Rock Fairy meets Writer-Lady in Madison, CT.

So I had an awesome Saturday in Madison, CT.

David and I headed out Friday and stayed over night at a Days Inn in Branford.

The only good thing about the hotel other than the location was that it was clean. We both commented that they must have had an excellent photographer for their website…but anyway…

We had prepped in lots of little ways for the trip.

From brand new his and hers phones equipped with texting which got wonderfully used for communication between Patti and I (I have been sucked into this new technology now !)…

to the essential Rock Fairy bracelet that was a gift from the author herself last year…

 

After a semi-okay sleep, we were raring to go and meet Patti and her publisher, Mary Norris, for coffee at R.J. Julia Booksellers before the book event.

 

This was one of the most beautiful bookstore I have ever been in. Think the children’s “Book Store Around the Corner” from the movie “You’ve Got Mail” for adults times 10 ! Just beautiful and so full of juicy, juicy book goodness !

Of course the first thing we did was go and locate “Creative is a Verb” on the shelf.

We both got such a thrill to see it there and open it to the pages where my art is in the book !

Imagine, going into a bookstore and seeing some thing that you have created there ?!! I can imagine how proud Patti feels when she does that, because I sure felt it when I saw my artwork in her creation. David’s pride in the whole thing filled me up even more ! I was kind of filled to the brim all day !!!

We met Mary and Patti for coffee in the bookstore cafe. I gave my friend a huge hug. It was so good to see her in person and look into her beautiful eyes !

I may not know Patti that well in terms of everyday stuff, but we definitely have a connection that is very special to me.

I feel like I know my Writer-Lady Friend by heart.

And I feel like she knows me that way too.

(Mary Norris and Patti Digh – photo by Patti)

I was also very happy to meet Mary, Patti’s publisher at Globe Pequot Press. She is the one who takes such good care of getting Patti’s visions onto the printed page as well as corraling all the incredible art work that a call for art from Patti brings in.

 

She brought me a sweet little gift that she found – a perfect heart shaped rock! I was very touched that she thought to bring the Rock Fairy such a perfect little giftie !

After a short but sweet chatting time, we headed upstairs for the oval table book sharing event. 

There was lots of laughing (photo by Mary Norris), 

  

a few tears, and some creative fun, as Patti shared stories of how her three wonderful books, “Life is a Verb”, “Four Word Self-Help” and “Creative is a Verb” came to be.

 

(photo by Mary Norris)

We all posed for a photo with the tiny, sweet pink crayon apron that was given to Patti by Sheila, a mom who recently lost her 4 year old daughter to cancer. Donna’s apron and Donna’s spirit will be traveling with Patti on her tour.

There was time for a few photo opts with Patti, so you know I grabbed my chance. Here’s the shots Patti took of the two of us.  Don’t you love how we are even styled perfectly for a photo together ? ;) This one was us with my piece from the book.

(That’s my man hanging out in the background.)

And here we are with the box of Rock My World rocks that Patti is offering as little gifts on the tour as well. Love, love, love that !!!! She also have us some perfect “Creative is a Verb” book marks.

I got my three copies of the book signed. One for me to keep. One for my mom and one for my pal Suzanne. I was asked by Patti and a few others to sign my artwork in the book. That is another first ! It felt  kind of good, you know, like an  acknowledgement of  the care and creativity that goes into creating artwork for publication.

I have been calling myself an artist for a while now, because I know that art and creating are essential to me living the life I want to live. But I have to say that having that title recognized on the outside of myself made me claim the title even more strongly !

Kim de Broin Mailhot, Artist. – that’s me !

Any how, it was a lovely day and I felt so very blessed to be on this planet on this day.

 

David and I had a yummy late lunch at a local pizza joint after saying goodbye to Patti at the bookstore.

Then we headed to the city beach in Madison, which is right on the Long Island Sound.

The skies and water views were magnificent !

We smooched a little…

(I love this man so very much. He makes me feel so very shiny !)

 

Found more art in the every day…

and headed back to our clean but not very scenic hotel that we had paid for two nights in advance.

That’s okay…

The dreams were sweet anyway…

Happy Monday, Beautiful Ones !

Letting Go of the Have-to’s

In the essay “Close the Board Room Closet”, in the book Life is a Verb, Patti Digh shares the day her head exploded because of the length of her to-do list.

She also shares how writer Toni Morrison, who had experienced a similar head explosion herself,  realized that what it all came down to was not the entire list, but “what you have to do or die !”.

For Morrison, that was raise her children and write. For Patti, I am sure it is something similar to that.

Well, for me,

the what I have to do or die is pretty simple too.

I need to love my peeps really deeply.

And I need to create.

 

(All photos from my new Sony Cybershot 10XZoom, 14.1 megapixel point and shoot – an early  pressie for my upcoming birthday from the sweet Man I love !  Dig the panorama !)

(Hampton Beach, NH – The Rock Fairy needed some supplies.)

(Our side porch with fall mums on a perfect Fall day.  )

(Furry kids Little Boo, Chica Lulu, and Azzy-Cat)

So I made the decision to quit my part time job at the Halloween store at the end of this week.

I kinda hated it, you see.

Not only that, but it was making me feel like I had no choice but to to say no to some great creative opportunities because I didn’t have the time, energy or inspiration left to create with !

I was saying no to what is so important to me  in order to make a few bucks to help out our budget at a job I hated!

That stopped me in my tracks !

I let go of the have-to.

(Thanks to my cheerleaders, Mom and David, who supported me all the way through !)

Since letting go, I have received a few orders for my arty stuff that will end up paying me almost the same as what I would make in a few weeks of work at the store.

I have had the chance to complete another piece of art for possible publication.

And the best thing of all ?

I feel like an Artist again.

I am freer, more energized and more inspired than I have been in quite a long while !

I am including this story here for a few reasons.

One is so that I will remember when I come down to the have-to’s or the real want to’s of life, I need to have faith in what my heart and soul really want to do !

And also because I want to encourage you, Beautiful Ones, to think about that list of

have-to’s that you feel like you have to hold on to.

Are there any of them that you could let go of and free your self up for the things you need to do or die ?

If you are afraid, I so completely get it.

But do it anyway.

Live your one precious life, Beautiful Ones, and know

that the universe is conspiring in your favor.

The Writer-Lady and the Rock Fairy Present...

So everyone who read my blog knows I have a deep respect and love for Patti Digh, the author of Life is a Verb : 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally.


I can honestly say that the day I met her in Deerfield, NH was a turning point in my life. Not just because her written words hold so much juicy life-living lessons for me, but also because when we met, I felt seen. Patti really saw me that evening, and the fact that I was seen made me remember something I had forgotten for a really long time. I had forgotten the power of my own light and how good it feels when I shine it brightly. That night, the light came back to the surface and it has been gaining strength ever since.

Recently I have been making many wonderful changes in my life, all in hopes of keeping my light shining brightly. One of them is looking for ways to earn money doing the things I really love. I don't want just a job to make some cash. I want a job that makes me feel like I am working towards fulfilling my purpose on this Earth. That isn't always easy to find, but I really believe that having faith and holding on the that possibility is what will make that goal a reality. I am so very grateful to be in a position where this is possible for me right now, especially as I have the support and understanding of my wonderful husband, David throughout this process..

A recent series of chats on Facebook with my friend Patti about this very topic lead to her taking notice of that Bright Kim Light again. She supported my vision for myself in her own wonderful Patti way, and offered up ways that our connection could help me work towards making a living doing what I love.

She proposed a partnership between the Writer-Lady and the Rock Fairy. I have to say I was so excited by this idea that I was jumping out of my skin ! Imagine your Favorite Writer liking what you do so much that she would be willing to put her name on it along side your own ! Talk about feeling SEEN !

So without further ado, allow me to announce that Patti Digh, and Kim Mailhot, aka The Rock Fairy , have joined together to spread a little more love in the world.

Special Issue "Rock My World" rocks are now available in the 37 Days Shop, painted with inspiring words and phrases, including many inspired by the book "Life is a Verb" .

Each ribbon-tied bag contains 13 rocks that you can use to spread the love, whether you leave them as offerings for perfect strangers or offer them as gifts to your own loved ones. Putting the love out there, even in little ways, brings it back to you ten-fold.

Ms. Digh, my Favorite Writer-Lady in the Whole World, has shared the tale of how we came together in this little project on her own blog today as well. Check it out on this Found Art Tuesday post.

By the way, thank you, thank you, for all the wonderful and oh so sweet birthday wishes ! I am just back home from Montreal this morning and promise to share some of the awesome love-fest with you tomorrow ! Happy, happy Tuesday. beautiful Ones !

Oh, The Stuff This Chick Gets Me to Do !!!

So this incredible book was published one year ago yesterday.

Since hearing about it on many of my friends' blogs, and going out and purchasing the book myself, I have to say that it has changed my life in many ways. Not only does this book inspire me to live my life in the now, to be thankful everyday for the wonders in this life, and to connect with others in my world, but it seems to have this odd power over me.

Since this book has come into my life, I have done a few crazy things such as

- talking a good friend into driving with me into the middle of now where (Deerfield, NH) to a cafe to hear an author she had never heard of speak...

- telling a perfect stranger that I was proud of her because she had bravely taken a chance to invite an author, a woman who had inspired her but who was still really a stranger, to come and stay with her and to read from her book in a cozy cafe filled with her family and friends (Yay, DEB! - she's no longer a stranger ! ;))

- handing out rocks to an entire room full of strangers, with the intention of spreading a little love, and letting myself shine...

- writing my own obituary though I am alive and well, and then posting it on Patti's website for everyone to read

But now, this book, (or is it the incredible author herself, Miss Patti, ?) has brought me to this...

I have made a video of myself, wishing her book a happy birthday ! A Video !!!

I hate myself on video !!!!!

Really, really HATE !

I remember having to videotape myself in university reading stories to my kindergarten class, and I was totally traumatized by how I sounded, how I looked and how awkward I seemed.

I have now watched this video in disgust about six times, trying to decide whether or not to post it or to send it to Patti.

I could settle for this nice photo of me in the studio, looking not too bad, holding my bowl of cereal and bananas with birthday candles...

Or I could let go...say screw it, what's the big deal, and leave this video here for all of Blogland and the world really, to see...

Okay, please ignore the bed head, the "ems and ers", and the odd way my lips seem to be pursing as I speak, and watch me facing my fears...

(I know you will be kinder than me !)

ACKKKK! Well, at least that is over, right ?

"Life is a verb" is now my gift of choice for all my friends and family. I think everyone should read it. You should read it ! Before you know it, you will be inspired to live mindfully, reach out and connect with others, and to live this life as fully as you can in the time you are given. And who knows, maybe you will face some fears and jump out of that box too.

Congratulations, Beautiful Patti, for this great work.

Happy Birthday, LIAV !

(Oh, and Patti is having a juicy giveaway in celebration of the book's bd - send her out some birthday wishes here and you could be randomly picked for some sweet prizes !)

Saying Yes to Mondays !

FOR TODAY (Monday, June 15, 2009)

Outside my window...it is gray and wet and moist and waterlogged ! We need some sun, man , big time !!!

I am thinking...that my mood is very affected by the weather these days - sun=happy, lighthearted, rain = pensive, introverted, moody

I am thankful for...how perfectly cozy my bed is these day - smooth, soft, white cotton sheets, cool nights under the cotton blankets with my cozy man, deep, dream-filled sleeps...I like, I like !

From the kitchen...skipping this one today - not into the kitchen much except to wash my paintbrushes or grab an apple, a bottle of Smart Water or a granola bar...

I am wearing...grey sweat pants, a khaki green long t-shirt, night shirt thing, my green clogs...kind of match the weather...blah !

I am creating... a dream for my soul, shhh...it is just in the dreaming stage - fragile yet strong at the same time....not time to talk about it yet....

I am going...to go and shower early, put on some bright colored clothes and shake the gray away !!!

I am reading... (was reading until last night) "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. Too much medicine, focusing on what is wrong, stupid sad ending,...I want a book that celebrates life, isn't too "Pollyanna" or "Walt Disney", and with lots of funny bits. Know any ?

I am hoping...that the sun comes out and dries out the waterlogged flowers !!!

I am hearing.... the blue jays squawking their "squeaky clothesline" squawk.

Around the house...the white dog hair from my crazy shedding pale Yellow Lab is driving me nuts !!!

One of my favorite things...are cherries ! And it is cherry season ! Now if only the price could come down a little - it's cherries, not rare black truffles from some truffle growing country !

A few plans for the rest of the week: meditation tonight, Playing With Blocks Teleseminar with Patti Digh and David Robinson on Wednesday night, and dinner and a movie with Sonia in there somewhere too.


Here's a picture shot I am sharing :

the condensation happening between the two panes of glass in my double paned glass door in the studio -

the condensation is a pain but its little love message was sweet !

Hearts, hearts everywhere ! Yay!

(Photo by David)

Here's a couple of journal pages to finish up for this morning :

"Calling All Angels" - the first in a new series of pages

about making my soul's dream come true...

(angel detail)

"You Possess The Light Within" - art journal page

inspired by "Life is a Verb" essay "Wear Pink Glasses", p.34

I did a photo transfer of a picture of myself printed onto acetate that kind of bombed. When I finished wiping it off with a paper towel , it left this "ghostly" imprint of the photo, so I went with it...

see ghost-me looking up with my shades on ?

This essay encourages us to

"Say YES"

to things to the possibilities in life,

to relinquish control a little,

to take what someone else offers without imposing your own choice on it...

What can you just say yes to today ?

Happy Monday !

SP Wednesday - "Dressing Up for Ed McMahon"

The fantabulous Patti Digh (who came to visit my blog and left a comment here - OMG - it made my year !!!) "Life is a verb" wisdom for today comes from page 163 - the "Dress Up For Ed McMahon" essay. Here is the "Do It Now Challenge" :

"Dream Big. But remember that unhappy people who win the lottery are just unhappy people in a bigger and more public way. So enter the contest, but don't gamble the life you are living now. Keep on living that life just the same. Make your own house your dream home because of the people in it, even with that peeling wallpaper in the upstairs bedroom. Let's live a life that doesn't need TV's validation, shall we ?"

So this morning, I dressed up for Ed, or for myself really, and placed the focus on living my life right now. Chica and I are ready for our close-ups, and I think I look Mah-vel-ous, Dahlin' !

As I said earlier this week, I am un-beiging my life. Not that I ever wear beige really, but metaphorically speaking, I am removing the beige from my wardrobe. I have decided to focus on finding ways to love what I wear in spite of not being very happy with the body the clothes are fitted on. That means adding punches of color - my bright colors, anywhere I can. Don't you love the new gauzy scarf and perfect beaded bracelet I bought in my bright, bright colors ? I do !!! They make me happy ! And they make me feel like the me on the inside on the outside !

So the belly is big...the boobs are sagging...the chin ain't as firm as it used to be...

but

(butt - not so great either :( )

but

I Am Here Today...

Bright, and Beautiful

An Artist, A Seeker,

and a Lover of Life...

Living My Life

just the same...

Go Dress Up ! Today is the Day ! Happy SP Wednesday !

Digh-ed and Gone to Heaven...

I am so full up.

I don't even know what to write...

I was privileged to be a part of an incredible evening yesterday in Deerfield, NH, at the Lazy Lion Cafe, with the "Life is a verb" author, Patti Digh, our hostess with the most-est, Deb Kelley and a huge and wonderful cast of characters, not to mention my sweet, loving and supportive friend, Sonia.

We all got birthday cake candles from our pink tiara-wearing hostess, Deb. (If you read the book you know why - if you don't, check out page 29 - the essay called "Celebrate Every Orange Flag".) So perfect !

The Rock Fairy made an appearance...I brought little bags of "Rock My World" rocks for Deb and for Patti, a little thank you for making the evening happen. I also brought my bag full of loose rocks, thinking maybe they would come into play somehow, and make their way to anyone who wanted or needed some Rock love. Next thing you know, after giving one rock to Gigi, a cool chick I had a nice exchange with (her rock read "Be Here Now", so fitting !), the bag of rocks and I were making the tour of the room and everyone got one ! Oh, there was some sweet stuff at work...talk about getting your world rocked !

When Patti noticed me handing them out, she said "Oh, you're just like a "Rock Fairy" !" I replied, "That's the nickname a friend gave me recently !". That one is going to stick now, I think !

Patti read and shared herself and her funny, touching, real stories to a crowd of enthralled listeners, and there were many laughs, a few tears and hundreds of nods of understanding and connection.

The gratitude runs deep...

-to the universe for lining everything up to take place last night (including Patti's crazy flight delays !),

-to my own instincts that told me I had to be there,

-to Sonia for trusting me enough to come along on the adventure,

-to Deb for having the courage and the vision to ask for it all,

-and to Patti, for being so real and true in her intention to say "Yes" to life and all its wonders.

I feel like a new person today.

Like I have found the answer.

Like I always had the answer.

The answer to every question is

LOVE

And last night, that room of people, and I, and our guest, Patti, got a major dose of it. What I have included here only covers a small portion of it !

All I can say is read the book. Connect yourself with others who get the message. Be present in your own life. Celebrate the ordinary like it is extraordinary, because you know what ? It is !

Oh, and if you ever have a extraordinary chance to meet the most down-to-earth yet heavenly spiritual person I have ever met, Ms. Patti Digh, make sure you tell her that the Rock Fairy says " Hi, again!"

My signed copy of "Life is a Verb"

Patti Digh, at her book sharing, in Deerfield, NH, June 2, 2009

Sorry about the so-so photo - I was too enthralled to take pictures !

Buy This Book !!!