she stood embellished a checkerboard of hot light and cool shadows crisscrossing her face she stood allowed coy breezes to swish her honey blonde bangs framing her face she stood enchanted by South American vines clamoring to adorn her magenta blazon soul
Okay, friends, I’m just flat out excited. In the creation of Mind Over Body, I have been fortunate to “meet” some incredible people (by “meet” I mean email contacts, phone etc. sometime, hopefully, in person.). Pete Ajello, obviously, is an absolute inspiration for so many people who are trying to accomplish their weight loss goals. He is a survivor who was determined to get his mind straight, clean up his life (in more ways than just food addictions), and help others. One of his mentors, Peter Tunney, a famous artist, philanthropist, and friend to Pete A., has literally (and figuratively) blown my socks off. Peter T. has been, for my buddy, Pete, the needle and thread who has woven his knowledge, artwork, truths, and spirituality into the fabric of Pete’s life. Mine, too, since I have had the pleasure of interacting with Peter Tunney. His words assisted my friend in his darkest hours. These insights still encourage Pete to move mountains. While Peter Tunney may not realize it, his words shed light on my own life and dark moments. They grab me, shake me, wake me into momentum. I am so blessed to be part of a project which, through a friend’s journey, I am swept along on this rollercoaster and am continually walking away with more insights, beauty, and light than I had prior to beginning this book project. Here’s to Pete and Peter T.! Cheers! You, two, are a couple of the most amazing guys I have known! Keep living with integrity and let your light shine for those of us struggling to get out of our tunnels!
Above are a couple of samples of Peter Tunney’s art. Mind Over Body was created by Peter Tunney specifically for Peter Ajello! Below is the speech that motivated Pete A. every day to just DO IT!
I’m supposed to be resting. Of course, being on a computer isn’t really resting. And writing isn’t resting. I never said I was a compliant patient. However, I am in bed (that must count for something). With my laptop. Writing. “Stunada” as my Nonnie would have said. Not in the “out there” sense but in the stubborn, sorta stupid sense (sorry Nonnie). I was recently talking to a good friend late one night. We’ve both been on this crazy rollercoaster called “Life.” We’ve had similar experiences, felt the same at times, and, at other moments, diverged. Our relationship, though, no matter what we are thinking, feeling, or hoping, remains granite solid. I mentioned a song (by The Fray) on my daughter’s iPod (yes, I borrowed it for a few minutes while outside getting a little vitamin D). This song asks a lot of questions (yeah, yeah, I know, I can relate), is kinda dark, and, although I’ve heard it at least thirty times, it was the first time I really listened to the words. I asked my friend if she heard it before (nearly everyone has) and if she knew what the lyrics meant. I couldn’t identify exactly what touched me about it but I felt it draw me in, put a warm blanket around my shoulders, and nestle a steaming cup of tea in my hands. I didn’t feel alone. I felt . . . comforted. Music, as an art form, has that capability (one of the reasons I appreciate it so much). My friend sent me an email with a link to the lyrics as explained by the lead singer and pianist. I didn’t care that the song was so popular it made it onto various countries’ billboard charts or what TV show used clips of it (even though it’s all true). It spoke to me where I was (where I am). In a place I’ve never been before. Where, depending on the day, I question God’s existence. Many before me have been here, many are here now, and many more will visit in the future. I’m not sure of what my future holds. It’s okay. Even in this space, I’m banking that He hasn’t abandoned me. That He still loves me perfectly (like no other can). That His silence is because, when He does speak again, I will not question that it’s Him. I will be certain.
