CHEW THE FAT

T-Shirt Nosh: Abide

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:57:06 PST

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners." --Yes, Mr. Stranger, we do take comfort in that

Today's T-Shirt Nosh is inspired by The Lebowski and persistence. Whatever situation you're in at the moment I hope you muster the power to endure it with grace and beauty. Abide Dude, abide.

Abide by upnorthpw
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Abide by upnorthpw
See other Abide T-Shirts

Haiku Book Review: 52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:07:16 PST

simple change power

build grateful joyful living

slow steps to happy

Here's another serving of Brain Food that just might improve and inspire your year. I'm getting ready to complete my month of drinking only water and it has change how I look at the liquids in my life. I wonder what I'll end up trying to change next?

What small change do you need the most? I wish you the power to do so.

Jeremy

phoetry: wag the dog

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:31:44 PST

i will not bark for your lack of compassion

to my kind sharing is not an evil word

you have the power to wag the dog

but sir, I will not wag for you

photo taken with a Nikon D700

photo by Visualist Images

phoetry: a poem inspired by a great photograph

Haiku for Happiness: Happiness Travels

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:24:52 PST

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.

Margaret Lee Runbeck

a smile in motion

knowing joy in this moment

happiness travels

Pack up your smile and wander towards adventure. May happiness be your constant companion.

motivational haiku: fear the frction

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:34:26 PST

fight the friction

you fear the friction

will it slow your will to win

push harder today

Now go out and attack the day like it stole your donut.

photo by Big Titan

Newt Gingrich, Up Your Haiku: The Glass House

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:17:21 PST

Newt, Up Your Haiku

the tables have turned

you reside in a glass house

now you don't like stones

haiku inspiration link

photo haiku: vibrant green life

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:40:08 PST

vibrant green life

Three Things I Learned from Bob Dylan: Success, Women, and Insanity

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:36:56 PST

School's in session.

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” -Bob Dylan

Success comes with many different definitions from many different people. My definition has morphed over and over as I slowly age (hopefully like a fine wine). As a young man I was set on riches. I then let go of that and became a teacher. That small decision has completely shaped my life.

It seems one of the most challenging things we humans can do is to sit still long enough to learn what we really want to be and why. With persistence and curiosity success is within our grasp when we find the courage to do what it takes.

“I think women rule the world and that no man has ever done anything that a woman either hasn't allowed him to do or encouraged him to do.” -Bob Dylan

Don't tell my wife this, but she's in charge - totally running the show. The power behind womankind's beauty and grace has most likely set the course of the world. I wonder how many decisions man has made after receiving just the right gaze from the woman of his dreams.

The lesson...it's gotta be "Respect the Power"

“Gotta head full of ideas that are driving me insane...” -Bob Dylan

Are you ever kept up by the ideas moving around in your brain? This is a regular occurrence lately as I toss around wishing to be sleeping (my wife thinks I'm the one messing up the covers). For me the lesson comes in when I finally just pick one idea and actually do something about it. It's the doing that sets things right.

I know we all have moments when our words can teach others something worth learning. I wonder how many more lesson Bob Dylan will be around to teach. I hope quite a few.

What three things have you learned lately?

photo by Kevin Borland

More MuKu: Life is Random Wild

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:12:29 PST

life is random wild

such beautiful deception

each evening forgives

Cat Stevens has written many songs that give me the chills. Wild World is one of them. Life is often random and wild, when I go to sleep I like to dream that the evening always forgives.

muku: music inspired haiku

Inspiration Buffet: On Habits, Neurons, and Doing Your Best

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:37:15 PST

Here are some inspirational and information snacks for you nosh upon. I enjoyed them.

-Mirror Neurons - Wired for the Golden Rule

Interesting science behind the ideas of Karma and The Golden Rule. It turns out it's part of our biology.

-We're All Doing the Best We Can

A nice article on giving people the benefit of the doubt. We are all dealing with our own reality, and it's simply not true that other people are out to get us.

-21 Habit

If you're looking to start a new habit, or break a bad one this is a clever site. You can even put a little money in the game if you so desire.

If you liked these sign up for free updates.

motivational haiku: race the river

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:02:36 PST

a river runs through it

only the river

can outflow my persistence

giving up yeah right

Here's to the spirit that never gives up. Float on.

photo by CubaGallery

Fattitude of Gratitude: Shirts, Change, and Four Year Olds

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:40:07 PST

Happy Birthday

At this moment I am so moved to vibrate gratitude. I type here with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

1. I have dedicated myself to designing/sharing 365 t-shirts that have the power to change the world. This will happen during the course of this year. So far I have completed six. You can check out my progress here. The world will change as a result of me living in it!

2. I just watched this Ted Talk about making a change for thirty days. I am now three days into only drinking water. Thank god for water. Oh, how I miss coffee.

3. A birthday party full of four year olds. One word - energy. I am the luckiest man alive to have such a magnificent four year old daughter. She will end up giving me my greatest education. If you want to eat a slice of humble pie throw a party for some four year olds - then stop by the nearest day care and demand that each teacher get a raise.

Saying thanks feels good. What are you feeling thankful for today?

photo by crackedmoon

T-Shirt for Change 5 - Love is Possible

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:32:33 PST

Do all things with love. -Og Mandino

LOVE IS POSSIBLE by wamtees
Browse other Relationship T-Shirts

Of all the things that can cause positive change, love is the most powerful. Great things happen when you get, and great things happens when you give it away. Now that is a beautiful thing. I don't know many things for certain, but I do no that love is responsible for life's great moments.

Feeling good. Only 360 more t-shirts left. Notice any change yet?

T-Shirt for Change 4 - Unplug

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:48:04 PST

unplug by upnorthpw
Learn how to make money as an artist online at Zazzle.

This is something I'm about to do right now. Until tomorrow. Peace.

motivational haiku: goal

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:10:02 PST

set me to achieve

stretch yourself to move further

finish line feels good

photo by B.T. Indrelunas

T-Shirt for Change 3 - Think Like Your Brain's On Fire

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:51:19 PST

Life consists in what a man is thinking of all day. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think (like your brain's on fire) by upnorthpw
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Thinking is the ultimate engine for change. What we choose to focus on is ultimately what we become.

What have you been thinking about today?

photo zen: blizzard of the world

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:48:45 PST

let it snow

The blizzard of the world has crossed the threshold and it's overturned the order of the soul -Leonard Cohen

The picture fits the season in small town Wisconsin. Grab some hot chocolate and get to know your soul.

chilly photo by K. Praslowicz

photo zen: something to look at, something to think about

T-Shirt for Change 2- Educated Voter

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:37:59 PST

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. -Andrew Lack

Educate Yourself Now Vote Shirt by upnorthpw
Become a part of Zazzle's clothing affiliate program

With this shirt I hope to promote not only voting, but informed voting. What would it be like if a majority of citizens learned as much as they could about the candidates and then actually voted? Our country would be much better off.

Educate yourself....and then vote. What a novel idea.

Jeremy

A Fattitude of Gratitude: A Chew the Fat Year End Review

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:33:20 PST

Here's a look back over this past year. The only constant is the ability life has to teach lessons and keep me on my toes.

The Amazing

The absolute number one highlight of this past year was the birth of my beautiful baby daughter. I now cannot imagine life without my two girls. Being a dad has stretched me in ways that I never imagined and I am truly grateful for that. Parenthood is proving to be a truly worthwhile adventure (thank the great spirit that my wife is so amazing).

The Traffic Report

2009 pageviews = 3,795

2010 pageviews = 8,703

2011 pageviews = 43,269

Reflection

Looking back at the last three years makes me smile. I started Chew the Fat to see what this "blogging thing" was all about. Then I started to learn things I could use with my students. I grew. After that I moved all over the place trying to figure out what this space was going to be about. In many ways I'm still trying to figure things out.

I am thrilled that despite my mistakes people keep visiting. I feel drawn to the idea of inspiring others (and myself) to become their best version of themselves. I've rekindled my passion for poetry and photography. I have figured a way to meditate that works for me, and I've even earned some money from t-shirts and Amazon affiliate links. I'm excited about the future.

Most Popular Posts

-Music Muse Mashup: Creep

-A Nano Biography of the Dalai Lama

-Motivational Quote: Fail Miserably to Succeed

-37 Great Things to Be

Challenges

My biggest challenge has been growing the social aspect of Chew the Fat. I am looking for a way to increase interaction with you, the reader, and I haven't quite figured it out. I open to suggestions. In fact I'd love to hear them. I have a few ideas I hope to roll out this year. We'll see what happens.

Fattitude of Gratitude

I want to end by saying that I'm truly grateful for every visitor this past year, every t-shirt purchase, all eight comments (you're awesome), and the opportunity to continue to improve. If you've you've been here before, or it it's your first time, join me on my journey and subscribe for free (upper right hand side of this page). I hope I can offer something of value.

The Haiku

yearly reflection
cannot hurt a doggone thing
a work in progress

Thanks for reading.

Peace out. Jeremy

photo by Axel-D and it's awesome

T-Shirt for Change 1 - The Power

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:09:40 PST

"All is connected ... no one thing can change by itself." -Paul Hawken

Power to Change the World T-Shirt by upnorthpw
View more Change T-Shirts

Here is shirt number 1. We are all connected. Our personal change is connected to the flow of everyone else around us. Here's to the beginning. Together we can create momentum that matters. As a new year begins, it brings with it unlimited possibility for positive personal and social change.

You have the power. We all do.

If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be?

The 365 T-Shirts for Change Challenge Begins

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:33:42 PST

Changing the world, one t-shirt at a time.

The experiment begins.

I design all sorts of t-shirts and products. Over time I've noticed that I feel the greatest sense of satisfaction when I sell a shirt that is intended to promote something positive. It's something about earning money in a "right" kind of way.

This year I'm ramping things up by dedicating myself to creating or promoting at least 365 t-shirts for positive world change. You can find the archive of my efforts by following the link below.

365 T-Shirts for Change

I will continue to explore creativity, poetry, amazing photos, and much more in the coming months. If you're not into t-shirts just skip the post and stop by again some other time. My goal will always be to promote the "Inspired" life in you and me.

Thank you for your visit. I hope your life becomes more satisfying each and every day.

Jeremy

zen drop meditation: glide of athletic lament

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:52:56 PST

the thin glide of athletic lament

reveals blisters, breath, and weakness

the snow reflects truth with clarity

sending signals of hopeful progression

This ZDM comes after a slow, eye opening cross country ski outing with my wife and a few friends. The poem gives a slight hint as to what was going on in my mind.

beautiful photo by By Propagandalf

An Idea and Killer Shrimp

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:23:35 PST

Beware of killer shrimp.

So I was scanning the news months ago and I came upon an article about killer shrimp similar to this one. I wondered if I created a "Watch Out For Killer Shrimp" t-shirt if anyone would ever buy it. Well today it happened.

Thank you Timothy, from Arizona, for purchasing the Watch Out For Killer Shrimp Original T-Shirt. You truly have my Fattitude of Gratitude.

I'm starting to think, that more than anything, action is what matters. The moment I stopped second guessing what might sell and decided to just give it a shot good things started to happen. There is absolutely something to the great Nike slogan "Just Do It".

Our thoughts shouldn't limit us, they should elevate us.

Anyone interested in a shrimp t-shirt?

Watch out for Killer Shrimp Original T-Shirt by upnorthpw
View other Shrimp T-Shirts

A Three Word Workout Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:47:41 PST

I just picked up a new pair of shoes and hit the road for a run/walk interval attempt. It lasted thirty minutes, and it was ugly. The goal is to get past the ugly this time and to stick with it long enough to gain some momentum.

I just hope I can get up after typing this. The three words below say it all.

OUCH
DISAGREEABLE
RARE

Keep fighting the good fight.

Jeremy

11 Reflections on Compassion

noreply@blogger.com (J. J.) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:57:10 PST

It's been nothing but compassion lately and it has made an impact in my daily life. I will not post again until after Christmas, so this is the end. Taking time to look for compassion has augmented my view of other folks in general.

I've either been looking for acts of kindness, smiling, or trying to be nice myself. A win - win - win.

Below you will find the Compassion Countdown posts. What did I learn?

When the default is compassion, each day is most certainly a winning proposition.

The Compassion Countdown

The Beginning
Light Up Compassion
Two Times Compassion
Haiku for Compassion: wildfire
Freak the Mighty, Compassion, and a Large Heart
The Battle
Smiling Returns Smiles
Compassion is as Compassion Does
Five Lesson in Compassion from Mother Teresa
Snowflake Compassion Reflection
The Dew of Compassion

Compassion is a gift that doesn't cost a thing, and it rewards both the giver and the recipient. I send positive vibrations in your direction and wish you only the best.

Share the compassion - share this post.

Jeremy