Thursday, February 19, 2009

4-legged family members

Ah the joy of having cats. Let me count the ways:
1. purrs of contentment when held in one's arms
2. food dishes licked clean
3. bright little eyes watching the BarnYarn toy about to be tossed
4. body curled tight against my leg

Oh the frustration of having cats. Let me count the ways:
1. waking schedules that precede dawn
2. fussiness with food flavours
3. desire to be outside when inside is the rule
4. limbs flailing at nail clipping time

And yet, our 4-legged ones make me laugh and make me love.

So it goes with cats. As with humans.
Joys. Frustrations.
Life in all its richness.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

social media

You might call me a reluctant adopter...I was dragged screaming away from my electric typewriter to the new computer back in the mid-80s. Why did I need all that fancy stuff? Wasn't the two-line erase function on my typewriter as sophisticated as it needed to get? Of course, once I started using the computer for my writing work, I never looked back. Today, it's social media tools I'm being pulled towards - and the more I explore them, the more I "get" the power and purpose. I'm still just dabbling in the mainstream of Facebook and this blog, but I GET how online communication tools change how we connect, relate and communicate. Who knows? Maybe I'll soon be twittering with the best of them!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Time without shape

Having time is not the same as having balance. I had all the time in the world in December but spent most of that time gnashing my teeth about the lack of work on my desk. In the end, the month passed and the time was used, but I felt frustrated more than fulfilled.

As a business owner, it's essential be fully in charge not only of my time, but also of the shape I give that time. Hours and minutes are just that - hours and minutes. Time becomes meaningful only when I shape those hours and minutes into productive endeavour. Doing so with conscious effort, with intention - that's the way to 'have a good day'.

I've come to realize that lists are my friend. Make a list. Follow the list. Check off the items. Move through the day by following the shape of it the list supplies.

Lesson learned. Lists on every surface. Discipline exerted. Time has shape. Shape gives meaning.

Have a well-shaped day, my friends!