Earthly Yet Spiritual Connections

This weekend I was touched by the loving kindness of these women.  They each possess a wisdom and  a staunch belief in spiritual powers.  I am grateful beyond words for their continued prayers for my family as we continue to develop as spiritual humans. In progress, of course.

The Last of Coziness (For a Bit)

I am buoyed by family, friends and my sweet dog Rex.  We spent quality time together this weekend doing all things important: praying, walking, eating, swimming and laughing.  As the rain was pelting the roof of the camper, I lay in bed with Rex this morning undeniably cozy.  You know those mornings when you really do not want to get out of bed and spoil the coziness of the moment? It was one of those mornings.  The tempo of our mornings will change from the easy rhythm of summer to the comforting structure of school and fall schedules.  Onto a fight for the bathroom each morning, decisions about wardrobe and the excitement of starting a new year of learning and discovery.  Bring it on.

Maiden Voyage

There is a certain allure to camping in your neighborhood.  Responsibilities at home prevented a trip away so we opted to stay nearby and play campers.  This weekend was the maiden voyage of our vintage Shasta camper that Jerry rescued from the strangling arms of a hunter who bore holes through the roof to accommodate a wood stove.  It was in bad shape. The weekend was a success with family and friends dropping in to visit.  The camp site brimmed with laughter, peaceful moments and good food.  I feel blessed.

Inevitable Truth

Meandering through the nearly gone-by blueberry fields beginning to turn red sat this lone blossom.  Distinct and out of place, yet possessing a unique beauty.  Amid the changes that are part of everyday life comes the necessity to detach and trust. As the seasons begin to change I must let go, remain grounded and remember that life is good.  I am blessed.

Lately, there seems to be a surplus of negative energy.  Praying, meditating, writing and long walks help to insulate.  Recently, a friend reminded me of the assistance that is given to us on this earth from those souls who have passed.  This is a comfort indeed.  I must remember I am not alone.  I am not alone and change is an inevitable truth.

Time

Summer stretched before me, expansive like the open field near my house.  The same place I would find little patches of wild strawberries early in the season, kneel before the ruby jewels, grasp each fruit and with a gentle pinch pop them into my mouth one by one.  The pads of my pointer and thumb would blush for days and smell of strawberries. 

Later in the summer, I would return and search for huckleberries and blueberries on the slant of the hill.  They were not plentiful and despite my best efforts, I would barely capture enough fruit to add to a muffin batter for the morning’s breakfast, but I didn’t care for summer was slow and there was always tomorrow.

Time is relative.  When I was young, time crawled at a snail’s pace.  Now, it is often a blur, however I can manipulate my perception of time by noting details and taking moments to recognize shape, shadow and hue of my surroundings slowing the pace. Mindfully, gratitude swells within me.  Those moments of contentment appear eternal.

A Beginning

‘Not quite sure what I am going to do when I grow up. My daughter’s response, “You are grown up.  You’re OLD.”  The problem is I don't want to be old.  I want to be young and spunky, yet I can now order from the Senior Menu (lighter portions for my sedentary ways) and some of my other friends still get carded.  Looking in the mirror, I see young and vibrant, while I find wiry blond hair (I am sure of it) springing from my temples and new lines that were not there yesterday.  I’m not ready to be old and to measure life by how much time remains.  I must admit though, that there is a new urgency since I have been writing daily.  There are new places on this earth to discover, stacks of books to read, and miles to paddle, walk and climb.  A new curiosity has risen within me, giving me a life that is just beginning.

"A Woman's Place"

We live in a culture of unspoken rules.  There is a set of expectations that define a woman and  a mother.  Cultural standards may contribute to order and the wellbeing of society, but the rules are often confusing and limiting.  I was talking to a friend who admitted to struggling emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially.  Ordinarily, a very private person, earlier in the day she opened up to a mutual friend who from our perspective is “well put together” and executes life with ease.  Outward appearances do not tell the inner truth.  Why do women seem so hesitant to unite and support each other in common struggles?   The rules are clear, but do not ultimately serve a purpose.  For instance, women are to think of others at all times and take care of themselves last. Driven by guilt, for years I put myself last.  It didn't work and resulted in extra stress, extra weight and a few more medical bills.  Taking care of myself does not come naturally, I have to work at it, yet it gives me the positive energy to ultimately fulfill my responsibilities of caring for others in my roles as mother and teacher. One day self care will be legitimized and society will celebrate the efforts of ordinary women. It will become the expectation of womanhood, as natural as the pull of the tides.