Tag Archives: blogger's diary

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 3:00 pm on November 7, 2021
Tags: , blogger's diary, , keep it alive, limitless, , , , , , short prose, ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 11/7/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Social Media, the Coast, and the Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose Contest

The Week

Photo by RandallBillings, Pixabay

Well, we are now five weeks into the fall term, and having face-to-face classes for the first time in 22 months. It is both wonderful, and a bit stressful. Thus far, things are going well, and we are now planning to double the amount of face-to-face classes for winter term. All the while realizing that at any moment these classes may need to be switched to remote delivery. We will see.

I’ve also been working on a new partnership with a regional corporation for employee training, which I am excited about. The training program would increase access to education and employment for many in the local workforce. A wonderful opportunity.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Nile, Pixabay

As you all know, my focus, passion, and creative energies are still focused on poetry, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I am in love with the creative process that has developed within me over the last year, and actually have amassed quite a lot of poetry, which may serve as the basis of a book.

I am planning to reflect upon the book, which does already have a title, and go through all of my poems over the winter holidays; the idea being that a book may take form sometime in the spring.

Of all the poems that have been published over the past month or so, unknown, and already unbound, and dusty, and delicious, are the two I’ve chosen to write about today.

The poem unknown, already, unbound, was a concept that occurred to me while reflecting on my dreams and how worlds (and our associated realities) are socially constructed through our perceptions. Meaning, that, though we’ve always been unbound and limitless, conditioning and socialization creates perspectives of limitation and boundness, if you will.

However, when we recognize that we are just like the tree, the sapling, and the seed, unbound, and already always walking into the unknown, so much of life becomes available. Increasing our awareness of these truths, creates a world, reality, and visceral experience of aliveness. Is beautiful.

The poem dusty, and delicious, was inspired by the WDYS#103 photo prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje. I think it is pretty obvious from the poem that the inspiration was, in fact, a reflection of my time as a child living in Los Angeles. My parents would always get donuts on Sunday mornings, and I would await the delivery of these tasty treats with bated breath. Seriously!

Reminiscing about my childhood and writing the poem was much fun, and, well, tasty, even. Ha!

Social Media 

Photo by geralt, Pixabay

In my last diary entry, I wrote about posting on more social media sites, Insta and Twitter more specifically; and that is now happening. I am getting the hang of both of these platforms, with, of course, support from some of our dear blogger friends – thank you!

These social media platforms are quite different from each other. With Instagram, I plan to continue to post each time I post on WP; yet with Twitter, it’s a completely different strategy. 

There is a 280 character limit on Tweets, which makes writing a complete poem a challenge, which is the fun of it. I am committed to writing one “Twitter Poem” each day through the rest of this calendar year.

Here is an example of one of my recent Twitter Poems.

love lives
in the unseen,
in the moments
in between, in the stars, and
galaxies, inside of you and me, and
in every living thing,
seen…

Super fun. I’ve connected with some of you on both of these social media platforms, yet, if we’ve not yet connected, I invite you to follow me, and then, of course I will follow back. You can reach me on Instagram here, and on Twitter here.

The Coast

Photo by agape357, Pixabay

As most of you know, I love the ocean; and, I am taking a trip to the coast in about two weeks. I am super excited. I am staying in a different town this time called Waldport, which is just next door to Yachats, which is one of my favorite places on the Oregon coast.

Of course, I will take lots of pictures while I am there, and will post about the trip when I am back. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the coast, and I am eager. When you grow up close to the coast, or the beach, sea, or whatever the ocean is called where you live, you yearn to be with the water, the waves, the salty air and mist, and the wondrous sea life. I cannot wait.

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose Contest

Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose

I wanted to take a moment here to thank Gabriela Marie Milton, and to congratulate all of the finalist of the Woman: Splendor and Sorrow: | Love Poems and Poetic Prose Contest.

I am deeply touched and honored to be a finalist in this contest, and to be included in a list of such talented poets. I am humbled. Much love to all of my fellow poets, and to Gabriela for being such a wonderful support to our lovely community.

Alright, that’s all for this week.

Have a beautifully blessed week, everyone.

#poetry, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #keep-it-alive, #limitless, #perception, #poem, #reality, #reflecting, #reminiscence, #short-prose, #socialconstruction, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 3:00 pm on August 22, 2021
Tags: , blogger's diary, , , , , , , , ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 8/22/21: On the Week, Writing, Reflecting, and New Publications, Books Arrived, and Social Media Poetry

The Week

This week the team continued to prepare for the fall term, which starts in 5 weeks. Hard to believe, yet it’s true.

We also finished the fall schedule this week, and I am quite pleased with it. The team always works hard on the schedule, and we do so, well, 4 times a year; it is a drumbeat, if you will, that we have gotten pretty good at. Fun.

Lots of writing this week, which is always fun, and many reflections.

Writing, Reflecting and New Publications

Photo by Sage Friedman on Unsplash

This week was full of writing that poured from the heart, as it always does, and was centered on love. The love that emanates from me today is quite profound, and is amazing to experience.

The poem brushed ourselves with the winds, was a poem that was reflective of the deep love I have for nature and this planet. I’ve spent a lot of time in, and with, nature, and I love the feeling of being among the trees as the winds come up, and mingle with the trees in, what for me is, an exquisite dance. It is so beautiful.

The poem I await your warm embrace was a reflection of a lifetime of watching, being in relationship with, and loving many people on this beautiful planet. Human beings are a treasure, and being in relationship with people, the sharing, caring, creating, living, and loving of people, and with people, are among the most important experiences of our lifetimes. Really.

I’m pleased to announce that 4 more poems have been accepted for publication in the past two weeks. Two poems will appear in MasticadoresUSA, edited by Gabriela Marie Milton; and, two will appear in MasticadoresIndia, edited by Terveen Gill. I am super excited, and would like to again thank Gabriela, Terveen, and their respective teams. I invite you, if you’ve not already done so, to visit the former, MasticadoresUSA, and visit the latter, MasticadoresIndia, once it is launched on September 1. Thank you.

When the poems are published, I will let you all know. Exciting.

Books Arrived

Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash

I ordered several books a couple of weeks ago. These books hold a special place in my heart, as they have all been written by blogosphere friends. It is such a treat.

Here are the books that arrived.

• The Anthropocene Hymnal, edited by Ingrid Wilson
• Woman: Splendor and Sorrow Love Poems and Poetic Prose, by Gabriela Marie Milton
• The Waking Dream, by Grace (Ace) Hakopian
• A Little Bit of Everything, by Gayatri Bagyatkar
• The Comfort Book, by Matt Haig (a recommendation from my dear friend, Diana Menezes)

I’ll be enjoying these lovely works of art in the coming weeks. Beautiful people, inspiring writing.

Social Media Poetry

I’ve been reflecting more about writing some shorter pieces of poetry for social media, such as Instagram and, maybe Twitter. Therefore, this week, I am leaving you with a short poem on living and loving, titled live again.

Made with Canva and Prisma

Stay healthy and well, and have a blessed week, everyone.

#poetry, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #books, #friends, #life, #love, #poem, #reflecting, #socialmedia, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 3:00 pm on June 27, 2021
Tags: , , blogger's diary, , , conenction, , , , , ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 6/28/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, WordPress, Gardening, and Appreciating 950 Followers

The Week

This week I learned that my cousin passed away in a car accident. I was, and am, saddened by the news; and, my heart goes out to all of my family in Los Angeles, and everywhere else that my family is today. Sending love and blessings to all of you.

At work this week, I prepared to take the team through a team building in two weeks, which is about creating next year. I am excited, as the entire team has not gathered in a while. Should be fun.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Art Lasovsky on Unsplash

Writing did occur, as it always does, and was, well, quite prolific this week. Meaning, poems continue to come, and I am deeply grateful for the experience. 

It’s interesting, sometimes there’s nothing there, and at others, it’s like a flood of emotions and writing all at once. Pretty amazing, indeed.

I also submitted four poems recently for publication. Two to MASTICADORESUSA, edited by Gabriela Marie Milton, which were accepted.

I am super excited about these two poems being published, and am grateful to Gabriela and the team at MASTICADORESUSA for accepting these poems.

Thank you.

I also submitted two poems to Spillwords. I’ve not heard anything back from Spillwords yet, and will keep you posted on these two submissions, as well as the two submitted to MASTICADORESUSA. Grateful, grateful.

WordPress

Photo by Fikret tozak on Unsplash

I also found out this week that my WP reader is not linked to all of the sites I’m following, which makes interacting with everyone a little more challenging. Therefore, I am planning to unfollow and refollow a whole bunch of sites in the next two weeks.

I think this will work, as it has in the past. So, if you see me unfollow and then refollow, that’s what’s happening. Thanks for being patient with me!

Gardening

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve created a Community Gardening post, and I chose this week to update all of you via my diary entry, as writing another Community Gardening post eludes me at the moment.

Yes! Everything is growing quite well; and, yep, I’ve got some weeding to do too! 

The peas and broccoli are delicious, and I am really excited about the tomatoes, squash, and, well, everything else that’s planted.

Appreciating 950 Followers

Photo by Kevin Butz on Unsplash

I am ecstatic to share that the site has surpassed 950 followers. My goal at the beginning of the year was to get to 1000 followers by the end of June. Though I’ll fall a little short of that goal, I am overjoyed about, and appreciative of, each of the 950 people that are following this site. That’s you! Thank you!

The past year has been lots of things. Hard, sad, and, it has also been wonderful, and beautiful. And, at this moment? 

I am grateful. 

Grateful to each of you for viewing, liking, commenting, and sharing my posts. Beyond grateful.

I appreciate each of you, and am thankful to have met each and everyone of you. 

You are all inspiring and beautiful.

Sending love and blessings for a splendid week.

Utmost Feelings – Coming Soon!

If you’ve not yet checked out Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings, please check it out when you have a chance, and share as you are able. Thank you.

Additionally, the coauthors of Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings, are creating a space for people to send their sentiments to Astha’s family.

If you are interested, please add your sentiments to this form, thank you, and stay blessed.

#appreciation, #blog, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #community, #conenction, #friends, #gardening, #life, #love, #reflecting, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 3:00 pm on June 20, 2021
Tags: , being a father, , blogger's diary, , , father's day, , , , , true dreamster,   

A Blogger’s Diary 6/13/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Collecting Sentiments, and Father’s Day

The Week

Well, after the trip to Los Angeles, work was/is busier than ever. We are now planning for the Fall Term and are going to offer in-person classes for the first time in over 15 months. Wow. Excited and, well, somewhat nervous. Normal, of course.

Alright, let’s take a look at some reflections on my latest writing.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Tong Nguyen van on Unsplash

I’ve kept to my new blogging schedule, and it feels good. I enjoy having a couple of days off, where I can simply focus on seeing what all of you inspirational people are up to and writing about. Much fun.

I do have some leadership posts in mind, and have one on Servant Leadership that is just about completed, yet, am being so drawn to writing poetry right now, I don’t see those new leadership posts being published soon. However, who knows? Maybe, they’ll find their way into a post sooner than later.

I’ve been reflecting more upon compiling a poetry book, and will start to look into this soon. I am also a part of two new Anthologies, through True Dreamster, which I am also excited about, and will have more details about in the next few weeks.

Collecting Sentiments

As you all know, I am very honored to be a part of Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings, which will be published soon through True Dreamster.

In my first post about Utmost Feelings, in last week’s A Blogger’s Diary post, Alec made a lovely comment about Astha, and asked if his sentiments could be passed along to Astha’s family.

I am glad to report this is now possible. If you are interested in sending your sentiments about Astha to Astha’s family, you will find a Google Form at the end of this post, and all of my future posts for, well, I don’t know how long. For a while anyway. Thank you for considering.

Father’s Day

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

On July 10, 2019, my dad passed away. It was sudden and unexpected. I was at work when my younger sister called me and told me what was happening. When she first called, it was unclear whether he would survive the heart attack and stroke.

I learned rather quickly that, indeed, he would not. I remember being overcome with emotion, and yet, also in action. Meaning, that I immediately talked to the doctors, got clear on his condition, called and booked a plane, and was in Los Angeles within 4 hours.

When I arrived, he looked quite peaceful, and, of course, my mom and sisters were, just like I was, distraught, confused, and full of sadness. My dad’s soul left his body that evening.

On this father’s day, I am reminded of all the times my dad was there for me, supported me, encouraged me, and, in his way, loved me deeply, as he did my mother, sisters, and all of his grandkids.

I love and miss you dad.

I am also reflecting upon being a father, and how lucky I am to be the father of two beautiful young men. I am so lucky, and I love them more than these words could possibly convey.

I hope you all have a wonderful Father’s Day.

Sending you all love and blessings on a wonderful week.

Utmost Feelings – Coming Soon!

If you’ve not yet checked out Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings, please check it out when you have a chance, and share as you are able. Thank you.

Additionally, the coauthors of Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings, are creating a space for people to send their sentiments to Astha’s family.

If you are interested, please add your sentiments to this form, thank you, and stay blessed.

#astha, #being-a-father, #blogger, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #blogs, #fathers-day, #life, #loss, #love, #reflecting, #true-dreamster, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 3:00 pm on June 13, 2021
Tags: , anthology, , , blogger's diary, , , , garduation, grifithobservatory, , lazydog, , , , seal beach, tacosurf, truedreamster   

A Blogger’s Diary 6/13/21: On the Week, Traveling to Los Angeles, and Utmost Feelings

Well, as you all know, this past week, I traveled to Los Angeles (LA) to see my family. First time in an airport and on an airplane in over 15 months. It was, well, amazing.

I flew out of the Eugene airport, which is a small airport about 45 miles south of Corvallis, where I live, and is super easy to fly out of and into. The airport was not crowded at all. In fact, it was super slow, and the plane was only about half full. However….

Upon landing in Los Angeles, that all changed. LAX was super busy. In fact, when I finally made it to the rental car company, there were about 30 people ahead of me in line. 

Now, I had two meetings that afternoon, yes, working while on my trip, so after waiting in the line for about 25 minutes, I chose to call an Uber and cancel my reservation. Was a good idea, as the line didn’t move much as I waited for the Uber driver.

It was great to see my mom, sisters, and nieces and nephews. Here are a couple things we did, while I was in LA.

Griffith Observatory and Hollywood

In the hills of LA there is the Griffith Observatory, which looks out over the city. Beautiful. Though the Observatory wasn’t open, you could walk around the grounds and take in all of the views. Here are some pics from our time at the Observatory, and our drive through Hollywood.

A High School Graduation

It was wonderful to see my niece graduate High School on my trip. I was surprised to see so many people, and, well, not surprised. It was a lovely ceremony. Here are some pics of the graduation.

After graduation, we went to the Lazy Dog restaurant, which I had never been to. The food was excellent, and the service was outstanding.

Seal Beach and Taco Surf

On my last day in LA, we took my niece and nephew to the beach in Seal Beach. It was a lovely day, sunny, yet cool. The beach was not overcrowded, and the water was, well, rather cold, yet felt lovely. Here are some pics of the beach.

After spending some time at the beach, we went to a local restaurant I loved to patronize when I was living in LA and working in Seal Beach, Taco Surf; and then stopped in a local bakery, Sweet Jill’s, delicious. Excellent food. 

Utmost Feelings, Coming Soon!

About two months ago now, I learned that Astha, of Writing feels good, passed away. I learned of this very sad news from our dear friend Cindy, of Unique Times. Cindy’s post talked about Astha’s Anthology that was being carried forward by Navin, of Navin’s Poetry.

I immediately visited Navin’s blog, and left a message. Navin responded very quickly, and asked for a poem, and said he would speak with the publishers, True Dreamster, about the possibility of making a late addition.

I was astonished and honored when they accepted the poem I shared with Navin. I am so honored to be a part of the beautiful Utmost Feelings Anthology. The Anthology is full of wonderfully inspirational poets, and is a beautiful tribute to Astha.

Thanks again, to Navin, True Dreamster, and all of the poets in Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings. 

Please visit the True Dreamster Instagram page, when you have a moment, and share the news about Utmost Feelings. Thank you. 

Here are all of the co-authors of Astha’s Anthology, Utmost Feelings.

Beautiful people, just beautiful.

Alright, everyone, that’s all for this week.

Have a fantastic week, my dear friends.

#poetry, #anthology, #astha, #blog, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #collaboration, #family, #garduation, #grifithobservatory, #hollywood, #lazydog, #life, #los-angeles, #love, #seal-beach, #tacosurf, #truedreamster

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 3:00 pm on June 6, 2021
Tags: , blogger's diary, , , california, , , , , , , , , ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 5/6/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, and Traveling to Portland and Los Angeles

On the Week

This past week, I’ve been writing quite a bit, yet, as you may have noticed, my blogging schedule has changed. Yep, it was intentional. A few weeks ago, I mentioned slowing down. Little did I know at that time, the writing would keep pouring out of me, yet, I am pleased with developing a new schedule.

My goal is to post about 5 or 6 times a week, with a couple days off mixed in. We will see how it goes.

Oh, and it’s time to travel. Wait, what? Yep, it’s time. I leave for Los Angeles tomorrow morning. Wow. I am very excited to see my mom, sisters, and nieces and nephews, and, of course, to be in LA. More on that in a moment.

First, let’s take a look at some writing that occurred this week.

Writing and Reflecting

The poem Night’s End was first inspired from a WDYS prompt, from Keep it Alive, by Sadje, yet, as I reflected on the poem’s beginning, I had another insight for the prompt, which ended up being the poem My Years. It happens like that sometimes.

Anyway, the poem Nights End then, was a reflection on the trials that we all face, and the knowledge that these tests are a part of the experience of being a human being on this planet. I firmly believe that they are given to us to help us learn. Learn more about all of our shared human beingness. Beautiful.

The poem The Moment’s Prose was a reflection upon how fleeting each moment we have with each other truly is. However, when we are present to this fact, we cherish and relish each of these moments. This was not always the case for me, thus, in this poem, I was reflecting upon the entirety of the concept of love lossed. 

I was also very honored and humbled at being placed in the top 8 of Soni’s Writing Contest this past week. I am so grateful to Soni for facilitating such a lovely writing contest, and am so honored to be selected alongside all of the talented writers. Congratulations to all of the writers that joined Soni’s contest. You are all inspirational and amazing. 


If you’ve not visited Soni’s blog, please do. Soni’s site is inspirational, motivational, and hyper-creative.

Traveling to Portland and Los Angeles

Well, as you may recall, I visited Justin in Portland last weekend, and it was a lovely trip. We enjoyed a lovely hike, visited and talked about a book we are reading together, had some wonderful food, and generally just enjoyed each other’s company.

Here are a couple pics from the trip.

And, yep, next week, tomorrow, in fact, I’ll be boarding an airplane for Los Angeles, for the first time in over 15 months. I am both anxious and very excited. As you may recall, my father passed away about 6 months prior to the pandemic, so seeing my mom will be wonderful.

I’ve no definite plans, will need to work a little while I am there, yet will get to the beach, for sure, and do some shopping, places I cannot access here, and then? Visit and love my family.

Alright, that’s all for this week, my dear friends.

Have a lovely, lovely week.

Image Credit

#poetry, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #blogs, #california, #life, #los-angeles, #love, #oregon, #poem, #poems, #portland, #reflecting, #travel, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 12:06 pm on May 23, 2021
Tags: , , , blogger's diary, , , , , , silver falls state park, ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 5/23/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Hiking, and Beauty

This Week

This week was full of preparation for the next fiscal year; and, continuing to reflect upon all of the beauty that surrounds us – really, both are equally true of this past week.

Before I write more about the latter, let’s take a look at the writing that occurred this week.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Kazi Mizan on Unsplash

The poem Beyond Time was a reflection on the internal work I’ve been engaged in these past four years. Continuing to be present to my emotions as they arise, and then following those back to the experiential seed.

The poem is also a reflection upon stillness of mind, which can and does occur, and the fact that, in those moments there is no time; it simply does not exist. Beautiful.

Writing the poem Atop, which was inspired by the WDYS #82 prompt, from Keep it Alive, by Sadje, was an interesting process. Initially, I had one idea, even wrote two stanzas, and then as I contemplated the two stanzas, another insight occurred, which is the poem in its present state.

Simply, the world exists in its present condition, when we view it as such. New experiences occur, and the world comes into view. As I’ve written about previously, the view we experience is based upon the concepts we hold about the world; and, this is only one way to view the world. 

As I’ve found out about, and experienced, there are many other ways to view the world, which is, well, quite freeing. 

Hiking

As you all know, I have a new series, Willamette Valley Wanderings and Wonderings, which now has two installments. This week, I hiked Silver Falls State Park, which was absolutely amazing.

I will save the details of the hike for the next installment of the Willamette Valley Wanderings and Wonderings series, however, I just had to include a few more pics in this diary entry.

Beauty

Photo by Matthias Oberholzer on Unsplash

As I walked around campus this week, and contemplated the hike I was going to take on Saturday, I was present to all of the beauty that surrounds us. A flower blooming, a bird calling, a leaf dancing in the wind, a stranger helping another, there are so many things right in front of us, when we pay attention.

Part of my internal work, as you know, also includes my meditation practice, which has been transformational in my life. Being fully present is a gift, and we all have this gift within us.

When we let go of the concepts that typically drive our reactions, pause, reflect and contemplate our life, we learn stillness; and, it is in this stillness where presence to all that is within us, and without us lives. Beautiful.

As you walk through your week, notice the flowers, the trees, the people, and how that makes you feel. It is a tremendous experience.

Alright, that’s all for this week, my friends.

Be well, and have a lovely week.

#beauty, #blog, #blogger, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #contemplation, #hiking, #introspection, #presence, #silver-falls-state-park, #willamettevalleyhiking, #writingandreflecting

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 8:00 am on May 16, 2021
Tags: , , blogger's diary, , , creatingpossibility, , difficultsituations, , , listenandlearn, navigating, noncreditclasses, summerschedule,   

A Blogger’s Diary 5/16/21: On the Week, Writing and Reflecting, Summer Schedule, and Navigating Difficult Situations

The Week

This past week was, well, like many of the weeks that preceded it, in this year of pandemic. Meaning, my days, for now, look similar from week to week. Work, eat, meditate, write, sleep. Not in that order, or, rather, sometimes, yet not always.

Yet, as you know, there is a trip coming to Los Angeles. Only a couple more weeks, and I’ll board an airplane for the first time in over 15 months. Pretty wild.

Anyway, let’s take a look at some of the writing that occurred this week.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

This past week, I completed the second installments in both the Willamette Valley Wanderings and Wonderings series, and the Community Gardening series. The latter has already been published, and the former will be published next week. Super fun.

I am enjoying being out in the sun right now, and am looking forward to more sun as we move towards summer. Yes, I love the sun and the heat. As I lived most of my life in LA, where it is sunny, well, almost all of the time, I have a special affinity for sunshine.

Being out on hikes and working in the garden when it is sunny, is especially lovely.

Summer Schedule 

Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, Oregon

As I wrote in last week’s entry, the Summer Schedule is out and registration starts Monday, May 17. Our summer offerings are on the small side, yet, we have plans for a large fall term. Exciting.

The team and I are also now talking about introducing more in-person classes, as possible, this fall. As I’ve written before, I see the next 15 to 18 months as a slow reintroduction to in-person classes, while also continuing to offer remote classes. 

With the reintroduction of in-person classes, including the team back in the office beginning this summer, will come mixed emotions for, well, everyone, me included. Exciting, yes, and also anxiety producing. Normal.

That, as a team, we are aware of this truth, simply means we can talk through these emotions as they arise and work through them together. Lovely.

Navigating Difficult Situations

Photo by Sharon Pittaway on Unsplash

Invariably, you have, and will continue to be presented with difficult situations; we all have and will. It’s part of being a human being. I was presented with a couple this past week. Both of these situations are work related, and are, well, navigable. Just like all difficult situations.

When we stay present to what is known, and get clear on what caused the difficult situation to arise in the first place, we make a space to create new possibilities.

In both of the situations I was presented this past week, I, first, listened, then did my research, and learned. Once I was clear on what was happening, I was ready to create.

And, you know what?

From the space of clarity, anything is possible. Both of these situations presented me with challenges, and, at times, felt, well, not so great. Yet, once worked through, I was able to create new ways forward.

When you are presented with difficulties, remember to stay present, listen, learn, and then create. 

From the space of clarity, we get to then stand in the current reality. And, on a team, or in a family, when we are all clear and understand the current reality, no matter what the reality is, we can all work together to move forward. Beautiful.

Alright, that’s all for this week.

Have a lovely week, my friends.

#blog, #blogger, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #clarity, #creatingpossibility, #diary, #difficultsituations, #education, #emotionalintelligence, #listenandlearn, #navigating, #noncreditclasses, #summerschedule, #writingandreflecting

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 3:00 pm on May 9, 2021
Tags: acknowledgement, , blogger's diary, , , , , , , moms, , ,   

A Blogger’s Diary 5/9/21: On The Week, Writing and Reflecting, Emotions, and Acknowledgement

The Week

Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash

A lovely week this past week, as always. I’ve been continuing to prepare and plant my plot at the community garden. I’ll have another installment in the gardening series in the next week. Fun.

I’ve also been playing the guitar more. There is something about music. I’ve always known this, yet I’ve rediscovered, or, maybe it’s, renewed a deep passion within me for, and with, music. I love it so much.

I’ve also been working, well, a lot. The team is as busy as ever. We just finished the summer schedule, which we will publish next week. I will share it with all of you in my next diary post.

And, of course, I’ve been writing. Less this week, yet, it’s always there, and inspirational.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by Thom Milkovic on Unsplash

I completed the first entry in the Willamette Valley Wanderings and Wonderings series, and am contemplating my next hike. It will be next weekend, and I may drive up to Salem. Not sure. We will see. However it goes, I’ll have some lovely pictures and reflections to share with all of you.

I also published the purpose post this past week, which was fun. I think about purpose in such a different way today. Actually, I think about everything today quite differently. Purpose is just another concept that I like to think about; and, for me, purpose lives and breathes in each moment. It’s always there, and doesn’t need much attention. Just being, living, and loving. Awesome.

Emotions

Photo by Kyre Song on Unsplash

As you all know, I write a lot about emotions. The reason I write about emotions so often, is that for most of my adult life I held all of my emotions in, and didn’t process them.

Once I learned how to understand my feelings, I began to learn how to process them, talk about them, and, yep, write about them.

Therefore, in the past 4 years, I’ve lived through, and engaged with, a lot of emotional processing. These experiences serve as the foundation for many of my poems, and are quite beautiful.

I appreciate each of you for walking through these experiences with me, and supporting me as we do so. An honor.

Acknowledgement

Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash

I’ve also been reflecting more upon the concept acknowledgement this past week. Partly because as I was preparing the quarterly team report, it occured to me that I had so many acknowledgements to make, if I made them all in a single communication, it would be, well, rather lengthy.

Therefore, I chose to create a 4-day communication event, acknowledging a few team members each day. It feels right, and is important. It’s also important to acknowledge ourselves, and to do so often.

When we acknowledge how we feel, the lows, the highs, the middle spots, we get so much more back; and, we develop a real sense of what it means to be a human being on this wonderful planet.

As a final acknowledgement this week, I’d like to acknowledge my beautifully strong mother, sisters, exwife, and all of those moms out there who, for so many reasons, exemplify strength, persistence, determination, compassion, love, and kindness.

Thank you. Thank you for being exactly as you are.

Alright, everyone that’s all for this week.

Have a fantastical week.

#acknowledgement, #blogger, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #diary, #emotional-intelligence, #emotions, #life, #love, #moms, #mothers-day, #reflecting, #writing

Unknown's avatar Jeff Flesch 6:00 pm on April 25, 2021
Tags: apnachatbhavan, bhagavadgita, , blogger's diary, , , , , indiasupermarket, , mahabharata, , , , , , , resturants   

A Blogger’s Diary 4/25/21: On Writing and Reflecting, Portland, Reading, and Breathing

I’ve been thinking more this week about how important it is to take time for ourselves. It is interesting, as I know this truth viscerally today, and have written about it several times in the past few months, and yet as life continues to move, I am continually present to the need to stop and breathe. Important.

Alright, more on that in a moment.

Writing and Reflecting

Photo by kevin turcios on Unsplash

First, let’s take a look at a few reflections from the week.

Flush

The poem Flush occurred to me this week after I dropped off my guitar to be worked on at the local music store. I hadn’t realized how much I’ve loved learning to play the guitar until, all at once, it was removed from my presence for a couple of days. 

I actually went to the music store one day, while they were working on my guitar, just to play the guitars on display. I love the feeling that comes with playing the guitar. In fact, I’ve always loved music, which has been a large part of my life, for, well, always. Moving, deeply satisfying, and inspirational. Lovely.

Hug

The Hug poem was inspired by the WDYS #78 prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje. As I pondered the picture of a small table, set for two, it reminded me of times as a child and youth at my grandparents house. Being around all of my cousins, and feeling that deep sense of connection and love you get when you are near so much family.


Though I don’t get to see much of my extended family today, I relish these memories. Beautiful.

Next Week

I don’t have much to write about the writing that is coming. That’s fun.

I know there will be more poems, and I do have plans on a post about purpose, yet have not begun to write this piece. All of this unknown is part of the process and joy of creation, which I adore.

Portland

Photo by Sean O. on Unsplash

My oldest son has an internship with Intel in Portland this summer. Yes. Exciting. I went up to visit him yesterday, which was my first time in Portland in over 15 months. It was an amazing experience.

We went to a wonderful local grocery story called the India Supermarket, and ate at an equally lovely restaurant called Apna Chat Bhavan. Delicious. We then played guitars for the afternoon. It was so lovely to see him and spend time with him doing things we love to do, two of which, we’ve been unable to do, or have chosen not to do, for a long time. Lovely.

Reading

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

The remote book club is still alive and well. We just finished The House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende. An elegant and descriptively written book about war, violence, oppression, love, family, and life. I highly recommend this book. Just know that the book does contain many violent scenes, which may be disturbing to some readers. The book contained about as much violence as I can handle these days.

I am now reading the Mahabharata, by Kamala Subramaniam, which is part of my continual spiritual and devotional development. I am only about 100 pages into the text, and am already seeing parallels to all of life, which I know will continue.

Breathing

Photo by Le Minh Phuong on Unsplash

Have you ever had someone ask you if you are breathing, or, have you had someone say, don’t forget to breathe? Yep, me too. In fact, I am the one that often says to people, remember to breathe. Yet, more context is needed.

When I say to someone close to me, remember to breathe. These words come along with a historical conversational context about what remembering to breathe really means. 

It means creating time in all of our days to stop. Stop working, cooking, cleaning, erranding, working, etc., and just be. Creating time to focus on our breath and be with ourselves. As I’ve written before, you can accomplish this by taking 5-minutes away from everyone and everything, and just focus on the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. 

And, as thoughts arise, such as I need to do this, and I need to do that, just let that be. And, return to the breath. If you choose to walk during this time, count your steps as you inhale and exhale, which will help keep the mind at bay.

The point?

We all need time to let ourselves be. Away from all of the “needs” that are arising within us.

When we begin to learn that, in fact, those “needs” never really cease, and that we can take actions to slow down the reactivity of the mind to stimuli; by, for example, taking a 5-minute break away from everyone and everything. Using this time to just breathe, we begin to deepen our understanding of how our minds work. Helpful.

Alright, that’s all for this week.

Have a lovely week.

#apnachatbhavan, #bhagavadgita, #blogger, #bloggers-diary, #blogging, #breathing, #contemplation, #diary, #indiasupermarket, #introspection, #mahabharata, #mindfulness, #oregon, #poem, #poems, #portland, #reading, #resturants