double dog dare
Something I am learning about myself is that one, I thrive with encouragement and two, a little support goes a long way. A few months ago I asked a friend for some help on a very specific personal goal and wow-- the results are rather amazing. It's not that I am not setting the goal and doing the work--and, they are not a professional coach or anything like that, it's more like I am swimming across the lake there's someone riding alongside in boat and they have a megaphone. And, every time I get overwhelmed and want to give up on myself, they shout, 'just keep swimming.'
Jen and Michelle had the bright idea to bring this to the whole group and see if we couldn't collectively move past those small obstacles that can seem so daunting. Of course, this is also a way to set small, short-term goals to help us on longer range plans.
So, what is a double-dog-dare, squamstyle?
The Double Dog Dare
How does it work?
Leave your challenge in the comments and be sure to fill out the email* & blog fields so we can stay in touch and email you received your I've been Double Dog Dared button!
We hope you'll join us because chances are-- something you take on as a double-dog-dare may be helping someone else who is watching from the sidelines wanting to try the same thing. And, sign up again the next month-- as we'll have prizes for multiple dare-devils!
GRAB YOUR BADGE! You can either right click on our sweet Daisy-doo DDD badge and save it to your desktop or drag it there...then upload it to your site and link back here: http://www.squamartworkshops.com/double-dog-dare
You've Been Double Dog Dared!
Jen Gray - I have an enormous amount of people in my day to day life who make things easier for me (the receptionist at my doctor's office, the guys who help me set up at work, etc.). I always intend to write a little note in thanks for their support and service, but I never seem to get around to it. This month, I would like to dare myself to write 30 letters of gratitude and actually MAIL these to the ones who so deserve some recognition. It is something really simple, but something I do not do enough. So dare me. In fact, Double Dog Dare me, because a dare is way more fun than a to-do list!
Michelle - i'm going to double dog dare myself to move my body for a full hour every day this month! It's so easy with the cold of winter to want to huddle up under a blanket...I want to create internal heat to help me stay healthy and happy!
Elizabeth - bring Daisy to the Athenaeum
Christine - bundle up (both me and my 1-year-old, this is harder than it sounds), and get OUTSIDE for at least an hour a day for the month of January
*please know we are absolutely not doing this to collect emails for our email list, merely using this as a means to send you your button! We never add any emails to our list except when people specifically request that we do.
**photo by emily proudfoot
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Comments
I am a natively messy and clutter-y person who desperately wants to get rid of all the junk in my home but just can't seem to get going. My double dog dare (Hi Henry! Hi Daisy! Wuzza wuzza wuzza!) is to remove something from my home every day in January so that there is a net outflow of stuff. It can be piled up magazines, clothes to donate, books, really anything except yarn. Because, I NEED the yarn.
KAT - i double dog dare you!! (and yes, you NEED the yarn...i know)... xo
I love that Idea! So Kat, i second michelle's double dog dare to you, and hope you will fill us in on your progress!!!!
After a 7 year illness during which I took daily massive doses of prednisone which caused 80 pounds of weight gain, dental problems, and during which I lost the energy to move my body, feed it good food, and do pretty much anything at all, I've spent the past wonderful year taking private yoga lessons and doing special things for myself, like going to this wonderful Art Retreat called SQUAM. I highly recommend it! And I asked my tiny, fit, energetic, young yoga teacher to help me with weight loss and diet, by which I mean what kind of food I put in my mouth. I've lost over half of my weight gain, practice yoga with Sandi twice a week whether I feel like it or not, and have improved my eating habits. But not enough. So I'm going to DDD myself to do two things this month. First I'm going to make that dreaded dental appointment. (Thanks, Elizabeth for the reminder) Second, I DDD myself to make at least two veggie smoothies a week. Maybe next month I'll up to three. Watch out, 'cause here I come!
PAT - i hear you. I have been on prednisone before and know what it does to a body...was ever so grateful for the medicine but it was a long road to find my way back to myself (i gained 30 pounds in just two weeks on it). i am so happy and proud of you for making the decision to change the habits that came along for the ride. it's incredible how much can change with a decision, a true decision.
sending you so much encouragement to continue on this amazing journey to reclaim your health! and you are officially Double Dog Dared to ENJOY two veggie smoothies a week!
What will be in the first one?? xo*m
I knit a lot. I knit for my business, my family and my friends. I never knit for myself and I am in dire need of a creativity booster. My DDD is to make something for myself. To be perfectly selfish, pick out some fantastic yarn, be creative and end with something just for me.
My goal is to be more active during the week after work. Trying for three days a week of exercise (I play soccer on the weekend) -to try and get some muscle tone back! Also eating less sugar...I've been seeing those veggie smoothies around the blogospheres...perhaps I can work those in instead of a sneak of dark chocolate. ;0)
WILLEW, that seems to be the case with the WWW, wonderful women of the world. Why do we take care of ourselves last? I'll be anxious to learn what wonderful yarn you choose!
REBECCA, if you haven't made a veggie smoothie, you can learn ways to make them (somewhat) tasty, by adding things like blueberries, agave syrup, and especially watermelon. My favorite is an apple, spinach, fresh ginger, carrots, blueberries (or watermelon when I have some) and agave syrup. According to my doctor, it's the brightly colored fruits and veggies that we need more of. Good luck!
gosh, i'm gonna have to think about this one. my goal is to make 2012 the year of travel....of freedom....so i'm sure it will be along those lines...making sure i follow through with it. :)
i'll think about being more specific though.
I love that this dare actually involved two dogs. Great video, Elizabeth!
I'm in the process of a major studio declutter and reorganize. But that's too big for the DDD, and it's a long process. What I don't want is for this process to mean I don't actually get IN and USE my studio. So, I need a double-dog dare to keep my work surface (mostly) clear during this process and to make the time to create. :)
WILLEW - i really do love that...PAT is right we seem to have a tendency to take care of ourselves last, so this is such a fabulous gift to yourself two fold!
REBECCA - you and i can keep each other on track! i hide and sneak the dark chocolate too...it really is good for us though, isn't it?
CELISA - what do you think your main obstacle is to travel, maybe you could start there to help you clarify?
ANGELIQUE - yes, yes, YES!
you are ALL officially Double Dog Dared! badges enroute! ox
Okay, I have lots of goals for this year.
First up, though, is actually finding a housecleaner. I have been resistant to this for a long time, fir lots of reasons, but the extra hours that hiring some one to do this will be priceless for me (not to mention the less-arguing over housework with the husband).
So, I have to find someone, and ACTUALLY contact them, and get something scheduled this month.
okay, i got the badge on the blog http://www.MySoulCanDance.blogspot.com
AND i have thought about a more specific plan.
first thing, I will NOT skip breakfast and just drink coffee instead. (i have a great start on this by blending up some veggies and fruits instead of having a 2nd cup of coffee this week)
second, i will make a to do list for the day, and i will actually do what's on the list and not everything else that ISN'T on the list. this will get me progressing in the right direction :)...for travel and moving forward.
oh my. so much. i am super all over the place with ideas streaming always but find that i am super productive but super hard on myself. no good reason here. my motto is: just keep swimming (always envisioning dori the fish talking to nemo in the movie Finding Nemo), which is odd as i read elizabeth's notes. side note - ever think the universe is yelling at you through weird connections? that's how i met Eileen (see pic of two girls jumping into Squam Lake)!
so - i love you Kathleen! i need to purge and clear and simplify and beautify - all by purging....one room at a time but not the art room and not my stash of yarn in baskets here and there because they are like good books i read but can never let go of as they make my home cozy.
and to Jenn C., who i love (there's a lot of that flying around these days) - i will contact a housecleaner for all the same reasons - i'm thinking.
to every single one of you here : i am proud of you and i am rooting for you and your own daring spirit inspires mine. as I read on I keep thinking,
"oh I should do that too!" (but I promise to focus on my one thing) The energy swirling here is definitely motivating ! thank you!!!
Let's keep each other rolling, lets help each other out ! keep us posted! *going to write my letter right now.
xoxox
jen gray
cleaning up my studio, getting it back in order and clearing some workspace is an absolute MUST for me ASAP! it gets to the point where i can't do ANYTHING in there and i end up avoiding the room entirely. which is not very productive! i'm gonna take some *before* photos too, so that i can see how much i've accomplished when it's done!
OK, here goes. I finished embroidering the top piece of fabric for a sashiko table runner over a month ago. I cut the backing piece of fabric, and all that's left to do is sew the two pieces together, and maybe do some top stitching. But the fabric languishes in my project basket. Every weekend I think, "I need to finish that," but I don't.
I want to finish the table runner!!!!
Ok - are y'all ready for this one? I'm double-dog-daring myself to get my 2010 taxes done (ahem) in the next four days so I can turn in the required paperwork for my son's private high school financial aid application. Gonna need all the support I can get on that one! xoxo
My goal for January is to get past all the pressure I put on myself and build a place to put that button!
Love this! The dare resonates with me so much more than the to-do or the resolution... I want a double-dog-dare to eat vegan for one week this month. Thank you
To climb out from under the rock I've been hiding under. Not sure how to do this yet. I've made myself pull back so far that I don't even know what the dare should be. Make a positive personal connection - a phone call..an email each day...write a letter... every day for the month? Something to melt the layers that I've been covering myself in.
I so need this support! Thank you for creating a great online space. I dare myself to quit procrastinating on art-making, to quit coming up with excuses, to TAKE ACTION to make my own self happier through doing what I do best. To end the self-criticism. Woohoo!
I love this! you girls so rock!
ok, what I'd like a double dog dare around is ... I want to make myself take at least a 30 minute walk each and every day. I keep telling myself I'm going to do it, I'm going to go to yoga etc...but I just need to move my BODY! connect with nature and my body will make me feel so good. So yes! walk for 30 min every day.
thank you for this!!
x
I have some academic writing to finish. The deadline is fast approaching and I am oh-so-behind. My goal for the rest of this month is to work for at least one hour (even if it is in 10 minute chunks) every day (except the 5 days I'll be out of town celebrating the big 4-0 -- yikes, it is quickly approaching).
Thanks for giving me a space to say this out loud - I struggle with accountability and this spot feels like a good place to find some!
Oh how I love this. This community of collective encouragement is awesome. And so was Elizabeth's video. I love all the energy that is around this site.
So I need to dared....into sending less emails to my boss at work and getting up to talk to her face to face instead. I am more comfortable with conversation through email then face to face. But I need to push myself. Get put of my comfort zone and look right into her eyes.
Thank you for these small things that open up the door to big changes. Xoxo
Thanks for creating a space for action and a bit of inspiration juice. I've been thinking about scanning and upgrading a watercolour children's book I wrote when I was a teenager, and finally work on it again. Also, re-imagine hours and hours of reading to my 3 year old as research in illustrations that come alive and speak volumes.
I want to double dog dare myself to consistently blog 5 times a week! Also I've started a bible reading plan to read the entire bible in a year and it SCARES me, like reading the whole bible seems so big to me! Though I have done every day so far, but I just want to stay encouraged and keep up with it!
i double dog dare myself to move more. i'm carrying around more weight around than i should for such a tiny girl. lol. and dang, i can't blame it on pregnancy weight anymore..since my kiddos are now 8 and 4!!!
so i ddd myself to take my butt out for a walk every single night this month, both me and my dog samson (btw, elizabeth, samson would just looooooove daisy and henry - you must bring them to squam this fall). ok, let's be realistic, let's say three times a week for a good long walk.
a fitter me, is a happier me. xoxx
oh my god Y'ALL...
can i just tell you how absolutely AMAZED i am at how you are all bringing it? I love how different and personal and heartfelt all of these are...
also reporting in that i completed DAY 1 of my personal DDD challenge - i moved my bod for over an hour as i made it to the gym and learned how to use some of those weight lifting machines. yay me!
I accept your challenge and will reach out to at least one person a week. Whether it's a long, flowy letter or a one word email I need to connect with the world. I am often very lonely, isolated and disconnected so I need all the encouragement and help I can get.
(Does this post count?)
I DDD myself to take time for myself....even when it's not ideal!!!! Should be fun trying!!
I DDD myself to make the green smoothies and juice blends I'm intuitively guided to make (but so often don't). I'm going to let go of 113 pounds this year and listening to my intuition about how to do it is key....this is a small, but powerful first step.
I have home schooled two of my kids for ten years now and am dragging! I need to become disciplined and make a plan and schedule we can stick to. I want to motivate, encourage, and challenge them to the fullest of their capabilities!
SHARYN - of course your post count, YOU count. You are welcome to connect here with us anytime. So keep showing up, okay? Im proud of you making this step :)
RENEE - oh this is so important! if you wish, share with us some of the ways you will do this!
LAURA - It's so true about our intuition being the best compass, and I hope you will share some of your smoothies and juice blends! I am proud of you ! Keep checking in, okay?
this is so fantastic! do you know, i read this post last night...read everyone's entries (you all are *amazing* and full of so much heart)...and i wanted to ddd myself but froze at what to do. so many thoughts ran through my mind. i turned off the computer and went to bed, but i promised myself i would return this morning to enter a dare. because i love what is going on here. of course, i thought of lots of big ones, but i kept trying to bring myself back to simple, back to core, back to nitty-gritty. so this may seem totally hokey, but here goes...
i double dog dare myself to look in the mirror each morning...to really look in my own eyes...and say aloud, {even if only a whisper} "i honor you"...because i believe by honoring myself i will be able to honor everything and everyone around me.
there. i said it. {but i still need to say it in the mirror...}
also wanted to say: elizabeth, thank you for sharing yourself {and henry and daisy!} via the video. so lovely to see you! i can totally relate to feeling more comfortable with being the writer of words. bravo!
Hello lovely Squammies! I love all the bravery & accountability here! Thank you, J, M, E for putting this out here! I look forward to seeing how your progress goes!
I'm so delinquent on blog posting. In my Wordpress drafts folder I have many great starts that never got finished and published. I've started a massive photo re-cap of the past 2 years of my life and my DDD for January is to finish it! I have one post up, another one about ready and probably 3 or 4 more to go. If you feel like giving me a nudge and asking, "where's part 2/3/4?", I've linked my name to my blog (something I never do because there's hardly ever anything current there).
Love this...I have already completed one of many art gifts I have on my to do list (hey they've only been pending completion for a year!) and I double dog dare myself to finish 2 more this month. Not only finish but mail out also!! I will remind myself that it is about the creative process and not perfection...lol
xo
Karen
deldino!
I want to remind myself every single day this month that my pace is ok. My slow, contemplative, thoughtful pace is really ok and that there is nothing wrong with me just because I tend to follow quietly behind the pack and observe. The world moves so fast and it gets really hard for me to remember this...but I am going to try this month :)
Pat and Michelle.. I also have been on steroids multiple times for my asthma.. I gained 40 pounds and then 20 more when I reached 20. I support and encourage you here as well as myself.
*michelle I would love to hear more about your losing after predisone story also.
xo
Karen (deldino)
lol meant gained 20 more when I reached 40... ;-)
@Arabella I see YOU...xo
anytime you want to drop me a line I am around.
@Elizabeth I love that you run your pups ears, I do that with Bella all the time, love her ears..
@Everyone who is taking up the DDD challenge - YOU/WE rock!
@Sharyn I got your card and it brightened my day xo
Karen
deldino (from serendipity)
I have never attended SAW only the open craft fair events but my partner works at RDC so I get the connection and hope that one day I can physically and financially attend and be with you all in the magic of SAW and RDC. If it's ok I would like to DDD myself to make time for me, not only to get healthier (that's been a work in progress for the past month or so) but to commit to an idea and then follow through. I am constantly whirling around the next great idea career wise or a new creative hobby, constantly looking for a new direction, something, yet I never seem to follow through on any of it. This year there needs to be follow through on something for at least the year, to give it a chance. To get me to the next place in my life, our life.
You all inspire me and I wish you all the best of luck on your DDD though I have no doubt with the support and connections that you have all made that will have any trouble succeeding. Best to all in the new year!
My heart is screaming "quit your job! quit your job!" . . . Swinging too wide for my first DDD would just scare me off. Instead, my DDD will be to initiate a few incremental, meaningful, forward-moving changes - consult with a career coach, make a few networking calls, invite that potential mentor to coffee.
Here goes!
I'm feeling old, and in a rut, burnt out baby. Is it the Menopause?
So last year I stopped teaching, and changed my hours at work.
I thought I would fell like getting back to the teaching on January. Here it is January..... And still feeling burnt, or maybe just a bit crispy.
F**king Menopause.......wait .......blah blah pause.
Pause. so I am. Pausing .
I find myself wanting to make.
Not teach others how to make. Me make. make and pause.
Until I stopped with the burnt , crispy feeling.
I think I'll come out the other side just feeling golden.
Golden years, yeah yeah. Golden years........
double dog dare me......pause. make.
I've loved reading all of these fantastic DDDs! Mine is to complete my crochet e-book and figure out how to distribute it.
I double-dog-dare myself to eradicate all negative thoughts. Pouf. I've wrapped them up and blown them away. Nothing but positive thinking for me this month/year! Positive thinking will be key to my personal and professional success in 2012.
I've been procrastinating for a year and a half in completing my graduate project. The project is a short documentary, about 20/30 minutes, on the evolution of the art therapy group I started about five years ago at a senior living/care facility. Five years ago I began with a small group of 4 as an art therapy graduate intern, our group is now 10 members strong. After finishing all my course work I decided to stay on as a volunteer and then got permission from them to make the documentary as part of my graduate project. I started filming a year and a half ago and downloaded the clips to my computer but have not yet begun to edit it. The members have periodically asked me if I have finished the documentary as they are eager to see it, and themselves on video.
Making this declaration in a public forum is so good for me. So here it goes-- I DDD myself to finish the documentary by April so I can finally graduate in June, this year!
Just wanted to say to Elizabeth, thank you for providing such a nurturing supportive environment in which to put ourselves "out there".
Good luck to all with their DDD's.
Okay...I'm really going to do it. I'm finally going to treat myself to seeing a therapist, in the hopes of finding new ways to manage long-standing issues with my mom. (Ah, Mother Issues. How cliche!) :) My father passed away this past June (he entered hospice two days after I returned from SAW and died 3 weeks later). It's time to try to get my relationship with my mother on more solid footing...as well as do some reflecting about what it's like to _be_ a mom myself. Gotta do it. GONNA do it!!
I can't tell you how lovely it is to see your face and hear your voice. Please do more videos. I double dog dare you!
I am with Kathleen I double dog dare myself to organize/clear out for 15 minutes every day i am home for the rest of January.
I'd like to stay in the moment or at least the day when my world has become a bit anxious.
All rightie. I DDD myself to finish that bloody.... I mean *beautiful* Mountain Shades sweater in January, and furthermore, to wear it at Squam, which means I need to finish it nicely. :-D
I took a big leap last fall and made the decision to retire - hit my 30 year mark this past Wed Jan 4 and I am now officially FREE!!! The thing is I'm REALLY feeling what Denny said above - too old, too pooped, too unworthy. But, in another moment of bravery, I registered an Etsy store last week; just don't have a thing in it. I need a DDD to take that next step and execute some of the many ideas I have (without regard for the "toos") and get some stuff made for my store!
Loved reading everyone's dares - this is just awesome!!
My goodness this is amazing... and needed. I am a fearful procrastinator.... in November I "leased" space on a shelf in a nearby community to peddle the artsy stuff and put baked goods at the coffee counter.... I have found every excuse in the book and a few that have yet to be written to not put actual BAKED goods out. The jar cookies (the ones you have to bake on your own, I've just stuffed to the gild and made all pretty with a bow, they sold enough to pay the rent wahoo)... a few post cards and an even the crazy bat art piece I made while at Serendipity sold! I **need** a DDD to push me onto that baked goods counter, especially if I am to find myself in the company of my beautiful sisters this fall!
How is everyone doing on there DDD's?
I usually stink at things like this, but I think the word DARE really does it for me. And, reading all of your comments is definitely keeping me motivated. Fill us in in how you are doing and how we can best support you! xo
jen gray
ha ha Jen-- that's so funny, I am the opposite-- the word DARE sends me running for the hills-- what is working for me in this is the support and openness -- yes, am a fragile flower.
My DDD is two part-- first I have to join the athenaeum and then I bring Miss Daisy in .. will bring my camera to document-- so excited and I have been putting this off for FIVE months-- so it is about time!
I've been getting all the comments via email -- and everyone's DDD have been SO encouraging :)
Update for me--I cleared off the desk last night (even just dumping some things that are going to be gifted or freecycled on the guest bed) and spent two hours in the studio, prepping journals for some year-long projects I'm starting. It felt great to be at my desk again, rocking out to some Florence + the Machine, paintbrush in hand!
Thanks for all the DDD encouragement & hope everyone else is making progress on their goals :)
So many brave hearts showing up here. I am following your lead, Michelle, and trying to keep it simple because I have already declared some big things I am going to do in the next few months, like my first Goddess Temple e-course, write another chapter for my book, and send it out to publishers. I feel like I have already double-dog dared myself to do these things and have struck out on the path of creating these things. But, I feel I need to take it deeper for myself as I venture into the unknown. I am going to use my word of the year, BELIEVE, and say to myself every day: I believe in magic. I believe in all possibilities. I believe in myself. Thank you, Sisters. I love the idea that we're on this path together, cheering for each other.
I read this post last evening, then sat down (teeth gritted) to work on lining my cardigan. Then it hit me that finishing could be my DDD.
So I came here, posted, and went back to finish tacking in the lining on the back (my goal for week 1 of 2012)... Then I was excited by the energy of the DDD and prepped lining for the two front pieces, and started to tack in one of them!
Getting follow up posts in my email is fun, and I congratulate us all for having a go at this!
Cheers!
There are so many beautiful goals and intentions here! I can feel the energy and support and know that whether or not people reach their goals, they will experience something even better. :)
My DDD is to explore my word for the year.."story"..and write and complete one short story from my life. There are so many ways to explore this word but I think this will be a good start.
Hugs!
One thing I've been meaning to do for TEN years now is to get my Swedish citizenship. I'd like to be double-dog-dared to GET the paperwork filled out and sent in, already!
Just checking back in on my DDD and I'm on my 3rd day of walking at least 30 min!! Yahoo! It's all because I said it here and everyone else is doing there's!
thanks all!
xx
I have never been able to turn down a dare ; )
There are so many things I need to dare myself to do but I've narrowed it down to three...
1. I NEED to do my mileage (for work). That means writing it down each time I;m driving for work. NOT waiting 'til the end of the month (er, or the end of two months) and using mapquest to figure it out from memory. It wastes so much time! I'm GOING to do it.
2. For the past two years I have made attempts at putting myself first. I've paid the money to join a gym...I've started eating well...and then, life kicks in and I go back to the same old...I know something needs to give...I WILL do this. With your help!
Thanks for the collective, community, dare!
Right...I did say three things...opps!
3. Go to squam. Paid by paypal last night. Registration in mail. Thanks for the life changing dare.
I love the community ddd - great idea! My ddd it to get my taxes up to date & done in Jan. This is a major albatross for me and I will feel true relief when it's done.
I joined twitter yesterday to follow @squamlove. Just tweeted my first to #doubledogdare.
If I just do a little every day, I can finish that (former) UFO before a. full year from cast on! I was feeling like mine was a rather mundane DDD, but I know you fellow knitters know how big an obstacle a UFO can become! I've not experienced such resistance in my knitting life before.
I hve naturally curly hair that left to its natural self, at times looks like a forest of winter trees, and not in a pretty way. i go to a male hairdresser who also has naturally curly hair because I THINK he can work magic on this rats nest.He doesn't. I end up paying him, giving him a tip, smiling, hugging him, and TELL HIM HOW MUCH I L;OVE IT.
I then drive home, pass my husband's office, mutter "I hate my hair", continue to the bathroom where I wash and blow dry my hair the best I can and promise myself i will tell him NEXT TIME that I don't like it!
I never do. I want to get out on that tightrope and walk all the way across NEXT time. I want to stop getting to the gorge and backing up and finding a shorter way around it, a safer way around it, instead of putting my toes on the wire.
Happy Monday my fellow double dog darers! I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing? Who needs a little encouragement? Remember, it's not about perfection, its about trying and making steps :)
Im doing well on my letters although I sometimes forget until later in the day until I stop by here and am reminded and encouraged by all of your comments! HOpe this day brings you unexpected beauty.
xo
*jen*
I have a BIG one....it may be too big for this....so if it is let me know and maybe I can chop it down into smaller bites.....I need to lose 70 pounds...it was 80 but I've lost some already but I kind of stalled about a few months ago at this weight I am now. So my DDD is to lose 4 pounds this month.....if I can lose 4 pounds a month until September I will be 32 pounds lighter when I get to Squam! (this will be my first year attending Squam and I'm super excited)
Dear Celia, There are many of us who are holding you with loads of encouragement for the DDD at this very moment. And if there is a specific way we can help you, please say so. When I looked at the painting your daughter did which now hangs above your alter, I imagined that as you.
Being free, a wild woman of incredible color and movement... :)
xo
jen gray
I subscribed to the comments for this post and have loved all the treasures coming into my inbox! So far I've kept up with my DDD I'm on track with my bible reading plan and I blogged 5 times last week! This wednesday my classes start back at the university so thats when it'll start to really be a challenge I'm sure
I am so grateful for this DDD. It came right at the moment I needed it. I was so frustrated and standing in my kitchen crying before going to work. The enouragment and love that has come from this community has given me the courage to stand up and take things into my own hands.
I have been doing well with my own DDD. I now get up and speak to my boss instead of sending an email. Each time I do it I feel the love and support of this community and I know I can face it head on.
Thank you so much for this. Thank you for the love, encouragment, idea, and support. Attending squam changed the course of my life forever. This site continues to inspire me and push me in the right direction day after day.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
xoxo
Jennifer
Shelby, so glad you are feeling on track, and know that we are here as you start back to classes! Be sure to check in again.
Jennifer, I am so proud of your bravery, and yes, we are here and we are rooting for you each day!
xo
jen
I'm really loving all of these , and just feel so drawn to add two of my own. Things I've been putting off, and hiding from myself for awhile now. The first is to deal with a few financial issues I've been avoiding. Face them head on, and take steps I've been reluctant to do to improve it. No more ignoring it, because it's not going away.
The other is to eat healthier, whole foods and exercise more. I want to arrive at Squam feeling happier with my body.
Well, my daughter's back at school today, and I did it! After a few attempts at procrastination (dusting and unnecessary laundry, for godsake) I actually sat down and painted! Of course, I got hungry after just a few minutes and had to make something to eat, you know, to procrastinate some more. But I came back, and I am very proud of myself for staying determined. Baby steps.
Dear Celia: I heap upon you loads of support! I popped over to your blog and hope you enjoy Women Who Run With the Wolves as much as I did/do!!! It's life changing--the sealskin/soulskin story has been especially important for me when understanding my weight issues.
ALL: I love the messages that come streaming into my in-box at random times of the day! Thank you for your support. I am on track with juicing/smoothie making and just enjoyed kale, lemon, pomegranate, carrot, romaine and ginger! I am holding off on weighing myself, but I know that my weight release goal of 113 pounds is reachable. Thank you for your support!
I feel SO supported already! Was there anything I needed to do to get the DDD badge sent to me? I want to put it on my blog and see it everyday! I love all the comments here and the support that is being given! I too want to come to Squam feeling good in my own skin!
Hello ALL
You should all have your DDD badges now via email...if you didn't happen to get one, I changed it up in the post so you can just grab it and link back to this page (instructions are up there). I am preparing to head up to Provy to process reggies with Elizabeth...can.not.wait!
Thrilled the DDDs keep coming in...and I am so enjoying hearing how everyone is doing!
As for me...I kept up my pledge to move my body for an hour everyday... until yesterday. So I did 3 days on and then missed a day (which is better than 1 day on and then missing 6!) Hoping to head out of here shortly and hit the gym for some treadmill action (it's cold, rainy, and dreary here today...). Fascinating how once you start something, you crave it and that becomes the new norm....slowly, slowly...baby steps :)
xo*m
Thanks for my button! I love reading these...an update: I did my mileage yesterday (a month behind). This is the LAST time I do that : ). Cheering everyone from my place in cyberspace!
So I am doing it...squeezing in guitar lessons for myself with my daughter and worked out 2x this week!
Hooray KELLI! It must feel so good to have that behind you!!! (doing the double dog victory dance over here in celebration!)
And RENEE- I am so glad you are doing this! (Kayla too?)
You are an incredible momma and I love hearing you taking time for YOU, and doing something you have wanted to do! xo
RENEE- this is so
I hope I'm not too late to add a DDD for myself! I love this idea and when I saw today's blog post I knew what I needed my DDD to be: Yoga each and everyday! The practice enhances my life to such a large degree and yet I somehow always find a way to devalue it and thus don't end up doing it! I hope this forum will help me remember its importance.
Dear WENDY, it is never ever too late to DDD! Penny's video is the perfect example of how even committing just a little time to yourself and your body is a gift. So, we DOUBLE DOG DARE you to bring this practice into your daily life. Now, go get yourself a badge at the top and claim it!
xo
Jen
Wow, everyone! So much momentum, intention, opening, risk-taking, support and encouragement happening here with your DDDs! You all rock!!!
Thanks, Jen & Michelle for checking in and holding us accountable! I'm making progress on my DDD of writing a behemoth (before it was massive, now behemoth) blog post on the past 2 years of my life. Reminders for readers out there, I'm NOT a regular blogger and often leave post drafts unfinished. My DDD is to finish it! I just posted Part 3! http://travelpliu.wordpress.com/
CELIA: I soooo understand where you are! I finally stopped focusing on my weight and started focusing on wellness. 1 I Practice yoga twice a week (at least), ride my elliptical bike when I can. 2. An iPhone app has helped me be accountable for what I eat. It's called My Fitness Pal, and I believe other phones offer similar apps. It helps to have someone (in my case my yoga instructor) to cheer you on. 3. Eat healthy. I've been drinking green smoothies at least twice a week, and have committed to myself that I'm going to keep it up till I learn to like them. And lucky me, the first Whole Foods in my town just opened up close to my house so grocery shopping has become a fun thing rather than a joy. I stick to the produce aisle as much as possible and never leave without a big crunchy salad from their salad bar. I hope this becomes a habit rather than a plan. And it's working. I've been losing 5 pounds a month for the past several months and feel so much better. If you want a buddy to talk to in order to stay motivated, not get discouraged, etc., contact me and we can cheer each other on. Don't you love this Squam blog!
Did I just write that "grocery shopping has become a fun thing rather than a joy?" I believe that should have read "rather than a chore!" Is old age already setting in?
Bethie - I just thought it needed to be said: your hair looks amazing! Love it. Love you and those cute puppies. Happy New Year! :)
How awesome is this? Very. Well, of course I could have a new thing a month here, but one goal I have is personal and it's the get off the extra pounds thing, which I already have started so go me! But, the goal that I want to share here is the publishing goal. My goal needs to be to focus my art and writing, get going, start revising and spend some time this month working on my dream.
plus- I really want to go to Squam this summer: Goal #500
Alyssa :)
one day of workout under my belt, lots of green tea and water with limes today!!! i also have a lot of projects to complete...so I feel like this dare is keeping me on track. worked on my sketchbook project today- due at the end of the month- so one step closer to finishing something!
Pat...Thanks so much! I weighed in at WW today and I lost 1lb this week.....yay! There is a Whole Foods opening here soon...it's not real close to my house....but I'm still going to go check it out....I've heard all good things about them. I can use all the encouragement and accountability I can get!
Good Morning Daring Girls :) I just want to whisper a little encouragement to anyone who feels like they have bombed out on their DDD. Please know, this challenge is not about perfection. This is about support and community and doing things that are good for ourselves. I know we are all doing the best we can, and remember, in the words of Michael Franti, "it's never too late to start the day over." Even doing one small thing to make things better for your self is a celebration. Sending you all big love.. xo
So very timely!
Item #1 I've been wanting to start a blog for years. Stop/think - not the name of the blog simply me thinking what to write next. And, I have not done so for various reasons. I vacillate on what to name it, I have no idea what would be an interesting first post that might catch viewer intrigue and like who would possibly want to read what I have to say since I don't know what I want to say - make sense?
Item #2 - I've been vacillating as well as to whether or not I should attend Squam Fall this year It seems to be a ridiculous question to pose to myself as I know the answer. The heavy question is finding and creating the funds.
Double Dog Daring myself to start (well finish the beginning, as I do have a blog form set up but cannot recall the blog site!) the blog and officially start it. If I don't I will not have a place to put my 'double dog dare' badge and perhaps that will be my entry post.
Double Dog Daring myself to create a practical budget to fund my Fall Squam 2012. This involves being more proactive with my Etsy shops, selling my sewing services and developing (answer phone from hubs, get the furnace going, yes we can go to Tanglewood to see JT!) that which has been in my mind but not put to paper/fabric/fiber/paint/clothing etc.
he next two days agenda - find where I started my blog set up, send in my registration for Squam Fall!
PS I have taking the dog to the Athenaeum envy. Lilly would be jumping anyone and everyone. I could start out by taking myself! Been once and so intrigued by all there. Lucky Daisy/Henry
Judy
I cannot submit this without a url and thus put my store as I have no url - yet. So erase it if you can.
Cissie - find a new hairdresser. I had similar concerns in wanting to dive in and strip my hair of all unnatural color. Hairdresser/s have said for years "you are too young" to be gray/white.
It took seeing another gal in Williams Sonoma shop with gorgeous white/salt/pepper hair to say yes to the long wanted change or at the very least testing the waters of being white/gray. I got her hairdresser's name/shop and had an appointment within a few days. I had a guy hairdresser this time. No qualms about stripping out my medium brown hair with overdone highlights. I am now a bit blonde, salt/pepper, some brown at the nape of my neck and glossy white roots. Everyone likes it and get this - state that I look younger! Trust your instinct and move on.
I should be all white/salt/pepper by Spring Squam
Judy
Judy, please let me know where to find your blog once you find it ( i have done the same thing before!) because I am interested in reading what you have to say :) !
And, I would like to DOUBLE DOG DARE James Taylor to have lunch with me, so if you run into him at the concert, just remind him he needs to get going on this. thanks.
:)
Cissie: I have very long naturally curly hair and struggled with a hairdresser who was the same way. It was hard, but I confronted her. I told her that I should have said something, but I hated it every time I left and asked that we work together to try something different, She was receptive and we tried, but ultimately I ended up writing a postcard and sending to the Universe asking to be connected to my "Hairdressing Soulmate". I got lucky, the Universe obliged and my hair has never been better. I firmly believe that we have Soulmates for almost any need we have. I did the same thing when it came to bikini area waxing-I wanted someone who was sensitive to my body image issues. I put out a postcard and met the waxer of my dreams! :)
In other news, I am juicing again today....and now, instead of 113 pounds to send off, I have 110 to go! That is 3 pounds in a week! So glad I DDD'd myself and so glad for the support here.
OK I'm all about this James T lunch and I now officially DDD Jen to bring me along to document this prime time lunch date (I promise not to drool on James .... much)!
The concert starts around 7:30 pm. However, we discovered last trip that if we wait in line outside the fence of Tanglewood in our chairs w/book or newspaper mid afternoon, we are charmed with hearing JTaylor and ensemble practicing. Then when the golden gates are opened, we are able to secure our patch on the lawn right up near to the 'seating area' = prime view of James and worth the waiting outside the gates with book/newspaper. James was still practicing and well I was in 1970s heaven. That's about the closest I have come to having lunch with him as we did bring along our picnic and ate while viewing James practice. Does that count?
Would you like photos of JT practicing in the shell at Tanglewood? That I can do! Some years he does have a pre-show special chat with fans in some bldg on the Tanglewood campus. I cannot recall the name of it. You simply need to check his schedule each year or ask me as I check his summer schedule each year.
Judy -
LAURA - Hooray!!!! What a big accomplishment! yay!!!!
ERIN - Your on, as long as I get to sit on his lap. :)
JUDY - Heck yes that counts!!! Would love to see some photos (you can send them to my email) I have been smitten with James for forever!
*oh and I wrote three letters for me DDD this morning! yay!
Ahhh... sweet bliss!! Judy I'm such a vivid green with grand lovely envy Tanglewood !! How awesome!!!! I have seen JT in concert a few times now, unfortunately none with pre-concerting warm up, we did do that with Alison Krauss this year when she played here and will do it every time!
Jen, if you're on his lap... I'm snappin photo's and I will wear a drool bib hehe !! :) weeeee hehe
As for my DDD, cake pops and cupcakes are going on the counter (where I have paid for my spot since last November....) *this* Friday morning! Here's to movement' !! (oh wow, that's in just 2 days...)
ERIN- that is so wonderful! I am so happy you will be returning to Squam by the Sea and I am keeping my fingers crossed that you will be bringing some of your delicious baked goods which we all covet! (really proud of you !) xo
Good afternoon, Daring girls!
Jen I so needed your words of encouragement this morning. Thank you!
It was a pleasure to sit with lunch and read all of the comments from this morning. Thank you all!
Hey all, we created a group on Flickr called Squam's Double Dog Dare,
the link is http://www.flickr.com/groups/squamddd/
We invite you to post any photos that would show us how you are doing or gives us a little update on your DDD....I already posted a little snap shot of mine. No rules here, whatever fits for you! Come join the group!
First of all, I have to say I loooooooooooooove seeing my Elizabeth's sweet gorgeous face in a video! Yay! Just totally made my day. (And Daisy, too.) I am so, so late on this but I really do need a wee kick in the boo-tay to get back to writing on my blog. It's got cobwebs and you know how hard it is to start BACK when you've let the spiders and bats make their home in your webspace. I really do want to get back to writing 2-3 times a week there - not because I feel like I should but because I know that writing makes me happy and connects all my inner dots. So yes. And so funny about the double-dog dare - once upon a time, my dear husband used that phrase to challenge a church congregation. I don't think he was my husband yet - but he is a big fan of the double-dog dare!
I don't normally comment on blogs, but stumbled upon this one, and loved the idea of the double dog dare. Sometimes a little accountability is all you need to get moving on something.
The thing I need to do is go to the doctor. I've been having weird chest pain for a while, and even though I have a feeling it's probably nothing, and not really heart issues, I know I need to go and get it checked out, just for my own peace of mind. I keep hoping it'll just go away, but it hasn't yet, and I need to just go! Part of what's keeping me away is money, because I'm kind of a poor college student, but I know that it's worth it to get taken care of.
Girls,
Thank you from the very bottom of this southern heart, for writing about your curls and hairdressers! I went to my guy yesterday and had the "come to Jesus" meeting with him and gently explained that I needed to be happy when I left the shop. I got him to run touch-up color through my hair so I can still have my white and blonde together and am embracing my curls. I threw away my "irons" and am hiking up my big girl britches and by Gawd, am loving my curls.So lovely to know you are all out there cheering me on. I am in for Spring 2012 and can't wait to hug you all!
I made big progress on my DDD cardigan tonight! The front and back are lined ... the lining was my sticking point ... and shoulder seams are nearly finished. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
And now, to bed. Good night sweet Daring ones!
Thanks for the video Elizabeth! I loved hearing and seeing you and daisy and Henry ! I am going with kathleen's first comment ..something out of the house onto a new life every day and more to catch up when out of town and also emotional clutter and confusion carried out of the house and let go so some peace and clarity can fill the cleared out space! Love the idea love and appreciate the community of support.
Good Morning Daring Girls,
Today, I am daring YOU to post an image of something that has to do with your DDD. And if your DDD is hard to capture in a photo, then send a photo of your smiling face so I can see you! The link is :
http://www.flickr.com/groups/squamddd/
If anyone is not on flickr and wants to be, let me know and Ill help. Its easy and fun and free!
Wishing you courage and hope and motivation, and mostly, gentle love for your heart...
*jen*
Jen....Wow....well my DDD is about me and losing weight and each day making the choices that will help me in that journey. I don't like pictures of myself.....I'm usually the one behind the camera not in front of it. BUT....since you are DDD us.....I will try to take a picture of myself or get someone else to take one.....and I will post it. This may sound stupid to most people....but this will be a HUGE thing for me to do.....my weight is one the the things that almost stopped me from sending in my Squam registration.
Dear Celia, This does not sound stupid and I hear that this is a very brave thing for you to do. I celebrate your courage! XOXOXOXO
Dear Celia, I can so understand your feeling regarding weight and for that matter general appearance. I have struggled with this for many years and I even know how it all came to be. I think that one of the lessons we receive from attending Squam is to be content not only for who we are within but also for what we are on the outside. We truly are a whole package. The sooner we are able to accept that, I feel that we are more able to push on and pursue the activities of simply living to our heart's content. The attendees of Squam come in all sizes, shapes, age, ethnicity and come dressed in their unique favorite and creative attire. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing such creativity manifested in people while at Squam.
It is not easy to accept myself; it is an ever on-going project. Be proud as you just took a giant step by attending Squam. Hope to meet up with you while there.
Judyd
Cissie - post a photo of your curls in the flickr album!!
Judy
Celia: I support you 100%, I understand and while this year isn't a Squam year for me (2013 yes!), I have had similar feelings about showing up at Squam overweight and worried about how I'd feel, Good for you for starting this journey, but also for knowing that nothing should keep you from it.
Julia: You are really going to town on that cardigan! Bravo!
ALL: Today I have a small but important writing project to complete-actually it is a section of a larger project and I have been procrastinating terribly. I DDD myself to finish it by 1:45 central when I have to leave for an appointment!!!!
Thank you Laura! How is your writing going? You can do it!
Hey Squamies -- How about a DDD meetup when we are there?
i did it! I got my writing project finished today! Woo-hoo!
Good on you, Laura!
No work on my cardi today, as I need to be at home to fluff my way through my first lined project. I did finish a ve-e-ery long term project (a scarf in gifted cotton chenille LOL) at knit night tonight.
Seven days ago, I said I'd do at least an hour a day of writing/research, and each day since then I've made excuses and procrastinated and felt guilty as I saw everyone's messages coming through my inbox. But today is different -- I finally started. Woohoo! Today was a fresh start, and tomorrow will be day #2!
Sending good energy to all for your day #? of the DDD tomorrow!
I completed the first DDD I gave myself - I sent off my application for Fall Squam and I did not even drive it into Providence so it would be a few miles closer. I think I will get in and get some grand classes. I also took the courageous move of asking for a different cottage - Nirvana - which I believe is close to Greenwood. Small changes lead to bigger ones.
I finally completed a duvet and 2 pillowcases for a custom order. The duvet has had me wrangling - had to be pieced for the pattern to flow, the special one of a kind design fabric now available all over the web (omitting name) ends up being only 39" wide of usable fabric which messed with my pre-ordering calculations. It is done, nicely ironed and sitting with the 2 pillowcases. I am making a banner using the scraps as a 'gift' of sorts and when that is done, bill will be forwarded, bill paid and box shipped. This weekend I start on little sis's duvet and pillows! A partial installment to my Squam budget. Mind you this was ordered pre my 2nd visit to Squam which necessitates possibly making more duvet covers.
Judy
Woo hbo! Confetti for you Judy! Congratulations on completing your (first?!) DDD.
Yay! Today my manuscripts went off to a woman who has critiqued several published authors! Now, today and this weekend I need to take some time to sketch, paint, etc... Very excited to finally get off my royal rumpus with this! Hugs to all! You're all doing GRRRRRRRREAT! Alyssa of Boston Bee
Hooray! OH, it must feel so good to complete these things! I wish I could congrat you all in person! Have you seen some of the photos on the flickr site? http://www.flickr.com/groups/squamddd/ (laura's smoothie looks like magic!)
It's so nice to actually see what everyone is talking about!
Just when I start to feel like blowing off my dare, I think of all of you and I JUST CANT! So thank you for being here and for all this support. Is there anyone who needs some extra encouragement out there? Let us know!
Keep in mind that this is a prompt to help you to do something good for yourself, or to make things easier for you. This isn't about "succeeding" or "failing" ~ shame doesn't belong here :) This community is about support and inspiration, and the understanding that we are all doing the best we can. xoxo jen
Hello gorgeous people!! Just wanted to say I've read my reading plan every day so far!!!! I haven't set a time of day I MUST read it to let myself be flexible and read when I can and its worked! :)
Also just put up my 5th blog post for the week and met my goal for last week too!!
I love love love the encouragement and beauty happening here!!!
xoxo
So glad to hear this Shelby! And thanks for sharing your song collection.
Music is a great tool to keep me going and keep me inspired.
(DDD girls, share the songs that get you grooving over at Meet Me At The Dock!)
Im not finished with my dare yet and Im already thinking about what I want my next one to be!
Much love to all this weekend!
jen
Good morning everyone! Thanks for the support and it is so nice to see everyone doing so well. I didn't juice yesterday, but decided to come here and lay it down..."I DDD myself to get in the kitchen and make some juice!"
Alyssa: Take that time for yourself...you deserve it!
Jen, I am happy to see that you continue on your goal of touching the lives of 30 people this month. Maybe someday I will put it on my list as it is a wonderful idea and no needed. Tracey, glad to hear about the scarf "in gifted chenille". Please post a photo as I would love to see it. Is it vintage chenille? Vintage chenille, barkcloth, buttons, and embroidered linens make me walk faster to the booth at antique shows.
Went to tea with a good friend yesterday in Ct. - Mrs. Bridges. In chatting I mentioned the DDD. The tea was find, but I think I hung myself with the DDD tale. My friend has now DDD' d me twice and that was only on the way into CT. I am in northern RI, we had a one hour drive! So, she had DDD'd me to get listing some British pattern (brain cramp) dish set, serving for 12 w/ serving dishes that I ended up with due to a hit the brakes, there is something good on the curb and we need it back in early September. A lady was clearing out her parents home and literally putting nice furniture on the curb. We snagged some grand items and regifted or resnagged some to others. Lady came out to chat with us as we were taking a load full and well she has these dishes. I ended up with them two days later and another set of blue/white English china to boot. Oh, and two vintage 100 year old clocks, one candy dish green and again brain cramp as to name but it is good and a couple of Humels. She only wants me to list on ebay or etsy the fancy set of 12 with serving dishes and it is a 60/40 split minus expenses of course. She lives in Florida and I do have a cell # for her. my dilemma, I have not listed the goods nor contacted her = guilty. She said she trusted me as she is a good judge of character. My friend DDD'd me to get these dishes listed which will increase my income for Squam Fall #1DDD - makes perfect sense. She also had the nerve to DDD me a second time which is to make sure I create a hoodie/jacket for Squam - not knitted but sewn. She felt appropriate guilt after that and DDD'd herself to make a hoodie/jacket repurposed from an old sweatshirt along with me in Feb. I'll post the photos.
DDD List
#1 reg. for Fall Squam - done and confirmed today - yaaay
#2 earn/budget appropriate funds for #1 above - in the works and ongoing
#3 Clean, photo, price, list on Ebay and have ready pkg materials - the dishes.
#4 Make a Squam appropriate sewn hoodie/jacket.
#5 I am behind in Crocheting two squares for donated afghans = get them done
have a lovely Sunday
Judy
- came to me 'carnival glass' - the green candy dish!
Judy
Hi. I have a confession to make....I never put up a picture on Flicker to show my DDD....which was supposed to be a picture of myself.....because my DDD is losing weight. I have had both of my daughters take different pictures of me on different days.....and I just can't seem to be brave enough to put them on Flicker for all of the world to see. I don't like the way I look.....and I don't say nice things about myself to myself when I see myself in a picture....or in the dressing room mirror that I was in front of today. I know that isn't a good thing.....I know I have to be nicer to myself.....and love myself right now just the way I am.....but it's hard.....I'm trying....and I could use some encouragement. So I guess I'm confessing....but I'm also asking for help. On a positive note.....I am doing good with tracking my food and exercising. Thank you all for this community.
Hi Celia-- I SO understand this and have a possible suggestion: what if you photographed ONE part of your beautiful body (that houses your soul) that you do like-- perhaps your hands with a pretty ring? Or your elbow poking out from a pretty blouse-- or an earlobe or a wrist?
You know what I mean-- one small part of you that you can say, yes-- that, I like. sending you SO SO much courage and light on this part of your journey.
Dear Celia, Please do not worry about a photo! you are doing plenty and you are doing just fine! All these changes everyone is trying to make must come with a gentleness. DDD is not hard core, its a supportive community that allows people to go at their pace. It can be an on going process. This is not a place to feel shame, but a place you can be honest and encouraged no matter what. I am proud of the steps you are taking! You are loved and supported :)
I just read Elizabeth's comment, I love the idea of photographing one small part you can appreciate and be okay with. And you do not even have to share it. And you don't need to do it for us, do it for you :)
love to you!
I have not done any of my DDD but today,in part because of all of you, I did something HUGE. Due to depression and anxiety I tend to isolate myself but at the same time am too anxious to go anywhere on my own. Well, today I took public transportation to Cambridge, MA and went to an amazing fabric/yarn shop I have been wanting to go to - I even talked to people a little! Then I got on a bus and went to PaperSource, finally getting back on the T and riding home. I did this ALONE and did not cry at all!!! For me this was a super huge accomplishment.
Reading the responses that show up in my mailbox every day I feel a sort of peace because I know I am not alone. Thank you. Thank you all.
Sharyn, this is huge!WOW!
I know how hard it is to leave the house when anxiety is looming. AND YOU DID IT! I am so proud of you! You are not alone, i can promise you that. Sending you a super huge hug! xoxox
Hi Sharyn.....I just wanted to let you know that you are most definitely not alone. I have trouble with anxiety too and I know how hard it is to go and do things alone....that's why me signing up for Squam and traveling by myself....and flying by myself is huge for me too. I'm so very proud of you!
Celia: I understand and relate to your feelings (my flickr profile picture is 5 years old!), but week I may post at least a facial picture because I so believe that my 110 (lost 3!) pounds will come off that I want everyone here to see and support me on the journey (and be wowed by my transformation)! :If you can post a full, facial or pic of any part of your body, you can count on being supported here! We all think you're lovely already!
Cissie! So glad it worked out!
Sharyn: You knock me out! Not only did you go out, but you took public transportation and talked to people! Wowowwowowow!!
I unsubscribed to receiving emails from this blog because I come here everyday anyway. I love reading about everyone's progress.
Celia, trust me that other people think you look much better than you do. I love Laura's idea of your before and after pic so we can be wowed by your transformation, If you aren't comfortable posting the 'before' now, save it and post it along with your 'after'. Keep up the good work!
Laura-Thank you so much for the encouragement.....I posted a "before" picture of me over at the Flicker group page.....my screen name is StripedStockings....apparently there are more Celia's out there than I thought!
Laura and whoever else here might be interested in this....I found this online and thought anyone that is trying to eat healthier might be interested in this. I'm gonna give it a try.
http://stephanie-perkinson.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com//love-your-body-cleanse
Hi everyone! Tuesday is weigh in day for me (I'm doing weight watchers) and I lost 2 pounds this week!!!! Yahooooo!!!!!
Congrats Celia!!!Celebrating with you!
Anyone else want to check in and give us an update?
Judy, how nice to have a friend who DDD's you! And Im glad she is joining in on the fun!
Alyssa, were you able to get some time to paint and sketch?
Wendy, how is the YOGA practice going?
Stef, how is the walking going
This is about the time the momentum starts to slow down, so lets rev up and keep it going as best we can!!!!!
*and remember, its never to late to begin again!
:) jen gray
Celia, ditto on the congrats. Your progress is steady which is the way you want it to be. My neighbor uses Weight Watchers and has lost over 50 pounds in the past year. She walks twice a day and I join her a few times a week. You are lovely in your photo. I struggle with weight issues as well and can empathize.
I have not gotten to the snagged dishes, but it is written on my to do list. I am in the process of getting my (colored a dark brn) hair to it's natural state - a blend of white and white/gray. Another foiling session was done today and I am lighter and nearing the white/ mix. I do not regret the decision.
Jen, Tis true it is very easy to forget to keep one's perseverance in efforts at change or growth. This is a grand idea.
Judy
Congratulations, Celia!
Jen, thank you for your ongoing words of encouragement.
I have not checked in for a few days, but I read everyone else's updates each day. I have finished tacking in the lining on all five pieces of my cardigan .... in fact, it is no longer 5 peices, but one! I still need to do some more seaming, but everything is now attached. I am working on it each evening.
I think my next DDD might be to become camera and picture-upload savvy. But if I don't post pictures, you can see me model the cardi at Squam in June. :-)
Thank you all so very much for all the kind words and positive thoughts that have been send my way. You will never know how much your show of support means to me.
Yes, I did take public transportation but if you have ever driven through Boston public transportation provokes far less anxiety!
Sending my positive thoughts and encouragement to all of you. It's really not about success or failure but the fact that you tried.
jen gray-a great big hug back at ya! You truly are a ray of sunshine!
Sharyn
I still have not gotten to the vintage dishes, but I have nearly completed a large sewing order and I am happy. I have not pursued lunching with James Taylor (!!) but I am about to send in a check for a B&B reservation for the nights we will be at Tanglewood. A few days ago, I finished my xmas thank-you's so you can see how much I procrastinate or forget or both. I did start a blog but have not been back and am rethinking the colors/design.
I've thought of Celia and weight concerns. Sometimes what we perceive as weight gain that is under our control we are mistaken and the increase of pounds is related to some other health condition that we might not know we have and/or weight gain due to medications. I saw a photo of myself at last year's Spring SAW and wish I could so delete it but it is not mine. My hypothyroid meds had been changed by a filling-in PCP and I gained weight and bloat. A year later and my thyroid meds are back to what I was on pre replacement PCP and I am fitting into jeans that I could not wear last year. My diet remains the same and it is a good one - lots of colors and hardly any preservatives and extra sugars. We need to remember to check into our health pre assuming we are at fault for unwanted weight. We might be beating ourselves up for something we cannot control.
Hello All: I have been in a little bit of a deep dive and kind of caught up in life, but wanted to check in to support and be supported!
I fell off the juice wagon for a few days, but am back on now. Today my need is to DDD myself to finish a writing project by next Tuesday. I simply need to finish it and move on to other things. So, I dare myself to be disciplined and finally finish this...in it's entirety!
Thanks for checking in Jen! Yoga has been going, not as often as I'd like, but an improvement none the less. I had completely stopped my yoga practice as well as working out (never could find a balance between the two) and now have done yoga and/or worked out 5 times since beginning my DDD. I find there are days when Yoga is not enough exertion, so I've been running instead. Knowing I've been DDD'ed has reminded me to try to do something everyday - even on the days I'm not motivated precisely by yoga (although finding the time is still an impediment). Thanks for all the encouragement! I intend to post a picture soon!
Happy Friday daring girls! I have alot of catching up to do on my DDD,
but the winter storm headed our way will give me the perfect opportunity to cozy down and get some letters written. Hope you have a great day, and remember that we are rooting for you!
xo
jen
Am I too late to join the party? (she says huffing and puffing!)
Lots of things flapping around my head but THIS one is definitely one of those hanger-on nipping at my consciousness kind of things I need a dare to finish: okay, so my computer and back up hard drives are packed with my photos that maybe saw light of day on my blog, maybe made it to flickr ... in 2009/10 I was part of a group that did a self portrait a day for the year and I want to collect those images and put them into a book (blurb or something like that.) Just for me. (well, me and my girl who will one day inherit all my piles o' crafty stuff and I apologize now sweetheart!) I've already gotten 3 months transferred over but it sooo time consuming. So that is my dare: to finish the thing and have a tangible record of one year of my life. If I can do that then - just maybe - I can finish some other projects involving material stuffed away on these hard drives.
Okay ... today I begin this project again!
xo Lis
I am a bit of a slob, and it is really out of hand, I am tired of spending my weekends cleaning house. Therefore I am daring myself to set a timer and clean 5-10 each day, to avoid the overwhelming, weekend stealing clean up job.
LIS- Its never too late to join this kind of party! I know how big these kind of projects can seem, i just tackled a big one and OH! how good it feels to have those photos finally in order and available for easy viewing! Consider yourself double-dog-dared, and keep us posted on your process!!!
LISA - It is so true, I don't like it when we need to spend our precious weekends cleaning the house! A little effort during the week can allow for so much more free time once saturday comes around! We support you in your double-dog-dare and want YOU to have more time to do the things you love!
xo
jen
Liz, I simply love your idea of a photo a day turning them into a book for your daughter. No doubt this will be a treasured memory for her in more ways than you can imagine. She will treasure the craft goodies as well - "these were my mom's" I believe you will complete this project. Perhaps a set time of Mother's Day would be a gift to yourself as well.
I cannot believe it but I am going to cut a piece off of a bathrobe of my mother's to bring to Spring Squam. It is summery aqua/white floral, vintage a la 50's. I have a photo of her and my father with me on my christening day and she is wearing that robe. I have very few bits of my mother and this one piece will be part of my Story Scarf.
don't forget to share a photo in the flickr album for this thread, esp since your photos are already there!!
Judy
JUDY, I think including this piece of your Mom's bathrobe is so beautiful. And to be a part of a beautiful scarf to keep you warm, oh how i love that thought... Make SURE we get to see your scarf at camp, and that one sweet piece...
*Thinking of all of you today, wondering how your day is going and hoping love finds its way to your heart....
xo
jen
Good morning DDDers! As of this morning, I finished my dare! 5 blog posts recapping 2 years of Nomadic life in large part, to make sense of it all and help bring closure. I feel good. Thanks for the support. Not sure I would've finished it without turning it into a dare. Sending lots of encouraging hugs, hi-fives & rah-rah cheers! I'm beginning to think of my February DDD; are you?
Hooray Crissy! I love reading about your adventures and travel and hope your writing continues! Dong a cartwheel and a kick line for you!!!
xo jen
Okay, so I am so late to the party- but that's fashionable, right? These every day challenges are huge- I think, like Elizabeth says in her video (awesome- love the doggie support team) it would help me tackle the big stuff. I have this thing- being vulnerable here- where I shut down when I come home from working with children (at risk) and I eat stuff. Just food that isn't always bad, but isn't the best choice for me. To change that behavior daily and do some self care- like yoga, like a hike, like preparing a real meal would mean a lot to me. Thanks for posting this Double Dog Dare- and looking forward to being a part of it.
Eileen, thank you for sharing.......(and you are never too late for DDD!)
Your work requires a lot of energy and involves a lot of emotions, I can totally get (and have done this as well) coming home and seeking comfort in food. How can we be supportive for you in finding a new way? Could you start with one day/two days a week of making a healthy choice and self care? What would be a reasonable hope for you? We are here and we are rooting for you ! and....you are so not alone!
xo
jen
Congratulations Crissy! (tosses confetti)
Welcome Eileen, and hello to all the rest of the Daring Girls.
I have progressed with my cardigan project -- the lining is in and seams nearly all sewn. It is together to a point that I could try it on, and I'm feeling disappointed. I wasn't planning to line the sweater when I started it, and I think I don't have enough ease for a really successful lined sweater. For me. Maybe it is just about my usual comfort in fitting things.
I am considering whether to push through, because this sweater and the lining were intended as a learning experience, or whether to pull the lining out in hopes that I will like the sweater better that way. (And please, please, let the soft luscious yarn not grow horribly in the wearing!)
Have a courageous day, everybody! I double dog dare you. :-)
Checking in to say ... I am half way through my 365+ photos for my photo book! About 50 pages already, so I may need to find a second job to pay to have it printed ... I did a lot one evening and I think going forward I could manage to shift through a month of images in one go ... meaning I have about 6 full sessions ahead of me. I am not daunted! Thank you for the encouragement.
And Judy ... I too am in Story Scarves and love your idea about the piece of robe from your mother. I just was looking at the materials list and wondering what in the world I would bring ... not sure if my fabrics are what Maya has in mind, but yes am now going to go through closets to see what speaks to me. I know I have some special pieces from the first days with my girl ... and just realized I have a box of scraps from a quilt my mother started, but never finished.
Woof Woof! This dawg is wagging her tail!
xo
Hi Jen, Julia and lovely DDD's,
I think the questions you asked about what I am really able to do right now in terms of how many days a week is so right on target. Sometimes I want to go whole hog and go for all week and then I so FAIL. :) Twice a week seems manageable to me. Thank you for making me feel welcome and supported!
Keep wagging those tails and sniffing out answers!!
xo,
Eileen
Crissy - Congrats on getting your blog up to date. You excitement is infectious and hopefully will nudge me back to my own newly started and abandoned blog.
Eileen - It is a fact that working with high risk, high needs population no matter the age, takes a great deal of physical and emotional energy from us. I find chocolate very appealing to me and grabbing a quick snack so very easy to do. If you have a crock-pot what about cutting and preparing foods for the pot the night before and filling it with those nutritious goodies before you leave for work. You will come home to the lovely aroma of earthy, foods, dinner ready and hopefully leftovers for another meal. Walking is a great form of relaxation especially with a friend.
Julia - to line or not to line!!! Not being a knitter proficient enough for a sweater, I cannot advise. I think this is one of those times wherein you might just go with your instincts and love it after the fact. Will you be bringing this sweater to Squam?
Lis - woo hooo I am so happy for you. Will we be able to see this book or part of it when it is completed? Re the Memory Scarves - your mother's unfinished quilt sound perfect as well as items from your girls first days of life for your scarf. Find something of your own and you will have a three generation Memory to wrap yourself in. I was hoping to find some of the trims I used in making my boys Baptism Gown (yes they wore a long white 'gown' made by me) to add into my scarf. I also have this red velvet jacket ala Sal's that has been moved from one storage box to another being saved to refashion for some project someday and I am thinking of taking a part of that along. Perhaps it has been waiting for Memory Scarves class to come along.
I have not gotten much done re my own DDD - the consigned dishes story. But I have finished one sewing order that I was working on with client for several months. It was put in the mail yesterday off to France. Hmm are we going to France someday? My goal is to pay for my two Squam sessions this year with my own earnings. I am not able to maintain a job outside the home due to chronic pain. However along with sewing, I am an on call 'reader/scribe' for visually and physically impaired folks which is an infrequent job but a job nonetheless. I have also begun to find a date for my yearly Grandma/Granddaughters Tea for my cousins. I had been conveniently putting it off.
I am in a pain surge and instead of waiting several weeks/months to call the Pain Clinic, I called in for an appointment a week or so after the surge reared it's head. This is a good thing on my part. I tend to hope that pain will ease up but I fully know it won't. A good step forward to knowing what I need.
It is very hard for me living with chronic pain to commit to things as I do not know how I will be on any given day. I pick and choose carefully. It is a step out of my security to go to Squam and I do it! I think I am having a harder time with DDD than I thought I would. Perhaps I will not always follow my planned DDD but get done the thing I am capable of at that time.
Judyd
Judy
Judy, im glad you made an appointment. and i think it is really wise what you said about just getting done what you are able to at any given time. ..... we all need to listen to that ....
oh and by the way, i got behind in my letters so i did a bunch this week and today my mailman left a note that the postage $ changed on the 22nd, so i just mailed a bunch of letters without the right postage. oy.
hope you all had a good day, please keep checking in, cuz we do love hearing from you.!
Hi Judy,
Thanks for the wonderful advice!! I will take it and cook up something lovely at least twice this coming week. I did get out for a gorgeous hike yesterday romping around with my doggie friend, Willow- she's sighing at the end of the couch tonight. :) I've found something that's feeding me a bit more- teaching yoga to a young special needs girl at my school- I'm energized when I come home. Such a treat!!
I, too am glad that you called the pain clinic- knowing what your body needs and asking for it is a huge thing. I am a diabetic and often need this sort of reminder. I hope you are in less pain very soon.
Thinking of you,
Eileen
good morning all! One more week left in this month's DDD, which simply means you can celebrate the steps you have made, begin with a new dare, continue with the one you are already working on, or tweak your dare so it fits you better.
if you care to write about your experience with DDD and want to share it, please email me or send me the link to where we can read about it.
i found this quote yesterday and thought about all of us:
Courage does not always roar,
sometimes courage is the quiet voice as the end of the day saying
"i will try again tomorrow"
(mary anne radmacher)
Have a beautiful day!
xo
j
I completed my Double Dog Dare! Thanks for the friendly challenge - without it, my Golden Circles table runner would still be sitting in my project basket, unfinished. Blog post here: http://bluepeninsula.blogspot.com/2012/01/yellow-and-violet.html
Oh Bonnie! I just went to look at the photos on your blog, BEAUTIFUL !!!
I am just amazed at the creativity you have within and thank you for sharing this with us!!!! CONGRATS ON Double Dog Daring it!!!!
xoxox
Wow....I have a lot to catch up on! I have been sick and I have gotten way behind in my reading here. I am finally feeling better.....I've gained the 2 pounds back that I lost and so I start over again. I exercised today for the first time in over a week and boy was it HARD! So....my DDD....get back on track.....AGAIN.
Im glad you are feeling better, i know its been a tough time for you. what is most important is that you did one thing for yourself today that was good for you. I know exercising takes effort and especially when you have been our of sorts..Celebrate this one good step today. SO proud of you!
p.s *i feel like I have "begin again" a hundred times a week! :)
xo
jen
Im right there with you Celia. Did day 2 of exercise even though I loathe it-but all the muscle and toning I worked up to in November came back double by January. Argh! But I had a lot going on...so just trying to ease into February with a renewed dare! Now if my husband would just stop
making yummy cupcakes....
Wow! Can you believe February is already here? Tomorrow begins another chapter in Double Dog Dare! Take some time and think about the new dare you would like to take on, or recommitting to the one you have already started. Then come join the fun and share it with us!
xo
jen
I am returning to my January dare. I am breaking it down into steps so it will be easier for me to get moving on it. This is the large lot of vintage dishes I am to consign for another individual.
week 1- call her (yikes) some 5months after I obtained these dishes and let her know why I am behind and I did not make off with her goods. Wash, stack, catalog, price all pieces. well perhaps week 1 into week 2!
week 2. photograph dishes and list on Ebay
week 3. monitor activity and ship - I hope
Week 4 - ditto above and early March split the monies accordingly w/ sending check to owner for her part of $
on another note, I have entry 2 ready for my blog, just need to move it over!
happy double dog dare February
here it is - the blog.http://judyaroundthecorner.blogspot.com/
I am such a newbie to blogging. I cannot seem to get the font to match -will check out help - someday! Also need to get my Squam Bound thing up - again not sure how to do it.
Judy
Okay folks, the new Double Dog Dare for February has begun. Please check today's blog entry and lets pick up our conversations there! (and i left you all a little thank you gift there just for you! )
Come on over!!!!!!!
xoxox
jen
*judy - awesome on the Blog!
Chiming in late here, but I think this is when I need the DDD the most. I am preparing to launch my new Kickstarter project called "Type Rider" by the end of this month. The gist of it is me leaving Amherst, Massachusetts and biking for 40 straight days toting a typewriter behind me, and finishing up the trip in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (the birthplace of the typewriter). I'm doing this partly because I'm turning 40 in May (I'd be leaving the day of my birthday), and want to celebrate this milestone by doing something meaningful and memorable and physically engaging, but the inclusion of the typewriter has to do with wanting to bring a collaborative, creative activity to others that connects them to their personal expression and also ties them to the larger community. The plan is to set up a mobile typing station at the places I stop, and to invite people to participate in writing the Great American Poem, which I will then print into a book after I wrap up the trip in the middle of June.
What's the DDD? Well, first to launch the project by the end of this month. Then, to raise $15,000 to cover the cost of the trip. Then, to find willing collaborators who want to join me on the road - either in a support fashion (I need a support vehicle and someone to drive it) or to ride along with me, for the entirety of the trip or pieces of it. It's something that I would really love to have company in as I go from place to place. I can see how much more expansive it could be this way.
So...that's the 411 on my DDD. Thank you!
Oh Maya! I just love this! (and you, of course) I am thinking I would like to be in Milwaukee on the day you arrive to celebrate!!!!! I will help spread the word! Let us know when you have a site or info that we can share with others!
Rooting for you!
xoxox
jen gray