Tag: MSQT

Simply A Moment | 10.15.24…

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OH! To be rested, caught up, focused on the best direction …to be relaxed, relieved, revitalized, on spot…Today ‘s Simply*A*Moment and time to write the blog post. Technically, and it’s simply a convention I created to help me remember and focus on “the moment”, I stop and pause on the moment that equals the time of the day that equates to the month and date, e.g., This is October, the tenth month and the fifteenth day – so at 10:15 AM, technically I’m to stop whatever and focus on that specific, precise, moment . As I type this, I have absolutely no idea of what I’ll be doing at 10:15 AM today, 15th of October! Time will tell* <couldn’t resist!>

Currently, at 8:15 AM, I am sitting at my computer desk, in my little zoom box, “alone yet together” with folk from around the world. Today, 199 of us, in our little Zoom boxes, ostensibly writing. Some of us, as moi, are looking at others who are writing, maybe eating ,thinking, listening, engaging in conversation with some one in the room, scrolling Zoom to see who is there and how they show up: live or just a photo. One participant appears to be having quite an animated conversation ` perhaps with someone else or her character; several are “cat ladies” and/or dog or both? And some are clouds, lakes, sunsets, sunrise … Whatever and Whoever we are, we all showed up to focus on our craft, task for the 8 AM ESDST London Wrters’ Salon session. I also have the opportunity to join the Pacific 8 AM – technically 11 AM for me – session…and I may – should I need to -put the finishing touches on this blog post …

Periodically, I stop to check my stats: I’ve been writing for approximately 16 minutes and have 309 words, thus far. The goal is 1000 words per any writing session. I don’t know that I’ve ever hit that number tho’ I also don’t know that anytime I sit to write – be it via pen or keyboard and occasionally, a verbal note – I care to do so. I did wonder where the metric originated and thanks, to the “web”, learned it was from Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks. A book I’ve read and have not one, but two print copies and I daresay, a digital version, too. T’wouldn’t at all surprise me if t’were the case.

412 words— WH is ending and I’ll move on. A busy Zoom & Writing 1000 Words today.

*Circa 10:15 AM – Actually, it’s now 10:43 AM -I’m currently ensconced – a fancy way of saying settled in/at the dining table. Just finished breakfast: Scrambled egg with shredded cheese and green grapes – just five. Not sure why I settled on that number. Currently, it’s sunny and cool – 55 degrees AND the expected high? Just 58 degrees. Seriously? Seriously!

This morning, as has been the agenda, the street’s being torn up. The gas company is installing lines to meters in most houses on this block. Not my house ‘cause my meter’s already in place. Every day, the leaves on the trees are turning color and/or gently falling to the ground. Leaf collection’s scheduled to begin the end of the month.

512 words at 10:58 am. Not bad . Won’t make the 1000K mark this session but that’s OK with me. Besides, I have two more journaling sessions scheduled for later this afternoon. The last one is at 7PM, ESDST; last week, I completely forgot about it. I know NOT WHY! Not this week, tho’!

608 words …

TBC…

welcome October | 10.1.2024…

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I begin most days, M-F, writing /journaling during London Writers’ Salon 8AM Writer’s Hour, a platform that attracts people from all around the globe who have one common goal: writing – perhaps a book, short story, play, blog post, Julia Cameron’s morning pages, etc.

I use the platform, DayONE and each day, we’re offered a prompt – just in case we might be stuck or without a topic, a starting point. Today’s prompt: What is one thing I’m looking forward to this October? My response: Finally getting my “life on paper” under control!

I have a “few” – and I say this facetiously – projects always swarming around in my head: Write/publish blog post – happens to be Numero UNO for today. And: Get a handle on October -December writing and holiday season goals…this of course doesn’t include the plethora of writing and journaling/memory keeping projects and daily paperwork , e.g., bills, emails and texts; “bright ideas,” to-do”and “someday-maybe” lists, and the occasional blog post.

I often think : Paper! The bane of my existence! But OH! What a wonderful invention, especially when coupled with pen/pencil; paint; stamps and acrylic inks; crayons, etc. As evidenced, people have been making “marks” on surfaces for “time in memorial”. Clearly doing so is a ‘natural’ inclination. I know t’is so with me. Always, I have a pen/cil and paper, at hand…consequently, a lot of flotsam and jetsam on both paper and in my mind … occasionally a digital version.

Tho’ I don’t have samples, I’ve always written – well, ‘er scribbled – since I was able to hold a pen or a crayon , approximatley at age 2-3 years. In the early ‘90s, I began, in earnest, the practice of morning journaling, encouraged by overwhelming feelings of spinning at work. I took to paper and pen and poured my heart and soul out, ostensibly, trying to come to terms with my current status and a path forward, but more importantly, needing to acknowledge and deal with a path for “freeing up my future.” And I did…but in the interim, I took to writing, journaling in the mornings, often times, even weekends. Always with paper and pen. Mornings, especially for the words I wrote gave me strength and the courage to not only “face the day” but/and also, the future and to do/give my very best to staff, the publics the library served and most importantly , myself.

In a way, I served two or more roles – one to my place of employment,and the other, to myself – finding me. The latter, accomplished with daily AM journaling and eventually, any/all times of the day as I engaged not only with work but also, more importantly, LIFE!

At the time I began daily journaling, , I’d no idea that the journey would last this long with no signs of being over. WH is about to wind down! On this first day of October and the tenth month of 2024 – just three months, 92 days left in 2024.

493 words. To be continued…

Onward …

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I like to end/begin the flip of the monthly calendar page with a shout out to the end and a hearty welcome to the beginning… “Onward” is Gretchen Rubin’s call to action and seems to be most appropriate as July eases into August in less than 24 hours as I pen this post*.

A pat on the back, for moi from moi, for accomplishing the daunting task of corralling all the jetsam and flotsam I’ve created on bits’n pieces of paper, here ‘n there. What a mess and a terrible habit! A GREAT ONE TO BREAK! As the saying goes: “A place for everything and everything in its place”. I think for me, there are too many places and in some ways, I’m too easily distracted. I know not why! I should probably write the quote on my right hand – front and back! That way I’d for sure find it. This morning I began my day looking for a missing check. What on earth did I do with it?

My creative attention has been focused on Junk Journal July – over the month, I’ve changed the size and binding of the journal three times , finally deciding on the final size and format: 5 x 7 page, approximately, two or three clasp-ring bound, . Some days feature a double page spread.

8:38 am. I FOUND THE CHECK! I’d placed it inside my morning daily meditation journal, rubber-banded to the book, small journal and pens…and there it was/IS! Sitting at my place at the table where I begin the day, awaiting my attention!

I can only blame this on one thing: HABIT! Several years ago HABIT was my one little word. The thing I’ve learned about “habit” is you create (one or many) without even realizing it. At least I do. The challenge is “OUT with the old” – those habits that are not “good for you” and “IN with the new!” The problem is one doesn’t realize when the ‘old’ has kicked in – at least I don’t. I suspect that the other part of habit is mindfulness~ and therein lies the rub: The word itself presupposes that one has a mind. Aha!

Writers’ Hour has ended. I’ve answered a few text messages and my tea needs replenishing. Now that I’ve located the missing check, I’m ready and able to proceed with the day’s agenda…and the surprises that are, no doubt, in store.

Have a great week! Onward!

Cheers~

Post Script: Today is 1 of August! I realized this morning I’d not hit “publish” yesterday. C’est la vie! Welcome August!

zibaldone| may 2022 …

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The news this week, in addition to the Russian-Ukraine war; the continued Covid- 19 variants; and now Monkey Pod – has been overlaid with yet again a tragedy: the mass shooting of 19 elementary school aged children and two teachers in Texas!  Totally innocent people going about their lives; for sure this event was not on their agenda. And of course, the law makers and so called law keepers are appropriately remorseful and angered … Sadly,  in a few days, “normal” life will resume until the next time… rest assured there will be a “next time.” We must also be cognizant of the atrocities that take place daily in life…  In the meantime, the Republican Senatorial response, according to the Washington Post: “our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

I sit here, at the table the spot where one can find me most mornings, looking out at the vista:

  • the sky’s overcast, grey;
  • birds and squirrels forage;
  • a slight breeze, barely perceptible via the slow movement of leaves on the trees;
  • grass needs cutting…badly;
  • my tea needs replenishing.  I can’t cut the grass but the tea, I can replenish.

Writers’ Hour.  I’m currently engaged in Writers’ Hour, 50 focused minutes of writing, a free Zoom event, offered four times a day – in the world’s different time zones. We set and share our intentions and write together,  in our “little Zoom boxes” on/off the screen.  I joined the 8AM EST Writers’ Hour on March 9 of this year and for the past two months since, have written in DayONE,  65 consecutive days daily – a streak – and counting…Go ME! 

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Cybrary … a what?  Recently, while driving through the University of Maryland’s campus, I saw  a building with this sign… naturally, being a retired librarian – public- my curiosity was piqued.  And so what does one do but a ‘google’ search…Go here: https://www.cybrary.it/about/     for the answer to my and your question.

And that’s a snippet or two of my May… Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Peace.

 

simply a moment | 7.15.21 …

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2:22 pm: I’m having a hard time grasping the idea – well, no – the reality – that today is Thursday and the week is better than half over! As is almost the month! And also, if one follows the meteorological calendar, summer, June 1 – August 31, is almost half over. YAY! Bring on autumn! Already, there is evidence of the changing season: crepe myrtle and day lilies are in full bloom; oak and birch leaves, especially those that are closer to the sky are turning brown and falling and: It is HOT!

This morning, since today is simply a moment, I resumed capturing a few moments, written by hand. Over the past 4-5 weeks, since about June 11, I’ve opted to journal using the app DayONE. It’s pretty cool, is a good way for me to practice qwerty (aka typing) and syncs across all my iTools/Toys: the Mac, iPad and iPhone. Not only that, the app keeps track of streaks- today is my 35th day of at least opening the app and adding a word or two. But …

… I have been missing writing by hand – after all, one doesn’t just quit a nearly quarter century (24+ years ) habit like so… I know there are a lot of factors, er uh, Covid for starters, that have played into my dis-ease with my MSQT journaling. Today, though, I’ve felt very comfortable bouncing between the two platforms. Yes! there is room in my life for both and then some. I think/know that I will spend the next weeks over this summer exploring and creating a practice that works for and with me. Stay tuned.

I invite you to join me in capturing the moments of your life: the ordinary as well as the special. And if you do and choose to blog , please share your post’s link in the comments.

Cheers~

wintry morn | 2.18.21 …

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…sleet, snow, birds of many feathers, flocking to stay warm, forage, occasionally gang up on one who has a prized gem in its beak.

I sit here at the table, watching Mother Nature; it seems that the sky is brighter – still very much grey – yet brighter. We’ve just finished breakfast – late, today; but that’s OK, we’ve nowhere to go, be. Thankfully.

I check the weather app; yep, precip scheduled to end in the next 4 min – it’s now 11 AM. The birds are resting on tree branches, electric and Fios wires. Perhaps wondering what they’ll do next? As I.

I see a new denizen in the yard – a squirrel …and that reminds me of a project patiently awaiting my attention. Yes, for sure I will stitch a bit … but first, time to wash breakfast dishes and then … so many choices.

I hope you are having a good day.

Cheers~

unraveled wednesday|10.14.20 …

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I began the morning thinking I’d engage in MSQT on my Mac, upstairs in my craft studio – a fancy name, for sure. Fixing my morning tea, waiting for the tea kettle to boil, I gazed out the window at the this tree. It occurred to me that I’d not really taken a close look at it for a while – Oh my! Against the backdrop of a cloudless blue sky, irrefutable evidence of Mother Nature’s work as the autumnal season moves in/on… I decided to stay at the table to engage in my morning’s activity that refuels my soul : MSQT! As vital as a good night’s sleep, which I also enjoyed.

I have no idea how this – or any – day will unfold; I just know that at this time, I am so grateful for it’s return to normal :

  • Norman preparing his breakfast; the smells and sounds make a nice background…
  • My niece Dolly sends a text saying Chris was taking a practice reading assessment this morning and passed 100%. Next week: the real deal; I wonder why?!
  • Chris’ grandmother sends a text: “the Professor is awesome!” I laugh out loud!
  • N’s daily listen… CNBC – stock market program…
  • I contemplate today’s agenda:
    • Create today’s LOAD – 14 . (LOAD is a Layout A Day, the last month-long daily sprint for 2020)…
    • Noon Daily Pages break followed by a 1 PM Zoom session with another group of memory keepers …
    • Walk and listen to Happier with Gretchen Rubin, my fave podcast …
    • Continue listening to The Mountains Sing. I am also reading it on my Kindle – trying to see if I like that combo…
    • Cast on, again for the 99th time, stitches for the second sock !!! I am determined to succeed!

It is time to move on with the morning and thus the day. I still have my AM reads and breakfast to eat. Joining Kat and friends for this week’s Unraveled Wednesday.

Cheers~

PS. My new blogging schedule got off track, right fast, yesterday. I had two appointments scheduled 1 – 3 PM. Today is a new day and another opportunity to start again for the first time.

one little word | 2/20 …

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Good morning or afternoon or evening ~ or whenever you read this. Fifteen years and counting, 365 days out of the year, I begin my morning sitting at the dining table in the Great Room (as I dub it – the addition, kitchen/eating area, we built 15 years ago). This morning I’m in my craft room where my computer is located; my tea mug is close at hand and I am journaling via the keyboard rather than by pen in hand. Just as I was retiring last night, I realized that today was the last Tuesday and I had not drafted today’s post. Ah yes! Guess that habit – my 2020 one little word – hasn’t taken hold, yet!

This month, my focus has been on visiting my routines and tiny habits – the things I do consciously, intentionally or out of habit. For example: I’ve dubbed my mornings as MSQT – morning solitude and quiet time. I go downstairs to the Great Room, make tea and set the table with my journal/s/, pens, AM good reads and planner/s.* This past month, I added to my routine the practice of taking a minimum of 350 steps as tea water brews (in my new electric cordless kettle, just sayin’). This is a tiny habit that’s easy to implement: I can simply walk briskly around the perimeter of the Great Room and get my body movin’. Win Win!

Tiny Habits is also the title of a  new book published the end of 2019. BJ Fogg, the author has been studying habits for several decades and has narrowed the formation of new habits to the tiniest cue, e.g., you tie a desired behavior to something you already do. In my example, I want to be a little more active in the morning, get a jump start on my daily step count, so I tied walking with flipping the switch of the electric kettle.

BJ offered a free 10 sessions ‘ online class to the book’s purchasers; I joined and have been attending the ‘class’ this month. The interaction between BJ and class participants via text chat has been illuminating.  Today is our 7th session.

How is life with your word proceeding ? Please do share in the comments and if you’ve written a post, please also include the link in the comments.*

Looking forward to reading the stories of your February love affair with your 2020 one little word. And now, it’s time for me to hit publish, go downstairs and walk my 350 steps as water boils for my second cuppa tea.

Cheers~

*Yes, I have more than one planner; that’s a story for another post … and mark your calendar: Tuesday March 31 is the next OLW update! Apologies for no linkup party this month… I need to understand how the feature works. I’m sure it’s easier than their instructions and it’s past time to hit publish.

 

‘’O’ me of little faith…”

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    (screen shot from WSHU.org site)

Last Night : 10.30.19

I went to bed somewhere during the 5th inning, deciding the game was clearly going to be won by the Astros. I said to Norman: “Oh well, they surprised us all and made it to the World Series and this far… nite!” O’ me of little faith…

This Morning: 10.31.19

I awoke at my usual dark early time and proceeded to indulge in my favorite AM activity: Morning Solitude and Quiet Time (MSQT):

  • Fixed tea;
  • Journaled a bit;
  • Read another chapter … on journaling… in Stillness is the Key;
  • Decided to look up something on the Internet;
  • Logged onto my iPad/Safari and decided to close a few open windows from previous searches;
  • Got to the WSHU.org site – I listen to Sunday Baroque – sometimes repeat during the week and
  • Shrieked!!!

They WON! They WON! They WON!

Go Nats Go!