My Sunday List

December 17, 2023

Dec 17, 2023

Quote

Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what. —Maya Angelou

Song

Where the Rocks Are by Maia Friedman. Freedman’s First to Love has been ny song of the week before and now I’ve discovered another of her songs that I can’t stop playing. I love the sonics so much — it’s clear yet warm — the drums are cool and present but don’t take over (I think they’re real drums but I’m not sure) — it’s simple, clean, and good. And her singing is, once again, heart stopping. If you listen on Spotify, check out the lyric too. Interesting.

I watched

More Reservation Dogs on Netflix. Still digging it.

Book

I finished Margaret Renkl’s The Comfort of Crows. I think I might read it again right away. I’m not sure. And I haven’t decided what’s going to be next.

I have a few more things to say about The Comfort of Crows, but I’m not ready yet. Those of you who have read it will understand that. Those of you who haven’t, I hope you do!

Thing

This notebook given to me last night by a dear member of our community here. A heartfelt thank you to her. It’s so cool. And the cards you see spilling out of it are treasures from my travels as well. I am so lucky to be so loved.

What I’m wearing

This and that.

What I’m cooking

I cooked another pot of Rancho Gordo beans this week. I don’t even remember what kind they were, but they were excellent. A beautiful winter staple. Or for anytime, really.

Christmas and the surrounding holiday days are going to be pretty simple around here. We really did it up last year, and it’s a nothing short of a production when you have a lot of mouths to feed, bodies to house, and entertaining to do. I ended up calling it producing Christmas. I love it! That kind of thing has its place. But this is not the year. Instead, I hope for only quiet, peace, and as much love as we can handle.

I’m thinking about cauliflower soup this evening. We’ll see.

Favorite Photo I Took This Week

That’s my nephdog, Jett Moorer. He’s 14 and still pretty spry.

Where I went

Let’s see — Austin, New Braunfels, Austin, back home. Hayes’ Grateful for Christmas Tour was a complete success and we all seemed to have a good time. Thanks to everyone who came to shows.

What I did

I sang! Kenny and I wrote half a song that we’re excited about. I painted. I faced my ego over and over. I cried. I laughed. I did some gift shopping. I gave Hayes an early Christmas present — a gorgeous guitar. I missed those I didn’t see. I rode the roller coaster of emotions. I traveled. I hated leaving home. I enjoyed playing music, though this time of year can be quite hard on the heart. Even now, I can still end up feeling like the raggamuffin nobody’s claiming when everyone has their family around but me. I’m sure there are many of you who feel the same way. God bless the child who’s got his own.

What I made

As I mentioned, half a song. I made some paintings — some for friends and some commissioned pieces (thank you Chris and Michael). I made this leather collar that I’ve been dreaming about making. I may add more to it — we’ll see. I like its avian quality.

Something wonderful I noticed

This morning when I got here, I noticed how much I appreciate my home. I’m so fortunate to have a roof over my head, and a safe place for my family that’s warm and comfortable.

What brought me joy

Making art — painting, singing, decorating. Seeing those I love be happy and light. Seeing my husband smile and be proud of his hard work and success.

Prayer

Thank you, Great Spirit, for giving me the strength to let go of everything I cannot control, which is everything outside of myself.

Intention for the week to come

May I be present before I am concerned with being anything else.

May I meet others with kindness and acceptance.

May I feel confident enough to be flexible.

May I remember that this time of year is about being grateful for my blessings.

Something I’m thinking about

I guess I have a lot on my mind. That’s not unusual. But lately I think a lot about my limitations. I think about what’s ingrained in me and what of that is good and bad. And right now I’m thinking about how to be intentional in all of my movements. Is that even possible?

Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. — Buddha

Habit

I’m happy to report that I am back to my full yoga practice now. My knee is painful sometimes, but my range of motion is nearly what it was before the sprain. I’m baby-ing it and probably always will — I especially like kinesiology tape for a secure feeling on the MCL.

Wishes

That I recognize every opportunity to feel joy, and that I take each one.
That my fellow creatures do that too.
That you all are content and well.
That you will forward this to one person you think might like it.

These pieces are available in the Autotelic Shop. I’m sorry to say I cannot offer international shipping.

Have a wonderful, peaceful, joyous week. And thank you for supporting my work here at The Autotelic.

Peace. Love.

Allison

There are first edition copies of I Dream He Talks to Me and Blood in the shop. I will sign each copy that is ordered. If you would like it personalized, please send an email with your order number and the name you would like on the signature page to allisonmoorercontact@gmail.com.

books

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