William Shakespeare, Autumn and I~

That time of year thou mayst in me behold~ sonnet 73.

Shakespeare...I never really got into his style growing up. He wrote to funny/ fancy for me as a young girl. But I have grown and I have become accustomed to his poetic way of making his thoughts and feelings known. I, like William, love the autumn season.
Why..do you ask yourself, blog about autumn in the later part of the summer heat? When people are vacationing, wearing shorts and swimming, sun worshiping and looking to turn up the old fan or air conditioner??? -My school friend Maria Brennan, that's why!! ha. I'm giving her a good shout out for using her own blog to bring Halloween to my attention. And we all know that's right in the sweet spot of autumn! She is an amazing artist and photographer. And...she also got me all wound up about this coming fall season!!! Friends know the right buttons to push, don't they? Fortunately, my friend and I get excited about common things. It's really rather beautiful to find joy in everyday things in an artists eye~
Oh sweet Autumn, your air is crisp and fresh. The sun still shines bright- though higher in the sky. There is a distinct smell to the wind...the changing color of the leaves...some falling, swirling through the air..
I don't even mind raking them all up when its time, bagging them for compost for the next springs garden. It's a beautiful cycle of nature, I think.
I admit, I got the bug for stalking up on some new fall items to decorate my house later in September. I usually do pre season sale buying to get the fresh new stuff and get a good sale deal. I'm always about saving a buck if I can! Yep!!  Not to mention the stores keep pulling out pre season stuff out waaayyy to early. So instead of complaining about it...I gear up and get creative. My secret is....sshhhh, between you and I....my main goal is to shop around and take pictures with my cell because I'm gathering "I can do that myself" type projects. I don't buy too much stuff myself off the rack. Here is a craft like store in the town down the way I found some interesting ideas.

Sticks....I'm always doing things with sticks....Maybe it reminds me of playing with sticks when I was a kid. I was always outside having an adventure. No electronics then, so to speak...I had amazing fun

 I couldn't figure out why someone would pay for wheat and fancy dried grass in a small jar? Seems a bit ridiculous to me! How hard is this to duplicate????... and I can make it a bit more festive-nature looking~  ( so can you~)
But- buy this stuff they do....

 I look for different types of wreaths to make every year. I love going out into the fields and woods to collect foliage and sticks, etc. to make a masterpiece. I always keep my essentials like twine, wire and hot glue ~
( I'm too cheap and creative to buy one at a store..haha)

Well until then, my sweaters and tall boots, my scarves and decorations will keep in storage.

 

Back out into the heat and sun I go. But that's still all good with me, because I do happen to live at the pacific coast.

-and I love the sea~

a nice way to feel blessed all year round ;)

Peace out

 

High on Life

Just a quick love of life...a note to myself about how much I love the people around me, the people who visit me on my blog site, the great outdoors and the beauty you can find in the small intricacies of everyday living.
That's a lot of differences in that long sentence...it's all good. I'm on a little high because after a long, I thought, never ending week of tasks; I got to sit down with a couple of amazing guys and speak about spiritual things. It made me thankful for having such good friends around me, near and far, old and new. It also reminded me that in everything living, there is beauty and wonder. I can sit and gaze for a longtime at plant life floating in a koi pond.

This reminds me of clover-then Ireland-then the lucky charms guy-then a secret joke my sister and I shared about something spiritual..ie "its magically delicious".  No one will get this except a few who know me well. It's something I only share with those who need to know. Closely guarded to my heart. We all have those kinds of moments...those connecting associations that we can do sometimes-like I just did~
I love to sit and watch one of my favorite kinds of bird-the puffin just puttering along. Although I saw many puffins while riding the rail (train) up along the coast of England to Scotland; this one was at our Oregon aquarium.

But you can see how when I was enjoying watching this funny guy swishing around, happy and curious...my mind went to over seas and all my adventures there. It was a sweet day-reminiscing~

I guess that even though I've had so many rough/hard/barely wanted to breath anymore moments in my life, I am glad I woke up to see another day. For if I had not- I wouldn't have gotten to meet or re-friend old friends- 'all the people' that have come into my part of this crazy world. Or get to enjoy more of natures art show.

I am going to stay on my "high" for as long as I can make it last.

How great would it be for me to have all of you, together for a few moments every morning to give a warm and happy hug to start your day out right?! I can't- but, when your eyes open in the morning, see me hugging you and wishing you a happy, positive step out into your day. Hold that smile and share it with someone who needs it :)

Peace out~

Breast Cancer-Tribute to a Lost one~

 

 

There was a time over a year ago when we lost a loved one to breast cancer. My sister Michelle Renee'. She was a young 50 years old. I had the intense blessing of caring for her until she took her last breath. Although it was breaking my heart to see her slip away; I knew she was comfortable and well taken care of and some of her last words to me a couple days before she lost the capability to speak was... that she went into a beautiful white light and just floated around happy and peacefully every time she went 'out'. (a frozen seizure) She left this world too soon. She was my one constant, my miss Emily to my miss Maeme ( the Walton's tv show).

To honor my sister, some family members took one of her head scarfs and a picture of her and went down to the pacific ocean at night ( not quite sure why we picked night time) built a camp fire, found some drift wood and fashioned a sail ship out of it. We used her head scarf as a sail and fixed the picture of her to it. A few of her nephews braved the cold waters and took the ship out into the ocean about knee deep. The ship was set off. One person  ( with a slingshot-because we had no bow and arrow)  lit a fireball- and shot it at the vessel to give my sister her beloved Viking funeral that she always talked about.

I would like to say that the fireball was a direct hit and it burned brightly as it sailed into eternity...but..no. It was a valiant try. One of the men had to go out  in the surf and manually light it on fire~

And so the rest of us stood on the banks of moolock beach, Newport, Oregon and bid my sister-Auntie-and mother a sweet crossing over~

We returned to the campfire and toasted my sister with each of us giving a precious memory dear to our own heart. It was healing, we laughed, we cried, we were cold...... and finally retreated to our vehicle after extinguishing the fire.

We gave her what she wanted, she gave us a way to let go of our inner most grief. Although we all miss her in our own ways...it is easy to find a smile upon our faces when we remember the tribute to honor her life. I know it made her smile-

 

I have no doubt that after fighting a good and courageous battle for her health, that she is free of pain and is having the time of her spiritual new beginning.
If you loose someone who has your heart, I encourage you to get family and friends together and pay a beautiful and fun tribute to them. Leave the end of their earthly life with a fond memory. They want you to remember them and smile, ear to ear....not to be sad.
Honor them in this way- it will help heal the heart~

                                                              Peace out~
                                                              Love well~

Clown-Around Fun Time

I know, its been a little while since I've posted !! Life was getting a little overwhelming the last couple of weeks. I pretty much said ''yes" to everyone's requests who needed me. I like people to feel that they can come to me and ask for help, etc. and know I will do my best to accommodate. I hate to say 'no' to a needful plea. There are many people who are kind and do the same.
Through all of this mad-running around, trying to get it all done...the only way I was able to come out still smiling and not totally wore out, was to make things funny....ie: keep it light!
I'm telling you, there were times when I could have let frustrations and stress make my tasks down right unbearable! But then I would have made my time and all those around me miserable. 'Nnnnnnnnot' going to happen. Instead, I just take a deep breath and start giggling! I might even throw in a good natured quip of sarcasm pertaining to my mental exhaustion or the situation I'm dealing with at that moment. I seem to find my second breath to continue on; usually making whomever I'm with feel lighter and happier-and that makes me even more energized in a positive way. It's like hitting a reset button on your nerves, energy and thought process. It helps me remember that It was a *gift* that I was asked to help out because I have their respect and confidence. I feel like other people have more faith in me than I do myself. I am definitely a work in progress :)
 It is a very humbling way of life. One that I am so very thankful for.
I have a very interesting bunch of family and friends. Most are as crazy as I am (in a positive way)
If someone sees I am getting down or stressed...leave it to them to get silly /funny, to help pull me out of my descent into grumpiness~

That is one of the reasons I love all of them dearly. Family-near and far, friends-near and far.

Life has never been real easy for me, I'm sure many know what that is like. But like good old Abe Lincoln said " we are as happy as we make our minds up to be" Now that is pretty basic common sense ! I try to take it one step further and try to make rough situations funny, smile worthy. (appropriately)
I am not a clown by no means, but I do believe in trying to keep things light when it gets rough...it helps me to remember the negative situation will pass, and with a little prayer help, I will find a way to make it through the day and hopefully shine some light on others that need a boost.....
There is too much sadness and stress etc. in the world today- I don't want to add to it!! I am very far from being perfect, but if I can plant a tiny seed of 'clown' in you -so you may go out tomorrow and make someone else's day go better, happier- then yay me and you! :)
. A long distance friend of mine who lives in Utah, reminds me ever so often to keep smiling -I say the same to him. Now if you can get others to smile and laugh in their daily tasks....Id say your ahead of the game!! Go you!!!
Enjoy your week, don't let life tear you down. You were born a creative, worthy of happiness and some silliness, wonderful human being.
                                                                      Peace out- my circus of new clowns
                                                                      Be happy, be kind~

A Light in the Darkness-A Lighthouse

 

A light in the darkness was what I was searching for last week. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, I get blue, almost sad...kind of pensive. It could be all that pent up frustration, my stress, my exhaustion from everything for such a long time-trying to keep my happy strong face outwardly forward for everyone to see....
I'm not strong all the time!!! Sometimes I would love a soft place to fall, someone to step up and say "Hey, I'll take over from here for a while, so you can rest and gain your balance."
Do you ever feel like getting up in the morning only to want to crawl 'under' your bed and disappearing for a few days?
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed with life you just want to find a comforting light in the distance to help guide you out of your turmoil? Sometimes that turmoil is not as bad as it seems, it's just that you are so wiped out everything just gets so exaggerated.
As I was going into town a few days back, when it was dusk, to lock up my mothers house by the beach; I decided to go to a quiet spot that overlooked the pacific sea and took in the sunset and the ocean air. Feeling  quite low, still, I just stood there and was silent.... physically and spiritually.
A grand- peaceful feeling came over me and my 'blueness' lifted away from me. The beautiful sunset, with colors of orange and blues and yellows...the warm soft lightly salty air blew around me gently. The few billowy clouds floated in wispy shapes over my head.
My word!!!!!  What do I really have to be blue about? I live here...I have all this magic and beauty at my disposal. I was so wrapped up in life's whirlwind, I couldn't see what was right in front of me! I had forgotten my own advice- to take the time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. The things that give us peace, pleasure and fun in the most natural, organic way. Even the best of us get off balance~
I had the pleasure of spending time with two interesting young men this evening, friends, who shared some insights and revelations on spiritual topics. It's interesting how you can hear different views of the same subject and that it brings you closer to an amazing deeper understanding of it- it turns out to be the very thing you needed to hear. It helps you make sense out of your 'blue period'. They made a liar out of me tonight- they made me tear up, I couldn't talk for a minute because my feelings were exposed and sitting on top. I'm not a crier!
 Could my iron wall be coming down a little? Is it ok to be a little emotionally vulnerable to the things that mean the world to me??
 For me, it's personal.
 Like a towering lighthouse that sits upon a rock- a ridge that boarders the ocean waters, whether calm or turbulent seas...it is built solid, and you know it is sturdy and has a purpose for all those out there who need a light to give them direction and keep them safe...

.....That is what I get out of my faith. It's solid and I know I'm loved and not alone and guided and even forgiven when I need to be. It keeps me going forward and gives me comfort and purpose. But that is me~ And I wouldn't have it any other way for myself......

You may have a different perspective of life, and that's ok. We all have to come to our own understandings. But we all want to find a light in our darkness. We all have times that we need guidance for our betterment....no matter how far off the light may seem, its there, you just need to go outside somewhere, hopefully near nature... be still, breath slowly and look around you...

 

All of this just didn't get there by chance....ponder that. Find your light

Peace out and be happy~

Fathers Day is unfolding

What I am about to post is: about putting some care into your husband, if he is a father ( even if he is not- he is still worth it ). Now this post, you would think should be about something to do on
 " mothers day". Nope!!! Men need some pampering too. Even 'manly men' need to be appreciated and have some relaxing care for themselves.
What I am talking about is drawing them a soothing warm MILK BATH !
Yes, that's right- a milk bath....and Ill tell you how and why on many levels its a wonderful idea for your man...your children's father, your husband, the love of your life....whatever you want to call him ;)

We all know Cleopatra used milk and honey baths and her skin was talked about as being silky and luxurious. It was a rich persons pleasure. Now I don't advocate using honey because it can get a bit sticky and a bit cloggy in the drain....and who wants a mess to clean up afterwards?? Not I~
Use it on your toast...then call it good.
First the how:
In a clean bathtub run hot/warm water ( or pool temp. whatever you desire will do, even cool water if its hot out where you are- works fine) Immediately pour a half gallon of whole milk in the tub while the water is running. Only use whole milk as you want full benefits. It has omega 3 fatty acids and calcium, etc. that makes you soft, sooths the skin and is beneficial to your health. No additives or yucky chemicals. ( make sure its hormone free milk if you can.)

If you choose to bump it up a bit and get some aroma therapy going, try some fresh lavender or rose petals. Again, don't use oils as they leave a ring and make clean up not so fun...

I've found that men usually like just the milk in the water, with the exception of some liking the lavender if they are not afraid of the calming effect it has on their senses...it doesn't make them a girly man! Men who are secure in themselves, are good with doing this.
(make sure you strain out the leaves before you drain)
Women, just draw your man a relaxing milk bath and maybe put his favorite music on in the bathroom, give him a kiss and take the kids out away from the house for an hour or two so he can let the rough edges of the week melt away. Maybe you can go shopping for his favorite foods. What guy doesn't like a home cooked meal in a peaceful home full of the family he loves??
Trust me, once he has partaken of this unusual but most satisfying act of love, his heart will be full of happiness and love.
Fathers day, like mothers day, is only one day a year. In all reality, I've always felt that you need to be cherished every day of the year. Do things like this for each other often. Make sure not much time goes by that you don't give an extra hug or a special gesture to the one you love for what they do..  forgive the little imperfections that may annoy you...bask in the warm fuzzy feelings and the everyday things they do to make life work comfortably. Wake up every morning and ask yourself, "what can I do today to make this a good day for my loved one" Hopefully they will wake up thinking the same thing about you~ ( its a good idea to communicate this with each other so your on the same page) Acknowledge your spouse when they go the extra minute for you.
And the kids......well, they are your blessings. And when you have a rough day with them and you want to pull your hair out from frustrations...we all have been there..haha... best thing to do is wait until they are fast asleep at night and look in on them quietly, sleeping like angels and remember how beautiful they really are...and yes someday they will grow up and have kids of their own and you can smile with glee when they come back to you and apologize for running you ragged on too many days! Life is funny that way. It tends to go full circle!

I am giving a special shout out to my own father on fathers day who passed in 2001. I miss you dad and I think of you often.
Here are to the fathers that have been taken away too soon or the ones who lived a good life and have passed to the heavens above. Our love goes out to you~

                                                       Happy Fathers Day this Sunday
                                                                      Peace out~

Ghosts in my Head

Reflecting ~
I've been doing a lot of that lately. It seems like when a major event happens in my life, people...'ghost memories', come flooding back- permeating my thoughts. People that I had not thought about in many years. Locked away deep in the back of my brain. Then something happens and 'boom' another ghost is unleashed. It flies around the space between my ears and begins to allow seepage of  other memories that go along to that certain person in my past. It just slowly filters through. Some good recalls, some I tried hard to forget.
 Experiencing this can be good...or not so much. I'm not sure why it works this way except to say I believe God opens up these 'ghostly forgotten people memories' and puts them in our path because they need to be there for our betterment in some unknown way- at that exact time; for our future. There is a rhyme and reason for it.
Maybe its an unresolved old situation that needs tending too. Sometimes its just that you need that person there again because of some sort of care you may need in the future, or maybe its time for you to reconnect because they are who you need at that point in life for love, (feeling not physical) companionship, or just a needed friend you can lean on in your life at that time and forever more. Someone who will laugh with you, hold you up when your feeling blue or just to hug you without any words.
These 'ghost' people are there for a reason. You just need to be still...be quiet in the moment and listen and watch where it all goes. Whether you reconnect with them or if its someone who you lost-that they passed on, I believe there is a purpose for each such ghost to reveal itself after a long sleep in your head. Who knows, maybe you need to connect with them because 'you' are just what they need in their lives at that time-its all in Gods timing. Even if you don't believe, you know that there is some kind of substance going on in those situations.
Question is, do you figure it out while going forward, or do you turn a blind eye on any kind of positive prompting? Do you let an opportunity go away? Do you trust going one more step forward and see where it takes you?
Maybe we should all exercise some ghosts when they are wanting our attention...

Peace and calm to all your thoughts when acted upon.

May you connect with many wonderful positive ghosts in your journey and be forgiving with the rough hurtful ones~

A comrade strums on a sad guitar,

My mind is drifting to where you are,

Remember Me