a journal by irene nama journal by irene namhttp://irenenam.squarespace.com/journal/2009-11-06T16:08:53ZSquarespacethere ishttp://irenenam.squarespace.com/journal/there-is.htmlirene2009-10-16T20:42:00Z2009-10-16T20:42:00Z

there is gratitude following a rough few weeks that culminated with that moment on my knees when tears of frustration poured down and I threw my hands in the air asking, "is this a joke?"

there is a lesson in cultivating a spirit of self-love while currently working on a most wonderful project, occasionally waking up in the middle of the night in a sweat of panic and calling friends to stress that "I'm freaking out!" in what I believe has become my signature shrieking voice.

there is joy (and magic) in acknowledging the things that are important to you and clearing space around them, whether you're recycling old furniture, trying to make a difference in someone else's life or planning a date night with your loved one.

Maasai marathon (via Kathya)

]]>we often tell our children that they can be and do whatever they put their minds into. let's show them howhttp://irenenam.squarespace.com/journal/we-often-tell-our-children-that-they-can-be-and-do-whatever.htmlirene2009-10-02T13:04:50Z2009-10-02T13:04:50Z

I once stood in front of the mirror in the 2-bedroom apartment I shared with my mother holding a hair brush, and thanked God, my family and friends, and the members of the Academy for this tremendous honor.

will I ever win an Oscar? I don't know. and the truth is, it doesn't matter much. what matters is that I stop operating under the false assumption that "this" is too big for me. what matters is that I keep working tirelessly, that I keep being brave, and accept that "this" is just big enough for me to build the creative and fulfilling life that I want for myself.

The Beckoning of Lovely: One Year Later (via the lovely Karen)

]]>when I have "one of those days"http://irenenam.squarespace.com/journal/when-i-have-one-of-those-days.htmlirene2009-09-18T16:42:04Z2009-09-18T16:42:04Z

I whine, pout and sulk for a good three hours and squeeze every ounce of anger and frustration out of my head. and then I do what all writers do. I go back to work, again. because I have learned. there's poetry, beauty and motion in everything we touch when we celebrate our everyday efforts to lead a more authentic life regardless of circumstances. because I know. the writer's life can be hard and complicated at times, but it can also enrich us beyond even our ability to find words to express it. 

La Parisienne

]]>spiderboys, part twohttp://irenenam.squarespace.com/journal/spiderboys-part-two.htmlirene2009-09-04T12:48:50Z2009-09-04T12:48:50Z

they say kids grow up too fast, and I know this much is true. but I also know that in a few years from now Sean and Will will be taller than their father, use a ridiculously huge amount of hair product every day, develop a sense of compassion and respect for others, and ask if they can borrow my car, again. 

and though I contemplate my life with my sons now with much gratitude and delight, there's a part in me that can't help but think that the best is yet to come.

and every day, every year proves me right.

16: Moments

]]>today, rememberhttp://irenenam.squarespace.com/journal/today-remember.htmlirene2009-09-02T11:52:43Z2009-09-02T11:52:43Z

to be certain in your own strength. to make peace with the transformation of body and mind that accompanies becoming a parent. to place disproportionate value on rain puddles, vanilla ice cream and comfortable shoes. and find solace in the unconditional trust that your child places in you as he grabs your hand before crossing the street.

today, remember. you are good enough. your voice matters. believe it. it doesn't take much more than that, I promise.

this joy+ride

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