Recharging…

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I’ve been a bit lax in the promise land lately with good reason…this was the last true week of summer for my boys. School starts Monday.

Next week they’ll share their smiles with everyone but me. School mornings are a stressful drag. Afternoons are (sometimes) a three-ring circus. We’ll adjust.

While I have a very long list of things that I’ll miss-the random hugs they give me throughout the day are at the top. Every time I get one I’m reminded how lucky I am…to get one.

Next week will be full of promise, I’m sure. Until then, I’ll leave you with this video…proof positive hugs power the world.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Promise #30: Embrace the cause. Enjoy the effect.

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I have a friend who is 138 chapbooks away from a dream.

I didn’t really think much of that at first, because—let’s face it—whether it’s chapbooks or chapped lips or chaperones there’s always something in the way of kissing a dream. That’s the beauty of having a dream: you need to work through, toward, over and around the obstacles. It makes the actual kiss so much more…meaningful.

Anywhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Finishing Line Press agreed to publish Dawn Leas’ first book of poetry, I Know When To Keep Quiet, if she sells 206 copies by September 3^rd. At first I thought that’s not outrageous…it’s certainly doable…I’m in. Then I logged onto the publisher’s site and thought…holy shit. This is crazy. I need to help.

Dawn isn’t just buried under 138 chapbooks she’s also buried on the website.  If you clicked that link above you probably had trouble finding it yourself. Her picture, book cover and buy button is the 51^st product on the page.

When I emailed her to ask if I could tell her story here she sent me a whole bunch of links to some of the poetry. Excuse my unpoetic French but her work is unfuckingbelievable.

It’s a collection that will, line by line, transport you back to the familiarity of your own childhood, all the while questioning the power contained within every home. That’s the beauty of poetry – the place where the poet’s experiences intersect with your own.

I’ll leave you with this excerpt from NorthSouth. A poem that speaks of friendship, summer, breathless fun and common ground.

In backyard gardens we hide and seek . . . blue wisteria, full-bloom Magnolia. I climb the fence like a boy.         ready or not                 I jump                       picket catches                 my shoelace,                 and I’m falling

And then I’ll blatant ask: can you find the common ground to bring this woman one less chapbook closer to her dream? Give a little ($12 + $1 shipping). Get a ton. Know that you brought someone closer to their dream.

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Here’s a picture of the book. You’re going to need to scroll down on the page to the find it on the publisher’s site.

Promise #29: Believe the good news

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I am a horoscope junkie. That’s right: I believe it. I eat it up. Seek it out. Swallow it whole. By ritual, my horoscope is the last thing I read in the newspaper every morning before I officially begin my day.

I know it’s ridiculous to live life according to a random prediction, but I can’t help it. 99% of the time that little paragraph is the only good news I find in the paper. It brings me great joy to step into the day fueled by positive energy. 1% of the time that little paragraph is (gasp) negative, but I won’t go there.

You think I’m crazy? Try yours on for size. Let me know if you move faster when you stir a little happiness into your world. It is, after all, Friday the 13^th. 

Aquarius | January 21-February 19

Whoa. What’s in the water you’re drinking? There’s a fire blazing behind you and no one can keep up. Months of hard work are about to payoff so put out your hand and take what you deserve.

Pisces | February 20-March 20

If you’re not the big fish, then no one is. Confidently step over the bottom feeders today and show the world you’re made of. Enjoy the show as your fantasy becomes reality. It’s about time, don’t you think?

Aries | March 21-April 20

Feeling rammy? Redirect your energy toward something positive. Live large and others will follow close behind you, staring at the back of your head, wondering what’s inside that makes you so freaking phenomenal.

Taurus | April 21-May 21

You are the bull in the world’s china shop so start kicking it up a notch. By the time night falls, you will profit from the tough work and non-stop energy you’ve invested in the week. Don’t forget to thank your friends and family for sticking by your side, loving every inch of you.

Gemini | May 22-June 21

How about you, flitting about as if you own the world. YOU DO! Get out there today and clear another path for everyone to follow. You’re about to discover something really beautiful as long as you keep your eyes wide open.

Cancer | June 22-July 22

Your shrewd mind and extreme caution is about to pay off big time. You just need to let your guard down long enough to profit from the experience. There are only 24 hours in a day, make sure to take the time to live every hour to the fullest.

Leo | July 23-August 23

You’re absolutely radiant from dawn to dusk today, so take advantage of the glow. Smile and wave in your own little parade. There’s an entire posse waiting to hail your next move, so channel your energy and get the job done.

Virgo | August 24-September 23

Right on, baby. Your ongoing quest to do good enables you to do great things today. Show the world the power of compassion and love will boomerang right back to you.

Libra | September 24-October 23

Take a trip down easy street today. The planets are aligned for you to kick back and relax. Good things will come your way, all day, as long as you remain open, lighthearted and genuine (that shouldn’t be too difficult for you).

Scorpio | October 24 – November 22

You’re determined attitude and insightful intuition is refreshing, to say the least. Today it brings a dream come true to you-proof positive that your magnetic personality will always triumph.

Sagittarius | November 23 – December 21

Say what you need to say. The world is all ears. With just a little bit of freedom you create the brouhaha you need to make everyone realize just how badly they want to be with you…if only they could keep up. Rock on.

Capricorn | December 22-January 20

Today will bring another trophy to your table when your powerful energy guides you through a difficult project with great ease. Everyone will want to know the secret to your success. Keep it to yourself and offer up a pithy little joke instead.