Category: Blog

Happy Valentine’s Day

On February 12, 2024

I have a sweetheart. A sweet tooth. A sweet spot. To live. A borrowed dog for Valentine’s Day and too much on my mind. I found a $10 bill on the ground after days of manifesting that very scenario. It could have been any amount. I wasn’t specific. Wow. The universe is sending signs and gifts as signs and the gift of time and “no, I am not retired” –maybe it is the chocolate croissant and double espresso con leche that massages the anxiety or leads me to eat 1/2 a bag of potato chips for lunch –well more than the 16 chips allotted by the recommended serving size on the back of the package. Salt and olive oil. Savory on the tongue. Lick my fingers.

Water. Wine. Wonder. Walk the dog. Walk myself. Walk into the future.

The sun is shining on all the fallen angels. Life is a blessing.

The Gift of Time vs Productivity

I love my life despite this self-induced anxiety I’m bemoaning. Or trying to understand. The gift of time whispers not so gently with reminders, and some enthusiastic cheering from the sidelines:

–YOU CAN DO IT– Let’s go let’s go. . .L E T S G O

You CAN fulfill your desires to manifest creative abundance and financial support in a manner that provides a life of purpose while nurturing the deep-seated need for freedom
You CAN live fully without fear of lack
You CAN love out loud or as quietly as you need
You CAN keep traveling and dreaming — ever grateful for each opportunity
You CAN walk brightly into the future and embrace the challenges
You CAN write freely without fear of ridicule, humiliation, or the need to monetiz
Open your heart
Feel free
Be you
Trust

All that said, today I’m trying to focus on self-education: Duolingo, WordPress, TinyPNG, or Ewwww (or others) to compress images without taking time to resize them all before the upload to my blog. In the age of Aquarius, I expected more. Ease. I google. Get an app. Okay. But do I need an API key? How much does it cost? Or is it free? Automatic? What part do I play? Am I only afraid of the future? Or failure?

I raise my hand to ask the teacher but no one is standing at the front of the room. I’m manic. Breathe.

I found the teacher in the room. Just for fun and in the vein of education/walking into the future AI reiterates my thoughts:

In the digital age, the pursuit of knowledge and skills through self-education is both admirable and essential. Your focus on learning platforms such as Duolingo and WordPress is a testament to your dedication. Additionally, seeking tools to optimize your blog by compressing images—like TinyPNG or EWWW Image Optimizer—demonstrates your savvy in streamlining your workflow.

Now, while these services often promise simplicity, the initial setup can come with a barrage of questions. Should you need an application like TinyPNG or EWWW Image Optimizer, understanding the nuances of each is important.

Let’s break it down:

API Key: Services like TinyPNG require you to obtain an API key to use their service programmatically. This key often comes free with certain usage limitations.
Costs: While some basic plans are free, higher usage volumes or additional features might require a paid plan. Always check the pricing tier that aligns with your usage needs.
Automation: Tools like EWWW Image Optimizer can automate the process of compressing images upon upload to WordPress, requiring minimal action from you.
The Role You Play: As the user, you interact with these applications by setting initial preferences and perhaps managing the occasional oversight. Your primary role is to ensure the tool’s settings align with your desired balance between image quality and file size.

Lastly, it’s natural to have trepidations about the future or the possibility of failure when adopting new technologies. However, remember that each tool you master is a step toward a more efficient and empowered future in the Age of Automation. Embrace these aids as extensions of your capabilities; they are not replacements but enhancers of your creative expression and intellectual growth.

Beauty is everywhere. . .in this I believe. And that is enough. For now.

Happy New Year 2024 –!!

By akpath

On January 1, 2024

In Blog

Discipline.Individuality.Compassion.Enthusiasm.Pleasure.Curiosity.
Nurturing.Authenticity.Discernment.Beauty.Transformation.Vision

Do you know where you're going to, do you like the things that life is showing you. . .Do you KNOW --?

My words for the year are TRUST and TRANSFORMATION.

Covid: A body reset?

By akpath

On December 14, 2023

In 2023, Blog

I am back a week and a day ( –it is well over a month by the time I hit publish as it turns out) from walking 700+ miles (1150 km) from Lausanne, Switzerland, along the shores of beautiful Lac Leman through the Alps and across the border at Grand St. Bernard Pass down into the scenic Aosta Valley of Italy. From there south through the rice fields of the Po Valley and grapevines and hazelnut groves, through the Piedmont region and the fall fallowed fields of Tuscany into Lazio where eventually I walked into St. Peter’s Square on October 27th, 2023, and into the eternal city of Rome. 60 days on the path. 5 days off to rest and explore. You can read about my Pilgrimage or click the link above, follow my Camino.

All the while COVID waited in the wings.

The ART of rest –hmmmm? When people tell me “to rest” –what does that look like: do nothing, sit in a chair, can I read a book? does it mean taking a nap, taking a bath, or staying in bed all day? Should I get dressed? Can I chat on the phone, work from home, cook, or run to the store (only if masked and only after isolating for 5 days from the start of symptoms –per the CDC –)? BUT I don’t feel sick. No fever. My energy level is okay –especially considering jet lag. I only have a cold. A cold. Yet the results from my home government-sponsored antigen test show I am positive with COVID. A covid COLD. Okay. Home from work. A temporary gig I committed to happily, before I left, knowing I would have income when I returned (after a 2-month hiatus), and now I sit at my kitchen table contemplating the art of rest and how to be productive without overdo. I might be getting used to it.

The body reset. No wine. No walking. No one knocking at my door. Nowhere to be. Sigh.

Mental Health Day

By akpath

On December 13, 2022

In 2022, Blog

It’s been nearly a year since I’ve sat at a kitchen table (and not the same place I sat a year ago) –not that it matters in a world of remote mobility. Still I mention it, as observation — to write a post to this blog. Today only a test. An update. The blog has no identity. Only limbo. I don’t mind limbo. A place of contemplation. A time out.

Who do I want to be? What do I wish to create? What do I have to say? If anything.

I don’t know if I like my template: the free version of ASHE, except for the Instagram feed. That works. I love the format of photos. A thumbnail. A window. Basic. Image. But I might love it if I learn how to use it properly. Explore the options. Experiment with possibility. Learn the basics. How to combine photos and words. Format. Format. Format. Marry them. Encourage dialog. Narration. A potential to thrive.

I need a tutorial.

It was probably 11 years ago that I first built a website from scratch. And committed to a blog a week. For a year. I did it. I loved it. The structure of time set aside for writing. The sit down and begin. Another kind of unknowing. The sharing of thoughts and photographs. And now I’m regressing though it is possible I’m unfolding into a greater unknown. A better place. Be patient the spirit whispers. Have faith.

Everything Changes

Co-dependency is a struggle. A life lived out of balance with spirit takes a toll. Eventually. There is a tendency toward self-destruction. The triggers more volatile. The spirit is making her presence known. Now is the time she whispers. Now is the time. Focus on the beauty. It is everywhere. Focus on the beauty. The pale pink tulips in the clay vase. The yellow wall. The fold of the green leaf. Focus on the beauty. The slant of light on the icy snow. The call of the day beckons. It is a new dawn. The pale pink tulips in a clay vase. The yellow wall. The cool air creeping around your feet. Breathe into the stillness.

You must learn one thing

the world was made to be free in.

Give up all other worlds

except the one to which you belong.
–David Whyte (from Sweet Darkness)

I think of a million metaphors . . .

By akpath

On January 2, 2022

In Blog

for this awakening out the window on the morning of the New Year 2022: rough & tumble beginnings, out with the old guard/patterns of white guy corporate America politic/I’m glad it wasn’t the roof. LOL. But I choose joy. It cracked me up this scene. Hilarity on the morning after the eve of supposed reflection and revelry. A celebration of endings. Of new beginnings. A segue way to hope. Creative abundance. An opening of the heart. Yes. Laughter is good for the soul. This satirical apocalyptic so safe but perhaps a wake-up call.

It was an experiment leaving the sun shade up through the fall. Through the high desert winds of a dry winter until the wet heavy white stuff caused the collapse. A new paradigm is coming. What do I bring to the table I wonder. I ask myself this every day as I attempt to communicate my angst or my knowing to others, but “what do I bring to the table?” –what do I offer to or as a solution.

To the revolution that is coming. To the magic.

Bless the curious and intrepid. 
Change begins in nuance. In a slant of light. 
Not the lines we draw to distance ourselves from the other or each other or even those we love.

I did not pull out my wallet to a young man who approached me in the parking lot last week. His hoodie drawn up because of the cold. “I slept outside last night” he said. “I’m sorry” I replied and continued to load groceries into the back of my car. “Hey lady with the subaru” he said. He was kind enough. I was on alert but mostly I didn’t want him to ask me anything. I wanted avoidance. I felt horrible then. I felt worse after. I really am sorry yet I did nothing to rectify his situation or my feelings. I tried to justify it in my mind. My not giving. My not wanting to pull out my wallet. THIS is living in fear my friends. THIS is the opportunity to offer assistance. To step up. It has bothered me for years this being approached by a man in the parking lot. The man with the sign in the median of the road where I stop at the red light. Awkward. What is that? It is truth. That sinking feeling in your gut is there because you have the power here. To be kind. I usually meet their eyes but to what end –as if this is someone else’s problem. The beggars on the sidewalk. Is it a scam? And really who cares –? We are taken by the banks and credit card companies every day. The downtown parking meters that buy us no time. We give easily to the white collar marketing institutions:

The auto insurance. The extra to cover electronics. The pharmaceutical industry that now rules the world. The food bank. The women’s shelter — but the man on the street. . .the one living in a cardboard box –well that is different. Can’t they get a job? Later I think how I could have offered him a blanket or the sleeping bag I keep in the back of my car or at the least pulled out a $20 bill. It is the holiday season after all. But in the spirit of generosity I did nothing. No wonder they scoff when someone offers them a dollar. What can it buy? Not even a cup of coffee.

It’s time to rewrite the story. One of equality and justice for all.

May we launch into New Year 2022 on the spirit of adventure. Set ourselves free from self-imposed barriers. Let us soar upon the wings of generosity and prosperity for all. May the light infuse our days. Love open our hearts. May we step outside fear into playful abundance and joy. Allow the anger bursting forth to wash us into a higher consciousness. Be well. Be brave. Yes. Pull up a chair and take a seat at the table of change.

Dip our toes into the well of wonderment and create a ripple towards a brave new world.

Happy New Year 2021 –!! Be well. Be brave. Be FREE.

By akpath

On January 2, 2021

In Blog

May there be healing and connection for and around the world.

May there be heart opening authenticity as we grow
–each of us–
together and in isolation
into imperfectly beautiful and magical beings.

May we manifest the power of possible
into a world of relentless agenda,
tear down walls that separate, diminish, define
to hold up and support voices of radical reason and equality.

Love over fear. Love is love.
Love thine enemy.

May we anticipate and joyfully manifest meditative walks on pilgrim paths
–the freedom of travels that bring us closer
to Spirit, Spirituality, our Soul path.

May we recognize our privilege.
Bring awareness to our choices. To our words.
Give back. Be kind. Be silent. Breathe. Pause. Listen.

May there be abundance, love and prosperity.
May we appreciate beauty in all things.

==Truth and vulnerability for all–

January 2020

By akpath

On February 4, 2020

In Blog

We tried to push the tiny inside tables together then followed two other women outside to the patio. Snow berms on the cushions pushed aside. Heat lamps lit then fizzled. The propane run out though a linger of gas. Dissipates. As still and bubbles are served. Gruet. Cheese & crackers. Bundled in winter down and the warmth of friendship we stayed.

A toast to winter. To Saturday in Santa Fe. Cheers!!