A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my encounter with the yellow butterflies. I waxed poetic about metamorphosis and dreamed of the day I’d break from my cocoon and take flight. And then I met CJ. CJ Casciotta is a Nashville-based author who spoke at a creative conference I recently attended. He challenged my…
Month: September 2018
Bending Over Breaking
A thought hit me this morning, half-way joking and wishing that I was struggling with an alcohol or smoking addiction instead. I know, I know. I’ve never struggled with either vice and I’m sure those who have would give me an earful, but allow me to explain. The term “quitting cold turkey” doesn’t apply to…
The Impact of Joy
I first met Pamela in the fall of 2012. Our charter bus idled as we gathered inside a remote conference center surrounded by nature to kickoff the Opening Retreat for Leadership Nashville. I was one of 44 individuals in our class, each of us with different backgrounds and outlooks on life, shaped by our unique…
(Not) Easy as 1, 2, 3
I haven’t found a real use for this talent, but I have a brain for music. If it has lyrics and a catchy little tune, I automatically file it away for future reference. Occasionally my husband will prompt me to sing random commercial jingles when he needs a party trick. And don’t think it was…
A Light at the End of the Cocoon
It all started at a gift shop in the Lowcountry. A dear friend who was caring for our fur-child in my absence sent me several photos, letting me know she was doing just fine. I proudly showed off their grandcat to my parents. “What’s that?” my Dad asked pointing to my friend’s tattoo. The word…
Artist-in-Residence
I am the world’s lightest sleeper. I am also the proud fur-parent of a 12-year old cat who loves attention at 3:00am. This morning, she gifted me an additional hour of sleep before her ritual head-butting, walking over my head, and announcing her presence. Y’know, in case I somehow missed it before. I laid there…
Inside the Ring
I’m currently reading a book that details painful insecurities, diet culture, and body issues; the author calls her work a giant trigger warning. It’s mostly a memoir with some delicious nuggets that leave me nodding my head and highlighting the heck out of them. Perhaps a few congratulatory remarks will be thrown our way, societal…
Cut Scenes from a Film In Progress
When my voice of reason introduced me to a revolutionary concept called Intuitive Eating, it took me awhile to sort my feelings: Is this too good to be true? Freedom! What’s the plan? And what’s the catch? For someone who’s followed one dieting plan or another their entire life, it felt a little scary (and…
A Liviting Life 