Gaia Community: Swan's Blog

Thinking about the future...

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 23:20:22 GMT

A better world for our children, a brighter future. I can only think of one person to be our next president: Barack Obama. Check out his grassroots campaign, check out his speech in Selma, AL commerating the anniversary march, and check out his stance on everything:
http://www.barackobama.com/

Tags: Barack, Obama, Campaign 2008

Man, it's been awhile

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:49:43 GMT

Well, we moved back in Sept 2006 to Monterey, CA and everything has been a whirlwind since then.

We are pregnant again-- our baby is due in May 2007!

We had a wonderful Christmas with 13 of our friends and family- it was great!

Sierra is so advanced, she's talking in sentances and letting me know exactly how she feels now-- it's wonderful and very exciting! She even says "please" and "thank you!"

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Okay okay so it's been a month or so

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 05:33:19 GMT

I am getting so busy with doing other things with my "computer time" that I haven't been taking time out for my friends at Zaadz!

Here are some new things:

1) Shawn (my hubby) got a better job opportunity (actually with another company)
2) We are moving within a month (if we can sell our place)
3) I've been taking better care of my body (working out every other day or so)
4) I've been trying to keep up with Sierra-- which is very hard work!
5) I went back to work (initially as only part time, but I've been working more hours than I thought to try to get the organization back on track)
6) I've been trying to help others (my family mostly but also some really good friends)

As you can see I've been busy. I have been thinking about Zaadz though and am delighted to see it lives on without me. Also delighted to see how well all my friends here at zaadz are doing.

Live long and prosper....or at least live long!
Love
Swan

Tags: moving, busy, new things

It's been awhile,....

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 17:32:31 GMT

After a couple months of travelling, getting sick, getting better and now beginning to work part time again, I have been busy!

I still check in on my friends though and wanted to let you all know that I have not been kidnapped or bushwacked.

I hope all is well with each of you. Today is a beautiful day at the beach, and I think when the baby wakes up, we will go!

May serene ocean sounds surround you today,

Swan

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Yosemite

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Mon, 15 May 2006 18:29:19 GMT

Well, this weekend we headed up to Yosemite (about 3 hours away) and had many things planned-- so did many other people! The line was about 1 1/2 wait outside the gate. I love the majesty and beauty of Yosemite, but couldn't believe so many others did as well!

Then we got to the park and the surroundings somehow mellowed me out and we enjoyed the park-- not long enough for my liking though! Next time we will have to stay much longer.

I love the feeling I get when I'm there-- like I'm part of nature, part of something bigger, connecting to the universe more clearly.

My daughter loved going into the water (Merced river)- it was so high this year and there was actually still snow on top of Half Dome!

Anyways, then last night we had dinner at the Paso Robles Inn on the way home with our moms-- great food!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Tags: Mother's Day, Yosemite

DESIDERADA

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Wed, 10 May 2006 17:02:52 GMT

Today I was thinking of this poem that used to hang in my house growing up in Ozark, AL.
"Desiderata" was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantement,
it is as perrenial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Tags: DESIDERADA

It's been a year

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Wed, 03 May 2006 18:42:23 GMT

It's been a whole year since I had my little baby girl and I can't believe it. Actually she isn't so little anymore-- 26 lbs and 3 feet tall! She looks like most 3 year-olds. And can walk, talk and play just like they do. She is still so young though, and sometimes I can see how frustrated she gets when her little body won't do what her mind wants her to do (like backing up the push toy to get out of a corner).

Also, I have been reflecting on the last year with love. I have done a lot of healing (it was a tramatic birth for both of us), but I still do not physically feel "myself" yet. That is a new challenge for me--"woman, heal thyself."

Most of all I can't believe how fast the time flies by, and I know it will only move faster now that she is so mobile and eager to explore this new world of hers. I guess I can only be thankful that I am here to guide her and bear witness to all the extrodinary things she will see and do. It actually brings tears to my eyes to think of how fast everything happens.

In my arms, she will always be my baby girl.

Tags: baby girl, growing up

Perfect Mother's Day Gift

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 23:00:28 GMT

Hi all,

I was looking into this, since all the mothers in my life have about all the boobles they need (including myself). Doing something for the needy children out there in my mothers' names:

http://www.savethechildren.org/involved/donations/index.asp?stationpub=x_yahoo_pi&ArticleID=&NewsID=

I can't think of a better Mother's Day gift.

Much Love,
Swan

Tags: gift, mother's day

Time

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 19:52:25 GMT

Sorry I haven't posted on this blog for some time, but time, it seems, moves much more quickly when you are caring for a little one and she is a mobile body, wanting to explore everywhere-- which means I get to explore as well!

In the past few months we have new words (a "hi" for everyone, and a "bye" for sometimes, plus a full "hi daddy" for my husband when he comes home at night-- too adorable!).

We went to Sacramento to visit all the in-laws for Easter (actually for them it was Passover, and I experienced my first Passover Dinner-- very interesting).

Then we came home and celebrated Easter-- Sierra loved trying to find eggs and had a good time.

Now we are amidst chaos of our house due to renovations (our bathrooms and painting the interior of our home). At first I was a bit overwhelmed, but now I am working through the chaos and coming up with a plan for finishing.

I am reminded that lfe is chaos (at least to some degree chaos is good), and order is good, but can be too comforting, therefore becoming dull.

Live life, embrace chaos, I know I am.

Cheers,
Swan

Tags: chaos, home, everyday life

On this day

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 02:16:52 GMT

On this day I am a mom
On this day I am a friend
On this day I am an advisor
On this day I am a lover
On this day I am a child
On this day I am aware of my "self"
On this day I am me.

Today was a beautiful day at the beach. It is hard living in paradise, but someone's got to do it. I took Sierra to the Dinosaur park on the beach and it was gorgeous, overlooking Shell Beach, CA.

This is a place where Art in the Park takes place-- I will go when it next comes up.

This is a place where people can connect to their inner selves very easily-- it's peaceful, beautiful, and clean (no smog).

Zaadzsters should meet here....I will look into it.

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Rainy Saturday

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 06:13:16 GMT

Well, another rainy Saturday....this day was a cold one! Sierra and I caught the Farmer's Market when the rain let up, then went to Granny's house...she loves exploring new places (as do I)!

It's amazing to me how fast she is changing....today she was walking, not just a few steps, but walking with cute little wobbly steps. I am so happy I get to spend this time seeing all her changes and playing patty cake.

I highly recommend it for those of you who haven't played in awhile :-)

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New beginnings

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 19:54:25 GMT

Here I am now free of a "job" for the first time since I was 16 years old. A very good feeling. I am free....I am free.....I am free.....

Focus on connections (old friends, family, nature)......making peace with myself and others. I am free to focus on the present and really enjoy it.

Thank you thank you thank you to all the powers for allowing me the opportunity to be me all the time everyday!

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What a week

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 00:30:38 GMT

I hope that everyone is having a good week-- I know I am! I am back at work, bringing in the baby sometimes and just being around her makes me feel special! She is wide-eyed and beautiful-- she can even play patty cake already (not even 9 months-old)!

Anyways, I feel that I am so blessed to be part of nature and the universe.

I used to think I belonged to some other time (an old soul), but now I know I belong in the here and now! There is no place like the present!

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Happy Thursday

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 00:56:26 GMT

Just because no one ever says HAPPY THURSDAY-- I am saying it to you!

I hope that everyone is able to do one thing different today-- challenge yourself, treat yourself. Haven't been to the gym in a long time?? Go! Haven't had ice cream in awhile-- get some! Drive a different way home from work, call up someone you haven't spoke to in awhile, read a poem or even better-- write one! I'm taking a walk on the beach at sunset because I haven't done it in a year. Change is good.

Here's a poem I wrote today (a silly one):

Run, jump, skip, hop

Sunny day
Come out to play
Why don't we anymore?

Bills to pay
Traffic delay
Now we are all "grown up."

Who's to say
you may
or may not act like a kid anymore?

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Money, money, money

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 05:10:55 GMT

I've just taken over the financial tracking reins in our family-- pay all the bills, on time preferrably....it is amazing how much money one family can spend: first mortgage, second mortgage, groceries, gas, household items, food.

Spend wisely young grasshopper--- I just gave my resignation notice for 2006, therefore, from now on I shall be called "thrifty."

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2006

http://swan2u2006.gaia.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 01:59:45 GMT

As we begin our new journey in 2006, let us consider the world of 2005 and hope that this will be a better year. Natural disasters abound and poverty and corruption overshadowed the otherwise beautiful world and made it bleak for me. Personally, it was a year of adjustment-- new house, new job, new baby....I almost feel like a new person.

Let's make this year better than last. Quit focusing on power, money and fame, and do something good for someone in need. Buy a lunch, give a hug, drive a buddy to work. Instead of hiding the good in you, let it show. The world will be a better place for it.

I will, won't you?

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Gaia Community: Swan's Blog

Thinking about the future...

Man, it's been awhile

Okay okay so it's been a month or so

It's been awhile,....

Yosemite

DESIDERADA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.

It's been a year

Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Time

On this day

Rainy Saturday

New beginnings

What a week

Happy Thursday

Money, money, money

2006

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.