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
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Reading of the Day, August 30, 2010
"Words, no matter whether they are vocalized and made into sounds or remain unspoken as thoughts, can cast an almost hypnotic spell on you. You easily loose yourself in them, become hypnotized into implicitly believing that when you have attached a word to something, you know what it is. The fact is : You don't know what it is. You have only covered up the mystery with a label. Everything, a bird, a tree, even a simple stone and certainly a human being, is ultimately unknowable. This is because it has unfathomable depth. All we can perceive, experience, think about, is the surface layer of reality, less than the tip of an iceberg."
Excerpt from A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Excerpt from A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Throwin' Up and Thrown Over
What a day at the lake! First and foremost, K.C. and Owen came over to help line the kitchen cabinets and go for a swim. When we all went down to the dock (boot in tow), I could not believe what horrible condition the dock was in. It looked like an accident ready to happen..... and it did.
K.C. and O-O eventually negotiated the dock and took the plunge into the clean and cool water. As the guys were swimming and having all sorts of fun, Owen commenced to just about cough up a lung...and then, he topped it off by throwing up in the lake. And that's only the the half of it.....
As K.C. and Owen left, my dear sister/ friend Cathy Chitwood arrived with a $79.00 floating chair, noodles, flippers and body boards. This is a women who would rather float on water than do anything else in the world....hmmmm.
Being water incapacitated due to my taped foot, I accompanied Cathy down to the dock and stood on the loose boards so she could safely navigate the ladder into the water. But, lo and behold, the ladder and two boards and Cathy broke loose from the dock and were all thrown into the Mystic! Woe....I've known this woman for over twenty five years and I have never seen her in a compromising situation.....until today. She gulped and coughed and stammered until I feared she'd also toss her cookies into the lake. But, fear not, Cathy soon recovered and began her beloved float. As Cathy was delving into a deep meditative state, a "really big fish...maybe a wide mouthed bass" spotted her mother's diamond ring on her finger and attempted to bite it off. I AM NOT KIDDING. For the second time in ten minutes, Cathy again lost her cool and started screaming at the top of her lungs....."Oh, God, a fish...I am so scared (?) of fish."
The bottom line is ...what in the hell do my neighbors think? Really- vomit, ladders, dock and giant killer fish...all falling into the clean and cool water around my decrepit dock. Geez! I'm certain that Mystic Bay is a buzz tonight about the lovely new neighbor in a cast who is entertaining a cast ....of characters!
Welcome to Mystic Bay!
K.C. and O-O eventually negotiated the dock and took the plunge into the clean and cool water. As the guys were swimming and having all sorts of fun, Owen commenced to just about cough up a lung...and then, he topped it off by throwing up in the lake. And that's only the the half of it.....
As K.C. and Owen left, my dear sister/ friend Cathy Chitwood arrived with a $79.00 floating chair, noodles, flippers and body boards. This is a women who would rather float on water than do anything else in the world....hmmmm.
Being water incapacitated due to my taped foot, I accompanied Cathy down to the dock and stood on the loose boards so she could safely navigate the ladder into the water. But, lo and behold, the ladder and two boards and Cathy broke loose from the dock and were all thrown into the Mystic! Woe....I've known this woman for over twenty five years and I have never seen her in a compromising situation.....until today. She gulped and coughed and stammered until I feared she'd also toss her cookies into the lake. But, fear not, Cathy soon recovered and began her beloved float. As Cathy was delving into a deep meditative state, a "really big fish...maybe a wide mouthed bass" spotted her mother's diamond ring on her finger and attempted to bite it off. I AM NOT KIDDING. For the second time in ten minutes, Cathy again lost her cool and started screaming at the top of her lungs....."Oh, God, a fish...I am so scared (?) of fish."
The bottom line is ...what in the hell do my neighbors think? Really- vomit, ladders, dock and giant killer fish...all falling into the clean and cool water around my decrepit dock. Geez! I'm certain that Mystic Bay is a buzz tonight about the lovely new neighbor in a cast who is entertaining a cast ....of characters!
Welcome to Mystic Bay!
The Reading for the Day, August 28-29, 2010
If you want to become whole,
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become srtaight,
let yurself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up.
Reading #22 from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
let yourself be partial.
If you want to become srtaight,
let yurself be crooked.
If you want to become full,
let yourself be empty.
If you want to be reborn,
let yourself die.
If you want to be given everything,
give everything up.
Reading #22 from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
"I'm Not Complaining, I'm Just Reporting"
For all of the years that Tarkington Tweed/Trend was in business (21), we had a older customer named Elizabeth, who was an elegant woman. Elizabeth and I shared the same sorority at Butler and alas, a common bond, although she was a co-ed when "Hector was a pup". Anyway, as Elizabeth aged, and I would inquire how she was doing, before she would give me the low down on her health she always prefaced her answer with "Now, Kelli, I'm not complaining, I'm just reporting".
With that in mind, I am reporting that I royally screwed up my left ankle during the move. My wonderful friend and super star podiatrist, Mike Helms, wrapped and "booted" my throbbing appendage. It looks like an x-ray and MRI will be in the plans this week.
So, no worries(?) , my trip to France is two weeks away. Yikes, I've got to get hopping (literally) on getting better!
With that in mind, I am reporting that I royally screwed up my left ankle during the move. My wonderful friend and super star podiatrist, Mike Helms, wrapped and "booted" my throbbing appendage. It looks like an x-ray and MRI will be in the plans this week.
So, no worries(?) , my trip to France is two weeks away. Yikes, I've got to get hopping (literally) on getting better!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 26-27, 2010
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older,
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly flow the days,
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
Blossoming even as they gaze...
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset!
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears..
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears
Lyrics from Sunrise, Sunset , Fiddler on the Roof
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older,
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly flow the days,
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
Blossoming even as they gaze...
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset!
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears..
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears
Lyrics from Sunrise, Sunset , Fiddler on the Roof
Sunrise and Sunset
The sun came up over the misty water in Mystic Bay this morning. With boxes everywhere and no sheets or bedding in sight, I felt completely at home welcoming the sunrise over the water.
I found myself staring out over the ever changing water today. I have dreamed my entire life of living on water and now that time in my life has come to be.
This evening John Domont hosted a dinner party at his home and studio overlooking the Indianapolis skyline. We manged on a delicious feast and laughed the night away. The sunset was picture perfect and was enjoyed and appreciated by all.
"Swiftly flow the years......
Laden with happiness and tears"
I found myself staring out over the ever changing water today. I have dreamed my entire life of living on water and now that time in my life has come to be.
This evening John Domont hosted a dinner party at his home and studio overlooking the Indianapolis skyline. We manged on a delicious feast and laughed the night away. The sunset was picture perfect and was enjoyed and appreciated by all.
"Swiftly flow the years......
Laden with happiness and tears"
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 25, 2010
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
A Day "Packed" With Emotions
The day was filled with the sound of tape ripping, bubble wrap popping and paper wrapping the rest of my belongings. As I was packing up my kitchen desk, I found a small manila envelope filled with some letters from my mother. I held them close to my heart and shed some tears of longing....longing for my blessed mom-Lady. Seeing her beautiful handwriting was so powerful and intimate, it was if she were right there encouraging me to get on with all that still needs to be done.
Lady always told her truth and I dearly miss her "take" on my world....her heart felt advice on my children, grandchildren, work, relationships, hopes and fears was priceless to me. Does anyone ever take the place of your mother? Not for me.
I could have used her sage advice today. Packing up and moving on, both literally and emotionally, is a complex dynamic for me. As I shed the skin of my former life, I feel both open and vulnerable at the same time. What is it that she would say to me in this moment, I wonder?
Well, I need to go now, as I will soon close my eyes and share all of this with Lady, as I drift off to sleep for he last night in my former life.
Lady always told her truth and I dearly miss her "take" on my world....her heart felt advice on my children, grandchildren, work, relationships, hopes and fears was priceless to me. Does anyone ever take the place of your mother? Not for me.
I could have used her sage advice today. Packing up and moving on, both literally and emotionally, is a complex dynamic for me. As I shed the skin of my former life, I feel both open and vulnerable at the same time. What is it that she would say to me in this moment, I wonder?
Well, I need to go now, as I will soon close my eyes and share all of this with Lady, as I drift off to sleep for he last night in my former life.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 24, 2010
I MUST go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
Sea Fever John Masefield
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.
Sea Fever John Masefield
Happy Thanksgiving!
Day 2 had been very busy, needless to say. The mover stopped by to take another peek before Thursday and informed me that he is going need two moving trucks, not one. I asked him why and he said "you godda lodda STUFF"! For my dear, dear friends who have helped me pack, this may not be a big surprise.
Hungry a a bear, I set out for dinner at 3:30 PM. My car took me to MCL where my eyes quickly feasted on all of the fresh fare....and then look a sharp right down the cafeteria line, nose diving into Thanksgiving Dinner! That's right......mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey and gallons of gravy. It tasted so good. As I looked at my disappearing cafeteria food, I decided I need to give thanks (after all, it was Thanksgiving Dinner). Here was my devout offering-
Dear God,
Thank you so much for:
1. Inventing mashed potatoes and turkey gravy
2. Having me be of Irish decent, having my ancestors survive the potato famine, and having some potatoes survive, as well
3. Wonderful friends who have lightened my packing days and helped me so much
4. My loving brood..K.C., Amy, Alyssa, Rob and the kids
5. My new home on Mystic Bay
6. Making any day and everyday, Thanksgiving Day
Amen.
Burp!
Hungry a a bear, I set out for dinner at 3:30 PM. My car took me to MCL where my eyes quickly feasted on all of the fresh fare....and then look a sharp right down the cafeteria line, nose diving into Thanksgiving Dinner! That's right......mashed potatoes, stuffing, turkey and gallons of gravy. It tasted so good. As I looked at my disappearing cafeteria food, I decided I need to give thanks (after all, it was Thanksgiving Dinner). Here was my devout offering-
Dear God,
Thank you so much for:
1. Inventing mashed potatoes and turkey gravy
2. Having me be of Irish decent, having my ancestors survive the potato famine, and having some potatoes survive, as well
3. Wonderful friends who have lightened my packing days and helped me so much
4. My loving brood..K.C., Amy, Alyssa, Rob and the kids
5. My new home on Mystic Bay
6. Making any day and everyday, Thanksgiving Day
Amen.
Burp!
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 23, 2010
"We do not find our own center; it finds us. Our own mind will not be able to figure it out. We collapse back into the Truth, only when we are naked and free- which is probably not very often. We do not think ourselves into new ways of living. We live ourselves into new ways of thinking."
An excerpt from Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr
An excerpt from Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr
Movin' and Groovin'
Today was the kickoff to "Moving Day" on Thursday. Boxes, paper, tape, trash, memories and a few tears are all part of movin' on. Many thanks to my dear friends for helping me to pack the endless china, pottery, crystal and glasses. Where did I get all of these things and why, I now wonder?
I'm pooped! Moving is indescribable, wouldn't you say? It's like one continuous flashback as you pull a picture from a drawer or open a recipe book to a family favorite or wrap your favorite mug.
But, tomorrow will be knocking at my door way to soon and I must excuse myself to pull a hot bubble bath, to relax into the notion of what tomorrow's packing might unearth.
I'm pooped! Moving is indescribable, wouldn't you say? It's like one continuous flashback as you pull a picture from a drawer or open a recipe book to a family favorite or wrap your favorite mug.
But, tomorrow will be knocking at my door way to soon and I must excuse myself to pull a hot bubble bath, to relax into the notion of what tomorrow's packing might unearth.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 22, 2010
Back home again in Indiana
And it seems that I can see
A gleaming candlelight
Still shining bright
Through the sycamores, for me
The new-mown hay
Seeds all its fragrance
From the fields I used to roam
When I dream about the moonlight
On the Wabash
Then I long for my Indiana home
The lyrics to Back Home in Indiana by James Hanley and Ballard MacDonald
And it seems that I can see
A gleaming candlelight
Still shining bright
Through the sycamores, for me
The new-mown hay
Seeds all its fragrance
From the fields I used to roam
When I dream about the moonlight
On the Wabash
Then I long for my Indiana home
The lyrics to Back Home in Indiana by James Hanley and Ballard MacDonald
Saturday, August 21, 2010
For A Reason, For A Season...Or For Life
Last week, a wise friend of mine reminded me that people we love come into our lives "for a reason, a season or for life." What a wonderful way to look at our myriad of loving and often times, complex relationships.
The same tenants can hold true for our life experiences. As I sit at the San Francisco airport at 5:00 AM preparing to board, I am struck how in three short weeks, I feel as if I am seeing life through a clearer and brighter lens.
So, my beloved Sonoma.....the reason for you, I believe, was to learn to open my heart wider and with more wonder for this glorious life. The season, perhaps, was to experience the essence of long ago summers, that is, lazy slow days with no set schedule, no responsibilities of any consequence- just passing the time. And lastly, Sonoma, I pray, came into my life, for life, as a symbol of the true spirit and pure grace of life itself.
Oh, life!
The same tenants can hold true for our life experiences. As I sit at the San Francisco airport at 5:00 AM preparing to board, I am struck how in three short weeks, I feel as if I am seeing life through a clearer and brighter lens.
So, my beloved Sonoma.....the reason for you, I believe, was to learn to open my heart wider and with more wonder for this glorious life. The season, perhaps, was to experience the essence of long ago summers, that is, lazy slow days with no set schedule, no responsibilities of any consequence- just passing the time. And lastly, Sonoma, I pray, came into my life, for life, as a symbol of the true spirit and pure grace of life itself.
Oh, life!
The Reading for the Day, August 21, 2010
Without a Net
Living Life with Trust
Living life without a net can be just what we need to step outside of ourselves and make the choices we need most.
As we create the life of our dreams, we often reach a crossroads where the choices seem to involve the risk of facing the unknown versus the safety and comfort of all that we have come to trust. We may feel like a tightrope walker, carefully teetering along the narrow path to our goals, sometimes feeling that we are doing so without a net. Knowing we have some backup may help us work up the courage to take those first steps, until we are secure in knowing that we have the skills to work without one. But when we live our lives from a place of balance and trust in the universe, we may not see our source of support, but we can know that it is there.
If we refuse to act only if we can see the safety net, we may be allowing the net to become a trap as it creates a barrier between us and the freedom to pursue our goals. Change is inherent in life, so even what we have learned to trust can surprise us at any moment. Remove fear from the equation and then, without even wondering what is going on below, we can devote our full attention to the dream that awaits us.
We attract support into our lives when we are willing to make those first tentative steps, trusting that the universe will provide exactly what we need. In that process we can decide that whatever comes from our actions is only for our highest and best experience of growth. It may come in the form of a soft landing, an unexpected rescue or an eye-opening experience gleaned only from the process of falling. So rather than allowing our lives to be dictated by fear of the unknown, or trying to avoid falling, we can appreciate that sometimes we experience life fully when we are willing to trust and fall. And in doing so, we may just find that we have the wings to fly.
When we believe that there is a reason for everything, we are stepping out with the safety net of the universe, and we know we will make the best from whatever comes our way.
The Daily Om, August 20,2010
Living Life with Trust
Living life without a net can be just what we need to step outside of ourselves and make the choices we need most.
As we create the life of our dreams, we often reach a crossroads where the choices seem to involve the risk of facing the unknown versus the safety and comfort of all that we have come to trust. We may feel like a tightrope walker, carefully teetering along the narrow path to our goals, sometimes feeling that we are doing so without a net. Knowing we have some backup may help us work up the courage to take those first steps, until we are secure in knowing that we have the skills to work without one. But when we live our lives from a place of balance and trust in the universe, we may not see our source of support, but we can know that it is there.
If we refuse to act only if we can see the safety net, we may be allowing the net to become a trap as it creates a barrier between us and the freedom to pursue our goals. Change is inherent in life, so even what we have learned to trust can surprise us at any moment. Remove fear from the equation and then, without even wondering what is going on below, we can devote our full attention to the dream that awaits us.
We attract support into our lives when we are willing to make those first tentative steps, trusting that the universe will provide exactly what we need. In that process we can decide that whatever comes from our actions is only for our highest and best experience of growth. It may come in the form of a soft landing, an unexpected rescue or an eye-opening experience gleaned only from the process of falling. So rather than allowing our lives to be dictated by fear of the unknown, or trying to avoid falling, we can appreciate that sometimes we experience life fully when we are willing to trust and fall. And in doing so, we may just find that we have the wings to fly.
When we believe that there is a reason for everything, we are stepping out with the safety net of the universe, and we know we will make the best from whatever comes our way.
The Daily Om, August 20,2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Reading for Today, August 20, 2010
"Of course, one cannot live like this forever. Real life and wars and traumas and mortaliity will intervene eventually."
An exerpt from Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
An exerpt from Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Reading for the Day, August 19, 2010
"Oh, how can I say this: People need wild places. Whether or not we think we do, we do. We need to be able to taste grace and know once again that we desire it. We need to experience a landscape that is timeless, whose agenda moves at the pace of speciation and glaciers. To be surrounded by a singing, mating, howling commotion of other species, all of which love their lives as much as we do ours, and none of which could care less about our economic status or our calendar. Wildness puts us in our place. It reminds us that our plans are small and somewhat absurd. It reminds us why, in those cases which our plans might influence future generations, we ought to chose carefully. Looking out on a clean plank of planet earth, we can get shaken right down to he bone by the bronze-eyed possibility of lives that are not our own."
From Small Wonder, a collection of essays by Barbara Kingsolver
From Small Wonder, a collection of essays by Barbara Kingsolver
Thursday, August 19, 2010
A Sonoma Sendoff!
Today was my last full day in my beloved Sonoma. I cannot think of a more enjoyable way to spend this last day than being with my dear friend Marty and exploring this beautiful wine country together! We tasted some of the most delicious wines in this valley, had a unforgettable lunch at Cafe Citti, and breathed in all of the majesty this Valley.---God's country.
I have enjoyed every second of every day here. Thank you God for this time, this place and this space. Amen.
I have enjoyed every second of every day here. Thank you God for this time, this place and this space. Amen.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 18 2010
Beauty
Beauty is startling. She wears a gold shawl in the summer and sells seven kinds of honey at the flee market. She is young and old at once, my daughter and my grandmother. In school she excelled in mathematics and poetry. Beauty doesn't anger easily, but she was annoyed with a journalist who kept asking her about her favorites-as if she could have one favorite color or one favorite flower. She does not mind questions though, and she is fond of riddles. Beauty will dance with anyone who is brave enough to ask her.
A poem from The Book of Qualities by J. Ruth Gendler
Beauty is startling. She wears a gold shawl in the summer and sells seven kinds of honey at the flee market. She is young and old at once, my daughter and my grandmother. In school she excelled in mathematics and poetry. Beauty doesn't anger easily, but she was annoyed with a journalist who kept asking her about her favorites-as if she could have one favorite color or one favorite flower. She does not mind questions though, and she is fond of riddles. Beauty will dance with anyone who is brave enough to ask her.
A poem from The Book of Qualities by J. Ruth Gendler
May All of Your Pain Be Champagne!
It is a hard life, but someone has to live it! Marty and I explored Napa today. With reserved tastings, it was both a delicious and a privileged day. We tasted some of the best wines in Napa...pure delight!
Tonight we made a scrumptious dinner and shared a very fine Cab from a magnificent small family winemaker in Napa. The sparkly was the best!
Tonight we made a scrumptious dinner and shared a very fine Cab from a magnificent small family winemaker in Napa. The sparkly was the best!
My "Spiritual Advisor" arrives
My dear friend and "spiritual advisor", Father Marty Peter, arrived in San Francisco early this evening. I am an absolutely dreadful driver, as many of you can testify, and I was not looking forward the drive to the city during rush hour. All was humming along until I got on the Golden Gate bridge my eyes were feasting on Sausalito on one side and that magnificent "city by the bay" on the other side. I was just mesmerized by all of the beauty in front of and on each side of me. I really needed someone else to drive so I could lap up all there was to see. A few irate drivers honked and shook their pinkies at me. I have no idea why all the fury...it's very difficult to stay in your lane when there is so much to take in. After I paid the toll, I was looking for the 280 merge, but was also looking at a stunning view of the bay. The bay view won out and I missed my merge and ended up at Fisherman's Wharf.
Three lovely San Franciscans, at different times and in different places graciously guided me to the airport. I will skip most of the gory details, except to tell you that San Franciscan #1 spoke very little English, but carefully crafted the directions to the airport for me. I am certain that they were stellar directions, but I could not read his handwriting very well. He was so proud of his good deed that did not have it in me to ask him to rewrite the directions legibly. With a big "mucho gratious", off I went, to stalk my next direction's victim. San Franciscan #2 was in her seventies, being pulled along the street by a four month old Golden Retriever pup. You might be thinking, how do I know all these things about this lady? Well, my curiosity does not go dormant just because I am asking directions from a total stranger. As she was giving me directions, after our five minute discussion on the pros and cons of training a new puppy, I was on my way....at least I hoped so. As I got tangled in the rush hour traffic, I lost my confidence that I was going the right way. So, I rolled down my window and voila, San Franciscan #3. I pleaded to this gorgeous, movie star handsome young man in his twenties "Can you help me get to the airport" and he said with a big smile, just like in the movies, " Follow me, I'll take you there." And off we went. When I eventually saw the airport ahead, I gave him a big honk and a wave. I even blew him a kiss for good measure and got a good shot of his escort Audi below.
Marty safely arrived and headed back to Sonoma for some good wine, some meaningful conversations and perhaps, a little direction!
Off Sonoma wine country tomorrow!
Three lovely San Franciscans, at different times and in different places graciously guided me to the airport. I will skip most of the gory details, except to tell you that San Franciscan #1 spoke very little English, but carefully crafted the directions to the airport for me. I am certain that they were stellar directions, but I could not read his handwriting very well. He was so proud of his good deed that did not have it in me to ask him to rewrite the directions legibly. With a big "mucho gratious", off I went, to stalk my next direction's victim. San Franciscan #2 was in her seventies, being pulled along the street by a four month old Golden Retriever pup. You might be thinking, how do I know all these things about this lady? Well, my curiosity does not go dormant just because I am asking directions from a total stranger. As she was giving me directions, after our five minute discussion on the pros and cons of training a new puppy, I was on my way....at least I hoped so. As I got tangled in the rush hour traffic, I lost my confidence that I was going the right way. So, I rolled down my window and voila, San Franciscan #3. I pleaded to this gorgeous, movie star handsome young man in his twenties "Can you help me get to the airport" and he said with a big smile, just like in the movies, " Follow me, I'll take you there." And off we went. When I eventually saw the airport ahead, I gave him a big honk and a wave. I even blew him a kiss for good measure and got a good shot of his escort Audi below.
Marty safely arrived and headed back to Sonoma for some good wine, some meaningful conversations and perhaps, a little direction!
Off Sonoma wine country tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 17, 2010
Rethinking Reverence
R a radical loving of self; our faults, our foibles and our flat out "joie de vivre"
E ever exploring- inquisitive, excited and open to life's great mysteries and adventures
V valuing love, kindness, generosity, compassion and a good hard laugh
E effortless tenderness sprinkling the lives that we touch
R a revolutionary heart for helping the least of our brothers and sisters
E elevating emotional growth and physical wellness to high esteem
N necessitating nuance..looking at what lies beyond and beneath our words, our thoughts and our feelings
C contemplating contentment-giving attention to being comfortable in the here and now, at peace with the bumps behind and the the unknowable ahead
E enlightening and awakening to the spirit of God's unconditional love
Kelli Curran Norwalk
R a radical loving of self; our faults, our foibles and our flat out "joie de vivre"
E ever exploring- inquisitive, excited and open to life's great mysteries and adventures
V valuing love, kindness, generosity, compassion and a good hard laugh
E effortless tenderness sprinkling the lives that we touch
R a revolutionary heart for helping the least of our brothers and sisters
E elevating emotional growth and physical wellness to high esteem
N necessitating nuance..looking at what lies beyond and beneath our words, our thoughts and our feelings
C contemplating contentment-giving attention to being comfortable in the here and now, at peace with the bumps behind and the the unknowable ahead
E enlightening and awakening to the spirit of God's unconditional love
Kelli Curran Norwalk
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 16, 2010
To Come Home To Yourself
May all that is forgiven in you
Be released.
May your fears yeild
Their deepest tranquillities.
May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future
Graced with love.
A poem from To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue
May all that is forgiven in you
Be released.
May your fears yeild
Their deepest tranquillities.
May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future
Graced with love.
A poem from To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue
Moving on, moving out, moving in and comin' home!
The idea of moving has occupied a great deal of my thoughts today and I decided to bring what is moving in my life on to the page.
I dropped off my rented bike this AM. That bike has been a fun and trusty pal for the last two weeks and it has moved me throughout Sonoma safely and effortlessly. But, it was nice to take a long leisurely walk from the bike shop back to the cottage. As my feet were happily moving me home I was awe struck by all of the movement that is currently in my life.
I look the big leap in June, quit my job and began to plan my sabbatical. I was movin' on.!
A few days before I left for Sonoma ,I found out unexpectedly, that my condo had sold and that I would be returning ten days earlier from California in order to pack up, move out and move into my new home. I am movin' on.
There are six more precious months before this sacred sabbatical ends, and if the type of "inner" movement that I have experienced here continues for the rest of my renewal, it will be pure glory. I will be movin' on .........and coming home..... to myself. I will have come full circle to this long awaited new beginning, this new life that God has so kindly and lovingly chosen for me.
Namaste
I dropped off my rented bike this AM. That bike has been a fun and trusty pal for the last two weeks and it has moved me throughout Sonoma safely and effortlessly. But, it was nice to take a long leisurely walk from the bike shop back to the cottage. As my feet were happily moving me home I was awe struck by all of the movement that is currently in my life.
I look the big leap in June, quit my job and began to plan my sabbatical. I was movin' on.!
A few days before I left for Sonoma ,I found out unexpectedly, that my condo had sold and that I would be returning ten days earlier from California in order to pack up, move out and move into my new home. I am movin' on.
There are six more precious months before this sacred sabbatical ends, and if the type of "inner" movement that I have experienced here continues for the rest of my renewal, it will be pure glory. I will be movin' on .........and coming home..... to myself. I will have come full circle to this long awaited new beginning, this new life that God has so kindly and lovingly chosen for me.
Namaste
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Reading for the Day, August 15, 2010
Wisdom
Wisdom wears an indigo jacket. She takes long walks in the purple hills at twilight, pausing to meditate in an old temple near the crossroads. She was sick as a young child and learned to be alone with herself at an early age.
Wisdom has a quiet mind. She likes to think about the edges where things spill into each other and become their opposites. She knows how to look at things inside and out. Sometimes her eyes go out to the thing that she is looking at and sometimes the thing she is looking at enters through her eyes. Questions of time, depth and balance interest her. She is not looking for answers.
The Book of Qualities by J. Ruth Gendler
Wisdom wears an indigo jacket. She takes long walks in the purple hills at twilight, pausing to meditate in an old temple near the crossroads. She was sick as a young child and learned to be alone with herself at an early age.
Wisdom has a quiet mind. She likes to think about the edges where things spill into each other and become their opposites. She knows how to look at things inside and out. Sometimes her eyes go out to the thing that she is looking at and sometimes the thing she is looking at enters through her eyes. Questions of time, depth and balance interest her. She is not looking for answers.
The Book of Qualities by J. Ruth Gendler
Saturday, August 14, 2010
My Day of Wine (almost) and Roses
I decided to pack a picnic and my paints and to go where ever the day took me. I got on my bike and headed to the Plaza. It was alive with lovers, old folks, tourists, moms and dads, babies, teenagers, rich, poor... and kids, all kinds of kids on bikes, trikes, skateboards,scooters-you name it. There were nappers, readers, picnickers, meditaters, writers, painters-you name it! Everyone goes to the Plaza. It is, in the truest sense of the word, the heart of this beautiful and serene town. As I munched on my picnic lunch, it occurred to me that every town should have a plaza, much like this one. A place that houses a playground, multitudes of benches and picnic tables, green shady spaces, water pools, fountains, flower gardens.-you name it. A sacred and serene social hub where all feel welcome and safe.
I smelled every variety of rose that there was to smell in the rose garden. I was not alone. Many Plaza goers were breathing in the delicious and different fragrances and ohhhing and ahhhing with delight. Lots of "Oh, you've got to smell this one" and "Don't miss those tangerine colored ones". No one could contain their pleasure in this beautiful rose garden.
I decided to head out to Bartholomew Park Winery. The ride was just as gorgeous as the day (80 and sunny, remember, every day!). As I huffed and puffed to get up to this lovely spot on the top of the hill, I thought ,what in the hell am I doing? I can't taste wine and maneuver this mountain bike. So, I entered the tasting room and bellied up to the wine bar. The kind winery worker asked me "What would you like to taste today?" Panting, and with my sweat dripping on the wine bar, I said in a most grateful tone that I could conjure, "Water, pleeeeaaasssseee!" And he said "Geez, you must have just ridden up that killer hill". Case closed!
I smelled every variety of rose that there was to smell in the rose garden. I was not alone. Many Plaza goers were breathing in the delicious and different fragrances and ohhhing and ahhhing with delight. Lots of "Oh, you've got to smell this one" and "Don't miss those tangerine colored ones". No one could contain their pleasure in this beautiful rose garden.
I decided to head out to Bartholomew Park Winery. The ride was just as gorgeous as the day (80 and sunny, remember, every day!). As I huffed and puffed to get up to this lovely spot on the top of the hill, I thought ,what in the hell am I doing? I can't taste wine and maneuver this mountain bike. So, I entered the tasting room and bellied up to the wine bar. The kind winery worker asked me "What would you like to taste today?" Panting, and with my sweat dripping on the wine bar, I said in a most grateful tone that I could conjure, "Water, pleeeeaaasssseee!" And he said "Geez, you must have just ridden up that killer hill". Case closed!
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