A Grandma's Deception--
It was the holiday season. The bell ringers were outside a store happily ringing away. On this particular day my granddaughter was my companion. She was preschool.
As we exited the store, she asked why they were ringing the bells. I explained that they were there to receive money that would be used to help people who needed a little assistance with food and gifts for their families. I handed her some money and told her to drop it in the pot. She did.
And then the deceiving began. How does one justify deceiving a small innocent child! I will tell you how. Immediately after dropping the money in the pot, she asked where the food was. And where were the gifts for the children?
I tried to explain the process, but it was evident it made no sense so I made up a little story. Just a little story that was meant to help her understand.
Then she wanted to know the names of the children who would get gifts because of the money she dropped into the pot. So I said Ben and Sally. You have to remember--everything was coming at me at lightening speed. How old were they, she asked. Well, they were seven and nine. Where were they now? In school, I said. What grade? Sally was in first grade and Ben in third. Where were their parents? At work, I said. If they were at work, why didn't they have money to buy gifts for Ben and Sally? Well, they had bills to pay and there simply wasn't enough money. Where did they go to school?
At that point we were passing by a school, so I said that particular school. The kids were outside playing. Must have been recess. So, which ones of them were Ben and Sally? I looked very closely as we drove by and then said I didn't see them. Too many children.
Finally, there was quiet in my car. I thought we were finished with this little deception. It was an honest one, you know. But, soon it began again. Maybe we should buy some toys and take them to the school for Ben and Sally. These imaginary children had become close friends by then. Surely we could help them have a happy Christmas.
So, we drove to a toy store and purchased appropriate toys for Ben and Sally. Then we took them to the school. How was I going to pull this off, I wondered? Once we were buzzed inside, I gave our names and why we were there. We had toys for Ben and Sally. As I said this, I winked at the woman on the other side of the counter. She said Ben and Sally were in class, but she would see that they received the gifts.
Quite pleased with our mission, we returned to our journey. Would you believe we did that same thing the next year? She did not forget. Each time we took gifts, the secretary treated her with such respect. She made her feel as if she had done something wonderful. She had.
Maybe two years passed. One day, quite out of the blue, she asked me if Ben and Sally really existed. I told her the truth. We laughed at the way the story unfolded and how the school received lovely gifts for the children thanks to her caring spirit.
It pays to be fast on your feet!!:)
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
What Matters
What Matters--
Tom was my second grade student. He was the cutest little boy. Lots of hair and a sweet, sweet smile. His mom was also a teacher so we had much in common.
Shortly after Tom moved to the next grade, my husband accepted a transfer to the Midwest. Life began again. New job, new baby, new friends, new environment. And the years slipped away as years do.
Eventually my love for the Northwest necessitated purchasing a condo in a city close to Tom's hometown. The condo was unfurnished. On a trip to buy furniture, I remembered there had been a store in Tom's hometown. Driving into the town was like returning home. I taught second grade for five years there. So many children--so many memories.
I located the store. First on my list was a refrigerator. An older gentleman asked if I needed help. I most certainly did. I needed more help than I thought when he asked what size I needed. Refrigerators came in sizes?? Small? Medium? Large? Never thought about that. It was apparent I would have to return to the condo and measure. I told him I would call him with the size and then told him my name.
From a distance I remember seeing a younger man moving a chair. When I said my name, he put the chair down and walked toward me. He asked if he heard correctly. Was I Sondra Wisdom? Well, yes, I was and am! He said he had wondered what had happened to me after we left the area. He gave me a hug and said he was Tom. Tom, my little second grade student all grown up and the owner of the furniture store. Thirty years or so had passed since I last saw him.
What a happy reunion. He told me that I had invited he and his mom to our home for dinner. He even described the furniture in our house. He asked if I remembered that he always kissed my hand as he left the classroom each day. As he shared, floods of memories that I had tucked away in my mind came pouring out. He said he knew my husband's name, and that I had a son before we were transferred.
Since that first meeting in his store, we have had several lovely visits. He is a delightful man. Is there a point to this essay? Am I simply wandering down memory lane at your expense?
Yes, there are several points. First, we don't realize the impact we have on others. He identified with my slightly off-center personality. He saw me as a caring teacher who took time with him. I don't think it ever entered my mind in those early years of teaching just how much of an impact teachers have on the students who occupy those chairs. Students see teachers through their own lens. We either make a lasting impression in a positive/negative way, or we make no impression at all.
Second, while test scores are important, we must remember that we teach people. It is my one desire that we never forget this. To this day not one former student has ever contacted me to thank me for their test score. However, many have contacted me to visit as adult friends. It has been my joy to sing at weddings for students, my sorrow to sing and speak at funerals, my intense delight to be a birth partner. One student even called me from jail. Those moments visiting with him are precious moments to me.
I have been privileged to share deep conversations, silly times, coffee, lunch, emails and calls with students. What joy for me to be included in a small part of their lives. Learning about their lives brings me such pleasure. And I am happy to say that most are quite successful adults.
Eventually, those students graduate and begin the next passage of their life. Now they are no longer forced to listen to us in a classroom. Maybe they are running the x-ray machine we are under. Or maybe one will repair the car that is causing stress. Another may check skin for cancer cells. Or make sure the hair cut is just perfect. No one stays a child forever. It is a short passage of time.
Tom made sure the furniture I selected fit my condo perfectly. He took time to help me measure and plan where pieces would best fit. And while I appreciate his help and expertise, I cherish him as a person--all grown up from that little seven-year old student. I feel blessed beyond words that his memories of me were good ones for him.
It truly does matter how we treat others--in and out of the classroom. It matters how we greet strangers, how we treat those we love, how we respect views different from ours. It matters that we work toward making this world a better place. Yes, it really does matter that we are alive. Even when we feel that we are only a speck in a big sea of sand, we must remember that that sand is made of individual specks. We are part of something so huge. And we do matter.
Meeting Tom after all those years was a wonderful gift. Each time we visit, I enjoy him more.
Love you, Tom!
Tom was my second grade student. He was the cutest little boy. Lots of hair and a sweet, sweet smile. His mom was also a teacher so we had much in common.
Shortly after Tom moved to the next grade, my husband accepted a transfer to the Midwest. Life began again. New job, new baby, new friends, new environment. And the years slipped away as years do.
Eventually my love for the Northwest necessitated purchasing a condo in a city close to Tom's hometown. The condo was unfurnished. On a trip to buy furniture, I remembered there had been a store in Tom's hometown. Driving into the town was like returning home. I taught second grade for five years there. So many children--so many memories.
I located the store. First on my list was a refrigerator. An older gentleman asked if I needed help. I most certainly did. I needed more help than I thought when he asked what size I needed. Refrigerators came in sizes?? Small? Medium? Large? Never thought about that. It was apparent I would have to return to the condo and measure. I told him I would call him with the size and then told him my name.
From a distance I remember seeing a younger man moving a chair. When I said my name, he put the chair down and walked toward me. He asked if he heard correctly. Was I Sondra Wisdom? Well, yes, I was and am! He said he had wondered what had happened to me after we left the area. He gave me a hug and said he was Tom. Tom, my little second grade student all grown up and the owner of the furniture store. Thirty years or so had passed since I last saw him.
What a happy reunion. He told me that I had invited he and his mom to our home for dinner. He even described the furniture in our house. He asked if I remembered that he always kissed my hand as he left the classroom each day. As he shared, floods of memories that I had tucked away in my mind came pouring out. He said he knew my husband's name, and that I had a son before we were transferred.
Since that first meeting in his store, we have had several lovely visits. He is a delightful man. Is there a point to this essay? Am I simply wandering down memory lane at your expense?
Yes, there are several points. First, we don't realize the impact we have on others. He identified with my slightly off-center personality. He saw me as a caring teacher who took time with him. I don't think it ever entered my mind in those early years of teaching just how much of an impact teachers have on the students who occupy those chairs. Students see teachers through their own lens. We either make a lasting impression in a positive/negative way, or we make no impression at all.
Second, while test scores are important, we must remember that we teach people. It is my one desire that we never forget this. To this day not one former student has ever contacted me to thank me for their test score. However, many have contacted me to visit as adult friends. It has been my joy to sing at weddings for students, my sorrow to sing and speak at funerals, my intense delight to be a birth partner. One student even called me from jail. Those moments visiting with him are precious moments to me.
I have been privileged to share deep conversations, silly times, coffee, lunch, emails and calls with students. What joy for me to be included in a small part of their lives. Learning about their lives brings me such pleasure. And I am happy to say that most are quite successful adults.
Eventually, those students graduate and begin the next passage of their life. Now they are no longer forced to listen to us in a classroom. Maybe they are running the x-ray machine we are under. Or maybe one will repair the car that is causing stress. Another may check skin for cancer cells. Or make sure the hair cut is just perfect. No one stays a child forever. It is a short passage of time.
Tom made sure the furniture I selected fit my condo perfectly. He took time to help me measure and plan where pieces would best fit. And while I appreciate his help and expertise, I cherish him as a person--all grown up from that little seven-year old student. I feel blessed beyond words that his memories of me were good ones for him.
It truly does matter how we treat others--in and out of the classroom. It matters how we greet strangers, how we treat those we love, how we respect views different from ours. It matters that we work toward making this world a better place. Yes, it really does matter that we are alive. Even when we feel that we are only a speck in a big sea of sand, we must remember that that sand is made of individual specks. We are part of something so huge. And we do matter.
Meeting Tom after all those years was a wonderful gift. Each time we visit, I enjoy him more.
Love you, Tom!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Continuing Garage Sale
Continuing Garage Sale--
A report on the garage sale. It went well.
However, I still have quite a few furniture items that wish to live in a new home. They are ready to share themselves with a new family.
A few of the items that I have are as follows:
1. A beautiful robin egg blue round table--a kitchen or dining room table. Wish I had a place for it in my house!!
2. A white round table with four chairs. Can be painted to enhance any dining room or kitchen eating space. Very pretty.
3. A hoosier cabinet. I used it for many years in my home. Perfect for displaying books and a lamp. The pull out top is great for use as a serving top for parties etc. I put lighted houses on and in it for the holidays. Lots of storage.
4. A beautiful blue bed cover with splashes of yellow. Have two large pillow cases. Used it in a guest room for only a little while.
5. A sixty inch bathroom vanity complete with sink and faucets.
6. An assortment of rugs.
7. Free books
8. A coffee table painted black with a drawer. Perfect for a kids playroom or a family room
There are many other items that are gently used--almost new! I will be here this weekend. If you wish to stop out and take a look, message me on facebook. Will make sure I am here to see you and show you the items in my little shop.
Have a wonderful weekend.
A report on the garage sale. It went well.
However, I still have quite a few furniture items that wish to live in a new home. They are ready to share themselves with a new family.
A few of the items that I have are as follows:
1. A beautiful robin egg blue round table--a kitchen or dining room table. Wish I had a place for it in my house!!
2. A white round table with four chairs. Can be painted to enhance any dining room or kitchen eating space. Very pretty.
3. A hoosier cabinet. I used it for many years in my home. Perfect for displaying books and a lamp. The pull out top is great for use as a serving top for parties etc. I put lighted houses on and in it for the holidays. Lots of storage.
4. A beautiful blue bed cover with splashes of yellow. Have two large pillow cases. Used it in a guest room for only a little while.
5. A sixty inch bathroom vanity complete with sink and faucets.
6. An assortment of rugs.
7. Free books
8. A coffee table painted black with a drawer. Perfect for a kids playroom or a family room
There are many other items that are gently used--almost new! I will be here this weekend. If you wish to stop out and take a look, message me on facebook. Will make sure I am here to see you and show you the items in my little shop.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Is Your Life a Color?
Is Your Life a Color?
On this day of your life, think about what your life means. If you could stand outside yourself and observe, what would you see? What would I see?
Would you see a color? What color best represents you? Blue? Green? Orange? Brown? Pink? Yellow? Black? Purple? Red?
Green could represent growth. Just as nature proudly wears varying shades of green, would you see growth in multiple areas of your life? Would you be a green vine that sends itself over the garden bringing life to even the darkest corners? Green is a basic color in nature. We look for that color to appear in early spring after a long dull winter. It signals a change. Lots to think about if you see yourself as the color green.
What about blue? Is your life centered in tranquility? Does peace flow from you? Does that peace embrace others who come into your space? Is there a calm about you that draws others? Blue speaks of water and sky. The high and low of life. While one shade of blue might signal darkness in life, another lighter shade might represent an uplifted spirit. Blue is with us year round.
Then there is that happy color yellow. Children draw the sun as a yellow orb in the corner of a piece of paper. It radiates warmth and light to the world. We see yellow in plants and flowers. It is a color often used to bring a gentle glow to a room. Many people paint rooms in houses with differing shades of yellow. It is my favorite color.
Pink is a color many young girls love. It is a young color. Often young girls want everything pink--walls, clothes, lamps, headbands, shoes, sheets, chairs. The list is very long. Pink is a soft color. I understand why it appeals to youth. Manufacturers of kid's items know this, too. Make it pink, and it will fly off the shelves.
Going through the list of colors would take more time than I have left on this earth!!:) But, it might be a cool exercise for each of us to think of a color or colors that best represent us and try to understand why that is so. Already I am seeing people I know as colors. Strong and happy colors. Certainly, pain and sorrow invade our lives and change our color. Working through challenges might bring shades of gray and brown into our space. But, despite our challenges, who we are will come through.
Standing outside ourselves is difficult if not next to impossible. It is hard to be objective about our own lives. If we can manage to do this for only a moment, it is possible that we might observe colors we are proud to represent. We might also see colors that we would like to tone a bit. Maybe red to a gentle pink. Perhaps bright yellow to a creamy butter. Brown to tan. I think you get what I am saying.
When I select a paint color for a room, I usually select several grades of the color. Then I take a small amount home and paint either a square on a wall or on a board. I want to see how it looks when light hits it. Does it change too much when a lamp is turned on in the evening? Color is very important.
It sets the stage for everything else that will find a home in a room.
Does my color set the stage for others? Good grief--I hope not, but I fear that is the case. So, I think I might give a little thought to this whole idea of color. If you could visit my gardens, you would find all colors living together. Yellow against pinks. Oranges beside purples. Greens everywhere. While I enjoy visiting gardens that segregate like colors, my gardens will always be a riot of colors, textures and shapes.
And that is how I see people in this world. We are all shades of many colors. Yet, we fit together perfectly in the garden of life. All the colors have value. All the colors bring a richness to this earth that one single color could not accomplish. Isn't that amazing?
All this talk about colors and gardens remind me that it is time to tend to my gardens. Time to give them a drink before the heat of the day arrives. Thank you for allowing me to invade your space with some thoughts about color!
On this day of your life, think about what your life means. If you could stand outside yourself and observe, what would you see? What would I see?
Would you see a color? What color best represents you? Blue? Green? Orange? Brown? Pink? Yellow? Black? Purple? Red?
Green could represent growth. Just as nature proudly wears varying shades of green, would you see growth in multiple areas of your life? Would you be a green vine that sends itself over the garden bringing life to even the darkest corners? Green is a basic color in nature. We look for that color to appear in early spring after a long dull winter. It signals a change. Lots to think about if you see yourself as the color green.
What about blue? Is your life centered in tranquility? Does peace flow from you? Does that peace embrace others who come into your space? Is there a calm about you that draws others? Blue speaks of water and sky. The high and low of life. While one shade of blue might signal darkness in life, another lighter shade might represent an uplifted spirit. Blue is with us year round.
Then there is that happy color yellow. Children draw the sun as a yellow orb in the corner of a piece of paper. It radiates warmth and light to the world. We see yellow in plants and flowers. It is a color often used to bring a gentle glow to a room. Many people paint rooms in houses with differing shades of yellow. It is my favorite color.
Pink is a color many young girls love. It is a young color. Often young girls want everything pink--walls, clothes, lamps, headbands, shoes, sheets, chairs. The list is very long. Pink is a soft color. I understand why it appeals to youth. Manufacturers of kid's items know this, too. Make it pink, and it will fly off the shelves.
Going through the list of colors would take more time than I have left on this earth!!:) But, it might be a cool exercise for each of us to think of a color or colors that best represent us and try to understand why that is so. Already I am seeing people I know as colors. Strong and happy colors. Certainly, pain and sorrow invade our lives and change our color. Working through challenges might bring shades of gray and brown into our space. But, despite our challenges, who we are will come through.
Standing outside ourselves is difficult if not next to impossible. It is hard to be objective about our own lives. If we can manage to do this for only a moment, it is possible that we might observe colors we are proud to represent. We might also see colors that we would like to tone a bit. Maybe red to a gentle pink. Perhaps bright yellow to a creamy butter. Brown to tan. I think you get what I am saying.
When I select a paint color for a room, I usually select several grades of the color. Then I take a small amount home and paint either a square on a wall or on a board. I want to see how it looks when light hits it. Does it change too much when a lamp is turned on in the evening? Color is very important.
It sets the stage for everything else that will find a home in a room.
Does my color set the stage for others? Good grief--I hope not, but I fear that is the case. So, I think I might give a little thought to this whole idea of color. If you could visit my gardens, you would find all colors living together. Yellow against pinks. Oranges beside purples. Greens everywhere. While I enjoy visiting gardens that segregate like colors, my gardens will always be a riot of colors, textures and shapes.
And that is how I see people in this world. We are all shades of many colors. Yet, we fit together perfectly in the garden of life. All the colors have value. All the colors bring a richness to this earth that one single color could not accomplish. Isn't that amazing?
All this talk about colors and gardens remind me that it is time to tend to my gardens. Time to give them a drink before the heat of the day arrives. Thank you for allowing me to invade your space with some thoughts about color!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Real Friends
Real Friends--
A post on facebook said this:
You don't lose friends because real friends can never be lost. You lose people masquerading as friends, and you're better for it.
Wow! For those of us who have felt the sting of "lost friendships," this is so encouraging. I suppose everyone has experienced the questioning that occurs when a friend walks away. Others probably feel the same when we put distance between us and them. Yes, it is not easy to work through the hole that is created when life challenges us.
It is another reminder that things change. People change. The glue that held relationships together sometimes lets go. Over time I have learned that that is not a bad thing at all. Holding on to a worn-out relationship brings stress. We struggle to find things to talk about. Those activities we enjoyed once upon a time no longer seem like such fun. When that happens, we know it is time to let go.
But, that is so difficult, isn't it? We remember such lovely times shared. We care deeply for this person who once laughed and cried with us. We feel such a sense of loss. Who will fill that void? Maybe we ask ourselves if we gave enough of ourselves, or if we gave too much. We wonder if our friend no longer finds us fun. There is a grieving period. It must not last long.
The world is full to overflowing with wonderful people we have never met. It could be possible that because we invested so much in one person, we failed to see the other neat people who enter our lives. Now, that is not a good thing at all. Each new person we meet brings a new dimension to us. And we offer the same to them. Expanding our circle is never a bad thing. No, it is not. Expanding our circle means we want to grow. We want to learn. We want to laugh and play.
If a person masquerading as a friend walks in a new direction, rejoice! For both of you. Be open to new people. Remember the good times shared, but cry no more tears. Who knows who will walk into your life. Who knows what fun is out there waiting for you to see it.
I really like the quote. Real friends can never be lost. They can take a little vacation, but when they return, it is as if they never left. Real friends stay. Through it all.
A post on facebook said this:
You don't lose friends because real friends can never be lost. You lose people masquerading as friends, and you're better for it.
Wow! For those of us who have felt the sting of "lost friendships," this is so encouraging. I suppose everyone has experienced the questioning that occurs when a friend walks away. Others probably feel the same when we put distance between us and them. Yes, it is not easy to work through the hole that is created when life challenges us.
It is another reminder that things change. People change. The glue that held relationships together sometimes lets go. Over time I have learned that that is not a bad thing at all. Holding on to a worn-out relationship brings stress. We struggle to find things to talk about. Those activities we enjoyed once upon a time no longer seem like such fun. When that happens, we know it is time to let go.
But, that is so difficult, isn't it? We remember such lovely times shared. We care deeply for this person who once laughed and cried with us. We feel such a sense of loss. Who will fill that void? Maybe we ask ourselves if we gave enough of ourselves, or if we gave too much. We wonder if our friend no longer finds us fun. There is a grieving period. It must not last long.
The world is full to overflowing with wonderful people we have never met. It could be possible that because we invested so much in one person, we failed to see the other neat people who enter our lives. Now, that is not a good thing at all. Each new person we meet brings a new dimension to us. And we offer the same to them. Expanding our circle is never a bad thing. No, it is not. Expanding our circle means we want to grow. We want to learn. We want to laugh and play.
If a person masquerading as a friend walks in a new direction, rejoice! For both of you. Be open to new people. Remember the good times shared, but cry no more tears. Who knows who will walk into your life. Who knows what fun is out there waiting for you to see it.
I really like the quote. Real friends can never be lost. They can take a little vacation, but when they return, it is as if they never left. Real friends stay. Through it all.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Everyday An Adventure
Everyday An Adventure--
Instead of viewing life as one tiring day following another, why not wrap your head around a new view? It looks like this.
Everyday we live is a new adventure. It has never happened before, and it will never happen again. Everyday brings the opportunity to enjoy new experiences. Ok--maybe not all experiences are joyful. But, we can learn from even those that are annoying.
It is easy to become beaten down by our world. Grocery stores move merchandise around. We are in a hurry, and nothing is where it used to be. Under our breath we probably utter words better left under our breath. The car in front of us drives thirty in a forty-five mile speed zone. Makes me crazy. The line at the post office goes from here to Indiana. Why is that? So many opportunities for adventure that we would rather not have.
But, what about the co-worker who offers to help us? Or the friend who sends a funny email? Or the child who offers a smile or hug? What about the fact that for the moment good health is our companion.
How can we change the ordinary into an adventure? Well, how about inviting friends over for dessert and forgetting that the house is not Martha Stewart clean? How about having pizza for breakfast and eggs for dinner? How about counting your blessings instead of counting the aggrevating things others do? How about forgiving more? How about keeping score less? How about not saving up all your stamps and cashing them in on some poor fellow traveler who has a box of stored stamps, too?
You see, adventures are not always about distance. They can be about what happens between the ears. Adventures are the way we see our lives. And the way we live our lives. Getting away from the everyday can refresh us. But, most of our lives are lived within a few miles of our homes. So, the challenge is to make each day have at least one adventure.
My today is almost gone. It is history. What adventure did I have today? Well, I took a long walk with a friend into the woods in search of nature. She and I will never have that exact same experience again. It was a moment in time that came my way. I grabbed it and ran with it. Another adventure of the day was when I purchased toilet paper rolls for a food bank in need of that product. It was an adventure walking out of the grocery store with my arms full of toilet paper. People were certainly staring. Love it when that happens! That was an adventure. Or how about the day I put on a life jacket and went into the lake fully clothed? Yes, I did that a week ago. And my grandchildren loved it.
Ok--I know you are thinking that I am goofy with these ideas of adventure. Well, maybe you are right. But while you are sitting there being critical, I am off having another good time. And most of the good times I have are composed of simple things. Yes, some adventures take us far away. Some offer us new experiences. I love it when those happen. The truth is for most of us those times happen once or twice a year. What about all the rest of the weeks? Can't we think outside the box enough to see the little things of life in new ways? Can't we make an adventure out of the simple things in life?
Yes, we can if we will. There is the challenge. If we will!
So, what adventure will you have tomorrow? What new twist can you put on something that is everyday? Hey! You can do this. You can spice up life for those around you. Yep, you can. I know this much--when you let go, you will enjoy life so much more than when you approach life with clinched fists.
Adventure is waiting. How creative can you be?
Instead of viewing life as one tiring day following another, why not wrap your head around a new view? It looks like this.
Everyday we live is a new adventure. It has never happened before, and it will never happen again. Everyday brings the opportunity to enjoy new experiences. Ok--maybe not all experiences are joyful. But, we can learn from even those that are annoying.
It is easy to become beaten down by our world. Grocery stores move merchandise around. We are in a hurry, and nothing is where it used to be. Under our breath we probably utter words better left under our breath. The car in front of us drives thirty in a forty-five mile speed zone. Makes me crazy. The line at the post office goes from here to Indiana. Why is that? So many opportunities for adventure that we would rather not have.
But, what about the co-worker who offers to help us? Or the friend who sends a funny email? Or the child who offers a smile or hug? What about the fact that for the moment good health is our companion.
How can we change the ordinary into an adventure? Well, how about inviting friends over for dessert and forgetting that the house is not Martha Stewart clean? How about having pizza for breakfast and eggs for dinner? How about counting your blessings instead of counting the aggrevating things others do? How about forgiving more? How about keeping score less? How about not saving up all your stamps and cashing them in on some poor fellow traveler who has a box of stored stamps, too?
You see, adventures are not always about distance. They can be about what happens between the ears. Adventures are the way we see our lives. And the way we live our lives. Getting away from the everyday can refresh us. But, most of our lives are lived within a few miles of our homes. So, the challenge is to make each day have at least one adventure.
My today is almost gone. It is history. What adventure did I have today? Well, I took a long walk with a friend into the woods in search of nature. She and I will never have that exact same experience again. It was a moment in time that came my way. I grabbed it and ran with it. Another adventure of the day was when I purchased toilet paper rolls for a food bank in need of that product. It was an adventure walking out of the grocery store with my arms full of toilet paper. People were certainly staring. Love it when that happens! That was an adventure. Or how about the day I put on a life jacket and went into the lake fully clothed? Yes, I did that a week ago. And my grandchildren loved it.
Ok--I know you are thinking that I am goofy with these ideas of adventure. Well, maybe you are right. But while you are sitting there being critical, I am off having another good time. And most of the good times I have are composed of simple things. Yes, some adventures take us far away. Some offer us new experiences. I love it when those happen. The truth is for most of us those times happen once or twice a year. What about all the rest of the weeks? Can't we think outside the box enough to see the little things of life in new ways? Can't we make an adventure out of the simple things in life?
Yes, we can if we will. There is the challenge. If we will!
So, what adventure will you have tomorrow? What new twist can you put on something that is everyday? Hey! You can do this. You can spice up life for those around you. Yep, you can. I know this much--when you let go, you will enjoy life so much more than when you approach life with clinched fists.
Adventure is waiting. How creative can you be?
Have You Listened Lately?
Have You Listened Lately?
Tonight I received an email from a friend inquiring if I am taking a break from writing my blog. I love it!! She had visited my blog and noticed the date of my last writing. Now, that is absolutely wonderful. Often I wonder if anyone is actually reading so when someone notices that it has been awhile since the last post, I feel that perhaps what I share touches a person or two.
Many ideas have danced across my mind lately. I love the dance of words and thoughts. They often move slowly like a waltz keeping that one, two, three rhythm. When that happens, words flow gently into those thoughts that eventually turn into paragraphs. Other times words and thoughts tumble quickly like a gitterbug. They fall out of my head at rapid speed leaving me breathless as I try to get them written down.
One recent morning reminded me of the waltz. My mornings are usually rather slow. On this particular morning I decided to sit quietly in a deck chair and simply listen. My usual morning routine is to take the garden hose and water each pot of flowers and ferns. So this was a break from the regular. Sure, I watered everything first. But after that I sat down and listened and watched. I allowed myself to be filled with nature.
A gentle breeze played through the leaves of the trees. The sound was quiet and peaceful. I watched as the leaves swayed back and forth as if dancing to a melody I could not hear. I heard water falling into the fish pond. That sound was a bit louder but so very pleasant. I couldn't see the water so it was fun to imagine what it looked like. With eyes closed, I saw the splash it made as it tumbled over the edge of the large rock. Where the splash met the calm water, I saw the small ripples it created. I knew that water lilies were ready to bloom so I imagined the beautiful shade of yellow that accents the green lily pads. Colorful koi have a home among the lily pads. They add grace to the pond.
As I listened, I picked up the sound of water falling in a fountain among the hosta. That fountain is a favorite of robins. They bathe there often. Why does moving water bring such peace to a garden? Birds busy with morning songs flew from tree to tree occasionally landing on a feeder. Once full, they relinquished their spot to another who enjoyed a bit of breakfast.
The six colorful hummingbird feeders were soon visited by several of those delightful creatures. It seemed as if each bird had a favorite feeder. I love the sound they make as they zoom past on their way to fill up! It is like a roar. We have a bully hummingbird. He or she feeds at will then flies to a branch to watch for the next visitor to the feeder. As soon as another brother or sister appears, down it races and chases the interloper away. This behavior continues all day. On this particular morning I watched one hummer appear from below the feeders. A rather sneaky way to approach the food supply.
In the distance I heard the moo of a cow and the sound of a tractor. Bees buzzed around the large flowers on the deck. A car drove by on the road in front of our house. An airplane made its way to the airport nearby. Crickets or some such creature sang loudly among the trees. The motor of our air conditioner started its cycle of cooling the house. And then it stopped. Birds sang their songs, and squirrels chattered away in the trees.
Yes, nature was busy that morning. Actually, the world was busy. Things were as they should be. Each part of life was performing its job. There was a type of harmony to it all.
Eventually, it was time to move on with my day. As the day progressed, my thoughts returned often to those moments on the deck. Gratitude filled my spirit. Gratitude for having the opportunity to listen and watch life happening. Certainly there were chores that needed to be done. But, taking that few moments refreshed my spirit.
Maybe you will have a moment to listen this week. Your own spirit may speak to you as you allow the quiet to wash over you. And just maybe you will find the rhythm of the dance that longs to move you to a quieter more peaceful place on the dance floor of life.
One, two, three...
Tonight I received an email from a friend inquiring if I am taking a break from writing my blog. I love it!! She had visited my blog and noticed the date of my last writing. Now, that is absolutely wonderful. Often I wonder if anyone is actually reading so when someone notices that it has been awhile since the last post, I feel that perhaps what I share touches a person or two.
Many ideas have danced across my mind lately. I love the dance of words and thoughts. They often move slowly like a waltz keeping that one, two, three rhythm. When that happens, words flow gently into those thoughts that eventually turn into paragraphs. Other times words and thoughts tumble quickly like a gitterbug. They fall out of my head at rapid speed leaving me breathless as I try to get them written down.
One recent morning reminded me of the waltz. My mornings are usually rather slow. On this particular morning I decided to sit quietly in a deck chair and simply listen. My usual morning routine is to take the garden hose and water each pot of flowers and ferns. So this was a break from the regular. Sure, I watered everything first. But after that I sat down and listened and watched. I allowed myself to be filled with nature.
A gentle breeze played through the leaves of the trees. The sound was quiet and peaceful. I watched as the leaves swayed back and forth as if dancing to a melody I could not hear. I heard water falling into the fish pond. That sound was a bit louder but so very pleasant. I couldn't see the water so it was fun to imagine what it looked like. With eyes closed, I saw the splash it made as it tumbled over the edge of the large rock. Where the splash met the calm water, I saw the small ripples it created. I knew that water lilies were ready to bloom so I imagined the beautiful shade of yellow that accents the green lily pads. Colorful koi have a home among the lily pads. They add grace to the pond.
As I listened, I picked up the sound of water falling in a fountain among the hosta. That fountain is a favorite of robins. They bathe there often. Why does moving water bring such peace to a garden? Birds busy with morning songs flew from tree to tree occasionally landing on a feeder. Once full, they relinquished their spot to another who enjoyed a bit of breakfast.
The six colorful hummingbird feeders were soon visited by several of those delightful creatures. It seemed as if each bird had a favorite feeder. I love the sound they make as they zoom past on their way to fill up! It is like a roar. We have a bully hummingbird. He or she feeds at will then flies to a branch to watch for the next visitor to the feeder. As soon as another brother or sister appears, down it races and chases the interloper away. This behavior continues all day. On this particular morning I watched one hummer appear from below the feeders. A rather sneaky way to approach the food supply.
In the distance I heard the moo of a cow and the sound of a tractor. Bees buzzed around the large flowers on the deck. A car drove by on the road in front of our house. An airplane made its way to the airport nearby. Crickets or some such creature sang loudly among the trees. The motor of our air conditioner started its cycle of cooling the house. And then it stopped. Birds sang their songs, and squirrels chattered away in the trees.
Yes, nature was busy that morning. Actually, the world was busy. Things were as they should be. Each part of life was performing its job. There was a type of harmony to it all.
Eventually, it was time to move on with my day. As the day progressed, my thoughts returned often to those moments on the deck. Gratitude filled my spirit. Gratitude for having the opportunity to listen and watch life happening. Certainly there were chores that needed to be done. But, taking that few moments refreshed my spirit.
Maybe you will have a moment to listen this week. Your own spirit may speak to you as you allow the quiet to wash over you. And just maybe you will find the rhythm of the dance that longs to move you to a quieter more peaceful place on the dance floor of life.
One, two, three...
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