Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Women's Quarter: Celia Cruz "Azucar!"

 First look at Celia Cruz's U.S Quarter coin: How to get one?

Azúcar: Sweetness, Power, and a Legacy Rooted in Rhythm

In the pulse of Latin music, Celia Cruz’s voice rises—strong, joyous, and unmistakably alive. Known as the "Queen of Salsa," Cruz transformed her love of music into a form of liberation. Every time she shouted “Azúcar!”—sugar—it wasn’t just a playful catchphrase; it was an anthem of joy, defiance, and cultural pride.

Celia’s journey was marked by migration and longing. Leaving Cuba after the revolution, she never returned, making her music a vessel for the home she could no longer reach. Cruz broke new ground as the first woman in salsa to win a Grammy Award in 1989 for her album Ritmo en el Corazón, a collaboration with Ray Barretto.

Cruz’s music is a reminder of what it means to honor your roots while growing into something more. She was never just a performer; she was a force that bridged cultures, languages, and hearts. Even when she sang about love, loss, or resilience, there was an unmistakable sweetness woven into every note—a sweetness that refused to fade, no matter the hardship.

Azúcar’s essence teaches us that joy is a choice—and sometimes, it’s the most radical one we can make. When life throws bitterness your way, find your rhythm and dance through it.

 "I have fulfilled my father’s wish to be a teacher as I educate people through my music." - C. Cruz
80-Part Celia Cruz Biopic Is Saccharine, Sincere - Newsweek  The Exhibit | Tower Theater


Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Heartistry: My Creative Path Through Pride & Prejudice


Introducing Heartistry: My New Annual Planner Inspired by Pride & Prejudice

I’m thrilled to share about my newest creative journal, Heartistry. Spanning from October 2024 to September 2025, Heartistry  is far more than just a planner for me—it’s a space for reflection, creativity, and recording life’s moments. There will be planning and goal-setting but also sketching, journaling, and capturing personal milestones.

My previous planner, Charmwoven, has been a guide for most of the last twelve months as I've roamed through Middle-earth completing activities based on Lord of the Rings. Today, I've stepped into the world of Pride & Prejudice, where each month will focus on a different character from Jane Austen’s beloved novel. It has activities, reflections, and creative prompts. From Elizabeth Bennet’s wit and wisdom to Mr. Darcy’s quiet resolve, I hope this journey will be both inspiring and enriching.

Why Heartistry? The name reflects the mix of heart and artistry that this book will embody. It's my canvas for weaving together daily life, personal growth, and, of course, a little Regency charm.

I can’t wait to get started! The cover is above and below are a few example pages. 

Cover page
Wit & Whimsy pages - showing each month's character and activities
 

 
In general each month has a monthly & weekly spread with flowers and Austen quotes

I have blank pages for journaling and creativity

Small section of "dutch doors"

Some weekly spreads have movies to go along with the holidays. I tried to make them different than last year.

Books and flowers decorations

I put in my bedtime affirmations since they help me relax

I have some spreads with just paper and decorations. Likely will use these for photos

One of many pages returning this year. Scribble Journaling is a favorite activity to relieve stress.

Here are my seasonal "adventure" lists I like to do.



I wanted to have a more organized book tracking system besides Goodreads.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

In the Spirit of Rohan: Horses & Bison in Focus

Black & White photo; two horses grazing behind fence

September has been the month I've focused on Rohan from The Lord of the Rings. One activity to match this theme might have been to ride horses, however, I think my horse riding days are over! ha. So instead I found myself inspired to photograph horses in appreciation for the noble steeds of the Rohirrim. These photos were captured as I drove around. Many times I had no choice but to pull over, get out of my car, and try to snap some quick shots from the roadside. One day, there happened to be a location that also allowed me a few fantastic photos of bison. Through my lens, I hope to share an appreciation and glimpse of the connection between these powerful creatures and the landscapes they roam.







I liked the sepia version of this one too!








Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Charmwoven Wrap-Up: A Year Curated by Lord of the Rings


Horse in green field - September Rohan activity from LOTR

This past year [Oct 2023-Sept 2024] has been a unique blend of milestones, learning, and discovery. I found myself drawn to curating my life with activities inspired by Lord of the Rings characters. [read the original post here] Through this process, I embraced more personal reflection, diligently engaged new experiences, and gathered some wisdom from quotes I came across. From moonlit nights to sun-kissed mornings at the lake, this journey has been as varied and meaningful as the characters who inspired it.

Highlights: This year, I turned 50 years old! Other highlights include many nights spent watching full moons, making a pie from pecans off my own tree, walking through my first corn maze, witnessing both partial and total solar eclipses as well as a partial lunar eclipse, and I even saw the Northern Lights.What a special year! Focusing on LOTR characters yielded other interesting activities like crafting handwritten letters to my loved ones, forest bathing and grounding, and learning some survival rope knots. I still have some things to complete this month, like leather stamping, doing a "dwarven" beer tasting, and taking horse photographs. [horse photos coming soon!]

This year has been a journey inward as much as it has been outward. Through reflection and embracing new challenges, I’ve come to better understand that having planned adventures brings me joy and that I must pursue them with intention. The people, moments, and even the wisdom from books have given me the most meaningful experiences. Having activities to push me out of the daily grind helped me shed insecurities and step into a more confident version of myself.

I found even more joy capturing the smallest of moments, like watching a quiet full moon or baking a pie from my own pecans. This year taught me be in the beauty of the present—whether it was walking through a corn maze or reflecting on how the grass felt as I was earthing. The simple things—my walk in the forest in Sulphur, OK, handwritten letters to my family, and learning survival knots are all moments that I've deeply enjoyed.

Within these 12 months, I used AI to help me correct a joke I've been telling wrong since I was four years old.

The real joke is:
"A cowboy says to a scientist, 'Howdy, partner!' The scientist replies, 'I'm not partner, I'm part nerd.' "

Here are the quotes I came across this year that made me pause and consider: 

  • "Which is more important," asked the Panda, "the journey or the destination?" "The company," said the tiny dragon.
  • "We don't learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience."
  • "Distraction is the death of art."
  • "Misery might love company, but so does joy—and joy throws much better parties."
  • "Hell is empty, and all the devils are here."
  • "Am I unhappy with the circumstances I'm in right now, or am I unhappy that I can't control how I think things 'should' be?"
  • "Don't hit at all, if it's honorably possible to avoid hitting, but never hit soft."
  • "There are worse things than death."
  • "If you are with someone who doesn't speak your language, then you'll spend a lifetime having to translate your soul."
  • "I'm not the whiskey you want; I'm the water you need."
  • "You still have time."
  • "Death doesn't end a relationship, only a life."
  • "I love blocking people. Like bruh, you're not gonna stress me out on my cellular device."
  • "When you are the star of your own life, who cares what the extras say."
  • Looking back on this year, it's clear that each experience—whether big or small; failure or success—added another layer of joy and I absolutely feel like I've squeezed the most out of these days. As this chapter closes in September, I look forward to the next year ahead with a lot of enthusiasm!

    So coming in October I'll be introducing my new planner, it's name, and the book'ish focus!  

    In case you are wondering, and following along with my adventure, I combined some of the last months of the original plan so I could start the new theme when I start my new planner in October. (see below)



    Wednesday, August 28, 2024

    The Mythology of Lumavian: The Radiant Wanderer


    Welcome to the enchanting world of our heroine, Lumavian. This is a tale of light and shadow based on one of the suggestions in a recent blog post, "You Still Have Time: 3 Creative Activities to Flourish." This is my mythology. As you delve into her story, I hope you discover like I did, how her quest for wisdom and strength illuminates her way, leading her to become a Radiant Wanderer whose light shines brightly in the ever-unfolding journey of life.

    Name Pronunciation & Origins: 

    * Lumavian (Loo-MAY-vee-un): Derived from “luminous” and “avian,” combining the concepts of light and the qualities of a bird, symbolizing enlightenment and the pursuit of wisdom.

    * Valandor (VAH-lan-dor): Crafted from “valiant” and “dor,” which suggests strength and endurance, representing the Wise Mentor’s ancient and courageous guidance. 

    * Elandra (Eh-LAN-drah): A blend of “elan,” meaning spirit or enthusiasm, and “andra,” a nod to traditional names, reflecting the moon’s vibrant presence and cyclical nature.

    * Mirelock (MY-er-lock): A fusion of “mire,” indicating a difficult situation, and “lock,” suggesting confinement, embodying the Shadow’s role in challenging and restricting Lumavian’s progress.

    * Skyshard (SKY-shard): Inspired by “sky,” symbolizing the celestial, and “shard,” denoting a piece of something greater, representing a fragment of the moon’s guiding light and reflection.

    The Childhood of Lumavian

    In the heart of an ancient forest, where sunlight wove golden threads through towering trees and the wind whispered secrets only the earth could hear, a child was born. This child, known as Lumavian, was unlike any other. From a young age, Lumavian wandered the woods alone, creating entire realms of wonder and mystery within the trees’ embrace. The forest, her first and truest friend, gifted her with an unyielding love for adventure, a thirst for exploring the unknown, and a deep connection to the natural world.

    Lumavian’s origins were humble, but her spirit was luminous. She was loved deeply by her family. But even in the warmth of this love, she felt the pull of something greater—a destiny intertwined with the light and shadows of the world. The forest had whispered it to her and the stars had sparkled in agreement.

    The Journey: Trials & Triumphs

    As Lumavian grew, so did her understanding of the world. The child who played in the woods became a woman who faced the harsh realities of life. She encountered rootlessness, isolation, and the sting of betrayal from those she once called friends. Yet, in every challenge, Lumavian found a lesson. She learned to let go of those who sought to dim her light, to release the weight of negative energies, and to surround herself with only those who uplifted her spirit.

    Lumavian discovered that not all who were born like her shared the same values, and thus, not all were meant to remain in her life. However, she found connection and beauty in learning about her ancestry while tracing her lineage back to the mystic lands of Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland. The ancient stories of her ancestors spoke to her in dreams, weaving tales of wisdom and strength into her soul, guiding her to embrace her heritage.

    Through these trials, Lumavian became a little light of strength and stillness. She married later in life, finding love in a man who saw the light within her and cherished it. Together, they built a home and sanctuary where Lumavian could always return safe from her journeys. They traveled and gave her adventure, which was a sweet testament to the life she had always desired. Her heart was full, and her spirit soared.

    Heroine's Quest: Seeking Wisdom, Adventure, and Inner Peace

    Ultimately, Lumavian’s quest was not one of conquering kingdoms or slaying beasts; it was a journey of wisdom and inner peace. She sought to release the past—those lingering shadows of doubt and fear that occasionally threatened to darken her path. With each passing year, she grew more determined to live fully in the present and to embrace the unknown with courage and hope.

    Allies & Heart Companions

    Even from her childhood days in the forest, Lumavian was never truly alone on her journey. Valandor, a powerful and ancient spirit, was her guiding force, always present yet unseen. Valandor offered strength, wisdom, and direction, reassuring Lumavian that she was on the right path, even when the way forward seemed unclear. He also sent her the greatest love in a husband who championed her journey, her creative desires, and her passion for adventure.

    With the light of Elandra, the moon, Lumavian found her way. Elandra was a companion that often reminded her of life’s cyclical nature—waxing and waning, but always returning with renewed brilliance. Lumavian often spent nights in silent conversations with Elandra, absorbing her calming wisdom. Elandra, served as Lumavian’s celestial ally, while the stars, bursting from the deep blue of the night sky, whispered of Valandor’s wisdom. Both reminded her of the protection from the heavens that surrounded her. In quiet moments of reflection, Lumavian continued her journey, ever growing, ever learning. 

    Adversaries: The Shadows

    But Lumavian’s journey was not without its adversaries. The most persistent of these was Mirelock, who tempted Lumavian with negative rumination. He was the dark shadow that tried to pull her back into the past, to relive the pains and losses she had endured. Mirelock was insidious, creeping into her thoughts when she least expected it, whispering doubts and fears that threatened to undo all the progress she had made. Each confrontation with Mirelock was a test of her resolve, but with every victory, Lumavian gained greater strength and understanding, learning to transform her shadows into sources of wisdom.

    There were also the figures who sought to destroy her sanguinity, those who, out of jealousy or spite, tried to dim her light. But Lumavian was resilient. She had learned to recognize these adversaries and to confront them with the strength and clarity she had cultivated over the years.

    Symbols and archetypes: The Lumavian Path

    Lumavian’s life was rich with symbols that reflected her values and aspirations. Each year, Lumavian’s planner transformed into a sacred book companion, reflecting Valandor’s guidance. Titles like Charmwoven and Heartistry captured the essence of her journey for that year, holding her thoughts, dreams and plans, while serving as a map of her evolving soul. The Windrose Ring she wore became a symbol of her quest for adventure and wisdom. With its intricate compass rose design, the ring represented her navigation through life's challenges, guiding her with insight and clarity. Its elegant, directional motif embodied the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. The Skyshard, with its ethereal glow, symbolized her connection to Elandra, the guardian of the night sky. This luminous crystal embodied the calming, reflective light that guided Lumavian through her most challenging times.

    As with many stories, the archetypes in Lumavian’s mythology were powerful and deeply meaningful. The Wise Mentor was embodied by Valandor, the spirit whose ancient wisdom provided guidance and strength. The Guardian was Elandra, ever watchful, ever protective, shining her light on Lumavian’s path during the darkest hours. And The Shadow was Mirelock, the dark force of rumination that Lumavian continually battled.

    The Legacy of Lumavian: The Radiant Wanderer

    Lumavian’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a life filled with light and adventure. She became the Lumivoyant, a Radiant Wanderer, whose journey was not just about the destinations she reached, but about the light she brought to the path she walked. Her mythology is a testament to the power of inner strength, the importance of wisdom, and the beauty of living a life true to oneself.

    To this day, Lumavian continues to wander, radiating light wherever she goes, her spirit as boundless as the sky, her journey ever-unfolding. 

    If you are interested in writing your own mythology, here is a simple "how-to" guide to get you started!

    woman walking in a forest at night in the light of the full moon