During my last trip to San Diego, I passed a building that had ivy growing between its cement blocks. The thought that immediately came to mind was, IN THE GROOVE!
And while I definitely felt GROOVY (I was walking back to my sister’s house after this event), I had to think about being IN THE GROOVE. According to the online dictionary, it has two meanings:
- “Performing consistently well or confidently.”
- “Indulging in relaxed and spontaneous enjoyment, especially dancing.
Am I in the groove? In can say YES to both definitions in various areas of my life: client work, my Pathway to Publication commitment, and speaking engagements. But my favorite IN THE GROOVE area is grand-mothering.
In what areas of your life are you IN THE GROOVE?
Tuesdays with Laurie 
I feel like I’m in the grove when I’m writing! Walking my dog is also a way for me to feel groovy. Remember that song by Simon and Garfunkel? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So0ZrTwf8vI
Funny, I have just mentioned that song too! 👍❤
Darlene — yes, Yes, YES! I do remember. Such fun 🙂
Feling Groovy: I used to love (I still do) that song by Simon & Garfunkel. I am definitely the second, as I have always loved dancing, but I can perform very well and consistently at work too (happily ‘retired’ now).
Fatima — We’re similar in that I love the Simon & Garfunkel song, too. And I love to Dance. Here’s to happy feet! 🙂
I keep getting kicked out of my groove. I need to shop for smaller grooves.
Craig — You comment made me laugh 🙂
I’d like to know more about your groovy grand-mothering. Maybe an update soon? Thank you, Laurie, for always providing a positive POV here. I count on your Tuesday boost, still in the groove of birthing my memoir.
Marian — I’m so looking forward to reading your memoir. Three cheers for book-birth-labor-pains to be in the rearview mirror!
Uh oh. Be careful there with that ivy, Laurie. It feeds on the mortar and if it stays too long, there’ll come a time when pulling it out will render the building vulnerable. Surely there’s a metaphor in there too. Enjoy that lucky grandbaby.
My groove is what you’ve called “flow.” Clearing my gardens, cleaning my chicken pens, writing when I know I have a few uninterrupted hours, and swimming. I’ve gone back to the pool for the winter. Time to head out to GOTV. What a full day.
Janet — Yes, I’m glad that building isn’t mine. It’s so lovely to see, but ivy can choke a building to death.
And you’re right (write!), there’s a metaphor in there. With that in mind, this seems like the perfect opportunity for me to hand the baton to you for a blog post about that very subject 🙂
“Feeling groovy!” I’m in the groove in my client work as a leader coach (and growing deeper and stronger like ivy deep in cement with each engagement). And, being in the groove professionally takes staying in a place of curiosity and continual learning groove. I stay in the groove of a purposeful life by positive intentions, groovy daily practices, and involvement. As a newbee memoir writer it takes a continual commitment groove; sitting with the page!
Ivy in the cement groove is a perfect image for life; keep on growing forward!
Audrey — I like how you show up for life. You’re definitely IN THE GROOVE 🙂
I’m in a groove a lot these days, although I’m not doing much dancing in this clumsy walking boot (just tendonitis, I hope). Maybe that’s because the boot slowed me down, forcing me to cancel a few events and sit at my computer instead. The writing groove always feels good.
Patricia — I’m sorry that boot is slowing you down. The silver lining on that cloud is that you’re probably getting more time in the writing chair 🙂
I don’t often enough feel “in the groove,” but when I have a good bit of art or writing coming together as I want it to, then. Sometimes also, completely unearned by hard work or determination, I get that feeling when just out walking in the fresh air.
Cindy — The unplanned kind (walking in the fresh air) is the best! 🙂
My favorite IN THE GROOVE area too is grand-mothering. It is better than parenting. It is blissful! Love my time with my grandchildren, can’t exchange it with any……ything! 🙂
Balroop — “Blissful” is an excellent descriptor 🙂
I found this question especially challenging to answer. It was only when I changed the definition of in the groove to mean what brings me the most joy that I was able to answer without hesitation–engaging in creative activities and enjoying nature and being captive by a story.
Leanne — By jove, you’ve got it! 🙂
Think about everything around us… not the least of which is Election Day! Let’s Dance!
LakeAfton — Indeed! 👏👏👏
My recent vacation kicked me out of some grooves that I have been struggling to settle back into: writing, walking, sleeping . . . Stepping out of the groove was fun, but now I’m looking forward to regaining some of the old footholds.
Arlene — I, too, enjoy de-grooving vacations. But like you, I also like settling back into familiar grooves. Woohoo! 🙂
Feeling groovy…. in the groove. I love it 🥰.
There is a great song by Phil Collins, called “Groovy kind of love”, by the way. I thought of it as I was reading your post 😉 sending love, dear Laurie 💛
Aquileana — yes, Yes, YES. I’m familiar with the song, “Groovy Kind of Love,” and love it! Woohoo 🙂
Clever pun photo. I feel like I am getting in the blogging groove, thanks to your inspiring example. I look forward to hearing what your favorite food is from the Americas! : ) Rebecca
Rebecca — I’m so glad you’re IN THE [blogging] GROOVE. Woohoo! 🙂
Me too, many more secrets to learn… : )
Laurie, as you know, I am back in North Georgia and this time I’m nailing my feet to the ground! I am working towards fitting back into my well-worn groove here. And, yes, I am smiling!
Sandi — I can see the glow from your beaming smile all the way in Boise, Idaho 🙂
I automatically think of the wonderful ‘Madonna ‘ and ‘ Get into the groove’ . When I saw her perform it ( not live , on telly) I thought I wanna be her .
Am I in the groove …well you could say I’m heading in the right direction ,
Cherryx
Cherry — I had forgotten Madonna’s “Get into the Groove.” That’s a great reminder. Thank you! 🙂
Don’t you love to see plants growing in almost no soil at all? I feel a little out of groove these days, facing a major but welcome life transition. You might guess what that could be coming up. 🙂 But thanks for helping me name that as an unsettling time even when welcome.
Melodie — I think your outlook is terrific. Not many of us are able to view something unsettling and still welcome it. My hat is off to you.
Laurie, I am with you in your choice. I have been a grandmother for twelve-plus years now. The relationship to my five grandchildren, plus my sons and daughter-in-law are priceless to me. Family is definitely my groove.
TimelessLady — Yes. FAMILY is where it’s at 🙂
I’m in the groove with my family, developmentally disabled clients and my blog!
InDianesKitchen — yes, Yes, YES! 🙂
What a great question. I’m feeling distinctly out of my groove as I am working on finding a new one. I’m missing my familiar and comfortable one, even as I look forward with anticipation to settling into a new one. Life: so interesting.
Linda — In place. Displaced. Ups and downs. I agree that life is indeed interesting. Warts and all.
I’m in the groove when I’m making an Art Gown, or shooting Street Art. It’s a wonderful place to be.
There’s an old song by The Young Rascals – Groovin”. You might not remember it, as it’s from the 60’s! Anyway, it reveals the feeling. Nice post!
Resa — I do, indeed, remember the song “Groovin.” I’m glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
I am thinking one area is when I write my book reviews, though this year for the other demands on my time I’ve been moving at a slower pace. I’m planning to pick up said pace though this month and into next. 🙂
Sam — Fast, slow, or in-between, I always enjoy your annual Caldecott Medal Contender series! 🙂