When animals ask...

During the first week of March, when the temperature in Southern Australia reached 120 degrees F., the koalas started approaching humans for water. Some went to nearby homes, but this one stopped some bikers.




It behooves us to watch for animal distress, help them when we can, especially when they ask. This had never happened before to the people of Austrailia. They answered the call by placing large containers of water on porches and out in their yards. Or as these bikers did: they stopped and shared their supply!

You are...

Grey clouds slipped under a blue sky.
I turned my face to the wind and felt your presence.
You were there and I could tell.
You are the shadow in my life.

The first time I met you a fear grasped my hand.
Would I touch you in the hour before twilight?
It wasn’t fair that I could not.
You are the shadow of my life.

Snow flakes growing large in the yard I call home.
I held out my tongue to taste their sweetness.
Warmth on my cheek beckoned an embrace.
You are the shadow of my life.

Dawn arose taking the last play of darkness.
I waved goodbye to a shape that quickly faded.
Again, joy is followed by some quiet happy tears.
You are…




The following quote is from ‘Facebook’. No author was credited; I borrowed it:

Human beings are the only species on Earth whose inner lives are so powerful that what we think about a situation, how we describe it to ourselves, what meaning we attribute to it or draw from it, matters more than the event itself. And who is doing the thinking, describing and attributing of meaning? You are.

Carrying the Spirit

Vancouver, can you hear me?
Vancouver, I’m on my way.
Save a place on yonder mountain
I’ll be there by light of day.

~What a great time I had; becoming a 'curling up on my couch' spectator! Some of the most beautiful land in the world holds a variety of people with great spirit. I found it all endearing.


~And that great spirit? I found myself caught up in the moment of each game. It surprised me that I pulled for all teams, all nations. So many young people came, yet 'old-timers' returned, and took their share. I think this (pictured)young Canadian says it all.


During the Olympic Opening, this bear arose from the stadium floor. Our host literaly lifted it with wiring at the top. The circles within the cloth form the bear's shape. Amazing idea!

Now I find it feels symbolic of lifting spirits; readying all to work or play in good manner and communication. It's like a giant hug from Canada to all. It's like a challenge from Vancouver to continue 'carrying the spirit,' they so freely gave. Thank you!

Hello Bob?

For the 2010 Winter Olympics, I was glad to see Bob Costas back; love those late night fire-side chats! Oh yes, I’d love to share the Olympic size flame I’ve been harvesting. Just a few minutes, alone, with those oh-so-pinch-able cheeks of his!! (Quiet on the set, please.)

Speaking of cheeks: how about those Bob Sled dudes? The atmosphere was so electrified for that event. You could feel the tightening of the reins, ha. Some 62 years since the Americans have earned gold in this event. Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and America, were readying for the top three medals. I couldn’t help myself, though I cheered them all on, I wanted my home team to win. Thank you Bob Sled Boys! (Cue/queue Mary.)

Two words: Mary Carillo… the sweetheart of the Olympics special features. She’s a retired tennis pro from the 1980’s. Professionally and cheerfully, she ‘bobbed’ all over British Columbia showcasing the people and their lives. I was glued to my TV set for every feature she profiled. Last nights’ feature was ‘Canadian comedy’…I laughed until I cried. (Mary Carillo said the same thing.)

So now we’re on to the big hockey game! There’s also some ice skating left… stay tuned. You know that Bob, Mary, and I will have something later to say regarding the outcome. It might even be something nice! (Throw on log, dim lights, slice chocolate cake, say ‘bye for now’… fade to black.)

Bye for now :)

Is there more?

Oh, why do we give a puck, a puck;
Oh why do we give a puck?

Across the ice and into net
The puck will make its lucky trek ~

In hopes the goalie has gone cold
So we can make that final goal ~

Oh, why do we give a puck, a puck;
Oh why do we give a puck?

Let’s cheer them on, the teams we meet
With toothless smiles and monster feet ~

Olympic Moms are oh-so-proud
And cheer among the frozen crowd ~

My favorite sport

I’ve never thought to be in the Olympics. There was no sport that captured my focus. I did, however, feel an urge to tell them their uniforms looked awful. Must we really stay with that ‘red, white, and blue’ scheme?(theme)

Such a struggle to find my way through all the sports; was there anything I could do? I heard the announcer say: “Hey, now we’re cooking!” So I got a box of cake mix and knew that was close enough for me; mixed it up, carefully reading the results to look for.

“You will know your cake is ready when it springs back to the touch. To check for doneness, stick a toothpick halfway into the center of each layer. When it comes out clean, your cake layer is done.” So there it was… my challenge and how to obtain the gold. I burnt my hand, accidentally pricked my hand, and gave myself a hand, for the layer not going flat.

Next came the icing. It was great; I simply opened this little can and spread it over each layer. I’m not sure what they meant about ‘tempering’ the chocolate at the top, but my own temper was getting hotter by the minute, so I skipped that step. It tasted good to me. So I moved on to my next event… curling.

I took out a nice clean plate, accompanied it with a lovely fork. Making my way to my family room, I ‘curled’ up onto the sofa to watch the Olympics! Isn’t life grand?

I really love snow

I hope that some are taking time to enjoy the 2010 Olympics. Once again the snow captures my heart for the winter competitions. I can't view enough of the treasures of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Just a few more days and they're gone again. I'll be back. :)

Vancouver, can you hear me?

I’m happy in the snow
It tickles as I go
My long hair in the breeze
It reaches to my knees

I’m training for my team
Vancouver is the dream
‘They’ say I’m not too old
So I’m going for the gold!

Chorus:
Vancouver, can you hear me?
Vancouver, I’m on my way.
Save a place on yonder mountain
I’ll be there by light of day.

My snowboard is shining
No time to be whining
As I slip and I slide
Taking gold home with pride!

Chorus:
Vancouver, can you hear me?
Vancouver, I’m on the way.
Save a place on yonder mountain
I’ll be there by light of day!

Amazing Valentine

In 2002 the "Weather Photo of the Day" ran this photo. Unfortunately there is no credit to name for it's amazing observation. Contrary to popular belief, lightening travels from earth's ground to the sky. So I've chosen this photo as an amazing valentine to send out today. For those willing to stand under a tree, you might just feel the love.

In less than a heartbeat

In less than a heartbeat I took this photo not knowing how it would turn out. A split-second in time as the wind blew the snow sideways. It traveled down my coat collar threatening to end my trek out. It was so cold but too beautiful to ignore.

The subject was supposed to be a simple grey squirrel. He was smarter than I and scurried up the tree away from the strongest wind. That placed him on the other side of the tree. Do you see a squirrel? Neither do I; he was smarter and faster than my digital camera!

When I viewed the photo later I was greatly surprised. It has a look of having been ‘brushed’ by something. An almost ‘gauzy’ veil overlay the scene. It is the snow; tiny flakes so fast and carried in multi-directions, simultaneously that produces the effect.

In that moment I was transported back in time. Again I felt the snow, the wind, and awe of seeing simple beauty. Again I felt the rush of childhood and the excitement that a perfect snow brings; perfect because it felt magical. It felt perfect because the child within me rejoiced.

Snowfall

“If you have forgotten how to love yourself, you will probably ask (or demand) too much of other people. Remember: love is our original nature.”
Author unknown

There I was flying over the land. I dipped and slipped between the clouds of heaven. The wind unfurled its mighty force and I began to swirl. Excitement filled my senses as others joined in joy. We were all together and happy to be traveling along.

The land below us changed. Streets appeared with tiny houses. Tall trees with old majestic manner reached out to us: ‘fall here!’ Enchantment from below was really the ocean’s roar. I laughed as seagulls cut through and dived to avoid our path. Then along came the snow birds flipping us about as we began a downward sway. I lay in the darkness and drifted off, listening to the remainder of the snowfall.

Early morning found me in a strange new state. I had form yet still felt free. I could stay or I could go. The choice was mine. I had no eyes, but I could see the water glistening. The ocean foam still contained the outlines of many travelers. Would they remain in the water or evaporate back into the sky?

The sun climbed higher and so did my self… back to being the self I loved. My only treasure was the thought to share again… another snowfall.

All you need is love

As a child I found a face on the moon. I wondered if the moon was like a giant mirror reflecting the goodness of a distant entity. ~And so began my list of notes.

I was watching the televised special program for Haiti. Story after story of death and survival was brought to light. I cried with some and cheered with others. I felt the brokenness, but only as a spectator to their pain. Yes, I could relate to loss, but this was so enormous. All I could do was hope that many would contribute to the needs, hopes, and dreams of this neighboring nation.

On my list of a childhood’s wonderings, was the question: “Why did my dog have to die?” Was it punishment for some nasty little deed I’d forgotten? I did, after all, sneak a piece of chewing gum, from my Mom’s handbag, one summer day. I pleaded earnestly: but why my dog and why now? Answer: he was old and he was ready.

As an adult I realized the ‘why’ can keep you looping, without end, without answers, and never satisfied. Eventually my studies taught me to include: who, what, where, when, why, and how, of all life’s events. This tragedy with Haiti has helped me to unlock some of those previous notes.

The answer to notes: 17, 58, 109, 1002, 2102, is: “Share what you can.”
Notes: 20, 320, 1005, and 2087: “Joy finds a way.”
Notes: 39, 855, 1010, and 2114: "Patience is a virtue."
Notes: 66, 148, 1254, and 2144: “All you need is love."

who wants some peace?

So much is going on in our world.
The children reach for peace from the heavens.
Once again it comes down, but who’s watching?
I know I need as much as I can possibly get.

Winter's Farm

Winters’ farm felt so warm
Blanketed in snow
How I longed to see its charm
Return to long ago

As in dreams children live
My own life was found
Carried by a wish to give
Yet lost when I fell down


Travel made my heart light
Place to place I went
Looking for my winter’s farm
With lovely seasons spent

Through older, wiser eyes
I let the farm take flight
In visions of my night time
My blanket stayed in sight

It kept me safe and warm
It promised me a dream
In beauty’s snowbound storm
The farm I loved just beamed

Don't know where...

I don’t know where this blog is headed. I just need to feel; but while I’m feeling I’m going to type out something so you won’t think I’ve forgotten how to blog.

I’m feeling things in hard measure right now. This doesn’t happen often but when it does I find that if I go with the flow, it ends sooner.

Hiding; yes I’m hiding in games I play on a site that leaves me alone… when I need to be alone. At the same time I want some friends to have a laugh, so I put up a stupid statement to get comments. I told them that I’d lost my brain. In reality my brain is shut down for repairs and sorting. Minimum energy is being used to pen this monstrosity. I’m okay with that and sincerely hope you are, though it’s not required of either of us.

We’re almost to the end of this blog. How do I know? I’m tired.

I want to return when I ‘feel’ better. I want to return to write something to make you smile.

Into the new year...

Passing on the "Lovely Blog Award"

Today I would like to pass on the "Lovely Blog Award" to the "A Day in the Life" blog.

http://mb1023.blogspot.com/

David has a series of "Dave's Progress" postings, as well as many other articles on mental/emotional issues of interest. He's a very 'upbeat' person, with a very positive outlook on life. "A lovely blog" may have nothing to do with how the blog looks, but from what we may glean from it's pages. I have gleaned hope, compassion, and encouragement; A Lovely Blog indeed!


1. Accept the award and post a link back to the awarding person.
2. Pass the award on.
3. Notify the new award winner

A Revealing

It has such a strange sound off my tongue: Happy 2010.

I’m older, wiser, and yet feel I know nothing more than I knew on the day I was born. Yes, I think I knew it all on that first day, but it stayed hidden; hidden until people entered my world and challenged my little being. One by one, as each person crosses my path, I remember why I love them so much. I love them because they are part of me. Even the bad, especially the bad, for it teaches what I don’t want to do or become. It creates humility for my own standing among the stars. I am the sum of all of us.

What will 2010 bring that I shall remember at the end of its days? I’ll just have to wait to find out. For now I am content to stand at the beginning and meditate another year’s approach. I am content for others to keep crossing and finding what I know; that they already know within themselves, yet need a revealing. That is what we share.

Happy Boxing Day!

To my many friends, around the world, who celebrate Boxing Day. Cheers!

oops, maybe next year

“Twas the day before, the day before, the day before, the day
I was hoping to get shopping done and have a bit of play.
But the sales rep wanted cash and my card was all I had.
So I lost the precious treasures and found myself quite sad.

The hours spent to find my gifts meant nothing in the end.
If only they had held my gifts ‘til cash I brought to them.
But no; they sought to sell the very items that I loved.
Pray tell, was that the manager that gave me a hearty shove?

Out through the door, onto to the street I stood and waved my arms,
In desperate wail and raising hell, I promised them alarm.
I struck a match and pitched it toward the carts that stood nearby
~And laughed when they first cuffed me, then off to my jail ride.

Tonight would be a good night, and hopefully all week
I’ll stay in jail for burning carts and searing shoppers’ feet.
On Christmas Day when ham is served, I’ll smile and cheer them on
~And celebrate my gifting freedom, with every Christmas song.

Hi Mom

Today’s your birthday. I dedicate this blog to you.

In our home, birthdays were always simple; none of that egotistical celebration. You were a good Mom to teach me that the creature is not the same as the creator. At your knee I learned that I needed humility and kindness as traits to do service in the universe. I needed gratitude to keep my countenance in check. I needed love, and sense of fair play, lest I judge unwisely.

I remember that you questioned the untruths of December 25th, and wondered why the world was almost ‘mad’ with fervor; ignoring reason. When and where had the creator instituted such a holiday for celebration? Within, what you told me was His written word, there was no explanation. The only new holy day was “The Last Supper”; we were to do “that” in remembrance of the creator’s first and only begotten child. So what was Christmas?

Time has passed; indeed twelve years since you’ve been gone. Christmas has become quite the vexation; people irrationally judging each other by its ‘existence’. “It may not be his birthday, “as some say, “but it’s the day I choose to celebrate it.” I’m prompted to respond: get on with it then. Its not that I mind celebrating the light that entered the world because of the divine child; I mind when others, without authority, add on more ‘good news’ than is true. So I’m missing Christmas, but not as much as I miss you.

In the aftermath of loss, it becomes imperative to move on. Each person experiencing loss must choose the path that brings them relief. I’ll be mailing out your card today. I’ve never had one returned. Then again, if it had a ‘return address’ on it, I might. (LOL) Somewhere, someone will open that card and read about the light I miss, and the light that keeps me going. I trust the universe that it arrives in the right person’s hands. Silly, yes, but it’s my celebration of you.

Is this Surreal?

I don't really understand 'surreal' ideology. Often the blogs I read that 'have gone surreal' are out of my league. However, I'm thinking that maybe this photo is surreal. If not, let me know, and I'll change the title.

The photo credit is not mine; a neighbor shared it with me and she requested anonymity.

That's all. :)

My season

They’ve almost all fallen to the ground.
My golden leaves.
Autumn takes flight.

I was a child when I realized that autumn was my favorite time of year. Indeed I’ve written about that fact a couple of times on this blog before. Something new has come from heart to mind and that is what I wish to share.

Recently a small package arrived; a birthday present from a well-meaning friend. Knowing the tragedies I had faced, all during the fall of separate years, meant facing their anniversaries every year. The gift made me realize I needed to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Though there are many anniversaries that cause me pain, my fondness of the season always gets me through. I call that “God-stuff”. Stuff that I, as a human, could not have prearranged; however that is not the issue here. Still I am amazed that the two entwine so, like a woven basket.

The issue is how the negatives play out in my heart. The positive attitude that autumn gives me, lifts me out of the doldrums, and into the golden rays of autumn itself. Pretty soon those anniversaries are merely single days that happened. They are not negative, they are necessary. So I look on them as precious events as they dance with me, every year, through my season. I bid them farewell as the sun tilts and brings ‘old man winter’ for me to cherish.

Winging the sound of life

I am so different from the person I was, this time, last year. No longer do I receive comfort from whining about my losses. Even my own voice can grate my nerves; so I’ve stopped abusing me.

There’s an expression: “I’d give my right arm to have that.” Well, that’s not me; certainly not my mentality. Though I’ve often hoped for answers and solutions to problems, I’m more willing to exercise patience.

It seems important to people, to have dreams and goals to reach for. I like that, and yet this year has brought me great wisdom in choosing what is really culpable. In short, what makes sense for my life? How responsible must I be to plan a dream? In following “The Plan” I wrote about some months ago, I have moved forward in small steps.

The photo above has my story encapsulated. Within it I see my past, present, and future. A young lovely woman, cut down in her prime, seeks a goal to fill her life. One less wing (metaphorically), I travel on disabled, but try not to let it get me down. Indeed the opposite is beginning to happen. Not the hopeless kind of hope, or the helpless kind of help; I have so many people, places, and things to explore.

Have you ever heard the choir of heaven? At least that’s what I called the sound, I heard one day, from the sky. Thousands and thousands of voices and one note. I truly do not know how to describe it, and some of you reading would never believe me any way. My life is changing and it’s that sound I want returned.

That’s all; thanks for reading.

Eh?

Quality photo equipment from Canada, inspected by the creatures of the wild.

The problem with missions

Edna called out loudly, “Oh dear no, it can’t be.”

Henry tried ignoring her noise and turned the page of his newspaper. Mentally, he began to count, 1…2…3.

“Henry, you simply must go to the store!” Edna stood in the doorway waiting for the handsome mouse to assist his spouse.

“Edna, my love, my pet, the stores are all closed. It’s Thanksgiving, remember?”

“Aw Henry, you simply must find me some cheese. Uncle Brody is going to be livid if there’s no macaroni and cheese.”

“Alright dear; I shall see what I can do.” Henry stepped out into the cold, shivering, not knowing what he could do.

A voice from above was heard to say, “Pssst.” Henry looked up and there on his own balcony stood Uncle Brody. “Hi Uncle.”

“Shhh,” said Uncle Brody, “no one need be the wiser.”

“I do not understand you Uncle.” Henry was whispering now.

“Take this harness and go across the street. The cheese you need is waiting.”

Henry placed the harness on. He shimmied up to the ceiling where he attached his cable to lower himself. He began to drop straight down, onto the cheese. He was mighty proud and looked out the window to see Uncle Brody. There he was, jumping up and down, cheering Henry on. But what was he saying?

The problem with missions…
OH, the problem with missions… is that there’s always a cat(ch).

“Oh Henry,” Edna cooed, “You’ve saved the day. The meal wouldn’t be complete without the macaroni and cheese. Why, even Uncle Brody had an extra helping. But do tell me about that nasty scratch on your leg. The late shopping must have been brutal. Of course it’s been getting this way for some time. People fighting over a piece of cheese; it’s disgusting.”

Henry watched as the cat chewed the last of the harness, grateful he wasn’t in it. Happy Thanksgiving to me, he thought.

Make that shift

“It is impossible to need excuses when the focus of life shifts to: ‘How may I serve?’ When you shift to compassion, all blame disappears. So no matter what you may want for yourself, discover how you can want it more for someone else, and then make that shift.” ~ Wayne Dyer

~ ~ ~

In a conversation with a beloved friend, she told me that her highest goal is to live with peaceful intentions; “I don’t do conflict,” she said.

Her words touched me deeply. I soaked them up like a sponge absorbing water. Imagine! if the entire world simply chose to no longer ‘do conflict’? My friend is one of those people that Wayne Dyer is speaking of, above. Through her experiences with reality, she transparently offers more for others, so they might heal. She has helped me to ‘undo some conflict’ within my heart; for that I am grateful.

Surprise! A Lovely Blog

I am one of those writers who write for me. Not like a journal of accomplishments, so to speak, but of experiences that etch into my universe what worked: who, what, where, when and sometimes, why. When I’m lucky, someone comes along and leaves me a tiny “piece of peace”. Often they never know that their comment helped me to find more balance, unless they return later, and see the crazy writing gone!

Heather P. gives me hope. Her thoughts and writings have been tempered by the struggles of her life and the ones of those around her; she loves them dearly. It only solidifies in my mind how truly amazing her choice to remain positive is. If I feel I have no hope, I go read Heather. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that she’s the real thing when it comes to finding and practicing peace. (Love for your fellow travelers.)

She’s given me a “piece of peace” by giving me this “Lovely Blog” Award. Within her acceptance post of the Award, she’s sure that I’m the one to share it with next. I’ve ‘improved’ in the acceptance department; thereby peace is able to touch my human soul. How ironic that she, who has given so much to me through her writings, has given this award.

“My gratitude speaks when I care and I share with others.” So stay tuned for the person I pass this “Lovely Blog” Award to. For now, I’m simply content to rest a bit, and enjoy it.

Heather: http://1soundingoff.blogspot.com

Onion Remedy

(Author unknown; received in an email. ~dcrelief)

A friend of mine told me a story about how when he was a kid he was in the hospital & near dying. His Italian/African grandmother came to the hospital & told a family member to go buy her a large onion & a new pair of white cotton socks. She sliced the onion open then put a slice on the bottom of each of his feet & put the white cotton socks on him. In the morning when he awoke they removed the socks. The slices of onion were black & his fever was gone. The following story that someone sent to me might have some truth in it & we are going to try this, this Winter.

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It had absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)

The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case.

Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!! !!!!!!!!
Now there is a P. S. to this, for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with this most interesting experience about onions:

Thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but, I do know that I contracted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better.

Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.

Footnote from dcrelief: I'm trying this too.

Just a minute, please...

I’m just going to write. When I get to the end, I’ll push ‘publish’ and let another crazy thing move on. Often when I sit down to writer, I feel that all the right, bells, whistles, and tweeters should be perfect. But I’m tired and need to jump off the world. The spinning is making me sick.

I feel like a small star spinning between the massive electromagnetic fields of two planets. Both have set motion and I am the little star that could… right now “the little star that could not move.” So I sit here feeling so small but wonder how I can get lose the feeling; the feeling that I am insignificant among the universe?

I received a card from a friend; sat and looked at the tiny stars on the front, my mind working over time. All of those other little stars and the one she’d circled with an arrow pointed, saying, “YOU”. The card read: “When it comes to friends, you are one in a million!” I saw that. I read that. I didn’t let it set in my mind. I let it float away, devaluing my own existence; strange.

Self esteem can be a tough thing to give myself. I was raised that esteem only comes from outside me. Now I sit here laughing at how small I would have my star be. It’s okay to feel good about my choices. It’s okay to feel lousy about my failures. But it’s not okay to hold onto them; they’re better floating off into the ether, with the other space trash.

Time to reread that manual on electromagnetic stuff; I suspect my brain is hardwired, and some days the server doesn’t work?? Electromagnetic fields forever…you remember the Beatles, right?!

Health Care?

Let me get this straight.

We're going to pass a health care plan
written by a committee whose head says he doesn't understand it,
passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it,
signed by a president that also hasn't read it, and who smokes,
with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes,
overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and
financed by a country that's nearly broke.

What possibly could go wrong?

From over the fence

I stood in my kitchen watching as my neighbor ran frantically, from back yard to front yard. What was she doing, I wondered? her arm swung backward and then forward quickly. She had thrown something from over the fence, into my yard. Then suddenly through my front window, I saw her running, to the other side of my house. There was a knock on my door and I knew it was her.

“What has happened?”
“Dixie, I’m leaving my husband. I threw my favorite rose bush over the fence into your yard. If I leave it, he’ll dig it up and kill it. Please take care of it. I’ll call you.”

I became the proud owner of a rose, I knew nothing about, nor how to take care of it. I simply planted it, added water, and prayed it would live.

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living .We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon, instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our window today.” 1

Funny how that sentence came to life for me. That rose bloomed and I sucked in the air in surprise. What a scent! What a colour! What a perfect looking specimen. I no longer looked beyond my own garden, but felt contented to watch each tiny bud open. I found myself hoping the red clay of my yard would not turn it magenta.

“Make time for what's uplifting, connecting, inspiring. Compassion must translate into action. Don't just wish for love; be more loving. Don't just wish for happiness; live with greater joy.” 2

I have rediscovered my yard, and watched every plant take its turn at awing me with beauty. I wish to translate this watchfulness into relationships. Would that I could be a person of unconditional love. How might I change? What might I change?

“Choose what feeds your mind, heart and soul. What goes in will closely reflect what comes out.” 3

I’ve begun to scrutinize what goes in and what comes out. I’ve found errors that I must tend to, just as that rose needs tending. I won’t be pitching anything over my fence. Instead I will be more appreciative of what has been given, in order that I might send out with care.


1,2,3: all quotes – authors unknown

sotp?

"Stop on this place?"
"Stop on the point?"
"Stay on the pavement?"
"See other travellers pass?"
"Sorry, only tourists please?"

What do you think?

by request: Halloween on Saturday

Halloween on Saturday…this year

It’s spooky out tonight
The sky a chocolate brown
While children walk the streets
From end to end in town

A screech owl hooty hoot
Is sounding in the trees
The children ring on doors
To beg for candy: ‘please!’

More creatures in the dark
Are waiting for their chance
To scare the boys and girls
And make them wet their pants*

Ha-Happy Halloween!


*(knickers, Philip)

The winner of the 'pee wee' costume division for Halloween

Congratulations!

One Day

One day “the empathetic nature”, source of all life, reached out her hand toward a large orange zinnia, on which sat a dying butterfly. Her hand stayed quite still and she waited. She waited until the butterfly was quite still, itself. The tiny majestic wings that stood up straight began to relax. To the untrained eye a slight quiver was unnoticeable. “The empathetic nature” knew, and moved her hand just under the butterfly's spindly legs. Small, precious butterfly, though very weak, took several last steps into her hand, stopping within the midst of the palm. The legs gently folded, and with wings outstretched, the butterfly released its last breath upon the wind.

“The empathetic nature” inhaled the tiny yielded breath, joining it back into her own essence, and she smiled knowingly. Another tiny soul had found the moment to come home.

“The empathetic nature stayed long enough to comfort a very sad zinnia; the one who had shared its nectar and soft petals as a bed for the ailing butterfly. “The empathetic nature” leaned down, smelling the faint scent of the zinnia, and whispered so tenderly: “when you find the moment, I will be here for you."

The zinnia stopped its tears and stood up tall, facing the sunshine. It breathed in the essence which is “the empathetic nature." A young butterfly, hungering for nectar, landed on its petals. The zinnia swayed in the wind. The young butterfly fanned its wings slowly, back and forth.

“The empathetic nature continued her movement over the face of the earth.

Vitamin D for Me

This is a photo of me searching for vitamin D for me! (No, it's not. Yes, it is!) Okay it's not a photo of me. It's a photo of me traveling down the road, to the store, to buy some vitamin D for me. It's good for the mind and body. Since I have a tremendous deficiency, the traveling was a must. Ah, but vitamin D also comes from the sun. The same sun I have been avoiding, choosing to sit outside only in late afternoon, when at all.

Those of you who've been folllowing my crazy life, know I hit a dog while driving and it messed me up, mentally. A terrible story I will not get into. It left me quite traumatised and driving has been a struggle ever since. Vitamin D gave me a mission and I took great pleasure in designing a plan.

Not to totally bore you, writing about a vitamin. I also have the wonderful pleasure of sharing this photo of a nearby curve that shows the sunlight through the trees. The real 'meat and potatoes' of this blog is the travel; the willingness to get with it and hit the road. Overcoming my fear has become a moment by moment adventure.

This is my favorite time of the year, so why not celebrate it by getting out more. It's cooler during the day and there's a special quietness in this area. Almost as if the autumn landscape is cheering me with the waving of branches. (C'mon, you can do this!) Don't look now, but I think I'm going to need more zinc.

A Dance with Life

I sit to write this, "straight into blogger," not a pre-written post, but composed on the spot. Let's have fun; here we go!

Who will dance with me? Who will make the sun come up, go down, then bring the moon out to shine? Who will give me the nourishment I need to help this mind, body, and spirit? Who will be there day after day, whether I feel like dancing or sleeping?

Life came along and spoke of things I could have; things I could create; wonders that never cease. Life said, "take me by the hands and I will show you laughter to make your insides ache, wisdom to make your heart ache, and courage to feed your mind the strength it needs to dwell in peace.

Oh how I ached for all these things. I took life's hands and we have begun a dance through the universe. Let doldrums be damned, I will to go on. I seek the very nature within me that craves the nature outside of me. In this moment I have peace. Thanks for the dance!

Welcome

Welcome to the new folks who are "following".


Heather P. "soundoff"
Steve "1 of 26"
"smallandsnappy"

To the old-timers, thanks for hanging around.

My break is almost up. I have things ready to post.

Wherever you are following from, I do hope you are peaceful and content. Stay well. I'll write you soon.

My gratitude,

dcrelief =)

When writing comes last...

Usually I can write on any subject. Just tell me what you want to know and I’ll research the details. Lately I haven’t been interested in writing or researching. My focus has been on having fun, and meeting people to share fun moments with. Like a small return to childhood dreams; I have friends that laugh, dance, and sing.

It’s autumn and I always feel so alive. Mornings are spent out among the communities I treasure. The air has crispness, and today wet leaves cling to my shoes. I ventured to lunch with a special friend, who helped me celebrate 20 years (today), of being free of drugs and alcohol.

I’ve had to give myself permission to be okay with the times when writing comes last. This is true growth for me. It’s truly wonderful to live a ‘hands on’ life.

Why do I act so childish?

Let me start off by saying: hahahahahaha! There I feel better.

Does having a child make you grow up? Do you put away having some silly laughs, or let them lead you to total abandonment of adulthood craziness? I just get so curious. I am one of the best ‘aunts’ I can be, but never have been a Mom.

Multiple miscarriages, two emergency abortions, and this lady finally gave it up. I could only surmise it wasn’t meant to be. Yet that didn’t mean I wouldn’t have children in my future! I’m so elated to have all of these nieces and nephews who love me.

Lisha, my oldest, writes to say that, Kaitlyn, her oldest, want to be a dentist! Seems Kaitlyn enjoys the funny faces she can produce when examining her patients. I have to admit, it does look funny to me.

The freer I feel about my life, goals and dreams, the more it seems so innocent to just exist. The less I hold onto, the more my life seems to grow, embracing love, developing peace toward all. Doesn’t that sound like the life of a child?

Sparkle!

Without heat and pressure there would be no diamonds. Likewise, it is the tough situations that provide opportunities to sparkle. I’m in a tough one now, yet I hold on, and breathe deeply. Life will not always be this way; it will be better.

If I can’t hear my own heart, I listen to my own voice. Sometimes the act of opening up to someone frees my shackled voice and I open up to myself. I find it strange that my complaints will help me make a decision, when I allow them to, rather than ignore me.

Rest is an enjoyable reward for hard work, but it is also necessary for my continued effort. I will perform to my full potential only when I learn to regenerate my enthusiasm. I need to spend time with myself. I’ve decided that I need that vacation I’ve been dodging for the past year.

For me, strength is the fruit on the tree of challenge. All the physical exercise of a lifetime will not produce the strength I will gain by meeting one difficult challenge and conquering it. I’m giving up the squat-thrusts!

My Peeps

They live close by, and we have fun
My peeps that hang until it’s done
No matter what the job entails
We simply peep, and never wail

We calculate each other’s need
Go to the store for peeper feed
Our lives are good, we can’t complain
While living in a world insane

They live close by, and I am glad
To be alone would make me sad
Great happiness is what I reap
When I can hang with my best peeps

Aspire to Inspire

“Life is not as dramatic as your ego imagines it to be.
Aspire to inspire before you expire.”

The above quote was hanging at the bottom of an email I received. I sat back, and really thought about what it said. I have quite the ego and most often think life is dramatic. Maybe I’ve put things into lofty positions that need stepping down. My imagination is active and on-going.

Can I inspire? Some people say that I inspire them. Sometimes it feels good to hear that. Other times I know it’s a false pride that tells me I’m doing something ‘special’. I’m a human being, just like you, needing inspiration at times too. I’m not planning on expiring any time soon, though I know not my own path, until it’s walked. I do think that viewing life less dramatically will bring me certain peace.

In my nature walks I find the earth’s inspiration. Looking at the expiring Black-eyed Susans in my flower bed, I know they’ll be back next summer. They’ll inspire me, as in years’ past, to enjoy the days of summer. With their expiration, I am always reminded that autumn is on the way.

Thank you.

A taste for exploration

I’ve a taste for exploration of the things I once did, and liked. For reasons not remembered, time moved on, and I forgot to finish what I started. So now I desire to return to the sculpting world. Oh to take my hands and rub out every boo-boo, every bump that has no place in a perfect work!

“The Dying Gaul” shown above is sculpted in marble. I don’t do marble, but marveled over the photo. It seemed to go with what I had to say. Really putting my hands to the work and smoothing out each blemish… delightful. I’ll let you know how things turn out; be looking for a “Living Gaul”. Dare I have the gall?

Hmmm...

As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world - that is the myth of the atomic age - as in being able to remake ourselves.

~Mohandas Gandhi

Any thoughts? Hmmm?

Snowbound, by Genesis

My Video Bar Feature:
Genesis, lyrics
Mike Rutherford, composer

Lay your body down upon the midnight snow,
Feel the cold of winter in your hair
Here in a world of your own,
In a casing that's grown
To a children's delight
That arrived overnight.

And here they come to play their magic games
Carving names upon your frozen hand.
Here in a world of your own,
Like a sleeper whose eyes
Sees the pain with surprise
As it smothers your cries
They'll never never know.

Hey there's a Snowman
Hey, Hey what a Snowman
Pray for the Snowman
Ooh, Ooh what a Snowman
They say a snow year's a good year
Filled with the love of all who lie so deep.

Smiling faces tear your body to the ground
Covered red that only we can see.
Here in a ball that they made
From the snow on the ground,
See it rolling away
Wild eyes to the sky
They'll never, never know.

Hey there's a Snowman
Hey what a Snowman
Pray for the Snowman
Ooh, Ooh what a Snowman
They say a snow year's a good year
Filled with the love of all who lie so deep.

Hey there goes the Snowman
Hey there what a Snowman
Hey there lies the Snowman
Hey he was a Snowman
They say a snow year's a good year
Filled with the love of all who lie so deep.

I'm not done

In the exploration of my soul,
Those dearest helped me find control.

A way to look at what I’ve learned,
Let it serve, and not get burned.

There’s news to see; I’ve just begun.
My life is rich, though I’m not done.

I contemplate the dreams, so real,
That feed me with their precious meal.

Where I can go, and what I do,
depends on me, and not on you.

My time well spent in healing sun.
Continues on, as I’m not done.

Welcome reality

Last week the stars fell. I stood on the ground glancing up. One by one they came down, circling me, then disappearing. Each one a revealing light of knowledge. Each one contained a bit of my reality. Each one brought it's sadness and it's joy. For the first time, in a long time, I feel more balanced. I treasure everything I have.

When someone is phoning you every day, demanding explanations for every little thing she ever took wrong; what do you? How do you gently explain that life has been a hard struggle? Maybe there have been things you said, but why wait until now to deal with it?

I’m guessing a cloud has lifted from her mind. I’m guessing that she needs closure.

Yesterday’s call of tears, with more confrontations, has driven me into a slight depression. If everyone feels that I’ve wronged them in some way, how can I remedy their inquiries, if I have no knowledge? Waiting four years is just a bit unfair.

So I blog my heart and soul, and let the crap go. If the phone rings tonight, I’m going to tell her to stop keeping score. I’m going to tell her that I’ve moved on. Depression is not a state I want to be in. I enjoy being positive and am willing to start anew with her. If that doesn’t work… then I’m moving on without her. No more keeping score!