Belly Casting!

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I'm SO excited to be getting my belly cast on Friday!

I've been searching for ideas and thought I'd share

some of the gorgeous images I've come across!

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I think this one is my favorite! It combines two of my

favorite symbols - the Tree of Life and the lotus!

Absolutely gorgeous!

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I was thinking I would just do my breasts and belly,

but now I'm loving the idea of including one or both

of my hands! Either way, I'll be sure to share some

pictures after the experience!

Sophistication and Success

Earlier this week I was browsing my bookshelves at the office and picked up The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron. This book is all about starting from scratch and it is written in super short chapters (2-3 pages mostly), with a short task at the end of each chapter. For me, it is the perfect book to keep on my desk for a little inspiration throughout the day!

One of the tasks Julia suggests is listing 25 things that represent sophistication and success to you.

Here's a sampling from my list:

• fabulous vacations
• monthly massages
• TranquiliT yoga togs
• fresh flowers
• an assistant
• owning more than property (preferably a beach house!)
• a good bag for work (I love my Coach bag, but it seems that it is actually a diaper bag, LOL)
• Papaya Art! office supplies
• red wine from Viader
• amazing art adorning the walls at home + work
• organic chocolate
• good furniture, especially bookshelves :-)
• leisure time for Artist Dates, trips to the beach
  
• pens, pencils, and markers in all colors and sizes

After making my list, I realized how many of those things I already have in my life!

I also think it is also important to obtain the things on our lists if we can. For example, if I splurge on Papaya Art! office supplies and having them on my desk reminds me of my success, I believe that sends a powerful message.

What represents sophistication and success to you?

Image from Papaya Art!

Solstice Celebration

I just finished soaking in the tub and reading the second chapter in this book. A lovely way to cap off a Sunday!

I bought myself an early Christmas present today :-) I've been eyeing the Dr. Bronner's line of soaps for awhile now and this evening while dashing through Tarjay in search of black pants for my darling daughter's chorus concert tomorrow, I spotted a gift set marked down - yay! I used the Lavender soap during my soak - smells divine - and after my bath I lathered up with the Lavender Coconut lotion - equally fantastic! I'm typically a Dove soap only kind of gal; I feel like everything else leaves my skin feeling sticky. However, I really liked this soap and I am happy to report there was no yucky - sticky - filmy feeling after using it. Plus it is organic and fair-trade certified! Anyways, this post if supposed to be about the Winter Solstice....

Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice. This year I've decided to start a Winter Solstice ritual. I wasn't exactly sure of what I would do, just that I wanted to do something. I found some suggestions, but in the end I decided to craft my own ritual.

To me, the Winter Solstice is about renewal. It is the shortest day of the year and therefore marks a sort of depth of darkness, but also a promise of the return of light. It seems to me like a unique opportunity for reflection, a sacred day in the natural order of things.

I am thinking I will mark the Winter Solstice by devoting time to (1) clearing and cleansing and (2) reflecting and planning. I am planning to clear my desk in my home office (maybe if I am feeling brave I will post before and after pictures) and (gulp) my closet. I am also going to attempt an internal cleanse in the form of a day without sugar or caffeine. Sure won't be easy with all the holidays treats in the house! I am also going to start the day with a few minutes of meditation, hopefully around the time the sun is rising. Later in the day I've carved out some time to reflect on the past year's highlights/lessons learned and begin planning my 2010 goals. I'll let you know how it goes!

Do you have any special plans for the Winter Solstice? Please feel free to leave a comment and share your ideas for ritual or celebration.

Namaste,

Mindy