...it seems as i scuttle around the blog world that the resonating buzz is choosing a word of the year.
i had the blessing of meeting the wonderful andrea scher this past fall at a be present retreat in manzanita, oregon (one of the most beautiful, peaceful places on earth) she lead us in a little workshop that helped each of us to "unearth" our most precious hidden layers. the end result was a list of the core values in our lives that make us who we are or who we ultimately want to be.
the exercise itself was an experience that on it's own deserves an entire blog post...which i promise to do very soon. but the cliff notes are that i was paired with one of my art heros & inspirations...the amazing kelly rae roberts and that was one of the most memorable happenings of 2009 for me. more on her and that little present later.
what i discovered on that retreat, in that class with andrea and in many experiences there with new found friends through art and photography and yoga and meditation...was my word.
"CUL*TI*VATE"
as i was expressing to kelly rae all of the many things i value in my life, i realized that this word had been swirling around in my head for quite some time. i tried to explain to her that to me, cul*ti*vate is a "verb". to me, it is something i "do". it is an action. it is a word that encompasses all that i feel is important to me at this chapter in my life. it is the means of taking my list of core values and preparing them, planting them, nuturing them, tending to them, watching them grow and then taking great care to see that i develop them.
this is my word.
it is my hope.
it is my drive.
(ironically, it's also my blog)
i love the idea of choosing a word. i have a slight love affair with words. (don't tell because it's quite dorky, but the dictionary is actually one of my favorite books to read)
as i mentioned many of my favorite blogs talk recently about the word of the year.
what is your word? what does it mean to you?
you can peek into a little post that kelly rae wrote about our experience together in manzanita here.
(to find out "why" my word is painted on my body...check back soon. i promise i'll give you the sweet story.)
much love,
chrissy
Thank you so much for the kind comments you left on my blog today!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like all who went on the retreat had a fab time, the idea of choosing a word sounds great, I love the dictionary too (shh don't tell)
Micki x
I love your wod..its perfect..I am so glad we in manzanita..Happy New Year sweet friend..
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and your sweet comments! It sounds like you are ready for 2010!! Yippee!! I was relieved to read that your WORD was painted on your body and not tattooed...Nothing against tattoos, but that would have been a doozy! haha
ReplyDeleteHi Chrissy! Thanks for checking out my blog and leaving such nice comments. I like your word for the year. Mine is EMERGE. Because that's what this next year is all about... emerging as an artist. (that still sounds weird, lol)
ReplyDeleteChrissy - wow, this sure all brings back the memories. Can't believe that is has been almost 3 months! What great words everyone has and all different - kind of makes me want to write them all down, then read them over for inspiration! Hey, I like the dictionary too, and not only that, I LOVE maps, can study them for hours. Thanks for keeping in touch - you are such a great friend!!
ReplyDeleteI love that cultivate is your word for 2010! It is just perfect.
ReplyDelete(p.s. I love words, and the dictionary. It is sad to me that so many beautiful words are so under-used in daily conversation.
Love you!
I ADORE THIS PICTURE...AND YOU!!
ReplyDeletei know you will CULTIVATE away this year...you started with me before we even actually met!!
love you so much and miss you tons!
i left you a little something on my blog today!
i LOVE the dictionary too..and agree with elizabeth so many are underused...or not really used at all!
xxooxxoo
k
hey you. I am so proud of you and your ability to bring things into your life that you need and so much deserve. Cultivate in its self is such a powerful word, but when it is so lovingly painted on your chest it is AWE inspiring. You go girl. May 2010 bring you all the things you dream up.
ReplyDeleteps... I know I don't comment often, or FB, etc.... but please know that I think of you often, miss you and so look forward to seeing you again. You are a true GEM.
love you so much! Thanks for the inpirational entry. You are a one of a kind and i am so thankful to have you as a friend. We miss you so much. Can't wait to see you soon.
ReplyDeleteyour word fits you perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to think of my word and what keeps ringing in my ears and heart is connect ~connection. I think that may just be the word for 2010 for me.
I love the dictionary too!
ReplyDeleteHi Chrissy, thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. I'm very envious of you getting to paint with Kelly Rae Roberts and Mati Rose! That retreat looks so amazing - I don't think we have things like that over here. I look forward to hearing how that goes! :) x
I love that photo of you as well! So colorful and full of life! My word this year is BEGIN. 2009 was a great "building the fountation" year for me (creatively speaking). I just so happen to have purchased a lovely soul mantra necklace from Liz at Unearth that says "begin." I wonder if that was a mistake? :)
ReplyDelete