Have you ever had to deal with a virus on your computer? A virus that sends out bogus emails under your address offering Viagra along also an attachment that is blank? No, I didn't think so. Thanks to the great folks at the virus cleaning company, including Kurt and Jesus, I am virus free tonight. Yeah, you heard me right, Jesus. I was actually on the phone this morning with Jesus. I was so stunned that I was talking to him, I asked him how he spelled his name. He said J-E-S-U-S. I thanked him and told him that is how most people spell Jesus. I also told him that I was not so much interested in his spirituality, but more interested in his technical ability to rid me of the nasty email tossing virus. He grunted....mildly and peacefully, after all, he is Jesus. He then efficiently and professionally ran scans, anti-virus updates, etc. and voila, virus free. I am certain that is worth every penny of the $400 that I forked over to Jesus and his formidable company.
I wouldn't wish a computer virus on anyone who is human. It takes enormous fortitude and patience to see it through....and a guy like Jesus, is sheer bonus in tackling any nasty old virus. I am deeply grateful for all of his knowledge and expertise around these issues and many more. Amen and God bless.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Reading for the Day, September 28, 2010
Look, and it can't be seen.
Listen, and it can't be heard.
Reach, and it can't be grasped.
Above, it isn't bright.
Below, it isn't dark.
Seamless, unnameable,
it returns to the realm of nothing.
Form that includes all forms,
image without any image,
subtle, beyond all conception.
Approach it and there is no beginning;
follow it and there is no end.
You can't know it, but you can be it,
at ease in your own life.
Just realize where you come from:
this is the essence of wisdom.
A reading from the Tao te Ching, written around 500 B.C.
Listen, and it can't be heard.
Reach, and it can't be grasped.
Above, it isn't bright.
Below, it isn't dark.
Seamless, unnameable,
it returns to the realm of nothing.
Form that includes all forms,
image without any image,
subtle, beyond all conception.
Approach it and there is no beginning;
follow it and there is no end.
You can't know it, but you can be it,
at ease in your own life.
Just realize where you come from:
this is the essence of wisdom.
A reading from the Tao te Ching, written around 500 B.C.
After and Before-" I just couldn't stand it a minute longer"
Have you ever had that feeling? I looked at my yard on Monday morning and I knew that I just could not stand to look at it another day. So with the help of mulch, mums, kale and Logan Chitwood, my front yard has been transformed into fabulous fall foliage! A neighbor walked by yesterday afternoon and said that the "transformation "had inspired her to make some beauty in her front yard. Nice!
Speaking of beauty, my lake view continues to inspire me. It's a good thing, as the rest of the house is still a total nightmare. But, next week the carpeting and floors will be in and then I can really start to move in. In spite of the massive mess, I feel such gratitude for my home....my place...my abode....my cottage castle.
Speaking of beauty, my lake view continues to inspire me. It's a good thing, as the rest of the house is still a total nightmare. But, next week the carpeting and floors will be in and then I can really start to move in. In spite of the massive mess, I feel such gratitude for my home....my place...my abode....my cottage castle.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Boot to boot in Carmel, Indiana
Today was my date with the Carmel, Indiana, traffic court folks. I had talked to a pleasant woman named Amanda a few times previously, as the entire process seemed inordinately complicated. When I met her this afternoon, she had on the identical boot that I have. Wow, what a coincidence!!! However, Amanda has had her boot on for 6 weeks and it is perfectly spotless ans quite professional looking. I, on the other hand sport a sorry, stained and spray painted boot. I was a tad embarrassed about all of this and explained to Ms. Amanda that I had recently moved (a month ago) and was in the middle of all kinds of projects. I asked her how her boot had remained so pristine and she told me that her doctor had told her not to walk on it very much. Ouch, my doctor told me the same thing, but there are songs to be sung and life to be lived, blah, blah blah. Amanda flashed me a 'what kind of idiot are you?" look and I packed up my papers and receipts and my boot and limped away.
The Reading of the Day, September 22, 2010
Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away.
But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.
When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart.
But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye.
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.
Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away
But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon
When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart
But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon
Lyrics to Harvest Moon by Neil Young
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away.
But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.
When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart.
But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye.
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon.
Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away
But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon
When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart
But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon
Lyrics to Harvest Moon by Neil Young
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Welcome Autumn
I don't ever remember having the first day of autumn be as warm as it was today...93 degrees! With mums wilting and brown leaves falling it felt more like the dog days of August. But rain is coming and so is the Harvest moon on the 23rd. And then....temps in the 40's and 60's to follow. Now, that's my kind of fall. Hurry!
The last ten days or so have been a blur of activity centering around my new abode. As crazy as it is around this partially fixed up house, it still feels comfortable and somehow calm. By mid October I should be settled in and ready to resume my life.
The last ten days or so have been a blur of activity centering around my new abode. As crazy as it is around this partially fixed up house, it still feels comfortable and somehow calm. By mid October I should be settled in and ready to resume my life.
The Reading of the Day, September 10, 2010
Waken in Me a Sense of Joy
O extravagant God,
in this ripening red-tinged autumn,
waken in me a joy
in just being alive,
joy for nothing in general
except everything in particular;
joy in sun and rain
mating with earth to birth a harvest;
joy in soft light
through shyly disrobing trees;
joy in the acolyte moon
setting halos around processing clouds;
joy in the beating of a thousand wings
mysteriously knowing which way is warm;
joy in wagging tales and kids' smiles
and in this spunky old city;
joy in the taste of bread and wine,
the smell of dawn,
a touch,
a song,
a presence;
joy in having what I cannot live without-----
other people to hold and cry and laugh with;
joy in love,
in you;
and that all at first and last
is grace.
From Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder
O extravagant God,
in this ripening red-tinged autumn,
waken in me a joy
in just being alive,
joy for nothing in general
except everything in particular;
joy in sun and rain
mating with earth to birth a harvest;
joy in soft light
through shyly disrobing trees;
joy in the acolyte moon
setting halos around processing clouds;
joy in the beating of a thousand wings
mysteriously knowing which way is warm;
joy in wagging tales and kids' smiles
and in this spunky old city;
joy in the taste of bread and wine,
the smell of dawn,
a touch,
a song,
a presence;
joy in having what I cannot live without-----
other people to hold and cry and laugh with;
joy in love,
in you;
and that all at first and last
is grace.
From Guerrillas of Grace by Ted Loder
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Reading of the Day, September 7-9, 2010
Accept Differences Be Kind Count Your Blessings
Dream Express Thanks Forgive Give Freely Harm No One Imagine More Jettison Anger Keep Confidences Love Truly Master Something Nurture Hope Open Your Mind Pack Lightl
Quell Rumors Reciprocate
Seek Wisdom Touch Hearts Understand
Value Truth Win Graciously Xeriscape
Yearn For Peace Zealously Support A Worthy Cause The ABC's of Life Author unknown
France v. Foot
In the case of France v. Foot, the foot was awarded full custody of me and asked that I remain in Indiana.. France will have to wait for a "foot recovery". In other words, the trip has been canceled and the foot and ankle will remain "booted" for 7-8 more weeks. The tendon is not torn, which is very good news in the long term. There are two stress fractures, however, that will need to be pampered and protected for the short term. After some excellent physical therapy, I plan be good as new.
As difficult as the decision was, and as badly as I feel about disappointing my traveling friend, Helene, it was the only decision that felt right for me. That left foot and ankle of mine will be 61 years old this month and they begged me to consider their future health. So, I did. Case closed.
As difficult as the decision was, and as badly as I feel about disappointing my traveling friend, Helene, it was the only decision that felt right for me. That left foot and ankle of mine will be 61 years old this month and they begged me to consider their future health. So, I did. Case closed.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day Weekend, 2010.....the Kiss
Although it would have made perfect sense for me to stay home this weekend and get settled and get prepped for the painters and the window and the dock folks, I didn't. Instead, I headed north to Alyssa and Rob's heaven on earth, The Homestead. I have not been there for about five weeks....the same amount of time that I have been without my beloved pup, Toby.
We met on Saturday morning at the Zionsville market and swooned over casseroles and coxcomb. It was cool and beautiful and I could taste the first kiss of fall. Alyssa and Aspen, her amazing friend Lauren and I passed the time over an hour and half breakfast. Most of that time was WAITING for my crab crepe. It was well worth the wait, although I was tempted once or twice to hurl myself over the counter and prepare the damn thing myself. But hurling was out of the question, due to my space age boot that is keeping my tendon in tact. Speaking of tendons, no word yet on the MRI, hopefully tomorrow. I am still planning my trip to France on the 14th, unless otherwise advised.
Highlights of the weekend:
~ the Z'ville market, setting the tone for a laid back weekend filled with fun, deep sharing and great food
~ seeing my sissy city dog turn into a full fledged country dog. FYI, Tobster treats himself to a daily swim in the pond, as I would, if I lived at the Homestead
~playing and laughing with baby Aspen
~loving and laughing to the point of happy hysterics with my beautiful daughter, Alyssa Barr
~being grateful for the here and now
~kissing God and thanking him for my family, first and foremost
~kissing God and thanking him for my friends, who feel like family
~kissing God and thanking him for my one wild and precious life
Labor Day was a labor of love!
We met on Saturday morning at the Zionsville market and swooned over casseroles and coxcomb. It was cool and beautiful and I could taste the first kiss of fall. Alyssa and Aspen, her amazing friend Lauren and I passed the time over an hour and half breakfast. Most of that time was WAITING for my crab crepe. It was well worth the wait, although I was tempted once or twice to hurl myself over the counter and prepare the damn thing myself. But hurling was out of the question, due to my space age boot that is keeping my tendon in tact. Speaking of tendons, no word yet on the MRI, hopefully tomorrow. I am still planning my trip to France on the 14th, unless otherwise advised.
Highlights of the weekend:
~ the Z'ville market, setting the tone for a laid back weekend filled with fun, deep sharing and great food
~ seeing my sissy city dog turn into a full fledged country dog. FYI, Tobster treats himself to a daily swim in the pond, as I would, if I lived at the Homestead
~playing and laughing with baby Aspen
~loving and laughing to the point of happy hysterics with my beautiful daughter, Alyssa Barr
~being grateful for the here and now
~kissing God and thanking him for my family, first and foremost
~kissing God and thanking him for my friends, who feel like family
~kissing God and thanking him for my one wild and precious life
Labor Day was a labor of love!
The Reading of the Day, September 3-6, 2010
When I Want To Kiss God
When
No one is looking
I swallow deserts and clouds
And chew on mountains knowing
They are sweet
Bones!
When no one is looking and I want
To kiss
God
I just lift my own hand
To
My
Mouth
By HAFIZ, the most beloved Persian poet (c. 1320-1389)
When
No one is looking
I swallow deserts and clouds
And chew on mountains knowing
They are sweet
Bones!
When no one is looking and I want
To kiss
God
I just lift my own hand
To
My
Mouth
By HAFIZ, the most beloved Persian poet (c. 1320-1389)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Home Sweet Home
I am so blessed that this enormous transition in my life is during my sabbatical. How could I accomplish what all needs to be done if I were working? The appointments, the phone calls, the emails are all consuming!
So, the painters are ready, the new carpet is in process, the new dock is a done deal and the porch windows are determined. In just a few short weeks my new home will be comfy/cozy....my nest, my refuge.
Already, in the chaos of the moment, this space feels like home. It feels safe, it feels beautiful and it feels just right! Maybe for the very first time in my entire life, it feels like home!
So, the painters are ready, the new carpet is in process, the new dock is a done deal and the porch windows are determined. In just a few short weeks my new home will be comfy/cozy....my nest, my refuge.
Already, in the chaos of the moment, this space feels like home. It feels safe, it feels beautiful and it feels just right! Maybe for the very first time in my entire life, it feels like home!
The Reading of the Day, August 31-September2, 2010
Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you:
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I:
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.
Who Has Seen The Wind by Christina Rossetti
Neither I nor you:
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I:
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.
Who Has Seen The Wind by Christina Rossetti
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