Where to Begin? 7/24/13

When I first came to Abu Dhabi beginning of July, I thought now is the time to start a blog.    So when I finally got my newly created blog site set-up and posted my first piece, truth is, I thought I was “all that and a Bloomsbury cupcake”…(   http://ilovebloomsburys.com/cups choose Abu Dhabi  ).. as I hit the “publish” button, more than a week ago.  I felt the empowering promise of a great beginning.   After all, I’d been talking to “myself” about this for some time – actually for years.  And on the occasions, in particular, when appreciators of my personal essay readings, performed yearly at my Women’s group event, expressed genuine resonation with my work, and inquired; “Are you published?, Where can I get a copy of your essays?  I feel you wrote about me.”  I’d hear myself sincerely promise them, “I’m planning to create a blog. I’ll keep you posted.” Or “I’m going to put together a collection of my essays very soon.”  Reflecting back, I have no doubt, that I left those conversations completely committed to that promised goal. Honestly.  But then, in a split second, life took control of my day… and ….la de da de da, …be in the moment, …stay in the moment (sung while channeling Robin Williams in “The Bird Cage”… http://youtu.be/H5TQ4GF8rNI )… my focus would shift to the next shiny object.  Well, that’s what happened here (again) at the click of the “publish” button.  So how does this observation serve me today?   Well, it serves to open the door to greet you on my terms; frames a proper introduction to my intention for this blog;  sets me up to talk about what it is, what it is not – and plays with “why” it’s been inactive since my first post…that is, until now.

About me: I am a writer.  That may seem like an easy thing to state, yet it wasn’t until my first heavenly writer’s workshop.   Ten glorious creative days at the University of Nebraska Summer Writer’s Conference in 2007, where, at the conclusion we were told that the one thing we should each confidently know about ourselves is that – I AM a writer.  The confidence fluctuates but my  determination and love of writing keeps me in the process.  I discovered my writing voice and its energy – in my forties, well before, the workshop.  I had just remarried, and was returning to college on quest to move closer to a dream of mine. My field of interest had long been the study psychology, I wanted to be a child psychology and I wanted to better understand what made all people tick.  Additionally I sought to explore and skill-build around interpersonal-communication, and so began the destined nurturing of my enthusiasm for creative writing. Although, the PH.D. was not my destiny,  I soon found that I loved and needed, to write. I discovered, and then stepped into, my “flow zone” in the expression of writing. It also provided a much needed natural cathartic outlet.  I began to hear that what I wrote about resonated with others. I found great joy and fulfillment in the instantaneous power to profoundly connect with others that derived from sharing my work.

My writing style is stream of consciousness. Some might say I am generously wordy.  I love run-on sentences and no doubt would keep an English teacher up all night – setting new records for the red pen mark-up opportunities plentiful in my work.   I tend to write the way I talk.  That said, I’ve vowed to myself to work on my writing to achieve a more concise style – full of substance and fun.  It’s a goal.  I like to think of my writing as though I am having a conversation with YOU.  (Doesn’t everyone?) So depending on the space I am in… sometimes I will be brilliantly insightful and sometimes I will be “i love Lucy” (http://youtu.be/0YGF5R9i53A )…  Either way,  my intention is to bring something of worth to each posting… a reflection of gratitude to smile with, an insight to ponder… dropping a seed  into your day, or a silly moment from my perspective, that I hope will bring you laughter and joy, and threaded throughout will be thoughts and reflections on the many dimensions of love.  The amazing transformative energy of love.  The slippery surface of love’s ground, as experienced from the height of a romantic over-the-moon state of love, to the struggle between the desire for security and seeking peace in uncertainty  .…hence my title “slipping on the moon”.  Bravely leaning-in to my experiences grappling with the ups and downs of my life – searching deeply for lessons and purpose embedded in it all.   I write from my personal observations, experiences, and insights.  I write about love, sadness, fear, loneliness, growth, resiliency, struggle, joy, grace, simple sparkle and fearless self-examination.

What this blog will not be is a negative feed.  If struggle comes into play it will be ultimately reflected upon from the stand point of wisdom attained from experience.  So, reading friends,  if positive potential and opportunity thinking are your gig, if looking for the insights to be realized, if the ‘aha’ moments and the humor that can be found in even the most crazy-making experiences are some of what you love… then my blog is for you.

Life Purpose: My true life purpose, I have joyfully discovered is that I am to serve others as a Life & Transition Coach.  I am a spiritual seeker on a personal journey to achieve self-actualization.    My life-long mission is to seek enlightenment and self-awareness.  I am 60 years young which finds me in a new romantic relationship, inviting me to step outside myself, bravely traveling the world, as a novice, motivated by love.  I created this blog (finally) while here in Abu Dhabi – UAE –the other side of the world – where I’m currently visiting my Love  – “S” – for this one month adventure (ending very soon).   My path holds the promise of many amazing adventures to come.  My past has delivered a rich breadth of valued opportunities from which I glean awareness and wisdom.   My hope is that whatever I share will inspire others to see their days for the gifts they present.   I hope to communicate consistently from the center of what I believe – which is that in every moment we have a chance to be exactly who we authentically are and want to BE.  I want to be a positive contributor from and about love to the collective consciousness of our universe…and along the way …..I want to make you laugh…… ( “i love Lucy” moment… http://youtu.be/4AZK2-Tfc84) … enjoy!

With gratitude,

c.e.leon