Deeply moved by this poem that my yoga teacher recited, in part, in class tonight. How great is it that I live in a place where yoga teachers recite poetry?
Saint Francis And The Sow
The bud
stands for all things,
even for those things that don't flower,
for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing;
though sometimes it is necessary
to reteach a thing its loveliness,
to put a hand on its brow
of the flower
and retell it in words and in touch
it is lovely
until it flowers again from within, of self-blessing;
as Saint Francis
put his hand on the creased forehead
of the sow, and told her in words and in touch
blessings of earth on the sow, and the sow
began remembering all down her thick length,
from the earthen snout all the way
through the fodder and slops to the spiritual curl of the tail,
from the hard spininess spiked out from the spine
down through the great broken heart
to the blue milken dreaminess spurting and shuddering
from the fourteen teats into the fourteen mouths sucking and blowing beneath
them:
the long, perfect loveliness of sow.
© 1980 by Galway Kinnell
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Dating question: "Do you have a passport and a library card?"
In the search for lasting love, this is an important question to be asking perspective partners you meet. A NYT article describes a shift in coupling, More Men Marrying Wealthier Women. While I have no trouble finding perspective dates, I'm not married but want to be. My previous two (foreign) boyfriends both had a problem with my career prospects (that they are good). They never asked if it was negotiable, which brings to light that the problem was their egos. But I'm not sure this is true of the typical Bay Area American man. I do have to screen, as the title question indicates, for literate- and worldliness.
A recent article in San Francisco Magazine discussed how many career women who chose to be work-at-home moms are now forced to return to work because their husbands were laid off. In the article, this is particularly humiliating since their skills are grossly out-of-date and thus their earning potential much lower than it was when they chose to leave the workforce. I read somewhere else that we've only been negotiating these issues about 20 years -- we have no role models, no rules or guiding principles, we just have to trust that it's all going to work out.
A recent article in San Francisco Magazine discussed how many career women who chose to be work-at-home moms are now forced to return to work because their husbands were laid off. In the article, this is particularly humiliating since their skills are grossly out-of-date and thus their earning potential much lower than it was when they chose to leave the workforce. I read somewhere else that we've only been negotiating these issues about 20 years -- we have no role models, no rules or guiding principles, we just have to trust that it's all going to work out.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
Happy MLK Day!
My alarm went off at 8:40 this morning. Since it's the end of a long weekend, it woke me up. I was also up late last night savoring the near-end of BSG, and you know how I feel about quality television.
I can't find it now, but the radio discussed neural reprogramming. A teenage girl struggled with depression. She was spending time with mean girls. Her neural reprogramming process involved questioning her reaction to the situation. Was she really an unlikable person? Or was it also possible that these girls didn't like her while other girls did? She changed friends and felt much better.
Most self-help is the same; each one just uses different language. Neural reprogramming is like meditation (where you let go of your thoughts). I recently enjoyed reading "Loving What Is" where you confirm that your thoughts have a basis in reality (or change them if they don't).
On BSG, Baltar (one of the main characters, originally a brilliant scientist) becomes a religious leader of a small but growing cult. He preaches to them, "you are perfect just the way you are." Within a couple days of watching that, K sent me the following quote, "When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky" ~ Gautama Buddha. When coincidences like that happen, I pause.
I don't believe in perfection... at least not in living things. The concept doesn't fit. Perfect moments on the other hand....
I spent yesterday with my mother and sister.
We ate dim sum and then walked along Crissy Field where we saw a rainbow.
It rained intermittently. My sister reminded my mother of something she said on one of their vacations "If it gets any better than this, I'm not even interested." My mother noted that negative experiences stick with us so that we can protect ourselves from wild animals. We only remember positive experiences if they last for at least 20 seconds.
Which reminds me of methods for remembering people's names. I've heard that if you repeat the persons name three times after you've heard it (which presumably lasts at least 20 seconds), you're more likely to remember it.
At this point, I am tempted to break into song. You're lucky you're reading this and not in the room with me:
AC-CENT-TCHU-ATE THE POSITIVE (Mister In-Between)
(Johnny Mercer / Harold Arlen)
You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
...
My alarm went off at 8:40 this morning. Since it's the end of a long weekend, it woke me up. I was also up late last night savoring the near-end of BSG, and you know how I feel about quality television.
I can't find it now, but the radio discussed neural reprogramming. A teenage girl struggled with depression. She was spending time with mean girls. Her neural reprogramming process involved questioning her reaction to the situation. Was she really an unlikable person? Or was it also possible that these girls didn't like her while other girls did? She changed friends and felt much better.
Most self-help is the same; each one just uses different language. Neural reprogramming is like meditation (where you let go of your thoughts). I recently enjoyed reading "Loving What Is" where you confirm that your thoughts have a basis in reality (or change them if they don't).
On BSG, Baltar (one of the main characters, originally a brilliant scientist) becomes a religious leader of a small but growing cult. He preaches to them, "you are perfect just the way you are." Within a couple days of watching that, K sent me the following quote, "When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky" ~ Gautama Buddha. When coincidences like that happen, I pause.
I don't believe in perfection... at least not in living things. The concept doesn't fit. Perfect moments on the other hand....
I spent yesterday with my mother and sister.
We ate dim sum and then walked along Crissy Field where we saw a rainbow.
It rained intermittently. My sister reminded my mother of something she said on one of their vacations "If it gets any better than this, I'm not even interested." My mother noted that negative experiences stick with us so that we can protect ourselves from wild animals. We only remember positive experiences if they last for at least 20 seconds.
Which reminds me of methods for remembering people's names. I've heard that if you repeat the persons name three times after you've heard it (which presumably lasts at least 20 seconds), you're more likely to remember it.
At this point, I am tempted to break into song. You're lucky you're reading this and not in the room with me:
AC-CENT-TCHU-ATE THE POSITIVE (Mister In-Between)
(Johnny Mercer / Harold Arlen)
You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
"My bicycle is my lover."
Bike racing does nothing for me. I'm happy for those people, because they're happy. But they can be a small obstruction in our global transformation to bringing the bicycle into the mainstream. You know, all that spandex.
This video about Jacquie Phelan paused those views. I mean, check out those pockadots, awesome tights, even the tea pot. And I liked it when she said that the bicycle is not just a personal transportation vehicle but also a personal transformation vehicle.
This video about Jacquie Phelan paused those views. I mean, check out those pockadots, awesome tights, even the tea pot. And I liked it when she said that the bicycle is not just a personal transportation vehicle but also a personal transformation vehicle.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Social Media and Breaking Up
I'll blog on this later, but for now, the link:
In The Age of Social Media, Can You Escape Your Ex?
In The Age of Social Media, Can You Escape Your Ex?
more thoughts on sleep
One of my friends posted this article on facebook which states that sleep is the next big issue in the fight for equal rights for women. But I'm inclined to agree with the commenters: where is the evidence that women are the ones who suffer from this affliction the most? True, they are usually the primary caretakers of children who often require their caretakers to lose sleep. But employers appear to expect both men and women equally to sleep less than they need.
Actually, maybe the problem isn't just employers. It's also the transportation system. I sleep best in the morning, and when under-rested, I'm out of luck if I miss that 8:19 train (which gets me to work before 10). Meanwhile, getting enough rest makes you healthier, live longer, smarter, more alert and have better judgment -- all things I know my employer would like for me to sustain. That said, I have no complaints about my employer for the record. They are incredibly accommodating of my needs. But that hasn't always been the case. So, I also feel the pain of most workers who don't have the same luck (or is it persistence?).
I've weeded out the more judgmental of my social circle. But many of these former friends, and my mother, judge me for my need for sleep. I feel sorry for them, but I also know, and have received the feedback from many others, that I get way more done than the average bear. It's not unlike issue-based politics, task-based work performance evaluation, and health-based evaluation of personal success. Break it down, and you'll find what the real issue is. My point is that we also have to fight society for our right to rest.
Actually, maybe the problem isn't just employers. It's also the transportation system. I sleep best in the morning, and when under-rested, I'm out of luck if I miss that 8:19 train (which gets me to work before 10). Meanwhile, getting enough rest makes you healthier, live longer, smarter, more alert and have better judgment -- all things I know my employer would like for me to sustain. That said, I have no complaints about my employer for the record. They are incredibly accommodating of my needs. But that hasn't always been the case. So, I also feel the pain of most workers who don't have the same luck (or is it persistence?).
I've weeded out the more judgmental of my social circle. But many of these former friends, and my mother, judge me for my need for sleep. I feel sorry for them, but I also know, and have received the feedback from many others, that I get way more done than the average bear. It's not unlike issue-based politics, task-based work performance evaluation, and health-based evaluation of personal success. Break it down, and you'll find what the real issue is. My point is that we also have to fight society for our right to rest.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
The Final Tomatoes of 2009
My tomato plants were still producing on xmas eve day. We'd never get enough sun for those babies to ripen. So, I moved my plot on to greens and beans. Shown here is the end of my tomato harvest of 2009.
Not sure what to do with green tomatoes, I let them rest in my kitchen. Some went bad (think tomatoes with guns, holding up a liquor store). But many others ended up in our family new year's eve dinner roasted veggies... and then new year's day baked eggs. They were supper yummy.
Not sure what to do with green tomatoes, I let them rest in my kitchen. Some went bad (think tomatoes with guns, holding up a liquor store). But many others ended up in our family new year's eve dinner roasted veggies... and then new year's day baked eggs. They were supper yummy.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I ride for fun!
Lots of fun things aren't also good for you, your community and the planet. Thank heavens we found the bike!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
narcissus
I recently adopted a narcissus bulb from the local nursery. Here are photos of her best 3 days.
Monday, December 21, 2009
DIY bamboo bikes
Check this out! A studio in Brooklyn offers classes for people to make their own bamboo bikes. My question: Can I make one with beautiful lugs?
Sunday, December 20, 2009
depression
You probably know that I have 5 (half) siblings. This means that there are at least 5 people running around in this world who are crazy and brilliant in ways I can relate to directly. A few years back, I visited my little sister in Brooklyn. We talked for about 6 hours straight, and then she let out a big sigh.
Me: What's the matter.
Her: I have to break up with my boyfriend.
Me: Why?
Her: Because I can't talk with him the way I can talk with you.
Do I need to point out what's wrong with her thinking? No, I think you can see it. Sure, the relationship had other problems, and you should be able to have great conversation with your partner, but, well, anyway, I never got to know that boyfriend.
My brother is going through a terrible divorce. My heart aches when I think about those little girls. I would probably take them in if for some reason that made sense. (A terrifying thought -- to get a family I believe I want!) He shares a lot of his deepest feelings with me, and I give him a lot of advice. Because, while he's older than I am, his impulses are to make mistakes I would make. And I'm able to see that when they aren't my impulses. (Obviously I am not able to share details.)
All of which is to say that two of my siblings have been depressed lately. It's not a surprise; it's genetic. But, I believe, for myself (and presumably that extends to them), there's a natural cure.
My mom recently gave me a book on yoga posses to cure whatever ails you. The book explains that neurotic and self-destructive behavior (such as isolating yourself, drinking, smoking, and over-eating) block the depressions ability to serve its purpose and transform you out of that feeling. We might also tell ourselves stories where everything that might possibly make us feel happy again is impossible: "I can't make new friends" or "I can't buy a bicycle." But ultimately, the book appears to suggest meditation (and yoga in general) to help bring to surface repressed emotions that are causing the depression.
I've got my own program. Here's what I suggest:
* one hour of exercise every day: walking, biking, swimming, yoga, whatever...
* meaningful conversations with two different people every day. in person is best, but by phone is an ok substitute sometimes.
* avoid refined sugar, alcohol and caffeine. in particular, avoid all depressants (like alcohol). with stimulants, whatever brings you up will also drop you down.
* eat protein.
* drink water (6-8 glasses per day?).
Activity ideas (all are optional):
* remember something that made you happy in the past and do that.
* a change of scenery -- of course, "where ever you go, there you are." But sometimes a change of scenery can break us out of destructive patterns of thinking.
* positive affirmations
* learn something new -- take a class, get a book from the library, find a mentor on the internet.
You can chat on the phone while walking and sipping water. You have to eat anyway, right? So, you might as well do it with friends and make it healthy. My program shouldn't take much time if you do it efficiently. Get well soon so we can be happy together.
Me: What's the matter.
Her: I have to break up with my boyfriend.
Me: Why?
Her: Because I can't talk with him the way I can talk with you.
Do I need to point out what's wrong with her thinking? No, I think you can see it. Sure, the relationship had other problems, and you should be able to have great conversation with your partner, but, well, anyway, I never got to know that boyfriend.
My brother is going through a terrible divorce. My heart aches when I think about those little girls. I would probably take them in if for some reason that made sense. (A terrifying thought -- to get a family I believe I want!) He shares a lot of his deepest feelings with me, and I give him a lot of advice. Because, while he's older than I am, his impulses are to make mistakes I would make. And I'm able to see that when they aren't my impulses. (Obviously I am not able to share details.)
All of which is to say that two of my siblings have been depressed lately. It's not a surprise; it's genetic. But, I believe, for myself (and presumably that extends to them), there's a natural cure.
My mom recently gave me a book on yoga posses to cure whatever ails you. The book explains that neurotic and self-destructive behavior (such as isolating yourself, drinking, smoking, and over-eating) block the depressions ability to serve its purpose and transform you out of that feeling. We might also tell ourselves stories where everything that might possibly make us feel happy again is impossible: "I can't make new friends" or "I can't buy a bicycle." But ultimately, the book appears to suggest meditation (and yoga in general) to help bring to surface repressed emotions that are causing the depression.
I've got my own program. Here's what I suggest:
* one hour of exercise every day: walking, biking, swimming, yoga, whatever...
* meaningful conversations with two different people every day. in person is best, but by phone is an ok substitute sometimes.
* avoid refined sugar, alcohol and caffeine. in particular, avoid all depressants (like alcohol). with stimulants, whatever brings you up will also drop you down.
* eat protein.
* drink water (6-8 glasses per day?).
Activity ideas (all are optional):
* remember something that made you happy in the past and do that.
* a change of scenery -- of course, "where ever you go, there you are." But sometimes a change of scenery can break us out of destructive patterns of thinking.
* positive affirmations
* learn something new -- take a class, get a book from the library, find a mentor on the internet.
You can chat on the phone while walking and sipping water. You have to eat anyway, right? So, you might as well do it with friends and make it healthy. My program shouldn't take much time if you do it efficiently. Get well soon so we can be happy together.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
My launch into stardom...
What I love about my role in this film is that I am wearing a business suit and riding a funky bike. The two spokespersons represent a range of possible cyclists: various ages, genders, athletic abilities, trip purposes, and styles.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Announcing Treat Street Bicycles
I just heard some fantastic news. Bikeman Ben, our guardian angel bike mechanic of the panhandle, has signed a lease on his very own bike shop. Congratulations, Ben. Congratulations, San Francisco.
Here he is happily fixing someone's bike the other weekend.
The new shop will be at Treat and 18th Street. (Treat Street is near Harrison.) I'll holler when he's open for business; be ready to give him lots of it.
Here he is happily fixing someone's bike the other weekend.
The new shop will be at Treat and 18th Street. (Treat Street is near Harrison.) I'll holler when he's open for business; be ready to give him lots of it.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Camera person debut
Please love my very-contemporary Blair-Witch-Project camera work on this video (edited by someone else). Also, those little pocket cameras take pretty good video, hu? I may have found a new hobby.
Yeah, like I need another hobby!
Yeah, like I need another hobby!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
I am thankful for many things: my family, my health, my job, my friends, my good looks, this beautiful city, the warmth of my community... and public bike pumps. This one is outside Valencia Cyclery. Thanks, guys!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Songs of Love
I've been thinking a little bit lately about the ways that people show they care. Rachel got a book for her wedding (which I have already blogged about) which explains that different people experience and express caring differently. From memory:
1) verbal statements of love
2) physical affection
3) acts of service
4) gifts
5) spending time together
I believe words are cheap. (And I certainly don't have any use for secret messages.) I used to have a lot of dried roses that a boyfriend had given me, and I made them into art. G's sister asked "what did he do wrong to have to give you so many roses to make you forgive him?" He didn't do anything -- that's how he showed love. That approach obviously wouldn't have worked for G's sister. I think I tend to express love through physical affection and acts of service (like cooking). I think I understand love primarily through spending time together. The system is flexible. For example, the gifts worked well for me since I also got adequate time. (Also, some people are easier to shop for than others.)
Actually, that wasn't my point. What's been running through my head is the range of song lyrics (the poetry of our era) about the ways people understand and express love. Specifically, Eliza Doolittle hollering in the London streets:
Don't talk of stars Burning above; If you're in love,
Show me! Tell me no dreams
Filled with desire. If you're on fire,
Show me! Here we are together in the middle of the night!
Don't talk of spring! Just hold me tight!
Anyone who's ever been in love'll tell you that
This is no time for a chat! Haven't your lips
Longed for my touch? Don't say how much,
Show me! Show me! Don't talk of love lasting through time.
Make me no undying vow. Show me now!
which I can relate to completely. But then there's Billy Joel's wise advice to:
Tell her about it
Let her know how much you care
When she can't be with you
Tell her you wish you were there
Tell her about it
Every day before you leave
Pay her some attention
Give her something to believe
Cause now and then
She'll get to worrying
Just because you haven't spoken
For so long
Though you may not have done anything
Will that be a consolation when she's gone
Which is all very well and good but maybe he should take her on a vacation too. I mean, even if he has no time to spend with her, he could at least send her some nice jewelry.
Gifts are tricky too. For example, in Sex and the City, Big sends Carrie roses for her birthday when they aren't together. He claims his secretary did it without consulting him. To me, those roses would be a lot more effective than sending a text message saying "I want you back." But that's just me, and both options are seriously tacky. I'm just saying.
1) verbal statements of love
2) physical affection
3) acts of service
4) gifts
5) spending time together
I believe words are cheap. (And I certainly don't have any use for secret messages.) I used to have a lot of dried roses that a boyfriend had given me, and I made them into art. G's sister asked "what did he do wrong to have to give you so many roses to make you forgive him?" He didn't do anything -- that's how he showed love. That approach obviously wouldn't have worked for G's sister. I think I tend to express love through physical affection and acts of service (like cooking). I think I understand love primarily through spending time together. The system is flexible. For example, the gifts worked well for me since I also got adequate time. (Also, some people are easier to shop for than others.)
Actually, that wasn't my point. What's been running through my head is the range of song lyrics (the poetry of our era) about the ways people understand and express love. Specifically, Eliza Doolittle hollering in the London streets:
Don't talk of stars Burning above; If you're in love,
Show me! Tell me no dreams
Filled with desire. If you're on fire,
Show me! Here we are together in the middle of the night!
Don't talk of spring! Just hold me tight!
Anyone who's ever been in love'll tell you that
This is no time for a chat! Haven't your lips
Longed for my touch? Don't say how much,
Show me! Show me! Don't talk of love lasting through time.
Make me no undying vow. Show me now!
which I can relate to completely. But then there's Billy Joel's wise advice to:
Tell her about it
Let her know how much you care
When she can't be with you
Tell her you wish you were there
Tell her about it
Every day before you leave
Pay her some attention
Give her something to believe
Cause now and then
She'll get to worrying
Just because you haven't spoken
For so long
Though you may not have done anything
Will that be a consolation when she's gone
Which is all very well and good but maybe he should take her on a vacation too. I mean, even if he has no time to spend with her, he could at least send her some nice jewelry.
Gifts are tricky too. For example, in Sex and the City, Big sends Carrie roses for her birthday when they aren't together. He claims his secretary did it without consulting him. To me, those roses would be a lot more effective than sending a text message saying "I want you back." But that's just me, and both options are seriously tacky. I'm just saying.
Friday, November 20, 2009
SJ Bike ParTAY
Tonight is the San Jose Bike Party, a monthly celebratory bike ride in Silicon Valley. The theme this month is "where's waldo" and people have put up signs all over town. A few of us were talking about going until something happened... we saw the weather forecast. RAIN!
When I first became a San Francisco bike commuter in 1997 (before that I was a Berkeley bike commuter), I used to wear leggings and wool to ride on the rain. I carefully wrapped my work clothes (usually a suit) in plastic bags. This system was preferable to rain gear but involved some risk and carrying clothes.
Then, I went to grad school at Berkeley, and the rain system changed. Since I didn't have to "dress" for school, I bought rain gear to wear over my casual wear and called it. If my clothes got wet, I hung them out in the break room to dry... which occasionally they did (while I wore something else).
But to bike in the rain for fun... that's more than I have in me these days. Adrienne pointed out that this not everyone's attitude. We were particularly impressed that they cap the Worst Day ride at 3,000 participants. You guys go for it!
That said, we're all over the SJBP next time! See you there.
When I first became a San Francisco bike commuter in 1997 (before that I was a Berkeley bike commuter), I used to wear leggings and wool to ride on the rain. I carefully wrapped my work clothes (usually a suit) in plastic bags. This system was preferable to rain gear but involved some risk and carrying clothes.
Then, I went to grad school at Berkeley, and the rain system changed. Since I didn't have to "dress" for school, I bought rain gear to wear over my casual wear and called it. If my clothes got wet, I hung them out in the break room to dry... which occasionally they did (while I wore something else).
But to bike in the rain for fun... that's more than I have in me these days. Adrienne pointed out that this not everyone's attitude. We were particularly impressed that they cap the Worst Day ride at 3,000 participants. You guys go for it!
That said, we're all over the SJBP next time! See you there.
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