feeling homesick...

i heart my niece Bri!

the light shines in her presence. her smile changes the room.
we are clapping our hands in unison. before we know it she is taking me on a journey.
i become her play date. changing her doll's wardrobe. preparing for our tea party. "swipey no swiping, swipey no swiping!" nickelodeon plays in the background. spongebob begins. she's mesmerized by the travels under the sea. she stops watching. on to the next activity. her energy is as quick as a race horse. it's time to make snow! she says. i adore her imagination. and i follow suit. let's go make some snow! i say.

Graffiti Room

here is a piece of me. my graffiti room. it's where the (artistic, wink wink) magic happens. my home office. enjoy.

(the graffiti was created by a variety of talented artists).

Simple Joy

My niece, Bri, loves oatmeal..she can eat it all times of the day. Now what she loves more than oatmeal. Besides Spongebob and Dora the explorer is finishing her meal, wiping the plate clean and running to her beba, tias, and daddy. "Look, look, I finished" she says. And we begin to scream and clap. We started this when she was just a few months old. Now she is 4 1/2 years old and she craves for this recognition. I love it!! Something so simple as that...Don't you know it's the simple things that bring us joy.

Take some time to appreciate the simple things in life. Or consider simplifying your life. Check out one of my favorite blogs that is all about finding peace through living life simply: Zen Habits. One way I live simply is by eliminating clutter often. For example, I get rid of at least one large trash bag filled with clothes, bags, jewelry and accessories 2-3 times a year. It really brings me joy knowing that I have less and less stuff to worry about filling up my closet. It also feels good knowing that I keep the clothes and things that I really cherish.

Today, I am working to develop a daily meditation practice by waking up early and being productive by focusing on my needs. NOT waking up early to complete work tasks but to meditate, practice yoga, and even exercise. Living simply is about putting yourself first and doing away with the mindless desire to fall into the capitalist traps of consumption.

We can learn so much from one another. I believe we always learn more from our young people. What have you learned from the little ones in your life lately? What will you do to simplify your life? I'd love to hear all about it. :-)



with courage & love,
b

new year, new you

start
almost there
you have reached
the finish line to
new beginnings
a fresh start
unfamiliar terrain
bienvenidos
welcome
to a new life
a path
that you've never been
open the door
go 'head
knock
all you have to do
is enter the door
to a new you.

we are 12 days in to the new year. it finally feels like 2011 to me, today! it took me some time to warm up. because i started my new intentions mid-december 2010. i did not set resolutions. i am allergic to those. but i set intentions and goals for myself. in a few simple words: balance, courage, and peace.

balance: i returned to a meditation practice and begun attending buddhist meetings with a friend. chanting has brought me to life! i've also been going to the gym 3xs a week since November. which has brought me a discipline and structure that i knew i needed but was hesistant to do. the unknown held me back. now it has finally helped me deal with my depression and anxiety in a new and liberating way!

courage: i promised myself i will try NEW things. even if it scares me. i read my poem aloud in a crowd of strangers and i'm taking a drawing class in an arts studio (keeping my fingers crossed that i finish the class). which also means i have to get my driver's license this year and study and take my GRE exam. i don't wanna be 50 years old riding the bus! :-D

peace: living and being peace amidst the chaos or joy in my life. for instance, finding peace in the simple things, creating healthy boundaries, committing to a daily meditation practice. also, with balance and courage i believe i can achieve ultimate peace.

the image above is my front door. the front door represents a new beginning for me. when i opened the door it felt like the very first time. a new year, a new me!

i've been living in our new home (with my partner of 6 yrs) for 14 months. but today my door looked very different. this is why i love photography. it is the lens i wear to look at the world the way i want to see it! the way i believe it to be! Try it! Use your cell phone camera or a point-n-shoot. Or draw the image of a door!

have you opened your doors to new beginnings yet? if so, share your experience. what are your intentions? if you haven't, when will you? The time is now to be the YOU you dreamed of.

always with courage,
Rebel Poeta

beautiful blur

snow days
wintery sunshine
white lights
brown shades
pet lovers
frantic holiday shoppers
street lamps
rittenhouse park


sometimes life is blurry. things are not always (almost never) black and white. it's not even gray. so foggy that you are not able to see things clearly. i like living in the blurry sometimes. there is so much beauty in the (unclear) unknown.


with courage,
Rebel Poeta

a peace of me

in search of balance i find something i was not expecting. i found peace. for the last three months i have had writer's block. fear has clouded my thoughts and actions. and i found myself running away from the things i love. until one day after my at-home yoga practice. meditation and yoga gave me a clarity i have not allowed myself to see in quite a while. "i can achieve peace. in the presence of chaos, drama, stress, frustration, and anxiety. peace is possible."

i find peace in the midst of chaos. i find peace in a sea of negativity at my work place. i find peace in my new found love for photography. i find peace in my buddhist practice. i find peace in prayer. i find peace walking my dogs. i find peace working out at the gym. i find peace in yoga. i find peace smiling. i find peace drinking tea. i find peace when i make others laugh. i find peace reading. i find peace writing. i find peace when i am frightened. i find peace when i am sad. peace is ubiquitous. i find peace when i think of all the love i have in this world to give and receive. i am peace.

with courage,
Rebel Poeta

my 2011: is all about BALANCE

give thanks.
compassion. giving it to friends, loved ones, coworkers, and strangers.
finding peace amidst the chaos/crisis.
appreciating the simple things in life.
drinking my tea slowly.
practicing mindfulness in every thing I DO.
being fearless.

friendships are forever.