| "I learned about the sacred art of self decoration with | | | | Yes, really. Even back when my daily reading |
| the monarch butterflies perched atop my head, lightning | | | | consisted of Archie comic books and Nancy Drew |
| bugs as my night jewelry, and emerald-green frogs as | | | | mystery novels I loved books. Thanks to my mother I |
| bracelets." | | | | had my first library card when I was five years old. |
| - Clarissa Pinkola Estés | | | | I knew about libraries. I had been to the big building with |
| (Women Who Run with the Wolves.) | | | | the high ceilings where there was a deliciously quiet |
| I chose my most sparkly earrings today. Not for any | | | | hush. I wanted a place like that to call my own. So I |
| special occasion but because I felt like dressing up. | | | | made it up. Sometimes my two younger brothers |
| Now, believe me, here in Hawaii we are casual. Men | | | | would indulge me by "playing library" with me. But |
| go to work in Aloha shirts and women wear | | | | mostly I checked books in and out for myself. I got to |
| sundresses, or pareaus all year round. And really, I'm | | | | use a rubber stamp. |
| only going down the road to write this newsletter at | | | | There are some things I have always loved - good |
| Starbucks. But so what? I like my sparkly earrings. I | | | | books, pens and markers, romantic movies, fine |
| feel good when I wear them. So I declared today | | | | pottery, beaded purses, Buddhas - and some things I |
| "Sparkly Earring Day" and that was that. | | | | have grown to love - sparkly earrings to name just |
| Do you remember when every day was a major | | | | one. |
| event? Do you remember when there was always | | | | I remember once I went on a "simplicity kick." I decided |
| something to celebrate? Something to dress up for- a | | | | that it would be better for me to have empty shelves |
| tea party with the Queen, a stuffed animal's birthday - | | | | and counters. I got rid of many of my beloved items. I |
| or dress down for - a mud fight with the guys next | | | | liked it for a few days and then I realized it wasn't me. I |
| door, a tree fort to destroy - as the case may be. I | | | | came back to myself and allowed my natural creative |
| remember those early days when the dress code | | | | clutter to surround me. |
| was something I made up for myself. | | | | I remember listening to a tape by Clarissa Pinkola |
| Have you seen the little girls at the grocery store | | | | Estes author of Women Who Run with Wolves.and |
| wearing their princess crowns, lace dresses and a | | | | feeling relief as she spoke: "Find out what you love |
| magic wand in their hand? What about the little boys in | | | | and surround yourself with it." |
| their Spiderman costumes and Superman capes with | | | | The important thing is to know - really know - what |
| masks on their eyes and super-sonic weapons at their | | | | we love. We twist ourselves into knots when we deny |
| sides? Do you remember when life was an adventure | | | | our hearts natural wisdom. Our hearts know what we |
| and you could dress for a variety of parts? | | | | love, what matters to us, what fills us up with purpose, |
| I remember making things up when I was a child. I had | | | | what makes an ordinary day become extraordinary. |
| a secret language with my best friend and a whole | | | | What do you remember loving when you were a |
| group of shared invisible friends that stayed with us for | | | | child? There are clues there that guide us into creative |
| a number of summers. | | | | alignment as adults. We had imagination back then. |
| Once I created a library in our cottage storage shed. | | | | Let's recapture it! |