This is one of our property lines, yet we seldom see it from this perspective. I love all the arching branches. During the rainy season, there may be water in the depression. Not at this time of the year.
A grand view from the neighbor’s property.
Most recently, this book has been my quick grab when I’m looking for a pick-me-up.
I first read this selection a couple of weeks ago. I have not felt released to move onto the next writing. The words are deep.
I’m not posting this to elicit spiritual divisiveness or to change anyone’s beliefs. For those who know me, you already recognize my faith is core to who I am. However, the words above contain so much truth, no matter what you believe.
These words reminded me that years ago, I created a notepad as a giveaway for a training session. The little quote on it was something about how “You always find what you look for.” The message is still true.
This writing contains that same truth. In a world that is spinning so rapidly, promoting division and strife, these words speak to a more gentle, kinder nature, asking us to recognize how our thoughts affect everything we come in contact with. It’s our choice.
I want to live in a world where things are more gentle and kinder. How about you?
June 10, 2025
It is not real life…
Awaking early, I couldn’t go back to sleep. An unease hung in the air, which I couldn’t explain. The steady drip, drip, drip of tension has been raining down on us for months. Some go about their days, seemingly oblivious to the erosion of values supposedly held dear by Americans. Others witness this degradation occurring, but cannot process it nor know how to act. Public conversation rarely occurs. People are cautious about their speech and who they are open with. I suspect other homes are as abuzz as ours when the doors are closed, though I do not know what their conversations are.
I feel the need to prepare myself for the days ahead. Yet I do not know what that means, or how to prepare. I expect things to get worse. Much worse.
My hubby asked me if I was anxious. I had no solid answers for his question. Instead, I told him of my feelings. You know the feeling you get when you are on a steep roller-coaster. The whole time the car is slowly edging to the top, you feel the anticipation or dread building within your whole being. Then, many times, the car stops at the top, leaving you suspended in space hanging above the steep drop. In an instant, you are hurtling down the steep drop at record speeds. You scream. Everyone does. Then the ride levels out and gradually slows to a stop. You get out, laughing, barely able to catch your breath or your balance, and finally recognize that you’ll be okay. Right now, I identify with the stage where the car is slowly edging to the top, to pause, suspended in space before dropping. Just not sure how safe the fall will be, not sure what life will look at the bottom, or if I’ll even stand.
It seems to me that the warning signs have been presented to us for months. With each passing event, the acts become more brazen. I listen to people bemoaning how we may be losing our democracy. This morning, I awoke to news that the National Guard and the Marines are in the streets of Los Angeles. Really? Losing our democracy? It is safer to say that the ship has already sailed. It is gone. People think we can return to something. How? Nothing goes backwards.
I have no vision of what is forthcoming, or knowledge of what it will be, or how it will materialize. Yet I believe once the burning is complete, something will arise from the ashes.
I consider we are in for some hard times. Again, I’m uncertain what that means, what it looks like, or how it will affect me and my family. My goal is to continue to focus on individuals, to bring peace and love to those around me. My hubby and I will continue to encourage and support one another. Both of us feel the tension of these days and recognize how important it is to be gentle with one another, to keep seeking things we enjoy, things that bring us peace and contentment.
This won’t happen, but how I would like to awake from this nightmare and declare, “This is not real life,” then sigh and enjoy a sun-filled day.
May was a busy month for making cards. Many were needed for June events. Here are a few of my recently completed creative pieces.
What has been your creative release?
These photos are from a couple of mornings back. I was up earlier than usual, finding the view breath-taking, I took photos. I’m grateful I was up early enough to witness this, because in a few brief minutes, the marine layer (otherwise known as fog) crept in and clouded the sky, obstructing the view. Everything about the view, changed.
These images are a reminder to me of how every day we are given a new start, the opportunity for a fresh attitude and the chance to find beauty — anywhere and everywhere.
I’m grateful for these gentle reminders. What stirs those emotions in you?
Especially during these days, when many of us are struggling with how to respond to life and all the changes challenging our culture and the world, the truth that artists have a duty to reflect the times seems incredibly important.
Creativity comes in different forms and mediums. I encourage you to mine those gifts from within yourself. That may mean painting, dancing, music, writing, building — simply creating something.
My contribution will be a book of poetry, to be revealed later in the year.
Yikes, I’ve told you what my goal is. Now you all know, and may periodically inquire about my progress.
What will you contribute?
While others are combing the shore and the small tide pools, I’ve found a rock where I can perch, allowing my senses to soak in the beauty of nature and the reality of being on the edge of land. The pelicans fly overhead in formation, scoping out the landscape below. They head over the open water then pivot coming back toward land. Multiple broods fly in their individual formations. Scanning the waters and shoreline. Their grace, combined with the perfection of their movements, is a beauty to behold. The waves roar toward the shore with one white cap straining to overtake another. The blue-green rolls over to form a churning white mass racing toward the shore as the roar intensifies. Beyond, the dark grey blue of the ocean continues until it creates a solid dark line against the horizon. Then the lighter blue grey of the sky rises to transition into a deep blue. Shades of blue fill my view.
The wind continues to blow, ruffling my shirt and blowing my hair. The air is cool on my face, with the scent of salt water filling the air.
Following the shoreline around the cove area, the grey of the water’s edge merges with the grey of the land, creating dull shadows of the buildings surrounding the water’s edge.
The churning waves keep moving further and further inland. Soon my vantage point will be immersed.
The sound of the seagulls laughing at the surfing crowd that has arrived to ride the wild waves of this afternoon fill the air. They’ve donned their gear and waded into the water with their boards. Slowly at first as they acclimate to the temperatures, then more quickly to position themselves for when they see the waves calling to them. Into the deep they paddle. A couple of quick runs and alas, they denounce. These waves are not for me today. Then they depart.
Slowly, I arise to explore activity in some of the tide pools. What a peaceful way to clear one’s mind!
February left
Taking with it the jade blossoms
In its wake are delicate almond blossoms, fragrant paper whites, fresh oranges,
And treasured memories of my sister’s visit
I’ll savor the “left behinds” while preparing for nature’s March surprises
a colorful gift from nature
received on a cool winter morning
Ahh,
can you hear it?
2024 is groaning
under the weight
of all the happenings
of the year.
Too many happenings to list here.
Are you groaning as well?
Here’s the cure…
Slip into your snuggly warm jammies,
or comfortable sweats,
grab a warm cup of your favorite steamy brew,
take your preferred throw or blanket
and settle in-front of the fire.
A big roaring fire.
Listen to the crackles
as little sparks pop from the blaze.
Watch the flames of the fire rise,
rise to the sky
or up the firebox.
Give your thoughts
of the year
to those flames.
Let the flames
take the weight of 2024
with them.
Rising into the heights of the heavens,
then dissipating in the air.
Allow the smoke to fill your nostrils
like incense, purifying your soul.
Watch the flames
licking the logs
slowly turning the surfaces into glowing,
red searing heat sources.
Soak in this heat.
Sit quietly
and let the weight of 2024
escape from your body.
Soak in
enough of the heat
that you need
to toss the blanket aside.
Quiet your mind.
Think about the flames
making the logs smaller.
Let your stressful thoughts
shrink as well.
Breathe deeply.
A new morning is coming.
2025 will arrive like a new babe.
Welcome it into your life–
Uncorrupted,
Renewed,
Original.
From the ashes of 2024,
let something new
be created in you
this coming year.
Embrace the possibility
of new beginnings.
Wrap them around yourself
like the blanket you
previously tossed.
Hold your head high
and enter the new year.
Journey to the Heights 