Drop It Like It's HOT!

It was one of those nights, hanging out with good friends, where the tequila was flowing and the conversation took a turn along the lines of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better”. And, as all strongly inebriated adults will tell you, they KNOW how to dance. (Yes, I used the word “adults” because it just seems that all “kids” already KNOW how to dance…)

And thus, it was decided that TONIGHT was going to be an evening of learning how to “Drop It Like It’s HOT!” But, having someone describe it to you just doesn't work for me. Being very visual, I wanted someone to demonstrate it. So, we found this video to watch and learn from:

(Here's the link if the video doesn't show: http://youtu.be/05SR91E0pC4)

Yes, we were rolling on the floor laughing! But then, we got some serious down and dirty action going on... practicing the attitude, moves and ultimately the “Stank Face”. I am sure there are pictures somewhere and a video that I hope never surfaces, so for now, the visual in your mind (thankfully!) is all that you are going to see. It was a comical event that will forever make me laugh and I am aware that that my sweet “Droppin’ It like it’s HOT” dance skills are not any better today than they were before I learned how to do the moves! (This girlfriend may have some sweet moves, but "Droppin' It" ain't one of them!)

Needless to say, I became curious about what it means to "Drop It Like It's Hot". Urban Dictionary defines it as:

“A word originated by Lil' Wayne from the Cash Money Millionaires. He said it first on the song "Back that ass up" with Juvenile. It has 2 meanings to it. The first meaning to it means to get down and dirty on the dance floor, referring to a girl. The other meaning is to rob someone of their belongings.”

"After you back it up don't stop, dr-dr-drop, drop it like its hot" -juvenile ft. Manny Fresh and Lil' Wayne "Back That Ass Up" 

"Nigga this a jackmove foo, drop it like it's hot, gimme all yo fucken money nigga"

The opportunity to make a complete fool of myself – which I enjoyed thoroughly – as I learned how to get "down and dirty on the dance floor" brought a sense of satisfaction. A strange and humorous connection with friends who enjoyed laughing AT me as well as WITH me.

Its always a good night when you can walk away having laughed AT yourself.

The other meaning, “to rob someone of their belongings” would, I guess, refer to the person being robbed “dropping” whatever is being taken as if the item was “hot” and going to “burn” or “hurt” them if they continued to hang onto it. What an interesting choice of words mixed together. I don’t believe these words just apply just to someone taking something physically, but also to someone trying to take something that affects someone mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

My life quote, by Barbara De Angelis, states: 

“Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.” 

Basically, to me, these words are a reminder and a guide for living a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healthy and balanced life.

When someone has taken something from me – let’s use “trust” for an example - and I have tried to hang onto that “ broken trust” or “distrust”, I continue to be hurt by the situation I am holding onto. However, learning to “Drop It Like It’s Hot” would be the act of letting go. By letting go of my grip on the situation, I separated myself from it, thus it does not have the power to “burn” me or “hurt” me any longer.

By making this choice, I regain balance and control over myself and the situation.

• I am able to remind myself of what I know I deserve in relationships. (I deserve honest and truthful relationships.)

• What I want and need from others. (I want you to say what you mean and mean what you say.)

• And, speak my truth even if it creates conflict or tension. (I do not agree with the choices you have made and am separating myself from you and the situation.)

• And thus, I am behaving in a way that is in harmony with my personal values. (I choose to live a life of  integrity, speaking truthfully and honestly, helping others and believe in the divine good within every person.)

For me, I would one day like to be the kind of person who lays things down before they would have the opportunity to become “hot” and “burn” my hand, head or heart. The art of laying a lei on the water and watching it float way… letting go. 

Aaaah! The peace that comes with letting go like this!

But the reality is, I’m still nursing some burns on my hands, in my head and across my heart. So until then, I know what the best healing salve is – using the Stank Face, a healthy shot of tequila now and again,  and a good laugh at myself!

Cheers to Droppin' It Like It's HOT!

-Cheryl

What I Learned to Remember

“What I heard you say was, ‘I learned to enjoy to play again.’”

I think one day I woke up and realized how much of myself I had lost. Lost in the chaos of the life I was living, surrounded by devastating circumstances that were beyond my control*. It was enough to tip the canoe over and I felt like I was drowning. Clawing my way to the edge of the cesspool, thankfully I finally found some solid ground of clarity while in counseling several years ago. (*Another story) Thus began the “Grand Adventure” of learning to love again and learning to enjoy all the beauty that Mother Earth offers us.

Finding a playmate was delightful. Trying new things was exhilarating. Moving away was scary… I mean, thrilling. Meeting new people offered challenging rewards of forming some pretty fantastic friendships. Honoring the changes in a relationship and letting go was soul wrenching.  I have been forever changed.

The drumming of the rain on the window could be gently heard in the ebb and flow of quiet conversation as I sat with several ladies. “What did you learn while you were gone?” I was asked.

Snapshot pictures flashed through my mind as I took a moment to answer… 

Seeing the golden frogs as we hiked 16 miles down and back up the Grand Canyon...

Snowshoeing up Sunlight Mountain in the middle of the night under a full moon...

Dinner parties under the twinkling lights on the patio...

Weekend morning bicycle rides to Carbondale for breakfast at the Smithy’s Restaurant...

 Cruising down the Extraterrestrial Highway wondering if we were going to be abducted...

 Learning how to drive a forklift...

 Capturing scorpions with a black-light and tweezers...

 Dancing barefoot in the conga line at the park...

 Sitting in the hot springs while it was snowing...

Going down to the basement at work (which used to be a mortuary) and scaring my boss with ghost sounds...

Bubbles of joy surfaced as I remembered each of these moments. My heart knew the answer. I had learned to play again. Maybe that is what this part of the adventure was meant to bring me?

A lovely lady leaned over and said, “What I heard you say was, you learned to ENJOY to play again.”

Yes! She was so correct.

I had remembered how to embrace the joy and beauty of each moment with a child-like exuberance. I remembered to be open to whatever unfolded. I remembered that it was not about the destination, it was the journey. It was about those moments of laughter, those quite moments of touching, those challenging moments of trying something new, those moments… each of them, all of them… so life giving and so life changing.

We can all go “play” – be it a card game, a practical joke, shooting some hoops, a game of pool or a bike ride. But how present are we in THAT moment? It’s easy to be distracted by so many things outside of THAT moment. I think it is a definite mind shift, a choice of being fully present with what is going on around you – at all times of work, play and relaxation – that allows the joy of the moment to arise.

It’s time to remember what we knew when we were kids... 

          The glee of the moment. 

                    The beauty within every moment. 

                          The joy of play.

Wishing you a glee-filled year of enchanted play...

Changing It Up!

Reflecting over the past year, there has been so much change in my life. Falling in love... Moving from Seattle to Phoenix, to Glenwood Springs... Leaving my daughter, grandkids, Mom and siblings... Starting up the online store... Adapting to a new climate and elevation... Getting a job... Making new friends... Oh! How I have been stretched!

I have had my heart stretched until the scars on old wounds have fallen off and the heart underneath has become flexible again. I have had my boundaries stretched until I laid down those weapons of Distrust, Fear and Judgement and was able to fresh gain perspective from a beautiful new vantage point. My desire to "hold on" and "hold close" has stretched my arms and hands wide open...

Life in a small town, especially where tourism is the main industry, brings a myriad of people into your life - but some of them only for a short time. The gift of their friendship and laughter is something to be treasured, even if I never get to see them again. People just seem a bit more precious these days... extraordinary, unique and beautiful! Maybe it is just because I left my "home" that I become so easily attached to the ones that wander into my life now...?

Last Spring, we met Adam and spent an incredible summer of crazy fun dice games (and NO! I don't cheat!), driveway dance parties and enjoying the local fairs and music festivals. He is generous and kind with a wicked sense of humor. The first night I met him, he told me "You and me, we are going to be friends." And what a dear friend he has become! When he moved back to Indiana for a job in August, my heart was so sad.

Paul, a good friend of Peter's, and his son, Phil, moved into the mother-in-law apartment downstairs in our home this summer. There was such good energy having them here! The driveway was always busy with trucks coming and going, a steady stream of busyness and "man stuff" going on... dump trucks, tractors, broken cars being torn apart, and... Even a totally fun night of Phil playing the didgeridoo while I played the flute. They left two weeks ago now for Florida. The house seems so very quiet. I miss them and their little pug, Frank. My heart is sad.

A handful of the people I worked with for the past six months at Glenwood Hot Springs have left for work on the mountains... I miss them too.

I decided I really hate change. I know I should embrace change and the doors of opportunity that they open up... but I don't.

Change makes my heart sad. When I find new friends, I kind of want to keep them around...

Then, I watched this video last night by Sean Stephenson...

And I decided that I'm going to change it up! I'm going to have my very own little dance party every time my heart become sad! Because I agree, "Life is meant to be silly, not so serious!" Thanks, Sean, for this wonderfully uplifting video!

Change. I'm changing my thoughts on change and I'm going to get my groove on - dancing to the beat of a different drum! That's the drum of thankfulness - thankfulness for the people whom I have had the pleasure to become friends with - if even for just a little while. Because, you know what? They are worth celebrating! You are worth celebrating!

Salsa'n the Blues Away,
-Cheryl