5/21/2010
June 6. 2010
It has been a long time since my last entry. A lot has been going on. Nothing on photography, but much on lifestyle changes.
First, Mari and I decided we were staying in Sarasota. We needed to find someone to take over our studio in Waltham, MA and pay a key fee so we would be able to make the move work. We found someone who was actually already in the artist community.
Next, we needed to find a place to live in Sarasota. Many parts of Sarasota are very developed, with houses right on top of each other. We were looking for a place that still had some “wild Florida” around it. We drove around looking at different areas of Sarasota and found the perfect place for us. The house is on a creek and looks out on a protected part of Sarasota that definitely is “wild florida”.
Finally, we had to move. On April 31 we headed back north to Waltham to gather all our stuff, pack it into a truck and drive back down to Sarasota. This was my first move in over 33 years. My first task was to go through over 35 years of photography prints and cull it down to a manageable number. This took me two days of sorting and ripping. A trip down memory lane.
An important part of this whole saga is a phrase that Mari and I have both been repeating to ourselves, “Ask and it is Given”. We have both decided to embrace the concept that everything is there for us if we just ask for it. To eliminate the negative barriers that our minds can create and clear the way for RECEIVING. To fully appreciate what we have and to know that we can have MORE. Since traveling down this path we have been receiving in unexpected ways. Our studio transfer went exceedingly well. Our new home was the second house we looked at. We made an easy transition from our old life in a loft in an arts community in Waltham to a home in a pleasant place.
*Mineola means a “Pleasant Place” in Native American language.
July 15, 2010
Well, things did not go as smoothly as hoped for. Old demons of worry and fear rose up after a month into our stay in our new home. We both were in a state of bliss for the first month. Then, for me, worries started rising within me. As a result of these doubtful thoughts, I woke up one morning and the left side of my face was partially paralyzed. Of course the worst thought of “stroke” entered my mind. As it turns out I had Bell’s Palsy which is a virus that attacks the nerves in the face. Bell’s Palsy is often brought on by stress (a friend of mine said “isn’t everything”). It generally heals it’s self in a month or so.
This was a very clear reminder that I need to stay vigilant in my thought process and not give energy to thoughts of worry. I have been forced into a state of less activity. What has been affected the most is my vision. My left eye does not blink and it gets dry and very sensitive. More breaks from work are necessary, with closing my eyes for relief and healing. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my life and exploring inside myself in order to prevent another occurrence of a stress related illness.
Sam -
Great news! Thanks for the blog spot and letting me know what’s been going on. The photos were wonderful, and the shot of your old studio had an unexpected effect on me, sending me into waves of nostalgia. So many times at your place, men’s groups, parties, quiet times. Refuge. I remember my going away party, my 50th, etc. And regret not having had a few moments before you packed and moved to see and feel you and Mari one last time in the most wonderful oasis in Waltham. Blessings on your move – may you find happiness and abundance in your new digs. Looking forward to visiting soon. And the wrist is slowly improving. Back on the bike already!
Con carino,
Andy
Dear Sam,
Blessings, Love, Metta, and Oodles and Boodles of Love to you and Mari as always. I’ve put out a query re Bells Palsy to my yoga network and will advise their responses. And oh my goodness your new world is breath taking. We were so happy to send you off smiling into more futuring. Sending Delight, Much Wonder and Amazement. It is good this beautiful, beautiful life.
Love,
Anna
Sam
thanks for the note, really enjoyed the photos; you & Mari look so relaxed in the tropical beauty; I’m guessing swimming is not recomended behind your home (too many other critters who might think of you as dinner, huh?)
Like Andy viewing the studio brought back memoires of time well spent, talking, photographing, parties & men’s group…
sorry to have missed that last chance to say farewell there, and sorry to learn of the Bell’s Palsy
sending healing thoughts of a rapid return to full health……
I love that you are living in “a pleasant place”
as always, very best wishes to you both
albert
dear sam,
hope you got my note on fb. just read your blog so i know a little bit more of what’s been happening in your life. my older neighbor, in her 80′s got bell’s palsy and recovered. also, my uncle and another women i know also had it and both recovered. the women i know got it while pregnant and it was caused by lyme disease. it’s so scary when something goes wrong with your health, but, i am glad it’s something that will get better. as for myself, i have had some pretty serious health scares and healing makes you realized that staying healthy both physically and emotionally is so precious. keep well and hope to hear more from you. best, jane