Creating Your Community: Recent Episodes
Laura Ambler
Every day I read articles about increased loneliness, depression, and anxiety. How do you find your community-people you can identify with and develop as friends? That’s where Creating Community can help. In each podcast I’ll introduce you to fun and engaging people in my community of Longmont, CO and I’ll show you what I’ve learned about creating community every time I was the new kid on the block moving around the country. Every place I’ve lived has taught me how to find the fun and magic in creating community.
Our cries for acceptance create the rivers in which we drown our identities. Pierre Jeanty
Are you an introvert or extrovert or somewhere in between? Why do we value the extrovert over the introvert?
Shouldn’t that be every day? One of my friends asked this question. Then I asked, “Why do I want to feel young?” When I was young I did some really silly things. I want to feel better than that. I want to feel serene.
Mushrooms. Full of goodness, good works, and mystery. There’s more to mushrooms than being a pizza topping.
I just rewatched a favorite film for the umpteenth time. The Ghost and Mrs Muir. I watched it as a kid and it has remained a favorite. Mostly because of gumption. Mrs. Muir’s gumption. She became a hero to me. Who is your hero and inspiration?
25 million people have bouts of insomnia. In 2008 National Sleep Day was started to help folks get 40 winks. Here are a few things that work for me. What works for you?
I’m not a creative person. How many times have you heard a friend say this? I’ve heard it a lot. Truth is we are what we believe ourselves to be. How to we get there? By pretending.
Want to be happy and full of life? Become 10 again. Do you remember what you LOVED to do in 5th grade? Do that.
One tickles the tastebuds and one tickles the little grey cells. Both, are days worth celebrating (even a day late).
Have you ever bought into a new system for getting things done, set it up, organized the stickers and pens and binders then realized it wasn’t working. Don’t feel bad. That system just wasn’t for you.
Today is a day to think about and thank the many women in your life who have influenced your life.
Why change a To Do list into a Could Do list? It’s all about giving yourself the CHOICE instead of a command.
The first Friday of March is National Unplugging Day. A day to put down devices and pick up a book or take a walk or (gasp) talk to someone.
Instead of giving up something for Lent this year what good can you add to your day. Here’s a different way to look at the Lenten season.
I have always loved sunflowers. They were my mother’s favorite flower. This week I’ve been thinking on the sunflower and what it represents: peace, devotion, honesty, optimism. Here is a visualization on the National flower of the Ukraine and for peace in their country.
What are Paraprosdokians? And how do you pronounce that word? They are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence is unexpected. Here are a few.
What was life like 120 years ago? Some amazing facts that made me think. What will another 100 years bring?
The news today can cause anxiety. Going back out into the world again can cause anxiety. Here are a few ideas to help bust out of anxious feelings.
Chili says community to me. I remember going to many a chili cook off wherever I was living. Some scorched the nostrils. Others brought the flavors like a good mole. Chili, the perfect food for a cold winter’s day.
What is Inconvenience Yourself Day all about? It’s about giving up your seat on the bus, holding a door open, helping unload groceries. I’d rather call it Be a Friend Day.
We are a community that loves multitasking. The only problem? Multitasking doesn’t work. So I’m going to be celebrating single tasking day on 2/22/22. Join me.
Celebrate your lovable ball of fur or feathers or scales with some extra special tidbits on Sunday.
Is one person more valuable than another? If so, why? What makes us value one life over another? Is it right to value one person more than another?
Today I woke up with a migraine and was sooo low energy. This is how that changed by interacting with others. We impact each other’s lives every day and we don’t even realize it.
Here are 5 ways to help you make good decisions. I don’t guarantee they’ll be right. Wink wink.
Right now I’m helping a friend just out of the hospital. She’s living with me and we’re finding we do a lot of things differently. This started me thinking about how little things can cause big problems if we don’t approach each other and our differences with caring and understanding.
Giving Compliments is good for you. Getting compliments is too. How many compliments, sincere and heartfelt, will you give this week?
Have you ever started talking to a stranger or an acquaintance and suddenly discovered a connection that turns your meeting into a meeting of the minds and hearts? That happened to me today. It was a delight.
Here are some egg-cellent facts about eggs. What does free range mean? Who decides eggs are organic? What about hormones? You might be surprised. I know I was.
I discovered a new-to-me artist this weekend. Her name was Alma Woodsey Thomas and she was a color genius using abstract expressionism to light up our world.
Tonight I had a scrumptious mousse. Dark smooth chocolate. Each bite was savored. Accidentally, I ate mindfully.
Today was a day for snuggling with my pup and watching old films. A snow day. Silent and glistening.
It’s amazing what pranks have succeeded in making us believe silliness and outright lies all for news and marketing. Here are a few.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Have you ever asked yourself this question? Have you ever asked,”why me?” The story of Job has some fascinating answers.
This was the podcast I recorded last year for Holocaust Remembrance Day. We must never forget or the tragedy of the Holocaust will happen again.
Today was a good day to observe the weather. From under a comfy throw wearing fleece and cozy socks. A good day for National Observe the Weather Day.
Do you know who George Carver was? An environmentalist before the term existed. A man born into slavery and taught to read by the woman who’s husband bought George’s family. Set free by Moses and Sarah Carver then traveling across the country to get an education. More amazing things to know about George Carver in this podcast.
Today was National Sweatpants Day and National Cheesy Socks Day. A day to spend inactivities suited to leisure wear.
Here’s what worked and what didn’t for my first week of utilizing Julia Cameron’s book, Seeking Wisdom. Here written prayer for guidance helped me through a difficult decision. #juliacameron #seeking wisdom
I was a kid in the 60s and 70s. Sometimes I think about my childhood and especially childhood tv with a nostalgic lens. Today I realized, through one of my favorite shows, that the 70s was full of stereotypes and hidden messages. What tv series makes you cringe when you watch it now?
Nostalgia: a sentimental longing for a better past. But was the past really better? Or are we just wearing rose-colored lenses?
This has become a day of quotes from a great man murdered over 50 years ago. But do we, do I, think of, act on, and live those words more than one day a year?
Today I received a book. The book in this episode’s title. I’ll be using this book to seek wisdom using Julia Cameron’s Spiritual Path to Creative Connection and I invite you to travel along with me.
Delight? In cleaning? Yes, because you never know where or when you might find something to take delight in.
Does worry or anger or sadness sometimes control you? Here is an exercise I found helpful today dealing with worry. Disclaimer: I do not claim to be a medical professional. This is an exercise I found useful.
January 6th is National Cuddle Up Day. It’s a perfect cold weather occupation. When the snow is softly descending and the temperatures are falling cuddling up under covers with a good book and your favorite cuddler (my doggie) this is a holiday I can celebrate.
The year 2021 may have seemed full of black clouds and bad news. But there was good news too. Here’s some of the good you probably didn’t hear about.
This year I’m making a different sort of resolution. Two that I believe will truly impact my life. What resolutions are you making?
Is it really the THOUGHT that counts? I think so. Especially when the gift giver tries. Even if they’re wrong.
I consider myself to be a short girl but to many I am not. Why do we judge each other by our physicality? Is that who we are?
Every year my mother used to buy and read the Farmer’s Almanac. Combing through its pages for planting advice and fun facts. Now I do the same. Here’s some fun stuff I found this time around.
A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work unless it’s open. Frank Zappa I had a great example of this today. Let me tell you about it.
Right now many folks of Swedish heritage have their little wooden Dala horses on display for Christmas. There are many stories about Dala horses. Here is one of my favorites.
December 16th is regifting day. This could be a dangerous enterprise. You need to make sure you don’t regift to the gifter who gifted it to you and ensure that the giftee doesn’t know the previous gifter.
Do you know what a manger was used for in the time of Jesus? I didn’t. It’s eye opening and thought provoking.
The headline said “89 Year Old Receives PhD from Ivy League School.” What was your first thought when you read that? He’s too old? That’s a waste? I felt hope. Here’s why.
It’s Swedish tradition to celebrate Lucia Day on December 13th with pastry and a crown of candles. Traditions are important. They share our love and culture. What are your holiday traditions?
There are many folktales told at Christmas. Here is one with different versions. Do you know the stories of The Christmas Spider?
Driving a friend home tonight we went in search of a glorious house we saw from afar. Have you ever done that and realized the back of the house was decorated and not the front? People can be like that. Let me explain…
Someone said they couldn’t imagine me not finding Joy. There was a time when I couldn’t feel it or see the end of darkness. But darkness doesn’t last forever. Neither does depression. There is light in the world.
During this harried holiday season we often forget to find joy. We’re frustrated and anxious and tense. We need to take the time to see joy in friends and holiday lights and glorious sunsets.
This is a question I’ll be asking myself more often. Does my anger, irritation, annoyance, or fear serve me? Or does it just destroy my peace?
St Nick was not a jolly old soul but he was a miracle worker and generous in the extreme. Here’s his story.
What is your holiday spirit like today? Are you growling at the person who took the last string of lights? Or are you smiling and choosing another style? Your choice to make your Christmas season jolly or grinchy.
National Pear and Cookie Day makes me think of delectable treats to come and from days gone by. What delectable do you yearn for?
Today is Green Bean Casserole Day. This dish is still enjoyed by 20 million people every year even though many folks sneer and laugh at the humble dish. To me it says home. What dish says home to you?
December 2nd, 1982 was the date of the first successful artificial heart transplant. One of the many days science has brought hope to the world.
What connects these two disparate things? Nothing except the date. Both are special in different ways. Candy will never be as important as a woman who changed the world, but candy can put a smile on your face.
How do you show you care about a friend? Family? What different ways do you show your love? Tomorrow is a great day to show you care.
This last week I realized I take my good health for granted. I’m thankful for kings that can fill with air and my cough being gone. I didn’t have Covid but I was sick. What do you take for granted that you want to be thankful for?
Are vivid Dreams caused by changing medication? Sleep apnea? Spicy food? Or can they be more meaningful?
In many traditions today is for remembering Saints. In other traditions today we remember our ancestors and friends who have died. Who do you remember today?
What do Indonesia, Konrad Dippel, and a writing contest have to do with Frankenstein? Well, I’ll tell ya…
Today I want to thank a teacher and artist who taught me to see the world differently. I want to also thank an artist who taught me to relax and have fun while making art.
Keenesburg, CO about an hour east of where I live in Longmont is the home of the oldest and largest sanctuary for rescued large carnivores (tigers and lions and bears and wolves to name a few) in the world. 550 animals have been saved and roam the 789 acre sanctuary. These animals come from appalling conditions. Private homes, pay-to-play clubs, small zoos, and other places where they were not properly cared for.
Curiosity, even trivial, broadens my world. Here are a few trivial matters I rediscovered this week.
Do you remember Sunday school? Did you have a favorite teacher or leader? Tomorrow is a day to recognize those very important community members.
What is the difference between pain and suffering? How can we choose to move beyond suffering?
My mom loved Halloween. Maybe because she was born on Friday, October 13th. She loved picking out the candy and decorating the house. So I thought it would be appropriate to share the beginnings of some Halloween candy.
Columbus wasn’t the guy you were taught about in grade school. Here are several reasons why we need a different role model and holiday.
Time off. Vacation. Do you feel guilty when you think about these words? I’m going to try to really enjoy my time off. The key word is try. Work ethic guilt is hard to kick.
What are 20 things you like to do? Why? What do they have in common? A fun exercise that makes me think.
Musings on what makes for great fellowship. I’m lucky to know so many incredible folks. The company IS the most important to me.
How do you like your toasted marshmallows? Burnt to a cinder or lightly brown? Dark or milk chocolate?
This is a fun task. It’s a task you can do even if you’re not doing The Artist’s Way. Tear. Rip. Glue. Staple. Have fun and be creative.
I remember when I started my first job in retail because of two customers. One almost made me quit. One was patient and helped me love my first day on the job. Be patient. Smile. Help someone have a better day.
Sometimes people try to help you by offering advice. Sometimes that can make me sigh and take a deep breath. Because sometimes I have tried a lot. But people offer advice because they care and I need to remind myself about that.
Have you ever heard a weird sound that you didn’t know where it was coming from? Couldn’t find? Couldn’t pin down? Distracting and disturbing. That was my evening. Can you imagine total silence?
What would you want future generations to know about? The world? Your family? You? What would you want to share with posterity?
Ever send back a meal? That’s good. HOW you send back the meal and why - those are important. Stand up without putting someone down.
This day was started in 2011 to build connection between countries one friend at a time. Who’s your best friend? Who have you lost track of? Who needs your support? Reach out. Today. Tomorrow. And the day after that.
During the Wednesday coffee meet up I found out that two of the other woman are Scandinavian. A lot of scandihoovian talk ensued. Ha, it sure was fun and thought provoking.
How can I let go, give away, destroy art supplies that I don’t use, that don’t work, or that I just don’t like? I might need them someday!
I have become enthralled with reusing ephemera, found objects, and other folk’s rejects to make art. I’m NOT a hoarder. I’m an artist.
What grievances do you have against God? Or your Higher Power? Or the Universe? Come on. God can take it. What stops you from believing in a supportive force?
What’s your favorite Drive Thru? Growing up I loved the drive-thru dairy. Now, my fave is Dutch Bros. I love their Ray of Sunshine blended rebel. Medium if you please. KFC was a staple on road trips. So July 24th drive on through your favorite drive thru and celebrate!
Here are some ideas from Psychology Today and The Mighty on how to stop ruminating. You know, replaying a conversation over and over or an event over and over. We all do it. Here are ideas to break out of it.
Here are a few bon mots Hemingway was said to have said but never did and who actually said them.
After my podcast about Harold and the Purple Crayon my niece, Alisa shared an article from Mental Floss with me-all about little known Harold facts. Here they are.
This is one of my favorite books from my childhood. It was so imaginative and exciting and purple. Perhaps it’s why purple is my favorite color. What is your favorite book from childhood? Find it. Read it. Be a kid again.
This question, along with the 15 “people” we had to choose from (8 to survive and 7 to die), was a catalyst for an amazingly deep and thought provoking discussion today. Could you choose? Would you?
What smells bring back your childhood? Memories of time spent with beloved friends and family? What scent draws you in? What are your favorite smells?
I had exceptional service today in Longmont, CO where I live. People say service is a lost art. Here are quite a few places that prove them wrong. One really surprised me.
What was your favorite movie as a kid? Toy? What do you secretly enjoy reading? Time to discover the part of you that has FUN!
Monday I had a migraine and I decided to show what it looked like and felt like. So as I was experiencing the aura, I created what I saw and felt. Then I posted the series online. I have never had so many responses. Ever.
These are a few artists who inspire me everyday. Listen, check out their work, then tell me what you think!
What artwork makes you smile, sigh, think, gasp? Here are a few of the artists and movements I’ve grown to love.
This 4th of July brought rain and thunder and lightning but it also brought friendship and fun.
The exercises I concentrated on this week were all about time: how I spend it, do I enjoy how I spend it, and looking at creating a balance. Hope you find them as enlightening as I did.
During the heatwave on the coast I was thinking about the wildfires last year and how we can prevent fires and keep the outdoors a beautiful place for all to enjoy. Here are 7 Principles to Leave No Trace when experiencing the gorgeous wild areas all around us.
Here’s an exercise to help change how you view negative events from Greater Good in Action. It’s easy and quick.
What things do you value? Honesty? Justice? Kindness? Here’s an exercise to help you get to know yourself better. It may be illuminating, surprising, or life affirming or all of the above.
Where would you want to go? A beach? A mountaintop? Italy? France? Japan? Think about it. Then plan it.
When I was 17 I was a foreign exchange student. That year in Belgium changed the way I saw the world and my place in it.
Week 1 is all about overcoming fear and having fun. Dreaming a little and learning a lot about yourself.
Have you ever kept failing at a new skill? Then given up? I say try try and try again because success, though it may be fleeting, is sweet.
Why do we watch those competition shows full of angst? Why do we watch home renovation shows with termites and tribulations? Why do I LOVE “Love It or List It? It’s probably not the reason you think.
I had my first haircut in 17 months today. Suddenly I looked like myself again. But is my outward appearance who I really am?
Ever feel stuck in a rut? Well, gather all the art supplies in your house and get ready to have some silly messy fun. Want to have MORE fun? Invite some friends. Check out www.everything-art.com for fun art journaling freebies and classes.
I went to a thrift store for the first time in over a year. I am still blissed out. I am a thrift store treasure hunter. Finding treasures makes my heart sing. What makes your heart sing? Do more of that.
Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, opened my heart and mind to many things. When a friend organized a group reading I decided to hop on the path again. Here’s why.
Here are some veggies you may not have tried let alone heard of. Variety is the crunch of life. Yum!
A friend send me a quote from Alexander McCall Smith about how a single event, a word of advice, can change your life. Then she asked if any event or decision changed my life. I answered, “heck yeah!”
I just read an article talking about the increase in angry folks flying the friendly skies. Guess what 70% of them are upset about? I bet you can guess.
What would you stop walking to pick up from the sidewalk? A button? A bottle? A broken figurine? What you think of as trash a mudlarker thinks of as treasure and can turn that rubbish into beauty.
The 1920s had a lot of slang that made it into our culture. Not spifflicated for drunk but lousy and goofy sure did. Here are some fun words that I bet you didn’t know came from the time of flappers and speakeasies.
I love words and outmoded phrases. Here are a few new faves and old raves of mine. Ineffable
How RUDE! Did you ever get asked a question that made you exclaim this in your head? Here are some questions you should never ask and why.
Sometimes I don’t WANT to eat my veggies. Here are a few ways I trick myself into eating the greens and blues and oranges and yellows and…
This is actually a list of 100 wise things an teacher shared with his graduating seniors. The last 50 tomorrow. I agree with quite a few. Do you?
I must admit, there are days I did not complete so I will start again after this week. What were the most difficult days for you? Mine were the photo armoire and the file cabinets.
I love experimenting with new toys...I mean tools. Art supplies. It’s amazing the surprises that happen and what they teach me-when I pay attention.
Have you heard the phrase “quitters are losers?” I have and I don’t agree. Sometimes there are good reasons to quit. How do you know when quitting is the right thing to do?
I haven’t worn lipstick in over a year. Masks hide your lips and lipstick rubs off on your mask. But next week I’m going to don some color when I meet friends for breakfast. Lipstick always makes me feel good. Put together. It also reminds me of special people in my life.
Can you imagine a world where everyone you met said something nice? Wouldn’t that be a wonderful place to live? We can be the change we want to see in the world. Say something nice.
Have you ever been so engaged, delighted, and enthusiastic that time changes and flies by?
Hoo Boy! This is going to be a tough week for me. Finishing up the kitchen then heading to the living room and THE OFFICE!
Do you think of purity or death when you see white? Anger and red? Deceit and yellow? Societies say colors mean different things. Sometimes I do not agree.
I like lists. So much that I have notebooks for my lists. Lists of “to do.” Lists of “ta da.” Lists of praises and prayers. Gather magazine had an article about how lists become a prayer by Marilyn McEntyre. Thank you for the inspiration for this podcast.
Had my 2nd vaccine today and I am BONE weary. Have you ever been so tired you couldn’t keep your eyes open? That’s me. But it’s worth it.
It’s not clutter if you use it. Right? Tell me it’s not clutter and even if it is keep your hands away from my art supplies.
Sherlock is my all-the me favorite detective. Oops. Consulting Detective that is. Here are a few facts you may not know about my favorite fictional character. Or was he fictional?
What do you think of when you hear the word, meditation? A bald monk wandering the Wild West like David Carradine? A withered ancient on the top of a far away mountain? There are many types of meditation. Some are even enjoyable. 😉
Tonight I went to a contemplative reading group and we read and contemplated beautiful poetry from poems written by those of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. Then we created something new from their gorgeous words. To read more poetry by AAPI writers go to poets.org.
A new book came out today and it tells a beautiful story about love, connection, and community. It’s a picture book but it’s really a book for all ages. #thecirclesallaroundus #bradmontague #inspirationalbooks
Do you know how penicillin, play-doh, and super glue are related? Yep, they were all happy accidents.
I know many folks have been decluttering during this pandemic. I did not. So tomorrow I begin a 30-Day Declutter. Join me?
My mom liked to use home remedies and natural cleaners. Here are some of her favorites that actually worked.
How do you impact those around you? Do you improve lives? Inspire? Create smiles? Are the ripples you create ones people run through and squeal in delight or are they a tsunami?
A day to bring awareness to Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis(ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS), Fibromyalgia, Gulf War Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity(MCS).
Obligation vs inspiration. What is it you WANT to do? It takes guts to choose inspiration.
In uncertain times how can we help ourselves deal with the daily anxiety and stress? Here are a few ideas.
For some of us Mother’s Day isn’t easy. Maybe because our mother isn’t here anymore, maybe because we lost a child, perhaps because we have a difficult relationship with our mom. This podcast is for us and those who celebrate Mother’s Day.
I was upset today. I could have eaten a whole something-anything. But I didn’t. I’m an emotional eater. Are you? #emotionaleating #noteatingmyanger #closethefridgedoor
It was a perfect day for reading on the patio. Getting caught up in a different universe, a simpler time, or a dastardly murder. What’s your favorite place to read? Favorite book? Bookstore?
Do you know what you’re celebrating when you raise your glass on the 5th of May? It’s NOT Mexico’s Independence Day.
I read a post by Jessi Kneeland on Facebook that showed how photos can lie. I thought hers was a good message to share. #bodydysmorphia #thecameralies #bekindtoyourself
Don’t wait too long to fill out those grandparent books. I’m filling one out even though I don’t have kids. I have nephews and nieces who might be interested. Even if they’re not, the sharing and remembering is good for my soul.
It’s National Lemonade Day. When I was definitely bling my lemonade I was toasting the Longmont Dairy delivery person who brings milk, eggs, bread, and lemonade to my door every week. I was also thinking about all the delivery people and mail carriers who have made this year better by doing their essential jobs so well. #thankyoumailcarriers #thankyoudeliverypeople #essentialworkers
May 1st has a plethora of fun celebrations. Check out www.brownielocks.com for fun daily, weekly, and monthly holidays!
This will be the last episode of season 3. I will return on May 1st with a celebration of May Day.
Do you ever feel guilty when you cancel on friends because you’re not feeling well? Because you choose to take care of yourself? If so, this podcast is for you.
Thank your library workers today for helping with all those questions that you know you really could look up. #nationallibraryworkersday #readingrocks #libraryworkers
When talking to friends tonight we started discussing what we want to keep from our covid lives and what we miss. Here’s a few of our thoughts. What do you want to keep? #sweatpantlife #covidlife #keepthegoodthings
Do you remember all the pets who have made your life better? Celebrate them on National Pet Day.
Call, text, email, write. Say I Love You. You never know when it will be the last day to tell your sibling how much you care.
My dad was a medic in WWII and saw firsthand the results of the Holocaust. We must never forget.
A repeat of one of my first interviews. Kathie is a wonderful friend, brave woman, and fantastic interview.
I almost missed recording this podcast tonight. I looked up and it was 11pm. I had zoned out. That’s my type of meditation.
I was talking with a friend last week and she expressed an interest in the interviews I first did when I started this podcast. So here’s a reprise of one of my favorites with a favorite person, Kelly Cowling, executive director of Grey Havens Philosophy.
A friend asked me about my favorite quote. Difficult question. I collect quotes you see. Here are a few of my faves.
Today is Leonard Nimoy day in Boston. Leonard Nimoy was an actor, write, director, producer, poet, photographer, and philanthropist. More important to me? He breathed life into the character of Mr. Spock. Spock was my hero.
When we aren’t willing to question old ideas and learn new things we limit ourselves and those around us. Being willing to be wrong is a great thing. Psychologist Adam Grant puts this idea (or one very like it since I’m paraphrasing here) in his new book, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.
According to writer and journalist, Helen Russell in her book, The Year of Living Danishly, there are 10 reasons Denmark is the happiest country in the world.
Do you have those days when you want to run away from reality? Do you know where the word hooky came from?
At least that’s what the calendar says. Some poetic words to celebrate the renewal of the earth.
Ryan talked with me today about the partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial. Building community, literally.
Are you having an upper limit problem? Do you self-sabotage when you start realizing your dreams? Listen to how you can climb over the upper limit.
Here are three poems I found today while sipping chocolate and watching the snow. #davidberman #jaredcarter #archibaldlampman
I share some tips I’ve learned dealing with my migraines for years and talk about some of the weird symptoms you may not know about. #migrainehelp #aphasiaexplanation #magnesiumhelp
Today we celebrate a man of good works, kindness, and apple seeds. #johnnyappleseedday #faithandcharity #plantingseeds
When was the first recognized federal paper money printed? The answer might surprise you. I know it did me. #nationalpapermoneyday #greenbacks #moneymoneymoney
Kate is an equine-partnered life and business coach, healer, and animal communicator whose life’s work is devoted to the human-animal bond. You can find Kate on Facebook at Kate Neligan - Equine-Partnered Coach, Instagram @kateneliganequinecoach and her website, consciousrockstar.com
We’re you named for someone? What does your name mean? Is your name successful? Popular? What’s in a name?
Do you know who created flash frozen foods? Where did the TV dinner come from? #frozenfoodday #frozenfoodmonth
Today is a day to try praying or try a new prayer. A day to talk of your beliefs or another’s beliefs. A day to explore religion. In other words, a day for holy experimentation. #holyexperimentday #timetopray #tryanewprayer
A treasure arrived in my email today. Wild Geese, a poem by Mary Oliver. It spoke to my soul. I hope it speaks to yours. #maryoliver #youdonothavetobegood #wildgeese
Is meditation to woowoo for you? Do you find it too hard to settle those racing thoughts? Then Angie Bailey has an option for you. Calligraphy.
“The wheelchair should not be a symbol of disability. A wheelchair is a vehicle to liberation and freedom; a chariot of independence.” John Robin #internationalwheelchairday #accessabilityforall
Shakespeare is credited with creating more words than any other writer. Ever. How many? Listen to this zany podcast to find out.
How do we define beauty. When I look at the last picture of my mom I see a beautiful woman but she didn’t. She thought her hands were too big and her nose too long. Tell someone you love how beautiful she is. Make her believe it. #beauty #beautifulgrandmas #lovemakesyoubeautiful
Dr. Kitchiner died today in 1827. Inventor of telescopes and potato chips he was a renowned chef, foodie, and cookbook author.
What’s your favorite chowder? New England? Manhattan? Long Island? Today’s the day for chowder.
Comparison steals the joy from life. Oubaitori, a Japanese way of thinking, shows us we are all blossoms, showing our beauty in our own time.
Erin Godlewski is a special person. When she read on her local Facebook Group that a woman she had never met needed a kidney she said yes. This is her story and the story of the woman who received a new lease on life. #donatelife #donatelifenc #womenencouragingdonation
The greatest friend of truth is time, her greatest enemy is prejudice, and her constant companion is humility. How to be humble.
February 20th-28th is real bread week. Celebrating all things bread- at least all things bread without nasty additives. #realbreadweek #bakerealbread #buyrealbread
Today is one to celebrate your furry friend and the love they bring into your life. #adoptapet #nationalloveyourpetday #puppylove
It boggles my mind that Michaelangelo and Martin Luther lived on this earth at the same time.
People give up a lot of different things for Lent. The important thing is that what you give up is meaningful to you. #lent #whattogiveupforlent #50thingstogiveupforlent
A discussion with a great caring person who shares what it’s like to be a counselor in the time of covid and how she builds community even during these challenging times.
What is your favorite pancake? Tomorrow, Tuesday February 16th is THE day to indulge! #pancakeday #shrovetuesday #swedishpancakes
What technology do you turn to in a disaster? The radio. What ignites your imagination? Radio. Where can you listen to gorgeous music from around the world? Radio #worldradioday #imagination
Today is Darwin’s birthday. Did you know he was only 22 when he boarded the HMS Beagle to study nature for 5 years? #darwin #darwinday #galapagos
How does giving sincere heartfelt compliments improve your life and the lives of those around you?
Meet Debbie Noel, blogger, writer, artist, advocate and caring community member. To receive Debbie’s monthly blog send an email to droppinginwithdebbie@gmail.com or go to the Longmont, CO webpage at www.longmontcolorado.gov/ownit You can also follow Debbie on Facebook at Drop in with Debbie and Instagram @dropinwithdebbie
Instead of spending time watching the game spend it connecting with a long lost friend by writing a letter. It will make you and them feel good.
While attending the Loving, Healing, Creating Summit-an art gathering put on by www.creativeU.ca I had a beautiful time creating an artwork of Grateful Circles led by artist, Amber Fife. It made me think about how often we dwell in the negative memories and not the positive ones.
Why should you vote, act, and care locally? Because your vote, actions, and voice counts. What you do locally can change the world.
Last year I took a course from Cathy Heller, #madetodothis. Tonight many of her students gathered to celebrate our year and each other. One thing that stood out was how we were all on different spots on different paths and how that’s ok. That’s great. When Cathy surprised us with a message one of the thoughts she shared was how we are each on our own journey and should never compare ourselves to others. Here’s why that is so true.
Some thoughts on grief and change- through poetry and ideas on caring for yourself in grief.
My dad was a medic in WWII and helped liberate Dachau and Bergen-Belsen. He told me of the normal everyday people who built and ran the camps. Normal everyday people are breeding hate today. It is important to remember.
I hope cookbooks count as reading because I love to read them. They’re little bits of history, culture, and weirdness.
Have you ever looked up after breakfast and it’s 10:30 at night? Where does your time go?
There is a difference between being committed to changing your life and just interested in it. Here are a few tips to keep you engaged and committed.
I was surprised what came up when I googled unity and United. Definitely didn’t want to know how to find a job at United airlines. So I had to think for myself on how to build unity.
How can someone be anti-abortion and pro-death penalty? How can someone be pro-choice and anti-death penalty? A couple of conundrums.
I took a class today on our ideas on aging. Why aging is seen as bad. Just a few thoughts.
Today is the day to turn away from hate, fear, and division and choose love and unity. I’m going to try. Can you?
Today is blue Monday. The day of the year when people feel bad. Why? It’s dark. It’s cold. People have given up on their resolutions and feel guilty. Here are a few tips to keep those good habits going.
In this episode I share some things I learned about myself. Share what you learned about yourself in my Facebook group www.facebook.cm/groups/creatingyourcommunity
Proclaimed by each President every January 16th since 1993. A day celebrating Thomas Jefferson’s statute of 1786 that led to religious freedom being added to the constitution. It’s flowery language has many important things to say.
How many times a day do you ask or hear this question? Do you listen to the answer? Do you want to listen to the answer? It’s important.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” We need your little bit of good.
For me, shopping was a treasure hunt and the women who taught me the value of a dollar were amazing pirates, my mom and her two best friends.
In this episode I share a writing style from Debra Noel, writer extraordinaire, podcaster, and teacher. To learn more about writing your own “I Am From” story check out my Creating Your Community Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/creatingyourcommunity
This is the week when folks let their resolutions go and then kick themselves and call themselves failures but that doesn’t need to be the end because there are new beginnings every day.
In this 90th daily episode I share about this journey of 90 days and what the future holds.
A few ideas for releasing all the emotional baggage from 2020 and embracing new ideas for 2021.
What do you think about that person in front of you? If they’re over 65 do you think they’re frail? Slowing down? Cognitively impaired? What preconceptions do you need to tear down?
What is Boxing Day and why is it a holiday in the UK and what are the 12 Days of Christmas anyway?
I am cookie baking challenged so I do not participate in this day. Unless you want store bought cookies. Here I share my favorite grandma cookies and fond memories.
I’ve been unwrapping ornaments and remembering those who wished me well when I was little and who wished me well today.
Sometimes when you change your perspective and question your assumptions the villain may become the hero of the story.
It’s answer the phone like Buddy the elf day, bake cookies day, ugly sweater day, and roast a suckling pig day. How much more festive can you get?!?
Letting go of things, behaviors, and old ideas is hard. What do you want to let go of in the new year?
An Icelandic poem about a scary Christmas Cat. What Christmas traditions do you have that other cultures might not know?
Did you sup a cuppa today? I did and I didn’t even know it was tea day. In this episode I share how fun it was to take a tour through the Celestial Seasonings factory and other tea related stuff.
I have a confession to make. I have never made a gingerbread house. I have eaten gingerbread in many different places-just not my own.
Today is Human Rights Day. Established by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. We have come far but we have a long way to go.
What do you walk past in your home everyday? What beautiful thing do you ignore? Have you forgotten about? Time to pick it up and really look at its beauty.
If you could create your own advent calendar what would you wish to discover behind the daily doors?
John F Kennedy said “One person can make a difference. Every person should try. Recycling is something we can all do to make a difference.
To commemorate this day I wanted to share a special poem by Colorado activist, Laura Hershey. She was an amazing person. The poem is called “You Get Proud by Practicing.”
That pesky feeling and memory can rise up in your brain and attack without warning. What to do?
There are so many things and people to be thankful for that I take for granted. Here are a few.
What story do you want to pass on? What memory? What book? This month is the perfect time.
When I was young I wanted long luxurious locks with perfect curls. I’ve learned that those locks were time intensive and not what I wanted to spend my time on. Musings on what we see as beautiful.
This day brought back so many wonderful memories of bread baking. When was the last time you had homemade bread?
My brother Steve said something I love on our call tonight. We talk every Sunday(even before covid). He said, “celebrate the little things and they add up to big things.” Here are some little things to celebrate.
I opened a book today that I hadn’t opened before and in it I found quotes my mother cherished. Quotes about life, contentment, joy, and love. Thanks for turning down pages and marking your favorites, mom. If you listen closely you can hear her soul.
Right now we all need cars GM and emotional Support sometimes. Here are some ideas from Healthline on how to offer your support I found helpful. Hope you do too.
In the Virtual Altered Book Club there are rules-pirate rules-more guidelines really and I think they are good guidelines for life. Thanks Audra for being a Pirate!
Elizabeth Lesser, writer and co-founder of the Omega Institute, a Center for education and retreat wrote about the Golden Rule this morning and I thought it was good to share her thoughts.
I was thinking about how many days have passed since I’ve done different things. Wrote a poem. Thought some more. Here’s the outcome.
I love calendars. Wall calendars. Daily calendars. Desk calendars. It’s important to keep track of this year for posterity. How are you documenting 2020?
Thinking about the communities that make Longmont my home I wanted to share a few of my poems created in community this week. Thank you Longmont Senior Center.
I provide you today with a cautionary tale of lost time, lost information, and lost poetry.
Where do you get your ideas? Why make this podcast? These and others questions get answered.
What makes us read spooky stories, watch freaky movies, and go to haunted houses? Here are some explanations.
How Do you pronounce ophidiophobia? Just in time for Halloween, the top 10 fears in the world for 2020 as seen on fearof.net
Some of the most fun I’ve ever had was being terrified around a campfire. Here are some spooky stories that are perfect for this terrifying time of year.
Thanks Jen and The Creative Commute. You got me thinking of my favorite scary movies. What were yours?
While reading about the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park hosting 500 firefighters I sent up a prayer for the firefighters. They are doing incredibly exhausting grueling and life threatening work.
We all want to love, be loved, and matter. We need to believe this about each other because it is true.
We will all die. It’s one thing we can count on. Have you discussed what you want with your family? Communication is kind and loving. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Have you noticed the increase in catalogs and streaming creativity. These things are keeping me going during Covid. Keeping us all going. And we need to keep the arts going in return.
At virtual altered book club we talked food and I realized how lucky is been to be raised by culinary adventurous parents and how trying new foods made me curious about the world.
Here’s a list from FEMA, the federal emergency management agency, of what should be in your emergency kit.
Fire in the foothills brought this to mind tonight. What is the most precious thing you own?
Talking about a Tedx talk about the Harvard Study of Adult Development and what really helps us live longer happier lives.
This is an essay by Jamila White @inspirejamila. It was shared by a friend, Paula Puffer, on a Zoom call tonight. To be able to create your community you need to believe you are worthy of it. And you are.
Today, October 13th, was my mom’s birthday. So to honor her, I voted. Go register then VOTE!
Be an instrument of unexpected kindness because you never know when you might change someone’s day, week, month, or year.
To begin to understand each other we must accept that we are each unique human beings. How can we accept another when we don’t agree with them? Here are a few ideas.
In this episode I gush about art and why everyone should take a class even if you can’t draw a straight line.
In this episode I share 11 ways I’ve learned to improve my mood when I’m feeling down. Hope they’ll help you too!
This episode is an emotional one because it’s about people I loved who loved me and how one person can change a life.
Having new adventures and learning new skills can be scary. In this episode I’ll be sharing tips people taught me to feel comfortable learning new things and having new experiences.
“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as being heard.” William Hazlitt (1778-1830) Listening is a skill that we can develop and use to create a better and more engaging community- for ourselves and our friends. Here are some ideas to help listen- really listen.
In this episode I talk with you about how to listen, learn from, and lessen the impact of negative self-talk. I’m not a professional. I just want to share some techniques I have learned and use on a daily basis.
Tired of boring courses? How do you find what you want to do? What you’ll enjoy? Your fun? That’s what this episode is all about. One way to discover what you really want to do.
This is the first installment of 90 days of podcasts. One a day for the next 90 days to celebrate the end of 2020 and help you create your community and discover new ways to inspire, explore, and strengthen your relationships.
Listen to how Audra DiBello created her own community through altered books, fun, and friendship.
The Creative Commute is a Facebook group created by Jennifer Liss. Jen decided she wanted to help people find joy and explore their creativity. Her ultimate goal is to help people live their best lives and move past fear. This is how she does that every day through the community she created.
This episode explores how the practice of giving thanks can improve your attitude, life, and the world around you especially in times of uncertainty.
Kelly Cowling had a novel idea in 2010. Create a philosophy community in Longmont, CO that included people from all ages using pop culture such as Harry Potter, Star Trek, and The Lord of the Rings as well as art and classics to illustrate philosophy and make it accessible to all. For Kelly everyone is a philosopher and everything is philosophy and it's FUN! In this episode, Kelly and I talk philosophy and the challenges of keeping your community going in a time of isolation.
In this episode I explore what it means to feel responsible for another person's well-being during this challenging time and how important clear communication becomes for all involved.
In this episode I talk with Kathie Dolce, the creator of The Ladies Nextdoor, an irreverent fun supportive group of women. Kathie defines Creating Community.
In this first episode I talk about how COVID19 has impacted my idea of community and this podcast-at least for now.