5 Minute Writing Exercise; The Word Was: Resonate

The hate was intolerable; it snuck into the darkest bowels of my soul––softer than when my younger sister would tiptoe in after missing her curfew.
I travel for a living so I felt the energy building long before my friends in Cali.  I knew the darkness would penetrate the light and take away everything that nearly a decade of change brought forth for my people. All people, fuck––for humanity.
The world buckled down with booze in both hands bracing for the nightmare that we’d have to live with––eyes wide open––for the next four years.
A sexual predator, a liar, a monster; our president; let that resonate.

Filed and Focused; Christmas Miracle

What was formerly beautiful trees in some shinny modernized section of the world, sat in a heap atop our desk;
Four months of bills, invoices, and important notes manifested into a mound of paperwork that was desperate for a file cabinet.
Today, I conquered Mt. Admin;
It took me three hours to sort and file the mess;
The vibrant laminate sparkles like the day we pulled it from the Ikea box,
And we are free to focus all of our energy on creative projects and parties in the month of December!
...now that’s a Christmas miracle.

Oh Pees.

After yoga, hydration is key;
My bladder is always full.
I pee every fifteen minutes;
“It’s only a problem if it’s a problem for you...”
Is the official response from my doctor.
It’s only a problem for me when I can’t find a restroom.
Still, I’ll suffer through he pain and my supply, moist skin appreciates it!

Fireplace

Beautiful dancing flame;
From your violet purple base to the wisps of your burnt orange tips, I’m mesmerized by your twirling silhouette.
Warming my heart with childhood memories;
Warming my feet as I cuddle up with my puppies.

No Sun; No Problem.

After a vigorous morning sculpt class and Sunday meditation, my husband and I arrived at our friends house in Bel-Air––I’m name dropping only because, come on? Bel-Air?! I grew up with the Fresh Prince so just hanging with people who actually live in the indulgent and desirable zip code is like a childhood dream.
We drove down to Marina del Rey ready for a fabulous day at sea.
Overcast and chilly, we stepped aboard the yacht, and immediately started drinking the private reserve wine that was bold and buttery.
Layers of navy, white, and grey with a pop of coral––the perfect accent––for a socked in cruise on the Pacific.
Surrounded by people I love whilst eating mounds of rich cheese and laughing from too much vino; the crisp Cali air and misty salt water swept through our hair.
Just as we hit Malibu, the sun made a cameo––the silver lining was a delightful surprise.
As we made our way back into the harbor, a pod of dolphins danced around the boat and the day was complete.
When you’re sailing with loved ones, it’s impossible not to shine; sun or not, we’re on a yacht!

The Day After...

When you wake up from a five (okay ten) day food-fest and your stomach is roaring, “ENOUGH!”
It’s time to take a step back from the holiday temptations and reintroduce myself to vegetables.
The final warning shot was fired yesterday, whilst during a Black Friday shopping mishap, I popped a button off of a pair of Ted Baker slacks in “my size.”
Needless to say I left the mall without making a single purchase;
So hey, the upside to my weight gain, is that I’m saving my bank account from a weight loss!

Black Friday

The day I step on the scale to see how much I’ve gained in one week;
It’s that time of year, when my waist grows two inches.
Bring on the holidays!

Traditional Thanks

I woke up this morning next to my best friend.
We walked to Starbucks for matching Gingerbread latte’s; a tradition that we’ve had since we meet 15 years ago performing in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
We returned to cuddle with our puppies on the couch whilst watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
I used to watch the parade with my grandma as a child;
the Broadway performances, marching bands, floats, and of course––New York City.
The parade inspired me to follow my dreams.
Now, as I look back on that tradition––one which sparked my own journey as a performer––I’m overcome with joy and gratitude.
What better way to spend Thanksgiving Day morning––with nostalgic memories from my past––and of course, creating new traditions in my present!

Palm Springs

Bright red lobster skin; do these people know about sunscreen?
Eating dinner at 5pm; in bed by 8!
I love lounging by the pool with a book...and an endless supply of Lava Flows.
I eat too much––because I’m on vacation––so parading in a swimsuit isn’t high on my list; but hey, that’s life.  It’s 120 degrees out here, and I’m letting it all hang out!

Age(d) Cheese

The indulgent, salty, delicious Mexican food I ate last night is screaming at me this morning.
The rich dairy and brilliantly seasoned beef have married in my belly and are sending up violent acid reminders to my burning heart: you are too old to eat like this!

The Things We Do…

I’m up at the crack of dawn;

strike that—the sun’s not even out yet.

I’m mentally preparing to take yoga befor my body is even awake.

Only because I love my husband!

That’s 40...

Kids zipping past me high on candy, donuts, and soda;

Adults swapping conversation whilst shoving a bagel down their mouths simultaneously glancing back and forth at their child—who is high on sugar—and then, “Excuse me…”

Delicious cocktails.

Welcome to a 40th Birthday Brunch in LA.

The Morning Practice

The calm quite energy is welcoming;

I enter the Zen like space with hope, eager to start a fresh new day with peaceful meditation.

Balance and breath vibrate through my body and remind me I’m alive!

Two Puppies

Cuddling on a couch like little dust bunnies;
There’s no distinction where their fur ends and the faux fur throws begin.
I want to snuggle them up all day long.

Master The Moment

I woke up this morning with adrenaline and zest;
Ready to conquer a marathon of meetings, projects, and emails.
Cutting through the haze of 2017;
Mostly I stayed present, but there were times...
None of that matters now, I’m back in action and ready to master the moment!

Morning...

Lying in bed watching the sunrise.
Cozy with my puppies;
Quite and peaceful, I appreciate the beauty of a new day.

Six Word Essay on Rules

Everyone craves boundaries to break free.

Back To La La Land

Fall is beautiful back east;

Golden leaves beneath my feet.

Still, nothing compares to the golden glow and blue skies of Los Angeles.

An evening swim in December is worth sacrificing two seasons.

Fall Gratitude

Burnt orange and red leaves cover the ground leaving a vibrant belt of rust along the path outside;
The smell of smoke permeates the crisp air;
Wrapped in layers of clothing, a beanie, and scarf, we make our way toward the studio;
Once inside, the warmth of dancers in motion fills my soul with gratitude;
I am living my dream.

After A Red Eye...

It’s best not to plan a day of work;

No amount of eye drops will alleviate the burning fire-engine-red dryness;

Caffeine helps jump start the sleepless day, but does nothing for your breath!

Six Word Essay On My Current Mood:

Relentless positive energy despite unidentified doubt.

Lame

Dear American Airlines,
Charging $300 for an airline ticket without a seat assignment, so that you can charge an additional $89 for a middle seat “upgrade” on each of the four legs of my flight is lame.
Sincerely,
A Future Southwest Passanger.

Feel The Burn

Acidy flames force themselves up my chest;
Punishment for the rich, zesty, pasta I enjoyed at the dinner party last night.
I’m sure the Jack & Coke’s didn’t help my situation...

Breathe Through It.

The jackhammer in my head is a product of yoga before caffeine;
Lying on a mat I felt the pain.
Downward dog, the blood flows to my brain, still the pounding continues.
I scan my body and realize I’m tense all over;
Isn’t that the point of yoga?
I wasn’t concentrating enough on my breath.
In through the nose and out through the nose;
I breathe through it.

The Task At Hand

Sometimes you have to push beyond the comfort zone to finish the task;
Motivated and wide-awake I seek to create.
When the language flows naturally, I concentrate on the unforced words and share my story.

Time Changed

The time changed;
I fall for it every year;
I already miss the sun.

Observation:

My Yorkshire Terrier sits and waits for a treat like I stand in line waiting for my morning Starbucks; trying to be patient but...seriously give me the damn coffee already!

Nabucco

Verdi; a master of gorgeous ceremonial chords, pushing religious and political boundaries––and like most artists who’ve endured generations––a visionary ahead of his time.
Plácido Domingo; a passionate performer, with rich texture and strong physical presence––not just a famous tenor, but a true actor.
LA Opera; a breath of fresh air, full of zest and willing to challenge audiences with programs that are both important and beautifully mounted.

Coffee

Dark and rich with a hint of coconut milk and a dash of sugar;
When people ask me how I accomplish so much in one day, I could say that I’m great with balancing my time; I set manageable goals; I wake up early and stay up late; I practice yoga and focus on one task at a time; instead I offer up a simple truth: caffeine!

Hotel Slumber Party

Staying at a hotel is so much more enjoyable when I’m not traveling for work.
Lounging in the room with family and our puppies;
Watching trashy TV and ordering room service;
Sleeping in;
Leaving the beds unmade;
I love it!