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.