Oh me, oh my

October is turning out to be a very busy month.
Lots of fun social events with friends. Yay!
Tickets to see Fiona Apple in concert.  Looking forward to that.
Even had a fun night out with fellow workers from my day gig a couple of nights ago.  Usually my introverted side has a hard time mingling...but I managed to stay for an hour and a half without putting my foot in my mouth...yay.  Hehehe...only those who ever feel socially awkward truly understand.  * doing a little dance. *
I also booked a train ticket to go see my best friend upstate over the long Columbus Day weekend.  Yay.  I'm bringing my laptop to work on my slow progressing novel.  Rest and relaxation and writing...who can beat that?
My grandmother is coming into town so lots of cleaning and running errands before she arrives later tonight.  She's in town because one of my aunts has been very sickly lately. Hopefully it won't be a sad visit.
Let's see, I had this wicked cold last weekend that had me laid out for the better part of the week...and today I feel bright-eyed and bushy tailed.  * awww *
Last but certainly not least, a friend of mine who's been laid up in the hospital after complications from a ruptured appendix is finally back on the road to recovery.  K was released earlier in the week but she still needs an at-home day nurse to help change IV antibiotics. She was in such bad shape that I thought the outcome was going to be different.  Her fighting Irish spirit was not giving up.  Thank goodness.  The down side is that her doctors are telling her that she's not allowed to go back to work for at least 6 months. For someone who's a day laborer that's difficult news to hear. Thankfully, she's got some good friends who are lending her a hand.  To be rich with the bonds of friendship is all the treasure you need in this world...truly. I learned that lesson from one of my favorite movies, 'It's A Wonderful Life.'
I think I've put off getting my day started long enough....time to hit the shower.
Peace,
L~



All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Cold Hard Gaze

Do you ever stand back and take a look at the state of your life and think, where the heck am I?
Sheesh this happens to me far too often. However, this is not one of those self-pitying entries. It's a cold hard gaze, seeing clearly the scope and range of my life...the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. No doubt, I have had some hardships in my life. In this day and age who hasn't.  I have a crazy family who drive me bat-shit crazy from time to time but who love and support me the best way they know how. My extended family of close, bright, vibrant friends who make my heart glad when I think of them or when I hear from them...who let me vent without judgment, who vent back when they need support and they know they can count on me too. God! how much do I love them all?  Even the ones that I'm no longer on good terms with or who I fell out of grace with. I am grateful for the gifts, the lessons and the challenges that have come and gone. They have made me far more resilient than I ever give myself credit. I pride myself on being efficient person but really that's just a skill I've honed. What really matters is the people who have ever come into my life, who are in my life, or no longer actively communicating or who have passed from this life.  Those connections, some brief, some that have spanned decades...those in community, those who I've shared prayers with, both teachers and students, lovers and friends. Tonight, I feel blessed to have known them all. I am filled with gratitude and I just wanted to share this personal tidbit.  * heart wide open *
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Mid-month Update

Let's see, it's been awhile since I've written an entry.  Here are the current stats.

Writing: Slow and steady, I am working on revising the novel.  I am re-writing points of views so it's about re-shaping the way the story is being told.  Not sure yet, if it's working but I'll just plug through until I've made a solid pass across the whole manuscript.

Health: Had my first appointment with a naturopathic doctor to figure out the pain that I've been dealing with.  She's recommended a restrictive diet to weed out the possibility of food allergies and some herbs to help tonify organ functions. I am feeling positive and glad about being pro-active about my health.  Let's see how it all sorts out.

Music: Went to see Blue October play live at Irving Plaza on Saturday.  Their music live is so worth the price of a ticket! The group has some rabid fans but the best part of that is the ability to listen to the whole audience singing/shouting/carrying along with music.  Frontman Justin Furstenfeld has such a great growl and when the music crescendoes, the audience is riding along with that wave.  Irving Plaza was a bit too small for this group's crowd but I was able to grab a spot near an open door, that helped keep my claustrophobia at bay.  His rendition of Bleed Out (from his new album) was so genuine and heartfelt that I could feel the intention of the song down to my toes.  He also sang the first song that turned me onto this group Hate Me.  I also wanted to mention the song Fear, the version that he sang at Irving gave me the chills. The song was sung with a full open voice..really beautifully done.  I can't stop listening to their music.  Hoorah!!  

I think that's all I have for now.  I have to get some sleep.  Enjoy!!

Peace,
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.