During my year of fearless love, I met so many like-hearted people. One of them is the astonishingly talented Julia Fehrenbacher, artist-poet-writer-photographer and blogger at Painted Path.
I told her that I wanted to kick off my new site with something fun and collaborative, and we came up with the idea of 41 6-word days. (Julia is inexplicably fond of 41-day projects.) Every night, we’ll email each other a 6-word glimpse of our day, whether it was wonderful or terrible or hilarious or strange, and we’ll post them on our sites. It’ll be like holding hands; together apart.
I’d love for you to join us. You can post your 6-word days here in the comment thread or on A Human Thing’s Facebook page. Come play! At the end I’ll rearrange this page, organize each of our 41 days by person (Julia, me and anyone else who plays with us for the whole time). I think it’ll be cool to look into each other’s windows a bit.
Update: I did it! Look into our windows!
41 6-word days
Day1:
Julia: Snow falls and nudges us awake.
j: On the edge of something new.
Day 2:
Julia: Ibuprofen and tissue save the day.
j: Celebrated today with wine and cheesecake.
Day3:
Julia: Taking NyQuil and going to bed.
j: I think I’m stealing Julia’s energy.
Day4:
Julia: I’m willing to be too much.
j: Writing all day. Yeah, today rocked.
Day 5:
Julia: Wanting answers to all these questions.
j: A sweet and sour kinda day.
Day 6:
Julia: Continually awed by the creative process.
j: Beyond the margins, we fully connect.
Day 7:
Julia: Rediscovering the hotness of my husband.
j: At the center of everything… love.
Day 8:
Julia: I vow to do things differently.
j: We’re so fucked up and remarkable.
Day 9:
Julia: One conscious decision shifts it all.
j: Superhumanly balanced on the mat today.
Day 10:
Juilia: I’d rather be ALIVE than “comfortable.”
j: Riding momentum, must remember to steer.
Day 11:
Julia: I love the sound of silence.
j: I lost myself in words today.
Day 12:
Julia: Thanks, nature, for helping me remember.
j: I think it’s okay to yearn.
Day 13:
Julia: Don’t feel like writing poetry today.
j: Finding intersection of love and kickassery.
Day 14:
Julia: Seriously think I need a lobotomy.
j: A big-time, love-filled day.
Day 15:
Julia: Singing makes my spirit come alive
j: Awed, astonished, surprised, confounded… and loved.
Day 16:
Julia: Savoring the sweetness of my lil’family
j: Sometimes six words is not enough.
Day 17:
Julia: Feeling overwhelmingly grateful for beautiful connections.
j: Scratchy throat? Say it ain’t so!
Day 18:
Julia: The magic is nowhere but here.
j: My internal compass keeps finding north.
Day 19:
Julia: Namaste to the whole precious world.
j: Humming (in spite of the plague).
Day 20:
Julia: Savoring the preciousness of this life.
j: Body in revolt. Need softer Kleenex.
Day 21:
Julia: Another’s loss cracks me wide open.
j: Just need two words. Puffs tissues.
Day 22:
Julia: Fresh sheets, cozy bed. Can’t wait!
j: I let Sunday wash over me.
Day 23:
Julia: Blissfully blown away by beautiful synchronicities.
j: Bolstered by love today; standing taller.
Day 24:
Julia: Bikram Yoga totally kicks my ass.
j: When will I learn? Just START.
Day 25:
Julia: I’m no longer listening to doubt.
j: Endings are always clearest in hindsight.
Day 26:
Julia: It’s all about shedding the shit.
j: Relocated my center today; then flew.
Day 27:
Julia: I wanna go to Bali now.
j: What a funny, sweet, surprising day.
Day 27:
Julia: I’m all out of words today.
j: Today: yoga, words, boys, dogs, polenta.
Day 28:
Julia: I’m inviting abundance into my life.
j: Unplugged today. Awash in the 3-D world.
Day 29:
Julia: A whirlwind kind of a day.
j: I’m learning… fearlessness is a practice.
Day 30:
Julia: Had the best lemondrop ever tonight.
j: Shattered, awed, fortified by Sugar love.
Day 31:
Julia: Embracing the women in my life.
j: I remembered! JUST START. Good day.
Day 32:
Julia: Imagining my book in my hands.
j: Surrounded by so damn much love.
Day 33:
Julia: Closer to making this dream happen.
j: I was willing to be misunderstood.
Day 34:
Julia: Wishing I had a magic wand.
j: So grateful for all of you.
Day 35:
Julia: Get to see my sister tomorrow!
j:Sweet, winding paths, old barns, sunshine.
Day 36:
Julia: Drinking with fancy boy at airport.
j: Where can I get a fancyboy?
Day 37:
Julia: There was nothing normal about today.
j: The scenic route is my north.
Day 38:
Julia: It’s been a wild birthday week.
j: Feeling loved, fortified, believed in, lucky.
Day 39:
Julia: So good it makes me weep.
j: Had a little crush on Thursday.
Day 40:
Julia: So very thankful for my health.
j: Inspiration, acceptance, rebellion, love… It’s Friday.
Day 41:
Julia: Does this really have to end?
Julia: This moment is the perfect teacher.
j: It’s a magnificent thing, this life.
Oh am I giddy about this!
I see what you did there. :)
you gals are way too cute
what words of pure loveliness here…
Slowly starting to catch a glimpse.
This is going to be much fun
Yay! I’ll play with you, too! ;-)
Looking forward to joining you here.
You fill my heart with love!
With love, we all have….something.
Show us how to love fearlessly!
Ending my day with a smile =)
Tummy full of chocolate chip cupcakes.
Sadness, comfort, dragon tattoo, loving friends.
<3
WOW! You guys are a) talented, b) concise, and c) FUN! I’m so happy you’re playing!
I just posted Day 2. Clearly Julia and I had very different days today, but I did tell her that cheesecake and wine help the medicine go down. (j’s cure-all.)
How’s Day 2 for you?
Rough throat, fighting to be well.
Cooper is gone. It’s so quiet.
a day late but never short
Ready for anything…… that involves pillows.
Ooooh I wanna play!
Here’s yesterday’s: Downton Abbey and sweetheart’s epic meal
What did I just step in?
Already looking forward to the weekend!
What a great way to look at our days. Now let’s see…
Day 1.
~ Bravest things I have: Love, Hope.
Day 2.
~ Sometimes bit of laziness is okay.
Day 1: So this is what it’s like?
Day 2: Memories, snow. Another season of remembering.
Day two…..
Back to work, vexercise and exercise.
(We can use made up words, right??? :-) )
Day two
This decadent life — homemade potato chips!
I love you guys! I love how some of your 6-words are a little mysterious,some are playful, and some are disarmingly direct and honest (here and on FB). I’m captivated. (And I am, apparently, a voyeur at heart.)
Day 3 is posted. Julia is struggling, and I’m riding the high of an awesome launch (and totally giddy that you’re all playing with us). Let’s think good thoughts for Julia. (And Amy.) Feel better!
Okay, your turn!
xo
I am not at the beach.
I can’t wait to hug you.
No Wikipedia? Try World Book Encyclopedia.
Fire on a cold winter’s night
sleepy, after a fun day off
Record; redo; record; redo; edit infinitum.
Feel better soon, Julia!
Day 3.
~ Feeling safe, how important that is…
~bummer we are both sick Jules! Feel better :) ~
Day 3: Home from work trying to recover.
I’ve got the biggest smile on my face right now (despite the achy yucks)…I’m just Loving (with a capital L) these 6-word glimpses into each of your days. My heart is totally warmed. I’m loving that you guys are playing with us–it feels so good to be doing something simply for the FUN of it-imagine that?
J, you’re brilliant. Seriously. Now hand over some of that *high* please–and cheesecake. And wine.
Estrella, thank you for the feel better wishes. :)
And Amy (who just happens to be my sweet little sister) I hope you’re feeling better. FYI, NyQuil did wonders for me last night. Long distant hugs to you. I love you. xo
soaking in tub, smiling while sneezing
I’m still laughing at this, Christa…I’m amazed at how much can be said in 6 words. I so needed that laugh yesterday–thank you. Glad you’re coming back to life. Love to you, my friend.
Organizing and discovering many beautiful treasures.
Feel better, Julia.
Thank you, Eydie. So happy you’re playing. <3
Oh my gosh, Christa…I’m laughing (while coughing) my head off right now. This cracked me up so much. What a release laughing is…
Thank you and feel better, friend. xo
Day #3:
Hey Wacky Wednesday – wait for me!
(Six word day is so fun!):-D
Thanks Jules, I’m taking in that hug right now :) Thank you for calling, I so enjoy our talks, they always leave me feeling inspired & loved. <3 you.
Ahh…my sister. I love you so.
hate being sick on best day
Hope you’re feeling better, Nancy…love to you.
I hope you’re feeling better too, Julia! I’m loving the six word day thing, and so glad to see your work thanks to Judy!
Ah, Nancy. Rest like crazy.
It’s amazing how, in the last few days of being sick, it’s still been so hard for me to let myself rest. Yesterday I called to cancel my dentist appointment and the receptionist on the phone (who was so incredibly sweet and empathetic) gave me full permission to REST and nurture myself…in case you need it (like I did), I’m giving you that full permission now. :)
Sink in and allow yourself to let go of anything that isn’t nurturing. xo
Forced snow day today. kinda awesome
Swinging into hope after losing job.
I am a few days behind, but loving catching up. Here they are:
Day one :: Struggled with everything, then let go.
Day two :: Snow and cold, two warm dogs.
Day three :: Lots of words, only one picture.
This project lifts my tired spirit.
So happy to hear that, Lance. It lifts mine too.
I would like a faster metabolism.
I hear that!
Oh, shit…this totally cracked me up. Me too. :)
Like, I patented organic water, duh
Snowed in. Cooked for an apocalypse.
day 1 quiet clinic day ~ grateful for it
day 2 open to wonder ~ knowing it’s me
day 3 singing all day ~ appreciating my path
love love love it.. sixwords rocks
more fearless love.. inspiring me daily
Warm canine companion, breathing beside me.
Oh, my favorite day.
A good friend — I cherish her.
That was my Day 3!
Oh, and I LOVE reading everybody’s 6 words!
Okay, I have questions (that no one has to answer, but just so you know I’m paying CLOSE attention)… Edye, what treasures? Rita, what is a forced snow day? (Yes, that’s probably an only-in-California kind of question.) Jill, what is the picture? Marilyn, who is she?
jb, I love 6-word days too, and Cynthia… *big, giant hug*
Day 4 is up. Julia is feeling better (I know this because she painted a dove, which you can go see on Painted Path). And I buckled down and wrote (happily) all day.
Your turn. (I love this part best of all.)
HA! Of course. You guys don’t see a lot of snow. What that means is it snowed. I live in an city where we don’t get a lot of snow adn when we do, the entire city comes to a stand still. We got between 6-12 inches of snow which is a lot. I couldn’t dig my car out and the buses were not running in the morning for me to get to work because the roads weren’t plowed, so as much as I wanted to come into work (and I really did) i was forced to stay at home…”forced snow day”.
If Marilyn is me (I have no “i”!), the “she” I originally meant was my friend Wendy, with whom I spent the day yesterday — shopping for art supplies for our kindergarteners and lunching — AND today — working in our 1st graders class and hiking and lunching! But as I typed my words I thought of an older friend who lives all the way across the country, who told me yesterday she is pregnant! I cherish them both!
Rita, Cool! It was the “forced” that threw me, but I am all knowing now. Thanks!
Marlyn, Oops. So sorry about the “i.”
Growing up in rural Idaho, we had both snow days and cold weather days. Crazy Idaho winds puts it below 0 at times. And when there was a lot of snow, there was no way the buses were getting to 90% of the houses on their routes.
I have a fond memory from ~ 4th grade of going to cub scouts after school, so I road a different bus. We got stuck in the snow that afternoon and had to wait to have someone come get us out.
We had so many days allocated a year that we could have off without having to make them up. I’m thinking it was probably the same year that the bus incident above happened that we got pretty close to the max.
Oh, another thing you probably don’t get too many days of in California either — every Fall we would have two weeks off around the beginning of October for spud harvest. Nearly everyone in the community was working, even down to kids 10 and under, having school would have been pointless. We were in Idaho after all, and potatoes harvested later than the other typical crops of hay and grain, which were usually done by the time school was in session.
Whoops. Rambling about Idaho.
Today:
Gravity pulls; I should let go.
This season is all weird as far as the weather goes, I’ve also been sick on and off. Hope everyone gets well soon!
Day 4.
~ Four kitties and a bunny: love.
Coming back to life, wading in.
Day 4
My eyes on what I have.
Judy, the one picture was of a carved wooden bird and the word “listen.”
Day Four :: Work though I’d rather stay home.
It just now occurred to me to click you name. (I can’t think of a good excuse for being so slow on the uptake.) I see it! Off to read all your words.
coming back to life, getting clear
Thursday with 9 fingers – salad injury.
(I love these 6-word days. They’re like mini-haiku’s. Ooh, they’re haiku-ettes!)
Day 1 just joining in six-word day
Day 2 taking photos of shadows ~ great light
Day 3 watching river ~ sitting on the bank
Day 4 happy to be living my life
(six~word days are GREAT) :~))))
Day 4……
Mammogram less painful with a cold? :-)
Yoga my body and soul like.
I’m gonna do a bad bad thing :)
No worries! Just wanted to be sure it was me you were asking! :-)
In love with my new haircut.
This made me smile, Eydie. xo
not quite myself, where is “I”?
That’s a very good question, Travis.
Day 4: Pregnant pals make me wax wistful…
Gravity, kitties and bunnies; clarity, contentment, reluctance; treacherous salads, shadows, rivers; mammograms and happiness; yoga and soul and an intriguing malice of foresight; lost self, pregnant friends and a really GREAT hair day.
You have to love the big messy spectrum of human experience.
Day 5 is posted. Julia is looking for answers and I could use a few too. How are you guys doing?
Yes, all the stinky, messy, beautiful bits–you have to love them.
J, you totally completely rock. And I love you, have I told you that before? I absolutely love what you did up there–feels like art…poetry.
Giant hugs.
Agree — it makes a great poem — ah, but that is life, eh?
Julia, I adore you.
How am I doing?
Alive.
And that because of the ultimate act of love.
Yet why do I feel so far from Love?
j, thanks including me here in this group.
And, now, off to get blood drawn. How am I doing? Alive.
You are loved, my friend.
So glad Thursdays are my Fridays!
Where does this sadness come from?
I’ve asked this same question, Jill. Thank goodness we have these beautiful, heart-warming connections.
Sending big, warm hugs your way.
<3 Julia
Stargazing live tonight ~ clear skies ~ hopefully!
Raising my face, searching for sunlight.
This made me cry, sweet Amy. It’s only 6:58 am and already I’m crying. I’m shining sunlight on you right now–can you feel it? Close your eyes and take a really deep breath…can you feel it? It’s nowhere but here.
I love you.
I’m crying too now, sitting at my desk at work. I feel it Jules, I really do :) I love you so much.
Friday, another sick day……to sleep.
Going hiking with my husband — smile!
Rainy Friday, frosting cupcakes, bouncing later!
Freezing outside, layering sweaters …wanting warmth!
just starting, feeling behind, catching up!
Spending a quiet Friday night, alone.
knowing no more, no less. sigh.
Flooding in Oregon, worrying in Colorado.
Half lit, celebrating my roomy’s birthday!
Whew!
Day 4: Walking in the snow at 2AM
Day 5: The doctor is in. With boobs.
(I am giddy with the prospect of no longer being snowed in. That night explain Day 5. Maybe.)
It totally doesn’t explain it! With boobs? Gah! Six words is awesome and frustrating! xo
My soul found, in another’s art.
Beautiful.
Love this!
Here’s what I’m loving about this. It’s like if you were sitting on a star looking down at all of us on earth, trying to paint the picture of a day, your canvas would fill with poetry and longing and struggle and worry and joy and snow days and rain and cupcakes. And on the bottom, like a signature, there would be my giggle at Cynthia, half lit, celebrating her roommate’s birthday.
You all fascinate and delight me. Thank you.
Day 6 is up. Julia is making art happen (yay!), and I’m being touched and altered by the people who love me unexpectedly and wonderfully.
Trust me when I say that you have no idea how much I want to hear what you’re doing. xo
J…so well put, as always. You’re truly a magician of words.
And I’m right here with you as far as wanting to hear each of your words–such a gift for my days. I swear, this is getting addicting. My sentences keep showing up with 6 (whether I want them to or not).
Big love to all of you, (See, I just did it again!)
Julia
Ha! You are ever so clever. <— see what I did there?
I see. (times 3)
Wrote on bathtub, love bath markers!
Love reading all the entries here!
Day 5.
~ Movies and sleepovers with Chef: fun.
Stitching maple leaf into moleskin journal
Repairing lost friendships, moved by God.
Unexpected free time…what to do?
We have any fennel?
Just rutabagas.
Saturday plus birthday legos equals fun!
day 4 Charley Horse ~ screamed in pain ~ sore :~(
day 5 watched while others ~ had to go
day 6 sunshine ~ freedom ~ grateful for the time
& in the end..the love you make..is equal to the love you take
an intense emotional week… new life, death, a firing, shocking pain, thankfully only for a few minutes but had waves that lasted for a few hours…unfolding of more love and felt my heart grow bigger talking to an old friend today
joy in following our hearts bliss
Day 6.
~ Proud – built myself a “Writer’s Clock”.
PS: Tutorial for that will be on my blog soon for those interested.
I loved celebrating National Hug Day!
A mother’s heart put at ease <3.
1. There are such things as bath markers?!
2. I kinda want to hang out with Helen.
3. Yay, Amy!
4. Nancy… See jb.
5. Maryln, that is so cool.
6. “And in the end…” BEST Beatles lyric ever.
7. I don’t know what it is, but I need a writer’s clock.
8. Rita, *hug*
9. I know the feeling… and it is sweet.
Day 6 is up. Julia is on a hot date, and I am nursing a fierce and tender love for humanity.
Your turn again. What are you (who astound me daily) doing?
:-) You’d like it. I saw one a couple of months ago on a website, then Googled the idea and eventually got my clock-kit out (which I purchased back in 2010, but was waiting for inspiration) and made it look like a clock last week. I finished it yesterday since the paint was dry by then.
I’ll e-mail you a photo in a little bit so you can see a preview before the craft post is up on my blog ;-)
:~)))
There’s no such thing as toomanybubbles.
Ha! LOVE this. (times two)
My girls, whose nickname is “The Bubbles” put bubble bath in the hot tub and turned the jets on full — crazy! I have pictures!
David Garrett rocked the house tonight!
Butterflies abound, beginning is never easy.
Ahh…butterflies! Such a beautiful thing.
Not easy but so worth it.
I love you, little sister xo
I can’t drink like that anymore.
Me neither, Jill!
xo
making kefir, blueberry, apple, pear, smoothy.
so many interests to pursue. grateful.
body doesn’t desire living; I do.
Shopped with my Daughter, model time.
Another movie…another experience pondering “art.”
Or more prosaically…How to be early to rise?
Ah, Sunday, from bubbles to butterflies to hangovers… you are magnificently unpredictable.
I just posted Day 8. I love Julia’s resolve. As for me, I spent the weekend reading TORCH, by Cheryl Strayed, in preparation for an interview with her next month. It is a beautiful, wrenching story about grief and family and love, love, love. All weekend I’ve been filled with the wonder and fragility of us. We are more than a little miraculous.
It’s a new week… How are you doing?
Did I miss a day, two?
Day 7.
~ Read TFiOS until 4am again yesterday.
TFiOS = The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
I even have a blog post up about it, kind of like a mini review. Love how this book seems to have chosen me as much as I chose it.
Dreamed of three ladybugs in snow.
Backstory: I lost a dear friend to breast cancer two years ago (she was only 37, mother of a two year old), and she keeps sending, those of us that loved her and can see them, ladybug sightings, kind of a little wink, “still here, still love you.”
If you’d like, you can read more about her, an amazing woman, here http://thousandshadesofgray.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/dance-party/ and here http://thousandshadesofgray.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/kelly-jo/
ladybug love ~ touches my heart deeply <3
Confronted the issue, feeling much relief.
Oh j, I LOVE your day eight!
<3
Having spent all weekend reading about grief and love and (fucking) cancer... your 6 words are more than a little beautiful.
Grrrr…stupid fucking cancer.
I forgot to post something on Sunday. :)
It’s never too late, darlin’.
Loving as big as possible today.
day 8:
why’s it hard to just be?
PS – I love this. Needs to go global. I’ll provide the photos…
I love it too! Maybe we’ll figure out some way to keep it going. (And, take some love photos and send them to me! The galleries need you!) xo
It needs to keep going…and YES to your photos Christa!
I totally love six-word days.
Just saw this, J – I’ll work on it!
day 7 opened deeply a strange new love
day 8 followed sadness to where it wanted
Sick husband, need I say more?
I’m in love with this day <3
Rough night, where is my bed?
Hard Monday, but tax returns filed!
Don’t you love these glimpses? Especially all stacked up like we are… Christie’s hard night on top of Cynitha’s loving her day. Rita’s joy on top of Christa’s restless struggle to be in the now. I’m so dazzled by the big crazy spectrum of our existence, and the way we all connect here, a beautiful collision.
You. All. Rock.
Day 9 is up (a bit early, so feel free to contribute more Mondays). I like the way Julia’s and mine fit together today (though we never 6-word table talk). It looks like one conscious decision shifts you into superhuman balance, yes? (I think sometimes it does.)
Okay, lovelies. Your turn. xo
up to 11, peace in napping.
j might figure that one out. :)
I just realized I’m the only guy regularly taking part (unless I’m misjudging some of the names without pictures!). Hope it’s not too weird.
I love that you’re here, Travis.
Thanks, Julia, it means a lot.
I tend to think I’m out of place where ever I am, so sometimes I need encouragement. :)
You’re in the perfect place, Travis. Truly, my heart is warmed by your presence.
Love to you,
Julia
“Up to 11″ makes me think of Spinal Tap. Do you still love me?
Of course I do!
It was a reference to Spinal Tap, and a commentary on my odd napping habits. :)
Yes. Sleeping on 11 is not something most of us can do. :)
This love thing is really tough
I was here, your post resonated. xo
xoxoxo <— 6 of each.
Day 8.
~ Book. Love. Grief. Ice skating. Overthinking.
Upside down, love rushes towards you.
Thank goodness the wall was there.
Thank goodness the teacher was there.
Thank goodness for headstands in yoga.
Jill, Jill… how you dazzle me.
One of my best friends calls me “Jill Jill” ;)
Jill, I’ve got to tell you; this remark you made here impacted me. I understand you were probably talking about yoga, but it hit me in a different way. It was precisely what I needed to hear, at just the right moment, to finally break thru my thick skull.
For so long, it felt like an invisible wall was in front of me. It’s like every step I made, there was another wall, keeping me, (or so I thought), from what ( I thought) I wanted. I was ranting and raving about it one day to a friend, and my friend said, “Make friendly relations with the wall.” I was like, “I can’t! How can I do that when all I want to do is smash it down!”
I never thought of that wall as, shall we say, a loving universal support. Like a teacher directing my path. I didn’t see it as something that was actually holding me up, while guiding me in the direction I needed to go. If not for those walls, (which at times felt like I was walking through a maze, trying to find the open way), I wouldn’t be here, which is,(I see now), exactly the very best place for me.
So thank you. Your remark here helped me let go, and see the path before me differently. Walls are my friend! Who knew?
Now THAT was cool. Thank you for coming back and sharing, Cindy. xo
Great night sleep, feeling at peace.
day 8
“sick” day from school – great idea!
I love all the glimpses. And, Travis, I’m glad you hear!
Wow, that was supposed to say “you’re here” – I must have been half asleep!
Day 8
Husband fears dentist ~ I was there
Day 9
Thoroughly unusual day ~ we were sociable :~)
Walking with friends, looking at lichen.
Thinking about various outcomes, mother worries.
feeling overwhelmed, sneaking chocolate before dinner
Can I have some?
To cut or not to cut?
Life as a million dollar blockbuster!
Ooops….should have included some context in my six words for today….to cut or not to cut (my hair). I was being very literal about the six words!
Love to Judy and Julia and to each and everyone playing along with the six word thing….I read all the comments, and wonder at how we are all seeing our lives. I really love Julia and J’s comments for the past two days. So much of my life is wrapped up in those 24 words!
Phew! (I figured it was hair, but I’m happy for the clarification.) I’ve been finding gray hairs. Long, 18-inch gray hairs! I told The Boy, and he said, “You’d look cool with long gray hair.”
Out of the mouths of babes. :)
For some reason what popped in my head as I read about your long gray hairs was an image of Rogue (Anna Paquin’s character) from X-Men.
:)
I can live with that!
Saki cat, wanting attention right meow!
I was trying to explain to someone about the 6-word days. “It’s like we’re all holding hands,” I said. “It’s like glimpsing the whole of humanity,” I said. “It’s so much cooler than I thought it would be,” I said.
She didn’t understand, I could tell. “Maybe you have to be there,” I said.
I’m SO glad I’m here. (xoxo)
Day 10 is up. Julia blew my socks off. ME TOO, Julia! Me? I keep forgetting who’s in charge of my life. Sometimes I forget my own badassery. Feel free to remind me. I’ll remind you back.
Okay y’all. What’s happening?!
Badass J. You constantly blow my socks off. Every time I read your words I’m left with my mouth and heart wide open and my socks nowhere to be found.
Here’s to never ever forgetting our badassery.
I’m so glad I’m here too.
*Big smiles.* And a whole heart full of love.
P.S: Consider yourself officially reminded.
Sweet Julia. How I adore you. 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Feeling better now, despite the cold…
From the first time I came to this site and started reading the words and peaking into all your journeys I was captured by the photo that accompanies the post. The magic of a glimpse through an open window. But more than that the photo reminded me of a photo I had taken. I knew the photo, where it was taken, but it took me some time to settle down and find it on the computer. I did tonight and I did a little blog post about it. I hope you’ll check it out and take a little bigger peak into a small piece of my journey!
a house (inatree) with a window
http://bubblesgobye.blogspot.com/2012/01/house-inatree-with-window.html
<3
Another day closer to j day!
Awww! Yay!
Day 9.
~ Massages relax and make me happy!
Tired – wait, did I just say goodbye?
–
I was so tired last night it didn’t even click what was happening until now, as my Dad and brother picked up my car to take it to be sold. It is the last car I’ll ever own, or that I’ll ever drive. Even though I haven’t driven it for a while, it was as if I was finally letting go of my independence for good.
I’m so sorry, Travis. Try not to think of it that way. It’s one aspect of independence, yes. Not the whole measure. xo
This isn’t working for me anymore.
Creating, Oh how I’ve missed you.
Hallelujah, Amy!
I’m flying to San Francisco today!!!!!
broken dryer ~ hanging clothes ~ feeling mindful.
A little early to post this, but I’ve seen the sky and it will be true in a couple of hours too :-)
Day 10.
~ Hasn’t stopped snowing since 2pm! Lovely!
Someone please tell me I’m not
the only one up in the
middle of the night counting words.
Julia, I surreptitiously count with fingers…
Oh no, Julia, you are not!
(I counted that on my fingers, but I admit it’s not yet the middle of the night!)
happy for sunshine, line-dried clothes, frisbee
I’m finally thriving, not just surviving.
I want a new story now.
day 9 music filled me with overwhelming love
day 10 forgotten dinner date wonderful surprize ending
so much we share in six words :~)
Unsure if I missed a day (hey, that’s six words!)
Homeward, led by gleaming venus, crescent-moon (is hyphenating cheating or simply creative?…hm, that’s six words, too!)
Learning patience at my old newness (this is the extra in case)
Grinning a big six word grin (now it’s possible I’ll be up in the middle of the night with Julia, counting words….)
One of my favorite things each day is coming here and scrolling through all that we’ve posted. I’ll be nodding or laughing, and then there are posts like Jill’s and Tania’s that wake me up a little; six words written on the edge of transformation. Or Heather’s, six words of momentum, or June’s six words of story – what happened, what happened? (Nancy about killed me tonight.)
We are such lovely, complicated beings. I’m so grateful for what you share.
Day 11 is up. Julia is relishing silence, and I’m feeling so very lucky to do what I do.
Your turn again. Tell me about your day!
I can’t think of much that could be better than words to get lost in, j.
I agree completely!
Smell of the woods comforts me
Melancholy, but don’t want to whine.
I can’t go to work today.
Finding my way through the fog…
Pleasantly surprised by thoughtfulness of others.
Day 10 – Made my love a Dwynwen card
Saint Dwynwen day is our Welsh equivalent of St Valentine’s day, celebrated on 25th January ♥
Day 11 – Is it Thursday or Friday? – Confused.
The answers come ~ all ~ crystal clear.
I love to make Judy laugh. :-)
Slumbered twelve hours thanks to husband.
Stressful morning > stressful afternoon > hilarious laughter
Oh, I like how that ended.
Me too, me too, me too!
Wondering why I climb back inside.
Hello! I’m late getting this posted today. So late it’s tomorrow!
A couple of people (and maybe Helen too) have asked about what days of the week the numbers correspond to. It’s a little confusing because Julia and I started with the Sunday before my Monday launch. I wanted to have something on this page on launch day. That makes January 15th our Day 1, and we always do our six words at the end of the day.
That said… pay no attention! Do what you’re doing. When I arrange us into lovely life glimpses, I will stack your days one atop the other in the order you posted them. I’m really looking forward to that. You’re all fascinating 6-day riddles to me!
Day 12 is up. Julia left me this morning (virtually speaking) to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. Apparently, it went well. I spent a bit of time today wishing I was a little bit bigger, a little bit braver, a little bit further along my northy path. I imagined it… and that’s when I decided it was okay, now and then, to yearn.
How about you?
Beautiful, yearning soul…I adore you & all of your yearning.
<3
Day 11.
~ Really tired of arguing/no solutions…
Day 12.
~ Leap and the net will appear!
(The latter, just one of the amazing things I learned from j. Thank you!)
Before dawn, we walk alone, together.
Seeking balance, breathing deeply, just being.
surviving; but how will I provide?
Resolutions met, though not as expected.
Last night ~ Venus and the Moon
thank you j ~ no longer confused :~)
Awww, a 6-word thank you!
ha ha. I see what you did there
Day 11: Can’t put down new Estes book.
Day 12: Thinking about a friend who’s [wait, whose? lol] angry.
my dreams are all coming true…
Day 11 – So much to look forward to.
Day 12 – Meeting Judy: a highlight for life.
Meeting you surpassed expectations. You rock! <3
Lucky! I hope to meet the wonderful j at some point too. :)
Loving the love connections found here
You all make my life richer.
I only have six words today.
Sought happiness at ocean. Still sad.
This quote is on my desktop: “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea,” (Isak Dinesen).
That’s great. Usually is for me too. Somehow, I just couldn’t pull out all the gunk that’s built up in there today. Funny, although the gunk is clearly cumulative, it does seem to disappear on occasion, and then redeposits itself uninvited. ;) Ahhh, life. The in and out of the tide, the crest and fall of a wave, are definitely representative. The thing is not to take it all too seriously.
Jill….great quote!
Love that.
day 11
more sun, gelato, friends, and lemons
day 12
my children made me proud today
Best Friday night date in ages :-)
Big hugs to Travis, Joanne and Heather. I hope the weekend is better. <3
Day 13 is up. Julia is playing hooky, and I’m edging ever closer to the person I want to be. Thank you for being here with me.
Your turn again! xo
Day 13.
~ Really dislike doing taxes (right now).
obsessions ruled my day, emptiness ignored
I can’t decide if this is a good thing…
When it comes to me, “ignored” is usually a not so good thing.
Obsession is a neutral thing, hard to describe anything good or bad in my life with out using that word.
sundog, sunspots, solar observing with husband
I am aware, but can’t move.
Day full of errands, and art :)
Not sure it I am ahead or behind but here is two I think that should cover yesterday and today:
Friday – massage hot bath great stress remedy
Today – gonna be a love filled day!
I verified your prediction Day 14. xo
You sure did and in a big way!
Grateful for deep breaths ~ lighter shoulders.
cook clean rest, staying busy helps!
Healing: husband, son, daughter, nature, photography.
Two generations of women, happily loving.
Taxes, obsessions, sundogs, inertia, errands, art, remedies, breath, rest, healing, women… Us.
(What is a sundog? I like the sound of it.)
Day 14 is up. Julia made me laugh. I must know more. I had one of my favorite Saturdays ever, full of sunshine and friendship and love, love, love. Feeling very lucky.
Okay, Day 15… go! :)
The sundog we saw was a coloured patch of light, (like a rainbow), to the right of the sun. They can also be a full circle around the sun….I have yet to see one of those beauties. I have seen a redbow once and managed to capture it.
Your Saturday made me feel good :~)))
Oh! I’ve seen sundogs! Now I know what to call them. Thank you!
Cuteness won over my scientific knowledge, I’m afraid to say. When you said sundog, I thought of this :
http://dogs.icanhascheezburger.com/tag/happy-sundog/
Awww!
:~))))
picture. deadlines. both unexpected. almost broken.
Medium or psychic, you are a liar.
I meant: Medium or psychic, you’re a liar.
(((HUG))) for all who need one ~
ops ~ ‘needs’
oh dear…not doing so well today, oops!
You’re so cute.
Coffee brews. Toddler squeals delightedly. Sunday.
Choir; a church within a church :)
Love this.
calm despite so much to do…
Sunday: indolence fighting need for domesticity.
Day 14.
~ Never feel fully caught up nowadays…
(Even forgot eating the other day.)
Day 15.
~ A fun afternoon with friends – priceless!
Day 15 – I really really love my feet!
day #6 Sun: Watched football with my little boy.
day #7 Mon: Busy all day. Not sure why.
day #8 Tues: Got pretty new hair today – yay!
day #9 Wed: Wednesdays are always wacky for me.
day #10 Thurs: Can’t remember what I did today.
day #11 Fri: Out for dinner. Not so good.
day #12 Sat: Not enough sleep. Feeling too stressed.
day #13 Sun: Took 1,198 pictures. Loved every minute!
Fell of the planet for awhile, but I’m all caught up now. At least on my 6 word days. (Until tomorrow…) Loved reading what everyone’s been up too. :-)
Day 15 is up. Julia… sings? Is there anything that woman can’t do? I’d hate her if I didn’t love her so much. As for me, I’m feeling crazy-lucky these days. Partly because of all of you. Thank you! xo
Monday lies in wait. I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.
I could make you a list, J, but it would be far far too long. *Smiles*
Sending love-filled hugs to you all,
Julia
P.S: So so happy to hear the abundance is flowing for you, J…and not at all surprised. You’re a beauty.
Family and friend filled fun day.
Yay! (times six)
Day 13: Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…(Sung like Dori in “Finding Nemo”)
Day 14: It is impossible to understand crazy.
Day 15: Pick yourself up, dust yourself off…
I love every one of these.
<3
sick again, son of a b****!
Oh no! Damn! Take good care, sweet sis.
Sending warmth and love and virtual chicken noodle soup and hot honeyed tea. xo
I wish Sunday would never end.
holiness missing, pressure mounting, still living.
Feeling lighter, stronger and breathing deeper.
wow… I forget where I was
day 11 new vet…child before vet now
day 12 child boy vet…loving him more
day 13 crazy busy day tons of unfolding
day 14 joyfully woken .. musically moved to tears
day 15 surprized by people’s wonder of me
can’t believe 5 days slipped by… seriously fun catching up in 6 words :~)
the vet we had for 2 days.. was once a little boy who use to bring his dog to me…he says I helped him make the decision to go to vet school when he was little.. and suggested he go overseas to study in Edinburgh … his memory… not mine…. he is home now and came to visit the clinic and help out while my boss was away.. he has grown into an amazing man.. and a wonderful vet
Wow! How cool to know that you inspired someone like that. I’m vicariously proud and delighted!
I love, love, love when y’all catchup! <— And that’s how you force fit a 6-word limit.
Day 16 is up. Julia’s made my heart melt. My Monday was so full of… stuff. If you haven’t read today’s post, please do. I struggled with it, until finally I closed the computer, went outside with my notebook and wrote it in pencil. Sometimes, you have to change your perspective to get at the the very deep-down heart of what you want to say. I’d love to hear the deep down heart of what YOU want to say.
Laughing is good for the soul!
Day 16.
~ Not sure how to describe yesterday…
Day 15 ~ Stitching, stitching, stitching my Magic Cloth
Day 16 ~ In love with the word, cadence :~)
Allergies. Much work. Still kinda numb.
Finally, kind attention causes a shift.
See? It’s the (ten thousand) little things we do for each other.
Ah…I’m so happy, Jill. Kindness makes all the difference. Sending love to you.
Opening up, to let God in.
I could use more words today.
#14 Monday: Out of my comfort zone. Scared.
#15 Tuesday: Photography day. Awesome! Soooo tired now.
day 13
want to right but time challenges
day 14
mean to call but timezone challenges
day 15
please tell me they are asleep
day 16
a long hike with my husband
Been busy but have been reading everyone’s words, which create much wonder and warmth! Thank you all.
Wow, that was supposed to be “write” for day 13 — I can always tell when I’m racing too much — I make those sorts of errors that are my pet peeves!
So, do you guys find yourselves thinking of each other? Like, here’s what occurred to me today. I wonder if Jill Salahub and Eydie and Cindy are riding their positive momentum. I wonder if Helen is looking up (at the same sky I am). I wonder if Amy is somehow making me sick through the ether. (Not intentionally of course, she’s much too nice for that.)
I like that I wonder about all of you.
Day 17 is up. Julia is grateful… as am I, but I’m not allowed to write “Yeah, what she said. Plus two.” So instead, I’m whining. I’m a baby. I’m heading off to bed with a book to see if I can’t sleep this bug out of me.
And now, my lovelies, it’s your turn again.
Same here, feels like a little virtual family I think about.
Feel better soon, j! *sending love*
A virtual family, I love that Estrella. Such sweetness and beauty here. I am seriously grateful.
Big hugs to each of you,
Julia
P.S: And yes, J, I do find myself thinking about everyone here…always so eager for the next 6. I love this. And all of you.
So do I, Julia! And I also love the conversations that spur up from our simple thoughts we decide to share :-)
*hugs everyone*
I love ‘virtual family’ Estrella (and your name too) ~
I am looking at that same sky j, and thinking of you doing so too. Tonight we have frost, and the moon and stars ultra bright. Big smiles to you and an equally big hope that that bug scuttles away harmlessly. ~
xo
Thank you!
(and thank you again, it’s my pen name since 2007 and am loving it myself)
J,
Thanks for the observation! Actually, observation(s), Yes, I did notice your question to me about “finding treasures”.
Yes, “ I choose” to allow my positive momentum is running high. First, the weather in Chicago has been spring-like, so my dog and are enjoying many long walks each day. Walking outside always keeps my sprites high.
I’ve been writing every day. My poetry is pouring out of me and onto the pages with ease. My Etsy store will open in March. I am doing the happy dance just thinking about. There are many beautiful opportunities blooming for me.
Oh yes, I did read about your curiosity of me “finding treasures”.
I’ve been doing a lot of rearranging and clearing, and have uncovered an abundance of treasures ~ antique buttons, silk yarns from Germany and France, lace from Italy and so much more. All of these treasures are being dyed, sewn, woven together and embellished with self-empowering words ~ transforming them into luscious and unique wearable art. I will give you a peak when they make their grand entrance our into this world.
Yes, my positive momentum is abundant ~
I have enjoyed being a part of your 41-6 word days. I’ve made some new friends (always brings joy to my heart), and have reconnected with some I have lost touch with over time.
Thank you for sharing your beauty, LOVE, and light. You have created a magical space.
XOXO
Eydie
Wow, Eydie. How absolutely beautiful that all of this is unfolding for you. What abundance! Your words have warmed my heart this morning–so very happy for you.
With love,
Julia
Oh Eydie ~ your found treasures and what you are doing with them sounds wonderful ~ yay to happy-making abundance ~
Oh, sweet J. I hope you had a good night of sleep and are feeling refreshed and not at all scratchy-throated or sniffly.
Either way, a day of hot-honeyed tea and yummy soup might be in order…take good care of your beautiful self.
Warm hugs & bundles of love,
Julia
It’s such a simple thing we are doing here, only six words each day, but they do add up–by now, probably at least ten thousand tiny things. Word to word, Heart to heart, how many miles is that?
This is how I would describe my momentum: it’s like when there’s a backup of debris in the river, all the stuff and yuck collecting and blocking the flow, causing a massive flood behind it. I felt like I was stuck, in danger of drowning, but then–one last item, it can be the tiniest thing, the smallest glimmer of kindness, moment of grace, and the whole thing breaks free, the river and everything in it rushing ahead. And even though it’s always this way, ebb and flow, I am still confused, surprised by it. It’s like I am the sand on the beach, shocked every time the waves leave and come back.
I find myself not only thinking about you all, us, but also wondering what we will do next.
Wow, Jill, you’re words…are like magic.
Jill,
Your words really have a way of blowing me away.
” It’s like I am the sand on the beach, shocked every time the waves leave and come back.”
Do you realize how powerful your words are?
BTW, I loved reading your “Wishcasting Wednesday”. It felt as if your words were holding a mirror to my heart. They echoed deeply, and felt so familiar.
XOXO
Yes, it’s impossible not to think about everyone here when I’m receiving these peeks into your lives. I find myself sending out little prayers of healing, or encouragement, or comfort, or celebrating with you when you’ve found or experienced something good and wonderful. I realized you don’t know that, and I’m so glad you brought this up, j. It’s what motivated me to let Jill know that her remark impacted me positively, and I’m so glad she put it out here. So thanks for the reminder to let others know. No mind readers here!
And hell yeah! I’m riding that positive momentum kite, holding on with both hands, and enjoying the wind on my face while I’m at it.
Cynthia,
I see you flying free and high with your hair blowing in the wind as you hold on to that kite and soar higher and higher.
I love the imagery you created.
Thank you, Eydie! And I love your imagery as well! I’ve always loved the wind in my hair :).
I read your blog, and the love behind the intention, for self, life, and others, is so evident. It was a needed reminder for me, and helped me get back on track with what’s important. Thank you :).
Sending virtual chicken soup to j ♥
I think that’s what cured me. <3
I think I’m behind a day….
Stress is a six letter word….
Breathe! she said to herself, kindly.
See how powerful that voice is?
Tens of thousands used my work.
pondering breathing as alternative to insomnia…..
now I can go to bed…feel better j….and yes, julia, there are a lot of connections for which we can feel grateful.
Day 17.
~ ‘Twas MINUS 18 Celsius. ‘Nuff said…
Day 18.
~ <3 First love padlocks appeared in Kolozsvar! <3
What an awesome thing to see on a morning walk. And I have pics! ;-)
Giddy at all of the possibilites.
~Sorry to hear your sick J, feel better soon! I’ll try keep my sneezes on my side of the screen ;)
Giddy! Yippee…
Two long walks with my dogs.
Girl flick, cuddling with my dog.
Day 16: Working a muscle I’ve not used.
Day 17: Pondering how best to handle this.
Imbolc eve. Grateful for light’s return.
surprise communication shows strength of heart.
Today is over; tomorrow a dream.
#16 Wed: 1000+ photos. 7 hours. Happy. Tired.
(Hope you feel better soon, j!)
Wishing, understanding, gratitude: love, love, love.
Continually assesing my need to improve.
Day with special girlfriends, just be.
So, so late getting Day 18 up! I’m mostly healthy (thank you for all the well-wishes, you are clearly very powerful, as the yuckiness never quite took hold of me), but running a bit behind. Got my running shoes on today, and I’m hellbent on getting caught up.
I LOVE Julia’s words for yesterday. I’m going to write them on a post it note, and put them above my computer.
How are all of you?
So glad you shook it off j ~
Not getting sucked into people’s negativity
Oh no, the gloomies have hit :~(
Okay I lost count of the days but in order backwards: (these are posted on the fanpage and I’m transferring them to the blog as per your request J xo)
Jan 28 – Today did not go as planned.
Jan 29 There is nothing love can’t cure.
January 30th – The best day ever! no foolin’!
Jan 31st – I left my heart in San Francisco
January 31st – Today, I celebrate a major accomplishment
Feb 1st – Excited to date, until he called
Feb 2nd – Just spoke at a luncheon about hugging!
I hope I got these in the right order! xo
finally seeing how precious creativity is…
Loving my obsession with “Doc Martin”
#17 Thursday: 3000 photos. Editing takes so looooong.
Greatful that my husband is home :)
Three hour nap instead of work.
six words – what they are, unsure.
hmmm, is that a cop out?
I’ve always loved an artful cop. ;)
Day 19 is up. After teetering on the edge of the plague for days, yesterday my body surrendered… so Julia’s namaste is very much appreciated. I’m determined to keep humming along, despite the blowing and sniffling and hacking, treating this virus like a bully: ignoring it so it gets bored and goes away. Wish me luck!
In the meantime, in the service of Friday… let your six words fly!
Doing what I have avoiding doing.
OOPS. what I meant to write is…
Doing what I have avoided doing.
Being a mirror. Reflecting your truth.
Hi Kellie! Long time no “see”. Hope all is well with you.
Day 19.
~ Not perfect, but love’s ‘just right’.
Finally, much needed good night’s sleep!
dreams bring insight; anger brings challenge
things just keep on expanding here…
I love my little sleeping puppy.
I was a bit out of commission yesterday. And, in fact, this whole week, poised on the edge of the plague, has been challenging. Last night I slept, and hopefully my body will wage a more effective war against the germs this weekend.
Please be distracting and tell me about your weekends!
Cold snow, warm blueberry bagel: comfort.
Sounds so cozy, Jill. Makes me want to curl up with a good book.
Strange dreams, unsure of their message.
Hmmmm, I love looking closely at dreams. So curious…
Day 18: Liar’s intention = taking free agency away.
Day 19: I thought she was my friend.
Day 20: Standing back up from a blow.
Being unclear has brought on clarity
dreaming of days in my studio…
also sending virtual sesame oil, J
for your poor sore tired nose!
I know I have other days to catch up (and so many of your words to read!) but here’s today’s:
through the woods another comes smiling
hidden treasures revealed, love illuminated truth
actually, let me tweak the punctuation to better reflect the intent:
hidden treasures revealed: love illuminated truth
Hidden treasures, love, truth…so good to hear, Travis. Enjoy.
With love,
Julia
Thanks Julia. It was a blessed day yesterday. I’m grateful to have 6 words to help me recognize it. :)
Ready to sleep, sleep, sleep.
And here is the missing sleep ;-)
Oh, Nancy…I’m right here with you. I don’t know what time it is for you, for me it’s 1:48 am. Ahh…okay, maybe now’s the time? (For sleep that is). Hope you’re happily slumbering by now.
Love & restfulness to you.
Smells: banana bread, cupcakes, and laundry.
Day with family, soaking in love.
Wish I was there soaking with you, Amy.
I want to…
walk for a while with Cindy, now that she’s standing again;
breathe in the smells at Jill’s house;
plumb the mysteries of Christie’s dreams;
stumble into clarity like Eydie;
hug Christa in her studio;
walk woods with Marlyn;
stand for a bit in Travis’s sudden illumination;
sleep with Nancy (but mostly just make her laugh because I wrote that).
I’m feeling better! When I’m sick (which, thankfully, isn’t often), my world becomes so small. There is a vulnerability to being sick that is unlike any other, a biological alteration that is maddening and a little bit scary. It reminds me how little control I actually have. So, when I inevitably wake up feeling better, it always seems like a miracle, and I think the same thing: I’m so lucky that most of the time I feel good.
Day 21 is up. Julia spent time with a friend, talking deep. It broke her open and filled her up, in that way that women can do with each other. (I grew up with boys, then grew up and had boys. The power of women to reach each other awes me.)
It’s Sunday. Here, the sun has broken through. It will be in the 60s. I need to walk through the pretty. How is it where you are?
J, I love how beautifully you synthesize all of our experiences. It’s like a quilt I want to wrap myself in.
And you always manage to crack me up. Nancy, you don’t mind if we all jump in bed with you, do you?
I so love being here with each of you,
Julia
As long as I can stay in bed and work on my perpetual sleep deficit, everyone is welcome! Imagine the warmth and and giggles and conversation, and then blissful sleep!
Echo this!
Day 20.
~ Want to adopt Love Letter Bundle(s)!
PS: thank you for being a part of the letter writers, j!
Background info on the above six words can be read here http://goo.gl/7Hl6y :-)
Of course! I love More Love Letters! xox
Are you ready for some football?
Right up until NY beat SF.
Laughing at Judy wanting to sleep with me…:-)
Sundays remind me weekends are short.
my world is really, really expanding…
Christa! I’m so very happy for you (and so not surprised!). Ahh…so much goodness going around.
Sending love,
Julia
Day 19 – An acupuncture needle in my head.
Day 20 – Exhausted but so happy. Love that.
Judy – xoxoxo
Awww! Thank you, beautiful Rita!
You can tell that I’m mostly healthy because I’m posting our words on time… which means at the end-ish of my Day 22.
We’re more than half way through our 41 days now. Picture a hill. We’ve been bravely climbing to the top, now we’re about to coast wildly down the backside.
When I was a kid, we used to visit this park in the foothills near my house called Ed Levin Park. I took sailing lessons on the small lake there, but I can hardly remember it. What I remember is the hill down which all the kids would slide on pieces of cardboard at breakneck speeds. No helmets or pads, just our squeals.
That’s us for the next 19 days.
xo
You just brought a memory of mine to mind. When we were little we would go to the home of my cousin’s other grandparents (the ones we didn’t share). They had a small farm with a pasture on a big, rocky hill. The three of us, cousin, brother, and I, would climb to the top and throw ourselves onto our sides to roll down. The ride was bumpy and hard (lots of bruises from those rocks) but OH so fun!
in the middle; still in motion
Day 21.
~ I have such wonderfully amazing friends!
*feeling grateful*
Rough Sunday. I wished for Monday.
I hope Monday brings you JOY.
I’m starting to do things differently.
*Sighs in relief*
Eventually, each and everything balances out.
Not sleeping well makes me stabby!
Christie: here are two things you should have with you today, so everyone will understand, http://www.zazzle.com/its_a_bag_and_its_a_warning_sign-149008347585483030 (a bag that says “Please be kind. I’m doing the best I can. And I have a knife”) and http://www.zazzle.com/perfect_for_office_meetings_notebook-130578600938662671 (A notebook that says “Be nice. Or I will stab you.”).
Jill, thanks so much for the support and for bringing a giggle to my day. Fellow Bloggess followers I see :^)
Thank goodness! I had a moment before I posted the links when I almost didn’t, because I don’t think everyone quite gets or appreciates her sense of humor. There’s also a tshirt that says “Feeling Stabby.” :)
I love The Bloggess!
May have to have the hubby order me one for Valentine’s Day. I mean, it would be more for him, you know, to warn him on those days he needs to stay out of my path :^)
The Bloggess references are always welcome here. I love her madly. (And really, anything you’d post, I can’t imagine I’d ever object.)
Love really is all you need. xoxoxo
Day 22.
~ Sometimes it’s just so darn complicated…
Grateful for job that frustrates me.
One moment to say thank you. I wrote today’s post from a tired and vulnerable place. The response has been absolutely nourishing. Thank you for your generous words. You fortify me.
Onward!
Day 23 is up! I’m back on my game. (Yes, I know, famous last words… I’m in a tempting-fate sort of mood.) I love the music in Julia’s six words, and me… what a difference a day makes.
How about you guys?
So very very tired need sleep!
#18 Friday: Happily collapsed into my comfy bed.
#19 Saturday: Son’s play performance – smiles all around!
#20 Sunday: Oops! I forgot about the game.
#21 Monday: Editing more photos til 1 am.
I’m full of light and beans.
I love this!
Sound like lovely things to be full of! This made me smile, Jill.
Better than beans and music. (Yes, it’s a 12-year-old boy joke, but I bet The Bloggess would approve.)
I get this, because in terms of my sense of humor, I sometimes feel like there is a 14 year old boy trapped inside of me.
I think I’m the only one here that actually once was a 14 year old boy. And, if memory serves me well, I would have been in fits of giggles right now.
No wonder I’m so unique. I just realized I have part of a 14 year old boy inside of me. And part of a 54 year old woman. Gotta be confusing to a 35 year old man!
Dreamt last night, conquered my demons.
*smiles in victory*
This brings quite a picture to mind, Amy. We’ll celebrate when you get here!
listening within guides me so beautifully…
day 17
art show opens; children’s work amazes
day 18
My children touch with kitten paws.
day 19
much running — missing your magical words
day 20 (posted earlier, put in sequence here)
through the woods another comes smiling
day 21
hunkering down with family, football, chili.
day 22
Mama, it ‘comes tomorrow so quickly.
day 23
lettuce planted, carrots planted. rain comes.
Whew! I got caught up with my own words — thank you journal for holding my thoughts until I could post them! Now for the time to read, and savor, all YOUR words!
Day 23.
~ No massage this week. Very sad…
PS: also, no ice skating either this week… Very, very sad… Time needs to stand still for just a little while.
The pieces have come together perfectly.
Yesterday:
A momentary diversion put off rest.
Today:
Vision narrowing, walls all I see.
I find human behavior endlessly fascinating.
4 hours much better than 2 :^)
Tonight? 5! *looks into your eyes, tells you that you’re getting sleepy*
I’m jumping ahead, I know but I needed to add this one and I may not get to “things” tomorrow — another busy school day — zoo with 1st graders.
day 24
Gregorie says, “Everyone poops; everyone dies.”
Gregorie is 5 and our 9-year old rabbit is dying. She is trying to be brave.
She’s right. And brave. I’m proud of her.
:-)
I laughed at all the catching up here today! I want you all to feel very sorry for me when, at the end of our 41 days, I have to organize our craziness! On the other hand, THANK YOU for playing! xoxo
Okay, Day 24 is up. Julia is a freakin’ yoga rockstar, and I finally wrote and turned in a piece I’ve been putting off for weeks. That’s what happens when I don’t have a hard deadline… I hem and haw and forget the magic of “just start.”
Okay, y’all. How’s your Wednesday?
I appreciate the title, J, but I’m pretty sure yoga rockstars don’t feel as sore as I feel today. Ouch.
*Just start* works every time…maybe we need to get that tattooed on us. I swear, I constantly forget too, just f-ing start already. Once I start it usually feel like that roll downhill that you so beautifully described a few days ago…but getting to that starting point can feel like climbing Everest (not that I’ve ever climbed Everest, but I can imagine the pain involved). Oh, the power of the mind.
Wednesday is starting out nicely…quiet house, sweet cup of coffee, the sound of rain, connecting with you beauties…
Sending love,
Julia
And your whole paragraph about why starting is hard (and the doing part is actually easy, like rolling downhill)… is why I’m so crazy about you. xo
And the feeling is absolutely mutual.
Can I give you a big kiss on the cheek now?
Bed full of dog and love.
Oh, how sweet this sounds, Jill.
I wish we had a “like” button!
Me too!
When we are all in bed with Nancy, I’ll bring the dogs :)
Sitting here smiling…the image of all of us piled up with your sweet doggies is totally cracking me up. Thanks, Jill. :)
Can someone please pass me a donut?
Practicing for audition tonight, endless possibilities.
This brought tears…you have such an incredibly soul-touching voice, my sister. You’re going to knock them all off their feet. I’d say good luck but you don’t need luck.
I love you up to the moon and back (infinite times),
Julia
Thank you Jules, I wanted to get a practice in before my audition on Monday :) I love you more then words. xoxo
rain snow grey: safely, happily home
New braces, soft food for daughter.
Ouch!
Online dating can be hard sometimes
I can only imagine! I have NO experience with it but I imagine it can also be really fun – focus on that!
Fresh out of words right now.
(A very rare thing for me. I so love reading everyone’s responses; can’t wait for the compilation. J & Julia, can we change it to 82 days? xo)
Shiny day after night of sleep :^)
Day 25 is posted, and to be honest, it undid me a little. I’m thinking sleep, and then waking up to you guys in the morning is what I need.
Someone bring donuts. xo
and good, strong coffee. With cream & sugar. Pretty please.
Ummm! Coffee and donuts. I was just thinking about hindsight the other day (yesterday???) and how it’s often NOT so clear, let alone 20/20. (Funny how themes repeat.) When I lie my head on my pillow I will try to remember what I was thinking about, so I can share…
doctor visit deferred, for two reasons
Day after day, I choose me.
I want to go to there.
Jill,
Now that I understand the origin of this comment, I LOVE it. I keep laughing and smiling every time I think of it.
Thanks for the levity!
Kellie
I know–isn’t it great?
Absolutely!
Kellie, your words gave me chills all over. I’m continually amazed at the power just 6 words can have. These six…I may just have to have them tattooed (in addition to J’s words from a couple of days ago *just begin*). I love them.
And thankfully, I’m really, truly starting to do this-to choose me, to trust what I know, to trust who I am, to trust that I know exactly what I need to do–that the answers are always right here. When we get all of the other stuff out of the way, each of us has such beautifully, absolutely unique gifts to offer. It is so time for us to stop comparing/doubting/looking for it out there–to, day after day, choose ourselves.
These words are such a gift for my day, I’m tucking them in close. Thank you. <3
Julia – Your response is a gift for me. Truly. I had no idea when I posted this morning that my six words would have much, if any, impact on anyone else. I definitely had no idea anyone would consider tattooing them anywhere. :-)
What I really love is where you went with my six words. Originally, I was describing my yoga practice. I made a commitment to myself to practice Bikram yoga daily in 2012. I actually started in late-December. So, today was my 45th consecutive day. I was trying to explain the ‘why’ behind my daily practice to a friend. The words I heard myself saying were, “Every time I walk into the studio, I’m choosing me.”
After reading your reply, I realized the ‘choosing me’ goes deeper and broader than the yoga. You described the breadth and depth of what I’m just beginning to experience so beautifully.
So, thank you, Julia. Thank you. <3
Wow. Thank you, Kellie, so much, for taking the time to convey all of this.
45th consecutive day of Bikram? I can only imagine how transformative that’s been. I’ve dabbled in Bikram (in fact I just bought another 2 month pass) but haven’t quite managed to make it a consistent part of my life. I plan to though…I don’t know if there is anything that makes my body feel better. And, of course, it’s all connected. I’d be so curious to hear how it’s been to do it so consistently.
Amazing how just 6 words can open up so much. Thanks so much for sharing the story behind your 6.
Enjoy your day…sounds like you have a beautiful one lined up.
With love,
Julia
I posted this as a reply to Kellie’s six words before I realized it was a perfect fit for my day, so again:
I want to go to there. (extra credit for anyone who can tell me where that line comes from)
Who can tell me WITHOUT googling it!
I laughed out loud when I read this! :-) 30 Rock
Yay! Did you ever hear Tina Fey’s explanation of where that line came from? It makes it even better.
Jill,
Thanks for the laughter this morning.
It’s such a great line, I just have to share the link.
Hi all,
Click on the words on the top. It will display the full screen.
Oh yes, I bet her daughter was just precious!
It was so funny to read this here, and could instantly picture the episodes – I love Tina’s expression every time she says it on the show.
Jill, I had no idea where the line came from. I chose to forfeit all control and peaked into the world of Google.
Very funny. That was one of my favorite episodes.
I admit, Eydie–I totally would have cheated if I didn’t know, and I might not have admitted it ;)
So, the story of where the line comes from: Tina’s oldest daughter Alice says funny stuff that ends up in the show all the time, but for this particular line, Alice was about three and Tina was secretly considering taking her on a trip to Disneyland, so she was online, researching and looking at the website when Alice came around the corner, saw what was up on the screen (the Cinderella castle) and said “I want to go to there.”
The advantage to coming here every day at the end of the day is that all the hard lifting is done and I just get to reap the rewards. Will you all still love me if I admit that I watch very little television and have never seen 30 Rock? I do have Netflix, though. I can go fix this terrible oversight in my pop culture knowledge.
It’s okay, J. I don’t watch too much tv anymore, don’t have cable and just do netflix or hulu, but I am absolutely in love with Tina Fey, so…for me, not a pop culture thing at all.
Haha! I was wondering the same thing — did I dare admit I’d never seen 30 Rock (wasn’t really sure what it was in fact!). No tv here. We do have Netflix, mostly for the kids.
I’m right here with you, J, I’m admitting that I haven’t seen it either. Thanks for the humor, everyone…it’s something I need more of in my days. :)
Feeling a bit moody, needing breath.
Day 24.
~ Crafting. Working. Romance. Writing. Full day!
Day 25.
~ I left lasting writing impressions. *Proud*
Estrella,
I’m impressed that you knew.
About the line from 30 Rock?
Nothing to be impressed about, I think that’s what happens when one watches the show – lines like the above one stick around.
Kelly and Jill,
~ Right there with you, let’s go!
:-)
Click on the words on top of the video. It will display a full screen.
I want to share my love. xo
You do, every day. (I know what you mean, just making a point.) xoxo
What’s funny is that I knew you would say that, and I knew you would get that. xo
a week to catch up on ~
day 19 I fought the gloomies ~ and won!
day 20 white frost, blue skies, bright light :~)
day 21 laundry wind and sun-dried today.
day 22 making dream catcher for birthday gift.
day 23 blinding full moon seen through telescope.
day 24 making soup ~ dancing in the kitchen.
day 25 library book sale ~ happy, happy bibliophile.
I love these – wonderful catch up! And glad to see I’m not the only one who falls so far behind (or who dances while making soup!).
thank you Marlyn…and next time I’m making soup, I’ll think of you dancing too :~)))
day 25
itchy feet and a hungry soul.
By the way, the rabbit is NOT dying! His teeth had grown too long and he couldn’t close his mouth/eat/drink. He went to the vet and got his teeth cut down and is now expected to be fine! The wonders of life! Kids are super happy. $110 goes a long way sometimes… And hopefully will a one-night trip to San Francisco with some girlfriends! This mama needs a recharge!
First, I love this particular 6-word entry. Second, YAY!!!!! I’m so happy!
Great news about the rabbit! For the rabbit lovers, here’s a three day old bunny that I think must be THE softest and sweetest thing on the planet: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniellekiemel/4372763260/
Awwww!
I’m scratching my feet and feeding my soul with a quick trip to San Francisco!
Hi Marlyn….do you know about Timothy hay and low-salicin-level willows for keeping your rabbit’s teeth ground down? Hope San Francisco was/is wonderful :~)
We do give him the hay; I’ll check out the willows. Vet said this often happens in older rabbits whose habits change.
Packing is immensely challenging for me…
Who knew brussel sprouts were tasty?
I did, but people are visceral about them. It’s dangerous to admit liking them. Tread carefully.
This made me chuckle :^) I disliked them greatly when I was younger and now I am finding that I like them but I agree, I think we are in the minority so treading carefully!
I hated them as a kid, because my mom feed us microwaved frozen ones-bleck. But, try them roasted. I swear, they are one of my top five favorites that way, and that is saying A LOT.
My whole family adores them (you have to fight my 5-year old to even get any!). But don’t steam or boil, must roast or sautee! Great with parm and pinenuts!
I am drooling…
Yep, we had the frozen ones and they were horrible. Then we got ones in cheese sauce or maybe that was the broccoli, again yuck! Now I have found a couple of recipes for roasting and sauteing and they are so tasty – loving them. Need to try with parm and pinenuts, sounds delicious.
Glad to see there are fellow “bs” lovers out there :^)
Painful vist, but my favorite doctor.
Wow! Huge batch of beautiful to go through tonight! Thank you for that!
Day 26 is posted, and this is one of those times where Julia and I are in sync. It is, I believe, only when you shed your shit that you can find your center… and fly. There’s a poem in there somewhere, right Julia? :)
Day 27 is Friday for us. But whatever day it is for you, share a glimpse! xo
Interestingly phrased, maybe there is a poem in there somewhere ;-)
I’m pretty good at keeping track, but am from time to tome completely confused about what day should be what number, so thanks for that addition.
Day 27 is Friday for me as well, it just starts ten or so hours earlier here.
And yes, that’s supposed to be “from time to time”
PS: the “i” and the “o” should really be more far apart from each other on my keyboard… Maybe I should switch them up with something else?
Yes, J, I think there’s definitely some poem potential here, though I’m certainly not the only one who is a poet around these parts… :)
Special dinner and I got Cooties
This made me laugh (your phrasing, not your condition). I’m still battling some cooties myself.
Heh.
But, this actually is Cooties. The kid’s game. My nephew got it for me to play when he comes to visit. “It’s something you and Dad played when you were little.”
Awww! I played that too!
Day 26.
~ Fresh salad! I’m quite easily pleased.
Looking foward to a lovely evening.
I could not decide, so here:
Finally made some progress at work.
He doesn’t know what happened? Bullshit.
Play growl or mean growl? We disagree.
I sort of like when you do several… the view from different windows.
Like button.
[...] the 41 6-Word Days lovefest on A Human Thing yesterday (it’s a lovefest every day), a few of us got to talking [...]
Hair cut. Massage. Yoga. My Friday.
Can I come, Kellie? I need all of those things. (I was going to say especially a haircut but I think I need a massage and yoga equally as much.) Oh, and someone to cook me a really good dinner. Sounds like an absolutely perfect day you have planned…enjoy every moment. xo
Anytime, Julia. Anytime.
I *did* enjoy every moment of yesterday. Immensely.
xoxo
Life is getting almost too exciting. :) xo
Day 27.
~ Only three words: teething… wisdom teeth :((
And the plural is correct unfortunately. Also known as a six-word description that could be boiled down to: “killer pain”.
*hug*
Thank you! *hugs back*
Sixth grade field trip, downtown Chicago,
This gives me a chill! I did 2st grade field trip, LA zoo last week (and then ran away to SF with girlfriends and beer for the weekend)! Hope yours went well!
Difficult concentrating with a painkiller hangover.
Thirty-five, reminded primarily of three.
Home alone, loving the quiet night.
Around these parts, there are about fifteen minutes left on the day. It’s been a good one; I’m about to hop into bed with a book.
It’s the weekend – share your weekend-y-ness!
Fantasizing about running away from home.
I feel like that a lot :^)
Maybe we could get a place together and split the rent ;)
That sounds like a great idea!
I ran away. On Friday. Yesterday. I came back today. Much better.
The same question always looms ahead.
And it is??
Not waiting for happiness. Taking action.
I LOVE your tone these days. <— 6 Kellie-love words.
Enjoying the quiet, breathing the air.
Enjoying the quiet, breathing in LOVE.
How i love unexpectedly rainy days.
Striving, remembering: the order of love.
I really like the phrase “the order of love.” It can mean a lot of things. It feels like a post brewing (though I will undoubtedly interpret the phrase differently than you mean it). :)
Yes, there are a multitude of meanings behind the phrase, I thought of new ones as I wrote it. And, yes, I probably am coming close to writing something out to go with these feelings.
The original meaning of it, for me, comes from my therapist. She was reminding me of what “the order of love” is and how things out-of-order are unstable. By order, she meant that (of course, this is in the context of my beliefs, but the principle translates, I think) that we first must have love for God. Then, we need to have love for ourselves. It is only then that we can love other people. Any time that gets out of order, it can’t last.
This has always been a hard thing for me, putting myself in proper priority and always being mindful of God.
At this time of my life, circumstances are lending me to truly learn this, as you may know j.
We’re running away from home and headlong into the same looming questions. We’re claiming our own happiness, our own air, our own love. We’re loving unexpected rain, remembering the order of love, running out of words and gathering up the elements of a day – boys, dogs, polenta…
I love you guys.
Day 27 is up, which can only mean one thing… It’s time for you to start posting your Day 28 glimpses. xo
And you say you’re not a poet, J…
Love to each of you,
Julia
I’m not. But, thank you! <3
Day 26
my husband grouchy makes me sad
Day 28.
~ People loved “Diaper Cake” at christening.
I vowed: basic goodness, enlightened society.
YES~
Day 26.
~ new tablets control Tilly’s epilepsy ~ hurraaaaah :~)
Tilly is our beloved little dog…it’s been a harrowing seven months.
Day 27.
~ reading Alice Munro ~ new to me.
Day 28.
~ made Chai tea from scratch ~ frothed.
Gearing up for tomorrow’s audition, nervous.
Good luck!
Thank you :)
Oh, Amy! I’m thinking about you…I really know you’re going to knock their socks off. Enjoy every moment of it!
Thanks Jules, love you!
Can’t wait to hear how great it went.
Thanks so much, I’ll let you know :)
day 27
average woman smiles 62 times daily
What a lovely statistic!
Isn’t it! Unfortunately, the average man only smiles 8 times per day.
:(
Dang it, I just continued the statistic.
And I smiled. Again. Sending you a big smile Travis!
I just smiled reading that.
Feeling woozy, going back to bed.
Yesterday – my bed is not my friend
today – So this is how zombies feel?
I wish I could wish to sleep. xoxo
I really think it’s all okay.
Unpacking one suitcase, packing another tomorrow…
We’re all in motion. That much is obvious… and WONDERFUL.
Day 28 is up. Both Julia and I spent a weekend immersed in our 3-D worlds. I think that’s good sometimes. As wonderful as this virtual world is, now and then, I feel a need to ground myself in the physical world of touch, smell, sound and taste. I was fortified by yoga, a walk in the sunshine, a top-to-bottom house-cleaning, and homemade pizza and wine with friends. It was a beautiful day. I’m grateful for the love in my life. And grateful for all of you. xo
Let’s now dance with Monday.
Running, playing, yoga-ing, eating, and napping.
Freezing at work, heat not working.
*teeth chatters*
at 5:50 (am) not happy to dance…..
yet
(did you see the homage to your post, j?)
No. Where?
I saw it at 10 to 6 this morning, where you said “Yet” in describing your strength and whether you can do firefly now. I must admit, I see it less clearly now, than I did then, but I think that was it. I was happier to dance by the end of the day.
I may also be misusing the term “homage.” I should have said, the echo of your post, perhaps. Words are failing me these days, but my heart is full.
No you used it fine! I didn’t mean you meant right here in our comment! I absolutely see it. (Little slow on the uptake. Sorry about that! xo
(I completely forgot to post all weekend!)
Saturday – A relaxing Saturday makes me happy.
Sunday – Hungover but oh so happy today. :)
Monday – It’s the day before love day! xo
Ghost writer, punk band, that’ll do.
Beginning again, deep breath, hang on.
Hope still lives, can’t stop it.
Sunday:
Seeking authenticity by telling my truth
It is too extraordinary for words.
Day 29.
~ Just-because hugs, kisses and togetherness.
Day 30.
~ Appreciating all well wishes! Feeling better.
Writing hard truths, public and private.
Me too, sweetie.
Warm blanket, lap filled with kitty
Day 29 is up. It’s about 20 minutes until Valentines Day here. I’ve never actually been a fan of Valentines Day, to be honest. I think it makes single people feel crappy. And I also think that those of us lucky enough to be in love shouldn’t need Hallmark to remind us to celebrate that fact.
That said, I’m softening my stance this year. Maybe it’s because Sugar is coming out tomorrow. Maybe it’s because I keep getting cool things sent to me by readers and Facebook and Twitter friends. Maybe it’s because romantic love can be so very complicated, and mine has been, and this is the first Valentines day in a long time that feels kind of… easy. I’m feeling grateful.
And here’s the thing for me. No matter the status of our love lives, I think we should all go out and make love happen. Just because.
Day 31.
~ It only really takes three words!
To expand that thought:
It only really takes three words (if needed at all), to make someone’s day.
I love you!
Audition went great, couldn’t be happier :)
Amy, I knew it would. Your beautiful smile is lighting up my room.
I’m so happy for you!
XOXO
Thank you Eydie, you are very sweet :)
Do you see that? Good dog!
This made me smile! What did the good dog do?!
Our dog Sam is a two year old german shepherd, border collie, lab mix and he’s always been high maintenance, and I have recently started some focused training with him again because of a few behaviors we hadn’t yet resolved. He’s reactive (what BC isn’t?), so one thing we do is go on “Do you see that?” walks. Anything that might elicit a response, I say “Do you see that?” and Sam should look at it, then look at me and give me a “calming signal” (something dogs do to essentially say “hey, don’t freak out, everything is cool” and for Sam, the most common one is to lick his lips/flick his tongue) and when he does that, I give him a click, a treat, and a “Good dog!” It’s wonderful and utterly exhausting, just like Sam.
love my loved ones EVERY day ♥
day 28
my dreams slide in’n'out of focus
(I know I totally cheated on the word count but the contraction actually evokes the mood of the thought.)
We make our own rules around here! (If you squint and tilt your head just so, that’s six words.)
Spreading LOVE from here to there.
Having the BEST February 14th EVER! xo
Really?! Is there a post?
Thai comfort food and my love* :-)
(for the next year I’m embarking on a new committed relationship…with me)
I. Adore. You.
Excitedly waiting for Sugar’s anonymous reveal!
I wish you’d been there! My piece goes up tomorrow! I’m excited.
Hoping this month will be different.
Hoping the blood test reveals something.
fingers crossed.
Loving being with an old friend.
She would prefer this: longtime friend.
This made me laugh….my friend of 29 years would prefer that, too!
Wondering what truth today will reveal.
I’m wondering too, Nancy.
Soaking up the sunshine … long walks
My daughters ponytail bops so perfectly.
Tuesday :
Clarity and effort don’t bring peace.
Home sick today. More love tomorrow.
Oh no! *hug*
Group *hug*
It’s okay. I had a great day at home, despite all the puking. But I LOVE the hugs, keep ‘em coming as I’m home again today. more puking. :) But I have all of you to keep me company. PS it was something I ate. Not an actual illness. I gave those up when I started hugging. ;)
Hello, everyone. I was too tired to come here and comment last night, but I hope you all had great Valentine’s Days. (If you didn’t go watch the video on my current post, do it. It will make you smile. I promise.)
Day 31 is up. Julia is embracing the women in her life (which explains the little warm hug I felt inexplicably an hour ago). *hugs Julia back*
I’ve had a whirlwind couple of days. I’m a devoted reader of Sugar at The Rumpus, and I was fortunate to get to spend some time with her before her big reveal last night. Now everyone knows that Sugar is author, Cheryl Strayed. (Her new memoir, WILD, is coming out March 20th and is one of the most anticipated books of the year.) My piece (about what Sugar has meant to me over the past year, our interview, and her coming out party) will be up soon, and I’ll make noise when it is.
Sometimes I feel so lucky to be who I am, where I am. Right now, that’s right here with all of you. Thank you! xoxo
Hi J,
For some reason, my page is only loading til the 17th of Feb. – and it’s the 23rd. It happens on and off… just thought I’d let you know…
Thanks!
Day 32.
~ Love letter bundle request is up!
Background info on the above six words can be read here over at my blog. If any of you feel like writing a love letter this month, please drop by http://goo.gl/hHJxy
Burger and fries, donuts: sinking fast.
Ever post one of these and immediately want to take it back…
But you don’t, because it’s the truth, as much as you don’t want to go there, don’t want to admit it?
And then, I go to facebook, and Susan Piver has posted this: “Confidence is the willingness to be as ridiculous, luminous, intelligent, and kind as you really are, without embarrassment.” Okay then.
Conversation with myself, how not embarrassing.
I enjoyed this conversation, too, Jill!
Me three. (Referring to enjoying Jill’s conversation with herself). This made me smile, Jill…and reminded me a lot of myself.
I hope you are ok Jill….because you have just been a tonic to me…thank you. May I send a hug?
Please do!
((((((HUG)))))) ♥
((((((hug)))))) ♥
Day 30 ~ talked at ~ for eight long hours :~(
Day 31 ~ Embracing my hermitude ~ better for me.
Treading water and leaning on faith.
I will be back on Monday.
Yesterday – 2012 is playing hard to get
Today – Dear Sleep, thanks for the visit :^)
Wednesday:
Tired, losing weight. Why these walls?
Spent time with alligator and heron…
That doesn’t happen every day. Does it?
Sugar, magically spun…love is messy :D
This is lovely. (And since we just had the big Sugar reveal, it’s sort of pertinent for me too!)
And that, my love, is why I wrote that! Loved your post about the coming out party. That plus love was very messy yesterday, and yet the day was magical somehow, like spun sugar!
Day 33.
~ Love came in form of coffee.
And not only, but this was a lovely surprise.
Surprise love note: “you’re my favorite.”
Hoping the future will be different.
Hello! I’m…
a bit worried about Amy,
charmed by Jill,
inclined to love Estrella,
crushing on Nancy,
delighted by Christa,
sending positive vibes to Travis,
high-fiving Christie (sleep is good),
waving to Eydie,
understanding Helen,
missing jb, Cindy, Rita and Marlyn,
and treasuring Julia.
It’s Friday, y’all. Revel in it!
~ x x x ~
Treasuring you too, sweet J.
snake arms and shimmying ~ bellydance class.
Oh, this sounds so fun!
it really is Julia…fun and confidence building ~ happy week~end xx
I am always here, although quiet. xo
Thursday:
Too much; overwhelmed; but I’m alive.
Sending love to you, Travis.
Wish brain had an off switch :^)
Holy cow, me too!
Me three.
Today I felt a bit lost. xo
Suddenly overcome by overwhelming exhaustion.
It appears I’m not the only one who struggled with Day 33. Sending out love to you all.
I love Julia’s six words today, on the edge of big things. I’m so excited for her.
Today I resisted an urge to explain myself, to defend and define myself one more time. I think sometimes it comes to that – to realizing you’ve been as clear and honest as you know how to be and anyone who still doesn’t know you… doesn’t want to. And that’s okay.
Let the weekend begin.
Perimenopause?! You’ve got to be kidding…
oh my! Life on the other side, though!
Hope all is well, I have and will never have any idea of what that must be like.
But there is part of me that has gone through menopause.
Which part. ;)
.My third kidney! I’m sure my mother in law was past that point when she gave me her extra one.
Looking foward to starting my vacation :)
Mama’s day of love; happy exhaustion.
(My mama, the firecracker, turned 90 on Thursday. Today is her small party for which I’m cooking – five guests. Her big party [with 60 friends....rather amazing for a woman who is 90] is Feb. 26. I’m not cooking for that one, thank goodness! I love my firecracker, I do, and I’m a devoted daughter, but there is exhaustion involved. her happiness often = my exhaustion. What’s our mantra? Love IS messy :-D )
No more words, just good thoughts.
12 words for Friday and Saturday:
“I gave my all, my everything.
…Or am I stuck somewhere between”
A day totally filled with love. xoxo
Friends let friends be themselves always
Dinner with Rachel Cole, holy wow.
This section is really great, a wonderful way to connect and be a part of this world.
Waiting has never been my thing.
Hello!
I’m so late getting Day 34 posted, but it’s up now. Julia is waving her imaginary wand (and I, for one, do feel better). I’m grateful for all of you, and I’m especially grateful for the responses to the letter I sent out yesterday to A Human Thing’s email list. Your responses mean the world to me, more than I can say. xoxo
It’s sunny here, and tomorrow it’s supposed to rain, so I’m off to get a hike in while the getting is good.
I thought I was on the email list… maybe it was spammed.
Becky, I thought I was too, but there are two lists. Look for the “want more?” and join that list.
Did you get the 1st one? If so would you forward it to me? bsain comcastnet
I think I’m set now.
Thank you!!
Day 34.
~ Kind words – all one needs hearing.
Day 35.
~ Scent is so important to animals…
Day 36.
~ Understanding the other person is fundamental.
A circle of woman around me.
“women” i mean
airports, departures, flying, arrivals and smiles.
Day 35 is up (though by now Julia’s should say “I get to see my sister today.”)
Here, it’s day 3 of a 3-day weekend. Sadly, I have a ton of work to do. Happily, it’s almost all neato stuff.
What’s happening with you?
Back home, adjusting to time change.
Sick day – with incessant work emails.
Yesterday – love me my 4 day weekends!
Today – Spontaneous connection with some good friends :^)
Sunday:
She’s now five; miss her deeply.
Feb 19 – So much fun connecting by phone
Feb 20 – Tomorrow is a new day. Grateful.
Day 36 is up… practically on time! Julia is having fun with her sister and brother-in-law. And they invited me to have fun too, via text. Both our six words come from our party, together apart. I’m in a happier mood because of them.
Goodnight y’all. See you tomorrow!
Oh, I’m tired. But still laughing.
J, thanks for playing last night. :)
I absolutely adore each of you.
Now…coffee or back to bed?
Wow 4 6-word sentences! I’m impressed.
(Thanks for including me in shenanigans!)
xoxoxo
Monday:
rage against the dying of the light
Doh. I can’t count.
But you’re cute. Do not go gently, sweet Travis. xo
Happy to be able to post!
Now how many days went by?
I do love all your words!
And we love yours! Welcome back!
Day 37.
~ Some days are just too long.
Apparently, dog training works. Who knew?
When do we lose our skip?
day 29
Little one melts down over drawing.
day 30
Beer and fries instead of hike!
day 31
Making happy memories with my girls.
day 32
Sassy Seven pushes all my buttons.
day 33
Rabbit really did die this time.
day 34
Surprise visit from an old friend!
day 35
I really need to clean house.
WHEW! Another big catch up for me. Life’s little details just seem to keep getting in the way of my word focus. Finding time today to read all your words (somehow or other — this house DOES need cleaning!).
R.I.P., sweet bunny.
Thanks. He went peacefully, in my husband’s arms with the girls circled around.
Day 38.
~ Allowed myself to feel vulnerable, breakable.
My day 38 is less than half an hour away from being over and done with. I was having trouble summing it up in just six words. Usually it comes easily, but today… it just wasn’t happening. Until I read “The scenic route” a few minutes ago.
Thank you, j!
And you word are gorgeous. (Scary, but gorgeous.) Thank YOU!
I gave a client hope today.
This made me smile big.
Feeling protective of someone I love. (Protective in a bad-ass sort of way). *Grins*
*mwah*
I give up. *sigh* I’m done.
That is not a phrase I expect to hear from you!
not to worry. it was temporary
Thanking God in more ways everyday.
Exhausted and empty…don’t know why.
Nothing like a good run outside!
day 36
feeling shortchanged somehow; drinking a beer.
Okay, Day 37 is posted. Which means we’re down to the final four… then I’ll spend 41 more days arranging us into something pretty. (Just kidding. I promise to be faster than that.)
p.s. Go read Julia’s poem. It’s breathtaking.
http://www.paintedpath.org/2012/02/secret-title-to-be-revealed-soon.html
Love it!
Thank you, lovely ones. <3
Tuesday:
Turtles all the way down.
(only 5 to make up for the deficit from Monday.)
Try this next–hope it works.
Did it work? :)
I think so. We’ll wait two weeks and do more blood work to know for sure.
Day 33 ~ a Kung Fu kind of day!
Day 34 ~ told by son ~ tired of college :~(
Day 35 ~ sewing spirals and applique-ing oak leaves
Day 36 ~ no words coming to play today
Day 37 ~ keep going, keep going, keep going!
Feeling negative but pretending otherwise works!
Act how you want to feel, baby! It’s powerful.
It worked like a charm. No one knew, and before I knew it I *was* positive. big hugs.
Soaking up all the little moments.
Heard a good friend’s smile today!
What a coincidence; I did too!
I see what you did here :^)
Loving your day 38 words!
I was talking about you today. xoxo
Yay! <— Me assuming it was good stuff. :)
day 37
giggles, swings, wine, hugs, and Cloris.
Day 39.
~ Job title under signature – taken seriously.
Water Dragon entered on fierce winds.
Want more information on this, please. :)
Ooo yes…me too please
It was Tibetan New Year, Year of the Water Dragon, and we had 60-80 mile winds all day. We couldn’t even do the traditional Lhasang (smoke) ceremony because there was too much wind, and you can’t do it inside.
Struggling, but becoming a morning person.
Happy Birthday to my lovely sister <3
Loving the past, living the now.
Day one of my new year.
1 more.
Medicine kicked in, it’s about time! BOOM!
Today’s women’s circle embraced my heart.
Wednesday:
does my heart write the path?
Thursday:
oh spirit guides, sunder these strands.
day 38
funny kids, happy friends, good day.
Life keeps rolling rolling happily along
I’m sorry… I never get to try just 6 words on my blog so I’m fascinated by this.
We are always always becoming, always.
Fever. Aches. Hubby not feeling well.
Embracing it all. Hoping for sleep!
I LOVE this life of mine! xo
Love your words today! Giggles, swings, wine, hugs, Cloris; water dragons on fierce winds; mornings and birthdays and the always, always, always of becoming; sick spouses, prayers for sleep and life love.
Damn! I love you guys!
Day 39 is up. (Yikes! So close to 41.) Julia is off being the birthday girl, and, truly… today and I just danced. Some days are like that.
I can’t wait to hear what you all do with tomorrow. xoxo
Determined to enjoy hellish day ahead.
I love this man of mine.
*smile*
Day 38 ~ Spring cleaning ~ windows open ~ snowdrops picked
Day 39 ~ cozy fire, listening to Nick Drake.
Sore muscles, tender heart, open eyes.
Love these six words… I’ve felt these six words. xo
Okay will be offline till Sunday so here are my last 2 6 words:
Today – Unplugging for weekend, hiking with cousins
Tomorrow – 41 6 days ending, what’s next?
Unplugged to hike all weekend, starting today? I’m SO jealous. Have fun. Take pictures! xo
Well not really all weekend. Heading down to Hollister today with a quick stop in Milpitas to see Mom. Hiking tomorrow and then coming back Sunday. Did I mention lots of wine drinking in between ;^) Wish you were coming with!
Me too! (Times 3.)
Thought you all might want to know that the Cloris I mentioned above is in fact Cloris Leachman — I was at her granddaughter’s birthday party and she was there. She is a HOOT. Every time I’m with her I’m in stitches. A testament to the power of laughter.
Lucky! She is absolutely gorgeous and hilarious.
WOW! I thought to myself, “I’ve only ever heard of one Cloris,” but I never thought, “I bet Marlyn is hanging out with Cloris Leachman. :)
Heehee!
Days are rapidly advancing, too quickly.
[okay, I have my calendar out, and reminders laying about of what was what on what day. Being disconnected in so many ways the last couple of weeks has had me listening more intently to my heart. Here we go...]
Day 21 – Choosing to reach for understanding instead.
Day 22 – Can’t shake concern over daughter’s situation.
Day 23 – Sitting quietly, listening. Change is coming.
Day 24 – Had an epiphany, and re-evaluating stuffs.
Day 25 – Thanking God for friends who know.
Day 26 – Really? Shocked into silence. Holing up.
Day 27 – In disbelief, being made to move.
Day 28 – Moving out to boonies, beautiful place.
Day 29 – New roommate was fired. What now?
Day 30 – Spent day packing and moving things.
Day 31 – Spirit of friendship wins. New day.
Day 32 – Daughter gonna be okay…sooo grateful.
Day 33 – Not feeling well. Fearing winning today.
Day 34 – Stomach bug. Moving put on hold.
Day 35 – Still weak from bug. Not sleeping.
Day 36 – Waking up in wee hours…wonder.
Day 37 – Stepped out door, deer munching grass.
Day 38 – Watched sunrise, and deer romping, playing.
Day 39 – Considering a move back to Oregon.
Day 40 – Frogs are singing out of season…
Wow. This all sounds intense. I’m happy for the sunrise and deer and frogs — I hope you have found some solace in them. Sending virtual hugs to a virtual stranger (or would that be virtual friend????). xoxox
Wow. Thankful for your calendar! (And Marlyn, you’re so sweet! xo)
Lol, me too!
And a big virtual hug back to a virtual friend :). Your hug was received, gave me warm fuzzies. Thank you Marlyn. Like j said, you are so sweet. And yup, I find solace in them, and I thank God for these surprise gifts of nature that are showing up. A good dose of awe and wonder always seem to lift the spirit. :)
day 39
kitchen aromas: fresh hops, dried thyme.
Mmmmm ~
Laughing because I read that “kitten aromas” which changes the whole nature of your 6-words. (Phew!)
Can I just say, “Ew!”? LOL We went to a local brewery today (my husband is a brewer always tasting and testing out others) and I told the young (handsome) co-owner how my kitchen always smells of the herbs I’m drying and of hops. He loved it. They had a vanilla brew on tap and we tasted it and it was good. The young guy gave us a beautiful bean to bring home to try in our brews. Alex, my 7-year old, who was sipping water, whispered, “Mom, can you buy some of the vanilla beer so I can taste it at home?” Heehee. College will not be ready for her pallet.
Morning person AND night owl: impractical! :-D
Here, day 41 is about a half an hour away. My wish is that you all treasure our last 6-word day. Be present. Be alive. Be brave.
I adore you all.
Adore you too. x and love your 6-word Be’s!
Awww, Helen. xo
Last day? Feeling some sadness but mostly gratitude that I’ve been able to walk alongside each of you beauties for 41 whole days. What an honor.
Love.
Much love and heart~full thanks Julia.
x x x
Thank you, Helen…it’s been so good to be here with each of you. My heart if full and happy.
oops…that’s my heart IS full and happy. There’s no “if” about it… :)
:~))) x x x
Sent new dr Twitter DM — weird!
Day 40 ~ Magic lined up ~ Jupiter, Venus, Moon
DAY FORTY ONE!!! :~)))) Mind expanded, spirit fed, soul happy.
Thank you sooooo much for this.
It has been a total blast.
Will miss all you lovely wordsmiths.
Love, love, love and blessed be. x x x
As this winds down, I am feeling greedy, so here are 6×3 words:
A circle of women writing WILDly,
filled my home with WILD words.
Mine? Blackout poem for Tina Fey.
Day 40.
~ Friday nights feel nicer than weekends.
Day 41.
~ Life is weird. Hard. Also beautiful.
Oh, I love your Day 41, at the same time that I hate that it’s the last!
Thanks, Jill! A perfect ending to 41 days. I love it and hate it for the very same reasons :-)
Caught hubby’s illness. No yoga today. :-(
Best new habit…counting out words!
Can’t believe my time is up, wow.
~greatful for all moments~
Am I alive? Yet I sleep.
Another case of revisiting unclear punctation:
Am I alive? Yet, I sleep.
My day 41: Mending dog babies, celebrating human baby.
It is important to say goodbye.
End with love, just in case.
Especially when that’s where you started.
Much love to Julia and Judy.
The rest of you are amazing.
Openhearted, brave, wise, kind, and hilarious.
Thank you. Love you. Love, Me.
Lovely, lovely goodbye, Jill. Thank you!
No one does 6-words more gorgeously than you, my friend.
We did really need a like button! Sorry, that’s seven!
I just posted Day 41. Julia needed two this time, which somehow seems fitting. As for me, sitting here writing to you on the other end of our sweet experiment in love (and connection and brevity and language), I feel a little altered. I will write about it, and rearrange our 6-word glimpses into longer 41-day gazes… and be back here later in the week with my gift (and a more articulate thank you).
In the meantime, you’ve all touched and dazzled me. I’m so glad we did this.
xo
Altered, touched and dazzled–me too.
Overflowing with love for you all.
♥
I don’t see Day 41? Up at the top I only see to Day 40 – did I come back to a time warp???
Oops! All better. (Thanks for letting me know!) xo
I just didn’t want to miss your beautiful parting words! Thanks so much – love you ♥
day 40
girls just wanna have fun — blasting!
As I’m contemplating my final “entry” I am thinking of another “challenge” I once did — 40 lines about me. Only rule is each line starts “I…” I did 40 but we could pick another number. If anybody is game. I enjoyed doing this one: http://www.bubblesanddirt.blogspot.com/2011/07/sunday-june-22-2008-me.html
day 41
OOPS!
day 41
another weekend goes down in apileofunfoldedlaundry!
I figured, take one last liberty.
That is 6 words, in fact.
See, I can do six words!
Ha! Good job!
You were my favorite lollipop moment. xo
(watch the TEDx video I posted for you and you’ll get why) xoxoxoxo
Gah! I still haven’t had time to sit and watch this. Crazy week! I will though, I promise. (Even without watching the TED talk, I like the designation of lollipop moment.) xo
Did I really miss day 41?
Of course not! I haven’t even begun to summarize. What did you do on Day 41?
The pieces are all coming together.
J and Julia,
Thanks so much for all the wonderful connections.
Love from my heart to yours.
xoxo
Right back to you, Eydie. Thank you for being here with us… 6 words at a time.
Oh, now I can post again…
So grateful for Julia and J…
Who knew? 41 words say everything.
Awww! xo
At night, I sleep, dreaming words.
At dawn, I wake, thinking words.
Arranging them in rows of six.
Then I remember, we are finished.
I am awake, alone, and sad.
But then I remember love, laughter.
I offer a prayer of thanks.
Form leaves us, but love remains.
Oh, Jill. This is absolutely beautiful and so what I needed in this moment. With the music of your six words and your tender, open heart, you have managed to shift what has (already) been a very tiring/draining-kind-of-a-morning.
Thank you, sweet sweet hearted one.
Thank you, all of you, for the beauty of this.
I’m so glad, that I could shift it I mean, not that you’ve had a rough start to your day.
Yes, what Julia said. :)
:)
I couldn’t get here everyday, but I just want to thank all of you for sharing your days in six words. All of them touched me. I discovered when I had to put my day in 6 words, it helped me get right down and focus on precisely what mattered that day. When I had to put a few weeks all together, I looked at it, all summed up in it’s simplest form, and it struck me…all that matters is I’m living and loving. Everything else is just stuff. Thank you so much j and Julia for this wonderful idea. I aim to continue this practice personally, so it will help me remember to keep things simple.
Love this, Cynthia. That’s what I’m thinking we’ll all see when I arrange us each into our 41-day segments. We’ll see what matters, what moves us… who we are. Thank you back, my friend. xo