I gave myself a challenge yesterday to follow The Way, which is my new novel set to release in June. I’d give you all the steps now, but I’d really like you to purchase the book once it is released. (All proceeds go to my foundation.) So over the course of my experiment, I will illustrate them. Maybe you want to know why I wrote this book, or what qualifications I have. Besides teaching for twenty-five years and having a Masters Degree, I am a Reiki Master Teacher and I have been called a medium. Basically, I have been talking to the other side for the last twenty years. But how that happened is another story.

So, back to the experiment. I tucked the seven steps in my purse and headed to work. Now it is really easy to follow The Way at home when there are no interruptions, but the real world poses another challenge, especially if you operate a retail business. I was doing fine yesterday, living in the moment, eating healthy, working in a job that adds value to my live and the lives of my employees and customers, etc, etc, when into the sales office walked a customer who was surrounded with dark energy. (Sometimes I hate the fact that I can see energy because I tend to pre-judge.) Being my bubbly self, I thanked him for coming in and asked if he had been here before and what I could do to help him. He snapped at me, wouldn’t give me eye contact, (It was probably that woman-thing.)  and said he did not know who he was working with but wanted help NOW! (One of the seven steps is choosing not to be around negative and manipulate people and to learn the art of saying no, but what do you do when they are standing in front of you in a small waiting room???) Long story, short, I found him a sales person, who had a horrific experience with the customer, and we gracefully let the customer off the lot. But what I did not control were my thoughts. They became judgemental and negative toward that man, which is wrong because I do not know his past. I need to work on that, but it is hard. Some people are so toxic.

Today will be easier. It is my art day. I do not come off the mountain and into the real world or my business. I write and create all day.

This is the first day of The Way blog, or how to live a balanced and stress-free life. Last year I had written a book called The Way to help a friend with his ideas. But life got in the way, oh, the pun, and even though the book was published and many people bought the book, the project did not work out. But I really liked my story, especially Wanda McBroom the wise woman who resides in all of us, so I prayed for a way to revise the book so I could take this book where I think it needs to go. In the night, she came to me with the seven steps to balance and stress-free living. I meditated on these steps, discussed them with a wise friend, and rewrote the book. It will be released later this spring.

In the book, which is written as a novel and has workbook pages, the reader follows the lives of three women who  have endured horrific circumstances and are in search of balance and stress-free living. The Way helped them achieve their goals.

I have decided to “practice what I preached” and implement these steps into my own life. I had written in my journal for years, which many times seemed like “bitch” sessions, followed and taught “The Artist’s Way”. There is no time line on this blog, just my growth.

You can follow me as I struggle to live a balance, stress-free life in the midst of owning and operating an RV dealership, husband, children and grandchildren, and my labradoodle, Lulu. I hope you learn from my struggles.

I have come to the conclusion that there are two types of people–those who love dogs and those who do not. Oh, I know we can categorize people in other ways, but this works for me. I belong to the former group, having got my first dog right after we were married thirty-two years ago. Aspen, a mutt, graced our lives for thirteen years and since then we have had three other dogs. My current dog, Lulu, is a eleven-month-old labradoodle, and like any proud parent, I am proud of her.  I call her my first-position puppy, because like any graceful dancer she always reverts to first position. Recently, she becamesick, and not just the throwing up sick because she eats anything on the floor she finds because she does not abide by the five-second rule, but sick as to she would not leave my side, wouldn’t eat or drink, and had no puppy energy. Yesterday I was scared because she exhibited characteristics of Jack when he was dying, my beloved beagle who died suddenly almost two years ago. I cared for her, used some Reiki, and prayed to the Divine Mother. And I have to report that she seems better today. She’s licking me and seems to have some energy. I told her that if she wasn’t better by today we’d have to go to the vet. It’s amazing the mind’s will power.

One of the things I love about dogs is that they only live in the moment. Dogs are the divine teachers, showing us how to live our lives. They don’t spend their energy lamanting the past or worrying about the future. All they know is the now, which is how each of us should spend our days, coupled with chasing butterflies, delicious naps, and indulging in treats because life is too short to eat dry bread. Just ask Lulu.

The rain is falling lightly outside my studio window as another storm slams the Sierras. And with it’s arrival a slight touch of depression encircles my body, which I have concluded is physiological, not psychological. It is my body, weary, going through the change of life, and in need of the dazzling sunlight that is our normal weather. In my area, like many areas across the country, winter has been harsh, cold, and cruel. Oh, I know we need the water, but it is never enough and they will still call drought, drought! I try to limit the amount of information I store in my mind from the state-controlled media outlets.

Today I have reminded myself to follow the tenets of The Way, which are seven steps to achieve  a balanced and stress-free life. I am keeping myself in good health, but I must confess I have been remiss with my spiritual side, which is the seventh step of The Way.  It’s not an excuse, but there have been many demands on my time from work and others.

So, today is Tuesday, my art day, and I am working on a novel set in Reno in the 1930s, which I find to be a fascinating period.  Back then this state had the foresight to create a way to get them through the Depression.

And unless there is a crisis, I will light a candle and meditate.

I traveled to Key West, Florida last week for a business meeting. I know–tough duty, but someone had to do it. Due to the cold weather and snow in the south east, many flights were delayed and canceled. The airlines were overwhelmed, but I did not see additional staff to deal with the thousands of customers who were stranded. A mix-up in Key West, (I think the gate agent partook in too much rum at one of the local bars the prior evening) left us stranded in Fort Lauderdale with out boarding passes standing in a very long line with two overwhelmed agents. Long story short, we arrived the following day, much better than some of the other people who are probably still stuck in South Florida.

But the behavior exhibited by my fellow travelers was horrendous, and my heart sunk. People were pushing, shoving, calling each other and the gate attendants names.  Deplaning in Atlanta, I quietly asked two men who were shouting and cursing at each other about who was more important, to get along. The rest of the plane had agreed to let those who had tighter connections to get off first. (The flight attendants ignored their behavior.)

Years ago, traveling by plane was an adventure. People dressed up, you were treated with respect, and you were not charged for soft drinks, peanuts, and luggage. Now plane travel is Greyhound in the sky, but not as predictable. As for me, it’ll be awhile before I take to the “friendly skies.” I hope some of those nice people I met in Key West finally get home.

It was in high school that I first became enchanted with the philosopherHenry David Thoreau. I found his book in my parents’ den. Thoreau wasn’t someone high school teachers wanted you to read because he challenged you to think, not regurgitate what they lectured standing in front of the class. His writings spoke to my heart, and I pasted them on my mirror to remind me to Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.(Thoreau) Now that I have simplified by life, I’ve discovered that he was so right. The laws of the universe are easier because I am not caught up in the hurry-sickness of the outside world. I have also learned to live in accordance with Nature, and that has brought peace and wisdom to my daily life.

Especially on Tuesdays, which are my writing days. I, too, am like Henry David Thoreau because I have chosen to move to the woods so I can live deliberately. In the mountains there are few people and cars and the quiet penetrates my mind. It is sheer bliss–I can hear myself think and it is easy to write.  My own Walden Pond is still covered in snow, but once the warmer weather arrives, and it will on its own time, the snow will melt and the waterfall will flow, and then the creatures of the forest will sip from its stream.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “A government that is big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.” (Pg. 238 The Way) People have been relying on government and its leaders instead of taking personal responsibility for their own lives. Thus we have a government we deserve. But the recent upset in Massachusetts has turned the tide. We all agree we need health care reform, but we do not need  Big Brother in every aspect of our lives. Most Americans are frustrated with the back room deals and the arrogance of those we voted into office to represent us.

The Massachusetts voters represented most Americans who are weary of Washington and its elitist views. Once, years ago when we were visiting my husband’s cousin who lived outside the beltway, I got a first hand education of how those who live in the beltway view those of us who live outside the beltway.

Kudos to the voters of Massachusetts, my husband’s home state. Change is in the air!

This was a rough week. Baby Joanna was rushed to the hospital Monday night with a high fever. The short version is that five days later they concluded she has a congenital problem with her bladder system. Super Nana (that’s me) and her side-kick, Lulu (nine-month old labradoodle) were called to come and take care of Charlie, my blond, blue-eyed nineteen month old grandson while Mommy and Baby were in the hospital. Nerves and tension were high as we waited for the results. Anne and Joanna were placed in isolation because the hospital thought it was something else. (They’re practicing medicine.)

And so I sunk into Charlie’s world, with the exception of several times going into the office when his dad (who works for us and we were busy!) or my son came over to watch him. By living in Charlie’s world, I stayed in the present moment. We colored, played with Play Dough, read books, danced, played with swords,  raced around in his car, and sat on the couch and watched Yo Gabba Gabba. (this is a show even the labradoodle will stare at) We drank apple juice, ate chips, and cuddled. He took two and a half hour naps for me. I used that time to work on my novel, and I have to say I got so much done. My daughter lamented that he never does that for her, and I said, “It’s Nana magic.”

Horrible things happened in the world this week and I was insulated at Charlie’s, living in the moment and playing. My inner child emerged and so did my Picasso. I was tired at night, but I wasn’t stressed. There were no customers or employees to deal with, just Charlie.  Baby Joanna and Anne came home late yesterday afternoon. Charlie was thrilled to see his mommy, and so was his nana.

How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions?? I don’t know about you,  but my inbox is flooded with promos and ideas on how to make 2010 the best.  Companies are trying to capitalize on the fact that many people need to lose a few pounds, exercise more, organize, or de-stress their lives.

I quit making resolutions years ago. Instead, daily I try to make small changes and improve the quality of my life. There are times I slip, (I like chocolate, too.) but the next day I strive to do better. My new goal is not to eat pre-packaged foods. It’s easy to reach into the freezer for a Lean Cuisine, but I feel better when I eat real food. They say it takes twenty-one days to break a habit, and I started doing this in December so I should be there by now. Right.?To help myself, I quit purchasing frozen foods. Okay, I confess I got a rice bowl at Jack’s the other day because I forgot to make my lunch.

Years ago, I belonged to a gym where I wore my Jane Fonda look-a-like leotard and danced to the beat. January and February the room was packed, but by March all who remained were the faithful devotees. I donated my leotards years ago, but I still exercise daily. At this stage of my life, it’s the treadmill upstairs, yoga, or the morning walk. But there are times I still miss my leotards, tights, and leggings!

It’s a new year, new decade.  2010–can you believe it? As a kid, I remember thinking how old I’d be when 2000 came around, and now this decade, like so many others, has zoomed past. 2009 is boxed up and tucked away in my memory and its papers are waiting patiently for the accountant. For me, this was a difficult year. Business challenges dominated my time, but daily I practiced The Way, which helped me focus on what was really important–family and health. I give thanks to the Divine Mother for all the blessings she has bestowed on me and my family. We welcomed Joanna on Christmas Day, and mother and daughter are doing well. Charlie is adjusting to his new sister.

After mourning our beloved beagle for a year, we got another puppy and Lulu entered our lives. She is an adorable nine-month labradoodle who brings smiles to everyone she comes in contact with.

The Christmas decorations are boxed up and put away. Now I can enjoy the peace and solitude that Winter offers. The landscape is covered with a thick blanket of snow,so I’m going to make a cup of tea and curl up by the fire with a good book.

 My prayer for you is that this new year brings peace, joy, and opportunity for growth.