one of my favourite songs of all time...

i am unwritten can't read my mind i'm undefined

i'm just beginning the pen's in my hand ending unplanned

staring at the blank page before you open up the dirty window

let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find

reaching for something in the distance so close you can almost taste it

release your inhibitions feel the rain on your skin

no one else can feel it for you only you can let it in

no one else no one else can speak the words on your lips

drench yourself in words unspoken live your life with arms wide open

today is where your book begins the rest is still unwritten

i break tradition sometimes my tries are outside the lines

we've been conditioned to not make mistakes but i can't live that way

staring at the blank page before you open up the dirty window

let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find

reaching for something in the distance so close you can almost taste it

release your inhibitions feel the rain on your skin

no one else can feel it for you only you can let it in

no one else no one else can speak the words on your lips

drench yourself in words unspoken live your life with arms wide open

today is where your book begins the rest is still unwritten

feel the rain on your skin

no one else can feel it for you only you can let it in

no one else no one else can speak the words on your lips

drench yourself in words unspoken live your life with arms wide open

today is where your book begins the rest is still unwritten

staring at the blank page before you open up the dirty window

let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find

reaching for something in the distance so close you can almost taste it

release your inhibitions

feel the rain on your skin

no one else can feel it for you only you can let it in

no one else no one else can speak the words on your lips

drench yourself in words unspoken live your life with arms wide open

today is where your book begins the rest is still unwritten

feel the rain on your skin

no one else can feel it for you only you can let it in

no one else no one else can speak the words on your lips

drench yourself in words unspoken live your life with arms wide open

today is where your book begins the rest is still unwritten

the rest is still unwritten

the rest is still unwritten

"unwritten" lyrics by natasha bedingfield
photo credit

On P90X

A couple of years ago, Blaine and I were watching infomercials in our hotel room in Cannon Beach, Oregon.  That was my first introduction to Tony Horton, and a workout program that he created called P90X.

It seemed like a good idea, so when we returned home, we ordered it, and proceeded to do absolutely nothing with it for 2 years.

I've never been clear on what the P is for. I know that the 90 is for 90 days, and I think that the X is because it's extreme.

(I could probably google it and find out, but I feel like putting some guesses out there.)

Here are my guesses:

1.  P is for "pain." P90X is a really hard workout, and it really hurts the next day (or two!).

2.  P is for "push yourself." You certainly do that, with a trainer like Tony Horton coaching you on DVD. Or then again, maybe you don't have to. My dad does the program, but he calls it P180 or P270X depending on his feelings that day.  That said, he has a six-pack and plays hockey three times a week. Oh, and did I mention that he's almost 60? He can stand to push himself less than the average human being.

3.  P is for "proving yourself." Maybe it's less about pushing yourself, and more about proving how much you can do when you set your mind to it.
4.  P is the initial of Tony Horton's first girlfriend, Penelope. Okay, that one's not likely, but it was my guess. For the record, I have no idea if Tony Horton ever dated a woman named Penelope.


After two years, we finally decided to make use of the DVDs that were taking up room on our shelf, and I have learned some tidbits about myself since we started in November. First, I love having a workout partner in my husband. He never gives up, and when I work out with him, I challenge myself more than when I'm alone. No doggin' it for this girl when her man is nearby. Second, when I like what I'm doing, I overcome. Obstacles, boredom, frustration, muscle soreness, and whiny-ness. Overcoming is important. Third and finally, I don't have to be a slave to all of my cravings for delights of the patisserie. It is possible for me to resist baked goods (although Christmas didn't prove that), and I triumph when I do. The scale and measuring tape prove it.

To P90X.

24 weeks...

Imagine this: a little girl with hands and feet and lips that have only developed for 24 weeks, instead of the standard 37-40. She's perfect and beautiful...and alive!

Years ago, a baby born that prematurely would not be able to survive. But today, because of the study of neonatology, and the extremely skilled care-givers that provide the medical interventions that these little ones need, they have a chance.

Today, I want to thank those medical professionals who care for our youngest citizens.

Carpooling...a 10 minute joy on each end of my day

Blaine and I carpool sometimes.

I don't stop enough to think about how fortunate I am, but carpooling with my husband caused me to make a list yesterday:

1.  I live and work within 5 kilometres. I like being close! And I like avoiding the crazy traffic that defines Calgary at rush-hour!

2.  My chauffeur...I mean, husband...works a little further in the same direction as I do. How perfect for carpooling!

3.  My work schedule is flexible. Although it varies, I have lots of options.

4.  We have two reliable vehicles. It's silly that one sits in the garage on winter days that we ride in together, but it sure is nice to save a little money on gas!

5.  I like talking to that husband of mine. He tells me funny stories, and he's always happy. How did I wind up with him?

6.  Blaine helps me to keep on track when I'm exercising. That has nothing to do with carpooling. I'm grateful anyway, otherwise, I wouldn't be almost halfway done P90X!

7.  Sprocket is really excited when we both get home at the same time. Now, is that because he likes us so much, or just really needs to go out and do his business?

8.  Lastly, carpooling gives me 10 minutes of joy at each end of my day. It's like I start and finish my day with something good!

Donated inspiration

I was afraid; afraid to put my thoughts in words, afraid to start over after failing to keep my commitment to write on this blog; afraid that nothing I wanted to write about would be interesting, creative, or unique.

I've been fighting myself. Each passing day, a voice told me to write. I wrestled those thoughts with reasons (excuses) like: "I'm a busy person right now," "I have nothing important to say," and "I've just spend weeks working on a research course, and I have absolutely no inspiration for creative writing left."

Today, my will to fight those thoughts is gone, and I am armed with a new resolve. Call it a New Year's resolution. Or maybe not. It's a fight with my fear.

Three inspirations were gifted to me in my fear and blank mind. You'd think I was given a trip to Hawaii for how excited I am about this.

Deanna's Donation

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." ~ William Wordsworth

I wish my last name was Wordsworth. Now, don't get me wrong. I love being a Walker, and I wouldn't actually change it. But, there's something about a master wordsmith with the last name of Wordsworth. It's so brilliantly appropriate.

I feel like a master wordsmith in my heart, after reading that quote. My heart breathing, not only onto my paper, but into my life, too. My heart is so full, that breathing it into words should be simple. 

I'll start filling today. Thanks, Deanna! 

Heather's Donation

close your eyes...imagine your favourite werther-loving instructor...and think "free writing". go! :)

I've written about my favourite instructor before. Carla has completely changed the way that I think about writing. She's changed the way I think about my life. Instead of being someone who walks through life, I can be a person who observes through life. She's a story-teller, and a master. She loves Werther's candies, and she liberally bestows them on students who she delights to reward! 

My eyes are closed and I can taste the Werther's right now. Thank you, Heather. And thank you, Carla.

Beth's Donation

The Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way you went until you came to this place (Deuteronomy 1:31).

Opening my Google Reader this morning to catch up on my blogs, Beth Moore donated this to me. This is true. I have been carried right to this place and moment in time. I have been carried by hands that are compassionate, nurturing, and kind.

We have been created for such a time as this, and 2011 is guaranteed to be a year of miracles.

Cheers to conquering fears. That's a miracle in itself!