All posts by Stephanie Casher

Writing

Writing Update

Hello loyal readers 🙂 As I prepare to head off to New York for Book Expo America (the grandaddy of all writing/publishing conferences), I realized I was long overdue for a blog entry and writing update. Yes, fear not, I am still writing and pursuing my dream of getting published. My silence in the blogosphere is not a sign of inactivity, but rather a symptom of blog fatigue. I hope to remedy that in coming weeks.

I went on at length in a previous post about my new relationship to deadlines 🙂 My approach to writing of late has definitely been on the leisurely side. I’ll have bursts of productivity, followed by long stretches of inactivity. I’ve also been travelling quite a bit, and reading quite a bit, so my “free” time has been split between competing priorities. But I am still committed to finishing my second book, and I’m proud to report that I’ve just entered the home stretch on that project.

In about five more chapters, WHEN LOVE ISN’T ENOUGH will be DONE. Finally. Man, it feels like just yesterday I was struggling to complete my FIRST novel, and now the second one is almost ready to be unveiled to the world. Very exciting. With this, I’ve proven to myself that this writing thing isn’t a fluke, that I have stories inside of me that need to be told, and that I am perfectly capable of getting them out of me, onto the page, and into the world. That’s still the plan anyways 🙂 Stay tuned!

Sports

The Warriors Advance!

God I love a Cinderella story…

So in the 11th hour, the Golden State Warriors secured a spot in the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 13 years. That’s a long-ass time people. So long that those of us that actually live in the Bay had given up hope long ago on a run at the Championship… Many of us lived vicariously through the brief but entertaining reign the Sacramento Kings (Go Kings!). But the Warriors are on fire right now, playing with all kinds of heart, and kicking all kinds of ass.

Last night they knocked the number one seed Dallas Mavericks out Playoff competition in the upset heard ’round the league. (Sorry Leish!) It was awesome!!! I am the ultimate champion of the underdog, and it was so satisfying to watch the Warriors give it their all and emerge victorious. They’re putting the Bay on the map ya’ll!!! It’s so exciting and I am so proud.

My New Jersey Nets also advanced to the second round today, so I’m a very happy girl so far. My dream Finals would definitely be the Nets vs. Warriors, but I suppose we should take it one game at a time, lol.

Soldier On Golden State… We Believe…

Family, Travel

Maui Love


I have just returned from a magical place… A place far removed from the noise and pollution of the city… A place where simplicity is revered, and people live off the land, consuming only what they need. A place where the rain falls from the sky with such abundance that the trees and vegetation grow tall and lush, reaching towards the heavens, a playground for giants. Where pregnant trees bear a multitude of fruit–avocado, papaya, mango, pineapple–just ripe for the picking on the side of the road. Where waterfalls tumble down the sides of mountains at every turn, the rush of water providing instrumental backing for nature’s song. A place where love flows free, filling the heart and nourishing the soul.

KC lives in the very remote and rural town of Kipahulu on the island of Maui. The way of life in Kipahulu is so primitive, at times I felt like I was on an episode of Survivor, lol. Located three hours from the nearest major city (Kahului), you make the trip to “town” once a week to stock up on food, water, ice, and propane. And whatever you purchase in town has to last you the whole week.

We had no electricity or refrigerator (the perishables were kept in a cooler), limited hot water for showering, and our toilet, shower and bath were located OUTDOORS. Super rustic. But it’s interesting to see how much of what we have in “civilization” is truly a luxury. How little we actually need to “survive”. The whole experience of living out in the country is incredibly humbling, and it makes you appreciate the little things (like hot water, lol), reevaluate your relationship to consumption, and minimize waste. I think it’s a journey everyone should take (truly roughing it). We are so spoiled in the city, and we take so much for granted…

The concept of time is also different on the Islands… We get up with the sun and go to sleep with the sun (since we don’t have electricity, there’s not much you can do in the dark, lol). There’s no rushing, there’s no deadlines. Shoot, there’s no stress. Everyone is amazingly chill, just going about their day, taking siestas, and gathering at the fruit stand in the afternoons to kick it and talk story. Good times, good times.

And it’s beautiful. Breathtakingly beautiful. Houses and yurts are few and far between, so you really feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by dense foilage. Waterfalls are everywhere, feeding tranquil mountain pools, and the ocean brings wave after wave of crystal blue water against a sandy shore. Paradise.

But by far, the best part of this trip was the time I got to spend with my family. KC and I have been best friends since the 10th grade, and she is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Now she has two children (the youngest is my Godson, Ola), and I love her boys like they are my own. Pono is 4 now, Ola 2, and both boys are walking and talking and just the most awesome kids. Smart, happy, and aware. We had so much fun, and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so much love. Children love without limits–they think everything you do, everything you are, is just amazing. I strive to be someone worthy of their adoration and admiration. Someone they can look up to and learn from. It’s the least I can do — they teach me so much, every day, without even trying…

Check Flickr for the full set of pics from my Island Adventures… Re-entry is always rough, but I plan to make another trip to the Islands before the year is out… Aloha…

Travel

Made it to Hawaii (Finally!)

So I finally made it to Hawaii… I know, you’re probably looking at the date on my last post thinking – “what do you mean you’re just getting there???” Well, the reason I’m able to fly to Hawaii every year is because KC’s family sets aside a Delta Buddy Pass for my use, so I can go visit my friend and Godson. But the downside of the buddy pass is that I have to fly standby.

Well it turns out, Spring Break is a terrible time to try to fly standby. All the planes were full all last week, and I wasn’t able to catch a flight until Monday. But I’ve finally arrived, safe and sound, and though they did manage to lose my luggage along the way, I am in great spirits. I’m back in one of my favorite places on the planet, reunited with my Frover, and having a wonderful time…

The past month has been rather stressful for me, and it’s amazing how quickly all that stress evaporated once I stepped off the plane. This whole island is one big happy place for me. And having my Frover here with me is just the icing on this delightfully awesome cake.

So I’m chillaxin’, enjoying everything wonderful that this island has to offer… Such as…
*** Island time (i.e. I’ll get there when I get there)
*** Balmy 80 degree weather with just the right amount of humidity
*** Being able to swim in the ocean
*** Walking around half-naked
*** Visiting with aunties who insist on feeding you delicious home-cooked meals
*** Garlic shrimp and short ribs from Loco Moco
*** Poke
*** Island sunsets

And I still have a week left… Yay for vacations! So far the romance part of the vacay has been lovely, and on Friday I head over to Maui to hang with KC and the boys. Just wanted to let everyone know I made it safe — pics to come!

Travel

Off to the Islands

Once again, apologies to my loyal readers for the lack of blogs… I’ve discovered that my desire to blog ebbs and flows. Coming out of my winter hibernation, it appears that I’ve been heavy on the ebb… But spring is here, everything around me is thawing out, and I hope to get back to blogging on a semi-regular basis… That’s the plan anyway 🙂

As we speak, I am preparing to jet off for yet another getaway… Ever since my cross-country road trip, I’ve been somewhat addicted to going on vacation. Every three months, I gotta go somewhere. It’s pretty much non-negotiable. And next up is Hawaii… One of my favorite places on the planet. I am beyond excited.

But first the pre-trip planning and anxiety, lol. I’m a little OCD when it comes to packing up and leaving the house and my cats. My boys also seem to have their own bouts with separation anxiety. Both Cowboy and JJ know exactly what it means when I pull my suitcase out. And Cowboy has developed his own little strategy of resistance to prevent me from leaving him…

It’s cute for the first 10 minutes, and then it’s like “Yo, seriously, I’m trying to pack here…”

Anyway, I can’t wait to see KC and the kids, and my Godson!!! So much love waiting for me on the Islands. I also have some heavy duty romance on the agenda as well, eagerly anticipated and long overdue 🙂 I’ll be sure to update you all with a full report when I get back 🙂

PS: Ahna-Kristen, you SAVED me by letting me borrow your backpack! Thank you sooooo much!!! xoxo

Family

Devin and Izzy’s first playdate!

Attention all family — Devin and Izzy had their first playdate yesterday! Extreme cuteness ensued!!!

More Pictures

It is so much fun watching this next generation grow, and now bond! Dena and I used to play together when we were this age (with papa as our chaperone), so to see Izzy with Devin together has this very touching cycle/circle of life feel to it… And watching Devin around other babies is way cool!

AND getting treated to homecooking a la Auntie Citas? Funnest day Ever!

Uncategorized

Missing in Action

I have to apologize to my loyal readers (Hi Leish! lol) for the lack of updates and general MIA-ness. Truth be told, with the retrograde and impending Eclipses, I’ve been a bit of an emotional basketcase. Not really in a bad way — I’ve been experiencing just as many good/happy emotions as bad ones. It’s just that I’ve been feeling everything so intensely, all the time, and it’s been all over the map – up, down, up again, down again. When overstimulated and cranky, I tend towards hibernation. I can hardly stand to be around myself much less subject other people to it, lol.

Of course this is all compounded by the fact that the only person I feel like being around at all (besides Devin), is on a boat, in the middle of an ocean, somewhere on the other side of the world. Yup, I sure know how to pick’em, LOL. It is high, it is low, and all I can do is flow…

Anyway, just wanted to write something to let ya’ll know that yes, I’m still alive. Still dreaming, still writing. Still trying to figure out how I can help make the world a better place… Making progress on all of those fronts too, but that’s another blog 🙂

PS: Uploaded some more pics onto Flickr. (mostly of my handsome pimp of a nephew). The next generation is so beautiful and I can’t wait to add my own kids to this awesome posse of cousins 🙂

Astrology

Mercury Retrograde, 2/13-3/7

I’m sorry to have to report that another Mercury Retrograde is upon us. I know, I know, it feels like Mercury was just retrograde, lol. And technically, it was. Unfortunately for us, Mercury goes Retrograde once every three months, for about three weeks. This one is set to last through March 7th. Things will probably be a bit hectic and frustrating for the next three weeks. Just take a deep breath and blame it on the Retrograde…

Those of you that know what I’m talking about, know what I’m talking about. Mercury retrograde tends to cause malfunctions and miscommunications of epic proportions. All things that fall under Mercury’s rule (communication, transportation, travel, technology/electronics) start to short-circuit and break down. Computers crash, car trouble, we lose things, miss our plane/train/bus, have terrible arguments with our loved ones — feel free to blame it all on Mercury Retrograde. Don’t make any major decisions or purchases while Mercury is Retro — when it goes direct, chances are you will second-guess your decision. Information is just too garbled right now. They say the amount of time Mercury spends in retrograde motion corresponds to the amount of time human beings spend asleep. Mercury Retro FORCES us to slow down, even though we’re socialized to “go go go, faster faster.” The best use of a retrograde period is to sync up with the energies… Draw inward, engage in introspection. This is not the time to barrel forward with new initiations, but rather to Review, Reflect, Refine, Reorganize, Reevaluate, etc. In general, anything with a “re” at the beginning of it is a suitable Retrograde activity.

I started feeling this one the second it hit (it’s been ugly!), and most everyone I’ve talked to is experiencing some kind of mercury-related breakdown. Remember to breathe people-we’ll get through it. Patience (with yourself, and others) is key.

Uncategorized

Dixie Chicks Sweep the Grammys!

Awesome, just awesome. Those of you who’ve been reading the blog for awhile know I’m a card-carying Dixie Chicks fan and supporter. So I felt especially vindicated when I heard they not only SWEPT the Grammys by winning every category they were nominated in, but also took home THREE all-genre awards AND Country Album of the Year!

Chicks were winners in the following categories:
Album of the Year
Record of the Year
Song of the Year (Not Ready to Make Nice)
Best Country Album
Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group

It’s delicious irony that the Chicks won “Best Country Album” since country music has pretty much disowned them and failed to support this album at all (only a handful of stations even play the Chicks music anymore). Natalie said it best when she quoted a popular Simpsons character – “Ha ha…” Note to Country Radio: The Chicks don’t need your stupid support to go double platinum and win an armful of Grammys *sticks tongue out*

This is a triumphant day for the Dixie Chicks and all Dixie Chick fans. When music and politics collided in a particularly ugly way, with three outspoken women at the center facing off against our infallible President (that’s sarcasm ya’ll), they stood their ground, championed free speech, refused to compromise their artistic integrity, and spit in the face of everyone who urged them to just “Shut Up and Sing.” And yesterday, their artistry was acknowledged and affirmed in a major way. It is about freakin’ time.

So so incredibly proud. You Go Girls!!!

Uncategorized

Detox and Colon Cleanse

Shortly after New Years, I decided to do my first Detox and Colon Cleanse. One of my best friends (along with her fiancee) decided to do it, and after hearing her rave reviews, I was convinced that a colon cleanse was exactly what I needed to usher in this next phase of my life. A phase focused on getting healthy and staying healthy. It is high time I made amends for the stuff I put my body through in my 20’s.

I’ve been a smoker for half my life (scary!), though I have actively been trying to quit for the past couple of years. Thanks to the chain-smoking Poet, the road trip brought on a relapse, but I’m ready to be done with this already. I’m also ready to pay more attention to things like diet and nutrition, along with committing to a regular exercise routine. If there’s one thing you realize as you get “older,” it’s that no matter how young you may be at heart, we are all mortal with bodies that age. I want to slow that process down as much as possible.

So back to the colon cleanse. A bit of physiology — the colon is the organ responsible for eliminating toxins and waste from the body. When our colons are clogged, our body is not able to absorb nutrients efficiently, and the waste stored in our bowels is allowed to pollute the rest of our bodies and organs. Apparently, most human beings carry around between 10 and 20 pounds of impacted fecal matter in their colons! Can you believe that?!?! Ever wonder what causes beer bellies and unsightly pooches on women? Now you know! It’s backed-up waste!

According to the folks at Dr. Natura:

Research clearly proves that our bodies are not capable of eliminating all the different toxins and chemicals we inhale and ingest every day. They simply accumulate in our cells (especially fat cells), tissues, blood, organs (such as the colon, liver and brain) and remain stored for an indefinite length of time causing all kinds of health problems.

Cleansing your colon is basically like pouring Drano into your large intestine — the purpose is to clear out all the gunk and build-up that’s accumulated over the years so your body can operate at peak performance. I have to tell you, I was amazed, amazed at the stuff that came out of my body during this cleanse… All I can say is — thank god it’s not inside of me anymore!

The all-natural cleansing and detoxification program available from Dr. Natura is a gentle, gradual cleanse that is very easy to fit in to even the most hectic lifestyle. All it requires is a scoop of fiber powder in the morning, tea at night, some vitamins and probiotics throughout the day, and eight 8 oz glasses of water a day (which we should all be drinking anyway). I did a 30-day cleanse and I can totally feel the difference!!! I have more energy and I’ve lost twelve pounds. My stomach is flatter and my skin is clearer than it’s ever been. I’ve completely lost the urge to drink alcohol. I don’t crave sweets (as much). And I’m much more mindful of what I put into my body, on all levels. I find I’m much more sensitive to things that are not good for me, and tend to avoid them. Overall, I think I feel healthier than I have in years, and the physical changes seem to be impacting me in a positive way emotionally as well. I really cannot say enough good things about this cleanse — I plan to make it an annual event and I strongly encourage everyone to look into doing a cleanse of their own. Proactive and preventative approaches to healthcare could make a big difference down the line 🙂

Please check out Dr. Natura for more fascinating information and testimonials about this awesome cleanse! It has my highest endorsement as one very satisfied customer!!!