Posts from — February 2009

Ok, you may find the subject of this blog completely gross, and my husband can’t believe I’m even writing about it, but here’s one more dilemma that wannabe eco chics (and dudes) face every time that leftover pot of meat sauce lingers too long in the fridge.

Is it better to toss it in the garbage, or flush it down the toilet? My husband and I argued over this point recently (in fact, he was aghast when I said  I would blog about it) one night when he saw me scraping too-old meat sauce into the garbage and told me to just flush it down the toilet. “Down the toilet?!?” I exclaimed? Isn’t that polluting? Though, given what else gets flushed, his argument may hold merit. My technique of tossing in the trash isn’t any better—the meat will rot in the landfill—which is just as polluting . . . or is it more?

What is the right way to handle this daily past-its-prime dinner dilemma? Meat cannot be composted. I wouldn’t serve bad meat to my dog (and the garlic and spices might not be the best thing for his digestion). I’m not about to set it outside for the raccoons or other animals to scavenge in my suburban backyard.

You are probably thinking “this girl’s got to get a life,” which may be true, but that doesn’t mitigate the fact that every single day we face life’s little challenges and need to decide what the right thing to do is. Sometimes those answers aren’t so easy, even if the task at hand is a simple one. So, what do you think? The trash or the toilet?

–Diana Murphy, editor in chief of canvas

I am a big fan of the movie Riding Giants. A movie about big waves and big wave surfers. We had the great pleasure of actually taking a surfing lesson from Titus Kinimaka, who is one of the surfers featured in the movie while we were in Kauai, but that’s a different story, a funny one but different.

The movie Riding Giants is a metaphor for the waves of life. Over the last 5-6 months I feel like I have literally and figuratively been riding giants through business and life challenges. The nerve it takes to even get the surf is great. The patience it takes to surf the waves are even greater. There is little room for mistakes and little time to contemplate the decisions needed to be made. However, like the surfers in the movie, I try slow everything down in my head and try to carve my way through the wave allowing the skills and training I’ve learned over time just take over.

Carving is not hostile movement, it is graceful, using the forces of the wave to propel yourself where you want to go and need to get to. It has taken many years of self discovery to learn these lessons. Big wave surfing in life requires the acceptance of just how fragile we are, while also embracing the notion of what little control we have. It also requires our need to have the strength, patience, stamina, resilience and keen insight to ride the wave out. To just live life in that moment!

For those who do not surf, me for one, I can only begin to imagine what a wipe out on a 30 foot wave is like. I know as I’ve swam in the ocean getting bounced around by a few foot swell can being a trying experience in itself.

The surfers in the movie talk about getting wiped and when they’re under remembering two very important things; look for the light and swim to it and staying calm, conserving their air/energy to make sure they get out.

For any who haven’t seen the movie it’s a great teaching tool and one I’m replaying in my mind quite often during these last few months.
Remember life’s a Giant Wave – Surf it!

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine

…its cold. its been a long winter. more snow and more cold then usual. more bad news on the media ….but when i am awaken to the wind chimes that is all I hear. almost like a reminder; to pause. pause long enough to take a break from thoughts that waste time and energy…2 resources that are clearly at a premium.

the wind chimes produce a wonderful melody, each time they play it is unique. never to be repeated. impossible to duplicate.  like the moments in our day.

… a delightful event last nite…Jazz at Mills Pond House. Young and old musicians alike jamming in a beautiful old mansion here on the North Shore. …a perfect recession mentality buster… free, different, great atmosphere, & inspiring.

send along your recession buster idea.

My life has little time for contemplation now a days. Between a toddler, teenager, small business and other life happenings, including my lack of want to look at things I spend little time thinking about life. Tues and Wed of this week I was laid up illness that pretty much kept me off my feet and in bed. Much of this time was spent sleeping, some in angst but I did wind up spending some time contemplating.

While I easily able to look at where I am and where I’ve been, it was difficult to look at what I want. As I spent time considering this question I found my emotions going to other things like; what if what I want does jive with Adele? What if what I want isn’t what’s necessarily best for all? What if what I want isn’t what I have today?

I tried to wrestle with these questions and was struggling not to block them from my mind. While I found it somewhat uncomfortable, it was a good exercise, one I probably shouldn’t wait until I’m on my back to conduct. It’s very difficult for me and probably any of us to put our true wants in front of others.

Although I didn’t check email for two days (guilt – guilt), I can say my sick days were productive. They helped me spend some time contemplating life a worthy exercise for anyone.

Tom Pellicane

I stretched the seat belt across his lap…and as we both heard the click, he reached up and gently put his hand on my cheek as we look deep into eachothers eyes; no words were needed. Times had indeed changed.

For years he was seemingly larger then life. All knowing, all protecting and very strong in everyway.  I knew my place and never crossed the line. (well…rarely anyway About 12 years ago I got very brave and learned I had a voice that he did infact want to hear.

Over the last decade our relationship has grown into a mutual respect and wonderful friendship that I am eternally grateful for…. crossing all previously drawn virtual lines.
The last 12 months however…I think it is he who looks at me as being a bit larger then life, my energy, my thoughts and my actions as I begin to take my position as a “grownup”.
Although he seems to question his existence in its current state he continues to provide strength to me in a different way…. as I see myself  beginning to exhibit qualities of patience and strength I never knew I had.
Ironically…I have not really felt like a grown up until recently….as my parents really begin to age and need mine and my siblings help.  The calls and cries go beyond how to find something on the internet or inquires on my visit schedule.
Visits where sharing dinners out and sunshine by the bay have turned into sorting through papers, bank and doctors visits. Doing household chores and securing where one can until the next sibling can make it down.

So many songs and biblical references to life being a circle…they are true. As we continue around there are opportunities that we can’t plan or imagine.  I am learning to take each for what they are and each day as it comes.
As I was relaying my recent visit with my folks to a friend I was reminded about the “golden nuggets” that life presents ….there are so many…we just need to open our eyes and our hearts abit more…so we can see them and feel them.
My visits I know won’t go on forever, but the golden nuggets we shared will always be with me.

Some ideas for extending the ‘golden nuggets…comment with your ideas to!
Give your parents a chronicle to fill out:
•    A wonderful series of books where your parents can write to your children…
called Grandmother or Grandfather RemembersGrandparents remember (available for both Grandma and Grandpa)
•    Take lots of pictures and videos
•    Listen