Oh My Goodness! Oh My Goodness! I just got back from Sag Harbour. The day was a whirlwind - from the moment that I found out that I had been awarded Best of the Best by the Readers of Dan's Papers. Best of the Best Caricaturist. Me.

I consider Dan's Papers to be the most established paper out in the Hamptons. It's The place to be. And they chose me as the Best Caricaturist! I work out that way a lot, but I had no idea that this sort of voting went on!

So I went to the presentations today. Met as many of the 'Bests' that I had time for. Each person there was so interesting. Best Doctor - who told me about Botox - smile. Best Hairdresser - who recommended that I get my hair stacked more in the back. Best Aerial Photographer who was so excited to meet me because she's been dreaming of a business-campaign that would need some Caricatures... Best Vineyard.

We all took a picture with owner Dan Rattiner - I guess it will be in the next issue of Dan's Papers.

So much to do today. But that doesn't mean that I don't eat breakfast. When there's a lot of demands on us, even if we're the ones who put them there, we still have to take care of ourselves. I'm just starting to understand that balance.

So, I done did ate me heelthy brefast. Ayend, whahl I was at it, I watched part of a movie - why not enjoy?

Intriguing, strange, I'm still in the midl of it. I was watching Nacho Libre. Had to draw out those FACES! What am I looking at???

What an intense Yoga session I had today. I held "Hang Gong #2" correctly for 10 minutes - with no adjusting.

My Healer told me that there are 3 obstacles to growth: the desire for safety, the desire for recognition, and the desire for control(ling other people).

Made me think about how excited I got recently when I was chosen Best of the Best Caricaturists out in the Hamptons (See post of 10/8/08). I was thinking that he means that if I let those desires rule my actions, if the desire comes BEFORE the result, then it's something to be avoided. But if the recognition comes AFTER my actions, then it is not an obstacle, not something to overcome.

I think that works for 'safety' or 'recognition', but I can't apply the same principle to 'control'. Having led my adult life with principles like 'unconditional love' and mostly NOT CONTROLLING OTHERS, I believe that 'Controlling Others' cannot be beneficial. Neither Before Nor After my actions. And since the 3 obstacles were brought to my attention in one lesson, I think I'm supposed to apply the same understanding to each of them.

So that means that it's detrimental to my growth if I'm all excited to get the award? But I don't think it's healthy to ignore the things that make us happy. Is that something to think about?

I'm confused. Luckily, my Head-Master has been telling me for years "Don't think. Just feel." And "Thinking is Overrated."

I had an intense day. I love my life.