Living In the Moment

Photo Credit - Speckled Fawns TRAVELER'S NOTEBOOK 101  I have always been a lover of stationery, but my newest obsession is the Traveler's Notebook. As pictured above, this notebook is made of leather, can hold up to 8 notebooks and a few other inserts. Inserts can range from folders, to zip pockets, to picture holders. The amazing feature is that all these notebooks and inserts can slide out and easily be placed into another similar notebook. (Notebooks having just a sewn spine to easily crease and remove).The changeability of ease, is so great. At times I only want to take a few things with me, other times I would like to take everything! You can use this as a planner, journal, sketchbook, art journal, scheduler, etc. Each notebook can be used for each aspect of your life - Fitness, Health, Kids Schedules. Etc ... This notebook originated in Japan as the Midori Traveler's Notebook. This is the real notebook. All others that have followed are faux midori...

Today I decided to do something that I do not usually do. I wanted to share some of the work from a class I am currently taking. Here are some short poems I wrote in Liz Lamoreux's  INNER EXCAVATION online course. This is from Week 1 - Entitled, Just Write ...  4 Prompts Given To Start  ...  I Begin ... I Am ... I Stand Alone ... I See a Man   I Begin … Each morning with a cup of coffee Giving my brain a jump start  Preparing me for the day ahead  Usually a traffic filled ride  Horns blaring  Grateful for good music  Thoughts swirling in my head  Wondering what the day will bring  Thinking of weekend plans ahead  I Am …  A modern day woman with an old soul Seeker of authenticity in all things  One who continues to believe A wide eyed explorer  In search of the next best photo  Or words that will resonate After I am gone  I Stand ...

Much Has Transpired Since My Last Post ...  Some Good News ... Some NOT So Good ... Some Ups and Certainly Some Downs ... The Ingredients That Life Offers Up To All Of Us ...  The doors that have recently closed for me have thrown open new ones. I have been given time to shift my attention to a new passion of mine.  Conceptual Photography.  Recently, I took Catherine Just's "Begin Deepening"  10 Day Online Course ... Conceptual Photography is very new to me. It seems to have come along when I needed it most. I am easing into this new art form with comfort. I find it aligns with my love of writing and storytelling Here Are a Few Examples  Self Portraiture- The Real Me  Storytelling -The New Journey Series Self Reflection - Only Words What doors have opened for you lately?  I would love to hear from you ... 

Photography by Kristine Dubuque Ortega  LIFE LESSONS FROM THE FURRY SIDE   Rest when the body asks for it  Eat, play and explore Always be alert  Ask for comfort when needed  Adapt to change Welcome others with gladness  Enjoy nature's surprises Chase after what you want Take time to get pampered Use the sun as a source of heat  Pounce on good opportunities Let go of what no longer satisfies Take breaks  Ponder for a moment or two Find the place in the world that suits you  Appreciate the simple things  Show gratitude 

It seems when we need an escape, we head off to the ocean.  A place where we can reconnect to after a long winter season.  The first trip is always the most meaningful to me.  All Photos taken by Kristine Dubuque Ortega 

Early Morning Thoughts ... 3:45am I awake to hear tires on the pavement ... I feel a cat paw on my hand ... My husband sleeping soundly next to me ... Is it Sunday? Or will the beeping begin going off soon? No, It is the weekend - One more day before the routine begins ... Thinking of things that need to get done ... And how I seem to fall short lately ... I am glad that I have kept up with on-line classes That I thoroughly enjoy ... If they could only make housework Just as pleasurable ... Trying to incorporate a few more hours into each day ... And an extra day on the weekends ... Needing to start benefiting from the extra daylight hours ... My mind turns to how we need clothes for upcoming family events ... How I need wrapping paper, self tanner, nails manicured, etc ... I dose back off to sleep ... Noticing the alarm clock in the early morning light ... 3:52am ...

A Few Things I Love ... Morning Coffee A Favorite Song On The Radio Coming Across a Great Quote Sharing a Hearty Laugh Collaborating with Other Artists Spending Time With My Family A Warm Shower  Returning to The Old Ways of Doing Things Visiting a New Bookstore The Comforts of Home Replacing Hot Chocolate for Lemonade Watching a Favorite Movie Going from Winter Boots to Sandals  Finding an Unexpected Photo Opportunity Hearing From An Old Friend