A Brand New Day

It's a brand new day, a brand new month, in a brand new year...2017!  And as I sit here at my window, looking out through the woods at the squirrels scurrying around for hidden acorns in the snow I am tuned into the very frequency that brings all of this natural beauty to me.

The Christmas season is glorious in its own right.  Add to that, the beauty of Mother Nature at her finest, well, what could be more spectacular!

While the black bears have gone into hibernation, the deer and the wild turkeys are still out and about looking for food.  

The birds are well taken care of.  And soon, the Christmas tree will be hauled out into the woods to be decorated once again with strings of popcorn and fruit for the winter creatures that are one with me:)

I wish you all Love, and Peace and Great Joy for 2017...Health and Prosperity, too..in abundance!

ALOHA...

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.

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!

Is it really all good?

       

I am a bookworm.  And a music lover.  Not a musician, but a lover of music.  (I leave the musicianship to our 3 very talented littles.)  As a youngster, I would race to the public library and spend my time lost in adventures.   I have my own library full of books in my home now.  OK, maybe more than I should have all over the house, but the very old vintage ones with those wonderful spines are very decorative, and they are my absolute faves.  I haven't read all of them, either.  Most of them I have acquired at used book sales, and I have posted before about the ones with that lovely script handwriting of old, claiming ownership or gifting a book to a new owner.  Yes, Old Friends for sure.  

Now as I curl up with a book, currently A Force for Good by Daniel Goleman, to try and distract me from tragic news that arrived earlier in the day, I peer at my piano and notice the old barnwood sign made by a friend that reads, "It's all good".  Yet, it really isn't.  For my heart pains for a tragic loss of a young extended family member who died much too young.  We didn't know him well, but it hurts just to know that his immediate family unit is totally numb.  

And we go on. 

Not being able to focus on any reading, I turn on the tube which doesn't get much use because there really isn't anything good on anymore, except for the cool stuff on National Geographic or the History channel.  And I click through channels only to hear more bad news.  Tragedy all over the place.  There has to be something good going on somewhere in the world in which we live.  But why don't we hear or see any of it on TV?  Has society gone so far off the rails that it must tune into such dark and negative and painful sufferings of humanity for entertainment?  How sad!

So, I call it a day, cuddle up to my wonderful husband of 29 years, close my eyes and go inward to tap into the glory of my awakened soul which keeps me in tune.

I realize that I am only one.  And I wonder sometimes if it is possible for just one person to make a difference in this life where there is so much chaos and strife among our fellow man.  I am strong. I am hopeful.  And I am determined.  So yes, I will go forward with my radiant light, in hopes that someone who is in the dark will see it, and understand that they are not alone.  Most of all, that there IS light, even in darkness.  

 

I am grateful for all that I  have.  And I urge all of you to practice compassion wherever you may go.  One simple act can make all the difference in the world to another human being.  Help me to keep humanity from destroying itself.  For then, yes, it will be ALL GOOD!

GK...REST IN PEACE!

Lost and Found

The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.

                                                                                                   ~ Harriet Ann Jacobs

It is the springtime of our awakening.  You are no longer lost...you have been found! We must go inward, get out of our own way, and pull out all that is lovely within our souls.  Nurture this, feed this, for this is the essence of our true being, of all connectedness in this life.  It is our duty to share this inner beauty and bring it about in others.  

We are one.  Born of the same life force.  No matter where you live, no matter what your beliefs are...

WE ARE ONE...THIS I SAY WITH CERTITUDE!

And ALWAYS, ALWAYS GIVE THANKS!

"As long as you are breathing, there is more right with you, than there is wrong with you"

~  Jon Kabat-Zinn

Linking up to Our World Tuesday

Breathe

In times of worry, we must stay focused on all that we have, and express gratitude for it, because worrying really has no useful foundation for creating a positive outcome. So why bother?

"There isn't enough room in your mind for both worry and faith.  You must decide which one will live there."  - Unknown
 

Strength comes to us when we need it most through those we love, and those who love us back.  And this includes Divine Love, which has been bestowed upon me, and for which I express my deepest gratitude!  I am blessed!

Empty Nest...again

The three "littles" have all gone back to their respective domains to conquer a last semester in college; to take on a new job; to teach other people's littles to sing in harmony...and as their Mother, as much as I still cry when they leave, as much as I worry about them driving in snowy weather, or just driving at all anymore, I know that worrying is draining me of my intense spirit that normally soars. 

So I have turned this day's worries into an empire of strength as I haul more wood in to keep the fire burning, so hubby doesn't have to when he gets home in the dark.  Since the cold winter wind has died down just a bit, I can walk in the woods to gather the remains of the fallen branches for kindling without fear of getting knocked out or crushed.  

And I am warmed by the lingering sound of the laughter of bonded siblings, the leftovers from the "baby little" who loves to cook, and the forgotten clothes in the washing machine which means only one thing... SHE'LL BE BACK!!!  And when one comes home, they all come home to be together, if only for a day!  I love our family!

And when they open their suitcases and bags and boxes to unpack, I know they will smile a BIG smile for the love notes from Mom, their fave cereal, tea and various surprises, and they will each remember the magnet that was sent with them upon their first departure from the homestead that reads:

HOME IS WHERE YOUR MOM IS!!!

 

 

Peace On Earth

I am blessed with an online blogger friend who very often sends me these beautiful hand made cards through good old fashioned snail mail, with such great quotes and sentiments, and I wanted to share the one I received today.  From Deborah at Temenos of the Blessing Light.

"Among other wonders of our lives, we are alive with one another, we walk here in the light of this unlikely world that isn't ours for long.  May we spend generously the time we are given.  May we enact our responsibilities as thoroughly as we enjoy our pleasures.  May we see clarity, may we seek a vision that serves all beings, may we honor the mystery surpassing our sight, and may we hold in our hands the gift of good work and bear it forth whole, as we were borne forth by a power we praise to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love."
                                                    - John Daniels

So, at this time of year, look within, and may you find the peace.  

A great big MAHALO to Deborah for including me in your journey of Peace and Joy and Love throughout the Universe.

Aloha

                                                                               

Attitude of Gratitude

A friend of mine wrote about an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE in the church bulletin and it resonated with me deeply.  The daily practice of gratitude is essential if we are to connect to one another in the Universe.  Now more than ever, we must reach out to one another, extend a hand, a greeting, share a smile and simply acknowledge that we share this place on this Earth, and that we should strive to make it a peaceable kingdom for ourselves and those around us.  These are very simple gestures, but can be very powerful on the receiving end. 

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because it presents a formality of that which I personally practice each and every single day, without fail.  Even in the light of turmoil, or strife, because it allows me to adjust my attitude or the nature of that which may be presenting itself as some sort of obstacle.  

Giving thanks is a release of anguish, and an invitation to peace.
Afterall, Thanksgiving IS for giving thanks...and there is always something to be thankful for!  And if you have doubts, get a camera and go out of doors, and capture a moment with Mother Nature.  You might be surprised what you see at the end of the lens. 

And as we approach the Christmas Season, I am always reminded of my favorite Christmas show...Charlie Brown's Christmas and these very special words from Linus to Charlie Brown...

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,

 good will toward men."    

Now, more than ever, let it be so.

Linking up with Kara for Tuesday Afternoons...stop by to say "hello"!

Challenges

 

Challenges bring us closer to our true selves.  We can pretend they don't bother us, and ignore these challenges, but they will return.  Perhaps with a new face, a new name, but the only way to conquer a challenge is to face it head on.  

It was last year around this time, that my daughter was gravely ill.  We were told that she just may not recover.   Well, we did not name her Kelly, which means, WARRIOR WOMAN, for nothing.  

And suffice it to say, from a coma, a ventilator, an artificial lung machine affectionately known as ECMO, dialysis, learning to walk again, learning to talk again...this beautiful child was on a mission to fulfill her true destiny in this life.  Although, she is not quite sure just what her true purpose on this earth is just yet, and she has yet to fully understand everything that her young body has had to endure, since she was in a coma for so long.  

However, she understands enough to know just how precious this life is.  As such, she has created a bucket list for herself.  And this past weekend, she was determined to check one more thing off.  A 5K run.

Now this was no small feat, for it was her lungs that failed her last year leading to her long hospitalization, with so many machines and meds to keep her alive.  And it is her lungs that she had to gently nurture back to working order by playing her beloved clarinet that she was so fortunate to play with her symphonic colleagues at Carnegie Hall last year.

She has triumphed in her quest to overcome the lung problems stemming from a bout with pneumonia, so much so, that she ran her very first 5K, checking it off of her bucket list.  The 3rd place trophy she received was icing on her pretty little cake.  And we are all so very proud of her!

More, she is proud of herself!

We are grateful.  We are blessed.  And the practice of gratitude is something that I do on a daily basis.   I urge everyone to be mindful of the moment at hand...this very moment, and give thanks!

Yes, it is a present...a gift!  Make the most of it!  Enjoy it to the very fullest!  

The Glory of Autumn

Autumn is my favorite season...ok, for the record, whatever season I am in is my favorite.  Yes, that is what living a mindful life is all about.  Even the one that graces us with the beautiful white stuff as it falls so peacefully (dumps is more like it) to the ground like these colored leaves that let go as they sail away with the gentle breezes that blow...or fall to the ground and become mingled with the acorns as the squirrels skitter here and there stocking up for my next fave season to come.

folks enjoying fishing in Autumn on the Delaware River

 

But until then, the glorious colors and that bounty of fall, which includes pumpkins, gourds, beautiful mums, and wonderful, wonderful apples, is something to look forward to.  It is sad to think that some folks have never experienced the full blown beauty of Mother Nature at this time of year.  

Yes, be mindful of this moment.  Wherever you are.  And enjoy it in all of its glory!

With Much Aloha...

Glorious~ness

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” 

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Gratitude in the Snow

Yes, the practice of gratitude is especially important when the Universe connects us through the various attributes of Mother Nature.  On this day before we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the northeast United States, the wet snow falls...ok, dumps is more like it because it's coming down really fast.  Yet, I walk outside to feel the wetness as I raise my face and hands to the sky and Give Thanks for all that is NOW!

    “I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite — only a sense of existence. ”

 –Henry David Thoreau

Morning Has Broken

 

Yes, the last of Autumn has met the first dusting of snow from Old Man Winter, and every bit of 22 degrees was felt this glorious morn.  

TRIPLE C kind of morn.   CRISP, CLEAN AND CCCOLD!!!

How sweet to greet the sun and the moon at the same time, from my backwoods, with the last leaf on this tree clinging, clinging.  Oh, to live in the country!  Gratitude in abundance has rewarded me this fine day. 

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”   ~ Dalai Lama

JOY

 I have discovered that my true authentic self is able to claim and actually project GREAT JOY outward so that others may have the opportunity to experience it and hopefully tap into its vibration to allow GREAT JOY to flow into and through them as well.  With joy there is love in abundance, and an overwhelming sense of peace.

It takes practice, but it is most worthy of a daily ritual, as much as the practice of thankfulness or gratitude.  The reward is absolute beauty!  Inner beauty; the only place where it truly counts! 

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. 

When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."
~Buddha

 

Now since I am not one for New Year's resolutions, I have chosen that one word...JOY...as the one word that shall empower me at this particular moment in time.  I would say throughout the year of 2014, but this moment is really all that matters.  It's really the only time that I have to express this GREAT JOY.  And as I continue to grow and evolve I know that I am not alone on this journey.  And to me, that is the cosmic connection that has great power to change the world as we know it.

 "Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." ~Mother Teresa

 Yes, we are one in this universe.  Take the time in nature to meditate and take in all that is given in the form of peace and beauty.  Even if it is raining or snowing, which we have had both of along with high winds here in the northeast U.S.  Especially if you are having a rough day in the material side of life.  Place full trust in your heart, take a deep cleansing breath and let your thoughts float away with the clouds.  It is then that your soul will open wide to speak to you...listen!

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

~ Thich Nhat Hanh 

my new clay stone

 

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
Buddha
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/joy.html#7sXfzmVBfItHcKw2.99

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
Buddha
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/joy.html#7sXfzmVBfItHcKw2.99

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
Buddha
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/joy.html#7sXfzmVBfItHcKw2.99

Blessed Be

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, and tuning in late to "Sonography" for Martina McBride's Blessed, I am burning "Blessed Be" incense handmade from all natural plant material from Nina at Two Crow Cottage. 

 I get kissed by the sun each morning

Matching socks (a rare sight)...it's cold outside

Put my feet on a hardwood floor

Rosebud Sandy's porch swing...sweet!

Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing just soaking up the day

I think to myself, I think to myself

This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed and I feel like I've found my way

I have been blessed with so much more than I deserve

Across a crowded room, I know you know what I'm thinking 

by the way I look at you...

And no words have to be said

I think to myself, I think to myself

This love is a beautiful gift

I have been blessed...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gratitude

Seasons change...

And as the cold north winds blow, 

the dry, brown leaves become part of the earth.

The skies turn gray with the hint of snow

and the chill prompts a deep cleansing breath 

to the heart and soul....

clearing the mind of angst in the material world.

We must tune in and remind ourselves

that we are one in this universe.

The circle of life continues,

and the soul lives on.

Peace comes from within.