Update on Daffodil Lane--
Three weeks ago we began a new journey. Were we out of our mind? Sometimes we think so.
The past three weeks have included painting, cleaning, lifting, arranging, rearranging, arranging again. We have spent countless hours poking around and through items looking for the right one. We have loaded our truck and car with treasures. Well, maybe not treasures exactly. But certainly interesting pieces. We have driven hours and hours to find the perfect piece. We have met new people who have offered their advice and assistance. We have called on friends to help with lifting and carrying.
Sleepless nights are the norm. My brain does not stop when the clock says it is time to sleep. Ideas flood my mind pushing any thought of sleep into tomorrow. An "aha" moment becomes ten or twelve as the clock makes its way to 3 AM. Who needs all that sleep anyway.
So, how is the new shop looking, you ask. Well, I am happy to say that it is coming together. Only a few days ago I sat in the room full of stuff and wondered how I could make any sense out of it. Then I remembered to see one tree and not the entire forest. One step at a time. Slowly but surely sense from chaos emerged. Or rather is emerging. Seeing one section come alive is exciting. Each new thing added brings that look I am working for.
And then it hit me. If someone actually purchases something from the shop, it will have to be replaced. At that moment I thought about keeping it all for me! So much easier. Then I remembered how much I love seeing other people make their nest perfect. My hope is that merchandise in my shop will be just what someone needs to make their room feel right. That makes my heart smile because our home is our refuge from all the noise of the world.
So, we keep adding. Lifting, arranging, moving. Creating spaces. Hoping that when people enter the door of Daffodil Lane, they feel joy. They smile. And enjoy a few moments created just for them.
The opening is 10 AM, Saturday, May 7. Come say hi!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Friday, April 22, 2016
Walking the Labyrinth
Walking the Labyrinth--
We turned off the main road and began the ten mile drive up the mountainside. Eventually we left the paved road and continued our journey on gravel. Tall evergreen trees lined both sides of the roadway. Fog encircled the mountain top. It had not yet been burned away by the heat of the sun. Blue sky showed through small patches of fog announcing that soon it would overtake the whole expanse of the heavens. The day was crisp and sweet. Our destination was a lovely retreat center.
Many years ago we discovered this special place while exploring new countryside. Those who dreamed it and then built it desired that it be a place for people to meditate. To reconnect with themselves. To perhaps engage in conversation about life and its meaning. Classes are offered during the summer. It is a place for thinking. For touching that quiet place within us that often becomes lost in the busy of life. Paths meander through the tall evergreens gently whispering to us that nature welcomes us into her arms. Ferns flourish on the forest floor. Wild flowers decorate the woods. It is a place like no other.
On this particular trip up the mountainside we came upon a welcoming center. Inside were two people who greeted me with genuine kindness. Since our last visit years ago when one could drive into the center, changes had taken place. Now reservations were required to enter. Did I have a reservation? No, I didn't.
During our conversation I mentioned that we were visiting from Illinois. Our trip was almost at its end. And then I mentioned the real reason I wished permission to enter.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to walk a labyrinth. A labyrinth is a circular path that has a beginning point. One enters at this point and continues along a path toward the center. The path through the labyrinth is often outlined with stones set into the ground providing direction to the walker. It winds inward toward the center. After reaching the center one retraces the steps until the beginning point is again reached. It is an ancient tool for meditation. Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual experience.
This center built a labyrinth in a clearing beside a beautiful stream. It was set with stones. It was quite large with a winding path. I knew this because I saw pictures in a magazine of this particular one.
I was disappointed that I would not be allowed to enter the grounds and make my way to the labyrinth, but I understood that rules were rules. So, I thanked them for their kindness and turned to leave. The woman who was answering my questions stopped me. She said she was going to do something she seldom did. She was going to give me an hour to visit the labyrinth. One hour. I asked if my husband could join me. She took both our names and directed me to the path that led to the river.
We hurried down the path and across the grounds searching for this most special spot. Eventually we located it. So simple. Rocks formed a path placed by someone who understood the significance of this activity. Someone who brought hundreds of stones and carefully laid them out in a specific pattern forming an exact circle. I entered.
Sometimes people carry a stone while they walk. Others might repeat a mantra. Still others walk with folded hands. That is what I did. I folded my hands and began my journey. And it is truly a journey. With each step my mind journeyed inward. What was left for me to learn? What could I do that would move myself and others to a more peaceful place? Even the question of who God is entered my mind. Eventually I quieted all the voices in my head-well, almost all of them. And I simply was. I felt such peace. All the beauty of the earth was right there within my sight. It was overwhelming. Tears made their way down my cheeks. Tears that expressed my deep love of nature. And my awareness of the spirit indwelling.
The hour passed quickly. Leaving was difficult. Connecting with our spirit is a precious time. I knew once I left, I would return to life. But, I also knew that part of me would be changed forever. I would have the memory to take with me. We hurried back to the welcoming center.
I walked inside to thank her for allowing me this time. I told her what it meant to me through those same tears. She replied that she never does that for people without reservations, but that she felt a connection with me and knew it was the right thing to do.
The fog had lifted during the time we were at the center. The sky was beautiful. All blue and bright. The tall evergreens stood guard over the road, and the river continued its rush to its destination. All as it should be on this most beautiful day.
We turned off the main road and began the ten mile drive up the mountainside. Eventually we left the paved road and continued our journey on gravel. Tall evergreen trees lined both sides of the roadway. Fog encircled the mountain top. It had not yet been burned away by the heat of the sun. Blue sky showed through small patches of fog announcing that soon it would overtake the whole expanse of the heavens. The day was crisp and sweet. Our destination was a lovely retreat center.
Many years ago we discovered this special place while exploring new countryside. Those who dreamed it and then built it desired that it be a place for people to meditate. To reconnect with themselves. To perhaps engage in conversation about life and its meaning. Classes are offered during the summer. It is a place for thinking. For touching that quiet place within us that often becomes lost in the busy of life. Paths meander through the tall evergreens gently whispering to us that nature welcomes us into her arms. Ferns flourish on the forest floor. Wild flowers decorate the woods. It is a place like no other.
On this particular trip up the mountainside we came upon a welcoming center. Inside were two people who greeted me with genuine kindness. Since our last visit years ago when one could drive into the center, changes had taken place. Now reservations were required to enter. Did I have a reservation? No, I didn't.
During our conversation I mentioned that we were visiting from Illinois. Our trip was almost at its end. And then I mentioned the real reason I wished permission to enter.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to walk a labyrinth. A labyrinth is a circular path that has a beginning point. One enters at this point and continues along a path toward the center. The path through the labyrinth is often outlined with stones set into the ground providing direction to the walker. It winds inward toward the center. After reaching the center one retraces the steps until the beginning point is again reached. It is an ancient tool for meditation. Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual experience.
This center built a labyrinth in a clearing beside a beautiful stream. It was set with stones. It was quite large with a winding path. I knew this because I saw pictures in a magazine of this particular one.
I was disappointed that I would not be allowed to enter the grounds and make my way to the labyrinth, but I understood that rules were rules. So, I thanked them for their kindness and turned to leave. The woman who was answering my questions stopped me. She said she was going to do something she seldom did. She was going to give me an hour to visit the labyrinth. One hour. I asked if my husband could join me. She took both our names and directed me to the path that led to the river.
We hurried down the path and across the grounds searching for this most special spot. Eventually we located it. So simple. Rocks formed a path placed by someone who understood the significance of this activity. Someone who brought hundreds of stones and carefully laid them out in a specific pattern forming an exact circle. I entered.
Sometimes people carry a stone while they walk. Others might repeat a mantra. Still others walk with folded hands. That is what I did. I folded my hands and began my journey. And it is truly a journey. With each step my mind journeyed inward. What was left for me to learn? What could I do that would move myself and others to a more peaceful place? Even the question of who God is entered my mind. Eventually I quieted all the voices in my head-well, almost all of them. And I simply was. I felt such peace. All the beauty of the earth was right there within my sight. It was overwhelming. Tears made their way down my cheeks. Tears that expressed my deep love of nature. And my awareness of the spirit indwelling.
The hour passed quickly. Leaving was difficult. Connecting with our spirit is a precious time. I knew once I left, I would return to life. But, I also knew that part of me would be changed forever. I would have the memory to take with me. We hurried back to the welcoming center.
I walked inside to thank her for allowing me this time. I told her what it meant to me through those same tears. She replied that she never does that for people without reservations, but that she felt a connection with me and knew it was the right thing to do.
The fog had lifted during the time we were at the center. The sky was beautiful. All blue and bright. The tall evergreens stood guard over the road, and the river continued its rush to its destination. All as it should be on this most beautiful day.
Monday, April 4, 2016
Treasures of the Ocean
Treasures of the Ocean--
One of our favorite things to do is walk the Oregon coast searching for agates. We read the tide charts because the best time to go is when the tide is out. All the rocks and treasures that the ocean gives up are found when it is low tide. We have spent the past five weeks in high rubber boots and jackets doing that. It is easy to spot people who hunt for agates. They walk slowly along the edge of the ocean or perhaps wade a little into it. Their heads are down. In their pocket is a zip lock plastic bag or a bag from a grocery store to hold found objects. Agates are usually found where rocks abound. They come in all sizes and several colors. Agates are little rocky nuggets of silica that formed inside ancient rocks or shells millions of years ago and as the outer layer wears away, the agate remains. They come in varied colors ranging from orange to red or pink to lavender-even black.
Another treasure the Northwest ocean gives up is sea glass. Sea glass is glass from bottles that have found their way in the ocean. After being tumbled and tossed by the waves, the edges of the glass are rounded and smooth. Often the glass has a cloudy appearance. The usual colors are blue, green, white and clear. People who hunt for sea glass use it for jewelry and art objects. If the edges are not rounded, it is considered new to the ocean and not desirable.
People who collect agates often place them in tumblers. After three weeks of tumbling, the rocks are smooth and shiny. They are also used in jewelry or placed in bowls as found objects from the sea.
We are leaving soon so we decided to spend today searching. The best times to search are low tide after a storm. The ocean deposits treasures everywhere after high waves. As there was no storm, pickings were a little slim.
I was walking along the edge of the ocean with my head down when someone spoke to me. A young man walked beside me and told me I had missed two agates. He opened his hand and there they were. Before I could say anything, he handed them to me. People don't usually share agates. Yet, here he was offering me two beautiful ones. After I thanked him, he put his hand into his pocket and pulled out two large agates that had been tumbled. As he held them out for me to see, he told me to select one to keep. I was shocked. He was offering me something wonderfully beautiful. He held them up to the sun so I could see the designs inside the stones. I asked him which one he would like for me to have. He selected the most beautiful of the two and placed it in my hand. At that point I told him I was visiting from Illinois. He told me to tell my friends that I found it. He said he finds them all the time. It was such a lovely moment in time.
A little later we were making our way toward our car. I was walking slower with my head down still searching for a few more for our collection. Looking up, I saw a man approaching. As he came closer, he asked me if I was having any luck finding agates. I told him not much. He stopped, opened his hand and showed me four he had found. Then he handed them to me. Surprised, I mumbled a thank you and told him we live in Illinois. His response was awesome. He said, "God bless you in Illinois." And he continued his walk along the edge of the water.
These are only two of the experiences I have had with gracious people. People who were searching just like I was and were willing to give up treasures to a stranger. When one woman learned where I live, she placed a beautiful agate in my hand and gently closed my fingers over it. She said she lives here and can look anytime. That she wanted me to have what she found.
A moment in time. A treasure far greater than a found agate. One person touching another with grace and kindness. Never to meet again yet leaving a lasting impression.
That's what it's about, isn't it? Touching others with gentle spirits. With a giving attitude. Giving up something you desire so that another can experience the same joy. Spending a moment connecting with a fellow walker on the planet. Makes me wonder how many times I could have shared yet didn't. The good thing is this. There is another day waiting for me to give of myself to others. Strangers, family, friends. And I shall.
One of our favorite things to do is walk the Oregon coast searching for agates. We read the tide charts because the best time to go is when the tide is out. All the rocks and treasures that the ocean gives up are found when it is low tide. We have spent the past five weeks in high rubber boots and jackets doing that. It is easy to spot people who hunt for agates. They walk slowly along the edge of the ocean or perhaps wade a little into it. Their heads are down. In their pocket is a zip lock plastic bag or a bag from a grocery store to hold found objects. Agates are usually found where rocks abound. They come in all sizes and several colors. Agates are little rocky nuggets of silica that formed inside ancient rocks or shells millions of years ago and as the outer layer wears away, the agate remains. They come in varied colors ranging from orange to red or pink to lavender-even black.
Another treasure the Northwest ocean gives up is sea glass. Sea glass is glass from bottles that have found their way in the ocean. After being tumbled and tossed by the waves, the edges of the glass are rounded and smooth. Often the glass has a cloudy appearance. The usual colors are blue, green, white and clear. People who hunt for sea glass use it for jewelry and art objects. If the edges are not rounded, it is considered new to the ocean and not desirable.
People who collect agates often place them in tumblers. After three weeks of tumbling, the rocks are smooth and shiny. They are also used in jewelry or placed in bowls as found objects from the sea.
We are leaving soon so we decided to spend today searching. The best times to search are low tide after a storm. The ocean deposits treasures everywhere after high waves. As there was no storm, pickings were a little slim.
I was walking along the edge of the ocean with my head down when someone spoke to me. A young man walked beside me and told me I had missed two agates. He opened his hand and there they were. Before I could say anything, he handed them to me. People don't usually share agates. Yet, here he was offering me two beautiful ones. After I thanked him, he put his hand into his pocket and pulled out two large agates that had been tumbled. As he held them out for me to see, he told me to select one to keep. I was shocked. He was offering me something wonderfully beautiful. He held them up to the sun so I could see the designs inside the stones. I asked him which one he would like for me to have. He selected the most beautiful of the two and placed it in my hand. At that point I told him I was visiting from Illinois. He told me to tell my friends that I found it. He said he finds them all the time. It was such a lovely moment in time.
A little later we were making our way toward our car. I was walking slower with my head down still searching for a few more for our collection. Looking up, I saw a man approaching. As he came closer, he asked me if I was having any luck finding agates. I told him not much. He stopped, opened his hand and showed me four he had found. Then he handed them to me. Surprised, I mumbled a thank you and told him we live in Illinois. His response was awesome. He said, "God bless you in Illinois." And he continued his walk along the edge of the water.
These are only two of the experiences I have had with gracious people. People who were searching just like I was and were willing to give up treasures to a stranger. When one woman learned where I live, she placed a beautiful agate in my hand and gently closed my fingers over it. She said she lives here and can look anytime. That she wanted me to have what she found.
A moment in time. A treasure far greater than a found agate. One person touching another with grace and kindness. Never to meet again yet leaving a lasting impression.
That's what it's about, isn't it? Touching others with gentle spirits. With a giving attitude. Giving up something you desire so that another can experience the same joy. Spending a moment connecting with a fellow walker on the planet. Makes me wonder how many times I could have shared yet didn't. The good thing is this. There is another day waiting for me to give of myself to others. Strangers, family, friends. And I shall.
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