. I started it while I was walking on the beach in the winter with a friend of mine. We had both just gone through bad break-ups. And we were sort of shell-shocked and sad. I wrote it as I walked, and finished it in a hotel room that night. It’s called Breeze. It’s a beach-y sort of song. Get it at iTunes here.
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August 25th, 2006 1:50 pm
Interesting suggestion on the morning pages. I’ll try it.
August 25th, 2006 3:06 pm
Hey Waterfall… Thanks for the note. I just stopped by your site and saw your “current reading” list. I’m taking the Carol Shields book to the beach with me! (That’s my non-trashy reading)
August 25th, 2006 4:06 pm
* have a blast looking for sea glass…i love sea glass more than i love shells, perhaps. i need to get me some surfing…talk about a peaceful feeling inbetween sets, staring out into the horizon on a surfboard…to think i started my mornings in mexico like this all last summer! i’m blessed.
August 25th, 2006 4:34 pm
I hope you have a great trip. I LOVE your cat. He is SOOOO cute!!
Walk on the beach barefoot and get a nice, natural pedicure. I love the beach more than anything! I hope you get to relax and take everything in. I’m going to try that exercise. It sounds wonderful. Hopefully it will help me.
August 25th, 2006 4:38 pm
thanks Jane! It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten a good stash of sea glass…but we’ll see!
ptc - I’ll let billie know that you love her. she needs to hear these things! i hope the journal work is good. (these things take persistence you know… kind of the same dedication you have to working out.)
August 25th, 2006 5:29 pm
Whoops, I called Billie a boy. I appologize. I type this as my little Tibbles sits on my lap. She’s my little girl. I have a male cat too. They’re my babies.
Persistence is good. I need to have more dedication to working out. Everyday for 90 min-2 hrs isn’t cutting it. I’ve thought about writing how much I “love” my body instead of how much I hate it all the time, but it’s hard. Any suggestions? I just can’t stand what I see when I look in the mirror that trying to write down completely the opposite of what I see and feel is not easy. Ugh!
August 25th, 2006 5:44 pm
ptc — you must read some christianne northrup from “women’s bodies, women’s wisdom.” or listen to her audio discussions on body image. i’d encourage you to start writing (after your morning pages) “I love and approve of my body.” 10X every day. even if it feels fake. it sounds like you’re dealing with an eating disorder of sorts. it’s going to be imperative that you DO learn to love your own body. believe me, i know what space you’re in…cuz i used to be there all the time. my encouragement would be to make self-acceptance and self-love your top priority. life is WAY too short to keep on treating yourself so harshly. i’ll bet you’re absolutely gorgeous.
August 25th, 2006 6:16 pm
Thanks Christine. I will check it out. I guess hating my body for the past 14 years hasn’t been all that productive and now I am just extremely fed up. I guess I’m just in a little slump.
I’m going to have to force myself to write “I love and approve of my body.” I’ve tried writing “I will easily and healthfully lose 10 lbs” but that hasn’t worked.
I guess it’s not that simple.
I’ll give it a shot, Christine. If you want to see what I look like you can email me (I think it pops up so you have it) or I can email you a pic, but I don’t have your email.
Thanks again!!
ptc
August 26th, 2006 12:31 am
Hi PTC, It’s a really good sign when you get fed up with hating yourself. It might not feel like it, but it’s a great beginning to recovery…the whole thing is a process. And people with any kind of eating issues don’t like the idea of process. Just remain open to it. How about this… why not try writing, “I am WILLING to learn to love my body.” …just being willing can begin some big changes. And start paying attention because you’ll begin to attract people who will help you…
August 26th, 2006 10:03 am
I’ll take up the morning pages assignment too. Have a reat time on the beach.
August 26th, 2006 1:49 pm
Here’s the problem…I think I hate the way I look more than I hate being sick of hating the way I look. Hmmm. I just want to be stick thin more than anything, and I know that’s probably not normal
I will try writing what you suggested and see what happens. Thanks again!
August 26th, 2006 2:46 pm
By the way, I like the green seaglass the best. The clear kind is cool too, but green is my fav! Have a blast!
August 29th, 2006 4:18 pm
Ms. Chick: If it’s OK for me to offer, a really wonderful book that talks about affirmations in some detail is “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. http://tinyurl.com/mtc48 (Wish I knew how to just make the title show up in orange!) I think you mentioned it in your reading list, Christine. I’ve had my copy for years now, and as is true of really great books, it has something different to offer every time I read it. She has a wonderful exercise where you write the affirmation, then any thoughts that come up after that. Again and again… You’ll begin to clearly see where you’re “stuck”. I always feel more hopeful after I read that book! Hmmm… I might need to go pick it up now! lol
August 29th, 2006 7:03 pm
Hey Caren! Thanks for the info. I’ll check it out. I also like “It Works.” It’s a tiny little pamphlet. I can’t say I pick it up nearly enough. I should read it way more often. I also have “Your Heart’s Desire” which I have never read.
I’ll check out the link, Caren. Thanks!
August 29th, 2006 7:20 pm
re: printing blogs I am behind in my printing but wanted to ask is it possible to download the blogs on a cd and then open them. I tried but y’all know that I only use the computer for e-mail, pay bills and write poetry after having written it on the back of an envelope. then I could take them with me and use my lap top for something. What is sea glass? I am going down on Labor day for a week and I have stopped collecting shells but wonder what this glass stuff is. My idea of beach: get up before everyone else, make coffe, have a cup on the deck, watch the world wake up, listen to the ocean that never sleeps, walk to the pier, get coffee, watch the rays under the pier, breakfast, beach and just do nothing until the gulls drive me crazy and I have to study them. Oh yeah for several of my group, a jigsaw puzzle is mandatory the harder the better. Hope everyone has a good time on their holiday where ever it takes them. barb
August 30th, 2006 7:17 pm
Christine, hope you had a restful trip. I was at piano today and learned that you were in a class recently with my piano teacher, Deborah Belcher. Small world! Hope you enjoyed The Stone Diaries. I like it, but it’s taking me a long time to read for some reason. Take care!
September 3rd, 2006 11:55 am
Christine,
Finding this blog has been so inspirational for me! I am an actress who used to be a singer just who wants to be a singer again.
I find so much to help me on my daily walk. I have struggled with eating disorders and self-image. You are one of the few people who make sense to me.
Kimberly
September 4th, 2006 1:34 pm
Caren, Thanks for the Louise Hay suggestion. Yes, it is on my reading list. I love the newest version which is beautifully designed with colorful pastel artwork on every page. I still use that book quite often. I think PTC will really like it!
PTC, When you said, “I don’t pick it up nearly enough…” just watch how hard that is on you! When you’re ready to do something, you’ll do it. If discipline is required, it’ll be there. Just know that right now, you’re probably needing to just really learn how to allow yourself to be enough. That will be an amazing feeling and knowing. I support you in this!
barb, sea glass is broken glass that has been roughed up by the salt water and sand and is now cloudy and soft. I like to think of it as glass from shipwrecks and other romantic adventures… as opposed to what it probably is…a bunch of drunk guys tossing their beer bottles into the ocean. (which is why I don’t like the brown glass as much!)
Waterfall…I love Deborah. What an extraordinary pianist she is! You have a great teacher. (I never got to the Stone Diaries. I read Michael Crighton, Robert B. Parker and a few others that kept me in the land of excitement, mystery and intrigue the whole week. Oh yea…and then there was the hurricane!)
Kimberly, Thanks for your note! I’m glad you discovered my blog. I’m glad I make sense. It’s amazing how many artists have struggled with eating disorders and self-image. The daily walk is a great idea. I have a dog, and she makes me do this exact thing daily!
September 6th, 2006 9:07 pm
Thanks Christine! Thanks for your support. I hope I can get there.
October 16th, 2006 10:18 pm
We all get imprinted with the music we listen to and part of mine was great singer-songwriters of the past (CSNY, Kristofferson, Cat Stevens, Dylan, usw.) It was my great sorrow that this seemed to disappear and the magic of modern technology that a) I found your blog but also b) found out there’s lots of great music outthere by much newer (did you know Cheryl Crow’s latest big hit was a Stevens song ?). In the spirit of fair disclosure I also love Bach, Beethoven, bagpipes and bluegrass.
On-line it was clear to me that your sense of melody and harmony, of musicality, suited my prejudices. Listening to the full songs at home the whole song is working for me though little I would have suspected :). Some of the words remind me of Gary Synder’s poetry (Riprap,et. al.) and the Zen poetry of Dogen (you might find his five wakas on the Lotus sutra interesting. Though on fifth reading they’re not as easy as they are on the first). Anway….
1) have you considered running an occaisional track on music - other singer-songwriters you’d point us to ? Including good ones that might not quite work with your sensibilities but nonetheless have something to say and are also great craftsmen ? (that btw is my highest praise) and
2) consider saying occaisional things about music, listening, writing and it’s consequences/implications ?
p.s. - if you’ve ever watched Actor’s Studio none of them seem to have had had easy lives,e.g. comments/replies on self-image above.
October 17th, 2006 5:51 pm
Hi Dave… I will print out your comment, and work on your suggestions. Give me a little time! And thanks for thinking of those things. Great ideas. I have lots of thoughts… (LOVE Inside the Actor’s Studio, too! I don’t have tv…so I only get to see it when I catch it on the road.)
October 18th, 2006 7:50 am
Sounds like it was a great concert and a better experience for you. You ever hear the old Shaker motto, “Hands to Work and Hearts to God” ? Well it’s always struck me that good work done well is the most satisfying thing there is, whether it’s wood-working, programming or music. Which, what and why is up to you. Having a good craftsman talk about the thing they love and other craftsmen they admire is one of life’s great pleasures, at least to me. So take all the time in the world. Better yet keep on taking it because I suspect it might establish a whole track of comments and associations that will be worth reading over time. For lots of reasons.