Of all of the places I have lived, my fondest memories are of growing up on our small family farm in Crystal Falls, Michigan. That is in the beautiful upper peninsula and people from that area are often called youpers.
I was eleven years old when we moved there from Ironwood, Michigan and I remember how excited dad was to finally have a place of his own in the country. Mom grew up in the country so she was not quite as thrilled. My brothers and I loved the open space and fresh air. It was heaven.
I used to love to go barefoot up into the backwoods on a well trodden path, in search of the cows, to bring them home for milking time. Along the way, I would gather wild violets, may flowers and corn lilies to bring home to my mother. Flowers grew abundantly along the way in the rich black soil of the pasture. There were alot of birch and poplar among the pines and other trees. It was a shady haven for birds and wildlife.
There was a little creek along the way, Dunn Creek, that trickled over rocks and I would love to dangle my feet in the water as I sat on the small wooded bridge that crossed it. Sometimes dad would catch trout there for our supper bringing them home in a small straw basket on his shoulder.
Some of the cows had a bell on so we always listened to the direction it came from, because the woods was very large leading in all directions. Once we found them, there was always a leader who led the herd home with us trailing behind. I mention we now, because sometime my brother Fred and I would go together for the cows, but seeing these are my memories I will go back to myself.
Other tresured memories include going wild berry picking with mom, in those woods, We would be excited when we found a big patch of raspberries or strawberries and eagerly fill the molasses pail we had tied around our waist. Fred hated to pick berries and often put leaves on the bottom of his pail and top it with berries. Mom would laugh. Blueberry and blackberry picking were fun too, but that is another story.
On hot days, after working hard in the hayfield, mom would say " let's go swimming" so we would hop into dads chevrolet and go to Stager Lake which was a sandy shallow lake that we loved. It was a wonderful way to cool off and wash up because we always took along a bar of soap and washcloth, as mom instructed.
Then for entertainment, at the end of the week, usually Friday night, mom would say" let's go for a ride to town". We would park on main street and have a bottle of orange crush, in the brown bottle, and maybe a candy bar, while dad went into the tavern for a beer. We enjoyed watching people, my brothers and I giggling together in the back seat. Soon we headed home. Cheap entertainment but shared together it strengthened family ties.
The smell of new mown hay in the evening, the sound of a million frogs singing in the pond, fields of daisies for me to gather for my mom and so many other simple things are a part of the fabric that make me the person that I am. I treasure my memories even more as time passes because that is all that is left.
Like plants that are nurtured with tender loving care and thrive, so too are children . We are a product of our childhood. I hope each of you have wonderful memories to brighten your days and remind you who you are.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Simple Pleasures of a Country Drive
A few evenings ago, after a busy day, I decided Rosie, my sunset orange Chevy Aveo ,and I would take a drive into the countryside of Wisconsin. My energy was already drained from the hot and muggy climate that day so I ride was an easy solution.
The roadside was splashed with patches of colorful blackeyed susans intermingled with areas of purple vetch. Some white daisies joined them on their playground of green grasses. Driving along in the quiet of the evening, it is always a good time to reflect on life, in general. I am a thinker and try to keep my life in perspective. Nature is my connection to that inner self where I find peace.
I stopped to eat at a little place where I met a friend for supper. Actually, it was a stranger who offered to share a table, due to a crowded dining room. It turned out to be an interesting experience because we both knew people in common. Sometimes, the unexpected things that happen are the most memorable. I often feel that somewhere out there is a plan for our lives and that everything has a purpose for happening. Each event, somehow connects with another, in the book of life.
Riding homeward was the loveliest part of the day . The evening air was cool after the sun had settled in the west, only to rise somewhere else in the world. The sweet scent of new mown hay drifted heavily in the air reminding me of my younger days living on our country farm. It is amazing how little things like fragrances or words spoken can evoke a memory and transport us to another time in our life. How blest we are to have fond memories to remind us of times passed. They are the threads that are part of the tapestry of who we are.
The moon that evening, was full and reminded me of a harvest moon as it rested against a clear evening sky, except for a few stars that twinkled here and there. My body and soul were refreshed from that unplanned and brief escape into the countryside. My energy and joy in being me was restored agin and I felt at peace within.
The simple pleasures that we can enjoy each day are ours for the taking , yet they are things that money can never buy. Life can be overwhelming, if we let it, so we owe it to ourselves to seek out the joy of simple pleasures that nourish our soul.
Like the flowers along the roadside, we too can bloom for the brief season that we are here.
The roadside was splashed with patches of colorful blackeyed susans intermingled with areas of purple vetch. Some white daisies joined them on their playground of green grasses. Driving along in the quiet of the evening, it is always a good time to reflect on life, in general. I am a thinker and try to keep my life in perspective. Nature is my connection to that inner self where I find peace.
I stopped to eat at a little place where I met a friend for supper. Actually, it was a stranger who offered to share a table, due to a crowded dining room. It turned out to be an interesting experience because we both knew people in common. Sometimes, the unexpected things that happen are the most memorable. I often feel that somewhere out there is a plan for our lives and that everything has a purpose for happening. Each event, somehow connects with another, in the book of life.
Riding homeward was the loveliest part of the day . The evening air was cool after the sun had settled in the west, only to rise somewhere else in the world. The sweet scent of new mown hay drifted heavily in the air reminding me of my younger days living on our country farm. It is amazing how little things like fragrances or words spoken can evoke a memory and transport us to another time in our life. How blest we are to have fond memories to remind us of times passed. They are the threads that are part of the tapestry of who we are.
The moon that evening, was full and reminded me of a harvest moon as it rested against a clear evening sky, except for a few stars that twinkled here and there. My body and soul were refreshed from that unplanned and brief escape into the countryside. My energy and joy in being me was restored agin and I felt at peace within.
The simple pleasures that we can enjoy each day are ours for the taking , yet they are things that money can never buy. Life can be overwhelming, if we let it, so we owe it to ourselves to seek out the joy of simple pleasures that nourish our soul.
Like the flowers along the roadside, we too can bloom for the brief season that we are here.
Monday, July 26, 2010
A Two Way Street
Friendship is a two way street if it is a healthy one. Each party is willing to share of their time and good and bad events with the other. There is support, understanding and sincere caring about the other. As we get older, there is a greater need to know we are regarded as special.
How often, we think we have a special person in our life, who is truly our best friend and find out after sharing so much of ourself, that it was all one sided. It leads to disillusionment and a broken heart.
Is it because we want so much to know we are loved, even though we are no longer young? Do we want reassurance that we are still important to somebody outside of our own circle? I think that whether we are young or old, we all seek a real friend who cares enough to be honest with us as we flounder through lifes ups and downs. Somebody who reaffirms our own worth.
There are alot of lonely people in the world simply because they do not reach out to their neighbors. It is so easy to lock ourself into a safe, secure little haven but we do not grow. We get lost in ouselves and begin to feel isolated and left out. It happens to each of us sometime if we let it happen. People are meant to have their dreams and follow them but not to go the journey alone. We need each other because we are all visitors here on this earth for a little while. We need to open ourselves in friendship to those around us and the stranger who will someday be our friend, if we let them.
I have been there, walking on that lonely path , going nowhere fast. Like the person who is on a treadmill, running fast but going nowhere. One day, not long ago, I found laughter and friendship all around me, because I reached out and opened my life to my neighbors and coworkers. As I did that, my self esteem was nurtured and I began to realize how much we all need each other at some time or other in life and it is okay to admit it. We are not meant to live unto ourselves but to share and care. It is much more fun.
I hope you all find that two way street called friendship and move on to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It is there for those who seek it.
How often, we think we have a special person in our life, who is truly our best friend and find out after sharing so much of ourself, that it was all one sided. It leads to disillusionment and a broken heart.
Is it because we want so much to know we are loved, even though we are no longer young? Do we want reassurance that we are still important to somebody outside of our own circle? I think that whether we are young or old, we all seek a real friend who cares enough to be honest with us as we flounder through lifes ups and downs. Somebody who reaffirms our own worth.
There are alot of lonely people in the world simply because they do not reach out to their neighbors. It is so easy to lock ourself into a safe, secure little haven but we do not grow. We get lost in ouselves and begin to feel isolated and left out. It happens to each of us sometime if we let it happen. People are meant to have their dreams and follow them but not to go the journey alone. We need each other because we are all visitors here on this earth for a little while. We need to open ourselves in friendship to those around us and the stranger who will someday be our friend, if we let them.
I have been there, walking on that lonely path , going nowhere fast. Like the person who is on a treadmill, running fast but going nowhere. One day, not long ago, I found laughter and friendship all around me, because I reached out and opened my life to my neighbors and coworkers. As I did that, my self esteem was nurtured and I began to realize how much we all need each other at some time or other in life and it is okay to admit it. We are not meant to live unto ourselves but to share and care. It is much more fun.
I hope you all find that two way street called friendship and move on to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It is there for those who seek it.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Lighten Up and Live
After 50, most of us do not like to admit we are getting older. Whether we like it or not, if we are lucky, it will happen so let's enjoy it.
Some of the guys dye their hair, if they have any. Some women do the same and much more often. We keep the beautician happy and it is a place to catch up on the latest girl talk. Then there is the Botox phase where people try and hide the inevitable, but that is a fad. I get Botox, not for cosmetic purposes, but into my vocal cords, so I can talk. I have dysphonia, a medical condition that is far more common than you would think.
The changes are not so much as what we see in the mirror but what we feel inside. Frightened, not knowing what is ahead, don't want to be alone, yet enjoying even that at times. We all have that little girl or boy inside of us , and now that we have gone through many ups and downs in life let's let them out to play. We are, after all, pretty much the same, except for the path we have choosen to travel on in life.
Lately, I have discovered in my journey, the immense joy of laughter and seeing the humor in myself and in everyday happenings. I have learned alot about myself lately and have learned to lighten up and enjoy the moments, as a good friend of mine kept reminding me. I did not listen then, but I do now. We think we know it all when we are younger and don't take heed to advice from older people but we should perhaps. They have been there, done that.
Last night, I watched an old video of that funny English group of people in Fawlty Towers. I laughed so much at the way they reacted to stressful situations . They definitely took life too seriously and the comedy of their antics and lack of communication between them expoded into great humor by the viewer. I wonder how it would be if we could see ourselves through another persons eyes, how we would look. We flounder along trying to control life, ourselves and others. What is the sense in that?
Another very good movie to rent is Lars and the Real Girl. It is funny yet touching and a classic, though not promoted alot. Not lots of laughs but a very good movie.
Let's let life happen at it's own pace and have fun accepting ourselves and others as we all are.
Thankfully we are all unique and lets make the most of it and just go with the flow of the day. Forget the hair dye and the Botox and cultivate that special person inside each of us. Do fun and foolish things if it makes us happy and most of all lighten up. Life is too short.
Make today the beginning of the rest of our life.
Some of the guys dye their hair, if they have any. Some women do the same and much more often. We keep the beautician happy and it is a place to catch up on the latest girl talk. Then there is the Botox phase where people try and hide the inevitable, but that is a fad. I get Botox, not for cosmetic purposes, but into my vocal cords, so I can talk. I have dysphonia, a medical condition that is far more common than you would think.
The changes are not so much as what we see in the mirror but what we feel inside. Frightened, not knowing what is ahead, don't want to be alone, yet enjoying even that at times. We all have that little girl or boy inside of us , and now that we have gone through many ups and downs in life let's let them out to play. We are, after all, pretty much the same, except for the path we have choosen to travel on in life.
Lately, I have discovered in my journey, the immense joy of laughter and seeing the humor in myself and in everyday happenings. I have learned alot about myself lately and have learned to lighten up and enjoy the moments, as a good friend of mine kept reminding me. I did not listen then, but I do now. We think we know it all when we are younger and don't take heed to advice from older people but we should perhaps. They have been there, done that.
Last night, I watched an old video of that funny English group of people in Fawlty Towers. I laughed so much at the way they reacted to stressful situations . They definitely took life too seriously and the comedy of their antics and lack of communication between them expoded into great humor by the viewer. I wonder how it would be if we could see ourselves through another persons eyes, how we would look. We flounder along trying to control life, ourselves and others. What is the sense in that?
Another very good movie to rent is Lars and the Real Girl. It is funny yet touching and a classic, though not promoted alot. Not lots of laughs but a very good movie.
Let's let life happen at it's own pace and have fun accepting ourselves and others as we all are.
Thankfully we are all unique and lets make the most of it and just go with the flow of the day. Forget the hair dye and the Botox and cultivate that special person inside each of us. Do fun and foolish things if it makes us happy and most of all lighten up. Life is too short.
Make today the beginning of the rest of our life.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Remembering Charlie
It seems like yesterday that Charlie and I were best friends. We would always hang out together and go exploring on our walks. It was always exciting to discover new places together and make new friends.
Charlie and I loved to go for rides in the country and end up at some out of the way place for a bite to eat. He was great at that because he loved to try new foods, although sometimes they did not settle too well on the tummy
Charlie was a great cuddler. I'd plop down on the easy chair and he'd immediately come and join me. I'd do all of the talking and he'd be a great listener. He never gave me an arguement either. Sometimes I would wish he would share more with me. You know, it is nice to get another side to the conversation. But, some relationships are like that. Pretty one sided, if you know what I mean.
It was great having a faithful, undemanding friend like Charlie and I know there will never be another like him. He was always there waiting for me whenever Icame home from a day away.
Yes..he was my lovable little grey poodle that I paint into most of my snow scene paintings where children are playing. He was the best little dog and friend.
Thanks for being such a lovable little dog. I miss you.
Charlie and I loved to go for rides in the country and end up at some out of the way place for a bite to eat. He was great at that because he loved to try new foods, although sometimes they did not settle too well on the tummy
Charlie was a great cuddler. I'd plop down on the easy chair and he'd immediately come and join me. I'd do all of the talking and he'd be a great listener. He never gave me an arguement either. Sometimes I would wish he would share more with me. You know, it is nice to get another side to the conversation. But, some relationships are like that. Pretty one sided, if you know what I mean.
It was great having a faithful, undemanding friend like Charlie and I know there will never be another like him. He was always there waiting for me whenever Icame home from a day away.
Yes..he was my lovable little grey poodle that I paint into most of my snow scene paintings where children are playing. He was the best little dog and friend.
Thanks for being such a lovable little dog. I miss you.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friends and Creativity
The early morning sky today beckoned me out for my usual walk, when all is fresh and many are still asleep. A soft shade of peach and pink traced across the sky as I looked out of my window. It was going to be a good day.
I had a nice visit with a potter friend who shared her joy in learning a creative hobby to fill her quiet times when she needed to connect with her inner spirit. That is the wonderful thing about being an artist, whatever outlet one chooses. It does take you into a world of silence and put you in touch with your spirituality. It is peaceful and healing and the finished products are satisfying to oneself as well making an imprint on the lives of others. It is a joyful escape into our own world.
Now that I have found the joy in being me again, after a long dry spell, I am eager to paint more paintings , in watercolor and pastel and to share them with my friends, family and followers. Not only do I want to but I need to because that is part of who I am.
Adding pleasure and laughter to my day, also, was time spent having lunch with a new friend. Sharing food and conversation is in a way, a creative thing, because we are weaving the bonds of friendship. Somebody once told me that there may be many people in our life, but true friends can be counted on one hand.
Lucky are those of us who have even one best friend.
I had a nice visit with a potter friend who shared her joy in learning a creative hobby to fill her quiet times when she needed to connect with her inner spirit. That is the wonderful thing about being an artist, whatever outlet one chooses. It does take you into a world of silence and put you in touch with your spirituality. It is peaceful and healing and the finished products are satisfying to oneself as well making an imprint on the lives of others. It is a joyful escape into our own world.
Now that I have found the joy in being me again, after a long dry spell, I am eager to paint more paintings , in watercolor and pastel and to share them with my friends, family and followers. Not only do I want to but I need to because that is part of who I am.
Adding pleasure and laughter to my day, also, was time spent having lunch with a new friend. Sharing food and conversation is in a way, a creative thing, because we are weaving the bonds of friendship. Somebody once told me that there may be many people in our life, but true friends can be counted on one hand.
Lucky are those of us who have even one best friend.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Clouds and butterflies
Have you noticed the clouds lately? It seems to me that they are more billowy and beautiful than ever this summer. It could be that I am looking up more but tonight I saw this huge mountain of fluffy white cloud piled up against a sky so blue, an artist could not really capture it. The evening sun made every fluffy cloud top glow.
Watching a sunset, or a sunrise, is something one should do, as if in silent meditation because it is in a process of constant change. It could be so lovely at one moment, and when you run to get a camera, it has changed. The heavens above us provide a marvelous canopy for us all to enjoy. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in his poem, Evangeline, " Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, blossomed the lovely stars, the forget me nots of the angels." We learned it in gradeschool and that has always stayed with me. There have been such talented writers and artists in the world throughout time. Each sees the world in a different way, yet each has it's way to share their vision. Also, in photograhy, it takes a sensitive person behind the camera to capture that special moment in time. They see with their soul.
I walked through the butterfly garden at Como Park last year, and sat and watched those fluttering wings as they flitted from flower to flower. Each bird or butterfly goes about their lives just doing their thing to exist and be. If only, we as humans, could learn to slow down and savor the moments that pass us by, we could find that pool of serenity within ourselves. We could simply be one with the universe and be at peace.
Life is not all a bed of roses but if we look to the hills and seek beauty, we will find it.
It is a gift waiting for our discovery. Enjoy, dear friend.
Watching a sunset, or a sunrise, is something one should do, as if in silent meditation because it is in a process of constant change. It could be so lovely at one moment, and when you run to get a camera, it has changed. The heavens above us provide a marvelous canopy for us all to enjoy. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote in his poem, Evangeline, " Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, blossomed the lovely stars, the forget me nots of the angels." We learned it in gradeschool and that has always stayed with me. There have been such talented writers and artists in the world throughout time. Each sees the world in a different way, yet each has it's way to share their vision. Also, in photograhy, it takes a sensitive person behind the camera to capture that special moment in time. They see with their soul.
I walked through the butterfly garden at Como Park last year, and sat and watched those fluttering wings as they flitted from flower to flower. Each bird or butterfly goes about their lives just doing their thing to exist and be. If only, we as humans, could learn to slow down and savor the moments that pass us by, we could find that pool of serenity within ourselves. We could simply be one with the universe and be at peace.
Life is not all a bed of roses but if we look to the hills and seek beauty, we will find it.
It is a gift waiting for our discovery. Enjoy, dear friend.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Something to Do
What a nice morning to enjoy a walk , because the air is low in humidity and fresh. How I enjoyed it. After that morning coffee and meditation, the wheels of creative energy get spinning and I begin the day with a walk outdoors and think of ways to spend the day.
The quotation I read this morning was about the essential things in life that bring happiness and they were, in a nutshell, something to do, something to love and something to hope for. When one is young and caught up in the throes of life, it seems unimportant, but after retirement, it is a basic need to make each day worthwhile.
Something to do, to love and to hope for, makes for variety which is our spice of life. I used to think that I would never get bored, but after following a steady routine in daily living for years, I found out differently. In the universe, there is constant change and we also need it because we ourselves are slowly changing. Getting older, wiser, or whatever.
Change is healthy. It makes us grow more interesting, challenges us to learn new things and reach out to those around us in friendship. We are lucky to live in an area where we have our seasonal changes providing landscapes of spring, summer, winter and autumn. Each one has it's magic and offers something different to do, to love and to hope for.
Changing the subject, I like Ole and Lena jokes. Here is one. Ole;What did you get your wife for her birthday, Torvald? Torvald: A box of chocolates. Ole: Was she surprised? Torvald: You bet..she was expecting a mink coat.
My mom used to say I took life too seriously so I enjoy silly jokes that make me laugh. It feels so good . I think we can all learn to laugh more, and often at ourselves for some of the foolish things we do and say.
We are doing this life journey without a book of instructions, so if we goof up sometime, it is okay. Experience is the best teacher.
Happy hunting for your something to do, to love and to hope for today.
The quotation I read this morning was about the essential things in life that bring happiness and they were, in a nutshell, something to do, something to love and something to hope for. When one is young and caught up in the throes of life, it seems unimportant, but after retirement, it is a basic need to make each day worthwhile.
Something to do, to love and to hope for, makes for variety which is our spice of life. I used to think that I would never get bored, but after following a steady routine in daily living for years, I found out differently. In the universe, there is constant change and we also need it because we ourselves are slowly changing. Getting older, wiser, or whatever.
Change is healthy. It makes us grow more interesting, challenges us to learn new things and reach out to those around us in friendship. We are lucky to live in an area where we have our seasonal changes providing landscapes of spring, summer, winter and autumn. Each one has it's magic and offers something different to do, to love and to hope for.
Changing the subject, I like Ole and Lena jokes. Here is one. Ole;What did you get your wife for her birthday, Torvald? Torvald: A box of chocolates. Ole: Was she surprised? Torvald: You bet..she was expecting a mink coat.
My mom used to say I took life too seriously so I enjoy silly jokes that make me laugh. It feels so good . I think we can all learn to laugh more, and often at ourselves for some of the foolish things we do and say.
We are doing this life journey without a book of instructions, so if we goof up sometime, it is okay. Experience is the best teacher.
Happy hunting for your something to do, to love and to hope for today.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Backyard Barbecue
Sharing activities and events is always fun. Yesterday evening, my new group of friends and I enjoyed a back yard barbecue on the lakeshore. Our hostess for the evening had a charming home and backyard that greeted us with warm hospitality. Her lovely display of flowers everwhere colored our welcome to her home.
There was a variety of wonderful potluck offerings and brats on the grill so everybody feasted, not so much only on food, but on the friendship that dwelled among us. Many of us were new and did not know everybody , but somehow it was as if we were all like family. It is good to know there are such nice people in our world.
The skies provided a constant display of distant lightening and thunder during the early part of the evening, sometimes reflecting over the waters of the lake. A small family of ducks slowly waddled up into the neighbors backyard, heading towards the birdfeeder for any tidbits that fell. Afterward, they headed back to glide away on smooth waters, oblivious to the impending storms.
When the first raindrops began to fall, some of us decided to slip away into the night. As I drove homeward from Forest Lake to Lindstrom, I saw a large doughnut shaped circle of clouds overhead with a round clear center. Very strange. The lightening was becoming more frequent and bright and sirens were sounding their warnings of an impending storm.
It was good to be home and tuck that nice evening into my memory log where it will color my days for years to come. That is the great thing about sharing events with other friends, versus doing them alone, because we can remember together. Those are the threads in our tapestry of day to day life that bind us all together.
Sharing and caring strengthens the bond of friendship and makes life worthwhile.
Let our seeds of friendship in life, blossom and brighten each day.
There was a variety of wonderful potluck offerings and brats on the grill so everybody feasted, not so much only on food, but on the friendship that dwelled among us. Many of us were new and did not know everybody , but somehow it was as if we were all like family. It is good to know there are such nice people in our world.
The skies provided a constant display of distant lightening and thunder during the early part of the evening, sometimes reflecting over the waters of the lake. A small family of ducks slowly waddled up into the neighbors backyard, heading towards the birdfeeder for any tidbits that fell. Afterward, they headed back to glide away on smooth waters, oblivious to the impending storms.
When the first raindrops began to fall, some of us decided to slip away into the night. As I drove homeward from Forest Lake to Lindstrom, I saw a large doughnut shaped circle of clouds overhead with a round clear center. Very strange. The lightening was becoming more frequent and bright and sirens were sounding their warnings of an impending storm.
It was good to be home and tuck that nice evening into my memory log where it will color my days for years to come. That is the great thing about sharing events with other friends, versus doing them alone, because we can remember together. Those are the threads in our tapestry of day to day life that bind us all together.
Sharing and caring strengthens the bond of friendship and makes life worthwhile.
Let our seeds of friendship in life, blossom and brighten each day.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Creativity
After retiring from nursing, I found much more idol time on my hands to explore my creativity.
Though I never think of myself as very creative, I still like to putter and try different projects, usually by experimenting.
We had an old bathroom floor, in the country which was in need of a new look. I cut out hundreds of pictures from magazines, plus some quotes and pieces of pretty colored papers, and I glued them to the entire floor in a haphazard fashion. Then I coated them with several coats of modge podge and finished it off with three coats of polyurethane varnish. It tuned out to be amazing and it endured the test of time until recovered twenty years later. Also, I did it to several coffee tables which were conversation pieces.
Sometimes, it pays to use materials at hand and experiment and unleash our creative side. We do not have to be Martha Stewart to have fun.
By the way, she is very creative and I love her ability to do much with little.
One other exciting thing I discovered back when I making art papers from recycled envelopes, was a wonderful use for goldenrod flowers as a dye. I put a goldenrod blossom in with the papers and it not only turned out to be the most beautiful shade of yellow, but it foamed up to the extent that it bubbled out of the blender. I thought of that because I am reading a book about carpetmaking and beautiful dyes that are used in Iran.
Whatever our God given gift is in this life, it is meant to be used as only we can use it because each of us is unique and has some special purpose . Sometimes, it takes us awhile to find it but if we search long enough, it will come to us.
Enjoy your gift of creativity, my friends.
Though I never think of myself as very creative, I still like to putter and try different projects, usually by experimenting.
We had an old bathroom floor, in the country which was in need of a new look. I cut out hundreds of pictures from magazines, plus some quotes and pieces of pretty colored papers, and I glued them to the entire floor in a haphazard fashion. Then I coated them with several coats of modge podge and finished it off with three coats of polyurethane varnish. It tuned out to be amazing and it endured the test of time until recovered twenty years later. Also, I did it to several coffee tables which were conversation pieces.
Sometimes, it pays to use materials at hand and experiment and unleash our creative side. We do not have to be Martha Stewart to have fun.
By the way, she is very creative and I love her ability to do much with little.
One other exciting thing I discovered back when I making art papers from recycled envelopes, was a wonderful use for goldenrod flowers as a dye. I put a goldenrod blossom in with the papers and it not only turned out to be the most beautiful shade of yellow, but it foamed up to the extent that it bubbled out of the blender. I thought of that because I am reading a book about carpetmaking and beautiful dyes that are used in Iran.
Whatever our God given gift is in this life, it is meant to be used as only we can use it because each of us is unique and has some special purpose . Sometimes, it takes us awhile to find it but if we search long enough, it will come to us.
Enjoy your gift of creativity, my friends.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Charm of Cornwall
In 1997, a small group of fellow artists and myself were fortunate enough to holiday in Cornwall, England. I wanted to go there because my ancestors , on dads side, came from St. Ives, Cornwall , England. Of the many places I have visited in the world, Cornwall is one of my favorites.
It is somewhat of a peninsula situated on the southwest coast of England surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. We stayed in the little quaint village of Mousehole and were lodged in an old stone cottage built in 1495. We were but a stones throw, along a winding cobbled road, from the ocean, the source of livelihood for the inhabitants.
Fishing is a primary industry there now, but years back it was also tin mining. There are many remains of the old tin mining shafts. The sight and sound of seagulls everywhere color the sky, always waiting for fishing boats to draw into the harbor.
Every cottage had a door painted in bright colors, as purple, yellow, blue or whatever they desired. Each door had a small door at the bottom,for the cat to come and go freely. The cottage windows had lacy curtains inside and a flower filled window box outside. Flowers of all kinds seem to thrive in the climate, especially roses. Foxglove grew wild along the seaside walking paths that followed the rocky coastline.
What makes Cornwall so memorable to me ? Is it the many narrow winding streets that passed by shops and small cottages with flowers covering even their garbage bins? Or is it the fact that around every bend in the road there was a reminder of times gone by. Small tea shops still invite visitors and locals in each afternoon for tea and delicious scones with clotted cream. They maintain the simplicity of life which binds them all together.
In a world of constant change, it is good to know there is a place like Cornwall where time almost seems to stand still.
Early Morning Recollections
For me, the best time of day is early morning, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Early to bed, early to rise, does not make me healthy, wealthy and wise, but it surely is my most energy filled part of the day. The air is freshest, the birds are twittering in treetops and I feel the energy bubbling up within me, as I hobble out of my comfy futon bed.
I remember how much fun the children had when we'd go camping, with our tent and rubber air mattresses to sleep on at night. The campfires at dusk were a time of togetherness that bind people together. Stars overhead sparkled like tiny diamonds in the sky. Somewhere, we could here a whipoorwills nostalgic call.
The only bad thing about those rubber air mattresses is that often we would wake to find they were flat as a pancake and it did not bring a smile to anybody's face. Ouch!
But early morning was there to greet us with the scent of pine trees in the air and beautiful splashes of peach and pink colors against a sky so blue that only God could paint it to perfection.
And why is it , that the smells of coffee brewing over a campfire and the scent of bacon frying , seem like the closest thing to heaven when you are out in the woods. I'd like to think that it is because we are alone together sharing simple things that build fond memories.
It is wonderful, sometimes, to sit beside a quiet brook or waterfall and let our thoughts wander back to all of those fond pictures and feelings we store in our mind. Usually, we remember the best things and leave out the not so good items like mosquitos and flat air mattresses.
In my art, I draw from many warm memories of younger days with the children, to paint memories for other people so they can be transported to happy times in their lives.
If we focus on our blessings and look for joy all around us, it will be there.
Follow the rainbow, not for the pot of gold, but for the promise of each new day it gives us.
I remember how much fun the children had when we'd go camping, with our tent and rubber air mattresses to sleep on at night. The campfires at dusk were a time of togetherness that bind people together. Stars overhead sparkled like tiny diamonds in the sky. Somewhere, we could here a whipoorwills nostalgic call.
The only bad thing about those rubber air mattresses is that often we would wake to find they were flat as a pancake and it did not bring a smile to anybody's face. Ouch!
But early morning was there to greet us with the scent of pine trees in the air and beautiful splashes of peach and pink colors against a sky so blue that only God could paint it to perfection.
And why is it , that the smells of coffee brewing over a campfire and the scent of bacon frying , seem like the closest thing to heaven when you are out in the woods. I'd like to think that it is because we are alone together sharing simple things that build fond memories.
It is wonderful, sometimes, to sit beside a quiet brook or waterfall and let our thoughts wander back to all of those fond pictures and feelings we store in our mind. Usually, we remember the best things and leave out the not so good items like mosquitos and flat air mattresses.
In my art, I draw from many warm memories of younger days with the children, to paint memories for other people so they can be transported to happy times in their lives.
If we focus on our blessings and look for joy all around us, it will be there.
Follow the rainbow, not for the pot of gold, but for the promise of each new day it gives us.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Doers and Dreamers
When I turned forty, and that was a few years back, it was like a sudden new awareness of my mortality. As busy as I was being a wife, mom, nurse and tender of a small country farm, I still longed for more. I knew there must be something special for me to do , in the great plan of the universe. So I began to write.
I remember how, after my farm chores were done, and the house was silent after the family was off to school and work, I took my pen in hand and poured it all out with gusto. I was filled with words that poured out of me , like water through a sieve. "Seek and Ye Shall Find "was my title.
It began as such." Somewhere, long ago, in the meadows of time, between yesterday when I was not, and tomorrow when I will not be, are the deep still waters of life for which I have often searched. How I longed to go there and glimpse the reflections of life that I might know all things and be wise."
I wrote about 25 pages of philosophical thoughts and sent the copies off to about ten publishers. Lacking writing skills to perfect it, of course it was returned to me. I was not meant to be a publisher then but I found immense satisfaction in the fact that I penned those words on paper, for me, if for nobody else. I still look at it periodically and remember how young and optimistic I was.
We are not always recognized by the world, for things we do and that is okay. The point of it all is that we try to express ourselves by sharing our lives and our feelings with others. Each page of our life is being written, minute by minute, and whether we know it or not, what we do does matter. Like ripples in a stream, we all connect somehow, either as doers or dreamers.
Never will we know all things and be wise, as I once penned in my youthful longing. Life is a journey with many side roads leading us one way or another. The choice is ours and whichever we choose, that will be the best.
Our life is that space between the dates on our gravestone. The world may not know, but God and those who matter do know.
Live it well, dear friend.
I remember how, after my farm chores were done, and the house was silent after the family was off to school and work, I took my pen in hand and poured it all out with gusto. I was filled with words that poured out of me , like water through a sieve. "Seek and Ye Shall Find "was my title.
It began as such." Somewhere, long ago, in the meadows of time, between yesterday when I was not, and tomorrow when I will not be, are the deep still waters of life for which I have often searched. How I longed to go there and glimpse the reflections of life that I might know all things and be wise."
I wrote about 25 pages of philosophical thoughts and sent the copies off to about ten publishers. Lacking writing skills to perfect it, of course it was returned to me. I was not meant to be a publisher then but I found immense satisfaction in the fact that I penned those words on paper, for me, if for nobody else. I still look at it periodically and remember how young and optimistic I was.
We are not always recognized by the world, for things we do and that is okay. The point of it all is that we try to express ourselves by sharing our lives and our feelings with others. Each page of our life is being written, minute by minute, and whether we know it or not, what we do does matter. Like ripples in a stream, we all connect somehow, either as doers or dreamers.
Never will we know all things and be wise, as I once penned in my youthful longing. Life is a journey with many side roads leading us one way or another. The choice is ours and whichever we choose, that will be the best.
Our life is that space between the dates on our gravestone. The world may not know, but God and those who matter do know.
Live it well, dear friend.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Memories of Andorra
In National Geographic, years ago, there was an article about this quaint little European village of Andorra. The article caught my attention because of the simplicity of that way of life, practically isolated from civilization. Now, over the years I am sure it would bear no resemblance to what used to be, as the world tends to become more modern, much of the charm is lost.
My husband and I were fortunate to have been able to travel to Andorra which was situated high in the Pyrennes Alps between Spain and France. What I remember most about it is the rough mountain terrain and how shepherds would take their flocks of sheep into the uppermost grazing areas and they would stay until the chill of winter drove them homeward. Simple living was a way of life.
Because it was such a tiny principality, we drove through quickly, up over the mountains, arriving in the evening to the again quaint village of Aix le Thermes. It was named that because a rushing brook of hot water flowed through the town. Women would use the water to wash their clothes and visitors and locals would bathe in the healing waters. Andorra was not very far from Lourdes, France, where Bernadette saw the virgin Mary, and people still go there for healing.
I fondly remember that off the beaten track trip, because it tells me how we have to follow the little side roads that come along, in life if we want the joy of discovery.
How often do we pass by something ,which could possibly make an imprint on our life forever, simply because we do not want to take the time.
What we do each day will make those treasured memories for tomorrow.
Take the gift of Time and spend it well.
My husband and I were fortunate to have been able to travel to Andorra which was situated high in the Pyrennes Alps between Spain and France. What I remember most about it is the rough mountain terrain and how shepherds would take their flocks of sheep into the uppermost grazing areas and they would stay until the chill of winter drove them homeward. Simple living was a way of life.
Because it was such a tiny principality, we drove through quickly, up over the mountains, arriving in the evening to the again quaint village of Aix le Thermes. It was named that because a rushing brook of hot water flowed through the town. Women would use the water to wash their clothes and visitors and locals would bathe in the healing waters. Andorra was not very far from Lourdes, France, where Bernadette saw the virgin Mary, and people still go there for healing.
I fondly remember that off the beaten track trip, because it tells me how we have to follow the little side roads that come along, in life if we want the joy of discovery.
How often do we pass by something ,which could possibly make an imprint on our life forever, simply because we do not want to take the time.
What we do each day will make those treasured memories for tomorrow.
Take the gift of Time and spend it well.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
New Beginnings
Each morning in the springtime, I awaken early, often before the sunrise, and am blessed to hear the song of birds in the tree outside my window and smell the fragrance of blossoms in the air. It is a season of new beginnings and a gift to each of us.
At this time in my life, after going through the loss of my husband and father, within two months of each other, over four years ago, I am finally finding that joyful path to finding "me" again. My friends and family have back the person that they loved.
Sometimes, we have to walk a difficult path, before we learn to live again, as God meant us to in the beginning. I find myself reaching out more to others and realizing how much we all need each other, because the journey in life is new to each of us. Sharing friendship and love is that magical chord that binds us all together.
My day begins with a prayer of gratitude and a cup of that wonderful coffee to send me on the way. Whether I am painting a pastel or watercolor or just visiting with a friend, I feel the joy of sharing my love of life and I hope to touch the lives of others with kindness and beauty and brighten somebody's day.
Let's celebrate the day together!
At this time in my life, after going through the loss of my husband and father, within two months of each other, over four years ago, I am finally finding that joyful path to finding "me" again. My friends and family have back the person that they loved.
Sometimes, we have to walk a difficult path, before we learn to live again, as God meant us to in the beginning. I find myself reaching out more to others and realizing how much we all need each other, because the journey in life is new to each of us. Sharing friendship and love is that magical chord that binds us all together.
My day begins with a prayer of gratitude and a cup of that wonderful coffee to send me on the way. Whether I am painting a pastel or watercolor or just visiting with a friend, I feel the joy of sharing my love of life and I hope to touch the lives of others with kindness and beauty and brighten somebody's day.
Let's celebrate the day together!
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