204:365:2012



In this crazy world
I can only do my best
--- and be true to self

***

Life can be so unpredictable... and that is good.
There are so many lessons in life that I probably wouldn't have had 
the opportunity to learn, if things weren't occasionally chaotic.

But it's also good to take a breather.
One of the things I have been concentrating on for the past couple of weeks...
is the garden. I have completely weeded it a couple of times... raked... trimmed... 
and generally nurtured it. And it has nurtured me back.
Life is good.

203:365:2012



This is a turning point in my life.
I thought this would never happen.
Here I stand, without my friend
--  no longer at my side.
Still, I am standing.
Not crushed; just bruised...
singed edges
wiser
strong.

***

my daughter (ever the smart one)... recently read about a type of poem called the Nonet.
A nonet has nine lines. The first line has nine syllables, the second line eight syllables, the third line seven syllables, etc... until line nine that finishes with one syllable. It can be on any subject and rhyming is optional.

And so... here is my first attempt at one.

(the photo is one I took yesterday evening... just as the rain started to fall)


202:365:2012



possibilities
and new opportunities
focus on the dream

***

these past couple of days have all been about:
...clearing out a little...
...organizing a little...
...updating the "wish" board... 
(a bulletin board where I pin things I would like to do/ have/ accomplish/ go)
...working in the garden...
... art and writing.

~ ♥ ~ Now, to make some tea ~ ♥ ~


((I took this photo during our trip to California back in February. 
This was a really pretty state park area that the daughter and I stopped at.
I re-discovered the photo today and thought it was perfect for the post))


201:365:2012


people come into 
our lives;  like seed on the wind
good ones take up roots.

***

I have been reading alot this past week... on friendships.
And many authors liken a break-up with a friend... as one of the most traumatic around.
How the break-up came about, can be significant... but more so, 
is how we choose to respond to the ending.
I have found some interesting links to some great words of wisdom, 
and thought I would post them here.



***

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  "Pooh?" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's hand.  "I just wanted to be sure of you"

200:365:2012



unbridled succulent
unafraid of the desert
stores it's life within

***

some days I feel like one of the cacti growing here in the desert southwest.
prickly... sharp edged... strained against the hot sun.
And, like a succulent -- keeping that which I treasure most... deep within and safe from harm.
It's hard to open up that soft, tender heart... knowing the slightest misstep could mean a world of hurt.
((today I am thankful for friends, family, and loving puppies))


199:365:2012



waving in the winds
tall grass grows on the prairie
deep roots underground

*****

Just a thought... 
I was thinking how prairie plants seem somewhat thin and tall... and you would think they wouldn't be sturdy enough to handle the wild winds and tornadoes that visit the Great Plains so much...
but they actually have some of the strongest root systems around. 

Kinda like life huh...
It takes a "strong wind" sometimes to realize how tough you really are.

197:365:2012



rain clouds overhead
in these times of reflection
--- release and let go---

***

It's hard to let go of things when a relationship ends.
Who was right... who was wrong... whose feelings were hurt...
are there mutual friends to consider... who owes who... so many loose ends. 
And then there are the moments where you sit back and hear conversations and accusations in your head... do you own it? 
Or is it like walking on glass... just fallout from someone else's mishap...
Who knows.
I certainly don't have all the answers... and I certainly don't pretend to be perfect.

I was recently in a friendship that came to an abrupt (and very final) end.
Having been down this road (more than once) I own my part in it...
and have been reflecting on the lessons I can take away from this.

I think that one of the most important relationships we can have, is that of friendship,
and came across this quote the other day:

Friendship... is not something you learn in school. 
But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.
---Muhammad Ali


...thought I would share...

196:365:2012



life can go in circles,
sometimes spinning out of bounds...
fly high above it

***

It's been a week. 
Actually, it's been a much longer "ride"...  and that's ok.
These past few days have been all about reflection and chaos... fight or flight... ebb and flow.

The lessons learned though... have  been worth it all.


192:365:2012



look around and observe
see all that is around you
keep alert; watch and learn

*****

I go in spurts where I notice alot of crows around me.
According to several totem animal guides, crows are the observers. They notice everything. 
Some say they are "gossipy"... but others say it is just a voracious craving to watch and learn.
Either way... crows are said to be a messenger for majik to occur.
That if you learn to observe things as the crow does... you will learn and be able to adapt to any situation.... PLUS....
They are said to be representations of creation and spiritual strength.
>>How is crow teaching you today<<

You can read more here and here

191:365:2012



going round and round
sometimes this world spins so fast 
... chillin' with some  tea ...


*****

190:365:2012



My friends' moving day!
box after box... up and down...
oh, the treasures found

*****

Today we helped a friend pack up some of her stuff. 
She is moving into a wonderful new space, and I am very excited for her. 
Course, along with that... is the sheer magnitude of moving a couple decades worth of stuff.
 Box after box... room upon room... we helped gather up portions of her life into cardboard boxes. 
It's a strange sensation.

But, I am a weirdo. I actually love cleaning and organizing stuff for people.
I think it's because at the end of the day; I can truly see what I have done.
Anyway... hopefully we helped her a bit... and the move this weekend goes well.

It made me think about when the time comes for us to move.
What will we choose to keep... what will we give away... what can we live without?
I've been trying to downsize our "stuff" for a couple years now... and I now have a renewed enthusiasm for getting rid of more...



189:365:2012


missing... all too soon...
the fragrance of seaside waves
rolling onto shore

*****

Fortunately, for me, it rained today.
Sweet, wonderful rain. .. so very needed here in ABQ.
... And I am reminded of how wonderful it was in the Pacific Northwest...

188:365:2012


here's to wishing you...
a happy 4th of July!
sweetness and summer

***

the 4th of July always reminds me of picnics in the woods
swimming at the lake
tons of great food and fresh fruit
fun with friends and family
fireworks in the park...

But with the recent explosion (no pun intended) of fires here in New Mexico, 
I implore all my neighbors and fellow residents to lay off of the fireworks. 
It's just too dry... and it's too risky.

187:365:2012



((whispers in my ear))
if you dare to believe them
wishes can come true

***




All of these photos were taken in/ around Pike Place Market.
It was so amazing to me how diverse the market is... from street musicians and artists...
to tons of fresh meat, veggies and fruit... flowers... chotchkies... you name it... it was there...
and it was awesome.


186:365:2012



As seen from the plane...
tiny little lights below
~we fly with the stars~

***




It's always amazing to me... that I can be somewhere early in the am... and a completely different place that night. And so it goes. This morning we woke, gathered our stuff... and drove to Seward Park. 
It is gorgeous. We walked 2 miles... strolling along the water's edge... watching the ducks... looking at flowers... eating the occasional blackberry... and (generally) basking in the beauty.
From there... it was a short trip to the airport... then to Salt Lake City... then back to Albuquerque.

And tonight I am in my own bed... with a happy puppy snuggled close.