Tout Est Possible

I guess I will be writing about once a month this year. My computer is acting up, and all my bookmarks with passwords are not set up, as usual. So, it messes with my morning routine of writing. I have been writing by hand a lot more. And, still attending my monthly "Rise and Write" class. This is the week after the class, so it inspires me the most, to catch up with writing on the computer. February has been awesome so far. I have a lot of changes at work, which has been challenging. But, I finally had a vacation and have spent time with my kids and grandson in the last few weeks. So, I am feeling more myself, again. So, what is with the title of this post? Tout Est Possible was printed on a clip board and I looked up the meaning yesterday. It is "the sky is the limit". I have been paying attention to my father's heritage this month, and it is fascinating. I am writing a book, and it is about this year. It is about how to stay calm in the storm. It will be artful activities to help along the way. It is sort of like writing a mystery for me. Because, who knows how this year will end up? But, January and February have not disappointed me so far! I have planned to do the 100 day project again, as I did in 2021. It begins February 22 this year. And, you should be able to see a post every day on facebook and instagram from me. They will be mostly about french inspiration and mostly about lavender. Because, these have helped me the most on my journey to joy. I hope to be more creative this year, and this will be the motivation I need. I also will be sharing pictures of the lavender fields I have visited in the last few years. The picture above is from 2017 taken at Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, NJ. I also will be doing a vendor show at St. Paul's Church on Herbertville Road in Brick on March 4th. I will be selling Trades of Hope, my handmade greeting cards and lavender sachets. I love that it is on 3/4 (march fourth). I have set my sights up high this year. And, I am also going through with the word this year: BE. To just BE. It seems to be working. I have had lots of signs and serendipity to show I am on the right path. Quote of the day: “Living life as an artist is a practice. You are either engaging in the practice or you’re not. It makes no sense to say you’re not good at it. It’s like saying, “I’m not good at being a monk.” You are either living as a monk or you’re not. We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output. The real work of the artist is a way of being in the world.” ― Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being

We Are All Stars

We are all stars and want to shine brightly, even sometimes when we are surrounded by darkness. So, my favorite holiday is approaching.....Valentine's Day. And, I can either be haunted by memories, or make new Valentine's Day memories. And, as it is fast approaching my mind keeps changing as how to approach it. Well, I am going to fill as many of the voids in my life, as soon as possible. I want to feel love as a good feeling. This I said since the beginning is the hardest for me. Because, when all of this happened I was processing my feelings of being parentless. I was getting used to not having my biggest cheerleader in my corner. The loss of my mom, still leaves a big hole in my heart. Then the divorce part I prefer not to pay too much attention to, especially in my writing. Then the loss of the comfort and security of leaving my home of thirteen years. These all stir in a terrific amount of anger. The cost monitarily and keeping sane has been challenging, to say the least. But, new year and the goal is to just be. Well, the bottom line is I have this part of me that feels if I put myself in vulnerable positions, I am going to triumph and feel stronger by overcoming some kind of challenge. But, I learned my biggest lesson about vulnerabilty this week and it is how we grow. And, it goes back to childhood, especially when it comes to our parents. Because, parents don't want to see you hurt. But, sometimes they have their own sheild of armor because they are protecting themselves from hurt they have felt. I was taught at a young age to avoid confrotation, and basically home is where you felt protected and cared for. But, the part of me that wants to be a painter or writer. Where does that come from? And, I am not too sure if I am more afraid of being a success or a failure at it. So, this all is totally going against my year goal to just "be". But, yesterday I went to New Jersey State Museum and it was so good to put things in perspective. Most of all it gave me time to be with the spirit of my dad. His ancestors put roots in New Jersey in the 1600's. And the museum really gave me perspective on the state of my world. It gave me perspective on the economics, environment and culture of the world today. And, how fast the last few years are in changing compared to when our country was founded. I have a big interest in indigenous crafts. And, to see all the businesses and technology that were invented in our state is amazing. We are a land of life changers and like I said we are all stars. I don't feel anyone shines brighter then another. I feel sometimes your light is not available to others, because we each have vulnerabilities. So, I had some huge break throughs in what I want to title my book and the vision of the cover. And, best of this whole thing is about changing my name. The bottom line it is a big pain in the ass. It messes with my head and my memory blah blah blah. But, my maiden name is Stelle, so this would be my pen name. Stelle I was told by someone in high school means star. And, one of my favorite things to do when I was younger was to just lay down and look at the stars. The Museum of New Jersey has a planetarium and I saw the 3pm show and it was amazing. Like always, something I am inspired by has a rock and roll connection. And, it was about Voyager, which ironically was happening when I was eighteen. That tender age of wonder of how the future of my life would play out. But, I forgot there was the Chuck Berry Song "Johnny Be Good" playing in space during this time. This is when perspective is put into play. But, it just filled me with a huge amount of awe (whice I am conditioned to need from time to time to help my mood). But, with hope and appreciation for the future. And, to growing old. That is my goal.....I want to not only get old, but grow old gracefully, indepentally and happily. Quote of the day: Dance like nobody is watching. Love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening. Live like it's heaven on earth. Mark Twain Song of the Day: Ghosts Bruce Springsteen

DeJaVu

My favorite story from when I owned my store in Convention Hall in Asbury Park, is when Graham Nash visited my store. He was probably in my store for a half an hour. I stood in the door with his manager (who looked like a young David Crosby). I mostly chatted with his manager about Jackson Browne (he managed him also). And, every now and then Graham would look up and ask a question. He asked how long the store was open? I said it was the first week. He said that is really cool. I explained how we just started a year ago, and ended up on the boardwalk. But, the record part was not how the store originated. I said it originated with my greeting cards and my daughter's artwork. He said that is really cool. I was afraid to ask him anything, because I didn't want him to leave. Another person came in who they both knew, and he started talking about the Rascals. And, then I just listened, but don't remember too much. Then a customer came in and almost fainted when he saw Graham Nash. He asked if they could shake hands, and told him he was a big fan. And, then swiftly Graham walked out the door, after shaking his hand and thanking him. But, then I had time to think....uh oh. I had made a scrapbook from the CSN cover DEJAVU. My favorite album cover to make a scrapbook with because it looked like leather and had gold embossing. More of this story is here written the day after it happened: Greetings from Geralyn blog.. I am getting pretty meloncoly just thinking about it. Because, in my wildest dreams, I just could not imagine something like this happening to me. But, it did. What I have been through in the last year is SO hard, when it comes to the memories. I was actually thinking last night how I talked to Graham, but didn't talk to David. But, I did! So, this morning I had to write about it. But, it is making me feel worse. I am so sick of hurting and feeling loss over and over again. I have made myself feel and not avoid. And, I am not going to do that anymore. I am going to move forward and make new memories. Like I have said over and over this year. Our lives are the best mystery book ever written. NO one knows the ending. P.S. As I finished writing.....I looked out the window to a blue sky....Thank God! Cheers to today...it's a whole new day with a clear blank slate. Make the most of today and every day! Quote of the Day: Don't waste the time. Time is the final currency, man. Not money, not power - it's time. David Crosby Song of the Day: David Crosby River Rise

Revolution

Inspired by my writing class, yesterday, to write this morning. I noticed on January 3rd and December 23rd I have drafts and an empty page. I usually am inspired by something and then write. I was very inspired starting the year seeing a Southside concert at the Basie and Matisse exhibitions in Philadelphia with my friend over New Year's weekend, and nothing came of it. I thought of a painting I wanted to try my hand at, and never picked up a brush. I organized all of my card making supplies, and not a card was made. In class our leader Mike, said inspiration without action is entertainment. I agree, completely. So, today is my revolution with a plan of action. It is a Sunday, so I should just be resting and getting ready for another week working full time. But, luckily my revolution is about change. And, it involves the Arts, so it is enjoyable at the same time. And, each time I take action, and complete something I am inspired by it, as a giant step in moving forward. My first call to action is to watch the complete CBS Sunday morning show without looking at my phone or computer. Second, is to paint a Renoir painting in Matisse style. Third, is to take action on my Trades of Hope business. I would like to do something for International Women's Day. I will research and reach out to a few venues. Lastly, I will get my refrigerator full, so I can bring my lunch all week. Making sure I am nourished, and save some money, by bringing my lunch. And, lastly I hope to make plans for a vacation in February. I chose this song today, because I heard it on the radio yesterday. It brought a smile to my face, because I LOVE it! It reflects a lot about the women's revolution and Asbury Park in the 70's. It makes me feel like we still need some work in this revolution thing. There have been some changes, and like she is saying it is going to be alright. Asbury Park was full of music this weekend. I have in the past spent the week at Light of Day, to support the music and the cause (Parkinson's Disease). I didn't buy my combo ticket this year, and Ian did play some venues. I would have liked to have been there. I did see my son played a private event with Alexander Simone ( he is the grandson of Nina Simone). And, I wondered what Nina Simone would think looking down from heaven. And, since this is also Martin Luther King weekend and we are given a Federal Holiday (to use for a service day). I think she is looking down at Asbury Park and smiling. Everything is all right.....like she is wishing for in the song. And, right now that is my simple wish.....just everything BE alright. Song of the day: Nina Simone Revolution Quote of the day: Gloria Steinham: "Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all is a form of planning." - Gloria Steinem.

Take Time

Take Time.....Choose Joy......Appreciate Life....These are the my favorite things to do during the holidays. They are also the hardest to do this time of year. This year, especially, as I have my first day off in seven days. I also worked forty three hours last week in a mall. Which also means finding a parking space and walking very far to get back to my car. So what gets me through? Meditation, and I haven't had any good free ones in a long time. But, thankfully chopra came through with some good free ones for the holidays. Today was all about appreciation. I looked back for a good picture to share and couldn't help but realize 2012 was a really good year. But, at the same time it was a really bad year with the visit of Super Storm Sandy. But, I remember how appreciative I became of sunlight, without electricity. I shared a greeting card around Thanksgiving from my parents given to me for my high school graduation. And the cover was the quote picture on my blog today. And, out of all the quotes I own I like this one best. Sometimes you just have to take time for yourself. But, also I find if you find ways to appreciate those around you, that means a lot, also. So, I am looking forward to today to make some things for co-workers and thank you gifts. It's the first day of winter and time to celebrate the holiday season. I am going to make tomato sauce, and bake as many cookies and muffins as possible. I am grateful for all who read my written words. I probably won't blog as much next year. But, I do plan to take the last ten years and write a book. I was a big believer, but even more so today. I truely believe out of darkness comes a brighter light. Sometimes, we are truly tested, but looking back it shows it is true in so many ways. So, take time, choose joy, and appreciate life because better days are coming. Quote of the day: “Do anything, but let it produce joy.” - Walt Whitman Song of the day: We Are the World There comes a time When we heed a certain call When the world must come together as one There are people dying Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life The greatest gift of all We can't go on Pretending day-by-day That someone, somewhere soon make a change We're all a part of God's great big family And the truth, you know, love is all we need We are the world We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me Oh, send them your heart So they know that someone cares And their lives will be stronger and free As God has shown us by turning stones to bread And so we all must lend a helping hand We are the world We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving Oh, there's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me When you're down and out, there seems no hope at all But if you just believe there's no way we can fall Well, well, well, well let us realize Oh, that a change can only come When we stand together as one, yeah, yeah, yeah We are the world We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me We are the world We are the children We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and mee We are the world (are the world) We are the children (are the children) We are the ones who'll make a brighter day, so let's start giving (so let's start giving) There is a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me Oh, let me hear you! We are the world (we are the world) We are the children (said we are the children) We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so let start giving (so let's start giving) There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me, come on now, let me hear you We are the world (we are the world) We are the children (we are the children) We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so let's start giving (so let's start giving) There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me, yeah We are the world (we are the world) We are the children (we are the children) We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so let's start giving (so let's start giving) There's a choice we're making And we're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me We are the world (are the world) We are the children (are the children) We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so let's start giving (so let's start giving) There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me We are the world, we are the world (are the world) We are the children, yes sir (are the children) We are the ones that make a brighter day so let's start giving (so let's start giving) There's a choice we're making We're saving our own lives It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me, ooh-hoo! We are the world (dear God) (are the world) We are the children (are the children) We are the ones that make a brighter day so let's start giving (all right, can you hear what I'm saying?) There's a choice we're making, we're saving our own lives Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Lionel Richie / Michael Jackson

The Sun Rises Every Morning

My journey to joy took me to view many sunrises last year. I can say I truly saw the light. I believe in the good spirits looking to the light can bring. But, once the sun rose and became too bright for me to look at, I had to turn away. The bright light hurt so much. I guess it was a reflection of what I was going through. But, now with each morning I don't have the same desire to look at a sunrise. It gave me the feeling of God surrounding me and giving me a big hug. It gave me opportunities to meet people, and see goodness in people's hearts. And, most of all feel the love of God's creation. I am thankful I have the pictures, and hope to make a book some day with quotes and songs reflecting that feeling. The opportunities to find and feel hope, faith and love are all around us. And, a year later it is still filling my heart. As we are in the season of light, I hope and pray still for a world full of kindness. Quote of the Day: “What I know for sure is that every sunrise is like a new page, a chance to right ourselves and receive each day in all its glory. Each day is a wonder. ~ Oprah Winfrey Song of the Day: Dan Fogelberg To The Morning

New Chapters

What a great week! I had a good restful and reflective week full of love. I reached out to some friends on facebook and was happy to have some visits with friends. Attend a standing concert at night and NOT have to work all day on my feet. And, best of all I have some trips in mind for 2023. I am looking forward to 2023 to have some meaningful vacations involving visiting friends and family. And, the best will be a trip to Guatemala in Anitqua to meet and learn about the indegenous crafts of the women there. I have joined Trades of Hope again. And, will be sharing in my Journey to Joy Group again in 2023. My link is: https://tradesofhope.com/geralyngray. I am already blown away by your orders! I ended up in a few days becoming a qualified partner from the work I did last year and this week. I had no expectations and couldn't believe I earned $100 coupon in free product already. I was able to buy a gift for Ian and Kaylyn for free! I also will be recognized for some goals met for December! The bottom line is: it has given me a hopeful feeling approaching 2023. My picture above is a vision board I did for this year. I am happy to have made a lot of these visions come true. I am happy in my new home watching Hallmark movies, whenever I get the chance. Christmas is approaching fast, but so much less stress of having everything done. I don't want to have a tree this year. I am hoping to find the perfect one after Christmas. I have never bought a fake tree before, and was surprised how expensive they were. I have made some felt ornaments, and that is getting me in the spirt. I hope you all are enjoying this holiday season. Quote of the day: “Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder Song of the day: Brandi Carlile The Story