Country Craft Shows are a part of life in our area at this time of the year. Christmas is just around the corner, so this is a perfect time for craftsmen to display their wares and make lots of sales. Butterfly and I went to our local show last year and quite enjoyed it. I found unique gifts for people on my Christmas list there, so we planned on going together again this year. Well, life got busy and we just couldn't co-ordinate our schedules to get to the show yesterday. AC, bless his heart, being the trouper that he is agreed to go with me. Shopping is not his favourite thing to do at the best of times, and after the way he has been feeling the past couple of weeks, I am sure traipsing around a craft show was at the bottom of the list of things he would like to do with his paltry energy on this Saturday afternoon. Nonetheless, he came with me, and in good spirits too.
The show seemed smaller than the one last year, and we got there late in the day, so things were kind of slow. I didn't see anything that jumped out at me to buy for anyone on my Christmas list, so we left after a couple of spins around the room and decided to go to Tim's for hot chocolate and take it to the park. Yum!
It was a cold nasty day, and hot chocolate seemed to be the perfect way to warm up and make a little of our own sunshine. The rain was pelting down by the time we got to the park, but we sat in the car and enjoyed the rhythm the rain was beating on the roof while we watched ducks frolic in the river. It was quite nice actually. The hot chocolate was very chocolaty and it made us feel all warm and cozy while the rain did its cold wet windy dance outside. When we set off for home, we looked forward to settling in for the night. We treated ourselves to nachos and dip for an appetizer follow by a steaming bowl of turkey stew for dinner. Not gourmet stuff, but delicious nonetheless. I then curled up under a blanket and read until my eyes were bleary. Around 10pm I made the rounds to change all the clocks in the house, then I toddled off to bed. Mmmm, it was such a nice way to spend a cold rainy evening.
Hope you managed to make your own sunshine yesterday too, and finished off the day in a warm cozy spot.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Falling leaves
The leaves are falling off the trees in the world all around me and my life feels rather scattered just like them right now. Don't quite know where to start to write a blog, so let me just pick up a handful of life leaves laying on the ground by my feet and press a few for my blog scrapbook.
Do you remember doing that for a school project? Leaves flattened between sheets of waxed paper and then pressed with a hot iron to transfer the wax to the leaves. How pretty they looked all flattened and coated with wax ready for the next step of the project.
Well, I have the waxed paper ready and the iron is hot, so let me grab a leaf or two and get them ready for my blog scrap book.
AC
Poor guy has had quite a struggle for the past two weeks, but I think he is on the road to recovery now. Still not back on top of his game yet, but getting there. I don't want him to go near that hospital ever again. He was fine when he went in for the routine procedure, but picked up a dandy bug in the process and it knocked him flat.
A Team Adventures
Oh those girls are giving me more gray hairs everyday. I just finished reading their latest post and this leg of the trip doesn't sound like a fun one at all. I want them to COME HOME!
Book Club
I joined a book club last year as a way to make friends in this new location. I quite like the group of ladies, but I have struggled through some of the books let me tell you. Oh well, I am being exposed to different authors and that is good. I was quite distraught though when I discovered the book for this month. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Groan. I tried to read this book the year Oprah had it on her book club and I gave up about half way through. I couldn't keep the names straight and I was totally confused as to who was talking and what was happening.
The whole time I was reading it I felt like someone was playing a trick on me. I could hear the voices of the reviewers shouting out how wonderful this book was, just like the crowds had oohed and aahed over the emperor's new clothes. They kept raving about the wonderful outfits and I couldn't for the life of me even see a pair of socks, let alone the whole ensemble. He sure looked naked to me!
Sigh, now my own book club wants to tackle this book. Ok, I will give it one more shot. Maybe there is a pair of socks or necktie there after all. Well, I have been polishing my glasses, using eye drops and even resting with cucumber slices on my eyes from time to time, but darned if I can see those robes. Nope, they are just not there. The emperor is still naked.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Can you please explain it to me!! He is naked I tell you. Naked!
Well, time is marching on and I must be out the door in 20 minutes so have to run for now. Will post these leaves now and try to get to a few more later.
The sun is shining, so maybe I will make a detour on my way home today and go to the park to scrunch a few leaves under my feet and maybe pick up a few more pretty ones to press for my album.
Talk to you all later. Enjoy your day.
Do you remember doing that for a school project? Leaves flattened between sheets of waxed paper and then pressed with a hot iron to transfer the wax to the leaves. How pretty they looked all flattened and coated with wax ready for the next step of the project.
Well, I have the waxed paper ready and the iron is hot, so let me grab a leaf or two and get them ready for my blog scrap book.
AC
Poor guy has had quite a struggle for the past two weeks, but I think he is on the road to recovery now. Still not back on top of his game yet, but getting there. I don't want him to go near that hospital ever again. He was fine when he went in for the routine procedure, but picked up a dandy bug in the process and it knocked him flat.
A Team Adventures
Oh those girls are giving me more gray hairs everyday. I just finished reading their latest post and this leg of the trip doesn't sound like a fun one at all. I want them to COME HOME!
Book Club
I joined a book club last year as a way to make friends in this new location. I quite like the group of ladies, but I have struggled through some of the books let me tell you. Oh well, I am being exposed to different authors and that is good. I was quite distraught though when I discovered the book for this month. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Groan. I tried to read this book the year Oprah had it on her book club and I gave up about half way through. I couldn't keep the names straight and I was totally confused as to who was talking and what was happening.
The whole time I was reading it I felt like someone was playing a trick on me. I could hear the voices of the reviewers shouting out how wonderful this book was, just like the crowds had oohed and aahed over the emperor's new clothes. They kept raving about the wonderful outfits and I couldn't for the life of me even see a pair of socks, let alone the whole ensemble. He sure looked naked to me!
Sigh, now my own book club wants to tackle this book. Ok, I will give it one more shot. Maybe there is a pair of socks or necktie there after all. Well, I have been polishing my glasses, using eye drops and even resting with cucumber slices on my eyes from time to time, but darned if I can see those robes. Nope, they are just not there. The emperor is still naked.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Can you please explain it to me!! He is naked I tell you. Naked!
Well, time is marching on and I must be out the door in 20 minutes so have to run for now. Will post these leaves now and try to get to a few more later.
The sun is shining, so maybe I will make a detour on my way home today and go to the park to scrunch a few leaves under my feet and maybe pick up a few more pretty ones to press for my album.
Talk to you all later. Enjoy your day.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Gale force winds and gales of laughter
I woke up this morning to the sound of wind howling around the house and when I got up to peek out the window I saw storm clouds gathering in the sky, wanting to play a game of tag with the wind. Brrrr, this would be a good morning to make extra coffee to enjoy while I spent some leisure time reading email and blogs whilst still in my pj's and robe. Mmm, yes, that's the ticket for a morning like this.
I made the coffee, poured myself a large mug full of it and settled down in front of my laptop. I was delighted to see a new posting from the A Team and eagerly opened their blog. Oh joy, pictures too. I started to read and pretty soon couldn't drink my coffee because I was gasping with laughter.
Bug's pictures and comments brought back the memories of AC's encounter with the mice and that mixed with the word pictures I was getting from Bug just had me in gales of laughter. If you haven't read Oh No! Not again, and Mouse in the House you can link to them here if you want to.
Oh a good belly laugh is so good for you. Enjoy.
I made the coffee, poured myself a large mug full of it and settled down in front of my laptop. I was delighted to see a new posting from the A Team and eagerly opened their blog. Oh joy, pictures too. I started to read and pretty soon couldn't drink my coffee because I was gasping with laughter.
Bug's pictures and comments brought back the memories of AC's encounter with the mice and that mixed with the word pictures I was getting from Bug just had me in gales of laughter. If you haven't read Oh No! Not again, and Mouse in the House you can link to them here if you want to.
Oh a good belly laugh is so good for you. Enjoy.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
What were they thinking???????
I woke up on this rainy morning with a headache. Don't like it at all when that happens. I rolled gingerly out of bed, grabbed my robe, and slogged my way into the den to see what AC was up to. I had a hard time focusing on anything but my pounding head, but after hellos and hugs I asked him if the A TEAM had posted a blog. He checked and oh joy, there was a new blog up. Oh heart palpitations as we read it. They trekked into the jungle and barely made it out alive. Puff's writing was very descriptive and made me laugh out loud – the second time reading it through! After the first reading however, I had to get up and walk away from the computer to catch my breath and calm down. I went to see AC for more hugs and then down we went to the kitchen for morning coffee. My head was pounding worse than ever now and felt like it was about to burst. I stumbled around getting juice and vitamins and fruit out while AC made oatmeal. We kept looking at each other and shaking our heads.
What in the world were they thinking to go into the jungle without a guide, proper maps, shoes that fit, or sleeping bags. Not only that, take the most demanding route to the furthest campsite and not to be registered anywhere. Oh dear, it just makes my stomach knot up. What were they thinking?
I can hardly stand to bowl for half an hour in rented shoes that are my size, let alone trek around in the jungle for three days in rented boots not in my size. Boots with holes in them I might add! What were they thinking?
I take maps when I go into the city with marked streets and lights and help on every corner. They had three scraps of paper, that I wouldn't begin to call "Maps". What were they thinking?
No sleeping bags! No sleeping bags!!! What were they thinking?
AC and I got through breakfast, shared more hugs and a few smiles of relief that at least the girls made it out alive and were writing about it with humour. We then went back to our respective writing nooks and work stations to check email and forge ahead into the rest of our day. AC had a violin lesson to get ready for and I had a "to do" list a mile long to tackle.
First things first though, I had to re-read the blog. This time through I was a bit calmer, and started to laugh out loud at the word pictures Puff drew. What a hoot it must be now for them to look back on it. I spoke to Butterfly after she read the blog and she said she was upset at first and then was caught up in gales of laughter over their antics.
I have to put an emergency call in to my hairdresser today. Order more of my hair dye in and better do it in bulk. I just got a whole new crop of grey hairs today and I have a feeling that more are to come before the girls return home early in December. Help!
What in the world were they thinking to go into the jungle without a guide, proper maps, shoes that fit, or sleeping bags. Not only that, take the most demanding route to the furthest campsite and not to be registered anywhere. Oh dear, it just makes my stomach knot up. What were they thinking?
I can hardly stand to bowl for half an hour in rented shoes that are my size, let alone trek around in the jungle for three days in rented boots not in my size. Boots with holes in them I might add! What were they thinking?
I take maps when I go into the city with marked streets and lights and help on every corner. They had three scraps of paper, that I wouldn't begin to call "Maps". What were they thinking?
No sleeping bags! No sleeping bags!!! What were they thinking?
AC and I got through breakfast, shared more hugs and a few smiles of relief that at least the girls made it out alive and were writing about it with humour. We then went back to our respective writing nooks and work stations to check email and forge ahead into the rest of our day. AC had a violin lesson to get ready for and I had a "to do" list a mile long to tackle.
First things first though, I had to re-read the blog. This time through I was a bit calmer, and started to laugh out loud at the word pictures Puff drew. What a hoot it must be now for them to look back on it. I spoke to Butterfly after she read the blog and she said she was upset at first and then was caught up in gales of laughter over their antics.
I have to put an emergency call in to my hairdresser today. Order more of my hair dye in and better do it in bulk. I just got a whole new crop of grey hairs today and I have a feeling that more are to come before the girls return home early in December. Help!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Starlings in Winter
Such a busy, up-side-down week is now behind me and it is now time to regroup and move forward again. I am not sure which way is up today, but I will write for a while and try to find it.
It is oh so nice to be treated to a quiet rainy morning at home after all the busy ones we had last week. Two return trips to Montreal were a bit harrowing for these small town drivers let me tell you, but AC did a fine job navigating the highways and byways and got us there and back, and there and back again, safely. Whew!
We had many maps and written directions, but the pace of the drivers, the congestion on the roads and the lack of English road signs, gave us conniptions and caused us to get lost at one point. We shared a few anxious moments when we discovered we were heading north instead of east, on a rather confusing section of highway, but we soon corrected our error and got on the right road, going in the right direction again. I didn't like driving in downtown Montreal AT ALL! Nope, not one little bit, not during rush hour on Wednesday or early morning traffic on Saturday. Both were harrowing!
The highway between Ottawa and Montreal is a treat to drive on though, so we were able to relax and enjoy the ride on this stretch of road. Thank goodness. We had sunshine for our first trip to the big city on Wednesday, but the misty early morning trip on Saturday was by far the most spectacular. As we drove along, we moved from misty cloud to sunshine and back to misty cloud again in the blink of an eye. The trees would be bursting with colour one minute and wrapped in fog the next. The contrast made each phase vivid and etched in remarkable beauty. Oh such a feast for our senses.
AC and I travelled most of the way in silence as we were both in contemplative moods. Funerals tend to do that don't they? Each new one brings back the memories of all the others we have attended in our lives. I pondered life and death and relived the pain of the death of my father, as we went to comfort The Boy in the death of his dad. I thought about the joy of our expected grandchild and the sorrow of the loss of this grandfather. In and out of the sunshine and shadows we drove and in and out of joy and sorrow my spirit went.
At several points along the road I noticed flocks of birds performing aerial ballet routines and I was reminded of this Mary Oliver poem. I hunted it up this morning and it spoke to so many feelings that have been whirling around me this past week. Let me share the poem with you and wish you a day to live as though you had wings.
Starlings in Winter
by Mary Oliver
Chunky and noisy,
but with stars in their black feathers,
they spring from the telephone wire
and instantly
they are acrobats
in the freezing wind.
And now, in the theatre of air,
they swing over buildings,
dipping and rising;
they float like one stippled star
that opens,
becomes for a moment fragmented,
then closes again;
and you watch
and you try
but you simply can't imagine
how they do it
with no articulated instruction, no pause,
only the silent confirmation
that they are this notable thing,
this wheel of many parts, that can rise and spin
over and over again,
full of gorgeous life.
Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us,
even in the leafless winter,
even in the ashy city,
I am thinking now
of grief, and of getting past it;
I feel my boots
trying to leave the ground,
I feel my heart
pumping hard, I want
to think again of dangerous and noble things.
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.
It is oh so nice to be treated to a quiet rainy morning at home after all the busy ones we had last week. Two return trips to Montreal were a bit harrowing for these small town drivers let me tell you, but AC did a fine job navigating the highways and byways and got us there and back, and there and back again, safely. Whew!
We had many maps and written directions, but the pace of the drivers, the congestion on the roads and the lack of English road signs, gave us conniptions and caused us to get lost at one point. We shared a few anxious moments when we discovered we were heading north instead of east, on a rather confusing section of highway, but we soon corrected our error and got on the right road, going in the right direction again. I didn't like driving in downtown Montreal AT ALL! Nope, not one little bit, not during rush hour on Wednesday or early morning traffic on Saturday. Both were harrowing!
The highway between Ottawa and Montreal is a treat to drive on though, so we were able to relax and enjoy the ride on this stretch of road. Thank goodness. We had sunshine for our first trip to the big city on Wednesday, but the misty early morning trip on Saturday was by far the most spectacular. As we drove along, we moved from misty cloud to sunshine and back to misty cloud again in the blink of an eye. The trees would be bursting with colour one minute and wrapped in fog the next. The contrast made each phase vivid and etched in remarkable beauty. Oh such a feast for our senses.
AC and I travelled most of the way in silence as we were both in contemplative moods. Funerals tend to do that don't they? Each new one brings back the memories of all the others we have attended in our lives. I pondered life and death and relived the pain of the death of my father, as we went to comfort The Boy in the death of his dad. I thought about the joy of our expected grandchild and the sorrow of the loss of this grandfather. In and out of the sunshine and shadows we drove and in and out of joy and sorrow my spirit went.
At several points along the road I noticed flocks of birds performing aerial ballet routines and I was reminded of this Mary Oliver poem. I hunted it up this morning and it spoke to so many feelings that have been whirling around me this past week. Let me share the poem with you and wish you a day to live as though you had wings.
Starlings in Winter
by Mary Oliver
Chunky and noisy,
but with stars in their black feathers,
they spring from the telephone wire
and instantly
they are acrobats
in the freezing wind.
And now, in the theatre of air,
they swing over buildings,
dipping and rising;
they float like one stippled star
that opens,
becomes for a moment fragmented,
then closes again;
and you watch
and you try
but you simply can't imagine
how they do it
with no articulated instruction, no pause,
only the silent confirmation
that they are this notable thing,
this wheel of many parts, that can rise and spin
over and over again,
full of gorgeous life.
Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us,
even in the leafless winter,
even in the ashy city,
I am thinking now
of grief, and of getting past it;
I feel my boots
trying to leave the ground,
I feel my heart
pumping hard, I want
to think again of dangerous and noble things.
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Rain on a sunny day.
As you might already know from AC's post this morning, on Tuesday, The Boy got the middle of the night phone call that we all dread. His dad had passed during the night. Even though a loved one is sick and you are told that death might be imminent, you never expect it when it happens. You are never ready, and you always want to talk to them just one more time. Sigh!
Gilles had been in and out of the hospital since mid-summer, but we thought he was getting stronger and might rally like he had done so many times before. Sadly it was not to be this time. How sad for The Boy to lose his dad just when he is about to become a dad for the first time. My heart just aches for him.
Gilles was so please when he heard the news that his first grandchild was on the way, and he looked forward to holding that little bundle in his arms. When Butterfly and The Boy last visited Gilles about two weeks ago, he said that he would be strong and hold on to see that baby. Oh dear, life continues to get joy and sorrow all tangled up together doesn't it? All we can do is take what comes when it comes and let the remembered joy help us get through the sorrow.
Hug someone you love today and tell them that you love them. Walk in the sunshine whenever you can and enjoy this day while you have it. I intend to do just that.
Talk to you all later.
Gilles had been in and out of the hospital since mid-summer, but we thought he was getting stronger and might rally like he had done so many times before. Sadly it was not to be this time. How sad for The Boy to lose his dad just when he is about to become a dad for the first time. My heart just aches for him.
Gilles was so please when he heard the news that his first grandchild was on the way, and he looked forward to holding that little bundle in his arms. When Butterfly and The Boy last visited Gilles about two weeks ago, he said that he would be strong and hold on to see that baby. Oh dear, life continues to get joy and sorrow all tangled up together doesn't it? All we can do is take what comes when it comes and let the remembered joy help us get through the sorrow.
Hug someone you love today and tell them that you love them. Walk in the sunshine whenever you can and enjoy this day while you have it. I intend to do just that.
Talk to you all later.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Reading Assignment
I picked up the mail last week and noticed a magazine sticking out of the pile of envelopes. It was Bug's first copy of the McMaster Times, her university alumni magazine. On that particular day, I didn't know where she was in Thailand, and my heart was in a bit of a tizzy wondering if she was ok. I stood at the kitchen counter and absentmindedly leafed through the magazine,while my mind drifted across the miles to meet my heart somewhere in southeast Asia. This quote jumped out at me and halted my absentminded perusal.
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
St Augustine
I was grateful that Bug had taken this world travel book in hand, and was making an effort to read the whole thing, I just wished she would stop every now and then and let me know what chapter she was on! Where in the world was she?
She has since blogged about her current reading, so I now have a bookmark on that page and will be able to rest easy for awhile. Thank goodness! The girls even called home on Friday night, or should I say early Saturday morning. I was a bit groggy and disoriented when I answered the phone but it was soooo good to hear Bug's voice and share Puff's enthusiasm over the phone lines. They both sounded healthy and on-top-of-the-world happy. How neat that I could speak to them across all those miles. Thank you Mr. Bell.
Lulu and El made a return visit to our house on the weekend and breezed in the front door on a gust of wind full of stories and laughter. What a week they had and what tales they have to tell. We enjoyed hearing many of the stories first hand and having our house filled with their high spirits during the telling of them. They thumbed through many pages of the world's travel book last week and had a blast. Keep an eye on Sass's blog for pics.
I hope you have a chance to pick up the travel book and read a few pages from time to time this fall. Such a pretty time of year for "reading"
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
St Augustine
I was grateful that Bug had taken this world travel book in hand, and was making an effort to read the whole thing, I just wished she would stop every now and then and let me know what chapter she was on! Where in the world was she?
She has since blogged about her current reading, so I now have a bookmark on that page and will be able to rest easy for awhile. Thank goodness! The girls even called home on Friday night, or should I say early Saturday morning. I was a bit groggy and disoriented when I answered the phone but it was soooo good to hear Bug's voice and share Puff's enthusiasm over the phone lines. They both sounded healthy and on-top-of-the-world happy. How neat that I could speak to them across all those miles. Thank you Mr. Bell.
Lulu and El made a return visit to our house on the weekend and breezed in the front door on a gust of wind full of stories and laughter. What a week they had and what tales they have to tell. We enjoyed hearing many of the stories first hand and having our house filled with their high spirits during the telling of them. They thumbed through many pages of the world's travel book last week and had a blast. Keep an eye on Sass's blog for pics.
I hope you have a chance to pick up the travel book and read a few pages from time to time this fall. Such a pretty time of year for "reading"
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Thelma and Louise? No!
Lulu and El, is what we will call these two gorgeous gals. Heather, my sister, on the left and Sarah, her daughter, on the right set off on a road trip this week, and stopped in to visit us on their first night. We sent them on their way bright and early in the morning, and their spirits were high even if they were a bit nervous about driving through Montreal.
I love these pics we took of them the morning they left and thought I would post them here for the rest of the family to see. Don't they look happy? I am sure they are having a grand and glorious time.
Have fun girls. See you on Saturday.
Love and hugs from one and all.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Left foot, right foot, left foot - breathe.
I read these words in an Anne Lamott book during the summer and I knew the phrase was a keeper. Sometimes it is the only way to get through a tough time – left foot, right foot, left foot - breathe! Just keep moving forward one baby step and a time and try to take a deep breath every now and then.
Oh goodness the A-Team's trip to Southeast Asia is a tad hard on this mother's heart, right now, and I am struggling to take one step at a time. Just the thought of them trekking around in those strange corners of the globe makes me nervous. I must admit that I am not breathing too deeply these days and probably won't be until they are home safe and sound in December.
I wandered down to the kitchen on Sunday morning to make coffee before I picked up my journal to start the day off write! Three hand-written morning-pages are the first things on my agenda each day, and I am back in the habit of doing them before I even think about anything else. Best way to start the day for me.
Still in my jammies on Sunday morning, I poured myself a huge mug full of steaming brew then headed over to the couch with it. I picked up my journal and just got nicely settled in when I realized I had left the radio on in the kitchen. Drat! I prefer to write in silence, and now that I was so nice and comfy I didn't want to move again. Hmmm? What to do? I decided to stay put and just try to block out the radio. It was in the other room after all.
A few minutes passed and AC came padding down to the kitchen for his morning coffee. Oh good, I'll ask him to turn the radio off before he heads back upstairs. He grabbed his coffee and joined me on the couch for a short visit before making tracks to the den. The radio was still on, but he would take care of it when he got up. I turned to him and asked him if he had heard from the girls. He reminded me that they were in the southern regions of Thailand and probably not near an internet cafe so we might not hear from them for awhile. As we sat there talking about the girls and their grand adventure, a news bulletin came on the radio and the announcer's words hit my heart like daggers. There had been a series of bombings in south Thailand and one Canadian had been killed! Popular tourist areas had been targeted with these bombs and many people were injured.
AC and I sat on the couch in stunned silence. My stomach did a flip and went into a knot. We listened for more details and before the end of the broadcast they announced the name of the girl who had been killed - it wasn't familiar to us. Ok, now I could breathe again, but where were the girls and were they ok? We still don't know!
I am holding onto the old saying that "no news is good news" and I am trying to remain calm. Help! Left foot, right foot, left foot, breathe. They are probably on a secluded beach somewhere and don't even know what is going on in the areas around them. Yes, that is why we haven't heard from them. They are safe and sound on a quiet beach.
On Sunday morning I sat motionless on the couch while my mind went flying to all sorts of dark places. Fear lurched up into my throat and almost choked me. Oh dear God, where are the girls?
Breathe, just sit still and breathe. This situation is completely out of my control so getting upset and worrying myself into a frazzle is not going to do anyone any good, so just sit still and breathe. In, out, in, out, in, out. Yes, that's better.
I must tell myself the truth and only the truth. Not stories my wild imagination tells me about the truth, only the truth as I know it right now. And what is that truth, the only thing that I know for sure? The girls are in southern Thailand and I haven't heard from them for a few days. That's it. Those are the only facts that I know for sure, nothing more. Anything else would be just stories my imagination might dream up.
Yesterday we heard the news that a coup had taken place in the country and tanks had moved into the capital city. Left foot, right foot, left foot – breathe! We walked around in a daze for a few minutes and then packed up and went to the park to spend a few minutes where the wood drake rests. There really is peace in wild things! We came back home somewhat calmer and moved through the rest of our day. Left foot, right foot, left foot – breathe.
On our way out to the car we noticed three of our neighbours gathered by our car chatting. They greeted us cheerily and I responded in a shaky voice. I quickly filled them in on the details and hugs were offered all around. Later that night another neighbour called and said her son was in Taiwan and he had a friend in Bangkok. She gave me the friend's email address and told me her son had contacted him about us and girls and said they could contact him at any time and he would help in any way he could. How nice to have someone to contact directly in Bangkok. Now if the girls would just contact us and let us know where they are!
Amazingly enough, I can honestly say that I am calm right now, and I am sleeping at night. Amazing! I sure would like to hear from the girls though. Until then, it is left foot, right foot, left foot – breathe.
Oh goodness the A-Team's trip to Southeast Asia is a tad hard on this mother's heart, right now, and I am struggling to take one step at a time. Just the thought of them trekking around in those strange corners of the globe makes me nervous. I must admit that I am not breathing too deeply these days and probably won't be until they are home safe and sound in December.
I wandered down to the kitchen on Sunday morning to make coffee before I picked up my journal to start the day off write! Three hand-written morning-pages are the first things on my agenda each day, and I am back in the habit of doing them before I even think about anything else. Best way to start the day for me.
Still in my jammies on Sunday morning, I poured myself a huge mug full of steaming brew then headed over to the couch with it. I picked up my journal and just got nicely settled in when I realized I had left the radio on in the kitchen. Drat! I prefer to write in silence, and now that I was so nice and comfy I didn't want to move again. Hmmm? What to do? I decided to stay put and just try to block out the radio. It was in the other room after all.
A few minutes passed and AC came padding down to the kitchen for his morning coffee. Oh good, I'll ask him to turn the radio off before he heads back upstairs. He grabbed his coffee and joined me on the couch for a short visit before making tracks to the den. The radio was still on, but he would take care of it when he got up. I turned to him and asked him if he had heard from the girls. He reminded me that they were in the southern regions of Thailand and probably not near an internet cafe so we might not hear from them for awhile. As we sat there talking about the girls and their grand adventure, a news bulletin came on the radio and the announcer's words hit my heart like daggers. There had been a series of bombings in south Thailand and one Canadian had been killed! Popular tourist areas had been targeted with these bombs and many people were injured.
AC and I sat on the couch in stunned silence. My stomach did a flip and went into a knot. We listened for more details and before the end of the broadcast they announced the name of the girl who had been killed - it wasn't familiar to us. Ok, now I could breathe again, but where were the girls and were they ok? We still don't know!
I am holding onto the old saying that "no news is good news" and I am trying to remain calm. Help! Left foot, right foot, left foot, breathe. They are probably on a secluded beach somewhere and don't even know what is going on in the areas around them. Yes, that is why we haven't heard from them. They are safe and sound on a quiet beach.
On Sunday morning I sat motionless on the couch while my mind went flying to all sorts of dark places. Fear lurched up into my throat and almost choked me. Oh dear God, where are the girls?
Breathe, just sit still and breathe. This situation is completely out of my control so getting upset and worrying myself into a frazzle is not going to do anyone any good, so just sit still and breathe. In, out, in, out, in, out. Yes, that's better.
I must tell myself the truth and only the truth. Not stories my wild imagination tells me about the truth, only the truth as I know it right now. And what is that truth, the only thing that I know for sure? The girls are in southern Thailand and I haven't heard from them for a few days. That's it. Those are the only facts that I know for sure, nothing more. Anything else would be just stories my imagination might dream up.
Yesterday we heard the news that a coup had taken place in the country and tanks had moved into the capital city. Left foot, right foot, left foot – breathe! We walked around in a daze for a few minutes and then packed up and went to the park to spend a few minutes where the wood drake rests. There really is peace in wild things! We came back home somewhat calmer and moved through the rest of our day. Left foot, right foot, left foot – breathe.
On our way out to the car we noticed three of our neighbours gathered by our car chatting. They greeted us cheerily and I responded in a shaky voice. I quickly filled them in on the details and hugs were offered all around. Later that night another neighbour called and said her son was in Taiwan and he had a friend in Bangkok. She gave me the friend's email address and told me her son had contacted him about us and girls and said they could contact him at any time and he would help in any way he could. How nice to have someone to contact directly in Bangkok. Now if the girls would just contact us and let us know where they are!
Amazingly enough, I can honestly say that I am calm right now, and I am sleeping at night. Amazing! I sure would like to hear from the girls though. Until then, it is left foot, right foot, left foot – breathe.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Smidge
We got a note from Butterfly the other day that the "cat was out of the bag", so we could go ahead and share the news with our circle of friends now. Yahoo! Goodness it has been hard to keep this under my hat for the past few weeks, but I did it. I was just about bursting though.
AC broke the news earlier this morning here, and has linked to Butterfly's blog, but I just have to add a few details of my own.
This has been a long and painful road Butterfly and The Boy have walked these past couple of years, and we hurt for them as they faced each disappointment along the way. Our hearts went out to them as they struggled with the heartache of infertility, and we felt so powerless to ease their pain. Goodness it is hard when you children hurt and there is nothing you can do for them.
We supported them as best we could and tried to be there to offer a shoulder to cry on or just listen when feelings needed to be vented, but this was a very private walk they had to take and we waited until we were asked for help before we offered any.
Acquaintances on the other hand, would make flippant comments and jokes about having babies, or what was wrong with them, or what were they waiting for, and Butterfly felt like screaming at them. She was hanging on by a thread each month, and these people would walk all over her hurting heart with their casual words. There is a huge lesson to be learned here for all of us. Think before you make a flippant comment to a young married person about not having a child yet. Infertility is a huge problem in our society today, and there is no heartache quite like it.
When Butterfly and The Boy started infertility treatments the drugs sent Butterfly on an awful roller coaster ride of emotions and she and The Boy needed the love and support of family and friends to help them hang on while their little family unit chugged up one huge hill and careened down another. What a ride we were all on.
To make this rather long story a little shorter, just let me say that this summer Butterfly went in for an IUI treatment and it was successful. Oh joy!
On the day of the treatment The Boy couldn't get the day off work, so AC and I took Butterfly to the Infertility clinic and sat tensely in the waiting room for her. AC and I were amazed at the size of the place and the number of couples coming and going the whole time we sat there. The waiting room was large and almost full. A steady stream of people moved through the efficient and busy office.
After a while AC and I noticed that people were glancing at us out of the corner of their eyes, and it then dawned on us what people must be thinking. I bet we were the talk of the day around some dinner tables that night. Can't you hear it now? 'You wouldn't believe this old couple sitting in the waiting room at the infertility clinic! They must have been at least 60! What in the world are they thinking?' Ha, ha, ha. What a hoot!
Anyway, after the treatment, came the waiting time. Each day seemed ten years long, and at one point Butterfly said she felt like a "watched pot" and a watched pot never boils. So we tried to give her lots of space and let her tell us how she was doing when she was ready. I felt like this big elephant was sitting in the room with us and we all just pretended like it wasn't there. Oh so difficult to do, but we did it.
On the August long weekend AC and I were working at the local music festival and Butterfly came to meet us at the front gate at the end of one of our shifts. The Boy was out of town, and she quite often joins us for dinner when he is away so we didn't think anything strange about her meeting us and coming home with us. We piled into the car and merrily chatted on about the music festival and how much fun we were having. We were still chattering on about people we met during our tour of duty that day as we entered our kitchen. I was unpacking coolers and thinking about what to make for dinner when Butterfly handed us each a little gift bag and said that seeing as we were working so hard at the festival this weekend she bought us something to help us get through the next couple of days. I took the bag and thought it was a piece of fudge or something like that. As I reached into the bag I heard a commotion behind me. AC was rushing across the room towards Butterfly, and I then saw clearly what was in the bag. A pair of baby booties! The IUI was a success, the test positive, she was pregnant. We stood in the kitchen, crying and hugging and crying some more. Oh joy, joy, joy.
It was still very early in the pregnancy, and many things could go wrong at that stage, so we had to reign in our urge to shout the news from the housetops just yet. But inside the house we let our joy run free. AC and I started calling each other Grandma and Grandpa and we liked the sound of that let me tell you. Oh joy, joy, joy.
So, here we are almost at the three month mark and have been given the go ahead to finally spread the news far and wide. Come next April, little Smidge (Butterfly called the embryo Smudge, but now that the embryo is officially a fetus I changed the name in my mind to Smidge) will say hello to this old world and I will answer to the name of Grandma. Oh joy, joy, joy.
AC broke the news earlier this morning here, and has linked to Butterfly's blog, but I just have to add a few details of my own.
This has been a long and painful road Butterfly and The Boy have walked these past couple of years, and we hurt for them as they faced each disappointment along the way. Our hearts went out to them as they struggled with the heartache of infertility, and we felt so powerless to ease their pain. Goodness it is hard when you children hurt and there is nothing you can do for them.
We supported them as best we could and tried to be there to offer a shoulder to cry on or just listen when feelings needed to be vented, but this was a very private walk they had to take and we waited until we were asked for help before we offered any.
Acquaintances on the other hand, would make flippant comments and jokes about having babies, or what was wrong with them, or what were they waiting for, and Butterfly felt like screaming at them. She was hanging on by a thread each month, and these people would walk all over her hurting heart with their casual words. There is a huge lesson to be learned here for all of us. Think before you make a flippant comment to a young married person about not having a child yet. Infertility is a huge problem in our society today, and there is no heartache quite like it.
When Butterfly and The Boy started infertility treatments the drugs sent Butterfly on an awful roller coaster ride of emotions and she and The Boy needed the love and support of family and friends to help them hang on while their little family unit chugged up one huge hill and careened down another. What a ride we were all on.
To make this rather long story a little shorter, just let me say that this summer Butterfly went in for an IUI treatment and it was successful. Oh joy!
On the day of the treatment The Boy couldn't get the day off work, so AC and I took Butterfly to the Infertility clinic and sat tensely in the waiting room for her. AC and I were amazed at the size of the place and the number of couples coming and going the whole time we sat there. The waiting room was large and almost full. A steady stream of people moved through the efficient and busy office.
After a while AC and I noticed that people were glancing at us out of the corner of their eyes, and it then dawned on us what people must be thinking. I bet we were the talk of the day around some dinner tables that night. Can't you hear it now? 'You wouldn't believe this old couple sitting in the waiting room at the infertility clinic! They must have been at least 60! What in the world are they thinking?' Ha, ha, ha. What a hoot!
Anyway, after the treatment, came the waiting time. Each day seemed ten years long, and at one point Butterfly said she felt like a "watched pot" and a watched pot never boils. So we tried to give her lots of space and let her tell us how she was doing when she was ready. I felt like this big elephant was sitting in the room with us and we all just pretended like it wasn't there. Oh so difficult to do, but we did it.
On the August long weekend AC and I were working at the local music festival and Butterfly came to meet us at the front gate at the end of one of our shifts. The Boy was out of town, and she quite often joins us for dinner when he is away so we didn't think anything strange about her meeting us and coming home with us. We piled into the car and merrily chatted on about the music festival and how much fun we were having. We were still chattering on about people we met during our tour of duty that day as we entered our kitchen. I was unpacking coolers and thinking about what to make for dinner when Butterfly handed us each a little gift bag and said that seeing as we were working so hard at the festival this weekend she bought us something to help us get through the next couple of days. I took the bag and thought it was a piece of fudge or something like that. As I reached into the bag I heard a commotion behind me. AC was rushing across the room towards Butterfly, and I then saw clearly what was in the bag. A pair of baby booties! The IUI was a success, the test positive, she was pregnant. We stood in the kitchen, crying and hugging and crying some more. Oh joy, joy, joy.
It was still very early in the pregnancy, and many things could go wrong at that stage, so we had to reign in our urge to shout the news from the housetops just yet. But inside the house we let our joy run free. AC and I started calling each other Grandma and Grandpa and we liked the sound of that let me tell you. Oh joy, joy, joy.
So, here we are almost at the three month mark and have been given the go ahead to finally spread the news far and wide. Come next April, little Smidge (Butterfly called the embryo Smudge, but now that the embryo is officially a fetus I changed the name in my mind to Smidge) will say hello to this old world and I will answer to the name of Grandma. Oh joy, joy, joy.
Monday, September 18, 2006
September Hello cont'd
Sunshine greeted me this morning, but rain is on the way. Sunshine means a ride on the bike, rain means time to sit in my writing corner and maybe compose a blog or two. Oh joy, I should get both things done today.
Let me see, do I have more catching up to do before I go any further? Oh yes...
Wedding Bells - As you already know from AC's blog, Bug and Puff got engaged, but wedding bells won't be ringing until next August - I think!
I only got to talk to Bug for two minutes before they left for their three month trek through Southeast Asia, so I didn't get any details. Sigh. I am someone who wants all the details, and I didn't get ANY. I want to know when it happen, where, who said what, what the ring looks like, what date was set, where the wedding will be??????? Don't know the answer to any of these questions. The girls were in such a tizzie about the stolen laptop and lost tickets, they spent most of their time frantically running around trying to get ready to leave as planned. They sure didn't have time to sit for a leisurely chat on the phone with dear old mom. I only got to say "Congratulations, I love you, have a good trip and take care." So, I wait until they get home from their trip to get more details of the engagement and wedding. Stay tuned.
Thanks for all the heartfelt wishes left on AC's blog for us and the girls. Warms our hearts!
Oh goodness the day is moving forward and I must be on my way now. This entry is short and sweet, but at least I wrote something - right Dale?
Talk to you all later.
Let me see, do I have more catching up to do before I go any further? Oh yes...
Wedding Bells - As you already know from AC's blog, Bug and Puff got engaged, but wedding bells won't be ringing until next August - I think!
I only got to talk to Bug for two minutes before they left for their three month trek through Southeast Asia, so I didn't get any details. Sigh. I am someone who wants all the details, and I didn't get ANY. I want to know when it happen, where, who said what, what the ring looks like, what date was set, where the wedding will be??????? Don't know the answer to any of these questions. The girls were in such a tizzie about the stolen laptop and lost tickets, they spent most of their time frantically running around trying to get ready to leave as planned. They sure didn't have time to sit for a leisurely chat on the phone with dear old mom. I only got to say "Congratulations, I love you, have a good trip and take care." So, I wait until they get home from their trip to get more details of the engagement and wedding. Stay tuned.
Thanks for all the heartfelt wishes left on AC's blog for us and the girls. Warms our hearts!
Oh goodness the day is moving forward and I must be on my way now. This entry is short and sweet, but at least I wrote something - right Dale?
Talk to you all later.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
September Hello
It is a cool rainy morning in September and just seems like the perfect time to open the laptop and let my fingers do the walking over the keys for awhile. It is past time to check in with all of you out in blogland that is for sure. Sorry I have been away for so long, but while the sun was shining I had to be out in it, not bent over my laptop. In between busy times with company and fun in the sunshine, I managed to read a ton of books, pedal a few klicks, fill up a pen and ink journal, do a tour of duty at the local music festival, go camping at Riverwood, and wonder of wonder, even spend some quiet time where the wood drake rests .
The summer is now history, fall is moving in to stay for awhile and I am loving the change in the weather. Cold nights and cool days are such a treat after the heat of summer aren't they? Leaves are starting to change, geese are flying overhead and we are enjoying the biking trails on every sunny day we are given. Snow will start to fly before we know it, so we have to get out on the bikes while we can.
With the busy summer behind us, it is now time to get back into a routine, and that will be nice after the lack of same all summer.
AC has kept you posted on our comings and goings over the past few months, so I won't try to go back and fill in too many details of all the time I missed writing about, but must add a few...
Violin Lessons - huge hug to AC for following his dream and picking up the violin again. I think it is great. Too bad we got rid of his old violin last year, but I guess he is right and it wouldn't have survived all those years in the heat and cold of the attic. Oh the attic! Do you remember that story? Here and here . Makes me shudder just to think about it again. (By the way, the attic in our new home doesn't have a thing in it, and it WON'T!) Anyway, back to to the violin. The new one looks great and sounds good. AC plays it everyday and I am impressed with his progress and enthusiasm.
Let me stop here to say just one thing about his enthusiasm. As a result of something that happened last week, I had to put my foot down and issue a house rule. "NO PRACTISING AFTER MIDNIGHT!" Yes midnight! Can you believe that?
I was rather tired one night last week, so toddled off to bed around 10pm. I was blissfully sawing logs by 10:30 but was rudely awakened at 12:15 by...you guessed it, sounds of the violin bombarding up the stairs from the basement to the bedroom. It took me a few seconds to process the sound and when I looked at the clock I couldn't believe my eyes. It was after midnight and AC was in the basement playing the violin. Good grief!
I rolled over and tried to block the sound with my pillow, but that didn't work. I was just about to get up and stomp down the stairs to see what the heck was going on, when the music stopped. Ah, peace and quiet at last. Well, not for long. The next thing I knew AC was following the music up the stairs and he was whistling! Yes whistling!!!!!!! He was happy, happy, happy and just bursting with the joy of the music he had been playing, and he was whistling. Whistling! I met him in the hallway with an incredulous look on my face and it was only then that he realized that I could hear the music up in the bedroom. I then pointed out to him that is was almost 1am and he was whistling. Whistling!! He didn't even realize he was doing that.
I dragged myself back to bed and thankfully peace and quiet ruled for the rest of the night, well except for a few bursts of uncontrolled laughter, all was quiet. Sheesh! No practising or whistling after midnight, and that's final!
Well, the morning is brightening up and the sun is peeking through at last, so I will end this update here and head out for a bike ride. I will be back soon to continue this "catch up" blog.
It has been nice talking to you again. Enjoy the sunshine today, get out and walk in it every chance you get.
The summer is now history, fall is moving in to stay for awhile and I am loving the change in the weather. Cold nights and cool days are such a treat after the heat of summer aren't they? Leaves are starting to change, geese are flying overhead and we are enjoying the biking trails on every sunny day we are given. Snow will start to fly before we know it, so we have to get out on the bikes while we can.
With the busy summer behind us, it is now time to get back into a routine, and that will be nice after the lack of same all summer.
AC has kept you posted on our comings and goings over the past few months, so I won't try to go back and fill in too many details of all the time I missed writing about, but must add a few...
Violin Lessons - huge hug to AC for following his dream and picking up the violin again. I think it is great. Too bad we got rid of his old violin last year, but I guess he is right and it wouldn't have survived all those years in the heat and cold of the attic. Oh the attic! Do you remember that story? Here and here . Makes me shudder just to think about it again. (By the way, the attic in our new home doesn't have a thing in it, and it WON'T!) Anyway, back to to the violin. The new one looks great and sounds good. AC plays it everyday and I am impressed with his progress and enthusiasm.
Let me stop here to say just one thing about his enthusiasm. As a result of something that happened last week, I had to put my foot down and issue a house rule. "NO PRACTISING AFTER MIDNIGHT!" Yes midnight! Can you believe that?
I was rather tired one night last week, so toddled off to bed around 10pm. I was blissfully sawing logs by 10:30 but was rudely awakened at 12:15 by...you guessed it, sounds of the violin bombarding up the stairs from the basement to the bedroom. It took me a few seconds to process the sound and when I looked at the clock I couldn't believe my eyes. It was after midnight and AC was in the basement playing the violin. Good grief!
I rolled over and tried to block the sound with my pillow, but that didn't work. I was just about to get up and stomp down the stairs to see what the heck was going on, when the music stopped. Ah, peace and quiet at last. Well, not for long. The next thing I knew AC was following the music up the stairs and he was whistling! Yes whistling!!!!!!! He was happy, happy, happy and just bursting with the joy of the music he had been playing, and he was whistling. Whistling! I met him in the hallway with an incredulous look on my face and it was only then that he realized that I could hear the music up in the bedroom. I then pointed out to him that is was almost 1am and he was whistling. Whistling!! He didn't even realize he was doing that.
I dragged myself back to bed and thankfully peace and quiet ruled for the rest of the night, well except for a few bursts of uncontrolled laughter, all was quiet. Sheesh! No practising or whistling after midnight, and that's final!
Well, the morning is brightening up and the sun is peeking through at last, so I will end this update here and head out for a bike ride. I will be back soon to continue this "catch up" blog.
It has been nice talking to you again. Enjoy the sunshine today, get out and walk in it every chance you get.
Friday, June 30, 2006
First Picnic
Bike riding k's are far behind last year's numbers, but when weather permits we are out on the bikes exploring interesting spots in our new corner of the province. We have a nice 20k trail without hills that we really enjoy, but look forward to venturing further afield once our leg muscles built up a bit of strength.
Last week we felt we were ready so we set off for Almonte, a 30k round trip. It was a great ride and there was even a Tim's at the turn-around point of the route, so we had fresh hot coffee with our picnic lunch in this delightful little park in the centre of town. Delicious!
We took a pleasant country-back-roads route and enjoyed wildflowers, birdsongs and picturesque scenery all along the way. Oh so pretty.
It reminded me of the country roads of Lambton County, with one major difference - hills! Oh yes, we have lots more hills here and that makes our rides a bit more of a challenge I must say. I have a GPS on my bike, so I can keep track of elevation, speed, and direction when we ride. We start off at home at about 120 metres above sea level and are up and down hills between that and 160m all along the route. One hill just outside this park at the start of our route home goes from 104 m to 158m. Needless to say I have to walk to the top of this hill. My knees just can't take the hill cold after our lunch break. Once at the top it is clear sailing all the way home though. We go up and down grades between 130m and 140m, and they aren't too hard to deal with at all. Whew!
It looks like we are going to have lots of rain this weekend. Sigh! Company arrives tonight for the long weekend festivities, so the pace will pick up speed around here again but the bikes and computers will rest.
Hope you enjoy your long weekend. We plan to celebrate Canada's birthday in style.
Talk to you all next week.
Last week we felt we were ready so we set off for Almonte, a 30k round trip. It was a great ride and there was even a Tim's at the turn-around point of the route, so we had fresh hot coffee with our picnic lunch in this delightful little park in the centre of town. Delicious!
We took a pleasant country-back-roads route and enjoyed wildflowers, birdsongs and picturesque scenery all along the way. Oh so pretty.
It reminded me of the country roads of Lambton County, with one major difference - hills! Oh yes, we have lots more hills here and that makes our rides a bit more of a challenge I must say. I have a GPS on my bike, so I can keep track of elevation, speed, and direction when we ride. We start off at home at about 120 metres above sea level and are up and down hills between that and 160m all along the route. One hill just outside this park at the start of our route home goes from 104 m to 158m. Needless to say I have to walk to the top of this hill. My knees just can't take the hill cold after our lunch break. Once at the top it is clear sailing all the way home though. We go up and down grades between 130m and 140m, and they aren't too hard to deal with at all. Whew!
It looks like we are going to have lots of rain this weekend. Sigh! Company arrives tonight for the long weekend festivities, so the pace will pick up speed around here again but the bikes and computers will rest.
Hope you enjoy your long weekend. We plan to celebrate Canada's birthday in style.
Talk to you all next week.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Peace of Wild Things
In times of mind numbing busyness, it is oh so wise to stop what we are doing and step off the merry-go-round of life for awhile. I always have a poetry book or two handy to grab for just such times. When the whirling and twirling gets to be just too much and my head becomes dizzy from the spinning, I know it is time to feast on some poetry and then step into the quiet calm of the great outdoors.
I picked up a new book I got from the library the other day, Risk Everything, 110 Poems of Love and Revelation, and this poem oozed from the page and drizzled over my hot frazzled soul like a cool soothing balm. Ahhhh, Sweet!
Goodness knows we can all use a dose of cool soothing balm on hot dusty days of the soul, so let me share it with you too.
The Peace of Wild Things
Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
This is my place of still water. AC has posted a picture of me sitting among the trees at the park. This is what I am looking at as I sit there.
If you can't take your body to a quiet place by still waters, then close your eyes and go there in your mind.
…do not tax your life with forethought of grief...come into the presence of still water…rest in the grace of the world…be free.
MMMMMM, doesn't that feel good?
Talk to you all later.
I picked up a new book I got from the library the other day, Risk Everything, 110 Poems of Love and Revelation, and this poem oozed from the page and drizzled over my hot frazzled soul like a cool soothing balm. Ahhhh, Sweet!
Goodness knows we can all use a dose of cool soothing balm on hot dusty days of the soul, so let me share it with you too.
The Peace of Wild Things
Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
This is my place of still water. AC has posted a picture of me sitting among the trees at the park. This is what I am looking at as I sit there.
If you can't take your body to a quiet place by still waters, then close your eyes and go there in your mind.
…do not tax your life with forethought of grief...come into the presence of still water…rest in the grace of the world…be free.
MMMMMM, doesn't that feel good?
Talk to you all later.
Monday, June 19, 2006
A Bit of This and a Smidge of That…
Life continues to tilt and whirl faster than the speed of light around here these days, and I am barely managing to keep my feet under me, but this crazy pace sure makes life interesting and a whole lot of fun I must say. Sure doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging though. Sigh! I have been trying to visit your blogs to keep up with the news there, but even then, it is just a quick read and on to other things. At least AC has been sort of keeping you posted on what is happening in our little corner of the world right now.
The rain is putting a damper on our bike riding plans for this morning, so I have a few minutes of unexpected quiet time to sit and write, and share a bit of this and a smidge of that with you before I have to pick up and head out the door again.
Company coming and going
After our May 24 company left, we busied ourselves getting ready for the next batch of visitors, Lady Bug and Power Puff. They arrived for a whirlwind visit, and we had tons of fun packing as many activities as we could into a short period of time. After a couple of days here, they set off to spend some time at Riverwood and we settled in here to re-group and get ready for our next event. Out of the blue, Lady Bug called and asked us if we would like to join them at the farm for an extended visit. Not wanting to turn down a chance for more of a visit with them and a trip to the farm to boot, I quickly cancelled hair appointments, a plumber's visit and coffee with friends for the next morning and we packed up and headed to Riverwood. Oh joy, time at my most favourite place on earth.
The black flies had abated, but the mosquitoes were out in full force and we only ventured out for one short walk which seemed far too long with them buzzing around our heads and attacking us mercilessly. I tried to take a picture of them swarming AC but the picture doesn't do the event justice. It looks like he only has a few on his leg, when we actually had hundreds swarming all around us. Yuck!
Because of the bugs and the rain, we spent most of our time inside the farmhouse and that suited me just fine. It was nice to stop and catch my breath after such a busy time at home. Leisurely cups of coffee out on the porch were the only order of the day. It rained off an on while we were there, and the sound of rain hitting the porch roof while I sat warm and dry under it sipping hot coffee, was a treat for the senses. Even in the rain, hummers came to visit the feeder hanging just outside the screen by my shoulder so I was entertained by their dance which seemed to keep time with the rhythm the rain beat on the roof. Absolutely delightful, and oh so relaxing and refreshing.!
Once back home though, we had to hit the ground running to get ready for the Boy's birthday celebration, and then a friend's wedding. Of course we had to squeeze things like bike rides, line dancing, and oh yes, housework and laundry in there somewhere too. Sheesh! What a contrast to the relaxed pace at Riverwood. No wonder I love time spent at Riverwood.
Celtic Music, Jam Festival
Ah, what a treat for my busy frazzled soul this was. A delightful afternoon spent in a small community hall in Middleville, listening to fabulous Celtic music. The musicians had our toes a tapping and our hands a clapping while our spirits soared and were refreshed. It was such an uplifting way to spend a cold June afternoon. I loved it and we certainly plan on going back again in July and August. AC has posted some great pics here.
The little community of Middleville is perched at the top of a high hill overlooking the Lanark Highlands. The first time I drove through the area I thought the name very bland for such a beautiful spot and wondered why they didn't call it Top of the Hillville instead of Middleville. Doesn't that sound better? Don't know as I would like to live in a place called Middleville, but Top of the Hillville sounds very romantic indeed. I know, I know, I'm rambling. So, let's move on.
Bike rides and animal sightings
Another dose of cold rainy weather descended upon us in the middle of June, but sunny days were tucked in-between the rainy ones and we managed a few bike rides to nooks and crannies here and there. On one ride we turned a corner in the trail and happened upon this cow tied to a tree.
We hadn't seen her before or since, but there she was, in all her glory on this sunny morning. We did our best to get her to pose for us, but she wasn't at all interested in coming any closer to have her picture taken. We called out and clapped our hands but she only graced us with the briefest glance and then went right back to eating. As I thought about this afterwards her name was probably Elsie not Bessie and she didn't know we were talking to her. Goodness knows you have to get the name right!
Just around the next bend in the path we saw this beautiful deer grazing in another field along the trail. She is there quite often and we greet her each time she makes her presence known, but she does keep her distance. We have such a pretty trail to ride here and are kept company by Goldfinches, Deer, Cows, Horses, Butterflies and oh yes, many assorted flying insects of all descriptions.
Which brings me to my next random rambling…
How do they do it?
AC usually takes the lead on our rides, and I follow a few bike-lengths behind him on the narrow parts of the trail. I have noticed on more than one occasion, Stable flies, and Deer flies buzzing around his head and shoulders and can hear them buzzing around mine as we traverse some of the more densely wooded parts of the trail. On these sections we have to slow down to navigate through tree branches and twisty turns in the path. Once on the open road again we gear the bikes up to 3/7, pick up speed and clip along at about 25–30kph. The fact that amazes me as we pick up speed is that the flies keep up with us!!! They don't sit on our shoulders or bike helmets and hitch a ride, they buzz around our heads and don't lose any ground at all as we pick up speed. How do they do that? Wouldn't you think that we would leave them in the dust once we got clipping along? Hmmmm? They sure are tricksy little blighters.
Father's Day
Hot, humid, hazy weather made an appearance for Father's Day weekend, but we didn't let that stop our celebrations. Butterfly and The Boy treated us to breakfast at Wheelers Pancake House on Saturday morning followed by a visit to Purdon Conservation Area for a photo op.
The Lady Slipper Orchid Festival is next weekend, but lots of the flowers were in bloom and all our cameras were kept busy clicking away. AC has posted some great pics on his blog here.
Whirl and spin, tilt and whirl. Fun, fun, fun. The Dance of Life continues to keep us busy and happy. Hope you are managing to keep your feet moving to the beat of the music of life these days too and are enjoying the dance.
The rain is putting a damper on our bike riding plans for this morning, so I have a few minutes of unexpected quiet time to sit and write, and share a bit of this and a smidge of that with you before I have to pick up and head out the door again.
Company coming and going
After our May 24 company left, we busied ourselves getting ready for the next batch of visitors, Lady Bug and Power Puff. They arrived for a whirlwind visit, and we had tons of fun packing as many activities as we could into a short period of time. After a couple of days here, they set off to spend some time at Riverwood and we settled in here to re-group and get ready for our next event. Out of the blue, Lady Bug called and asked us if we would like to join them at the farm for an extended visit. Not wanting to turn down a chance for more of a visit with them and a trip to the farm to boot, I quickly cancelled hair appointments, a plumber's visit and coffee with friends for the next morning and we packed up and headed to Riverwood. Oh joy, time at my most favourite place on earth.
The black flies had abated, but the mosquitoes were out in full force and we only ventured out for one short walk which seemed far too long with them buzzing around our heads and attacking us mercilessly. I tried to take a picture of them swarming AC but the picture doesn't do the event justice. It looks like he only has a few on his leg, when we actually had hundreds swarming all around us. Yuck!
Because of the bugs and the rain, we spent most of our time inside the farmhouse and that suited me just fine. It was nice to stop and catch my breath after such a busy time at home. Leisurely cups of coffee out on the porch were the only order of the day. It rained off an on while we were there, and the sound of rain hitting the porch roof while I sat warm and dry under it sipping hot coffee, was a treat for the senses. Even in the rain, hummers came to visit the feeder hanging just outside the screen by my shoulder so I was entertained by their dance which seemed to keep time with the rhythm the rain beat on the roof. Absolutely delightful, and oh so relaxing and refreshing.!
Once back home though, we had to hit the ground running to get ready for the Boy's birthday celebration, and then a friend's wedding. Of course we had to squeeze things like bike rides, line dancing, and oh yes, housework and laundry in there somewhere too. Sheesh! What a contrast to the relaxed pace at Riverwood. No wonder I love time spent at Riverwood.
Celtic Music, Jam Festival
Ah, what a treat for my busy frazzled soul this was. A delightful afternoon spent in a small community hall in Middleville, listening to fabulous Celtic music. The musicians had our toes a tapping and our hands a clapping while our spirits soared and were refreshed. It was such an uplifting way to spend a cold June afternoon. I loved it and we certainly plan on going back again in July and August. AC has posted some great pics here.
The little community of Middleville is perched at the top of a high hill overlooking the Lanark Highlands. The first time I drove through the area I thought the name very bland for such a beautiful spot and wondered why they didn't call it Top of the Hillville instead of Middleville. Doesn't that sound better? Don't know as I would like to live in a place called Middleville, but Top of the Hillville sounds very romantic indeed. I know, I know, I'm rambling. So, let's move on.
Bike rides and animal sightings
Another dose of cold rainy weather descended upon us in the middle of June, but sunny days were tucked in-between the rainy ones and we managed a few bike rides to nooks and crannies here and there. On one ride we turned a corner in the trail and happened upon this cow tied to a tree.
We hadn't seen her before or since, but there she was, in all her glory on this sunny morning. We did our best to get her to pose for us, but she wasn't at all interested in coming any closer to have her picture taken. We called out and clapped our hands but she only graced us with the briefest glance and then went right back to eating. As I thought about this afterwards her name was probably Elsie not Bessie and she didn't know we were talking to her. Goodness knows you have to get the name right!
Just around the next bend in the path we saw this beautiful deer grazing in another field along the trail. She is there quite often and we greet her each time she makes her presence known, but she does keep her distance. We have such a pretty trail to ride here and are kept company by Goldfinches, Deer, Cows, Horses, Butterflies and oh yes, many assorted flying insects of all descriptions.
Which brings me to my next random rambling…
How do they do it?
AC usually takes the lead on our rides, and I follow a few bike-lengths behind him on the narrow parts of the trail. I have noticed on more than one occasion, Stable flies, and Deer flies buzzing around his head and shoulders and can hear them buzzing around mine as we traverse some of the more densely wooded parts of the trail. On these sections we have to slow down to navigate through tree branches and twisty turns in the path. Once on the open road again we gear the bikes up to 3/7, pick up speed and clip along at about 25–30kph. The fact that amazes me as we pick up speed is that the flies keep up with us!!! They don't sit on our shoulders or bike helmets and hitch a ride, they buzz around our heads and don't lose any ground at all as we pick up speed. How do they do that? Wouldn't you think that we would leave them in the dust once we got clipping along? Hmmmm? They sure are tricksy little blighters.
Father's Day
Hot, humid, hazy weather made an appearance for Father's Day weekend, but we didn't let that stop our celebrations. Butterfly and The Boy treated us to breakfast at Wheelers Pancake House on Saturday morning followed by a visit to Purdon Conservation Area for a photo op.
The Lady Slipper Orchid Festival is next weekend, but lots of the flowers were in bloom and all our cameras were kept busy clicking away. AC has posted some great pics on his blog here.
Whirl and spin, tilt and whirl. Fun, fun, fun. The Dance of Life continues to keep us busy and happy. Hope you are managing to keep your feet moving to the beat of the music of life these days too and are enjoying the dance.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Ah, a smile at the end of the hissy-fit
I think Mother Nature and Queen Victoria had a tiff this past holiday weekend and Mother Nature threw a hissy-fit. The old girls sure didn't get along that is for sure. We had wind, rain, cold temps and even a threat of snow, so a real damper was put on gardening plans, camping trips, opening the cottage rituals and sighting seeing tours. We had to dodge raindrops and fight our way through gale force winds on our jaunts around the region with our company, but we warmed the air with laughter and made our own sunshine, so a good time was had by all in spite of the weather.
Mother Nature calmed down yesterday, and by today she was feeling her old chipper self so we went out to enjoy her company. I have a house to clean, washing to do, letters to write, blogs to read, and plans to make for our next set of company, but today we just had to listen to our hearts, dust off the bikes and go for a ride in the sunshine. I packed a picnic lunch and off we went.
Lilacs scented the air all along the route and we found this delightful bench in a quiet spot beside a waterfall for our picnic lunch. I don't know who Kathy Roberston Gleeson is/was, but she does have a beautiful smile, and I enjoyed sitting on her bench and sharing the day with her.
This is a view of the garden we sat beside and AC has posted a picture of the view of the water our eyes feasted on while we munched our lunch. It was marvellous indeed.
Before we set off this morning, I was reading a new poetry book my sister gave to me on the weekend. Phrases from a Mary Oliver poem I just read, tumbled through my mind as I watched the water tumble over the waterfall.
I didn't want to "breath just a little" and "call it a life". I wanted to inhale deeply and experience it all. Could I shut out the voices of "caution and prudence" and "fall in", just like the water was falling freely over the waterfall? Splish, splash, fall in, fall in, fall in! Oh joy.
Take a deep breath and fall in with me. Yes!
Talk to you all later. Take care.
Here is Mary Oliver's entire Poem just in case you want to read it too.
Have you ever tried to enter the long black branches?
by Mary Oliver
Have you ever tried to enter the long black branches
of other lives
tried to imagine what the crisp fringes, full of honey,
hanging
from the branches of the young locust trees, in early summer
feel like?
Do you think this world is only an entertainment for you?
Never to enter the sea and notice how the water divides
with perfect courtesy to let you in!
Never to lie down with grass, as though you were the grass!
Never to leap to the air as you open your wings over
the dark acorn of your heart!
No wonder we hear, in your mournful voice, the complaint
that something is missing from your life.
Who can open the door who does not reach for the latch?
Who can travel the miles who does not put one foot
in front of the other, all attentive to what presents itself
continually?
Who will behold the inner chamber who has not observed
with admiration, even with rapture, the outer stone?
Well, there is time left-
fields everywhere invite you into them.
And who will care, who will chide you if you wander away
from wherever you are, to look for your soul?
Quickly, then, get up, put on your coat, leave your desk!
To put one's foot into the door of the grass, which is
the mystery, which is death as well as life, and
not be afraid!
To set one's foot in the door of death, and be overcome
with amazement!
To sit down in front of the weeds, and imagine
god the ten-fingered, sailing out of his house of straw,
nodding this way and that way, to the flowers of the
present hour,
to the song falling out of the mockingbird's pink mouth,
to the tiplets of the honeysuckle, that have opened
in the night.
To sit down, like a weed among weeds, and rustle in the wind!
Listen, are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?
While the soul, after all, is only a window,
and the opening of the window no more difficult
than the wakening from a little sleep.
Only last week I went out among the thorns and said
to the wild roses:
deny me not
but suffer my devotion.
Then, all afternoon, I sat among them. Maybe
I even heard a curl or two of music, damp and rouge-red,
hurrying from their stubby buds, from their delicate watery bodies.
For how long will you continue to listen to those dark shouters,
caution and prudence?
Fall in! Fall in!
A woman standing in the weeds.
A small boat flounders in the deep waves, and what's coming next
is coming with its own heave and grace.
Meanwhile, once in a while, I have chanced, among the quick things,
upon the immutable.
What more could one ask?
And I would touch the faces of the daisies,
and I would bow down
to think about it.
That was then, which hasn't ended yet.
Now the sun begins to swing down. Under the peach-light,
I cross the fields and the dunes, I follow the ocean's edge.
I climb. I backtrack.
I float.
I ramble my way home.
Mother Nature calmed down yesterday, and by today she was feeling her old chipper self so we went out to enjoy her company. I have a house to clean, washing to do, letters to write, blogs to read, and plans to make for our next set of company, but today we just had to listen to our hearts, dust off the bikes and go for a ride in the sunshine. I packed a picnic lunch and off we went.
Lilacs scented the air all along the route and we found this delightful bench in a quiet spot beside a waterfall for our picnic lunch. I don't know who Kathy Roberston Gleeson is/was, but she does have a beautiful smile, and I enjoyed sitting on her bench and sharing the day with her.
This is a view of the garden we sat beside and AC has posted a picture of the view of the water our eyes feasted on while we munched our lunch. It was marvellous indeed.
Before we set off this morning, I was reading a new poetry book my sister gave to me on the weekend. Phrases from a Mary Oliver poem I just read, tumbled through my mind as I watched the water tumble over the waterfall.
I didn't want to "breath just a little" and "call it a life". I wanted to inhale deeply and experience it all. Could I shut out the voices of "caution and prudence" and "fall in", just like the water was falling freely over the waterfall? Splish, splash, fall in, fall in, fall in! Oh joy.
Take a deep breath and fall in with me. Yes!
Talk to you all later. Take care.
Here is Mary Oliver's entire Poem just in case you want to read it too.
Have you ever tried to enter the long black branches?
by Mary Oliver
Have you ever tried to enter the long black branches
of other lives
tried to imagine what the crisp fringes, full of honey,
hanging
from the branches of the young locust trees, in early summer
feel like?
Do you think this world is only an entertainment for you?
Never to enter the sea and notice how the water divides
with perfect courtesy to let you in!
Never to lie down with grass, as though you were the grass!
Never to leap to the air as you open your wings over
the dark acorn of your heart!
No wonder we hear, in your mournful voice, the complaint
that something is missing from your life.
Who can open the door who does not reach for the latch?
Who can travel the miles who does not put one foot
in front of the other, all attentive to what presents itself
continually?
Who will behold the inner chamber who has not observed
with admiration, even with rapture, the outer stone?
Well, there is time left-
fields everywhere invite you into them.
And who will care, who will chide you if you wander away
from wherever you are, to look for your soul?
Quickly, then, get up, put on your coat, leave your desk!
To put one's foot into the door of the grass, which is
the mystery, which is death as well as life, and
not be afraid!
To set one's foot in the door of death, and be overcome
with amazement!
To sit down in front of the weeds, and imagine
god the ten-fingered, sailing out of his house of straw,
nodding this way and that way, to the flowers of the
present hour,
to the song falling out of the mockingbird's pink mouth,
to the tiplets of the honeysuckle, that have opened
in the night.
To sit down, like a weed among weeds, and rustle in the wind!
Listen, are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?
While the soul, after all, is only a window,
and the opening of the window no more difficult
than the wakening from a little sleep.
Only last week I went out among the thorns and said
to the wild roses:
deny me not
but suffer my devotion.
Then, all afternoon, I sat among them. Maybe
I even heard a curl or two of music, damp and rouge-red,
hurrying from their stubby buds, from their delicate watery bodies.
For how long will you continue to listen to those dark shouters,
caution and prudence?
Fall in! Fall in!
A woman standing in the weeds.
A small boat flounders in the deep waves, and what's coming next
is coming with its own heave and grace.
Meanwhile, once in a while, I have chanced, among the quick things,
upon the immutable.
What more could one ask?
And I would touch the faces of the daisies,
and I would bow down
to think about it.
That was then, which hasn't ended yet.
Now the sun begins to swing down. Under the peach-light,
I cross the fields and the dunes, I follow the ocean's edge.
I climb. I backtrack.
I float.
I ramble my way home.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Is it soup yet?
I have no idea!!! I am not even in the kitchen these days, let alone near the soup pot. Sheesh! The mixture is on the back burner, way way way at the back of my mind and I am not tending it at all. We have been super busy since we got back from our grand holiday and it doesn't look like it will get any less hectic for the next while yet. Company arrives this morning for the long weekend and when they leave in the middle of next week, it will be full steam ahead to get ready for Lady Bug's visit and her graduation celebration.
Hopefully AC will keep you posted on what is happening in our little corner of the world until I get back into writing mode again.
It is a cold rainy day here, but the sunshine promises to make an appearance tomorrow. Yahoo! We want to visit all the nooks and crannies of this most beautiful part of the province with our company this weekend and it would be nicer to do it in sunshine than rain.
Hope the sun shines on you this weekend too and you have a fun but relaxing holiday weekend.
Take care.
Hopefully AC will keep you posted on what is happening in our little corner of the world until I get back into writing mode again.
It is a cold rainy day here, but the sunshine promises to make an appearance tomorrow. Yahoo! We want to visit all the nooks and crannies of this most beautiful part of the province with our company this weekend and it would be nicer to do it in sunshine than rain.
Hope the sun shines on you this weekend too and you have a fun but relaxing holiday weekend.
Take care.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Simmering…
All the emotions from the trip are still simmering and stewing on the back burner of my mind, and hopefully soon, it will be "soup". I look forward to serving up a steaming bowl for you to enjoy with me when it is "soup", but in the meantime let me prepare a plate of appetizers of this and that to nibble on right now.
I seem to be sleeping the clock around trying to get back into this time zone and routine of everyday life once again. Each morning I rise a little earlier and that is a good thing. Maybe by next week, I will be back in the groove again. One can always hope anyway.
AC is busy working on pictures everyday and posting lots on Flicker. When I haven't been busy catching up on my sleep, I have been unpacking, washing, restocking the fridge, and doing other fun things like that. Company is coming on the May 24 weekend, and then we are off to visit Lady Bug and Power Puff so I have to get my act in gear soon. Slowly but surely I am getting there.
We went grocery shopping the other day, and when we were done with that task, we indulged in an extra large Tim's coffee, thick with rich cream. MMMM good! We took our treasure to the park to savour it there. We sat in that most beautiful spot by the Unmighty Mississippi River and soaked in the lush green beauty of spring bursting forth all around us. After the dry dusty countryside of Sedona, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, I felt like my body soul and spirit were taking a long deep drink. The grass and trees were so green and moist, the river so wet and blue, and the sky so bright and clear that I just sat there and gulped it all down deep into my being. It was sooo good to be home. Canada Geese frolicked by the river's edge and my spirit rejoiced as I watched their antics. Ah, home sweet home. I loved the trip to the Grand Canyon, but it just makes the beauty of home all the more special.
My bed and pillows are the best and most comfortable in the world; the sheer luxury of puttering down to my own kitchen to make coffee in the morning, a real treat; greeting the day out on our little sun porch, the best place on earth to do it; a walk through our neighbour and along the shores of the Unmighty Mississippi truly wonderful; a bike ride in the spring sunshine of our little town, a real adventure; coffee at Tim's and a visit to the park, thirst quenching for body and soul. Yes, the trip was wonderful and I have a plethora of happy memories, but home is where I love to be.
The trip has given me new spices to add to the "soup" of my life, but the stock and substance is where I live and I love it.
Let me sprinkle a few spices from our trip on this small plate of appetizers.
Sunset at the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. What a wonderful time of day to be there. After the long plane ride it was a treat to get out and stretch our legs and end the day in this peaceful place.
The garden had myriad iron sculptures placed here and there to add contrast and companionship to the many varieties of cactus. This sculpture spoke loud and clean to me in that quiet space. - take time to listen more and maybe not talk so much. There are so many wonderful things to learn by listening, really listening.
The only cactus I had ever seen before this trip were tiny little specimens in plastic pots at the supermarket. The size of these beauties stopped me in my tracks.
As the sun set I listened to bird songs accompanied by insect chatterings, and I heard sounds that never touched my ears before. Marvellous, just marvellous. Take time to step outside your door tonight and listen really listen to what nature is saying just beyond your door. You might be amazed at what you hear.
Hope you enjoyed this little appetizer. Soup is almost ready.
I seem to be sleeping the clock around trying to get back into this time zone and routine of everyday life once again. Each morning I rise a little earlier and that is a good thing. Maybe by next week, I will be back in the groove again. One can always hope anyway.
AC is busy working on pictures everyday and posting lots on Flicker. When I haven't been busy catching up on my sleep, I have been unpacking, washing, restocking the fridge, and doing other fun things like that. Company is coming on the May 24 weekend, and then we are off to visit Lady Bug and Power Puff so I have to get my act in gear soon. Slowly but surely I am getting there.
We went grocery shopping the other day, and when we were done with that task, we indulged in an extra large Tim's coffee, thick with rich cream. MMMM good! We took our treasure to the park to savour it there. We sat in that most beautiful spot by the Unmighty Mississippi River and soaked in the lush green beauty of spring bursting forth all around us. After the dry dusty countryside of Sedona, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, I felt like my body soul and spirit were taking a long deep drink. The grass and trees were so green and moist, the river so wet and blue, and the sky so bright and clear that I just sat there and gulped it all down deep into my being. It was sooo good to be home. Canada Geese frolicked by the river's edge and my spirit rejoiced as I watched their antics. Ah, home sweet home. I loved the trip to the Grand Canyon, but it just makes the beauty of home all the more special.
My bed and pillows are the best and most comfortable in the world; the sheer luxury of puttering down to my own kitchen to make coffee in the morning, a real treat; greeting the day out on our little sun porch, the best place on earth to do it; a walk through our neighbour and along the shores of the Unmighty Mississippi truly wonderful; a bike ride in the spring sunshine of our little town, a real adventure; coffee at Tim's and a visit to the park, thirst quenching for body and soul. Yes, the trip was wonderful and I have a plethora of happy memories, but home is where I love to be.
The trip has given me new spices to add to the "soup" of my life, but the stock and substance is where I live and I love it.
Let me sprinkle a few spices from our trip on this small plate of appetizers.
Sunset at the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. What a wonderful time of day to be there. After the long plane ride it was a treat to get out and stretch our legs and end the day in this peaceful place.
The garden had myriad iron sculptures placed here and there to add contrast and companionship to the many varieties of cactus. This sculpture spoke loud and clean to me in that quiet space. - take time to listen more and maybe not talk so much. There are so many wonderful things to learn by listening, really listening.
The only cactus I had ever seen before this trip were tiny little specimens in plastic pots at the supermarket. The size of these beauties stopped me in my tracks.
As the sun set I listened to bird songs accompanied by insect chatterings, and I heard sounds that never touched my ears before. Marvellous, just marvellous. Take time to step outside your door tonight and listen really listen to what nature is saying just beyond your door. You might be amazed at what you hear.
Hope you enjoyed this little appetizer. Soup is almost ready.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Home sweet home
AC and I at Desert View point in the Grand Canyon. These two weary travellers are home safe and sound from their trip and are now trying to get bodies adjusted to this time zone again.
Oh, we had a Grand and glorious time indeed, and we sure didn't let any grass grow under our feet. Our motto was - we can sleep when we get home - so we were up early each morning and didn't stop till late each night in order to squeeze as much as we could into every day. I think we packed three weeks of sight seeing into one week!!!! Yikes! At the end of the trip I was on sensory overload indeed and felt like I couldn't take in one more breathtaking view.
I am going to need a few days to let everything sink in and gel in my mind before I can write coherently about our trip. I have so many sensations tumbling through my mind right now I don't know where to start recording thoughts and feelings about them. Seeing the Grand Canyon was something I dreamed about for many years, and now that the dream has come true I am having a hard time articulating my feelings.
I was overwhelmed and awed by the beauty of nature all around me with each step that I took. The Grand Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona, the intricate etchings in desert sands, the tortured and twisted canyon trees, the fresh beauty of oasis trees, the diversity of cactus, the strange beauty of lava cones and flows, the delicate beauty of desert flowers, the thrilling sound of bird songs at sunset, the ever changing desert skies, the rocks shaped and decorated by Mother Nature, using only her tools of time, wind and rain. Oh my, she is such a talented artist. I am totally in awe of all that I saw.
Complimenting the beauty of nature was the touch of friendship. Meeting old blog friends and hearing the sound of their voice was such a treat. How amazing to meet for the first time, yet feel like old friends.
AC has lots of pics over on his blog, and will be posting more each day, so be sure to check it out.
Now it is time to make some lunch, pick up at coffee at Tim's and go sit by the water and let the beauty of home wrap its arms around us and refresh us after our rather wonderful but exhausting trip.
Hope you find a refreshing spot in which to sit today. Wrap yourself in the beauty of home and enjoy.
Talk to you all later.
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