BlogOfParadox

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Both of these kids’ll come home with us on my birthday, officially Best Caturday in History.

In my twenties, I was too busy making a mess of my life to become terribly self-aware. I’ve been thinking about 35, and how I keep getting braver, wilder and gutsier as I age.

I will probably have another one of those Birthday, Observed kind of weekends, because it’s likely that weekend will be swamped. One thing is certain, though: It’s been a little over eleven years since I got my first tattoo. I still love it. When I lived in Atlanta, even on the ferry to Clare Island in Ireland, I would run into people with beautiful art and ask where they got it done, and it was always the same artist (Collette at Holy Mother, FYI.) Driving to Atlanta is really expensive and time consuming, especially considering I’d want to be hanging out with people, not sitting in a tattoo parlor. I’ve been sulky and mopey b/c I’ve had a project planned for a while now, but I just couldn’t find a local artist whose work I really liked.

Enter Erica Flannes. I am completely certain she’s my girl for the next project.

So if you’re the sort of person who was contemplating getting me something for my birthday, even an LJ virtual gift, please consider donating to my SuperRadTattooFund. Not only would you be giving me something I really want, a little bit of you will be with me always.

My 35th birthday is May 2nd.

Every time you catch yourself complaining about how you’re too busy/tired for a hobby, exercise, volunteering, following a bliss, learning something new… every time you discover yourself begrudging someone for always having time to do the things that they love…

Consider the impact of taking these moments wasted on resentment and ache, and repurposing them for the things that feed your life. What could you accomplish if you gathered up that frustrated energy, and used it to lovingly create spaces for the people and things you love best?

My lovely friend Trace names her years, and it’s such a lovely practice, I began doing it, too.

Despite my efforts to simplify my life in 2007 (Year of the Cracked Pot/Wabi-Sabi), my intentions blurred. Life got hectic and stressful, and I didn’t take the time to refocus, despite having numerous tools at my disposal. I indulged in unhealthy habits. I clung to outdated relationships and thoughts. I’m a bit disappointed at my efforts, but I remain undaunted.

I’d initially thought I’d name 2008 The Year of the Bonsai, as I was attracted to the imagery of careful, conscious pruning to enhance beauty and direct the tree’s growth. I decided against it, though: regardless of their honed beauty, Bonsai are stunted, high-maintenance, shallow little creations. I believe Niwaki is the term used to describe the same sort of aesthetic restrictions on full-sized trees, but I am 98% ignorant of all things Japanese, and do not presume to know what I’m talking about (if you do, please be sure to chime in!!!)

This year, Matthew and I are setting our sights on large goals: I’m looking to complete an intense and demanding Yoga Teacher Training program. Matthew has started teaching at the kwoon, and is about to test for his second-degree black belt. We’re looking to grow our small business, as well as give our bodies, home and garden some much-needed attention. My 2008 is committed towards conscious pruning, to accentuate the wonder and joy in my life. I will weed away obstacles (Jai, Ganesha!!) and fertilize to maximize my potential.

I might need a weed whacker in these first few months, though… It’s gotten awfully overgrown!

I went and bought the ingredients for my tea party this Saturday. I’m having a small scale affair, and that’s going to be so much more fun, because it means I can go SCHMANCY.

(I firmly believe that this menu might be reason enough to live in Mississippi and be my friend.)

Tea Pairings Menu

Kaddo Bourani + Oolong Tea
Cucumber-Strawberry w/Marscapone and.or Rose Petal Jam Sandwiches with “Madge Shelton” tea (pink peppercorn, spearmint, black tea and Tudor Red Rose)
Chai creme brulee
Lavender madelines with Earl Greyer (i’m not sticking to this recipe exactly)
(other desserts furnished by friends, including key lime tarts and “chocolate evilitude”)
Grapefruit/Jasmine sorbet with cold-brewed Jasmine Green tea