Friday, August 29, 2014
We Are All Just Trying to Figure It Out
We Are All Just Trying to Figure It Out--
Tonight I heard a person on tv say the following sentence. We are all just trying to figure it out. I would love to give credit to the program or person, but I honestly don't remember. What I do remember is that sentence caught my attention. My husband was busy recording something on paper. I asked him to write down the words so I could think about them.
It's true, isn't it? We are all actually trying to figure life out. What it means. Where it is taking us. How we feel about life. Where we have been. At every turn in our lives we are busy trying to figure out the next move. Do we stay in the relationship? Do we move to a new location? Do we remain in our present career? Do we leave what is safe for something offering more adventure? Do we stay on the grid or move off?
The interesting thing about this is we ask ourselves these questions over and over. Maybe the important thing is asking the question. When we question our decisions, we examine our past and where we are in our present. Doing that either gives us a feeling of satisfaction or pushes us to make a few changes. The answers tell us much about ourselves and our life choices.
Some people simply live off the grid all the time. They find such fulfillment and joy in pushing the limits. Staying in the same place doing the same thing would be a living death for these folks. Others enjoy a sense of peace that comes from a routine. They might occasionally take a step or two beyond what is expected of them, but they always return to the safety they have constructed around themselves. Both work.
So, what is life? What makes a life? Is it the ability to breathe and live for any given number of days, weeks or years? Is it filling our barns with all the treasures we can gather? Is it climbing that ladder to the highest rung in our career choice? Is it all of these and more? Or is it something quite different from those things? What an interesting question. What is life?
I will confess that I believe I have missed much in life by simply hurrying through it. So much to do, so many places to be..and life slowly slips away. It happened so quietly that I hardly noticed it was leaving a bit at a time. Maybe the same thing is your reality. Where did it go? How did we get to this place in life? Did we do what we wanted to do? Are we pleased with who we have become?
Trying to figure it out means we must take a little time to think. To reflect on that word. To wrap our minds around all the meanings that race through our heads when we think about life. Is life a series of events we find ourselves involved in for a specific length of time? Is life a set of disappointments? Is life a large stage, and we are simply playing a part? Do we know our lines? Are we able to appear on cue?
It is impossible for me to discuss life without adding the ingredient of faith. Faith gives me the strength to move beyond what I see and know. It asks me to walk my walk with confidence. It enables me to have the strength to move through all of life's hurts with the knowledge that I am not alone. It makes my heart sing with joy when good things happen and cry with others when joy cannot be found. It is the silent piece of me that resides deep inside. It allows me to believe that good will win over evil even when it looks like that is impossible. My faith moves me beyond myself and allows me to see others and situations in a more grace-filled way.
Maybe it is impossible to figure out what life is. Maybe it is an illusion. Maybe we are like fog that appears on an early morning. It covers everything. It makes the earth beautiful. We can move through it, but we can't actually touch it, feel it. It remains until its job is done, and then it vanishes. We remember what it was like when it visited us, but we can't bring it back on demand. Maybe our spirits are like that. Hanging around all the time. Waiting for us to walk through. Waiting for us to feel the love that is given. Just random thoughts...
There are things I wish I had done in my life. Maybe you feel the same about your life. One of the things I wish I had done is learn to meditate. When I read about the experiences people have due to the learned skill of meditation, I believe I have missed something important. It is not too late for me to start that process. For some unknown reason, I believe that meditation will help me understand life better. Guess we shall see.
One thing I do know is this. Life is truly about love. It is about caring for others. It is about forgiving. It is about conversation. It is about reflecting. It is about giving. Life is so much more than a job or money or a house or automobile. Please understand me. There is nothing wrong with any of those. But, when we add to whatever we have or desire the ability to love others deeply, we are well on our way to figuring out this thing called life.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
When Creativity Flows
When Creativity Flows--
Late night into early morning is the time when my creativity kicks into gear. It keeps me awake. During the day too much happens. The phone rings, a text appears, emails need to be answered, people stop by, the husband aggravates, laundry needs to be moved from washer to dryer. Too much going on to stop and think. One task follows another. Television drones away in the evening. Is it just me, or do others think the programs are fairly mindless?
Once my roommate heads to bed and the house is quiet, new ideas pop into my head. Maybe I should move the furniture around and create new spaces for conversation. Or perhaps I can use that quiet time to clean my office. All drawers, all shelves, all surfaces. Whatever comes into my mind in the late to early hours usually proves to be a good thing.
I read about a woman who loved staying in bed until late in the morning. She said in the quiet and still, thoughts and ideas formed. She was saying that it is ok to allow yourself the time to think. I love that. Usually I am in constant motion. After thinking about what she said, I decided to try it. When I didn't get out of bed until quite late one day, my husband asked if I were feeling sick. I replied that I was thinking. Letting my creativity flow in whatever direction it wanted. Wish I had a picture of the look on his face. I knew what he was thinking. I was using creativity as an excuse to be lazy. Well, he might have a point. But it sure was fun. Staying in bed late into the day is difficult for me. I suppose that is a result of years of getting to school at the crack of dawn. A slight exaggeration....
Sometimes I make lists of people to contact. Often in the bustle of day I think about someone, but then forget to follow through with a call, email, text, or note. It matters that I actually do think about them, doesn't it? Right now I remember that a friend is celebrating fifty years of marriage. Time to pull out a card and get it in the mail. While emails are fast, who doesn't love that card, note or letter delivered to the mailbox? What fun to open it and see what someone took the time to put into words on a piece of paper. Some things are simply worth the wait.
If I had been given the gift of creating art, evening would be the perfect time. In my imagination I see myself with a smock covered in smears of paint, holding a palate of colorful paints in one hand with a brush lightly tipping the canvas that is resting on an easel. I see the beginning of an idea taking form on the canvas. I am tipping my head to the right, studying the image. Then I see myself dipping the brush in paint. Instantly new shapes and forms appear as if by magic. I am creating. Then I wake up and realize that I cannot draw one single thing. Not even a tree. But, wouldn't it be wonderful?
What I can do is purchase art and display it in my home. Honestly, I would rather have art on my walls than a sofa. If I had to make that choice, I guess I would bring pillows to use as chairs. The creativity of others simply amazes me. What a wonder to be able to create something from the mind. To see ordinary objects in new and different ways. I am in awe of those who were given this amazing gift.
It is easy to fall into the "I can do nothing creative" category. Been there often. But then that means we are comparing ourselves to others. We never win when that happens. Rather than play that game, we should think about our own interests. Maybe we crochet or knit. Perhaps we write poems that no one has ever read because we are fearful. Or maybe we play an instrument but haven't spent any time practicing for years. It could be that we enjoy rearranging rooms so that they are beautiful and functional. Or maybe our days are spent with small children. Lots of ways to be creative in that environment. What I am trying to say is this. Each of us is gifted in more than one way. Maybe our gifts are not the ones we desire, but they belong to us. We might embrace the ones we are given so that our lives are enriched.
Each day is a blank canvas, isn't it? We have no way of knowing what will happen. We do not know who will walk into our space. We have no idea what challenges will present themselves to us. We have no control over so much that happens in our day. We often follow the same path as the day before because that is the way of life. But, if we have engaged in a little creative thought, we can escape to that sacred place even during a challenging day. We can allow our minds to take us to that Calgon moment where the air smells clean and all is right in the world.
Trying to put thoughts into words that make sense is my way of connecting to others. Sometimes it works. Other times not so much. But, at least I tried. And that is the secret. Whatever we desire to do all comes down to our decision to try. Even though I dislike the word try, it is true that we must do the actual activity that expresses our creativity. Otherwise all that ability vanishes. And then on that day when we decide to knit, we realize that we have no idea how to cast on. What was once a skill to enjoy is now a chore.
Speaking of knitting--many years ago I decided to learn how to knit. I learned how to cast on, how to count stitches, how to change colors and textures. Because I had learned a few things, I decided to knit sweaters for two of my sisters. I slaved over those sweaters. After I had them finished, I decided the arms were not long enough. They looked to me like they would hit arms somewhere around the elbows. I unraveled the sleeves and added more length. Now they looked perfect. When my sisters opened their gifts and tried them on, the arms dropped off their hands about five inches. That was well before the day when it was acceptable to roll up sleeves! We all had a good laugh about my good intentions. Even though we may not succeed at something, we can learn and enjoy the process.
Well, my creativity is about used up for tonight. I look forward to seeing what is placed in front of me when I awake. What creative uses for the day will appear? Who will share something with me that will make a difference in life? While I do not know what will appear, the anticipation is exciting.
Maybe I will sign up for a beginning painting class. They don't give out grades, do they?
Late night into early morning is the time when my creativity kicks into gear. It keeps me awake. During the day too much happens. The phone rings, a text appears, emails need to be answered, people stop by, the husband aggravates, laundry needs to be moved from washer to dryer. Too much going on to stop and think. One task follows another. Television drones away in the evening. Is it just me, or do others think the programs are fairly mindless?
Once my roommate heads to bed and the house is quiet, new ideas pop into my head. Maybe I should move the furniture around and create new spaces for conversation. Or perhaps I can use that quiet time to clean my office. All drawers, all shelves, all surfaces. Whatever comes into my mind in the late to early hours usually proves to be a good thing.
I read about a woman who loved staying in bed until late in the morning. She said in the quiet and still, thoughts and ideas formed. She was saying that it is ok to allow yourself the time to think. I love that. Usually I am in constant motion. After thinking about what she said, I decided to try it. When I didn't get out of bed until quite late one day, my husband asked if I were feeling sick. I replied that I was thinking. Letting my creativity flow in whatever direction it wanted. Wish I had a picture of the look on his face. I knew what he was thinking. I was using creativity as an excuse to be lazy. Well, he might have a point. But it sure was fun. Staying in bed late into the day is difficult for me. I suppose that is a result of years of getting to school at the crack of dawn. A slight exaggeration....
Sometimes I make lists of people to contact. Often in the bustle of day I think about someone, but then forget to follow through with a call, email, text, or note. It matters that I actually do think about them, doesn't it? Right now I remember that a friend is celebrating fifty years of marriage. Time to pull out a card and get it in the mail. While emails are fast, who doesn't love that card, note or letter delivered to the mailbox? What fun to open it and see what someone took the time to put into words on a piece of paper. Some things are simply worth the wait.
If I had been given the gift of creating art, evening would be the perfect time. In my imagination I see myself with a smock covered in smears of paint, holding a palate of colorful paints in one hand with a brush lightly tipping the canvas that is resting on an easel. I see the beginning of an idea taking form on the canvas. I am tipping my head to the right, studying the image. Then I see myself dipping the brush in paint. Instantly new shapes and forms appear as if by magic. I am creating. Then I wake up and realize that I cannot draw one single thing. Not even a tree. But, wouldn't it be wonderful?
What I can do is purchase art and display it in my home. Honestly, I would rather have art on my walls than a sofa. If I had to make that choice, I guess I would bring pillows to use as chairs. The creativity of others simply amazes me. What a wonder to be able to create something from the mind. To see ordinary objects in new and different ways. I am in awe of those who were given this amazing gift.
It is easy to fall into the "I can do nothing creative" category. Been there often. But then that means we are comparing ourselves to others. We never win when that happens. Rather than play that game, we should think about our own interests. Maybe we crochet or knit. Perhaps we write poems that no one has ever read because we are fearful. Or maybe we play an instrument but haven't spent any time practicing for years. It could be that we enjoy rearranging rooms so that they are beautiful and functional. Or maybe our days are spent with small children. Lots of ways to be creative in that environment. What I am trying to say is this. Each of us is gifted in more than one way. Maybe our gifts are not the ones we desire, but they belong to us. We might embrace the ones we are given so that our lives are enriched.
Each day is a blank canvas, isn't it? We have no way of knowing what will happen. We do not know who will walk into our space. We have no idea what challenges will present themselves to us. We have no control over so much that happens in our day. We often follow the same path as the day before because that is the way of life. But, if we have engaged in a little creative thought, we can escape to that sacred place even during a challenging day. We can allow our minds to take us to that Calgon moment where the air smells clean and all is right in the world.
Trying to put thoughts into words that make sense is my way of connecting to others. Sometimes it works. Other times not so much. But, at least I tried. And that is the secret. Whatever we desire to do all comes down to our decision to try. Even though I dislike the word try, it is true that we must do the actual activity that expresses our creativity. Otherwise all that ability vanishes. And then on that day when we decide to knit, we realize that we have no idea how to cast on. What was once a skill to enjoy is now a chore.
Speaking of knitting--many years ago I decided to learn how to knit. I learned how to cast on, how to count stitches, how to change colors and textures. Because I had learned a few things, I decided to knit sweaters for two of my sisters. I slaved over those sweaters. After I had them finished, I decided the arms were not long enough. They looked to me like they would hit arms somewhere around the elbows. I unraveled the sleeves and added more length. Now they looked perfect. When my sisters opened their gifts and tried them on, the arms dropped off their hands about five inches. That was well before the day when it was acceptable to roll up sleeves! We all had a good laugh about my good intentions. Even though we may not succeed at something, we can learn and enjoy the process.
Well, my creativity is about used up for tonight. I look forward to seeing what is placed in front of me when I awake. What creative uses for the day will appear? Who will share something with me that will make a difference in life? While I do not know what will appear, the anticipation is exciting.
Maybe I will sign up for a beginning painting class. They don't give out grades, do they?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
A Perfect Walk
A Perfect Walk--
Following a day full of wonderful conversation, laughs and creativity, it seemed appropriate to slip into the multicolored tennis shoes and take a walk. Actually, I didn't want the day to end. I wanted to rethink the events and activities. I wanted to remember how everyone worked together toward a common goal. It was absolute hard work. It was absolute joy.
The parking lot provided by the city for folks who desire to walk, ride bikes and jog was almost full. After finding a place to leave my car, I gathered my keys and ipod. Time to join all of those who desire to remain healthy. My ipod needs a little help. The first song I hear maybe a rock selection. Following that maybe a Christmas carol. And following that probably an orchestra performing a piece by a famous composer. Something about that doesn't seem quite right. Good thing I can fast forward.
I began my walk down the path. Tall grasses waved and bent in the wind. Yellow wildflowers on sturdy stems mixed perfectly with the tall grasses. They hardly bent at all. Short grasses filled in at ground level. At one point a bird hopped down the path in front of me. It didn't seem to be injured. It seemed to be my walking companion for a few feet. What a treat.
Clouds were whipping cream white against the pale blue sky. I wished for a very large spoon and a gigantic ladder. Colors changed before my eyes as the sun made its way past the horizon. It was a magical moment. How lucky I was to see this.
The fountain in the small lake was sending water high in the air. As it fell back to the surface of the pond, it made a relaxing sound. Who doesn't love the sound of moving water. Water moving swiftly over rocks making splashes is such a merry sound. Waves crashing into the shore speaks of strength and power. Waterfalls in small family ponds make just enough sound to put one to sleep. Ripples moved away from the center of the waterfall as the water met the surface.
Cattails filled a shallow section of the pond. I love cattails. Once I decided to stop beside a roadway and cut a few for an arrangement on my dining room table. I found the perfect vase. I decided to cut them to varying heights and added some other foliage to fill in the arrangement. Then I set them on the table, stepped back and admired my creation. No one told me that one day they would pop open and seeds would be everywhere. And I mean everywhere. On that day I learned a valuable lesson. Do a little research before cutting wild plants and flowers and using them in my house. What a mess. But, it was fun for awhile.
At several points along my walk I crossed the water on little wooden bridges. Crossing the bridges produced a bumpy sound. Very different from the sound of my shoes on the cement path. The bridges arched over the water. When bikes crossed them, the sound was very loud.
Many homes surround the marsh. They are set back several feet from the path. In some instances the wild flowers and plants separate the homes from the path. No people were outside in their yards enjoying the beautiful evening. Well, that is not exactly true. One man was washing windows. I wanted to ask him if he hired out, but I already knew the answer.
Everything was perfect. For a small minute in time the world was at peace. Nature was giving all she had to give. The sky was a celebration of wonder. Everything was as it should be. I was so aware. So caught up in the moment. As I continued my walk, I noticed birds probably getting ready for night. A few butterflys drank from the yellow wildflowers. Bees got that last little meal before dark. Rounding the last curve, I saw my best friend. That would be my car. She and I spend many quality moments together.
If only life could be so peaceful and beautiful for all souls on this earth. I thought on that as I drove away toward my home.
Following a day full of wonderful conversation, laughs and creativity, it seemed appropriate to slip into the multicolored tennis shoes and take a walk. Actually, I didn't want the day to end. I wanted to rethink the events and activities. I wanted to remember how everyone worked together toward a common goal. It was absolute hard work. It was absolute joy.
The parking lot provided by the city for folks who desire to walk, ride bikes and jog was almost full. After finding a place to leave my car, I gathered my keys and ipod. Time to join all of those who desire to remain healthy. My ipod needs a little help. The first song I hear maybe a rock selection. Following that maybe a Christmas carol. And following that probably an orchestra performing a piece by a famous composer. Something about that doesn't seem quite right. Good thing I can fast forward.
I began my walk down the path. Tall grasses waved and bent in the wind. Yellow wildflowers on sturdy stems mixed perfectly with the tall grasses. They hardly bent at all. Short grasses filled in at ground level. At one point a bird hopped down the path in front of me. It didn't seem to be injured. It seemed to be my walking companion for a few feet. What a treat.
Clouds were whipping cream white against the pale blue sky. I wished for a very large spoon and a gigantic ladder. Colors changed before my eyes as the sun made its way past the horizon. It was a magical moment. How lucky I was to see this.
The fountain in the small lake was sending water high in the air. As it fell back to the surface of the pond, it made a relaxing sound. Who doesn't love the sound of moving water. Water moving swiftly over rocks making splashes is such a merry sound. Waves crashing into the shore speaks of strength and power. Waterfalls in small family ponds make just enough sound to put one to sleep. Ripples moved away from the center of the waterfall as the water met the surface.
Cattails filled a shallow section of the pond. I love cattails. Once I decided to stop beside a roadway and cut a few for an arrangement on my dining room table. I found the perfect vase. I decided to cut them to varying heights and added some other foliage to fill in the arrangement. Then I set them on the table, stepped back and admired my creation. No one told me that one day they would pop open and seeds would be everywhere. And I mean everywhere. On that day I learned a valuable lesson. Do a little research before cutting wild plants and flowers and using them in my house. What a mess. But, it was fun for awhile.
At several points along my walk I crossed the water on little wooden bridges. Crossing the bridges produced a bumpy sound. Very different from the sound of my shoes on the cement path. The bridges arched over the water. When bikes crossed them, the sound was very loud.
Many homes surround the marsh. They are set back several feet from the path. In some instances the wild flowers and plants separate the homes from the path. No people were outside in their yards enjoying the beautiful evening. Well, that is not exactly true. One man was washing windows. I wanted to ask him if he hired out, but I already knew the answer.
Everything was perfect. For a small minute in time the world was at peace. Nature was giving all she had to give. The sky was a celebration of wonder. Everything was as it should be. I was so aware. So caught up in the moment. As I continued my walk, I noticed birds probably getting ready for night. A few butterflys drank from the yellow wildflowers. Bees got that last little meal before dark. Rounding the last curve, I saw my best friend. That would be my car. She and I spend many quality moments together.
If only life could be so peaceful and beautiful for all souls on this earth. I thought on that as I drove away toward my home.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Should I Let It Ring?
Should I Let It Ring?
The greatest gift you can give to anyone is your undivided attention and care.
Recently I met with a friend at a coffee house. We had not seen one another for a few months. I was eager to listen to her stories. That is what life is. I series of stories. We each have them. Sometimes we like others' stories because we believe our own are boring. We must not fall into the trap of believing that. Each person's stories are unique to them. From those life stories come wisdom(!) and insight. Often the greatest thoughts come when we are engaging in very mundane things. I know. Occasionally, I receive a thought for a page in my new book or for this blog when I am sweeping the patio or folding laundry. So, never think that your stories are not significant. They are the fabric of your life. And they are worthy.
My cell phone was nestled in the outside pocket of my orange purse. Any purse I buy must have that outside pocket for the phone. I refuse to reach into the bowels of my bag in search of a ringing phone. I checked the phone for messages or texts right before she joined me. Everything was nice and quiet. As we settled into our yummy drinks, I heard the phone ringing. What to do? Should I let it ring? Should I answer it? Since my husband is away for a few days, I told my friend that I was going to check to see who was calling. She very kindly told me to answer it. She didn't mind.
I took a quick peek. It was not my husband so I didn't answer it. Her look told me she really did not mind if I took the call. But, I have rules about that sort of thing. Unless I am expecting a very important call that requires immediate attention, I do not answer while I am visiting with others. To me it is very rude to interrupt a conversation to engage in another one.
She was worthy of my full attention. I realize I am not the most important person in her life. I am a person on the fringe of her experience. However, I want her to know that I value what she has to say. I want to establish eye contact and listen with all of me. If I take time to answer a call, my mind will wander from the person sitting in front of me to what the caller had to say. Sitting in front of me was a person I value. I wanted her to know that. By refusing to take the call, I was letting her know that our time together was valuable to me.
My cell phone is my life. It contains all my communications with family and friends. I can check emails and facebook with it. I can pay bills. I can make reservations. The list is truly endless. I love it. I feel undressed without it. It is my constant companion. But, it is only a tool. It is not a person. It does not care when I am down and need a shoulder. It does not cheer me up or comfort me. It is a thing.
So, when I have the wonderful opportunity to visit with a friend, that instrument shall remain put away. I shall fully engage with whoever is sitting across the table from me. And when we are finished with our visit, I will grab that thing and see who called!
The greatest gift you can give to anyone is your undivided attention and care.
Recently I met with a friend at a coffee house. We had not seen one another for a few months. I was eager to listen to her stories. That is what life is. I series of stories. We each have them. Sometimes we like others' stories because we believe our own are boring. We must not fall into the trap of believing that. Each person's stories are unique to them. From those life stories come wisdom(!) and insight. Often the greatest thoughts come when we are engaging in very mundane things. I know. Occasionally, I receive a thought for a page in my new book or for this blog when I am sweeping the patio or folding laundry. So, never think that your stories are not significant. They are the fabric of your life. And they are worthy.
My cell phone was nestled in the outside pocket of my orange purse. Any purse I buy must have that outside pocket for the phone. I refuse to reach into the bowels of my bag in search of a ringing phone. I checked the phone for messages or texts right before she joined me. Everything was nice and quiet. As we settled into our yummy drinks, I heard the phone ringing. What to do? Should I let it ring? Should I answer it? Since my husband is away for a few days, I told my friend that I was going to check to see who was calling. She very kindly told me to answer it. She didn't mind.
I took a quick peek. It was not my husband so I didn't answer it. Her look told me she really did not mind if I took the call. But, I have rules about that sort of thing. Unless I am expecting a very important call that requires immediate attention, I do not answer while I am visiting with others. To me it is very rude to interrupt a conversation to engage in another one.
She was worthy of my full attention. I realize I am not the most important person in her life. I am a person on the fringe of her experience. However, I want her to know that I value what she has to say. I want to establish eye contact and listen with all of me. If I take time to answer a call, my mind will wander from the person sitting in front of me to what the caller had to say. Sitting in front of me was a person I value. I wanted her to know that. By refusing to take the call, I was letting her know that our time together was valuable to me.
My cell phone is my life. It contains all my communications with family and friends. I can check emails and facebook with it. I can pay bills. I can make reservations. The list is truly endless. I love it. I feel undressed without it. It is my constant companion. But, it is only a tool. It is not a person. It does not care when I am down and need a shoulder. It does not cheer me up or comfort me. It is a thing.
So, when I have the wonderful opportunity to visit with a friend, that instrument shall remain put away. I shall fully engage with whoever is sitting across the table from me. And when we are finished with our visit, I will grab that thing and see who called!
See Anything Great Today?
See Anything Great Today?
Did you see any great thing today? Were your eyes on the look-out for the wonderful? When we truly look for the great and good, it is everywhere. It all depends on what we decide to see each day of our lives. Here we go again--yes, it is all about choice.
In our fast-paced world it is so easy to overlook all the good and great. We move at rapid speed from one event to another. Constantly on the run. Trying to stay calm amid the rush of life. Trying to accomplish everything we have on that long list before the day ends. Even if good or great walked right up to us and said hi, we would probably not recognize either. It makes one wonder what it is all about.
When I make the choice to see great or good, I am amazed. To be able to do that requires letting go of prejudice and opinion and seeing life through new eyes. I am the product of my upbringing just as you are. We form our way of seeing the world based on how we were taught. We watched and learned from trusted adults in our early years. Because of that modeling, our view of the world around us took on the beliefs of others. Only as we grew older and had new experiences did we begin to form our own way of seeing the world. We probably surprised ourselves when we turned away from the views of those we love in favor of our own way of engaging in life. Being able to form our own views is a necessary part of becoming an adult.
So, what did I see today that was great, good or wonderful? I shall be delighted to share what came into my view today.
I watched people work on a project that will make life better for others. I saw the fun flowing from them to everyone they came in contact with even as they labored hard to finish the project. I saw gentle spirits that set goals and are moving toward those goals with rapid speed. I engaged in conversation with a woman who has such a positive outlook on life. She gives my spirit a lift just seeing her. I saw smiles everywhere. I received an email from a woman I met briefly on her driveway when I stopped to ask directions. She and I engaged in meaningful conversation. Today I received that email and will meet her again soon. In fact, she wants three of my books. Now that is certainly reason to see the world through thankful eyes. I had the opportunity to let a driver move in front of me. That seems so silly, doesn't it? But, I have seen others refuse to allow that. Might have been guilty of that myself. Sigh. Someone said that confession is good for the soul. I don't feel any better now that I have told you. I woke up this morning and saw the beauty of the world outside my windows. I asked for help, and it was given so graciously. That is but a few of the things that came into my view today.
To really see we need to clear our minds. We need to be like the little ones we love. They experience the world as new and fresh. They have no prejudices. I desire that. How refreshing to see life through the lens of children.
Well, I see that it is getting a bit late. It has been a very busy week. I look forward to what this new week will bring into my field of vision. What about you?
Did you see any great thing today? Were your eyes on the look-out for the wonderful? When we truly look for the great and good, it is everywhere. It all depends on what we decide to see each day of our lives. Here we go again--yes, it is all about choice.
In our fast-paced world it is so easy to overlook all the good and great. We move at rapid speed from one event to another. Constantly on the run. Trying to stay calm amid the rush of life. Trying to accomplish everything we have on that long list before the day ends. Even if good or great walked right up to us and said hi, we would probably not recognize either. It makes one wonder what it is all about.
When I make the choice to see great or good, I am amazed. To be able to do that requires letting go of prejudice and opinion and seeing life through new eyes. I am the product of my upbringing just as you are. We form our way of seeing the world based on how we were taught. We watched and learned from trusted adults in our early years. Because of that modeling, our view of the world around us took on the beliefs of others. Only as we grew older and had new experiences did we begin to form our own way of seeing the world. We probably surprised ourselves when we turned away from the views of those we love in favor of our own way of engaging in life. Being able to form our own views is a necessary part of becoming an adult.
So, what did I see today that was great, good or wonderful? I shall be delighted to share what came into my view today.
I watched people work on a project that will make life better for others. I saw the fun flowing from them to everyone they came in contact with even as they labored hard to finish the project. I saw gentle spirits that set goals and are moving toward those goals with rapid speed. I engaged in conversation with a woman who has such a positive outlook on life. She gives my spirit a lift just seeing her. I saw smiles everywhere. I received an email from a woman I met briefly on her driveway when I stopped to ask directions. She and I engaged in meaningful conversation. Today I received that email and will meet her again soon. In fact, she wants three of my books. Now that is certainly reason to see the world through thankful eyes. I had the opportunity to let a driver move in front of me. That seems so silly, doesn't it? But, I have seen others refuse to allow that. Might have been guilty of that myself. Sigh. Someone said that confession is good for the soul. I don't feel any better now that I have told you. I woke up this morning and saw the beauty of the world outside my windows. I asked for help, and it was given so graciously. That is but a few of the things that came into my view today.
To really see we need to clear our minds. We need to be like the little ones we love. They experience the world as new and fresh. They have no prejudices. I desire that. How refreshing to see life through the lens of children.
Well, I see that it is getting a bit late. It has been a very busy week. I look forward to what this new week will bring into my field of vision. What about you?
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Absolute Wonder
Absolute Wonder--
Tonight I sat outside enjoying the evening sights and sounds. Diamonds twinkled down on the earth. A slight breeze played in the trees. Fireflies danced in the air sometimes lighting on leaves. Such a wonderful ending to a very busy day.
During our waking hours we hurry around from project to project getting things done. We stay busy. Kids to take places. Groceries to be purchased and put away. Laundry to be done. Careers to attend to. Emails to send. Phone calls to make. Bills to pay. It seems there is never enough time to get everything checked off that list. Things tend to spill over into the next day. And the list continues to grow.
Then night arrives. Families settle into new routines once school begins. Schedules are important. They keep everyone on task. Eventually, when all the school work, dinner and such are finished, there is a little time to unwind. To visit together. To watch a little tv. So when a night to visit the outdoors is available, what a gift it is.
My guess is most people never give much thought to spending a little time outdoors at night. I completely understand that. People are exhausted from all the demands of the day. What is most desired is to crash in that bed that has been waiting. Yes, I get that. Sleep and rest are not luxuries. They are necessities. However, I do wonder if life wouldn't be a little easier if we took the time to experience a few moments outdoors just before waddling off to bed. Maybe take a drink of choice and settle into a comfortable chair and simply rest. Look up at the sky and wonder. Allow the self to think or just be. To get ready to sleep. I know. You are thinking I don't know what I am talking about. I beg to differ with you. I do know. Even when I was involved in my career, I loved to spend a few minutes outside in the evening. Those few minutes were simply peaceful. Most of us could use an extra dose of peace.
Tonight as I was looking up, my thoughts turned to a very special time in my young life. I actually have the exact date. It was December 28, 1953. My aunt had traveled to Chicago. That was a big deal then. The roads were all two lanes. And she lived in Arkansas. When she returned, she brought this wonderful book for me. The name is The Golden Treasury of Natural History. I believe she bought it at the Natural History Museum in Chicago. I was thrilled with it. There are fabulous pictures in it. It covers plants, animals, insects, reptiles, trees, fish, rocks, spiders fruits and more. But the part that caught my attention was the section on the planets.
There are artist paintings of what they imagined the surface of the moon to look like. I was fascinated by that. The paintings show huge craters and mountains. And there are these words:
There is much talk now of rocket trips to the moon. To escape from the earth, a rocket would have to start away from the surface of the earth at a speed of nearly seven miles a second. This speed is far greater than that of a rifle bullet. A visit to the moon would certainly be full of danger. A person unless protected would blow up just as a deep sea fish does when it is brought up from deep water. There are no living things there to furnish food. Another danger in making the trip is that the rocket might miss its mark. It is not easy to reach a target moving more than a thousand miles a minute.
This section ends with these words--To most people the pleasant features such as quiet and being light and buoyant would not be worth the risk of the trip.
My how life has changed during my lifetime. Tonight as I sat thinking, a feeling of deep awe washed through me. We know so much more now. We have real pictures taken from space. We have seen our earth from space. We know we are one very small speck in a huge universe that we have yet to explore. I sat there thinking about how we are held together on this ball spinning in space. And I remembered all those evenings when I sat with this wonderful book reading those words, looking at those pictures and trying to imagine what the moon was really like. It did not dawn on me that one day in my lifetime people would travel to that faraway place and send back pictures. Amazing.
What is more amazing to me is the wonder of it all. We are here a minute. A speck of time in space. We are gifted with a few years to experience life. And then we are gone. We are given the opportunity to taste life on this planet. We build on the knowledge of the past and press on to a new future. What shall we do with our minute?
Someday a young person will be given a book full of facts about natural history. That young person will turn those pages and dream of things I cannot even imagine. But, we will have shared a moment in time. We will have shared a dream that includes deeper understanding of who we are and why we are here. Be amazed, young person. Be amazed.
Tonight I sat outside enjoying the evening sights and sounds. Diamonds twinkled down on the earth. A slight breeze played in the trees. Fireflies danced in the air sometimes lighting on leaves. Such a wonderful ending to a very busy day.
During our waking hours we hurry around from project to project getting things done. We stay busy. Kids to take places. Groceries to be purchased and put away. Laundry to be done. Careers to attend to. Emails to send. Phone calls to make. Bills to pay. It seems there is never enough time to get everything checked off that list. Things tend to spill over into the next day. And the list continues to grow.
Then night arrives. Families settle into new routines once school begins. Schedules are important. They keep everyone on task. Eventually, when all the school work, dinner and such are finished, there is a little time to unwind. To visit together. To watch a little tv. So when a night to visit the outdoors is available, what a gift it is.
My guess is most people never give much thought to spending a little time outdoors at night. I completely understand that. People are exhausted from all the demands of the day. What is most desired is to crash in that bed that has been waiting. Yes, I get that. Sleep and rest are not luxuries. They are necessities. However, I do wonder if life wouldn't be a little easier if we took the time to experience a few moments outdoors just before waddling off to bed. Maybe take a drink of choice and settle into a comfortable chair and simply rest. Look up at the sky and wonder. Allow the self to think or just be. To get ready to sleep. I know. You are thinking I don't know what I am talking about. I beg to differ with you. I do know. Even when I was involved in my career, I loved to spend a few minutes outside in the evening. Those few minutes were simply peaceful. Most of us could use an extra dose of peace.
Tonight as I was looking up, my thoughts turned to a very special time in my young life. I actually have the exact date. It was December 28, 1953. My aunt had traveled to Chicago. That was a big deal then. The roads were all two lanes. And she lived in Arkansas. When she returned, she brought this wonderful book for me. The name is The Golden Treasury of Natural History. I believe she bought it at the Natural History Museum in Chicago. I was thrilled with it. There are fabulous pictures in it. It covers plants, animals, insects, reptiles, trees, fish, rocks, spiders fruits and more. But the part that caught my attention was the section on the planets.
There are artist paintings of what they imagined the surface of the moon to look like. I was fascinated by that. The paintings show huge craters and mountains. And there are these words:
There is much talk now of rocket trips to the moon. To escape from the earth, a rocket would have to start away from the surface of the earth at a speed of nearly seven miles a second. This speed is far greater than that of a rifle bullet. A visit to the moon would certainly be full of danger. A person unless protected would blow up just as a deep sea fish does when it is brought up from deep water. There are no living things there to furnish food. Another danger in making the trip is that the rocket might miss its mark. It is not easy to reach a target moving more than a thousand miles a minute.
This section ends with these words--To most people the pleasant features such as quiet and being light and buoyant would not be worth the risk of the trip.
My how life has changed during my lifetime. Tonight as I sat thinking, a feeling of deep awe washed through me. We know so much more now. We have real pictures taken from space. We have seen our earth from space. We know we are one very small speck in a huge universe that we have yet to explore. I sat there thinking about how we are held together on this ball spinning in space. And I remembered all those evenings when I sat with this wonderful book reading those words, looking at those pictures and trying to imagine what the moon was really like. It did not dawn on me that one day in my lifetime people would travel to that faraway place and send back pictures. Amazing.
What is more amazing to me is the wonder of it all. We are here a minute. A speck of time in space. We are gifted with a few years to experience life. And then we are gone. We are given the opportunity to taste life on this planet. We build on the knowledge of the past and press on to a new future. What shall we do with our minute?
Someday a young person will be given a book full of facts about natural history. That young person will turn those pages and dream of things I cannot even imagine. But, we will have shared a moment in time. We will have shared a dream that includes deeper understanding of who we are and why we are here. Be amazed, young person. Be amazed.
Monday, August 11, 2014
A World Interrupted
A World Interrupted--
In my corner of the world life is good. Aside from a few ouches here and there, things are just fine. Our home, while not large and stately, is perfect for us. If the walls could share, they would talk about all the people who have graced our home. Teens from youth groups, kids practicing lines and songs for plays and musicals, friends discussing books read, dinners shared, furniture pushed aside to make space for practicing dance steps. This house has been alive with people. It has protected us in times of life storms. It is a living, breathing structure. Much more than wood, nails, steel, concrete, glass. It is alive with laughter, tears, stresses, frustrations, disappointments, joys. It is home.
I was thinking about this as I sat on the deck watching the hummingbirds fight over food. I had the opportunity to sit and watch nature happening all around me. Trees are fully leafed. Each with its own shape and size. Plants have reached their full growth. Soon fall will take them away only to return them next year. The sun was low in the sky. Typical of a late summer day just before the beginning of school. It was a very precious time.
The quiet and peace of the moment was interrupted as images and words shared on news reports surfaced. Families stranded with no water, food or shelter. Children beheaded. I can hardly write those words. Women and young girls captured. Women stoned. How could I sit there and enjoy my little corner of the world when out there somewhere are people who are suffering? Fearing death perhaps because of their religion. I will confess. I don't understand any of this.
I do understand that people have differing beliefs and cultures. But, isn't there a way to work through the differences without violence? I want to believe there is a way, but the world keeps reminding me time and time again that peace is elusive. Life could be wonderful for all peoples on this planet. Life could be full of joy and laughter. Wouldn't that be the best thing ever? All children running and playing happily with no fear. Families celebrating what families celebrate. Enough food, water, shelter, clothing. A way to make a life and living for all who desire that.
The one thing I can do about all of the suffering in this world is to pray for peace. To pray for wise people who look at all the challenges and attempt to make a win/win for everyone. To support efforts to right terrible wrongs when those efforts are presented to me.
While I will go about my day tomorrow doing what is on my schedule, I will continue to remember those people who suffer. Because of them, I will attempt to be a kinder person to everyone I meet. I will offer my help to those who might need it. I will be grateful for food and home. I will be grateful that those I love are safe. And my heart will mourn for those in a far away land who would give anything for a little normal in their day.
In my corner of the world life is good. Aside from a few ouches here and there, things are just fine. Our home, while not large and stately, is perfect for us. If the walls could share, they would talk about all the people who have graced our home. Teens from youth groups, kids practicing lines and songs for plays and musicals, friends discussing books read, dinners shared, furniture pushed aside to make space for practicing dance steps. This house has been alive with people. It has protected us in times of life storms. It is a living, breathing structure. Much more than wood, nails, steel, concrete, glass. It is alive with laughter, tears, stresses, frustrations, disappointments, joys. It is home.
I was thinking about this as I sat on the deck watching the hummingbirds fight over food. I had the opportunity to sit and watch nature happening all around me. Trees are fully leafed. Each with its own shape and size. Plants have reached their full growth. Soon fall will take them away only to return them next year. The sun was low in the sky. Typical of a late summer day just before the beginning of school. It was a very precious time.
The quiet and peace of the moment was interrupted as images and words shared on news reports surfaced. Families stranded with no water, food or shelter. Children beheaded. I can hardly write those words. Women and young girls captured. Women stoned. How could I sit there and enjoy my little corner of the world when out there somewhere are people who are suffering? Fearing death perhaps because of their religion. I will confess. I don't understand any of this.
I do understand that people have differing beliefs and cultures. But, isn't there a way to work through the differences without violence? I want to believe there is a way, but the world keeps reminding me time and time again that peace is elusive. Life could be wonderful for all peoples on this planet. Life could be full of joy and laughter. Wouldn't that be the best thing ever? All children running and playing happily with no fear. Families celebrating what families celebrate. Enough food, water, shelter, clothing. A way to make a life and living for all who desire that.
The one thing I can do about all of the suffering in this world is to pray for peace. To pray for wise people who look at all the challenges and attempt to make a win/win for everyone. To support efforts to right terrible wrongs when those efforts are presented to me.
While I will go about my day tomorrow doing what is on my schedule, I will continue to remember those people who suffer. Because of them, I will attempt to be a kinder person to everyone I meet. I will offer my help to those who might need it. I will be grateful for food and home. I will be grateful that those I love are safe. And my heart will mourn for those in a far away land who would give anything for a little normal in their day.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Who Reads This Blog?
Who Reads This Blog?
My knowledge of Blogger is quite minute. I understand that the charts and graphs provided are to help me understand how my blog is doing. I do enjoy knowing how many reads each blog has received. It is especially cool when someone +1's a blog or adds it to their Facebook page so others can read it, too. I love when that happens.
There is information that helps me understand what browsers are used to view the blogs. And I even have a count of the people who have looked at a blog. I am not sure that means they have actually read it, but it gives my heart a jump start thinking that people all around the world have at least taken a look.
I did a little investigating tonight to see what countries have taken a peek at what I write. Here is the list.
United States
Russia
Germany
Poland
Indonesia
France
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Brunei
Ukraine
Brazil
Canada
What a surprise to see that people from these countries have viewed the blog. I am hopeful that what I write has a universal thread running through that applies to all peoples in the world.
If you are one of the people from that list who has read or does read my blog, would you let me know? What a joy that would be to hear from you.
My knowledge of Blogger is quite minute. I understand that the charts and graphs provided are to help me understand how my blog is doing. I do enjoy knowing how many reads each blog has received. It is especially cool when someone +1's a blog or adds it to their Facebook page so others can read it, too. I love when that happens.
There is information that helps me understand what browsers are used to view the blogs. And I even have a count of the people who have looked at a blog. I am not sure that means they have actually read it, but it gives my heart a jump start thinking that people all around the world have at least taken a look.
I did a little investigating tonight to see what countries have taken a peek at what I write. Here is the list.
United States
Russia
Germany
Poland
Indonesia
France
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Brunei
Ukraine
Brazil
Canada
What a surprise to see that people from these countries have viewed the blog. I am hopeful that what I write has a universal thread running through that applies to all peoples in the world.
If you are one of the people from that list who has read or does read my blog, would you let me know? What a joy that would be to hear from you.
Are We Really What We Eat and Think?
Are We Really What We Eat and Think?
If it is true that we are what we eat, then I should look like a very large bowl of chocolate ice cream. Nice and rounded. No sharp edges. Maybe with a little carmel drizzled on top. A dollop of whipped cream, some nuts and maybe a cherry. Oh--a banana? Might be time to think about veggies. Seriously.
If it is true that we are what we think, I believe I have a little work to do in that area as well. Sometimes I think the kindess thoughts. I see a little old lady and think awwww. Isn't she sweet. But then the dark side of me grabs hold, and I think other thoughts. Who knows? Maybe she is not nice at all. Not every old lady is gentle. My own grandmother was a little different from my friend's grandmothers. She smoked all day. She loved to play dominos and cards with her daughter, my aunt. My aunt was older than my dad yet she lived most of her single and married life with my grandmother. When I think about that, I wonder why. Too late to investigate that. She could throw out a colorful word now and then. And she and her daughter, my aunt, got in the worst arguments about cheating. At both games. They would yell at one another and walk out of the room. Eventually, things would settle down. They would pick up the game where they left off. I doubt I would call Granny sweet. I would certainly call her interesting. One thing is a given. She loved all of her grandchildren. I have kind thoughts about her.
It is true that our thoughts have the ability to drive our actions. If I think long enough about needing a pair of shoes, it won't be long until I am in the store trying on twenty pairs in search of the one that is just right. When I am dissatisfied with the way a room in my house looks, I will think about it until I have a new plan. What to do to make it right will almost drive me crazy. Only when I have redone the room will I be able to remove the thoughts from my mind.
Sometimes thoughts appear from nowhere and simply won't leave. They hang around and bother the heck out of me. It's like a little nagging noise in my head. The more I think about the thoughts, the more I want to dismiss them. But, they won't go away. So I am left with this conversation that has no end. Only when I bring something else into my mind to think about will they leave. Does that even make sense?
When I think about the world situation, my mind almost shuts down. Too much information. Too much disaster. Too much worry and war. Too much death. While I want to know what is happening in the world, the constant replay of oppression is overdone. Maybe there isn't anything good to report. Maybe those who report the news give us what they think we want. Sometimes I think if they didn't publish all the horrors over and over for days on end, those who are loving the publicity would have no audience. Would that change things for the better?
So I turn my attention to the good in this wonderful world. Beauty all around. Wild flowers grow with no attention. They simply give. Pets think we are better than sliced bread. They love us even when we are not especially kind to them. They simply love. Families love on one another every day. Homes are places of refuge from the outside world. Strangers help others when they see the need. On and on it goes. I think all of this is so wonderful. Thinking about the best in life moves my mind to a new and better place. I still know that horrible things are happening. But, I make the choice to think on those things that bring peace to my mind.
Actually, I am more than what I eat and think. Yes, I am. So are you. We are masterpieces. We are the paintings that one day will be talked about and studied by another generation. We are the colors and beliefts of the ages. We are the makers of life. We produce and then send ourselves into a world that is waiting for something better. We know deep within our hearts that while we are here on this planet, we have a purpose. As we seek that deeper purpose, we live our lives day by day. And our purpose often is just that--to live our lives with understanding, caring, love, and acceptance of others.
Ice cream? Thoughts? Both are part of my fabric. One much more important than the other. Any guesses?
If it is true that we are what we eat, then I should look like a very large bowl of chocolate ice cream. Nice and rounded. No sharp edges. Maybe with a little carmel drizzled on top. A dollop of whipped cream, some nuts and maybe a cherry. Oh--a banana? Might be time to think about veggies. Seriously.
If it is true that we are what we think, I believe I have a little work to do in that area as well. Sometimes I think the kindess thoughts. I see a little old lady and think awwww. Isn't she sweet. But then the dark side of me grabs hold, and I think other thoughts. Who knows? Maybe she is not nice at all. Not every old lady is gentle. My own grandmother was a little different from my friend's grandmothers. She smoked all day. She loved to play dominos and cards with her daughter, my aunt. My aunt was older than my dad yet she lived most of her single and married life with my grandmother. When I think about that, I wonder why. Too late to investigate that. She could throw out a colorful word now and then. And she and her daughter, my aunt, got in the worst arguments about cheating. At both games. They would yell at one another and walk out of the room. Eventually, things would settle down. They would pick up the game where they left off. I doubt I would call Granny sweet. I would certainly call her interesting. One thing is a given. She loved all of her grandchildren. I have kind thoughts about her.
It is true that our thoughts have the ability to drive our actions. If I think long enough about needing a pair of shoes, it won't be long until I am in the store trying on twenty pairs in search of the one that is just right. When I am dissatisfied with the way a room in my house looks, I will think about it until I have a new plan. What to do to make it right will almost drive me crazy. Only when I have redone the room will I be able to remove the thoughts from my mind.
Sometimes thoughts appear from nowhere and simply won't leave. They hang around and bother the heck out of me. It's like a little nagging noise in my head. The more I think about the thoughts, the more I want to dismiss them. But, they won't go away. So I am left with this conversation that has no end. Only when I bring something else into my mind to think about will they leave. Does that even make sense?
When I think about the world situation, my mind almost shuts down. Too much information. Too much disaster. Too much worry and war. Too much death. While I want to know what is happening in the world, the constant replay of oppression is overdone. Maybe there isn't anything good to report. Maybe those who report the news give us what they think we want. Sometimes I think if they didn't publish all the horrors over and over for days on end, those who are loving the publicity would have no audience. Would that change things for the better?
So I turn my attention to the good in this wonderful world. Beauty all around. Wild flowers grow with no attention. They simply give. Pets think we are better than sliced bread. They love us even when we are not especially kind to them. They simply love. Families love on one another every day. Homes are places of refuge from the outside world. Strangers help others when they see the need. On and on it goes. I think all of this is so wonderful. Thinking about the best in life moves my mind to a new and better place. I still know that horrible things are happening. But, I make the choice to think on those things that bring peace to my mind.
Actually, I am more than what I eat and think. Yes, I am. So are you. We are masterpieces. We are the paintings that one day will be talked about and studied by another generation. We are the colors and beliefts of the ages. We are the makers of life. We produce and then send ourselves into a world that is waiting for something better. We know deep within our hearts that while we are here on this planet, we have a purpose. As we seek that deeper purpose, we live our lives day by day. And our purpose often is just that--to live our lives with understanding, caring, love, and acceptance of others.
Ice cream? Thoughts? Both are part of my fabric. One much more important than the other. Any guesses?
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Favorite Things
Favorite Things--
When I was a young girl, my favorite things were my dolls. I loved those dolls. We were the best of friends. They allowed my imagination to run wild and take me to new and exciting places. My best doll friend was my companion. Someetimes we stayed home. I would pretend she was a real baby and rock her to sleep. Feed her with that tiny bottle that came with dolls. Dress her, undress her and dress her again and again.
A few years after the doll stage ended, I fell in love with reading. The public library in our town had biographies of all the wives of all the presidents. Oh my. What fun to read about their growing up years and their years being the First Lady of our Land. In addition to reading everyone of those, it was also possible to purchase a doll dressed like each of them. I wish I had my collection. It would be such fun to revisit those memories. They came in a box that looked like a book. When the cover was opened, there she was. That was the beginning of my love for reading.
Piano lessons became part of my life at an early age. My piano teacher would give incentives for practicing and playing well. I remember small busts of many of the famous composers. Those are long gone. Would love to have those today. My collection grew over the years as I actually did practice and loved playing the piano.
Art pieces, handmade cards, Christmas ornaments made by our son when he was a child are all favorite things. I can still see his sweet smile when he handed over the treasures he made for me. There was such pride in his little face. He knew that I would think they were the best gifts in the entire world. Priceless memories.
Another favorite thing is the hummingbird nest given to me by a student. Aren't hummingbirds the sweetest little things? We have five feeders hanging off our back deck. The most we have seen at one time on the feeders is four. They are not as prevalent in this area as they are a little further south. We have one we call the bully. He-we think it is a he-will sit on a branch above the feeders waiting for another hummer to stop in for food. He is quite patient. When he sees a visitor to the outdoor restaurant, he swoops down with great speed and chases the customer away.
Back to the favorite thing--many years ago a student was in Washington state visiting her mom. When she returned, she had a hummingbird nest in a box for me. She said they were everywhere at her mom's home, and that they often found nests. That must have been 25 years ago. I still have that tiny treasure laying in tissue paper in a box. It is such a favorite thing. What a wonder to find a nest with eggs.
On a trip to England we stopped at a church bazaar in Stratford upon Avon. We enjoyed driving through small English towns, stopping at pubs and visiting with the locals. We did the usual sightseeing, but more fun for us was seeing the places as the locals saw them. We would ask for the best place to spend the night. It was always a B&B. Those experiences provided us with rich memories of people and places. Back to the bazaar. In the back courtyard of the church was a small fenced off area. Maybe it was for cars during services? Anyway, on this particular day the ladies of the church were having an outdoor sale. I suppose the sale was to fund church programs. They served tea and scones which we had. And then we browsed the sale items. When we travel, I usually bring an art piece home. This time was no different. An older woman was standing proudly beside her table of goods. She had just taken up painting.
As we visited, it was apparent that she was a little unsure if anyone would want one of her art pieces. I recognized this was a moment to offer encouragement to her and to bring home a favorite thing. Looking through her very small number of paintings, I selected one of three brown bunnies hiding in tall grass. It is a watercolor. The paper is an off white. The bunnies are browns and blacks, and the tall weeds are browns. There is one plant with sky blue flowers. That is the only color other than black and brown. She signed it J.J. I think her name is Jill Johnson. I asked her to sign the back of the painting for me. She framed the piece with no mats. Just glass. She painted the top, sides and bottom of the frame with orange paint. There are a few places where the orange color appears on the front of the frame. It adds to the charm. She was doing a new thing. She was trying. I had the honor of buying the first piece she ever sold. That sweet, little painting hangs over my desk. I smile everytime I sit down to take care of business.
The crystal pitcher that holds my pens, pencils and scissors was a wedding gift from the woman who made our wedding cake. Everytime I see it, I think of her. The list could go on for pages and pages. The interesting point it this. These items I have listed are not treasures the world would deem important or priceless. They have little monetary value. Some look a bit worn. But, to me they hold memories of people and places that I love. It isn't about money, is it? Yet, it is so easy to get caught up in the things money can buy.
Hanging on the wall in my family room is a handpainted treasure. Each of my grandchildren painted a small picture. They were framed with the top one being painted by the oldest grandson. The second one by our granddaughter and the third in the series by our youngest. This was a Christmas gift. One pictures a house with a tree and flowers. This one was created by our oldest grandson. Another one has a house, but this one has a little girl with blonde hair holding the hand of a woman with brown hair. That was painted by my granddaughter. The third one in the set is a mass of lines crossing over one another. When I asked our grandson what it was, he replied that it was a pile of snakes. I ask you--what is better than that? A very favorite thing.
How many of us still live in the same place we did when we left home? How many of us drive the same automobile? How many of us have the same furniture we had thirty years ago? I imagine we all have a few pieces from our parents or grandparents, but those pieces do not make up our whole space. How many of us wear the same clothes or jewelry we wore twenty years ago or even ten years ago?
You see, it is really true. The things we treasure most are the things that come to us with love. The items that mean the most are the ones that someone created. Or they were items purchased for us for a special time in our lives by someone we treasure. Why do we get caught up in the desire to have more and more? Is it really true that the one who dies with the most stuff wins? Of course it isn't. Let me be clear. There is nothing wrong with having. I have much more than is necessary for a good life. What I have noticed is that when I want to be comforted, I go to those items that hold memories. I don't go to the new watch laying on the desk.
I think it is good to stop once in awhile and think about what and who we really treasure. As we make that wonderful list, we see the fabric of our existence. We see people and things that make our hearts smile. We know that we are in a good place when these are our favorite things.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Decks and Dreams
Decks and Dreams--
We live in the country. Our house is cedar with a shake roof. It is over forty years old. We have spent years and years remodeling the house and transforming the grounds into gardens. It has been a labor of love-most of the time. People call our home a cottage. I love that because cottage has a friendly ring to it.
A deck wraps around the back and one side of our house. It is wooden. Wooden decks require constant care. Over the years we have replaced boards, railings and steps. Each time we repair or replace, we say this will be the last time. We both know we are singing to the wind. We understand that after a difficult winter, we will need to do some work on all that decking.
It was apparent after our especially long and hard winter that much work needed to be done on the deck. We knew we would need to restain it. Before we could do that, it was necessary to scrape it. One board at a time all the way around the house. With the appropriate tool in hand, I began that job.
This type of work requires no particular skill set. One simply sits down on the deck, places the tool in hand and runs it under the stain/paint. Over and over and over. Finish one area and begin another one.
While this is boring work, something interesting developed. My thoughts began to play around with new ideas. Sometimes I caught myself talking aloud to no one but me. I had interesting conversations about many areas of life. During one of my deck sessions, I came up with a plan to help people learn to appreciate differences. I laid out all the steps. I planned how to get people together to talk. Not yell at one another or interrupt one another. Simply to talk. To practice listening and understanding. In my mind that day it all seemed so simple.
Another day I thought about all the conflicts in the world. How people refuse to respect one another. How violence takes the place of peace. How hurtful life can be. So, that day I devised a plan to help people understand and appreciate one another. I thought about ways to teach people about peace. Sitting on my deck scraping paint it all made sense.
Then there was the day I thought about hunger. There is plenty of food for everyone in this world. So, I devised ways to make sure that no one went to bed with an empty stomach. I made a plan for food centers all over the world, and farmers who would supply food. Everyone had enough. No one was hungry. Yes, it was possible that day on my deck.
I found myself thinking about ways to love others more. Ways I could be an encourager. Ways I could gently push people to achieve their goals. I found myself smiling a lot that day.
Then I planned the perfect vacation. I bought the perfect car. Diamonds hung off my neck, ears and fingers. Surgery took my body back in time to a much happier place. I sent checks to charities so that they could continue with their work. I surprised people with unexpected delights. On and on it went. The dreams and sillies of a person exhausted from scraping a very large deck.
The deck is almost finished. But, the dreams continue. Maybe it is necessary to dream before reality makes itself known. Maybe visioning is the beginning. Once the vision is seen and understood, the steps can be set in motion. Yes, I think anything is possible once people wrap their heads around a concept or idea.
Soon the deck will look as good as new. There will be no need to sit on the deck floor and scrap. I think I might miss that time just a bit. I will miss the time to think about nothing or something reallly special. I will miss speaking aloud while expecting no reply. I will miss working through situations and coming up with solutions. Until next spring when we will do it all over.
We live in the country. Our house is cedar with a shake roof. It is over forty years old. We have spent years and years remodeling the house and transforming the grounds into gardens. It has been a labor of love-most of the time. People call our home a cottage. I love that because cottage has a friendly ring to it.
A deck wraps around the back and one side of our house. It is wooden. Wooden decks require constant care. Over the years we have replaced boards, railings and steps. Each time we repair or replace, we say this will be the last time. We both know we are singing to the wind. We understand that after a difficult winter, we will need to do some work on all that decking.
It was apparent after our especially long and hard winter that much work needed to be done on the deck. We knew we would need to restain it. Before we could do that, it was necessary to scrape it. One board at a time all the way around the house. With the appropriate tool in hand, I began that job.
This type of work requires no particular skill set. One simply sits down on the deck, places the tool in hand and runs it under the stain/paint. Over and over and over. Finish one area and begin another one.
While this is boring work, something interesting developed. My thoughts began to play around with new ideas. Sometimes I caught myself talking aloud to no one but me. I had interesting conversations about many areas of life. During one of my deck sessions, I came up with a plan to help people learn to appreciate differences. I laid out all the steps. I planned how to get people together to talk. Not yell at one another or interrupt one another. Simply to talk. To practice listening and understanding. In my mind that day it all seemed so simple.
Another day I thought about all the conflicts in the world. How people refuse to respect one another. How violence takes the place of peace. How hurtful life can be. So, that day I devised a plan to help people understand and appreciate one another. I thought about ways to teach people about peace. Sitting on my deck scraping paint it all made sense.
Then there was the day I thought about hunger. There is plenty of food for everyone in this world. So, I devised ways to make sure that no one went to bed with an empty stomach. I made a plan for food centers all over the world, and farmers who would supply food. Everyone had enough. No one was hungry. Yes, it was possible that day on my deck.
I found myself thinking about ways to love others more. Ways I could be an encourager. Ways I could gently push people to achieve their goals. I found myself smiling a lot that day.
Then I planned the perfect vacation. I bought the perfect car. Diamonds hung off my neck, ears and fingers. Surgery took my body back in time to a much happier place. I sent checks to charities so that they could continue with their work. I surprised people with unexpected delights. On and on it went. The dreams and sillies of a person exhausted from scraping a very large deck.
The deck is almost finished. But, the dreams continue. Maybe it is necessary to dream before reality makes itself known. Maybe visioning is the beginning. Once the vision is seen and understood, the steps can be set in motion. Yes, I think anything is possible once people wrap their heads around a concept or idea.
Soon the deck will look as good as new. There will be no need to sit on the deck floor and scrap. I think I might miss that time just a bit. I will miss the time to think about nothing or something reallly special. I will miss speaking aloud while expecting no reply. I will miss working through situations and coming up with solutions. Until next spring when we will do it all over.
Is Quitting Ever Acceptable?
Is Quitting Ever Acceptable?
Somewhere along the years of my life, I was taught that once I began something, there was an expectation to finish. If I took piano lessons, I was expected to practice everyday so that I would become proficient. If I accepted a job, I was expected to work with a happy spirit. If I took a particular class, I was expected to complete it with an acceptable grade. There was never any question about walking away or changing my mind. In the back of my mind was the fear that I would be called a quitter, and that was truly terrible.
For years that belief stayed close to the surface of my life. If I joined a group and later found it not my thing, I would stay with it even though I was miserable. Who wants to be labeled a quitter? Who wants to appear unreliable? Not me. Those early lessons were so firmly a part of me that I could not see that it might be completely acceptable to back away from a commitment if it became apparent it was not the right thing for me.
Know how a light can be on a dimmer which takes the light from a dim, sexy glow to full bright? Know how that bright light illuminates the entire room? Know how your feelings change when that light is bright? Well, one day that light switch that was part of me moved from dim to bright. Oh my gosh. Everything looked so different. What had been difficult to truly see in the dim now was easy to discern.
For the first time I knew I could leave something and feel fine about it. I realized that while something was good, there was a better or best waiting for me. And I also realized that remaining meant I was taking a space that someone else might truly enjoy. It was a win/win.
Over the years I have learned to examine carefully all opportunities and select only those that use my talents and skills and hold my interest. That is not a selfish thing at all. It is an honest way to make decisions that provide the most benefit to everyone involved. It eliminates the need to resign. It means I made the wisest decisions based on all the information I could glean. It also means that I serve others with real joy. In the past it is entirely possible that I faked the joy that I wished I felt. With this new insight, the joy has been real. What a tremendous difference that makes.
While I think it is wise to teach young people to "stick it out," I also believe that there are times when quitting is the best option. Not every decision is the best one. We need to help young people develop a skill set for decision making that includes the option to resign should it be harmful to them. And we need to utilize that skill set for ourselves as adults. Sure, we can probably do anything that presents itself to us, but do we really have a passion for it? Without that passion, it is possible that we will come to resent the decision we made.
Life is much sweeter when we live it participating in those activities that bring the most happiness and peace. Life is way too short to believe that we have to do what others wish us to do. We must have the courage to say no in a kind and caring manner, and then go about growing our lives to the absolute best they can be.
Somewhere along the years of my life, I was taught that once I began something, there was an expectation to finish. If I took piano lessons, I was expected to practice everyday so that I would become proficient. If I accepted a job, I was expected to work with a happy spirit. If I took a particular class, I was expected to complete it with an acceptable grade. There was never any question about walking away or changing my mind. In the back of my mind was the fear that I would be called a quitter, and that was truly terrible.
For years that belief stayed close to the surface of my life. If I joined a group and later found it not my thing, I would stay with it even though I was miserable. Who wants to be labeled a quitter? Who wants to appear unreliable? Not me. Those early lessons were so firmly a part of me that I could not see that it might be completely acceptable to back away from a commitment if it became apparent it was not the right thing for me.
Know how a light can be on a dimmer which takes the light from a dim, sexy glow to full bright? Know how that bright light illuminates the entire room? Know how your feelings change when that light is bright? Well, one day that light switch that was part of me moved from dim to bright. Oh my gosh. Everything looked so different. What had been difficult to truly see in the dim now was easy to discern.
For the first time I knew I could leave something and feel fine about it. I realized that while something was good, there was a better or best waiting for me. And I also realized that remaining meant I was taking a space that someone else might truly enjoy. It was a win/win.
Over the years I have learned to examine carefully all opportunities and select only those that use my talents and skills and hold my interest. That is not a selfish thing at all. It is an honest way to make decisions that provide the most benefit to everyone involved. It eliminates the need to resign. It means I made the wisest decisions based on all the information I could glean. It also means that I serve others with real joy. In the past it is entirely possible that I faked the joy that I wished I felt. With this new insight, the joy has been real. What a tremendous difference that makes.
While I think it is wise to teach young people to "stick it out," I also believe that there are times when quitting is the best option. Not every decision is the best one. We need to help young people develop a skill set for decision making that includes the option to resign should it be harmful to them. And we need to utilize that skill set for ourselves as adults. Sure, we can probably do anything that presents itself to us, but do we really have a passion for it? Without that passion, it is possible that we will come to resent the decision we made.
Life is much sweeter when we live it participating in those activities that bring the most happiness and peace. Life is way too short to believe that we have to do what others wish us to do. We must have the courage to say no in a kind and caring manner, and then go about growing our lives to the absolute best they can be.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
One Act of Compassion
One Act of Compassion--
"One act of compassion can change a life forever." That quote made such an impression on me that I wrote it on an index card. Last week when I was cleaning out my desk, I found that card laying on the bottom of a drawer. Because I was in the "throw everything away in this drawer" mood, I almost tossed it into the waste basket. For some reason I decided to read what I had written on that card. I am so happy that I made that decision.
The quote is very direct. It says one act. Not several or many but one. Just one. According to the quote, we have the power to change a life by doing one thing. That really caught my attention because in today's world more seems to be better. More things. More money. More everything. Have we missed the compassion boat by looking for big ways to change lives? Do we watch from the shore as others move forward to offer compassion? Or do we even think about the power we have to change anything?
It seems such a small thing. How could one act of compassion make any real difference to anyone? And then we remember the times when others have reached out to us when we were in such need. Perhaps they took time from their lives to offer the gift of themselves to us. Maybe someone reached across a table and touched our hand in a gesture of love and care. Maybe a card arrived in our mailbox with a simple message letting us know that others were including us in their thoughts and prayers. Perhaps a complete stranger noticed our distress and offered a smile. When we take a backward glance, we see so many times when one act of compassion changed us. And we are grateful.
You know, compassion speaks of a gentle spirit. One that does not always seek its own way. One that honestly cares for those who find their way within our space. A gentle spirit suggests that some of the rough edges have been rounded off. Instead of a critical spirit, the person possessing a gentle spirit always finds the good in others. And when others question, this person embraces. No judgment. Only caring. Only acceptance.
Just one act of compassion. I wonder what events will present themselves this week that will give us the opportunity to practice compassion. It is my hope we have eyes that truly see and hearts that truly care.
"One act of compassion can change a life forever." That quote made such an impression on me that I wrote it on an index card. Last week when I was cleaning out my desk, I found that card laying on the bottom of a drawer. Because I was in the "throw everything away in this drawer" mood, I almost tossed it into the waste basket. For some reason I decided to read what I had written on that card. I am so happy that I made that decision.
The quote is very direct. It says one act. Not several or many but one. Just one. According to the quote, we have the power to change a life by doing one thing. That really caught my attention because in today's world more seems to be better. More things. More money. More everything. Have we missed the compassion boat by looking for big ways to change lives? Do we watch from the shore as others move forward to offer compassion? Or do we even think about the power we have to change anything?
It seems such a small thing. How could one act of compassion make any real difference to anyone? And then we remember the times when others have reached out to us when we were in such need. Perhaps they took time from their lives to offer the gift of themselves to us. Maybe someone reached across a table and touched our hand in a gesture of love and care. Maybe a card arrived in our mailbox with a simple message letting us know that others were including us in their thoughts and prayers. Perhaps a complete stranger noticed our distress and offered a smile. When we take a backward glance, we see so many times when one act of compassion changed us. And we are grateful.
You know, compassion speaks of a gentle spirit. One that does not always seek its own way. One that honestly cares for those who find their way within our space. A gentle spirit suggests that some of the rough edges have been rounded off. Instead of a critical spirit, the person possessing a gentle spirit always finds the good in others. And when others question, this person embraces. No judgment. Only caring. Only acceptance.
Just one act of compassion. I wonder what events will present themselves this week that will give us the opportunity to practice compassion. It is my hope we have eyes that truly see and hearts that truly care.
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