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!