Joy to the World

Meet Hudson

And this new addition to our family this Christmas brings JOY to all of us!  So from our home to yours, HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR, full of GREAT JOY...2017!

Art Abandonment

Tis the season to be jolly, right?  So, let's do it!  Now I know there are many obstacles in the way of just feeling happy and jolly.

Having a death in our family last week, definitely puts a damper on the Christmas Spirit.  It is a process to get in the groove from mourning to FA LA LA.

And this old photo does help, since old man winter has finally appeared in the Northeast.  And seeing this picture again reminds me that life does go on.  Although, driving away from the funeral service, watching life go on all around us, I said out loud, "Wow, don't they know how drastically our families' lives have changed?"

It was in that moment that I realized once again, how blessed I am to come from such a large family.  That we all had each other to lean on at this terrible time made a difference, to all of us.  

So in the true spirit of Christmas, regardless of your present circumstances, please dig down deep, and find something to be grateful for.  There is always something.  And then, see if you can find it in your heart to reach out to someone who is struggling, or someone who is all alone and lonely.  For in those deeds, the real magic and true spirit of Christmas is present.  

Giving of yourself is the best gift of all!  I belong to an online group called Art Abandonment.  It's very simple.  You create a piece of art, and it can really be anything.  A colored picture, a photograph, a painting, little cards anything...do you knit or crochet, and just take it out in public and leave it somewhere with a note for someone.  The note can just say, 

"PICK ME UP AND TAKE ME HOME...I AM YOURS!"  

No strings attached...you don't even have to identify yourself.  Anonymous makes it much more special and fun! That is the gift you can give to yourself.  Knowing that you made a difference in someone's daily life.   Just do it!

So, from my heart to yours...FA LA LA, and all that jazz!  

 

Love and Peace

We are one...tune in, to the message of your very own soul.  It is not spewing the hatred and talking points of the protests...or the news outlets.  Those are egos battling for attention, disgracing the very spirit that gives the soul life, with love and true peace.

Go inward...your soul is echoing the beating of your heart, with thankfulness and grace. Close your eyes and feel it.

Let's re-connect!

And always, always give thanks!  You are blessed, no matter what race, religion, gender...even if you are an atheist.  Yes, you too, are blessed...or you wouldn't even be here!

Now depending on how you choose to live your life, you may feel as though you are cursed.  The choice is yours.  The power of successful living comes from within!  

So those of you who are reeling from the tumultuous election cycle...move on!  For life is passing you by, and time waits for no one!  

Don't waste your soulful energy on negativity...it is draining you of your true spirit! 

How about this?  How about everyone get out there and perform one RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS for another.  Anything...smile at a passing stranger and wish them a nice day.  Hold the door open for everyone.  Rake the neighbor's leaves...shovel the neighbor's snow, just to be nice.  Not for pay.  Bake cookies for someone.  Leave flowers on someone's doorstep.  And this is my favorite RAK...we always, always pay the bridge toll for the car behind us. 

It's that simple! 

And remember...always, always give thanks.

WE THE PEOPLE

As the Autumn leaves succumb to rain and wind and yes, our first snow, we must remind ourselves that the changing of seasons is a gift from our Creator.  The very One that is truly the common thread in all that exists, no matter what belief system you engage in. 

In our country where the topic of conversation, is not the beauty of the seasons, or the wonderful bounty of fall, but the battle between 2 very different and 2 very vocal candidates for the big job as President of these United States. 

Yet, as I watch the news, which is very hard to do anymore, we are not as united as we should be as "the people".  Not only is there more division in this great land through racism, and sexism, and oh boy am I, as a woman tired of all that talk, the political process is a nightmare this time around.  I am quite sure this is not how it was meant to be for the election of our leader. 

How is it that if one doesn't believe in another's viewpoints, or personal opinions, an all out battle ensues?  What ever happened to "to each his own"?  I have the right to disagree with you on your political viewpoints, or perhaps it is you, that disagrees with my views?  Whatever, we are individuals, and in a free society, those are our rights.  But, to take that disagreement and turn it into a physical, or a verbal assault on another's well being, is just plain wrong, and I just shake my head in disbelief at how quickly so many judge another.   For we will all be judged by our actions in the end.

There is only one judge...and I'm not talking about the one at the courthouse, after you get your butt arrested for violent protesting.  Where is your pride?  Have you no honor?  What about integrity? 

WAKE UP AMERICA!  There's alot at stake in this great land...and it really has nothing to do with the crap of " He said, She said"...blah blah blah.  Get the facts and educate yourself fully before you go into that voting booth.  And yes, that too, is not only your right, but it is a privilege!

Everyone, thankfully, in our family is gainfully employed.  We do our fair share...we volunteer, we give back, we participate in our community events, including the church...and yes, we are proud of it!  Yes, we can look in the mirror each day and know that we make a difference in our society!  A positive difference!  And yes, we are proud of it!

You too, can make a difference.  It is your right.  But it is not your right to thrust yourself into my peaceable kingdom.  First, I will not allow it or accept it!  And second, your negative efforts will be infused with guilt and shame and will drain you of all that is truly good that lies deep within your soul!  Tune inward!  And if you have nothing nice to say to another....keep your mouth shut!

Remember..."do unto others".  And for your own salvation, always give thanks!

Aloha!

Autumnal Blessings

On this last day of Summer I am energized and very much looking forward to the glorious days of Autumn.  And my blog friend Deborah at Temenos of the Blessing Light always sends me the best snail mail to ring in the new season.

 

I mingled a few new fallen maple leaves and some of the goldenrod with her lovely, velvety soft scarlet red leaf attached to gorgeous shiny golden paper with this poem...

fragile twigs

breaking off the scarlet papers

autumn wind

~  Basho

Oh to Autumn and all of its gorgeous, colorful glory!

Thank you Deborah! 

Aloha...

PEACE ATC GOES TO...

In my recent post of Good Vibrations  this PEACE Artist Trading Card (ATC) was being given away to one lucky commentor.  

 

 And the winner is...after a good shuffle and shake...

Laurie from 111 LaLa Lane 

Congratulations Laurie...I've got your addie and it's on its way!

Along with a few other goodies!

Thank you to everyone for stopping by! 

PEACE be with all of you! 

 Aloha

 

 

Rejuvenated

There is nothing more soothing to the soul as a soft summer rain in the early morn.  The sound of the rain summoned me from my sleep as I jumped out of bed to embrace it fully out of doors. My senses are alive as the birds rejoice in song and the trees put out a musical medley as the droplets hit the still green surface of the leaves.  As I walk in the rain, the cool sensation on my skin is the perfect remedy for 90 degree temperatures.

The plants and flowers nod in acceptance of their nourishment.

The bees are busy as the sun comes back around, ever so gently, in complete harmony with its partner in nature to go on duty.

A soft summer rain is glorious in its own right.  It is peaceful and calming and rejuvenating.  It is Mother Nature at work.

And I am grateful!

Good Vibrations

  

Recently, while visiting a state park that I had not been to since I was very, very young, I came across this wonderful display that was created by a mother and young boy as they enjoyed the cool mountain water on such a hot summer day.  They were very excited to share their natural creation with me as I strolled by.

The good vibrations that are sent out into the universe in this manner will always spark a reaction from an awakened soul.  For this display is the real handiwork of our Creator.  From the wonderful leaves, and shaped rocks, to the lovely family unit of mother with son who created this work of art.  And when you are tapped into the universal frequency of sheer humanity, which is truly just BE-ING, peace and tranquility are there in abundance.  Even in times of stress and turmoil, one can be transformed quite easily with the practice of gratitude and simple abundance.

Just imagine yourself coming upon this wonderful, natural display of beauty as your mind babble continues to badger you about such things that you really cannot do much about.  Snap out of it, and enjoy the beauty of the moment that is NOW!  You may not get another chance.  This I know for sure!

After reading a Random Musing from a blog friend Deborah about the letter V, the word vibrations came to mind, and this photo that I took last month was the one that foot the bill for this post!

Tune in...for we are all connected in such a Very Vibrant and especially, Vital, manner...and who in the world does not like Violets???

And may Peace be with you!

And I will be giving away this PEACE ATC that I created for a MIXED MEDIA MOODS CHALLENGE at deedeecatron.blogspot.com
Just leave a comment to be entered. Random drawing to be held on September 11.

Aloha...

Peace in Turmoil

As the news spreads stories of pain and suffering, I wonder where in the world are the stories of GREAT JOY with LOVE IN ABUNDANCE!  Has society gone so far off the rails?  Take a step back and take a good look in the mirror.  Do you see the image of God?  For we were all, each and every one of us, born in the image of our Creator.

And as sure as I am sitting here, with love and peace in my heart from my soul, I want to know that I can make a difference in this world of chaos through the diverse cultures and issues that seem to be at the heart of it all!

WE ARE ONE!  ALL OF US!  

TOGETHER, AS ONE, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23:6

 

The Pond

The pond lilies are in full bloom.

Since the heat of summer has finally come, the horses are hiding out in the shade.

And as I step closer to try and get a better shot, I see now why the geese and all the growing goslings are also hiding out in the field with the horses... Snakes are not my thing.  But a gorgeous shot all the same! 

Linking up today with TEXWISGIRL for Good Fences!  Pop in to say...ALOHA!

Home Sweet Home

GOD BLESS the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

And a special shout out to our BRAVE 

men and women in uniform!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

Transformation

What matters most to me, besides my wonderful family of course, is this...

I am true to myself...my true authentic self, where there is Divine Love in abundance.

It is my soul, my spirit, through which the Kingdom of Heaven can be realized here on earth.

I've had this Holy Spirit, even before birth, but it is upon birth into this human body temple, 

that the spirit is exposed.  It is rarely recognized as the indwelt nature bestowed upon

or gifted to all of mankind, due to the nature of the ego that speaks

much louder, demanding attention, thereby putting the true authentic self, 

the soul, the Holy Spirit under siege by humanity itself.  

For some folks there is great darkness that comes with pain and suffering, 

and total despair requiring complete and total surrender.

 

Transformation can only take place when you quiet the mind and go inward to where the soul is lying in wait...awaiting the glorious moment when the light goes on, and the ego self disappears and 

the true authentic self, born in the image of God is visible,

 and the Kingdom of Heaven, here on earth is realized!

It's a beautiful thing!

TUNE IN!

And always, always give thanks!

 

 Linking up today with TEXWISGIRL for GOOD FENCES!

Stop by to say "hello"! 

 PEACE BE WITH YOU!

In The Good Old Summertime

Oh, the last of the gorgeous poppies from Andrea's garden!

And if it's purple, it must be in Nina's garden...

Thankfully, the busy little bee is doing it's thing with my primrose!

And the icing on this cake of the Summer Solstice, is the Strawberry Moon.  Now, if only I had taken a picture of those wonderful tasting new strawberries from the local farm, I would show them.   Some went into a berry trifle, and I just finished off the rest for my lunch.  And some of them were so itty bitty, tiny and cute...but I ate every last one.  Gonna stop on my way home for more!

Yes, with Spring starting out in snow, and the cold windy days lasting right up until a couple weeks ago, we are finally embracing the GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME!  90 degree temps and all!

Stop by to visit a blog friend, Deborah at Temenos of the Blessing Light to see her post about this wonderful day of the Summer Solstice and the Strawberry Moon!

Looking forward to the Garden Tour this weekend at Andrea's!   Aloha Friends!

Unity

Somewhere over the rainbow...

Get out there and spread JOY...each and every day! 

WE ARE ONE! 

In Memory of...

1.  This Memorial Day weekend, we will take part in the local parade and ceremony to Honor those brave men and women who serve this great land of the United States of America!  This is what it is all about this weekend, remember? 

2.  A Dear Friend of ours passed away at the age of 109, just 2 weeks short of her 110th birthday!  We will be celebrating her very long life on her birthday.

3.  I wish that the people of this great land could put aside their personal and political differences long enough to realize that WE ARE ONE!  It doesn't matter to me where you come from, what you look like, what your belief system is, where you live, or whether or not you eat meat.  We all come from the same life force...YES, WE ARE ALL CONNECTED...SO PLEASE GET OUT THERE AND ACT LIKE IT!  COMPASSION, KINDNESS ARE ALL IT TAKES.  Take the ego out of it...it's that simple!  And please do thank a Veteran...not only this weekend, but every chance you get!  I DO!

4.  I always have great plans in Spring for my gardens.  And then the temps rose to 90 degrees, with high humidity, and well, it feels more like the lazy days of summer, and a whole lotta nothing gets done.

5.  Memorial Day is very special for me.  Not only to honor those mentioned in #1, but because it's when my Mom died...and I went into early labor with our 2nd child.   Out of state, 1 month early, completely unprepared for giving birth during the middle of the funeral...  I like to think that Mother met her new Grandchild in passing, for it was a sad day, yet, I was given something joyful to carry me through the mournful pain of her death.  Birth and Death...life goes on!

And you know what... at birth, this beautiful new baby, looked just like my Mom.  God works in mysterious ways!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU DEAR CHILD # 2, AND ALOHA TO MAMA!

TGIF...

1.  We finally have a decent Spring weather day...and my plants are very happy, because I've had to take them in every night it's been so cold.  But no more...

2.  I love going out in the early morning to hear the birdsongs...it's heavenly!

3.  Kids say the darndest things...when a young friend, age 3 was first introduced to her new baby girl cousin, she replied, "What's the point of her?"    Crack me up!  Out of the mouths of babes!  Wonder where that relationship is headed...

4. This is the first weekend in many that I have no plans...and that means I can do whatever I want!
GO ME!!!  I deserve it!  So, a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and probably some of that, if I feel like it...and a lot of that...hee hee!

5.  Before our last child of 3 graduated from college last week, my husband bought me a dozen red roses...to thank me for being the footing that launched those 3 very successful college educations...how sweet is that?  Of course, the 3 kiddies would probably say it was that footing that kicked them in the behind to keep them going!    YES, IT'S ALL GOOD!

Linking up with Nancy for Random 5 and Tex for Good Fences.  Stop by to say, "Aloha"!

Tuesday Afternoon

Why did the geese cross the road?

To get to the pond, you Silly Goose!

Oh, the simple things in life...

Linking up today with Kara at A Spirit of Simplicity.

Stop by to say "aloha"...

In the Now

1.  This lovely fence photo is before the rains came and helped put out the massive ridge fire.   It has been raining for days, and days.  And anyway, I LOVE THE RAIN!

2.  The baby little is graduating from college, 1 year early saving me a boatload of moola, and has already landed a job!  TALK ABOUT BEING BLESSED!

3.  A good friend of mine and her hubby, with their 3 young children packed up their entire house in 24 hours, and moved far away for a his job.  I CAN'T IMAGINE PACKING AN ENTIRE HOUSE IN 24 HOURS...YIKES!

4.  Someone gifted me a gorgeous purple orchid that is thriving on my desk!  I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVEN'T KILLED IT YET! 

5.  This Mother's Day is my oldest daughter's birthday.  How fitting, because she was the first one to make me a MOM!   I CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY ON MY CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAYS!  YEP, 3 MOTHER'S DAYS FOR ME!  And on Mother's Day, I honor my own Mother.

Living in the NOW, on this rainy day!

Linking up today with GOOD FENCES  and NANCY for Random 5 .

Pop in for a visit!

                  

                                                                                                                     

 

Everything Belongs!

When you take the time and make the effort to just stop running willy nilly to and fro, you just may begin to realize that the Universe is having a conversation with you!  And that everything belongs!

Now I have passed by this barn a zillion times, always commenting on how much I love it.  And as the sun was going down on this particular journey, we pulled over just to take in the beauty.  Oh how I wish I could watercolor that sky!

As we sat there, watching the sun fade away, down over the ridge, I was completely and totally engulfed in this glorious moment capturing God's handiwork.  I couldn't even tell you how long we sat there.  I recall now, there was no talking between my husband and I, there were no words necessary.

There was also nothing else present...no lingering thoughts of where we were supposed to be, or where we had just come from, what we were doing, what we have to do next, not even noise from the cars, trucks, tractors that use this country road.  NOTHING!  AND IT WAS PERFECT!

WE JUST WERE! 

 

 COMPLETE AND TOTAL HARMONY!

And as the sun went down on this, my favorite barn setting, on our way to and fro, I smile with the knowledge that I am blessed.  And I am exactly where I belong!