two of a kind

In this life, Henry, dethroned,
must struggle with his highless-ness,
the loss of velvety robes
in ruby red and royal blue,
and the stockings that hugged his muscly legs.

Now, Henry is a wounded eagle,
worn out enough that he covers
all of the mirrors in his rooms.

Devout Catherine sits on a plush sofa--
smug--sipping scotch.
She allows herself this night
and revels being on top.
Tonight, she feels like the leopard
that changes her spots, a woman in control,
and one who knows how to like it.

-SRM, 2013 ©

I've been writing this poem for at least three months, and there's still something missing in it.  One of my friends suggested two things: write many more stanzas, and/or write alternating stanzas from Catherine and Henry's positions.  I'm interested to see where it goes!

Tell us: What works for you when revising your art?

-SM

 

Yesterday, I attended a workshop by a local artist and teacher.  She repurposed so much cool stuff from flea markets, the curb, and stuff from off of the street.  

Her definition of mixed media is that it doesn't have to be wacky and outlandish, but that it can be just using watercolor and charcoal together or colored pencils and print making.  

"Artists use what is going on in their lives.  It's a way around compulsive worrying." 

She also spoke a lot about Matisse, pictured above, as he was one of the first to really mix media. 

I also finally used the notebook I made, and it was so satisfying.  Jen said it correctly that there is a deep satisfaction is using something that has been made by your own hands.

Tell us: What has been inspiring you, lately?

-SM

photo via Pinterest 

Lately, I've been in a bit of a reading rut.  

It's probably because I'm reading too many books: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People for this book club, The Namesake, and I just picked up The Happiness Project from the library.  

What I have been keeping up with are my blogs.  Here are my favorites right now:

1. rebuild (health + home): I find this blog therapeutic and reassuring 

2. Adulting blog: A fun blog to remind those of us struggling with adulthood on how to act 

3. Jess Lively: Again, these posts are reassuring as well as thought provoking.  I like that Jess is spiritual and considerate.  And I've already mentioned here how the book club has already positively affected me. 

Tell us: What have you been reading recently? How do you get out of reading ruts?

-SM

image via pinterest

I am going to try this: Psychiatry professor, Nancy Rappaport, suggests to replace "worried thoughts" with "brave thoughts."

I recently rediscovered the Adulting blog and found this post.

I actually unintentionally did this yesterday when I started counting how much money I'd spent in NYC for the St. Paddy's Day parade, and then I thought, why don't I think of how much my cheeks hurt from smiling instead.  And I instantly felt better.  

Tell us: Do you have any tips/tricks for being optimistic or trying to change your outlook?

-SM

I think I found my yoga teacher.  I felt calm throughout the entire class, empowered even. The class literally flew by.  She kept repeating the phrase, "surrender, put it out there and let it happen." 

I've been taking yoga since sophomore year of college (7 years ago, ouch) and I have liked and looked up to many of my teachers.  But there was something about this woman, Janet.  I just liked how I felt relaxed, positive and hopeful in her presence.  

Tell us: Is there any one in your life who makes you feel like you can conquer the world?

-SM

It's been steadily pouring all day so when I looked out the window at 6pm, and saw a break, I decided to go for it and walk down to the river.  Today really felt like spring because of the rain and the temperature (55 degrees here in NJ!). I didn't even mind getting caught in the rain on the walk back. 

Tell us: Any evening rituals? What makes you think of spring?

-SM

I read this article today.

Jen and I have become running buddies, and though we live in different time zones, we do check in with each other, and I do stay motivated because I want to stay on pace with Jen and her work outs.

We've always followed different sports- Jen rowed crew in high school and I stuck to swimming, which I now get to coach.

And we've always been interested in exercise, though we both used to loathe running.  And then loathing just became a love-hate relationship.  And now it's something I dare say I enjoy.  Sure, I still get shin splints and sometimes feel crickety, but it also makes me feel strong. 

When I was in ATX for Christmas, Jen and I got to run together.  And it was the first time, in all of our 26 years, that we've done that.  Though it was spur of the moment, it was one of my favorite moments of the trip.  Even though we're more like running pen pals, it's these kind of surprises that are the best. 

This month, I signed up for Move Your Booty, which encourages any signer-upers to sweat 22 times in a month.  I figured this would motivate me to be ready for next month's four mile run and I like to be held accountable.  Spin at this Real Ryder studio is up for tomorrow.

-SM

Tell us: how do you motivate yourself to work out? 

image via twitter

this is what accomplishment feels like

March Goals:

• manage social media of this blog
• don't waste left overs or food
• train for this 4 mile run
• stretch most nights

I have at least three other things I want to add to this list, but I know that it would be too daunting to accomplish.  I also still plan stick to the spending diet as well as running whenever it's weather appropriate, which should be more and more often.  

How I did with my February goals:

• start a novel/play/series of short stories: C
• stick to the spending diet: C
• run whenever it's weather appropriate: A-
• set up my etsy shop: F

Tell us: What are your goals for this month? 

-SM

photo source: google

1. It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be which Jen first posted about here. She sent it to me in a care package/our version of Birchbox.  It's a business focused book, but all of the rules apply to life.

2. That a glass of wine makes me sleep like a baby. 

3. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. I finished Sweet Tooth yesterday.  Review coming soon!

4. That it's still an acceptable time of year to climb into bed at 7pm. 

5. Good, thoughtful friends.

(inspired by Jess Lively's post)

Tell us: what has been the best part of your day?

-SM