Hike to Top of Mt. Minsi

     Leigh Ann and I have set this hike for what seems like an eternity.  Someone wasn't feeling well or was busy or it was too hot or too cold.  This time we weren't taking the way out but the way up and boy were we challenged.
     We picked a sunny, autumn day on a (finally open) weekend and headed for the trail.  A drop fell on us but with a clear forecast and a blue sky we felt it was safe.  Then the skies opened upon us. Heavier and heavier the rains got as we climbed slippery rocks and leaf covered paths to the pinnacle.  There was a boy scout troop and many other hikers to play leapfrog with as we passed and fell behind them over and over.  Did I mention we were doing this after a seven day fast on just liquid?  So there we were soaked, chilly and starving (and very, very out of shape(me, not Leigh Ann)) climbing up a packed trail.  There was thunder and a quick lesson on the scatter technique to be used should we see lightning.  There were pauses to catch breath.  Others,  to rest fatigued calves.  Some just to look at the view.  There was even a help up and over one of the big rocks as Leigh Ann's hand was the fifth force to move me to the top.  (Two arms and two legs weren't doing the job).  There was much gabbing about my big trip to the psychic as well as all of the topics two girls can cover in a four hour trek up and down a mountain.   At the top, the sunshine greeted me as a kind little reward for the work.  The view was magnificent.  The way down was still challenging with slippery slopes and major inclines full of salamanders and a chill from our soaked clothing but the mood stayed up the whole time.  We were two chicks on a mission.  This hike cleared my head, moved my body, nurtured my soul and completed a goal.  It was a helluva workout, a heaping helping of therapy, a dash of adventure and a whole lot of laughter.   I felt different as we parted ways on the walk home.  I also got to use the sunglasses perched atop my head the entire time as if they symbolized the hope I always have that it will, indeed, get brighter.  I walked with the sunshine peering through a cloud right at me with such brilliance I could barely see.  It was a message of the symbolism of the hike that I was sure to accept.  A week of cleansing and hike to follow made me feel stronger than I had in a long time.  It will get brighter when the work is complete. 
     I have thanked her many times but I have to say once more... THANK YOU, Leigh Ann,  for the push, the support and the friendship and the truly unique role that you have in my life. 

The Psychic

     Part of the birthday that doesn't seem to end (which is just fine by me) was a trip out to Williamsport to visit a psychic I have heard so much about.  I did lots of new things this particular day but this wins the blog post. 
     Two hours felt like thirty minutes and all I have thought about since is how to return to do it again.  It was a magical experience...magical.  This wasn't your gypsy-crystal ball-squinty-eyed-carnie...this was a well educated, well spoken and well recognized woman.  Many of you might not believe and that is fine but when you spend minute after minute hearing things about your life with such accuracy you simply can't dispute the system.  She said I was born to teach and help people heal, that I was a good salesperson and that I wasn't meant to write.  This is nothing we don't all know.  I am all of those things and if you have been following me than you know a writer...I am not.  I tell my story with honesty, vulnerability and hope but seldom do I do it without many grammatical and other various writing issues.  But I have taught since I was young enough to stand in front of stuffies who listened and I have healed the people in my life to the point of draining my own energies.  She said I went off of the original path of creativity in some form of stage, music, art or dance to do what "had to be done" in my life.  That seems true as well and maybe why I still appreciate those things so much even if only through being in the audience.  There was a mention of a temper as well as the work being put in to control it.  I am also opinionated, a leader and like to be the boss.  Those details will also not come as a shock to anyone that knows me.  I tend to fall into "management" positions everywhere I go.  It sounds as if this year will be a tricky one with some "upheaval" as she put it but that I would be surrounded by many forms of support.  It will also be a good year of growth and moving toward what I want from life since I am finding my way back to who I was supposed to be.  She cleared up some very interesting things about my past and answered some lifelong questions.  Part therapy, part magic and part surreal...this event was truly amazing.  I believe it was meant to be at that moment in time and I am thankful to the universe, Ms. Smith and to Mary for the gift.  Now, if you don't mind, I have to go work on my "warrior queen". 

Sleepwalk With Me

     I'm pretty proud of our little theater for having this film.  It's the movie based on a true story that was a play as well as a book.  You follow along on the journey of a bartender with a stale relationship who just wants to be a comedian.  It is funny but has moments that break your heart.  Then there are the sleepwalking scenes which range from goofy to life-threatening.  If it teaches us anything it's to cut your losses sooner and move forward to what you hope to become.  Oh, and that dreams can make you do some crazy things.  It's only in  a few theaters in this entire state so I was appreciative that it was only a few minutes away.  Thank you, Pocono Community Theater for the chance to see it!!!

Spider Tutorial

MudWorks is having a Once & Done class in a few weeks to create spider bowls perfect for candy.  Today, alongside Marq and MJ, JoAnn taught us how to make the little Halloween friend so that we could teach the classes.  Since both kids will get to make one the big decision will be what candy goes in them!!!

Hunger, Purging, Closets, Dave and Ben

     I have almost completed day three of the cleanse.  No food has entered my mouth.  Usually I keep busy but today I did it with a vengeance.  I tackled the closet in the kids' room.  I ripped everything out of it and threw things into mounds all over the floor.  There was a contractor bag just waiting for items.  When enough time goes by you realize you need to let go of things.  When you are starving...you are ruthless.  This combination makes for one great purge.  One bag will make its way out to a little boy who is just the right size.  Three huge bags are ready to go to the school clothing drive in a few weeks.  The empty closet lead to organizing the new contents that made the cut.   This  led to drawers being reorganized.  It was a domino rally of tidiness and purging.  A few minutes into this adventure I realized I needed some inspiration.  New music by Pink, Dave Matthews and Ben Folds Five accompanied me throughout the day.  If I became sad about a piece of clothing that would no longer fit my little guy...I would focus on the hunger.  If I became nostalgic about a toy we used to play with together I would hone in on some lyrics I've never heard before today.  If the hunger got on my nerves I would make something so clean and tidy that I would forget I was even hungry to begin with.  There was no emotional eating, no tears and whole lotta of "good for me" running through my head.   Today I was in a whole different type of control.

 I would also like to thank the friends who threw out a supportive text today from time to time...it meant so much. 

The Mindy Project

     I was very sad when Michael left The Office.  I am even more bummed that The Office is almost over.  Mindy off on her own will help get me through the loss.  From the opening few moments about a girl watching romantic comedies to the very ending it explores the wide range of womanhood.  It is clever and quick and sweet and tender all at once.  It doesn't limit.  It expresses all that a female thinks about and lives and does it with heart.  It is honest...and encompasses all of the good and bad that a woman holds in her tricky little mind.  There has been a lot of hype over this show and I'm so glad that it was worth it all.  Great job, Mindy...thank you for being real, smart and giving me a new season pass to be thrilled about!!!

The Master Cleanse with Leigh Ann

     A few years ago I did the "cleanse" with my mother.  I cut up a million fruits and veggies and juiced for us both leading into the big moment.  I made it through a few days of that and then five days of the liquid and then came back out of it with the veggies again.  My first food back from the other side was bacon.  I joke about it now because I find it hysterical.  If you aren't familiar with this process let me share a bit of information:

It helps:

• To dissolve and eliminate toxins and congestion that have formed inside your body.
• To cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system.
• To purify the glands and cells throughout the entire body.
• To eliminate all unusable waste and hardened material in the joints and muscles.
• To relieve pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries, and blood vessels.
• To build a healthy blood stream.
• To keep youth and skin elasticity regardless of our years. 

Now, some people use it as a "diet".   Leigh Ann and I use it as a "reboot" if you will for the body.  I haven't been feeling so well lately and am quite discouraged on my journey to get back into shape.  This is a great kick off.  I have been wanting to do it lately but it reminded me that my mother wasn't here to share it with (even if she did quit on the first day).  I couldn't think of anyone else who would go through this challenge with me...and then the text came like a little message from cellular heaven: "Thinking about doing the cleanse....let me know if you are interested".   Perfect timing, oh universe.
My goal is to get through the week and then come out on juices and veggies early next week.  After one day I am already feeling better.  Slightly tired and a tad bit cranky I am committing to this.  It is the next part of the challenge to be uncomfortable.  In the discomfort there tends to be growth.  I also know that after doing all of this I will be able to stick to things better.  I have already realized how much I just grab something to nibble on just because it is there.  Those nibbles add up.  I also need to focus the moments of sadness into an activity that will lighten my mood not a food that will add weight to my body.   I will clean out the machine, feed it what is good and then move on to restoring it.  I feel my spirit and mind are now being pulled down by my body and I'm thinking that is the easiest of the three to fix.  I have worked hard on the other two and now they will help me get to the next place...with a little help from my friends, lemon, maple syrup, cayenne and Leigh Ann. 
Wish us luck!!!