House / Home

A house isn't a home, it's not much of anything without love.

Memorial Day

In America, this weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. A holiday that for many announces that summer is almost here. We spend our time over these three days having  BBQ's, outdoor activities of yardwork and play. A time to get together with family and friends. Everyone hoping for warm and sunny weather.

But let us not forget that this is the day we remember. We honor those that gave their lives in war. It matters not that you agree with the war, if we should have fought, or who it was with. That is for another day.
Today it is about them.  It matters . . .  as they gave the greatest sacrifice of all. When you are wondering if someone else is worth your time or your caring, consider what they gave for those that they would never even know. They gave their life for you, for us. We honor them and their families too. How can we ever thank them enough.

Have a time of silence, a prayer and be thankful.

dreams

There were times when I have slept so very deeply and
had such vivid dreams . . . dreams of having wings so
big and strong that I can fly.

Patterns

Everywhere in life there are patterns. Patterns in nature and in the man made. There are patterns to birth, breathing, life and death. Patterns to each and every relationship and the seasons of the year.You  live out many patterns everyday.

When we understand about patterns we can understand life a little more. It begins to make sense and is not as frightening. Patterns can be a source of great comfort and yet give us the urge to break free. Look around you today. Patterns, they are everywhere. In music, in the rising and setting of the sun, in winds. They are in the mountains and oceans, in the trees and animals. They are in us, we are in them.  A pattern to love and to understand. Gaining wisdom and compassion. Finding peace and having faith. Eating and sleeping.

May you discover many patterns in your life today.

creativity from within transfers to another

I don't know what the creator of this sculpture was thinking about when they made it, but it certainly put a smile on my face.

May you find something in your day to smile about.

personal footprints

I'm showing show you a macro close up of a stone I found by the ocean with a twig laying across it so you can see the detail. All living things leave behind a footprint of some kind. Some footprints are short term and others long.
I was fascinated by the perfect little circular designs on this stone. I don't know what it was that left the impressions. It made me think of what kind of impression I am leaving behind. I'm sure that it might depend on who you ask. I would like to think that it's more positve than anything. But I guess one never really knows for sure. I know that some of the funerals or memorials that I have gone to, the person that has passed away would so have enjoyed what others thought and said about them. That's why I try to tell people some of those things now, instead of over their dead body. I wish that more people would be open to hearing and saying things while it means something.

come sit my friend . . .

     
      Ah dear friend . . . come into the garden and sit a bit with me. My senses speak to me of you today. I feel the unsettledness of your being. You have troubles on your mind, a heaviness in your heart and are feeling overwhelmed with life.
      We can have some tea and enjoy the sun from under the shade tree. We can talk or we can just be. Let's gaze at the beautiful  greenery and flowers. Listen to the birds chirping and feel the gentle breeze on our faces. Close our eyes and take in all of nature.
      You are most always welcome to sit here, if I am home or not. You can sit and reflect, mediate or pray. For in the quiet stillness we often hear the best. And if you should want to talk, we will. There are no restrictions on what can transpire here. Because once you are my friend my home is your home. Let this be your safe haven from the chaos of the world.

Beauty and your surroundings

I was getting some exercise on a gorgeous spring day and playing with my camera yesterday. This is an education center (farming, animal and garden) of a college that is open to the public.
These flowers haven't settled into their summer home yet, but they are already beautiful on their own.
People are beautiful too, as they find their home place in life.

The pendulum of a Lock

In life,  we have dreams.
We dream of experiences to come. Things you want to do, need to do.
And yet . . . 
You come across a baracade, a locked gate or door.
This is as far as you get, no opening, no key, no passage.

The question I ask you is . . .
are you locked IN or locked OUT?

What it takes to get through the day

There are times when we grumble about life's everyday hardships. About the many things we have to do to during the day and how much time it all takes. And then we see something that makes us think about what everyday life might have been for those generations that were here before us. More simple perhaps, but lots of effort to do almost anything.
     I just think how long it took them to get anywhere especially without roads of any kind. When we put life in perspective . . . it often helps us appreciate what we have.

love doesn't . . .

Love doesn't have to be perfect

               even so

 it has the power to change ones perspective.

Public emotions

    Have you ever had some overwhelming hardships in your life and been out in public and suddenly lost control of your emotions . . . crying amongst strangers?  Or are you more stoic and no matter what has happened in your life . . . no ones knows because you don't share it and don't want to either?
     Does a stranger's word or touch pierce a hole to the emotional damn? Or does their inquiry cause you to clam up and avoid the issue that's on your mind?
      I had an experience where I was looking for a special card to say what I couldn't find the right words to express. A card that I hoped would be opened and read when my personal attempts to talk, to phone and understand had been refused and ignored.. The exchange started innocently enough. Her asking, "Can I help you?'
     "Just looking for the right card, not too insensitive, not too mushy, but simple, honest and real", I said. And the more she asked ,the more I felt the let down of tears starting on the inside. I was trembling slightly fighting the urge to let the tears flow openly. And then they came, big crocodile tears, no sound, just tears running freely down my face dripping unto my sweater. A bit embarrassed and yet needing an understanding heart at that moment. I couldn't speak. I swallowed hard. She gave me a tissue and a strong sincere hug. It gave me the strength to be able to compose myself and move on.
     And I did get the card. It said just what I wanted it to say. I hope it was taken that way.
     She made adifference to me that day because she honestly cared. I know because I have cared for others when they seemed to have a day like I was having. A word, a hug, a gesture makes all the difference.