My New Year's Revolution

Did I mean resolution? Revelation?  Restitution? Rasputin? Rumpelstiltskin?

No, the good ole eleventh-hour Congress has saved the Hill... Capitol Hill, that is. "Fiscal Cliff" be hanged. Let's call it a day and go out for a snowball fight. (Hey, watch that guy on the far right; I think he's packing a rock in the center.)

Then again this might be one of those "G-30" summit meetings. Give a shout out if there's someone you recognise from your hometown! (Takes an 'act' of congress to find out what those meetings are truly about.)

Thanks for reading. I had a polly-waddy political moment. It's over now. There you go!

Happy New Year ~ 2013

Thank you for joining me during 2012. Your comments and visits are always welcome!

Berries ~ red

On the limb with berries ~ red
Nibble fast you sleepyhead.
Winter waits for no one here.
Have a munch, then give a cheer!

I don't have to hibernate.
It's always nice to stay awake.
With berries ~ red I dearly love
to sit among these limbs above.

Good sleep, I wish to Sam and Clay.
My appetite bids me to stay.
When I am done I'll rest my head
and dream about the berries ~ red.

Ask

A glowing fire - encouraging thought.

"...you have not because you ask not."

This partial sentence comes from a biblical source. You may recognize it from The Book/The Bible; it is placed within Chapter 4, verse 2. It has been a challenge for me to find understanding of this. Ironically the more humble I become, the clearer the statement becomes. I'm not asking that any should look at this book and read this for themselves. My goal is simply to write what has risen within my heart. That is the reason for my blog after-all. I write about what has come to me, and invite others to share their own life experiences.

Ah, another year approaches and do I have a resolution or two? I am still walking the path that presented itself years ago. The difference being, I am willing to take it slower, enjoying the beauty either side of this path offers. Some may say, "stop and smell the roses," a common phrase, but I want my eyes to embrace the full view. Starting at the ground and whatever season arrives; to glory in tiny spring shoots, summer lushness, autumn's fallen leaves, or winter snow drifts. Then gazing upward toward skies of blue, grey, or midnight blue... I want to see and love every moment I can. So I ask that I might embrace all of life, without worldly cares to weight my soul.

Should you also be celebrating a new year at this time, please know I bid you well. The spirit within me would have you know it, but that's another thing for another time, perhaps. With a true and loving motive, ask so that you might have.

Thank you for reading. Happy New 2013!

Evergreen

Along the trail of snow ~ the sun begins to fade.
The golden rays' last glow ~ are covered by the shade.

Another day is gone ~ and put to rest for now.
Yon Christmas lights and song ~  align on every bough.

As darkness paints the night ~ the evergreen stands tall.
I pray with all my might ~ that beauty touches all. 

A way in(side) a manger

Ten gazillion pictures showing the baby Jesus in a straw-filled wooden box. Christmas cards, wrapping paper, and little nativities... straw/wood... what?

This photo on the Internet shocked me. I had no idea what a manger really looked like, much less what it was used for... back in the day(?) I don't know; maybe today they are still used to feed and/or water the animals. That is their purpose... and ideal for a sleeping child that needs a crib. And then there's the song:

"Away in a manger no room for a bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay."

Aha! A hay-filled rock-hewn manger for the small person who'd provide the world a way. A way to love. A way to hope. A way to live within the coming Kingdom of God. So the babe grew up and went about, describing the Kingdom of God. That's the gospel and most seem to have forgotten or simply don't know it.

My stuff gets real tired listening to Sunday school teachings of the same old, same old thing. I feel like jumping up from my chair and shouting out: "Why are we constantly relearning the same thing from year to year?" I'm beginning to understand why Jesus went on 'tour' so to speak. Because there's 'a way' that came out of that manger and moved onward toward life, I am enabled to move on too.

Thanks for reading.

I smell commercialism

["In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday. "]  { http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm }

 ~and now onward to America. Let's pause for the cause of Santa Claus! C'mon, put your HANDS together for the guy in the RED suit...........! An exclusive 'dcrelief' removal of the rose colored glasses:

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm

And just for fun:

http://youtu.be/bgFSSPlzBl4

Cold milk and strawberry cream cheese scones will be waiting ~

Living through Christmas ~ time

A friend shared a video titled, "Where's the line to see Jesus?" It's about a child at a shopping mall who sees all the children in line to see Santa Claus. The youngster has brought a gift, but there's no one there to accept it. He goes from adult to adult with the same question: "Where's the line to see Jesus?"

Experts claim the real birthday is September 11, 3BC; also known at that year as "The Feast of Trumpets." Ever since that time only tragic events have taken place on that date. Hmm?

http://www.askelm.com/news/n060911.htm


http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm

Musical interlude: Sounds of the season

Sounds of the season... coming at me and I listen with joy to many artists. This is a new group and I hope you enjoy them as much as I. 

What are you favorite sounds of the winter season?

Autumn and then...

Walking; the cold wind cuts through the trees;
the chill threatens to stop my adventure
but I am on my way, kicking leaves aside,
my smiles directed at the sky.

It's still Autumn; 
Winter wants to surprise me.

Standing; the cold wind commands the leaves
to fall as if a slow snow, accumulating in drifts.
Each move I make, crunch, crunch, crunch;
I am a child once more.

It's still Autumn;
Winter wants to surprise me.

image:  www.wallpapers.cz

November Thoughts & Stuff

My studio window faces my backyard. There is so much life there and I am blessed to see its existence.  Just last week an 8 point buck stared back at me for ten minutes. At the same time he watched his mate standing at my gazebo nibbling on hydrangea leaves. Beautiful creatures and I felt privileged to be allowed the view. One of those times I'm reminded to get my camera back on line.

Are you in awe of leaves that seem to change colors daily? Certainly this time of year finds me staring out the window to see what's new. Then there's the often copulating chipmunks. I can't help but notice when I'm watching the leaves fall like a snow storm. And when it's not them, there are squirrels doing the nature thing too. "Oh look, there's a purple leaf, and oh my goodness... is this the third time for that squirrel?" I'd almost think the leaves are blushing.

"Thanksgiving" is upon us and I want to stay home; travel and arm (injury) are not in sync yet. I'm one of those people who like to drive myself when I can on holidays. Then I don't find myself at the mercy of some one's time schedule. Are you like that?

As usual I'll watch the very early "Macy's Day Parade" live, from New York City. I'll still be listening for the phone to ring and hear my Mom say: "Hey did you see that float? You gotta see this float? Go look and call me back."  If the phone rings I know it won't be her, (being deceased some 15 years). But don't think that this gets me down or depressed; just the opposite as I realize those times are engraved upon my heart. No one can ever take them away.

Gee, on Friday is my birthday. I'm getting older. I'm thinking to visit the park nearby me and see how the trees there are looking. I hope the little red fox is still alive and living there. The best gift is downtime with nature for a companion. HB to me!

I do hope whatever you are doing this week or perhaps celebrating this week, you'll have joy, peace and love surrounding you.  Time to read more blogs. Many blessing wished to my blogging pals. Bye for now ~

Dwelling

Dwelling:  as in a habitat or residence... and dwelling: to ponder or focus one's attention on a subject. Therefore it was quite interesting to find I was dwelling on my dwelling. I'm not unique in this, no certainly not, but the solutions to my dwelling needs took some serious dwelling time to find what I needed... to dwell in peace.

Within two weeks I've been sent two roommates! You know me and my mantra: "God supplies all my needs." The Creator and I had had a couple of conversations about how I could show more love toward the people in my community. I didn't hear any voices... didn't see any burning bushes... but still I felt my Creator had the best answer. Oh sure I was getting a bit angry because I thought it was taking too long to find any solutions... I'm human and my will wants even when it's not time to receive. I think most people lose patience at times too, just like me.

The first roommate arrived and had a limited cash flow. She's a student and relies on a scholarship. So we agreed to subsidize her rent funds with household chores and food stamps. A great pairing of ideas and a peaceful existence has been found for both of us.

The second roommate is a young male who plays in a band and needs quiet time during the day to sleep. He was able to offer the complete cash flow needed. He also receives free laundry and food. After a week here he says he is quite happy.

So all my dwelling led to the acceptance of other people dwelling here. I had complete cable television and internet put in all rooms. Everyone uses the same laundry shoot; clothes are delivered back to their rooms within a day. Most importantly I find I have love for these two people and am very glad they came my way; and they think they are the lucky ones!

That's what has been happening behind the scenes at my dwelling. Have you been dwelling on something that needs a solution?

First touch ~

Frost you touched my cheek
Icy hot then cold.

A long slow tingling, 
on skin of Autumn gold.

Leaves of many shapes
dusted in your drift.

Icy leaves mingle
ensnared by your gift.

A winter prelude 
to the forest's first glow.

Has warmed my cheek
with thoughts of sweet snow.

A carousel of celebrations

November 2012

Thursday, November 1, 2012
All Saints Day (Christian)
This day honors known and unknown saints.
Monday, November 12, 2012
*BIRTH OF BAHA’U’LLAH (Bahá’í)
Born as Mirza Husayn’ Ali, into one of the leading noble families of Persia in 1817.  His Arabic title means ‘The Glory of God’.
Tuesday, Novemberber 13, 2012
**DEEPAWALI (Diwali) (Hindu, Sikh, Jain)
This is the start of the Hindu New Year.  It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.  It is also known as the “Festival of Lights”, where lamps are lit to symbolize hope for humanity.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
**Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year) (Islam)
This observance takes place on the first day of Muharram, the month that Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE (the Hijra). This holiday is also known as Muharram.
Sunday, November 24, 2012
**Ashura (Tenth of Muharram) (Islam)
Ashura in Arabic means “ten”, signifying the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram.

December 2012

Sunday, December 2, 20112
Advent (First Sunday) (Christian)
The Christian Church year begins with advent (meaning coming or arrival), which is also a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Sunday, December 8, 2012
Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) (Buddhism)
This day commemorates the date of Siddhartha Gautama’s realization and presentation of the Four Noble Truths.
Sunday, December 9-Sunday, December 16, 2012
*Hanukkah (Fest of Lights) (Jewish)
In approximately 164 B.C, the Maccabees, a small group of Jews fighting for religious freedom, won victory over the Syrians.  Upon returning to the Temple, they found only one jar of oil to light the eternal light. In spite of the shortage of oil, the eternal light stayed lit for eight days. A special eight-branched candelabrum known as a menorah is lit over this period to celebrate the eight day miracle.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas Day (Christian)
On this day, Christians honor the birth of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago.  This is the most widely observed Christian festival of the year.  People celebrate it by exchanging gifts, decorating homes and communities with lights and ornaments, and attending parties and meals.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Eastern Orthodox Christmas (Eastern Orthodox)
Members of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth on this day

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 - Thursday, January 1, 2013
Kwanzaa (African/Interfaith)
Wanting to encourage African-Americans to celebrate and honor their rich heritage, Professor Maulana Karenga founded Kwanzaa in 1966. The holiday, which means ‘first fruit’ in Swahili, is made up of seven principles: unity, self-determination, working together, sharing, purpose, creativity, and faith.  Seven basic symbols and two supplemental ones: mazao (crops), mkeka (mat), kinara (candle holder), muhindi (corn), mishumaa Saba (seven candles), kikombe cha umoja (unity cup), zawadi (gifts), bendera (flag), nguzo saba poster (poster of the seven principles) communicate these values. Candles are lit on each consecutive night in a seven-branched candelabrum; each lighting represents the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Black, red and green symbolize Kwanzaa.  Black represents the people, red signifies their struggle, and green stands for the future and the hope that emanates from the struggle.

Soon, after the sunrise

Where does the day lead... after the sun rise? Morning finds me cheering my spirit on: a new day, lots of minutes, new moments to experience, and how many times will I laugh? I don't wish to cry, but it's a possibility, and, 1...2...3...back to the music I love. Soon.

Even rainy days find me walking the land I now own. God help me dress it and keep it, as if my own little garden of life  were always here. Changing leaves of all the trees circle my home like a great salad... and I am the last large tomato of the summer! The glory of Autumn or what I've always known as 'The Fall'  fills my lungs with a crisp air... and the last scent of honeysuckle.  I head towards my studio where musical inspiration accompanies my morning's visual beauties. Such treasures so fresh in my mind and stirring the depths of  awe I feel; only music releases the morning's pickings. After the sun rise... I write. Soon.

I leave you with one of the many musical choices that stirs the writing spirit within me.  Where does the day lead... after the sun rise? I wait to know. Soon.

make sure there's a fairy

My niece requested a painting of yourself, and, oh, make sure there's a fairy!

Click on picture to enlarge... see it all. Thanks.

all hands on deck... eventually

I'm so grateful I cut my own hair two weeks ago! What?

What do you do when something happens that makes you sad? Hmm, here's an example. Five days ago I fell asleep in my new office chair. Slumped over putting pressure on my right side shoulder, arm, and hand. When I awoke my hand wouldn't move in an upward position. Looks similar to a dog's when it stands on it's hind legs begging; a limp paw. And since the exact same thing happened to my left arm two weeks before this event... I suspected a pinched nerve in my neck. So while I am still taking therapy for the broken, but healing shoulder, I have added therapy for my neck.

The hobbies are all on hold. I wait to return to my usual humble self. Just so you'll know when I post something really simple, even more simple than my usual simple... it's not because I'm on vacation. I'm simply limp. Meanwhile, should you notice a repeat post from the past... forgive the action.

I know... no more sleeping in the office chair.  And what to do because this result makes me sad? Chalk it up as another life experience. Look for positives things that can only happen because this did. May sound strange, but I often think bad comes along for me to have empathy for others, or some unknown measure of learning provokes another to challenge their direction. Or maybe I need to slow down a bit.

How about you? How do you deal with the sad things?

Bye for now ~

Assemble Congress; I'll wait

Monastery 249

An evening before Halloween I drew the shades tightly,
The thoughts in my head did bother me slightly.
A moon that I feared was cast all in green,
the eeriest moon that I'd ever seen.

The clouds in grey shadows flew like the ghosts
and dipped to the ground as unwelcome hosts.
Ooh, went the wind as they flew over the trees.
The wails of their cries ~ I fell to my knees.

You can't get inside I yelled through the window.
'Tis Halloween's eve ~ you're all hung in limbo.
Attendants came rushing and as they drew near,
I screamed at the ghosts: "We all mad in here."

Hahahahaha ~ hahahhahaha ~ hahahaha!
oooohhhhh ~oooohhhh ~ hahahahaha!



(No offense intended.)

Market meet

Market time! Going to market for some fresh stuff and fresh air. Mark my words; "we'll have fun!" What's in your wallet? Be sure to bring some spending money. Warning to shopaholics: pay the mortgage first.

Down the highway, then through the countryside, many venues of Autumn stalls fill the roadside. Treasure abounds and that's where I go when Autumn comes. Crisp cool air greets my journey and I'm excited to travel.

Pumpkins and flowers... a visual treat and can I copy that masterpiece for my own front yard display? Of course. Orange is the color for unity and brotherhood. Think about the Buddhist monks that wear the orange robes. In my yard it will look like a bit of peace; something we all need.

I spied a concrete bench to place in the yard so I can sit and enjoy my display. It's small but weighs a lot, so wherever I place it will be the viewing vantage point for a long time. Besides the old wooden bench  has finally gone the way of debris. Out it goes to the side of the road where limbs and bagged leaves will also appear soon.

Market time! So many people to enjoy. It's like I 'know' everyone there... and they know me. We swap tips on planting, painting, and thousands of other ideas. One giant family of market-goers converge in a universe of Autumn!

Here in the states there's so much isolation today. People work twice as hard to survive, never getting out much to be with humanity. The weather is a big factor for the summer. High heat discourages outdoor anything. We've become so sensitive to the elements. As the old saying goes: "If you don't use it, you'll soon lose it." Therefore the Fall or Autumn of the year is a better choice for some to leave their cozy couches... and computers. If nothing else, I now have 16 new Facebook friends! LOL. Might as well isolate in the summer heat with people I've actually met. That's a switch. Bye for now.