Dear gaiaFriends,

I love Design By Humans t-shirts and I think you will too. CHECK THIS OUT - I have a personal 20% OFF referral code for you to use and pass along to all of your friends. Go check out the amazing shirts at designbyhumans.com and use my referral code at checkout for 20% off! If enough people use this code, we will all win a $10 iTunes gift card! (among other prizes)

Yes, this is a contest of sorts so I would love to win first prize for referring top numbers on friends.  This is a great opportunity to promote individual, creative expression - who doesn't love t-shirts!?!


Have a great time shopping and if you do get something, hit me back here and show me the design... I may go get one myself!!!

Thank you all, in advance, for your support on this!!!

Be well,
~K

found via granolajoe :: http://snurl.com/2tevk

My score:

11-15 points: Yep, You’re a Scuppie All Right!

You know that making environmentally friendly choices and living the fabulous life go together like organic peas and carrots. You are not only eco-conscious but eco-fabulous, and you know that going green doesn't mean skimping on style and taste. Are you ready to spruce up your house and garden in eco-style? Well, get shopping! And remember, as Leo DiCaprio proves, there’s nothing wrong with looking good while doing good!

on a "sister site"

I face many challenges in my life and I am used to feeling "in control" of things.  So much so that I have become somewhat addicted to that feeling ... in control.  The challenge I face with this, though, is that I am also mildly bi-polar.  I have manic moments... sometimes for days on end.  And, when it's bad... well, it's deeply so.  I block everything ... but I am still "functional" enough to not do any extreme physical harm ... I hydrate well enough .... eat okay-ish ... and manage to at least keep up on the hygiene so as not to gross myself out.

Anywho ... I just went through a powerfully deep period that started on Thursday... challenging because all I wanted to do was stay at home and do nothing... but I knew I had certain obligations (like work).  However, once home... I did not step out of my living space upstairs until Sunday afternoon... cloistered.  I am aware that I do this ... it's observable.  What is challenging for me is to allow it to happen and stop judging myself for what I "should be doing" ... in my head is this bizarre dance of judgment - harsh judgment - that no one else hears ... terrifying chatter.

So, coming out of this "funk" as I put it ... is equally as bizarre as going into it.  I'm still slightly covered in the energetic-gunk that I was sitting in ... drowning in, actually.  So I *feel* like people can see it; I then project what they might be thinking about me.  And, concurrently, thinking they have NO idea what I am going through.

So... how do I get to that point of being okay with who I am .... chip marks, pocks, dents, damage and all?  Each experience with this depressive state allows me an opportunity to be there and let go of that illusory "control" ... there are no "shoulds" that are definite.  There is nothing that I *have to* be other than who I am perfectly evolving as - in the present moment. 

Where does the chatter come from?  Who programmed this vessel?  Where is my "clean sweep" utility?  Am I on the verge of a break?  Am I willing to be totally broken?  Am I willing to risk absolute loss of control?  What does it feel like to free fall?  Am I willing to be completely and totally powerful at the same time?

This is what it is like for me to deal with depression ... and I am finally admitting - openly - that I am facing this challenge ... I had been so far in denial based on comparative analysis between that of my father and sister and me ... I thought that by comparing my "issues" with what they've faced as "diagnosed" manic/bi-polars that I could not possibly be depressive - I have a great life in comparison - so what do I have to be depressed about?  In floods the "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" that take me there.

Also... this is far different from my "raw" blog entries ... those are when I am okay with *being* angry and vocal.  This stuff, however, is when you don't hear from me for long periods of time ... this is the first time that I've written about it so wide open to the world. (not that *that* many people read my blog) ... but you know what I mean.  It's about authenticity - okay with showing all my flaws, so that I can learn to love them.  Once I love the "bad" about  me... the more I can just love me for who I am... all of me.

I am not writing this by any means to get any sympathetic attention ... this is a challenge for me to publically admit that I am facing this.  I am sending a message to the Universe that I am ready to grow from this.  I am ready to find a new level of *being* with this challenge in my life.  I am ready to live as an example of how to productively live with this challenge... and to love me with this challenge as a part of who I am.

Here I grow...

just a reminder to keep checking in daily to support Dragan (aka SixthSense) in his pursuit to win a competition he entered.

Original blog entry HERE.

I received one of two gift packages enroute to me from one of our very own Gaia members, Aaron (Umguy) ... I am SO stoked to support/share/promote his creative Mr. Huggins & Snugglypoo ... definitely go check out the comics!  http://www.mrhuggins.com when you get a chance ... it's funny ... dry at times, but I like that kind of humor!

Here's the magnet ... I also received post-cards to share with people too ... YAY!


THANK YOU, AARON!!!

Excuses.

I guess the Universe is really opening to challenging me in ways that just leave me drop-jaw ... I've updated my phone number to a Colorado number and sent it out to all of my contacts - including one in particular who recently reconnected with me after a VERY bizarre turn of events where she had lashed out at me -- but, I am the type of person who is open enough to allow reconnections to "heal" or work through things ... so I had started communicating with her again.  Received pictures of her family, emails about a condo she was purchasing... so I was really OPEN to allowing this to grow back into a friendship connection despite the past experiences.

So... today, after having sent out the email; I get a response back from her basically saying;

"I thought it may have been obvious that I lost interest in reconnecting with you since I haven't instigated any more contact with you since May...You emailed me once after that and I emailed you back with a very short response...Then you sent me an invite to one of your new websites a while ago and I didn't respond and now this email...
 
Just so there is no confusion and so you won't be energetically tied to me, I'm letting you know that I'm not interested in any reconnection...I've already severed any remaining ties and I would advise you do the same..."

Seriously CONFUSED ...

What is it with passive-aggressive people in my life .... am I passive-aggressive and just not seeing ways in which I am being that way?  Is that why those types of people are being brought to the fore-front of my life right now?

Well, that's it .... no more... I am stating my boundaries from now forward with friendship.  There are things I will NOT tolerate in my life ... PERIOD.  This kind of bs is not okay with me at ALL!

And yes.... this gets me ANGRY ... I don't know any human alive who wouldn't get their feathers ruffled about this kind of "hook and reel" method of screwing with someone's mind and then just dropping someone once they've reconnected .... it's not cool.... not cool at all.


okay... it's off my heart/chest .... so this irritation will pass quickly out of my life.



</rant>

I know this is last minute, but.... I just HAVE to share this event with you all and hope that the folks who live here locally are able to make it:

(Thanks to Phaedrus for bringing this to our attention)



Robert Thurman is coming to Boulder!   On July 23rd, Elephant Journal will be hosting an Elevision and book signing with Professor Robert Thurman at the Boulder Theater!

If you can make it out, you definitely should! It should be fun.... music, a fashion show, other guests, and Prof. Robert Thurman (first American-born Tibetan Buddhist monk, a friend of H.H. Dalai Lama XIV, and Uma's dad).

If you are looking for more info - go here.

Doors open:  6:30pm
Event starts: 8:00pm

Fee:  $9.00 online (plus online convenience fee of $2.00); or
$11.00 at the door

+++++++++++

AND.... just on an "inside note" ... the lovely, Siona, will be playing a small role in the Elevision event as an eco-model - so keep an eye out towards the end of the event for the fashion segment!!!

I will be arriving at the venue when the doors open - at 6:30pm ... the event itself doesn't start until closer to 8pm, so this will give us plenty of time to meet and chat before!  I am SO hoping that the local Gaians will be able to make it out to attend!  I am extremely excited to be able to meet Robert Thurman and hear the interview with him - I find him to be quite inspiring and an exemplary world-changer!!!

I know it's quite impromptu - but, Let's Get Together!!!

DIRECTIONS can be reached at this address:  300 Arapahoe Ave
(basically where Arapahoe Ave and Canyon Blvd come together - the park touches both sides)

It's that time of year... the annual Global Gaia Gathering (formerly known as the Zaadz Zaangha) and it is happening in YOUR lovely city of Boulder, Colorado!!!

*** When: AUGUST 9, 2008 ***

Location:  Canyon Blvd & 3rd Street, Boulder, CO 80302

• Covered picnic tables for about 50 people
• Restrooms (wheelchair accessible)
• Playground equipment
• Boulder Creek Path access

Time:  5pm to approx 9pm
Host:  Kelly Cookson (mscaprikell) - your local Ambassador!

This event will be a ZERO-WASTE EVENT (thanks in large part to the kit provided by ECO-CYCLE).

There will be a covered space to sit and chat with local friends from the Gaia Community; get to know the interests, causes, projects and NETWORK!  I am hoping to have a couple of local companies who will represent how they are effecting change in their ways for the local community!

You are welcomed to invite friends, bring family members ... as there is playground equipment and plenty of park area to enjoy!!!

If you'd like to find out how you can help with any details for the event, you can email me directly at kelly (at) gaia (dot) com and I will be more than happy to schedule a call or time to meet with you to let you know what tasks are in need of volunteers!

More details will be added as I confirm guests attending! (stay tuned!!!)

***UPDATE*** ... our very own Jackson Carson will be (with his group Sacrebleu) entertaining us with "Euro-style Gypsy Jazz" - come GROOVE with us!!!

8/6/08 **UPDATE2** ... I have just heard back from my *choice* beverage sponsors Eldorado Springs Water - they are giving me a HUGE discount on their newest line of Organic Vitamin Mineral waters.  AND ... one of my favorites ... PixieMate is working some GREAT magic to make their beverage available to us at the park - the whole "NO GLASS" thing really put a kink into my thinking they could sponsor us with their beverage... BUT, my lovely contact suggested using a dispensing tub for the drink - thus keeping the glass bottles out of the park ... clever!!

I will be getting the basic fixing for Tofu Dogs / Boca Burgers ... so if you feel up to sharing/bringing any other snacks you are more than welcome to contribute to the picnic-style set up!!  REMEMBER: NO GLASS CONTAINERS

Also... since we are having music, it would be a good idea to bring blankets or cushions to throw down for a seating area to sit back, relax and enjoy the show!!!

I've been reading the MAT members' blogs recently about a suggestion to re-take a test that was suggested some time ago by Brian (I took it back then but only listed a brief blog about it, read what it was HERE.)

Here are my Signature Strengths current results: (click this link to go to the test via authentichappiness.org - you will need to register to take it, btw)

Your Top Strength

Appreciation of beauty and excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.


Your Second Strength: Leadership
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen. (like the upcoming Global Gaia Gathering, perhaps!?! ;)


Your Third Strength: Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.


Your Fourth Strength:  Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.


Your Fifth Strength:  Perspective (wisdom)
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.

Strength#6:  Capacity to love and be loved
You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

Strength#7:  Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Strength#8:  Kindness and generosity
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.

Strength#9:  Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Strength#10:  Fairness, equity, and justice
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

Strength#11:  Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Strength#12:  Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Strength#13:  Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.

Strength#14:  Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

Strength#15:  Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

Strength#16:  Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.

Strength#17:  Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

Strength#18:  Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

Strength#19:  Humor and playfulness
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.

Strength#20:  Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.

Strength#21:  Industry, diligence, and perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.

Strength#22:  Modesty and humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty.

Strength#23:  Caution, prudence, and discretion
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.

Strength#24:  Self-control and self-regulation
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.