Spring!!

An early spring has sprung and I am already looking for wild flowers.  Last year I tried to get my colleagues out searching by keeping a running list of the newest wild flower finds, but no one else added to it.  I hope I was entertaining at least in my nerdiness.

As new green shoots are emerging I am energized by two things in my life.  One, my constant companion, Mannetjies Roux, my wonderful two year old German Shepard and two, a new vocation that is emerging.  I am taking a course to be a life-cycle celebrant so that I can officiate weddings, funerals, baby welcomings, divorce celebrations.  A cradle to grave service if you will.

Mannetjies ("little man" in Afrikaans) continues to be a joy as we go hiking and exploring.  We are also learning how to do "nose work" which is a layperson's version of being a sniffer dog.  It is fun finding "hides" and he is very bold in going into places, knocking things over or going up on things to find the hide.  We are learning how to work as a team as he has to let me know what's going on.  We have a great trainer who has helped us improve our connection.

Mr Man, Ph.D. in coolness

My newest adventure also focuses on joy and connection.  I have started a program through the Celebrant Foundation to become a life-cycle celebrant.  I already have a wedding in August!!  It's a wonderful way to connect with people and I can bring in my theatrical background and do more writing!  All good!  I doubt anyone would want me to play the mandolin at their ceremony just yet, but I'm thinking the wine making hobby could fit in nicely as a wedding gift!  Haven't tasted my first batch.  I think I will wait a month or two.

No matter what, life keeps coming up with opportunities to say, YES!  I want to stay open to them!

Joyful Boys

 

JOYFUL NOISE

My friend Lydia is working on her own motivation issues by writing a blog she so aptly calls, CARROT:motivational mobilization.  I have been motivated to join her and hope this can get me back to more regular blogging.  For today, I am posting a little bit of creativity.  The stuff that keeps me going.  Lydia is calling for HEART AND MIND MONDAYS.

I have taken up the mandolin in the last few months, loving the plunkity-plunk and noticing I don't hit as many bad notes as time has gone on. Below is the main guy for mandolin lessons online.  Really nice and he doesn't get mad if I don't practice!

 

That's the noise part and some joy.

I have also made my first batch of wine.  Ooh, there's the JOY!!  Bottling the cabernet on Tuesday!