Welcome, friend!
{my introduction from me to you}
My participation in the 2023 Winter Writer’s Sanctuary led by
of England came at just the right time. Beth is the world renown author, Wabi Sabi, The Way of the Fearless Writer, and her latest KOKORO.This is my new beginning and making all things new.
1. View
Settled. I chose the east window for my writing desk overlooking The St. Joe in picturesque Saint Maries, Idaho. Just perfect.
2. Catalyst
I'm a child of the plains of Colorado. Blue jeans and cowboy boots, old time fiddlers and farmers, and the first PRCA cowboys and cowgirls. I feared people, horses, and change. I started writing when I could hold a pencil. Lines and lines of O's.
And I was proud of every page.
When I write, I listen to my heart and spirit and God.
3. Handwriting
My handwriting is heart to pen to hand. I have moved away from fire-hosing creativity of writing morning pages to a calm, gentle flow aiming for pinpoint accuracy of words to create foundation and substance, but no editing until later.
Meaningful. Intentional. Satisfying. Flowing.
4. Ritual
I live in a family community of 8 persons: 3 adults + 5 children ages 2 to 8. Oh, plus the large Great Pyrenees woof-woof and an elder Siamese of questionable disposition.
My morning creative ritual consists of:
Early morning meditation. Rocking chair and sunlight. Dear Lord, Hello, it’s me.
Quiet, oh Bliss!
Creative setup of hand tools: Journal and pens.
Think. Calm. Focus.
Breathe.
Start writing: for Drop The Reins, {Flamingo It!} or Boho Me
Flow. Direction. Inspiration.
Noise in the background. Dear Lord what now? Just try to ignore.
Set my “Win the Day” Goals, usually 4
So far, this ritual is helping transition with all the new disruptions, ( “Oma, where did the pink hair go for my doll,” asks the 3 year old).
I'm not sure I can survive this. The old oak tree outside looks like a great space to plant a tiny home. {Note to self: find camp trailer}
5. Companions
Music:
Growing up in a performing family music band, music is in my heart & soul.
I love to listen to great music from symphony of The Grand Canyon, Robert Mirabel, Adele, Neil Diamond, Lindsey Sterling, David Garrett, and Les Paul & Mary Ford.
Books:
Rising Strong and The Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted by Brene Brown. The Holy Bible and Omega Dynamics - for the Christian Warrior by Jamie Walden.
Charlie Unwin of the UK magazine Horse and Hound for my equestrian life to follow his 5 Winning Strategies to overcome fear. It works in all areas of life!
6. Doorway
Writing has became a doorway to my imagination.
I travel to other worlds and back again daily.
G.S.
7. Aºtlas of My Heart
What long time recovery looks like for me {Oh, Dear Lord!}
My mother who is now with The Lord was instrumental in praying for me and interceding with tough love. She loved me unconditionally. I was without hope and did not believe I was worth living. I finally found myself By Grace inside the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, where I was given the gift of sobriety. It’s been 39 years so far.
These are my writings of sobriety: my experience, my strength, and my hope found in recovery from alcohol, drugs, and other disorders. Look for the tab called Aºtlas of My Heart. I write transparent and from the heart.
I hope you have enjoyed getting to know more about me.
What does it mean for you to Drop the Reins of your life?
This is from my experience of horse riding lessons on bareback. Envision closing your eyes while lifting both hands (reins-free) straight out from your shoulders. Keep those arms out straight no matter what. Then focus on keeping your seat, and allow the horse to go at its pace from walk to trot to canter. The sensation is incredible.
If you are Trusting, the float sensation will happen and then you and your horse are flying as One! It’s life changing!
This is truly the essence of 'Drop the Reins'
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