Tricia Leines

A new post. I admit… I love new… a new idea, a new journal, a new vista. Today I am 53 years old and I’m beginning this new birth year right here with you. I wanted us to be together in a place that allowed for a thoughtful conversation… hopefully a deeper conversation. A place to ponder and play. The categories in the menu above represent parts of my life. It feels good to bring them together under one domain absent of algorithms. What you see is what you get. I like that.

Birthdays allow space for celebration and reflection. Today I had the privilege to do both. My doggie, Fiona, and I rose early and celebrated with the sunrise. Said hello to Mama Hawk perched on her winter branch, tuned my ear to fluttery bird songs along my sandy path. We sat in a shady snow patch, and I watched the clouds gently move, smirking at the noisy geese as they flew overhead.

While enjoying this nature view, my son, Andrew, facetimed me to wish me happy birthday. I sure love him! What a joy he is. I’m grateful for the pines, grasses and hills that are a short walk from home. I’m grateful for my dear family and friends. I hold all close to my heart.

Before leaving for work my wonderful husband, Mark, sang happy birthday to me. Five candles lit up a whole food fruit tart we made the night before. A light dessert was much appreciated after spending last week in New York City indulging daily in decadent vegan treats.

I spent the afternoon answering loving birthday texts and working on a long poem, practicing piano, and editing some chords for a song I wrote. I walked Fiona at sunset and marveled at the magnificent skyscape wrapped around us… colors changing moment by moment… light grey, to lavender, hues of blue… brush strokes of pinks and peaches. Extraordinary. So much to celebrate.

On the reflection side of things, a lot has happened in the last year. I am a lifelong seeker and know the thrill of a breakthrough, a shedding of an old belief, an awareness gifted in a flash. 2024 really delivered and each day continues to do so.

Two things catapulted this flurry of awareness. One… I found a therapist that specialized in Internal Family Systems. The book “No Bad Parts” gave me a foundation for the work and Barbara helped me listen to the inner dialogue in a new way. My goal with her was to get out of my own way. To love better and more freely. To really see those I love and be able to be with them beyond old conditioning or hurts. I appreciate the work we have done together. I can see the benefits.

Two… I am studying the teachings of Thich Nhat Hahn and went to a weeklong retreat offered by Deer Park Monastery. I took an online course offered by Plum Village. I meet bi-weekly with four people from the course. I had an established mediation practice but after these experiences and the ongoing connection with the group, I have been able to integrate the simple yet powerful mindfulness practices into my daily life. I am shocked how transformational it has been for me.

As I write this, I am struck by how this blog represents a coming together, an integration of parts. Giving me an opportunity to create a space at the tempo of sharing and giving that is authentic to me. That feels good.

Thank you for being here and for taking time to read this. In the posts ahead I’ll share songs I’m learning and songs I’m writing, poems and stories, plus some singing tips and performing insights. I’ll offer some ideas about animal welfare and the environment. And, this blog is where you can find updates about baseball. If you know, you know :) Go Andrew!

Every day is a birth day. May you enjoy yours.

Much love, Tricia