The Adorable Neatnick

I guess I'll start off by explaining this word "neatnick." I have been using this word my entire life, as has my mother, referring to a person who has a propensity for keeping organized and is generally "well unto her household ways," quoting poet Edna Jacques. I always felt my grandmother, whom I affectionately called Tutu, was a neatnick. And to have a nice memory of her at this moment is serendipitous as today was her birthday. So to call my son an adorable neatnick just seems natural at this moment. I certainly hope he takes after Tutu in many ways. When it comes to his toys we have simple rules that help him keep the mess under control and, at least, off the floor to prevent theft and chewing by our dog. But when I happened by his desk and toy area yesterday I had quite a pleasant surprise. Not only was it clean and tidy, but it was impeccably organized down to each little star wars figure and zombie finger puppet poised and about to wage war.

Here is a wonderful photo of Tutu with my son a few years ago before she passed away. She would have been 86 years old today. Miss you, love you Tutu. Happy Birthday.

Word throw down # 8

There's not enough time in the day. If that's not a famous quote, then it probably should be. Today's word throw down is not about making your day less busy, but about bringing a sense of calmness to your crazy life. The challenge is to find a block of time when you can be absolutely alone. It could be ten minutes. It could be one hour. No phone, no TV, no games. Just a pencil and paper or a blank page on your screen waiting to be filled with a poem. Write a small poem on what "Alone" means to you.

By One's Lonesome

Alone for me
brings such a deep
and resounding feeling
of being loved,
wanted,
among friends.

Alone for me
brings solace
and comfort in thoughts
of my path,
of who I am,
who I am here for.

Alone for me
brings creation
and vision
spilling courage
from my hands
and my core.

Alone for me
brings a swell
of elation
as you return
and my eyes
bear your charm.

Yoga update

Here's an update on my commitment to myself. Just writing those words makes me think of the song "Hazard to Myself" by Pink because it is so applicable to my awkward yoga moves. But, I have been doing yoga daily for almost 3 weeks now. The instructor at my first class took one look at my mat, laughed at its 80s style poofiness and directed me towards the "real" yoga mats. At home I either do my Wii fit yoga, or practice the moves from class. It's pretty straight forward actually and it makes me feel great.

Besides that, I've been enjoying all of the attention from my dog, Oliver. Yoga seems to make him a little bit jealous for some reason. He can't stand that I am following the poses on TV and paying no attention to him whatsoever. It is the most adorable thing because, since we got him 8 years ago, he has been such a daddy's dog. Now he prances around me, nudges me off balance, whines and sometimes even barks. He lies down right on my mat between my legs and arms to make the yoga pose a real downward dog. I haven't had this much attention from him for ages and I love it. Sometimes I just have to collapse on him and give him snuggles. My next word throw down might just have something to do with our adorable Ollie.

Word Throw Down # 7

I know there are people out there who would shy away from snuggling a newborn until they are a bit older and less fragile, but most would agree that there is something so adorable and precious about looking into the face of an infant. I am one of those people who absolutely loves everything about babies, and I am so lucky to have 2 special infants in my life at the moment. Very close friends just had a little boy named Blake and my brother just had a little girl named Makayla. So the word throw down this week is to make up a little poem/song that you could sing to an infant to calm them or put them to sleep.

GOODNIGHT MY SWEET

Goodnight my sweet it's time for bed.
You have to rest your sleepy head.

Let's sing a song to say good night.
It's time for you to close your eyes.

Tomorrow is a brand new day
When we can learn and laugh and play.

So cuddle warm and fall asleep.
I love you baby, goodnight my sweet.

I sing this song as if I'm a softly bellowing Etta James, but you can create a short soft tune to any music, and why not try it out on your spouse when you are snuggling before bed if you don't have a tiny infant around. It's nice to smile before you fall asleep.

Word Throw Down # 6

This next word throw down challenge is to take an idea or theme from a movie and write a poem. My inspiration is the last movie I just watched this evening called SALT. Loved that movie.

The sleek sophisticated
salient character
lures the lulled eye
watchers. We love her
and then crush ourselves
over being fooled.

The undergird actors
are gulled just as much.
But we pin our hopes
on the lovely lips
and soon revel in our secret
cognizance until all villains
are no more and the one good
player sees it clear
in her true eyes.

Commitment to myself

I have been inspired by 5 days in a row of my self prescribed, easy morning, wii fit yoga sessions to go for the real deal and join a class. This means doing yoga in front of everyone. Well, not really because I'll go early and secure a spot at the back, but inevitably we'll be doing a move that forces us to turn around. I figure I should probably find out if I am doing the poses even remotely properly.

The last and only time I did yoga in a class was about 10 years ago while visiting friends in Penticton, BC. I was young, slim, and generally athletic, so my friend invited me along. Well, to my surprise volleyball, squash, tennis and my other favourite sports did not automatically make me instantly able to do yoga. I found it quite difficult to hold poses without shaking and completely lost my balance in front of the whole class. Back then, I was slightly mortified, but now, as seasoned as I have become in life, I'm sure I would just laugh my face off and try again. So I'm off to tighten up my buns.

Find all the real food
that you love most
and eat some of that
but not too much
every meal, every day.

Exercise your heart,
mind and body,
and be a good human
to yourself
and others.

Oh, and laugh...a lot.

Word throw down # 5

This challenge is about taking one small thing that you've been meaning to do and being assertive with yourself about it so you are more likely to succeed. My doctor once told me that for health and well being I should try to do some yoga every day. What I found was that by the time my day was done I had used up every spare moment and just wanted to relax in front of the TV with a cup of tea. I actually love doing yoga, so here's my poem...

My alarm is set,
thirty minutes before
my services are required
by any person
or any pet.

I've blocked the entry
to my closet.
I can't fall in
to the usual attire,
the jeans,
the sweater.

No, the ironing board
is there, I can't
get through.

Laid out for me,
the lulu lemons,
the sporty tank.
My yoga time
has come.