An Empowering Day

What a great day I had, especially after feeling a little unsure of how it would be at the beginning. I was worried about a report I needed to write, wondered how a call would go later in the day and how much I would have to keep an eye on Otis. I had a lovely walk with Otis partway to Lands’ End, where we saw gorgeous views of the sun and wisps of fog on Baker Beach, lots of raindrops on flowers and leaves. 

I checked out the Legion of Honor exhibits because I had thought about going there one day next week and discovered they held weekly organ concerts on Saturdays and decided to go today. I also looked at going to the Japanese Tea Gardens and the SF Botanic Gardens and discovered they both have free times several days a week so I’m excited about going both places next week. I got my JNE commission work done, then did some collaging, though I wasn’t feeling really inspired so I didn’t spend much time on it. Otis was tired and rested on the couch most of the day so that made my job easier. 

My call with Gina, my friend who is a life coach and intuitive, was fabulous. We caught up and I felt the enjoyment and excitement about what I’ve been doing over the last year as I filled her in. During our intuitive session I felt so bubbly and positive. One of the things she saw was an upcoming partnership (she was not sure if it was romantic or not) and that felt so right to me, having someone new come into my life. I feel ready to open up with another person, to have someone to be with me as my life moves to its next stage and to have the intimacy that I haven’t had for a while. The feeling during the session was very peaceful and calm yet forward moving. We did some energy clearing and she could see I was literally stuck in the mud at times, so we worked on thinning and cleaning off the mud, helping me see that I was in control of getting out of what’s holding me back. I wonder if that also goes along with the pain I’ve had in the soles of my feet, that they’ve been feeling stuck and telling me to move away from what’s causing me pain. I was surprised that I didn’t feel the need to work on figuring out next steps for finding a job that works for me. I had a feeling more that I could and would create what I need next and I don’t need to be so fearful of money, both the lack and the abundance of it, I would receive everything I need. There was also something involving a person in another country – not the same person from the partnership – so who knows what that means? It was so different from my last intuitive session with her, more positive acknowledging of my boldness and the benefits I’ve gained from the risks I’ve taken. I know there’s work ahead, it’s not just going to fall into my lap, but there are positive changes on the horizon and I know, I know I can handle whatever happens. I will be alert for opportunities and not afraid to take them, it feels so good. 

After our session I headed to the Legion of Honor – it was a lovely, sunny afternoon. There was a woman having her wedding photos taken and some girls in their formals when I arrived, when I left young woman was in her Quinceañera dress with her attendants. 

I spent most of my time in the room full of pencil drawings looking at sketches.

Afterwards I briefly went through some of the rooms upstairs – most of the artwork was not my style, oil paintings with people from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries – but I did enjoy the Rodin sculptures. Having visited the Rodin museum in Paris, I knew more about him and his work. I also saw a Monet waterlily painting, which brought me back to sitting in the circular rooms in the l’orangerie in Paris and soaking up his work in its native habitat. I also saw a fancy bed from a kings palace like the many I had seen on my château trip. It was so cool to know just a couple of weeks ago I saw similar art in its original place where it brings it all to life. While it’s amazing to see this beautiful artwork all together in a museum close to home, I feel so lucky to have been able to experience that art and its natural environment.

I got a front row seat to the organ concert, the good thing about going on my own was I could easily find an open spot as people often choose to leave an empty space if they can. It was amazing to see, hear and feel the organ. I had no idea the pipes were hidden behind the walls, and so many sections of the ceiling in that part of the museum are actually cloth painted to look like stone! This concert was all Bach, different pieces that were paired with artwork picked from the same time period as the musical compositions. I want to go back later in April when the organist is doing an Impressionism series and, instead of sitting in the room where the organ is, I want to stand in the rotunda room just outside where you can hear the organ more clearly. It’ll be noisier because people will be walking through and talking but I think it will be cool to experience it this way. 

Later I made roasted sweet potatoes with garlic and onion and roasted broccoli for dinner then Otis and I went to the beach to watch the sunset. It was a busy place, though I didn’t see any wedding photographers like I usually do. It was warmer than I expected, which was a treat and while the sunset was beautiful, I was drawn by the clouds to the east that were imposing and turned gorgeous shades of pink as the sun sank down. 

I watched a bit of the Taylor Swift concert. It was so inspiring to see a confident, powerful, happy young woman absolutely delighting her fans. I couldn’t get over the size of the venue and the energy, I can see why Emmy and Alea enjoyed it so much. I wasn’t up for watching the whole three hour concert so after a while, decided to watch a movie. I came across the movie Nyad and remembered Jody Foster being nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for her role. I’ve had a crush on her forever so I decided to watch it and was really glad I did. Another empowering movie about an incredible woman who didn’t give up despite her age, time away from swimming and many, many failures and extreme challenges. I loved seeing the perseverance, courage and strength Diana Nyad displayed in her 60s, and the devotion and commitment that Bonnie Stoll had to helping her achieve her goal. Wow.