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Spring Break

March 29, 2008

Spring Break

I’m in major writing mode this week. The girls are out of school for Spring Break, they are taking tennis camp – so cute! This means I only have from 9am-12pm this week to get my work done. It definitely feels like crunch time.

What are some of the things that keep you juggling these days? Do you have a long list of things to do or have you gotten better at spending time doing things you really love?

If you could take a Spring Break from your life this week, with zero responsibilities, what would you do? Money is no object, you have all the time in the world, and you are in perfect health. Where would you go, what would you do, and who would you invite to come with you?

I’d love to hear your answers to these questions. Post them below or send me a link to your journaling/ blogging here on Grandparents.com.

Have a great day!
Sandy

I just released my book JOURNALUTION: Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, Heal Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams on audio. Now you can get the full book along with brand new commentary, tips and stories from me to listen to at your leisure. Click here for more info and to download a free chapter today: http://sandygrason.com/audiojournalution/

Sandy 04/01/2008 @ 10:09AM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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Showtime

Monday, March 24, 2008

We took the girls to see “Wicked” this weekend. It was sooo wonderful. They loved it. We’ve been listening to the songs in the car back and forth to school for months now, counting down the days. It was their first real broadway show.

I’m still amazed at the creativity in the novelist and the writer of the musical. To take a beloved story such as The Wizard of Oz and attempt to explain why the Wicked Witch became wicked, to make her vulnerable and likeable, it was truly inspirational.

And what a great lesson for my girls to try and comprehend- that no matter how mean someone is, there is probably a little person inside who has been wounded.

We had such a fabulous time!

Today, I’d like you to share your favorite childhood storybook or play or movie. What are the ones that you remember most? Did you mother read you a favorite book growing up? Is that book still a part of your ritual with your grandchildren? Was there a family tradition around watching The Wizard of Oz or Christmas movies that came on television? Did your family ever take a trip to the theater together to watch a show? What are the performances that you remember growing up with?

Write about one special day you had in your life that involved magical storytelling or make believe.

Sandy 03/24/2008 @ 09:17AM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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Ouch!

Wednesday March 12, 2008

Ouch…

Today my oldest daughter is taking a trip to the dentist. She has to have 4 permanent teeth pulled. (allegedly) I don’t want to take her! She got braces earlier this year and the orthodontist recommended this drastic procedure.
The dentist called yesterday to say that they’ll probably just do one or two teeth today, which means she’ll be going back at least once more and possibly three more times! 

I've been telling her it’s no big deal, I had to get teeth pulled when I was young. But inside I’m sad, she’s working so hard at school, she’s growing so fast and I just hate that she has to have ANY pain inflicted on her at all.

I guess we could just let her teeth be crooked and she probably wouldn’t appreciate that much either when she’s in college, right?

Tell me about your relationship with the dentist. Are you someone who dreads going? Or are you one of those that gets your teeth cleaned religiously every 6 months and has still never had a cavity?

What about your grandchildren? Have they taken their first trip to the dentist yet? What are some of the things you say to comfort them or help create a healthy attitude toward this necessary ritual?

I'm off to buy milkshake and smoothie ingredients for my little girl.

Sandy 03/13/2008 @ 10:37AM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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What's in Your Closet?

Thursday March 6, 2008

I’m working in my closet today. We’re basically unpacked except for a few boxes, but my closet is in need of GREAT organization. I have a friend who says: “Clean Your Closet, Change Your Life”. What do you think about that?

There does seem to be a certain magical energy that fills the house when my closet is neat and organized. When I’ve given away the clothes that no longer fit or don’t inspire me anymore, and everything hanging there is something I absolutely love. When all of my shoes are lined up on the shelves or put in boxes, I feel…… clear. Yes, clear. Like my entire life is actually in order (which is completely impossible with two small children, a husband, a dog and an Empire to run). But still, it does feel that way.

Today, why don’t you tell me about your absolutely Faaavorite item in your closet? Is there something hidden away in a secret box somewhere? Is there a sentimental article of clothing that reminds you of a very special event? Is there a piece of jewelry or a scarf that you are saving to give to your grandchild on a special birthday or wedding day?

Can’t wait to hear what treasures you have!

xoxo
Sandy

www.SandyGrason.com

Sandy 03/06/2008 @ 03:00PM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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Personal Ad

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

This is another favorite journaling prompt of mine. I first did this in a writing group, we got it from a Natalie Goldberg book.

Try This:
Set a timer for 10 minutes and writed (or type)  “Personal Ad” at the top of a blank page (or blog post). Now, for 10 minutes, describe yourself. Don’t worry if you are married; this is just for fun and creativity. Who are you? How do you look to others? What are the most striking qualities of your personality? Why would someone be lucky to hang out with you? What makes you unique? Who are you, really? Don’t worry about the facts; you can be completely philosophical or just describe your physical qualities. Let your mind wander and your pen lead the way. Have fun!

Here is a personal ad that I *love* written by a workshop participant:

I’m a petite 5’-3”, with long, straight, light-brown hair and blue eyes, and a smile I’m told lights up a room. I’m smart, fun, and sexy. I play guitar, write songs, and sing. I am unique and I look at the world through an artist’s eyes, talking to the animals, dreaming of rocking Madison Square Garden and sailing away into the sunset. I’m a walking contradiction, practical and sentimental, bold and shy, harsh and sensitive, a socialite with hermit tendencies. I love to read. I love to write. I love a good intellectual debate, but hate arguments. I want to be a channel of love and light in the universe and leave this world a better place by the actions in my life. I’m a revolutionary and I will fight for what is right, break rules that I don’t believe in, and swim upstream in the face of blind conformity and nonconscious thinkers. I’m an Aquarius. I want to find a partner – a friend to have adventures around the world, or find a beautiful place with a river or an ocean where we can make a home…. After I rock Madison Square Garden.

Now, go write your own Personal Ad.

I just released my bookJOURNALUTION: Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, Heal Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams on audio. Now you can get the full book along with brand new commentary, tips and stories from me to listen to at your leisure. Click here for more info: http://sandygrason.com/audiojournalution/

Sandy 03/04/2008 @ 09:03AM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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I Remember

Monday February 25, 2008

I just got home from Santa Barbara last night, it was cold and rainy the whole time I was there.  I was teaching at a women's retreat at a resort called El Capitan, I can see how peaceful and beautiful it must be when the weather is gorgeous (isn't it supposed to always be gorgeous in California????), however, this week it was mostly ...... MUD.

I'm back home in sunny south florida and really appreciating the warm weather and sunshine today.

one of the journaling prompts we did this week is a favorite of mine.  you never know where it will take you.

so follow your mind as it jumps from thought to random thought and the only rule is to keep your pen moving (or your fingers typing) for at least 5 minutes.

your writing prompt today is:

I Remember

Go!

Have fun watching and capturing the random memories that show up when you allow your mind to get quiet and let the words flow......

Sandy 02/25/2008 @ 12:16PM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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Happy Valentines Day

Thursday, February 14, 2008

We finally got our internet today! My inbox racked up the high triple digits, whew, it’s amazing how much email can pile up after only a few days without a connection.

The new pad is starting to look like home. The girls are settling in to their separate rooms and having fun making it look ‘just right’. Last night they spent several hours painting small wooden letters that spelled out their names. Each letter was pain stakingly designed with polka dots and stripes and bright colorful balls. It was so cute watching them work side by side on the perfect expression of their own individual uniqueness- their name.

It got me thinking that this could be a fun way to spend some time with a young grandchild. When I was young I would draw flowers sprouting out of the letters of my name and use as many different colors as I could find in the box of crayons and colored pencils. Perhaps you could create a project together that involves both of your names or the family name or just some things you love to do together…. What a great gift or momento and the quiet moments filled with laughter and doodling will make for a precious memory.

Have a great day.
Sandy

I just released my book JOURNALUTION: Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, Heal Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams on audio. Now you can get the full book along with brand new commentary, tips and stories from me to listen to at your leisure. Click here for more info: http://sandygrason.com/audiojournalution/

Sandy 02/14/2008 @ 12:27PM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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Things that go bump in the night

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Well, it’s Sunday morning about 3am. This will mark Day 3 in the new house. There are still boxes everywhere and Lily Madonna hasn’t figured out where she’s supposed to ‘go’ yet.

It’s hard to sleep in a new house even though I’m physically exhausted, my mind is racing. I’m going over my long list of to-do’s and wondering if I’ll be able to put the house in a bit of order before I have to get back to work on Monday.

So, today’s journaling/blogging prompt is simple:
“Things that keep me awake at night….”

Write this prompt at the top of a blank page and go! Send me your list… I wonder if any of the things that keep us awake tonight, will matter very much one year from now. Probably not….

Sandy 02/11/2008 @ 09:21PM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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Monday, February 04, 2008

I just dropped my mom off at the airport. As we hugged goodbye on the curb, I didn’t want to let go. She’s so amazing. She flew in 3 days ago to help us pack up our house. We are moving this Friday. She was like a laser-focused tornado, but instead of destroying everything in her path, she left a gigantic tower of neatly packed, taped and labeled boxes. She is so amazing. Did I already say that?

I remember when I didn’t always appreciate my mother. I remember vividly the rolling of the eyes, the dismissive answers and lack of “thank you’s” from my teenage days. As I watch my two little girls move into the 'tween' phase of their lives and I become less and less necessary, it gives me great comfort to know that it’s only a phase and there will come a day when they too, look back and fondly appreciate their dear old mom again.

Mind you, my daughters are still only 11 and 9 years old, so I’m projecting not only into the turbulent teenage years which haven’t even begun yet, but already beyond into the happy reconciliation days…. Do you think I may be over thinking this a bit?

Ah well… such is the life of an over-analytical writer…

Today I would like you to write a letter to your dear old mom. It doesn’t matter if she’s still with you physically on this earth or if she’s already passed on. I want you to tell her what’s going on in your life. Tell her what’s really going on. Tell her one of your fondest memories of her. Ask her any question that pops into your mind. Write a letter and don’t edit a single thought that comes to you. Just write. You never have to show this letter to anyone. It’s just for you.

See if you can fall into that state of flow, when you stop judging what’s on the page and just allow it to flow through you.

Get more great inspirations for your journals and blogs inside the pages of my book JOURNALUTION: Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, You’re Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams (New World Library, 2005) *and* I’ve just released Journalution on audio. Now you can get the full book along with brand new commentary, tips and stories from me to listen to at your leisure. Click here for more info: http://sandygrason.com/audiojournalution/

Sandy 02/04/2008 @ 01:48PM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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MasterMind

Monday, January 28, 2008

As you read this, I’m on a plane to Palm Springs to meet with my fabulous mastermind group. This is a group of authors, speakers and entrepreneurs that support me in creating a fun and abundant life.

Do you have a support team to support you in living your greatest vision? Would you like to create one?

Today’s journaling prompt is all about masterminding. This is a practice that has had a profound impact in my business and my personal life. I hope you’ll try it!

Mastermind
Identify a friend or colleague who is interested in masterminding with you. Ask your friend what one thing he or she would like to have happen: a new job, relationship, home or whatever. Invite this friend to write an affirmative sentence that expresses gratitude for the fulfillment of that dream. Then write your friend’s sentence in your journal.

For example: Emily wants a new career, but she’s not sure what she wants to do. Emily writes: “I am so happy to have work that is emotionally and financially rewarding, fun, inspiring, and helpful to others in my community.” Her friend writes: “Emily is so happy that she has work that is emotionally and financially rewarding, fun, inspiring, and helpful to others in the community.”

Now write a sentence in your journal about what you want to have happen in your life, and have your friend write your sentence in his or her journal. Agree to look at these sentences each day and visualize the events happening. When you do this, take a deep breath and feel, in your body, what the experience will be like when these goals have been accomplished. You and your friend might even write the sentences in your journals each day and look at them several times.

When you exchange mastermind visions with at least one other person, you open yourself to the magic in the universe. You may find that, as you read your passionate sentence each day, it takes on more life. It may even change or become more specific. Rewrite your sentence as it changes, and let the vision keep growing in your mind and in your heart.

Get more great inspirations for your journals and blogs inside the pages of my book JOURNALUTION: Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, You’re Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams (New World Library, 2005)

Sandy 02/04/2008 @ 01:27PM | Permalink | Flag as inappropriate
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