Summer's End

It's that time again, summer is coming to an end.  I feel like the circle of the year closes a bit tighter as I get older, as if there isn't enough time to just relax and let the days quietly pass.  I'm constantly in motion, going and doing.  I'm working on how to make time go slower...and it isn't so much a psychics thing.  Its more of a mental process, being in the moment and increasing an awareness to the present time.  That is my goal for the beginning of this school year.  Savor every moment.  Stop and smell the flower and the tree and the breeze and of course the teenagers as they swarm into my classroom.

summer

having a lovely summer...enjoying the time and space and freedom of no responsibility (kinda).  Summer nights are my favorite time.  The softness of light and the light air...watching the stars begin to twinkle and the sun set over the coastal range.  Watching the bats begin their nightly acrobats and the owls silently glide overhead.  Relaxing and inspirational.

Mother's Day

was kinda hard.  My first without my mom...however.  I concentrated on what an amazing mom she was, and how blessed I am now to be a mother.  Because the truth is, those who we really, really, really love are always with us.  I hear their voices in my head, and when I really need it, their arms around me.  It is true, and for me, helps me through difficult times.  But mostly, I concentrated on those who are here, now, who hug me and make my life happy.  And lucky for me, I have lots of people that do that.

Thesis Research!

Volunteers Needed!
Graduate Student Thesis Research Project
“Connection to Nature and Reduction of Isolation in Pain Patients”
Saturday, May 14, 2011
9:30am-1:30pm
Participation in this workshop entails outdoor awareness exercises, short walks, sitting and some writing. A follow-up questionnaire will be given as well.
We will meet at the Auburn Pain Rehabilitation Clinic 1121 Maidu Dr. Auburn, CA at 9:30, meet briefly in the conference room, and then go to Traylor Ranch, Penryn. Meeting will conclude there. Lunch included!
Please contact to reserve your place to participate!
Annette Udall
530-320-5127
audall@prescott.edu

technical difficulties

why is it always so hard to do things you really want to do?  I have so many thoughts, projects, dreams and yet I'm in spin cycle mode...literally laundry, cooking, driving, facebooking myself to distraction.  If I could have an unobstructed 10 hours a day, would I be the next JK Rowling, or Chagall, or John Muir?  Or would I wile away those extra hours on netflix like I already do, when I should be sleeping to charge up for the next days marathon of laundry, cooking, driving, facebooking?  I resolve to spend at least 1 hour a day working towards my dream project.  I'm going to do that for myself and finally commit to pursuing the 'dream' and actually make it a reality.  I'm gonna bust through those technical difficulties and see what happens...

sunshine

and poppies make this time of year my favorite.  Spring brings a ripening, a budding and a growing into something beautiful and complete.  Taking this to heart. xo

Friday...

Today I finished a long term sub position at Colfax High School.  Its amazing how attached you can get to students in such a short period of time.  I really enjoyed the experience...the students were awesome!  They gave me a handmade card with all their signatures...it reminded me of kindergarten.  Very sweet!  The best comment on the card was ...please don't leave, she beats us!  Ha ha.  Their regular teacher, coming back from a maternity leave, is stellar.  I hope I get a chance to work with her in the future!

tomorrow...

i'm very excited for my thesis research workshop.  and i'm excited for it to be over.  All this hard work is cramping my style...all of this research about connectedness to nature cuts into my time to actually connect to nature!  Isn't it ironic...don't ya think?

ours is not to question why...

 but i have to admit...i do ask it.  when i ask
why pain?

then i have to ask
why joy?

and
why suffering?

and that always leads to

why love?


i know the answer...and i'm comforted because it always begins and ends with love.  love wins and i can find peace in that.

gratitude...

today i am grateful to be a teacher....especially because i learn so much.  the opportunities available for learning compassion, patience and gratitude are limitless.

the most glorious thing...

the sun in my face, cool breeze, open trail.

my masterpiece

there are few things to control in this life. at times i feel it spiraling around me, out of tangible reach. what i can do, what i can change is my life, my attitude, my influence, my inner world and desires.  that is what i have to give to the world and i am working to make it beautiful.

appropriate for today...

this is just the attitude i need to make it through some days.  i know that life will, in the end, sort itself out.  someday's, though, it just isn't ok.  but i guess that is ok, too.

happy valentines day!

this has always been one of my favorite days...I am a Valentine after all.  My mom would make a lovely dinner and yummy dessert and we would celebrate.  For a girl with that surname, life was a continual Valentine's day. :) Of course, many people didn't believe me.  In fact today, while I was teaching, I told my class that used to be my last name.  Ha ha!  They didn't believe me.  Oh well, I am and will always be a Valentine   xo

thesis research

Volunteers Needed!

Graduate Student Thesis Research Project

Be a part of groundbreaking research…

“Connection to Nature and Reduction of Isolation in Pain Patients”

Saturday, February 19, 2011

9:30am-12:30pm

This workshop includes outdoor awareness exercises, short walks, sitting and some writing.                                       A follow-up questionnaire will be given as well. 

We will meet at the clinic at 9:30, meet shortly in the conference room, and then go to
Traylor Ranch, Penryn.  Meeting will conclude there.  Lunch included!

Please contact to reserve your place to participate!

Annette Udall

530-320-5127

audall@prescott.edu

blog following...

i've been thinking about the random few who end up reading the nonsense i actually get around to posting here.  i should say its more of a weigh station in Winnemucca more than some place, like say, Elko which could be argued is a destination of sorts.  have you ever seen the ruby mountains?  or the hunters museum with stuffed heads of every animal in the world?  seriously creepy.  but i digress.  what i mean to say is thanks for caring...or caring enough to raise your pinky to click on a button.  i know thats alot.  i mean its hurting me just to type this while the sun is shining and i should be laying out on my trampoline.  there is really important work to be done, just not by me right now.  and i finally found the stats button which points out those of you who do read...so a big shout out to south korea, because apparently i'm quite popular there.  huzzah! lots of love to the rest  of you as well....<3

the sounds of silence

went on a silent hike with a group of strangers at Rodeo Beach, Sausilito.  Was a very interesting and stunning experience.  I'm looking forward to incorporating a bit of what I experienced into my own practice and hiking.  I'm so blessed to have these many unique opportunities with cool and diverse people.

signs of life...

beautiful, colorful finches at the feeder on my deck! Almost feels like spring today...just waiting for the daffodils to pop their gorgeous yellow heads up.

when the end comes...

We never want to think about the end of our lives.  I often contemplate what/when/where it will happen for me.  And I'm not a morbid person.  In fact, I have often thought that I am someone who loves life sooo much that I would be happy living forever!  But since that isn't realistic, its good to be prepared.  I often come across a song, or an image that I feel encapsulates who I am, who I want to be, and what I want people to think about me when I'm gone.  I think it helps motivate me right now, to be that person.  I think it freaks other people out, but it only spurs me to live in the moment, enjoy every minute and feel it all.  I want to drink all of life in.  So when I'm done, people will know that I've loved and been loved.

so happy!

It really doesn't matter the season, I just love my family!  This winter wonderland scene (with ginormous flakes in front ) makes me happy.  We are all smiles...and there is no one poking us with a hot stick to do so.  We just love each other; with our faults, quirks, farts and all. As I move into this new year, my number one resolution is to just love.  Love each moment, because they so quickly pass.  Love that Kate takes longer in the bathroom than the 3 of us combined.  Love that Maddy gets herself up for seminary at 5am, she is just that good.  Love that Brook works hard for us, and supports me in a way few other husband would ever do. I just want to love them better, and that is that.  Oh, and get my Masters and a teaching job.  Those two things wouldn't hurt either! <3

The gift of time

This in-between time ... between New Years and school starting ... is delicious. Having time to breathe deep and enjoy moments of quiet and cuddling, and movies and eating and talking and playing. I have loved it! Turns out my job doesn't start until the beginning of February so yay! I get some time to take care of neglected household duties and pamper my loves. Maddy and Kate start school next week and so I will have even more time work on my Master's research and start writing. I'm optimistic that this year will be full of new experiences and opportunities!

2011...New year, new mantra