The Definition of "Relax"

Per John.... relax  = not doing anything that means anything.

Per Cathy...relax = two blog posts (one professional), refinishing the headboard, finishing two non-fiction books, cooking lunches, doing laundry for the week and watching a movie she's had for too long and needs to return.

Funny, I just updated my Facebook status two minutes before John and I had this conversation to say "Very restful weekend."  (For me, it actually was.  I got in a nap each day and only did projects I actually wanted to do with no deadline.)

Performers (aka The Tribe Post)

One of the things that I love about my brother and sister in law is that they are performers. (Troy will say he's not, but by proxy...he's in.)  I first met Rhonda-of-the-Comic-Strip-Pantyhose at college where I knew her first as a very talented actress.  Her friends--other theatre majors--created a very interesting, very talented tribe.   (For accuracy, my actual first introduction to the theatrical tribe was at Cornerstone Theatre and yes, that is me on the right of that photo, but that is a totally different blog post.)

If you hang out with theatre people very long, you learn that a party full of them is much more fun than a party of engineers. (I know I've just completely dissed 2/3'rds of the people I work with, but c'mon....you know this is true.  I've heard rumors that Brian can juggle, but haven't actually seen it yet.)  So, when John and I moved back to DFW after living in Panama for three years, we simply adopted Troy and Rhonda's friends because we knew they would be great.  People like Robin-the-Artist and Floyd-the-Sidekick, Shane-the-Microsoft-Cowboy and others became our new tribe.

As our kids grew, we began to develop friends in our own geographic regions in the Metroplex. (Note that we live in North Dallas--or Baja Oklahoma as I was told last night--and Troy and Rhonda live in the uber-cool and artsy Oak Cliff.) 

We have a variety of friends who we love...artists, engineers, musicians, accountants and a few who are so scary smart I have no idea exactly what they do except that it involves algorythms. (How is it that I even know that word?)

A few years ago, through Crosspointe we met Magical-Kylie-and-David Knight--who are also part of the performers tribe.   If you hang out with Kylie and David you might meet someone at a party like an authentic Chinese Dragon acrobat, or see David make something appear out of thin air or you might read a tweet that David is wearing a suit that lights up and is juggling at Six Flags. All of this to say that Magical-David-and-Kylie lead a somewhat more interesting life than the rest of us.

Last night, John, Bethany and I went to my neice Jordan's graduation and onto the after-party at Troy and Rhonda's house.  It was fun to be with family, but like always, we also got to hang with the tribe.  Robin-the-Artist and Floyd-the-Sidekick were there with their sweet son Elliot.  We met the guys responsible for the Soda Gallery and as I was standing by the front door tweeting to David Knight to pleeeeese post a twit-pic of the light-up suit Dal Sanders walked in.  Dal once had the Magic Shop at this amazing mall that used to exist in Dallas called Olla Podrida. (Other stores included a Left-Handed Shop, Model Train Store, Miniatures Shop among other random incredible stores you would never find in a place with a Gap. And the whole thing looked like a pirate ship on the inside.)

I had seen Dal perform onstage several times, including once at the Dallas Public Library where Chase got to go up and be part of the act.  As I was asking a zillion questions (wouldn't you if you had the chance to meet a magician?) I learned that Dal and his wife Cinde are not only the parents of my neice's boyfriend, but also have known Magical-Kylie-and-David for years.  In fact, David learned some of his earliest illusions hanging out at Dal's shop in Olla Podrida.  Then someone started singing "It's a Small World" STOP IT and that degenerated into "Meet the Flintstones" (still-in-my-head-this-morning-thankyouverymuch) and as the party was just getting started (because this tribe is a late night tribe) I had to leave because I turn into a pumpkin at 11pm.

All of this to say that if you don't know any performers, you should totally meet some.  (ArtLoveMagic could totally hook you up.) And learn to drink coffee in the evening because it is very much a late night crowd.

ArtLoveMagic's Kids Music Workshop

For ArtLoveMagic, last Saturday was all about passion. As public schools are cutting art and music programs, ArtLoveMagic is becoming a stronger and stronger advocate for the power of the arts. We all remember our own introduction to paints, instruments, color and song, so it becomes magical to share that.

Deborah Driscoll--ArtLoveMagic's music director--arranged the day. The kids were in groups of 5 and they rotated through 20 minute classes. The directive was simple. Do something that inspires and make sure it is hands on.

Kelly Nygren taught percussion. Not only did she have multiple instruments for each of the students to try, but she also taught us that we all have rhythm in our pulse, heartbeat and breathing. She showed us that anything could be an instrument, and she made waterbottles filled with rice that the kids could take with them as shakers.

As it was, the shakers turned out handy in Tony Cherry's songwriting class. Not only did the groups learn to write songs through word associations, descriptions, and daily life stories, but in a couple of classes they pulled out the shakers and sang along.

In guitar class, we learned about the difference in electric and acoustic, the different parts of the guitar and about chords. We also learned to "play loud and play proud."

Melody Cherry taught us how to breathe in order to use our bodies as instruments. After some warm up and practice at holding notes, the kids were able to get onstage with the microphone and perform.

In Ms. Delphi's piano class, there were three keyboards and we learned that "Jack and Jill" (the two black keys close together) were near C, D, E and the "Three Little Pigs" (three black keys together) were next to F, G, A, B.

Isaac Davies taught about how Hip Hop started from sampling records and how those samples are linked together to make new music. The kids were albe to play with the sampler and Isaac even taught a bit about freestyling and showed off his skills.

After the classes, the students had pizza, then when that group left, the others arrived and teachers and volunteers set up to do it all again.

Loved what I read this morning....

I love the devotions at sacredspace.ie. This is what I read this morning...

Jesus' image of the wheatgrain dying, then bearing fruit, symbolises not just our mortal life, but the many times we die a little before our death: with every parting, moving of house or job, loss of a friend or dear one, loss of property. Can I think of any experience of suffering and loss that has borne fruit because of God's grace? How did it happen? To cling to what we have lost is to bury our life in the past. Even the most painful loss can be a new beginning. Lord, when I was suffering pain, and the loss of people and things I loved, I believe you were somehow present to me. Show me how you were...

Space Strategies | Lighting Timers

Have you ever used timers on your lights?  I can't believe I never did this sooner.  It just seemed so complex. But, last December, when my local drug store sold automatic timers for Christmas lights for only five dollars I decided to give them a try.  Then, once Christmas was over, I used them in a few locations around the house for my lamps.

What a joy to never come home to a dark house!  Plus, ambient lighting that I never usually took the time to turn on is now actively warming the dark corners every night.

So fun to discover simple luxuries! (Especially at only $5).

Why I love yoga...

I first discovered yoga about 10 years ago at my local gym.  During the class it seemed easy, then when I woke the next day I could barely move.  I picked up a Rodney Yee video...AM Yoga.  Then off and on more videos or gym classes...until finally, I discovered how practicing at an actual yoga studio could take you so much deeper.

The thing about yoga is that it goes beyond the physical to the emotional.  I don't think this is unique to yoga...after all, runners describe a "runners high."  Practicing yoga creates a sense of well being that I haven't experienced elsewhere. Plus, remember when you were a kid and would move just for the joy of moving to discover what you could do? Yoga allows me to "discover" and to see improvement over time.

This holistic practice of quieting the mind, focusing on deep breathing, moving in ways I didn't know I could move and building strength and balance is amazing to me.  It creates moments of sharp contrast to the everything-all-the-time world I live in. Best of all, these hours of quiet training my body and mind to be still has amplified my prayer life in ways I absolutely love.

Moreover, yoga is accessible to just about everyone. You don't have to be tall and willowy or a power gymnast to be able to practice.  Yoga sort of meets you where you are and helps you get better. And for 5'3" mom-shaped can't-catch-a-ball me...that's been tremendous!

Mariposa

:: Photo is the view looking up at the tree I was lying under near the lake: :
This weekend I went to a yoga retreat at Mariposa just north of Fort Worth on Eagle Mountain Lake. The setting is beautiful and serene and the style of the retreat center is something I can only describe as "cozy Zen".

Heather Alexander--who teaches restorative yoga in North Dallas--led the retreat.

I've never been to anything like this before and probably one of the most amazing things about the experience for me was the complete stepping out of time.  My whole life is lived on a clock, so it is a powerful experience to spend two whole days where time doesn't matter. 

We took yoga classes and did meditations that lasted however long they lasted.  We sat on a porch and listened to birds while drinking tea.  We took walks with no destination.  We ate whenever we were hungry (some of the the most delicious vegetarian food I've ever had). And I spent an awful lot of time under this tree just looking skyward, feeling the breeze and listening to the sound of the water.

The other women who were there were interesting, vibrant people.  Keani runs the center...and I was continually surprised by all the tiny details she'd thought of in arranging the experience.  Heather organized the program which taught us about breathing, quieting our mind and embracing our hearts.  Hailee--another yoga teacher who came for the experience--loves birds as much as I do and taught me about yoga you do with your fingers to help focus or express intention.  Cynthia and Judy are nurses.  Barbara and Rheanna, paralegals.  And Sylvie is an interior designer with a gift for life and laughter.

As I was driving home, I started thinking about the parts of the weekend I get to keep with me: everything I learned about yoga and being still; the sensory images of the lake and the center;  but most profound are the conversations that happened in the margins--when a group of people with nothing more in common than an enjoyment of yoga and a need for tranquility shared their stories and their lives for a space of 48 hours.

Luckily, there is more to come. Keani will host retreats throughout the summer, and Heather is planning another in October.  Heather--if you read this--you'd better give us all a window for priority registration.  The center only hosts small groups of 10 - 12.  I couldn't bear to miss it.

Chase turns 22

Chase is in town off and on this week as he wraps up his life in College Station and prepares to go to college in Kentucky.

For the summer, he is working at Sky Ranch so we decided to celebrate his birthday a bit early at the place where we celebrate all big family events for John, Chase and Bethany...their favorite restaurant--Uncle Julios.

It is hard for me to believe that my son is 22...until I talk with him.  His plans, thoughts and goals are all grown up ones now. He spent yesterday afternoon following up on the paperwork he needs to finish for acceptance to school in Kentucky.  Chase's ultimate goals are to become a youth minister and to move to Seattle.

One of the things about having college age kids is that you have to schedule to get to connect with them. We all laughed that we arrived at Julios in different cars and had planned it early so Bethany could make it to class and Chase could get back to College Station to finish his packing.  Our 2 hours of "just us four and no more" were even more precious because it doesn't happen every day like it did when the kids were little.

It was even fun to arrive and see Beth studying with her quirky system of colored tabs throughout her book. (Bethany has used a color coding system for studying and lists since middle school.)  She definitely prefers analog to digital.  Beth told me she learned the sushi rolls for waitressing by color coding.  Even if she can't remember all of the ingredients in a given roll, she knows the base.

This morning, looking at these photos and blogging about it is giving me joy.  I'm so proud of my kids.

A surprising Mother's Day...

Last night when I got home there was a handwritten note on the refrigerator that said OPEN ME.  Bethany had tucked a beautiful arrangement of fruit cut into a flower bouquet inside, so I was already feeling loved as a mom when I went to church this morning.

Just before the service started, I was talking with a couple of the Cobalters--a group of 20-somethings in our church who we have over each month for the "Rent's Due Free Lunch." A few months ago, Nicki dubbed me the "Cobalt Mom"--a title that completely makes me smile. 

When I looked up from the conversation I saw they were all standing around me and handed me a card and a little red box--which contained one of the most fantastic rings ever. A crazy and completely unexpected surprise.

Which as it turns out are the very best kind.

Developing a Social Media Strategy for your Organization

As easy as it is to engage social media personally, for  organizations, the dynamic is different. After all, when you are using  social media to broadcast your lifestream, there isn't  necessarily an objective in mind. For organizations, there has to be a  purpose.

Here are some things to consider when mapping out your social  media strategy.

What is the mission of your social media efforts?
This could be as simple as "create a presence" to something more  specific, like "engage our clients in a dialogue" or "discover the  needs of our community."

What platforms will you choose and how will they connect to  each other? 
According to Social Media Examiner’s 2010 report, by a long shot, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogs were the top four social media tools used by marketers; however, the platforms you choose are going to be completely dependent on your mission. Also, don't overlook how the platforms can interconnect with each other.  Twitter can drive your Facebook status, YouTube videos can be embedded in a blog, Posterous can take content and send it to a variety of outlets...there are a wide range of possibilities.

How will you feed your content stream?
This includes both the type of content you want to provide and how  that content is captured and produced.  Social media lives and dies by  current postings.  If the content on your outlets of choice becomes  stale, you will lose your audience. (Is the reason most broadcast  channels now have new shows in the summer rather than relying on  re-runs.)  In addition, you have to have content that will connect with  the people you want to reach.  There will likely be some trial and error  in this as you experiment to learn what connects in your context.  If  possible, you will want content to come from a variety of sources.   While one person may be able to oversee your social media efforts, it is  almost impossible for a single person to create all of the content  needed to feed the stream.

Determine frequency of posting.
While personally, you may use social media in fits and spurts, social  media for organizations is more effective if there is a rhythm to the  posting.  For example, a blog could be daily, weekly, bi-weekly or  monthly.  Twitter is more effective daily, yet you can "over-tweet" and  have people unfollow you because you load up their stream.  Think about  frequency in terms of the context of your mission then set an internal  structure that allows you to produce content on that timeline.

How will you brand?
Customizing your social media outlets to reflect your visual branding  is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed.  While the options won't be  extensive as on a website, you can usually modify colors or add images  that make your social media platforms your own.

How will you monitor the feeds?
Because the social media outlets are designed to invite  feedback, an important part of your social media efforts will be  monitoring the streams. Unlike a website that you can "set and forget"  for a certain amount of time, comments and posts need to be engaged and  responded to in as close to real-time as possible. Just as you would  never put a phone system in and never answer it, you can't set up a  social media presence without communicating with the people on the other  end.  As with the content stream, this effort will likely  require more than a single person to truly be effective. (And to prevent  burnout.)  You should also determine up front how you will respond to  negative comments.  Will they be removed or simply responded to?

How will you promote your social media presence?
Once your social media presence is in place, all you have to do is  promote it.  This might be something as simple as adding links to your  website or as  targeted as purchasing an ad to promote your site on Facebook or  proactively following all of the "Twitterers" who engage on the topics you care about.

While setting up a social media presence isn't difficult, effectively  leveraging the tools to meet mission takes time, creativity and  dedicated people with a passion to connect.

Monday Night at Stamp Asylum

There is a fantastic store at the corner of Coit and Park in Plano, Texas called the Stamp Asylum.
Monica Smith is the curator of the most amazing collection of inks, papers, ephemera, markers and tools you could possibly imagine.

The first Monday night of each month, the "Dallas Stampers" get together for a class in Monica's back room.  Last night, she taught how to make what looks like embossed wood with a simple wooden plaque, gesso, some paint and something called "grunge board." (If the batteries in my camera weren't dead I could show you how mine turned out.)

One of the things that was very exciting to me is that last night I got to meet artist, Debra Kolce.  Debra has been part of all three of my ATC groups, but we had never actually met face-to-face. (Was cool to meet the woman behind the art.)

Each time I have taken a class at the Stamp Asylum, it has been well worth the money. Most any Saturday you can learn a variety of techniques.  If you are in the DFW area, check out their list of classes: http://www.stampasylum.blogspot.com/

Chores, pirahna and tackling the stack...

We all have chores.  You know, those little tasks you have to do that seem to pile up.

The thing is, when the stack is high, the chores nip at you like piranha.  Nothing big enough to kill you like a shark bite.  Just a thousand tiny things that will eventually consume you.

Sometimes, the most relaxing thing you can do is to "tackle the stack."  Taking the piranha out one by one so you can swim in clear waters.

Is what I'm doing today. Dealing with piranha.