Kimberly Wilson's Blog, page 79

On My Mind

A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.—Leo Tolstoy

This morning I lingered in bed longer than usual. The emotional exhaustion and travel from the past few weeks has taken a slight toll.

Tim gifted me a weekend getaway to Seattle to celebrate our 14-year anniversary and we’d planned to take Belle and our new rescue, Gizmo. When Tim tried to lure Gizmo into the travel bag last Wednesday, we knew we had to make alternative plans. He whined and scratched and we had two days to acclimate him. We went into fix it mode.

He hadn’t been to daycare, so wasn’t approved for boarding yet. And, honestly, we hated for him to be with new people for four days. He’s been shuffled around so much since being surrendered by his original owners. Then a lightbulb went off, Mom! We looked into flights and she graciously hopped on an DC-bound plane the next morning. Gizmo and Mookie were in heaven to have such great care and we breathed a sigh of relief.

Our time in Seattle was lovely—a blend of social time, nature, wandering around Pike Place Market, eating amazing food, hitting Elliott Bay bookstore, looking at farmette properties. However, the 11+ hours of plane travel in four days takes a physical toll.

The morning after we returned, Gizmo had three tumors removed and we’re anxious parents awaiting his recovery. He’s snoring peacefully on my lap as I type, yet filled with staples after the removal of tumors and tissue. It’s heartbreaking and, equally, I’m honored to be his new mama and feel blessed to nurse him back to health. He’s such a sweet, tiny boy (only 14 lbs).

In addition to regrouping from the past week, here’s what’s on my mind:

Making Pigs & Pugs Project‘s screening of The Last Pig a success {tickets and details to come}
Getting more exercise. My last yoga and ballet class was two weeks ago and my body aches.
Learning more about farming and gardening. Picked up these two books: Cut Flower Gardens and Woman-Powered Farm . Psst, my dream is to have a farmette in the country with rescue potbelly pigs, pugs, flowers, veggies, and, yes, maybe even a tractor. Pink, of course.
Giving Year of Tranquility everything I have. And then some.
Writing my memoir. I need to return to my writing habit and create a book proposal.
Designing TranquiliT‘s spring collection.
Reading. I’d like to beat my 24-book annual Goodreads challenge and my plan to do so is to tote a book with me at all times. Hello, Kindle app on the phone and a physical book.

I share all this to highlight that if your year isn’t off to a glamorous start, sometimes it just takes a pause to recognize it and regroup. Refocus. Set priorities once we get through the emergencies.

Personally, I have a deep desire to live as the Tolstoy quote suggests. That my work may be of some use. That a quiet secluded life in the country is what my soul craves right now. That books and nature and rest and music and love for all beings are musts.

So if you decide to linger in bed a bit longer or feel drawn to wander the countryside, listen deeply. Your soul knows what it wants and needs. So tell me, what’s on your mind? Bisous. x

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And we’re off . . .

Sunday night we launched Year of Tranquility and I couldn’t be more excited about our group—open, kind, nurturing, fun!

The above shot shows the Pink Palace set up with many computers, twinkle lights, stargazer lilies, and dog beds.

The photos below were shared on social media and capture the set ups of ladies in New York, Seattle, Oklahoma, and spots in between.

We still have a few ladies trickling in so if you’d like to join us, it’s not too late. You can find all the information here.

I’m truly honored to take this yearlong journey with so many of you. Thank you for your support and love. Bisous. x

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Year of Tranquility Starts *Tomorrow*

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful that the risk it took to bloom.—Anais Nin

Tomorrow evening we begin Year of Tranquility.

For the past 20 years I’ve been a seeker, teacher, explorer, and student of living life with more tranquility. This yearlong program is a piece of my heart and life’s work.

Remember Suzuki’s quote, “You’re perfect as you are. And you could use a little improvement.”

This program is a celebration of all that IS right with you. It also incorporates tools to help you continue to flourish and grow. Think of it as a garden where you can bloom.

Daily we’ll connect via our community forum (not Facebook) to share ideas, ask questions, and explore the practice of our monthly theme.

Weekly you’ll receive inspiration straight to your inbox to keep you connected to the month’s theme.Monthly we’ll dive deep into a tranquility-themed topic via an online video call and accompanying PDF to learn new tools for living with ease, achieving your dreams, and finding meaning along the way.

Seasonally we’ll connect via TDJ Lives and private after parties plus half-day retreats in the spring and fall.

Filled with inspiration from my work as a yoga teacher, writer, designer, and therapist, this offering is a lifestyle adventure into becoming more of who you are. Who you want to be. And celebrating all that entails.

If you seek deeper self-understanding, enjoy reflection, love learning, appreciate beauty, and want to bloom within a collective of individuals, I’d love to have you join us!

$299 annual or $29 monthly

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Tranquility du Jour #412: 2018

In today’s first podcast of 2018, I share insights from our time in Paris, an introduction to our new rescue Gizmo, a glimpse into the Year of Tranquility, and tips on bringing creative dreams to life.

 



Direct download: Tranquility du Jour #412: 2018

Upcoming Events

Year of Tranquility: Launches January 14

Yoga, Mindfulness + Creativity in Costa Rica: February 17-24

Yoga + Art in West Virginia: June 1-3

Penning in Paris: July 23-27

Savvy Sources

Mentioned in the Podcast

Year of Tranquility
Make Your Creative Dreams Real by SARK
Belle at the Louvre
Spring Your Wings blog post
A New Voice blog post
Lessons in Paris blog post

Social Media



Eye candy on Instagram
Pin along with me on Pinterest
Let’s connect on Facebook
Follow moi on Twitter
Watch via YouTube


Tranquility Tips + Tools

Shop slow locally-made, eco-friendly fashion: TranquiliT
Browse my 5 Books
New to Tranquility du Jour? Peruse the FAQs
Tranquility-filled E-courses
Download the Tranquility du Jour Podcast App: iPhone and Android
Sign up for Love Notes and access Tranquil Treasures
Read about my passion for animals

Request

Pen a review on iTunes and/or share this podcast via social media, s‘il vous plaît.
Pen a review of my books on Amazon or Goodreads.


Techy

To listen, click on the player at the top of the post or click here to listen to older episodes.
New to podcasting? Get more info at Podcast 411.
Do you have iTunes? Click here and subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episode as released.
Get the Tranquility du Jour apps to download the podcast “automagically” on iOS or Android.

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Gaga for Gizmo

Adding Gizmo into the mix has been a whirlwind of emotions. We’re so in love with him and incredibly protective already. What Gizmo wants, Gizmo gets.

Last night Tim showed me his new three dog feeding system. Mookie first because his bowl doesn’t skid (has a rubber bottom) across the floor when he’s eating and he gets twice as much food (he’s nearly twice their size), so he takes longer to eat.

Next, Belle on the pink dog bed in the kitchen to keep her bowl from skidding as she eats.

And finally Gizmo gets fed in a bowl pressed up against a bin for leverage (aka no skidding), I laughed aloud. Really, this is our life?! A well thought out system to prevent skidding bowls.

We’ve all adjusted since last week’s drama and are slowly settling into a routine that involves different walking schedules, equal attention allocation, various meds, and doctor’s appointments. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

However, on Saturday we got sad news. Gizmo has cancer. He has a fatty mass that was thought to be benign. But after our vet ran a pathology report, we found that the large mass on his side is actually cancer. We have an appointment with a cancer surgeon specialist first thing Monday morning (their soonest opening) and look forward to exploring options.

My hope is that it’s low grade and hasn’t spread, of course. Either way, we’ll do all we can to make sure he’s happy and healthy as long as possible.

It’s been a tough blow considering we’re still mourning the loss of our beloved first-born, Louis, who died from brain cancer and madly in love with this guy. He truly is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met. And, truth be told, I think he likes me more than Tim. Thank god!

Tim joked that I was going to keep adopting until I got a pug that liked me more! Belle is obsessed with Tim, I’m mostly chopped liver despite flooding her with love (and cute clothes). And Mookie, well he’s in his own very special world. Same with Jackson the cat.

Gizmo caught my attention on Homeward Bound’s Instagram account in November and I kept sending his photo to Tim and Mom. Finally I broke them down to at least coordinate a meeting with him. (Pssst, I have a formula in case you’re interested!).

The rest is history. He now sleeps in our bed and we’re head over heels for this one-eyed, 10-year-old boy who walks like a crab and snores like an old man.

I clearly fell in love with Gizmo on Instagram for a reason. Truly gaga for Gizmo.  Bisous. x

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TDJ Live Replay

A BIG thank you for tuning in on Monday night while we welcomed a wintery mix here in DC!

I loved being with you and so appreciate you joining from New Zealand, France, Canada, and across the US. Gizmo and Belle {featured above} joined—okay snored—throughout the gathering, too. 

If you missed us live, the one-hour video recording is now available for $10 download HERE.








Share photos of your petals and set up from your TDJ Live experience using #TDJLive. These two photos were spotted online. Thank you for sharing! 
 
Wishing you a joyful and tranquil ease into this brand new year. Thanks for sharing the start of it with me. I can’t wait for Sunday night’s Year of Tranquility launch! x

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TDJ Live TONIGHT

Greetings and Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to tonight’s TDJ Live at 8pm ET.

Tonight you get to meet Gizmo (who we’re kinda obsessed with), see Belle Starr and Mookie, learn 8 (okay, maybe even 10 . . . I couldn’t stop) tranquility tips for the new year, and connect with others in the chat box.

Oh, and get a 20% off coupon code to shop locally-sewn, eco-friendly TranquiliT!

Grab a yummy libation, get comfy, and have your event Playbook, a journal, and pens handy.

Never fear, if you can’t join us live, the video will be available for $10 download within 24 hours here.

See you soon! x

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A Pile of Pugs

Greetings from the less-than-tranquil Pink Palace!

We returned from Paris on Friday and two days later set out on a 26-hour round-trip drive  to pick up our latest Homeward Bound rescue, Gizmo Pierre (shown above on the left).

After teaching the New Year’s Eve mini-retreat at Tranquil Space, Tim, Belle, and I headed toward Pennsylvania to get a head start on the drive. I made my end of year donations and, per usual, couldn’t keep me eyes open long enough to see the ball drop.

Mom and Pops had graciously agreed to watch Mookie and Gizmo while we were in Paris with Belle and to meet in St. Louis (somewhat midway between DC and OK) for a reunion.

Up early on New Year’s Day, we made the additional eight-hour trek to St. Louis and spent a wonderful evening and following morning with Mom, Pops, and the pugs at the beautiful Union Station hotel (where it was -2 degree outside).

Yesterday was our first full day together at home. Following a 1am return and early morning vet appointment for Gizmo, I was with clients until 9:30pm. Midday I checked in with Tim expecting a fairy tale update and, instead, it was chaos.

Two pugs had a brief altercation. One pug peed on the bed, so Tim began washing the two lines affected. Then another pug peed on the bed, so he washed all the linens. Once he sat down to check email, Gizmo claimed his lap as Belle looked up at them from the floor with her “doe eyes,” as Tim described. Since she’s never more than a few feet from Tim and definitely isn’t one for sharing him, he set up a chair on either side of his to accommodate all of them.

I called as he was heading out the door with all three (no easy feat) and Mookie was freaking out in the background (the norm, he has lots of anxiety). Poor Tim, I could barely hear him over Mookie’s barking, but could tell it wasn’t going well. He’d just driven 26 hours in two days, was still struggling with jet lag, and had three special needs pugs to handle. No biggie.

He shared how he’d taken that great photo (top one) and everything looked perfect, but he was already exhausted. We ended the call when he got home from the walk to find the washer making beeping sounds indicating an issue. The not-so-needed cherry on top.

Since I had a break between clients, I grabbed us both lunch and headed home to help handle the pups and give him a breather.

Today has been slightly smoother and I know we’ll continue to adjust to the “new normal.” Gizmo is the sweetest pup, sleeps most of the time, and always wants to be next to you.

Also, this photo below makes me laugh. Someone commented on Instagram how well-behaved they all looked. Truthfully, this image was snapped right before Belle jumped off my lap and cut in front of a server carrying a tray filled with dishes. He saw her just in time, but we were horrified. That would have been a mess!

So, as you can see, those photos don’t always tell the full story! Here’s to a continued adjustment to 600 square feet of three pugs, one kitty, and two adults. We’ve got this (she keeps reminding herself)! Bisous. x

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Monday = TDJ Live

What is TDJ Live?

An *free* one-hour live video gathering to reflect, set intentions, and be inspired to make 2018 an amazing year. Learn eight tranquility tips for the new season.

Slow down to play with your creative tools (journal, markers, washi tape, ephemera, pens) and make yourself a priority. Push the pause button on your busy life to connect with other tranquility-seekers around the globe.

When:

Next date January 8th, 2018 8pm ET (use this handy time zone converter). If you can’t join live, no worries, the recording will be available for a $10 instant download shortly after the event.

How:

A few minutes before start time, gather your creative tools, settle in with a cuppa tea (or bubbly), take 10 deep breaths, and click the link sent via email upon registration. Put your hair up and get cozy, the camera is only on me. Lipstick optional.

Connect:

Follow along, share photos, and insights using #TDJLive.

Cherries on top:

Receive a special discount code to shop locally-sewn, eco-friendly TranquiliT. Meet my rescue pugs Mookie, Belle Starr, and Gizmo. Create in your full-color Playbook (sent via email before the event).

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Spread Your Wings

Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.—Yvonne Woon

Annually I love sharing this piece on transitioning into a new year. I hope you enjoy . . .

The end of the year. Another completed chapter. Let’s tie a ceremonial bow around it and honor our evolution—highlights, lessons learned, struggles, dreams, experiences. Each of these played a role in the year’s unfurling.

To awaken memories, set aside time to flip through places you kept notes and dates, such as your planner, online calendar, and journal. Scroll through your photos for visual cues. Pull out cards, ticket stubs, conference swag, and/or exhibit brochures (I keep these items in a shoe box wrapped in pretty paper labeled “memories”). Collect any mementos you may have tucked away from this year and pile it on your kitchen table.

According to Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big Life: Making Room for What Really Matters (interviewed on Tranquility du Jour), “The end-of-year review process is very similar to sowing seeds. When you plant a garden, you don’t sit and stare at the seeds until they sprout. You know that some will germinate and some will not, but it is not up to you to make them grow. All you can do is set the conditions for their growth with good soil, adequate water, and the right amount of sun. And that’s what this exercise does—and while you are sowing seeds during this period, you can be enjoying the fruits of the previous year’s harvest at the same time.”

Grab writing tools and paper. Sip tea and list what you recall from the year in no particular order and answer the above questions. Capture big moments (e.g. started graduate school) along with tiny ones (e.g. sipped a cherry limeade at the drive-in with mom). Let the list flow.

Here are a few questions to help you get started:

How did you spend your time? There are 168 hours/week and 8,760 hours/year. Where did yours go? Break it down into categories such as family, creativity, work, spirituality, etc. Compare where it went to where you’d like to see it go next year.
What journeys did you take?
What were your accomplishments and disappointments?
What lessons did you learn?
How have you grown from this time last year?
How do you hope to show up this time next year?

Design a visual representation of the year by printing an assortment of photos and creating a collage. Or if you’re more techie, use an app like Collage Creator to assemble an electronic history that can be a desktop or image to share with loved ones.

Sometimes I paste a beautiful image pulled from a magazine into my art journal and list memories on it with a Sharpie. This reminds me of the year’s ups and down, allows me to express gratitude for what transpired, and honor the evolution.

After this process (which can take days, by the way), review your answers, images, hopes, and dreams. Light a candle to honor losses. Acknowledge how every experience has made your year unique. Set an intention for what you hope to see unfold next year. Allow this process to nurture who you are and who you are becoming. Sans judgment, simply observation filled with loving-kindness.

Spread your wings and fly, dear one. You are beautiful. Namaste.

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