‘Crazy-busy’ is often a way I have described my schedule and level of activity over the past 20 years. Some days I have needed to check both my Google calendar and the beautifully decorated spiral bound Celtic knot designed paper version of the repository for the tasks that comprise my days.  Wearing so many hats that I call to mind a Dr. Seussian image of a tall tower of chapeaus, caps, berets, fedoras, sombreros and derbies  atop my head. I have prided myself on being able to juggle the colorful balls and spin the whirling plates without dropping too many of them and even when I have, I’ve been able to scoop them back up without too much disruption in my life. My friend Amy used to say with headshaking laughter that I would often run around 100 mph with my hair on fire. Because it is so short now, there isn’t much to burn off. It used to be a matter of ‘proving’ I could do it all, since once upon a time, I had physical limitations to overcome. Fiercely independent, ‘do it myself’ pout on my little girl dimpled face, I was determined not to let anything slow me down. That only worked for so long.

This morning, as I was doing my Facebook perusal, I was delighted to come across a posting from my ever creative friend Courtney A. Walsh. I had  cyber-connected with her more than a year ago and we share a love of language and the quirkily poetic. A kindred spirit is what she is. We met face to face a month or so ago, when I drove up to Rhode Island for my niece’s graduation from Johnson and Wales. No way I could be there and not hug this wondrous wordsmith. Although we spent about 24 hours together, I was forever changed by our visit. The décor of her home reminded me of my own colorfully eclectic style. The pace of her life, while not as spinny as mine, lends itself to delight. Writing and private sessions with clients who seek her guidance, workshops and artistic endeavors, time in nature and with friends are part of her days. Mine include those things, but I add to the mix my counseling practice, weddings that I officiate, promotion that I do for myself and others, planning and offering my weekly radio show, writing more than half dozen columns and blogs, querying for other opportunities….whew!

A keen observer of life,  Courtney was commenting on people who multi-task as a way of making themselves feel important. I can’t say I fall into that category, but I know that when we juggle or spin too much, some things are bound to fall through the cracks. In my case, what slips is my retrieval-memory. Names, context, what I walked into a room to do or get, go the way of all winds. Rather than thinking of herself as a multi-tasker, she said she prefers to consider herself as a multibasker who immerses in the juicily joyful, the bubbling over with bliss kisses from a life that loves her back. Me too, CAW(:

So, this morning as I anticipate a day that is comprised of writing, gym time, laundry, counseling clients and errands, I am moment-by-moment basking in music from my favorite radio station WXPN (www.xpn.org), which at the moment is Gimme’ Shelter from the septuagenarian Stones out on tour again, who played in Philly last night, the sun dappled curtains, fruit and veggie smoothie for breakfast as I type these words. Who knows what amazement awaits me on the other side of my door today?  My overflowing heart is eager to welcome it.

More CAW-wisdom www.squeezingthestars.com