In the moment is where it all happens. The past was and the future has yet to present itself. So when I sat on this bench with the Dood, I chose it for the message, “Your past does not define you”. It got me to think, and I invite you to do the same.
Hanging in the Hood with the Dood
The past often feels real, especially when we think back on events that felt powerful (in a good or negative way) when they happened. Sometimes, we are able to use these moments as stories that inspire us. But they could also bring back pain.
I think the message here is to be in the moment and act fresh, not tied to what happened or did not happen. However, I also think if you let your past define you, that might be ok too. It depends on how that is working out in your mind/body/spirit ecosystem.
Philly is a very artful city. Regardless of where you weigh in on the issue, this particular parklette has several colorful benches, poles for bicycles and that bright blue mural which I recommend you see up close.
Many a day, the dood and other dog friends use the park to do their thing. But don’t let that discourage you. We often go there with a coffee from La Colombe HQ and may have something buttery from Cake Life which is further down Frankford Ave.
#Livelocal, and follow us on Instagram @KodaHazWax (especially if you have a puppy or really like dogs)
I’ve been hiding behind my mini labradoodle Koda since she came into my/our life in December 2020. I’m not sure if it’s writers block or the fact she’s both frickin cute and inspirational at the same time.
By hiding I mean I basically stopped keeping up my blog in favor of insta pics and quips using the puppy as my muse. What’s the saying, a picture is worth a 1000 words? Ha sometimes I’m all done in 3.
If you know me, I’m not a huge fluff person so writing a blog about a puppy seems out of my genre. At the same time, I taught yoga for many years and have a daily practice for even longer. This makes me curious, reflective, and admittedly, always a fan of purpose and creativity.
How does all this come together? She teaches me something new every day. That inspires me and I’m going to share. It may be a bit light and differ from some of the professional stuff I write, but hey, it’s way cuter.
Lesson 1- I want to see what you see
I want to see what you see (or just nap on a comfy pillow)
Of all the places to be – and your crate is the one I’m thinking about- sure, come hop on the pillow next to my head. Face out to see what I’m seeing?
Even if not, makes me reflect on how seeing something from another person’s perspective is the basis of empathy, compassion, understanding and possibly, forgiveness.
I’m also thinking that I feel lucky.. Looking inward is less scary if you cultivate a peaceful center. I’m happy that living from the inside out today doesn’t throw me. You can probably tell as I have bed head and am a frizzy mess. Oh well, don’t judge, I’m hanging with the Dood.
Finding a work life balance when you WFH can be a stretch. The computer is always right there and on. The puppy, the dishes, laundry, and yesterday’s grocery order tug at your heels like a puppy. I’ve heard many women talk about the kids and the challenges of Zoom school too. I don’t have that experience, but I can empathize.
I work from home since I began my professional writing career. In other words, COVID didn’t put me here. Things changed with it though. My husband who is in a corporate role started to work from home. Then my food budget went up as gas bills when down.
I actually let those changes in and was able to adapt. For one, I really used to worry about my husband commuting 1.5 hours at 7 P.M. It seemed inhuman. And for another, it’s a pandemic and that’s that. Wishful thinking does nothing useful.
All said, I’ve realized even more lately that balance while working from home is in constant flux.
What is your idea of a work life balance (WLB)?
My sense of work life balance is that it is an organic process. I feel like I need to touch base with myself every day to figure out what actions I can take to be in sync this day, this moment.
It has showed me that balance is a mix. Partly of what you have, how content you are with it, and how much you can go with the flow.
I am fortunate to have three floors and a basement. The second floor we each have an office. So space wise I can’t complain. That said, there are challenges that add to the mix and try to tip the scales.
The way I get to a more equal version of myself is holistic. My mind, body and spirit need to sync up. I do this through meditation, yoga and writing. I have a daily practice of all three. Though writing for clients takes precedence over my own blog.
Do you breathe during the day?
I do. It’s the one thing I really need. Doesn’t mean it is easy. Let me tell you in the next blog about Koda. For now I will tell you that I’ve moved my desk into the bedroom, I’m puppy training with a pee pad in my master bathroom and her poo poo is stinky so deep breathing is a bit iffy at certain times.
My art meets life –> Breathe
Why work life balance is important even if it’s a distant goal?
That said, and given we all hav our circumstances and attitude, can we agree we still need an action plan to fuel the positivity? Especially when added to the pressures of working from home and its extras.
I’m not sure if this is hard for you. Whether you think work life balance is important but not (always) possible. I can only do what my years of yoga teaching taught me and that is:
-Use your challenges as a teacher
-Self reflect
-Practice
-Have no expectations but set a goal
-Prepare for the next step
-Honor where you are
My Latest Steps to Getting More Work Life Balance
Does waking up count? Ha. Ok here are a few things I do to bring more equipoise to a work from home lifestyle.
#1 Lighten the mood with candles at the end of the day.
Lighten the mood with candles
#2 Meditate for a few seconds at the end of the work day to clear my head.
I created the Yoga Mind CD if you would like to try it.
#3 I read something inspirational so I can keep learning and thinking with a different part of my mind.
Hi peeps, for those who know me, working from home is nothing new. I’ve been doing this full time for many years. That said, hubs is now also WFH (not to be confused with WTF ?) and he’s full time too.
All said, this means I need a new tactical plan. As he has a Philly boy booming voice and I require SILENCE.. Oh well. So I thought I would share some tips that I use to make my work from home life productive.
Tribute to Female Entrepreneurs Working from Home
Set boundaries
I love the news and staying current with family events. But constant updates when I’m trying to form a sentence, not so much. So I had to go into lock down mode. Seriously, I started to lock my office door because LOCK = Knock. Also, I used a sweet voice and said “I’d love to listen with my full attention…after my work day.”
If any of this is helpful, great. If not, the point is to find places where your working from home day is seeping energy. Then, create firm boundaries that respect your privacy, two foot bubble and work day.
Hydrate
For me the word ‘hydrate’ has many meanings. On one hand, I have to remind myself to drink water, as maybe you do. And on the other, I think of staying fluid. We are living in challenging times and I think, have to go with the flow a bit.
So instead of missing things, my mind is allowing every day to be unique. I’m also moisturizing if you truly want to know because my hands are getting dry from all the washing.
Dress for success
Ok, this is one you might fight me on and if so, let’s agree to disagree. My preference is to shower, get dressed and yes, put on lipstick and greet the work day. I don’t necessarily dress up but clothes are clean and I never thought of working from home as an excuse to stay in pjs.
Hubs has teased me on this point and thinks its ridiculoso when he sees me in a silk blouse. Listen, right now the dry cleaners is closed so I’m in washables, but I feel better and focused when I dress for the day. That always means being comfortable and putting an effort into staying professional. Your call on how to do this in your world.
Mission control
I just got a second monitor and good ear phones and it has made a lot of difference. Don’t know why I didn’t do this before, but now with new contracts, seems like a smart plan.
You don’t have to go full tech all the way as maybe offices will be back open soon. Maybe not.. My point is that in choosing to make a real home office, I’ve made the space into one. Maybe there is something you can do to create a productive work environment too.
Add zen
I don’t usually light a candle during the day, but I was jonesing for some aromatherapy. Lit my lavender candle and it actually made me feel more creative. Most likely I had that on the “it’s not for the work day” list.
In fact, working from home can be very stressful. Some days I forget to eat, or even stand up for hours. Not good. I think taking a moment to breathe, walk, and add some zen is a side benefit of being at home, safe. So stay calm with your own tricks and work on.
This was a weekend of walking in Philly. We went to Wissahickon and Manyunk.
They remind me of my old neighborhood in Montreal. Living in an urban part of Philadelphia now, I felt like I was in the countryside. A lovely treat. Walking always connects and attunes me to a happy place. So, it is no surprise I miss my walks in Montreal.
But as you may notice I have a philosophy of living local. And, this means exploring options for joy in my community.
We did not head out planning a photo op of fall foliage. But this year FYI the foliage is noticeably absent.
The trees, it seems, have weathered such shifts in temperature. It looks as if this made the leaves fall off rather than change color. But still majestic, Mother N radiates her transcendent nonverbal beauty. Says Waldo Emerson, “Nature is a discipline of the understanding in intellectual truth.” For me, walking is a a great way to rebalance and get in touch with my creativity. I encourage you to find some peace today wherever your #livelocal is.
In Montreal we kiss on both cheeks and say bonjour-hi. In Philly everyone says “I’ve got a guy” or “I’ve got a girl”, “my guy over at…”
I think pretty much everyone has a person they go to for something. It’s another neighborhood-centric flavor of Philly.
It Montréal I had that too but was more apt to call them by name or description (hairdresser, butcher etc).
I like when I frequent a place to establish a respectful relationship. Especially if I meet someone honest, service minded. This motivates loyalty. Loyalty is great for brand building. It’s also a really desirable quality in a friend.
One day I got a package from the CEO of Rag and Bone. He sent me a box of their perfumes. I spray them in the air and let the smell cascade on me. Heavenly in most cases.
At any rate, the next time I passed the store, I went into see my guy Scot. I saw his fingerprints on the gift. True enough the sales staff was asked to submit their favorite client and Scot chose me.
I asked why and he said he likes when I come in. I sometimes go in to say hi, and not always to shop, just look and feel (the clothes).We have a brief hug and catch up, then get to business.
But I am loyal to him and all the sales staff know it. It’s a trusted interaction which is a good kind to have on all levels – personal and professional. Yes, I sometimes hear about upcoming sales too. Win win.
If you want to live local you try to find interesting things to do without necessarily spending a lot. Walking is one simple pleasure. I wanted to forest bathe and on a budget we planned to go to Wissahickon.
Instead we stretched our legs with a morning walk in Manayunk. Hubs grew up in Roxborough but hadn’t been to the Towpath in awhile. Reminds me a bit of the Lachine Canal in Montreal. Has some lovely views and easy to walk on though not the widest trail I’ve been on.
Saw 7 turtles which was a first for both of us. On way home we got some hugs in with hubs’ family and picked out a cafe we want to check out next time.
Hit the spot in terms of getting away and living local. Enjoy
Friday morning AKA trash day is probably not the day to take a morning walk through Fishtown, but I do it anyway.
If you’re a walker – I am – there’s definitely an obstacle course feeling going on. We ended up going towards Sugar House Casino. The Penn Treaty Park area is a well kept secret.
Not anymore ha ha. Oh well.
You get a view of the Ben Franklin Bridge and if you pretend you aren’t facing Camden and just look at the sun dazzled water and ducks it transports.
On the return home you get a clear as day view of the Philadelphia skyline. That’s the picture up above.
The walk back also includes a coffee with hubs and today we hit Frankford ave. Stay tuned for the deets and live local
I scored a 50% off Seedy Grains (by Lost Bread Co.) at Riverwards today. They also had these jumbo blackberries. After unpacking the ingredients I did some work and forgot to eat breakfast. But somewhere around 11 AM a wave of inspiration hit me. Here it is. Simple stuff – bread, organic almond butter and homemade blackberry jam.
Homemade Blackberry Jam #Livelocal
I drizzled a little honey on top to take away from the sourness of the berries. Perfect and satisfying. It got me thinking how overlooked simplicity can be. Yet there’s an appeal that something is so accessible isn’t there? It’s good to be able to source things and put them together in a meaningful way. I think that is why I love to write.
It’s the season when I do what I call plant hopping. This is where I visit as many local shops and plant outlets as possible. I’ve never had an outdoor patch of green before, so I usually use my green thumb indoors. As a result of being a first time home owner, imagine my excitement at trying my hand as a landscape artist (#not). I’m not sure I would call myself a plant whisperer, but I do enjoy communicating with mine. I feel they are able to tell you something to cue you on how they like where they are.One of My Favorite Walks in Montreal
Plant Whispering
This can be in the lilt of an upturned leaf. Or the budding of new branches. A blossoming. I’m perfectly fine in this pot even though I’m overcrowded (my jade). The sun is way too strong, you’re killing me – I’m brown not green already. Things like that.
Vrksa means a tree. In this posture, the whole body extends upwards like a tree.YOGA A GEM FOR WOMEN – Geeta Iyengar
I’m curious to spot these things. I think the deeper meaning and sensitivity is refreshing. The world is getting hard and harsh. Or maybe that’s because I’ve overheard too many El conversations.They really like the east-facing window in Spring and Summer Anyway, I think plants help me create a feeling of sanctuary. Haven is so important, however you find it. Imagine if every single person on the planet tapped into the energy of nurturing. All at once.One of my favorite walks in Philly- Schuykill River Trail Dogwood Spotting At any rate, when I left my plants in Montreal to come to the states, it was a challenging good-bye. Since moving to the U.S, I’ve kept a few growing but noticed that my NJ plants didn’t transfer well to Philly. I guess they missed the certain kind of light.
But Philly is filled with plant stores so I’ve made plant hopping a ritual. It’s that haven thing again. I think they help to bring me home. So, if that sounds like you, I’ve tried out several stores here. This is my take on them, and I am not getting paid for this review.
A few options for plant-s- hopping
First, I want to give an honorable mention to Trader Joes (please open one up in Fishtown/NoLibs). I transplanted a $4.99 mini rose and it is growing like I never imagined. Plus, you’ll often get a good pot out of it even if the plant dies which does happen.
Definitely a plant boutique. There’s a leather couch, you just want to sit on. Friendly staff and if you buy a pot, they’ll earth you plant in it. But, not cheap. I like their idea of a rewards card but they should reward you for each item. In my opinion.meet Clusia from Stump, she’s got zazzz
First time visit here this year. It is hard to park but staff is friendly and helpful. For instance, I got good advice about which earth mix to use. Bit too pricy for pots but nice for a house plant on the smaller side. Not cheap. Said earth mote cost effective at Loews. I asked about their green wall installation – it is $$$$ but hey, there’s always the power ball.
Not a boutique, more like a plant supermarket. They definitely have garden supplies, parking, soil and selection. Plus, you can drive there, load a basket and there’s no extra fuss. Meaning they aren’t trying to be cool, trendy or local. Good selection of jade plants, hanging plants, etc. etc.Live from Loews Garden CenterRittenhouse Square
This is definitely an outing for Saturday morning. Lively and crowded. You get to soak up the vibe in Rittenhouse Square, including the Dogwoods. A bit sales oriented so I don’t ask for advice, no potting service, and not cheap. But, you come away having enjoyed yourself and you can definitely score some great finds to re-pot yourself.
This place is a maze and I keep wishing Cafe La Maude took reservations so I could get to both in one visit. But parking is a challenge. Some of my plants are doing well, others no. They seem more at the cuttings stage as opposed to brought in from the greenhouse (Stump). They did pot my plants for me since I bought the container. I like going and also wish I could afford their great knick knacks but no.My money tree and friendGreensgrow
If you live in Fishtown or Northern Liberties, this place is worth going to. There’s another location in West Philly but I found it too out of the way. We go here for some summer plants and a few garden things because I believe in supporting local businesses. I’m one too.
