Despite the fact that I can usually bounce out of bed bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to conquer my day, I am not immune to occasionally feeling sluggish on Mondays. Today definitely was not one of those Mondays. I woke up peacefully sans alarm clock at 5am and started week 4 of my Couch Potato to 5K program. Then I ate a bowl of sugar free oatmeal with a hearty heaping of flax seeds and a glass of 1% milk. No, I have not lost my mind and I’m not dieting. But I feel so much better when I eat clean and healthy, so if I’m not at a restaurant or cooking for a special occasion, that’s what I plan to do.
Was there time for yoga and a virtual church service before the pitter patter of young feet? There was! Would you believe me if I said I did all of this without a single drop of coffee? I kid you not….the pot that pumps the caffeinated lifeblood into our veins met its tragic demise yesterday. Between my mother and me I give it another hour at most before we’re speeding to Target to make a purchase for the most essential home furnishing other than the bathtub.
Methinks I’m running on natural energy– unbridled passion and enthusiasm!!– because I renewed Cocktails With Hemingway for another year last night.
Thank you to Ginny at Capelli for my fabulous hair.
Endless thanks to my friend, Julia, who shared with me the Church of the Larger Fellowship. It’s a Unitarian Universalist congregation without walls– meaning it’s all online. Live services occur at 8pm ET on Sundays and 9am ET and 1:30pm ET on Mondays. Beyond the website offers a wealth of information and opportunities to participate. What an incredible supplement to my ‘in person’ spiritual community at Neshoba. Even if you do not identify as a UU [or have no idea what that is]… I encourage you watch this afternoon’s service if you are able or check out some of the previous ones if you are not. Consider it a way to enhance your current beliefs without detracting from any particular religion. I assure you there is no crusade to promote our UU agenda found here either.
Walking the labyrinth last night [at the Neshoba Women's Retreat] worked wonders. ♥
I cannot wait to get involved with Neshoba again– especially Bella Luna Bliss and other groups/activities/events celebrating the sisters. Being around such a diverse, creative, and intelligent group of women is so empowering. Meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones in a spiritual setting is good for the soul. Thanks, ladies.
“The labyrinth provides a sacred space where the inner and outer world can commune, where the thinking mind and the imaginative heart flow together… a space to listen to our inner voice of wisdom.
Walking the labyrinth is a spiritual discipline that invites us to trust the path, to surrender to the many turns our lives take, and to walk through the confusion, the fear, the anger, the grief that we cannot avoid experiencing as we live our earthly lives. The labyrinth is a place where we can open ourselves to the Holy Spirit. We can ask for guidance and pray for ourselves and our loved ones.” ~ Reverend Lauren Artress
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
• March Blog Challenge • Day 3: What Makes You Happy?
Generally speaking the things that make me happy can be categorized into seven themes: children, good people, helping others, travel, humor, the little things, and songs.
☻ Children ☻
Adam and Tatum bring me the greatest joy I’ve ever known– motherhood. The rewards are infinite. My son and daughter complete me.
Yet even before I was a parent I’ve always loved kids. Whether it’s teaching the K-2nd grade students at Neshoba, tutoring, babysitting, or anything in between, I do what I can to be around children as often as possible. Few things are more gratifying than watching a young person learn and develop as they blossom before you. Their innocence, enthusiasm, wide-eyed curiosity, straightforward logic, frequent questions, and ‘saying the darnedest things’ moments are endearing.
Always look for an excuse to unleash your inner child.
☻ Good People ☻
Examples of the tragic consequences of bullying make headlines with alarming frequency. Social media exacerbates the epidemic, contributing to bad behavior from all age levels. People can be so cruel. So it’s always refreshing to see stories of folks behaving nicely. Like the homeless man who returned a woman’s wedding ring– and her subsequent fundraising to reward him for his kindness. Or the kids who stood on the sidelines cheered on their physically handicapped classmate as he finished a race. The airline employees who helped a passenger get to his dying mother’s bedside. Anyone and everyone who does something out of the kindness of their heart…doing something because it’s the right thing to do without expecting anything in return. Those who stand up for others and speak out against injustice.
Instances such as these occur on a daily basis. Wouldn’t it be nice if the media covered more of those to counteract the negativity that saturates our news? Let’s inspire and encourage.
☻ Helping Others ☻
If not for my desire to help others as much and as frequently as I am able then my ability to weather the storm would be severely compromised. Simply put, helping you helps me, and the mutual benefit makes me happy. I’m thrilled to make another person feel good about themselves or make their lives easier. Even the smallest actions, such as smiling at a stranger on the street, can have a big impact on their day.
☻ Travel ☻
I don’t care where I’m going, how I get there, who I’m with, or what we’re doing. If the opportunity to travel arises…my bags are packed and I’m out the door. Some of the best trips don’t involve any packing or even any bags. I live for those spur of the moment, impromptu road trips. Even though I have a passport and have traveled extensively– driving across the bridge into West Memphis to eat at Waffle House and cruise through an unfamiliar neighborhood makes for a ‘foreign’ experience. A wrong turn could easily be a source of frustration– or one hell of a story! Roll with the punches and make the most of it. And take lots of pictures.
[[Obviously traveling with the wee ones requires coordination and advanced planning, but it's still possible to incorporate an element of adventure and a carefree spirit.]]
The British Virgin Islands for Jen & Todd’s 2005 wedding is one none of us will ever forget.
☻ Little Things ☻
It truly doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Taking baths. Meeting somebody with whom you really ‘click.’ Finding imperative items for a fraction of the price at a thrift store. Meaningful conversations. Seeing the ocean. A delicious meal. Exciting games in Words With Friends. Stumbling upon unique rocks. Talking to Maris. <3
☻ Humor ☻
Life is funny. Nothing is ever so bad that you can't laugh. Virtually every situation contains humor. Laugh freely and laugh often. It's okay to be politically incorrect.
Cheer up, emo dude, top center.
☻ Songs ☻
I could be listening to the eulogy mid-funeral, hear one of these, and be in a great mood. Not that I anticipate that scenario ever happening or anything. DISCLAIMER: Some of these ditties contain lyrics that are obscene at best and downright vulgar at worst. You have been sufficiently warned that these are NSFW or little ears, so listen at your own risk. The video/song below is squeaky clean.
“Scotty Doesn’t Know” – Lustra
“Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta” – Geto Boys
“Peggy Sue” – Buddy Holly
“3.14″ – Bloodhound Gang
“Holiday” – Weezer
“Scene For Dummies” – Hollywood Undead
“Mr. Right” – Mickey Avalon
“Black Jesus” – Everlast
“Goin Steady” – Rocko
“No Hands” – Waka Flocka Flame ft. Wale & Roscoe Dash
“Go DJ” – Lil Wayne
“Still Fly” – Big Tymers
“Whatever You Like” – TI
“Army” – Ben Folds Five
“Volcano” – Presidents of the United States of America
High school memories. Hey Alg!
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
I oftentimes wonder if my staunchly conservative father thinks us crazy folk at Neshoba are two steps away from establishing our own vegan, organic, and free trade commune. That or some of us may be– gasp!– socialists. Either way it’s always a delight when he comes to church with me. We must not have terrified him too much with our quest for liberal world domination because this isn’t the first time he’s been my guest of honor. Love you, Dad.
Yet another brilliant face courtesy of Tatum
Sunday’s sermon: “The Man Nobody Knows”
Who was this Jesus guy about whom we make such a hullabaloo? Why was his birth important? What does his message have to do with Unitarian Universalism? Why Christmas?
It’s not in our faith tradition to proselytize. But I’m always thrilled to share with people how important UU is to me, so please feel free to message me if you’d like to have that discussion. Or better yet, check it out for yourself, at the Neshoba website.
Like a little pink Eskimo!
All that religious fervor works up quite the appetite. Tatum made her restaurant debut at Tao Too in Germantown. I cannot recommend it enough. Kelsey Allen and Tom Billings– does this place ring a bell to y’all?
Frontrunner for the best soup I’ve ever eaten
Thai Tom Kha Kai is nothing short of a miracle. Coconut milk soup with chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lemon grass served with rice noodles. Slightly spicy and darn near perfection.
You know it’s a good meal when you fling your foot on the table.
I’m so grateful for every second I have with my precious daughter. That will be my focus this holiday season….
Photo by Melissa Calvert - Overton Square, Memphis '09
Kahlil Gibran
Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.
Several years ago during the Mother’s Day service at Neshoba I encountered these words for the first time. Ever since I’ve regarded it as a central component of my parenting philosophy. Children need love, security, guidance, structure, encouragement, and support from their parents. Somebody who is a role model that quietly leads by example. Beyond that….their path in the world is theirs to make. This is not to suggest I will let my kids run wild in the name of ‘finding themselves’ but young people need room for growth and exploration. Within a reasonable context they deserve the freedom to discover themselves and their world.
I especially love the line: “You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” What are some of the most meaningful parental writings to you?
Isn’t this a delightful sign? I love the way it is simple yet sophisticated while also being welcoming and approachable– much like Neshoba itself. As much as I’d like to see the new addition in person I must rely on the computer. If you are in the Memphis area you really should visit Neshoba one Sunday. It’s truly a magical place.
Hopefully we’ll be able to attend our new church tomorrow. Our car decided to overheat and I don’t want to inconvenience anyone for a ride. Perhaps we can take the bus or something as it’s way too far to walk. When there’s a will there’s a way and I’m determined to get there.
‘Insanity’ is the understatement of the 21st century for describing this past week. Let me attempt to make this convoluted story as clear and concise as possible:
- The three of us are moving to San Luis Obispo, California. We’re leaving tonight on the train. After spending most of the day tomorrow in Chicago we’ll head to the west coast on a direct ride.
- As unexpected as this move was for me….it was never out of the realm of possibility, having been something we’ve considered for months. Will and I did not make this decision lightly and we took into account the potentially negative effects this could have on Adam. Thankfully he has tons of cousins and a loving family to help ease the transition!
- While I will discuss the reasons for our move in greater detail later, suffice it to say money issues and the job market served as our impetus for the relocation. I’m still expoloring employment opportunities in my new home but Will has a job waiting on him as soon as we arrive. Now that I have a much better understanding of myself and the way my mind works, I am confident that graduate school is within my reach. Obviously I’m not going to make any major decisions until we settle– but it’s nice to know there’s a good college in town.
- I’ve already found a spiritual home in our new locale. As heartbreaking as it will be to leave Neshoba, immersing myself in this new community will help me navigate my surroundings and get my feet on the ground.
- TO EVERYONE: Because this is the first time I’ve been able to sit in front of a computer, privately, for any length of time…..I am still sifting through my 50+ messages on Facebook. I will respond to each and every one of you. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
- Leaving my best friends is going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Keep in mind I was born and raised in Memphis and with the exception of a year in Oxford [only an hour away in Mississippi] for college, I’ve never left this place. Progressive as I may be– I am a southern girl through and through. I love the wonderful city of Memphis and it pains me to leave. I trust my nearest and dearest to hold down the fort for me while I am away. Maris McLoskey, Danielle Dunn, Seth Robertson, Megan Childers, Liv Blow, Ashley Hisky, and Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church…..there are no words to describe how much I will miss you. Love to each and every one of my friends, even those I did not list.
- The next time I update we’ll be in California!! Until then…..
You mean I have to share MY attention with the baby?
Last week when we visited my OB/GYN, Adam stole the show the moment we opened the office door: “Where’s the baby at?!” he squealed as we made our grand entrance. The room was filled with women– many of them pregnant– and he plopped down on the sofa asking a million questions trying to comprehend the fact that babies only lived in certain female bellies. Once we made our way to the ultrasound room he was quick to notice the dimmed lights and screen on the wall. “Are we watching a movie?! Is it Thomas?!” He also noticed my fashionable ‘dress’ and asked if ‘that woman’ was hurting my tummy– and despite his interest in his sibling didn’t seem particularly enthralled by the heartbeat.
Saturday we celebrated the 21st birthday of Maris. It was her actual date of birth but the party was for the twins turning six. As much as I loved the event I couldn’t help but feel envious of the kids frolicking on the inflatable water slide. Adam lived vicariously through me and had a blast! I’ll be sure to post pictures as soon as we get them.
That night I attended Bella Luna Blissat Neshoba. We learned to give and receive diksha [Pure White Light Blessing] which was the most rejuvenating thing I’ve experienced in a very long time. April Fowler performed a wonderful blessing on me and I used Mariah Riggins as a guinea pig for practice. It did not go unnoticed by the other ladies that I appeared ‘lighter’ than I was at the last gathering several months ago.
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Image made by the wonderful and talented Sean Krause. Rest in peace, dear friend.
