Desert Magnolia

So you know that feeling when you know things are about to go nuts and you are doing your best to prepare in every possible way you can to avoid unnecessary whiplash? I'm there. Again. (It's happened several times in recent years, but this time is more huge since I am now licensed and about to practice...) Anyway, I am shopping for malpractice insurance, talking with fellow practitioners (who have all been amazing and supportive and incredibly helpful, sharing their own stories), realizing I have very defined dreams simply because when something happens that doesn't sync up with said dreams, I get twitchy. But I'm told this is part of the process. Twitchy is a state of being at the moment, but so is hopeful and excited and honored..to be about to practice a 5000 year old, unbelievably cool medicine, in the modern world. I think I may need to practice what I preach. Time to meditate, center, be mindful...and enjoy this ramp up to professional life (again in a to...

I can't seem to relax without feeling guilty. What is wrong with me? I have just successfully completed an enormous endeavor, and the future looks bright. I am in an in between place now - where I am done, but I am not credentialed yet, which should happen soon. There is no real reason for me to go nuts planning, as I have a couple of ideas in the works that should be a good beginning. Maybe it's because when hubby leaves the house each morning, he says "Whatcha got goin on today? Gonna check on that (name the topic, usually something to do with money) sometime?" Maybe I feel defensive about not yet working (ie earning money). Maybe I have forgotten how to relax over the last five years of insane schedules, nonstop studying, etc. I need to figure this out. Otherwise, this time, this gift of in between? I will squander. And that just seems silly to me. Hugs, Stevie

I am beyond the gauntlet. I have, after five years of study and focus, completed my education and examination process for Oriental Medicine. Within a few weeks my license will arrive, and I will be set to practice this ancient, beautiful medicine. As I write this I am light, I am hopeful, I am absolutely stoked about the future. If there is anything I have learned from the process of becoming a physician, it is ...stick with it. Every single day, even if the volume of knowledge to be consumed/assimilated seems so daunting it induces catatonia at times. Just persist. And show up each and every day ready for what lies ahead. That is all. It may be time for a nap now. Huge hugs, Stevie

As I write this, I have successfully completed five out of the six exams required for licensure in Oriental Medicine. Soon I will be taking the final exam. Finally. I am terrified. I am exhilarated. I am resolute. And after that one is behind me? Shit gets real. Fast. But I like real, and fast doesn't scare me. Though, at this point, after months and months of intense study/review/exam/study/review/exam....which is a totally different pace, a totally different way of living, moving fast may take a little adjusting on my part. Just sayin'. Huge hugs, Stevie

We have had a small pond in our backyard for the last five or so years. It provides a nice water element and requisite fountain sound that adds ambiance to relaxing summer evenings. It adds a colorful element to our raised bed garden, with gorgeous goldfish (big ones) swimming lazily beneath the lily pads. Life has been lovely for the pond, its inhabitants, and us, for years. Until the predators decided that the pond was their own private buffet, and, one Fall, right before we put a mesh cover over the top of the pond to protect it for the winter, they struck. The next morning we were outside, and noticed that the fountain had been tipped over, and that there were lily pads tossed out on the patio. And the fish food had been gnawed on, then also thrown across the flagstones.  The worst part, though, is the fish were gone. All of them. We were astonished, perplexed, saddened by the seemingly random barbarism. Turns out, we have several predators in our neighborhood, inclu...

I like coffee. I am not an addict, really, but I like it. I like one cup of good coffee in the morning.  By good I mean nice beans, darkly roasted but not charred. I grind them fresh, then pour boiling water over them and let them infuse the water with flavor. It's simple, really. One of those daily rituals that you look forward to upon waking. I add a spoon or so of raw sugar, then enjoy the warm, dark liquid. I don't consider myself a snob, but I may have strong preferences. I don't like light coffees, or even medium coffees. I like French Roast or Italian Roast.  Costo carries a vendor we like, so hubby picks me up a two pound bag every couple of months and life is good. It's a New Mexico roaster, so we feel good about the choice - it's always nice to support local. The other day I was at Sprouts picking up a few things, and I noticed they had a sale on their coffee beans. I investigated, remembered that our stock was getting low, and decided to try an Org...

Have you ever known that you need to work out, known that you will feel better if you do, known that a better mood/outlook/world view is just a workout away? Me too. I've been working out in one form or another my entire life. Even before it was cool to work out I did. I have done gymnastics, swum (albeit briefly, for my high school swim team - the butterfly was my stroke of choice), run (though I have the body of a sprinter, I've never been fast, so I have always done distance), danced (Modern, Jazz, random styles too, and at the occasional wedding), Tae Bo'd (serious crush on Billy Blanks lasted nearly a decade), Jazzercised (at the behest of my dance teacher who was a nut and did Jazzercise 6 days a week), hiked (I am in the company of experts with a husband who is doing the John Muir trail this summer, but they're patient, thank goodness), skiied (ok, short story but I like to go fast with many skills yet to develop- need for speed nearly got me killed, beneat...