Like the best kind of house guest, June came bearing thoughtful gifts. An (almost) completed manuscript, new digs, ready for smudging. A victory lap of 1-on-1 Fire Starter sessions, and a little world domination, with friends new ‘n old.

Here’s what you missed in the past 30 sleeps, June-bugs.

: an ode to girlfriends everywhere.
You told me to dump the chump. You’re happy for me. Always. You remember. Everything. You’re the encyclopaedia of…me. Girlfriend, IT’S CRAZY HOW MUCH I ADORE YOU…

: i eff’d up: when to correct your course or jump ship.
Resentment, stuck energy and lack o’ enthusiasm are blaring sirens. When you hear ‘em, stop. Double-back. Quadruple check your intentions. And then instruct your ego to step aside, so course-corrections can be made. Don’t wimper or flounder, just DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT…

: discerning vs. cynical…with a bit of Beyonce for good measure
Before you choose it, buy it, take it, believe it, repeat it…question it. But question with a raised eyebrow, not through squinting eyes that shut out the light. When you’re cynical, you’re half-asleep. Accommodate possibility. OPT FOR DISCERNMENT…

: the possible meaning of fleeting feelings
Insight may come in a flash, but it’s the result of accumulated noticing—whether you notice it or not. Don’t pshaw your soft inklings, or poo poo subtle flashes. One grain of awareness can deliver the truth. Antenna up. ASSUME MEANING…

: the best list ever, by Danielle: vol. 2
From Blue Green Algae supplements and Ray LaMontange to inbox apps and impromptu poems, an assorted list of adoration—in no particular order. Catching bullet-point fever? Round up your best, and LIST YOUR OWN LOVES…

: before you bust a move, pick up your psychic telephone If you want to be heard—clear as a bell—engage your inner resources, and dial into your psychic telephone (or your mind-email, or your chakra-Skype, or your solar plexus). OPERATORS ARE STANDING BY… and there ain’t no long distance charges.

intuition is queen. cash is king.

love trumps all.

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Tom Ford Fragrance: I haven’t ventured out of essential oils for years, the synthetic stuff ain’t my cut. But Tom…oh Tom, I’m so glad you swing both ways.

Speaking of hot men…

Ray LaMontange: This raspy-voiced minstrel loves his women. And you gotta love that in a man.

The iPad2: can’t believe I waited so long to get the iPad2. It’s a cafe-friendly piece of freeing technology.

Rapportive: a free lil’ app for Gmail users that “shows you everything about your contacts right inside your in-box.”

OmmWriter: this is Zen wallpaper for writing in peace. No desktop icons or formatting rulers to distract you from making art. Ahhh.

Pheylonian Beeswax candles: I just placed my yearly order. The very, very best.

Rob Mee’s article on TimFerris.com: What’s Your Start-up’s “Bus Count”? 7 Myths of Entrepreneurship and Programming, is a grounded perspective on what makes for good work and output, as told from the perspective of software development. Wise stuff that applies to every creative process.

These fantastic books for kids
: The Boy Who Grew Flowers, by Jennifer Wojtowicz
: Weslandia, by Paul Fleischman
: Everest, Books 1, 2, 3, by Gordon Korman. We’re plowing through this fantastic story of nobility and adventure. “Mama, are you crying again?” Sniff.
: Schooled, by Gordon Korman

And this poem, from my friend Samantha, who is writing one poem a day for a year. (As we all should.)

THE PRESENT

The present
paper thin
be careful
it is dissolving
as you read this
new moments
erupt under your feet
fill each one
with awareness
witness
your heart beats
can you believe it
your body coaxes
you onward
constantly
utter faith
that you will
spend the offering
of life
wisely.

Summer Love
xo