Uplifting

As I watched this eagle soaring and being uplifted in a spiral motion of the air currents, I thought, "We don't have to do it alone". There is much support around us and, yet, some choose to do "it" by themselves. It's quite a simple statement..."I need your help" or "would you help me?" Whether it be said to a friend, in prayer or putting it out to the universe, it's simple if you allow yourself to do it. I believe you would be amazed how many would say "yes". It opens up dialogues and helps to heal hearts knowing that all you have to do is ask. On this day...decide to ask for the uplifting support of a friend, family member or counselor, neighbor or whoever in that moment you feel will be there for you. People are amazing...believe in them and they will believe in you.

Make it a great one! 

Super Hero

This is of great interest to me. Halloween night this little super hero came to my door. He walked into my living room and without any hesitation told me he was here trick or treating. He came to get candy! He was bold and showed me by moving both hands towards me and pushing the air in front of me that he could push me back...and, of course, he did. He really believed in himself in that moment. No one had to say, "you can do it!", he did it with the courage of a super hero. All doubt was removed when he donned that costume. What is it that you have to do to believe in yourself and all that you are capable of doing? 

WHAT YOU BELIEVE...YOU CAN ACHIEVE!

Make it a great one!

Yesterday's Rainbow

More times than we notice, Mother Nature provides us with signs. These signs are for our own interpretation. On this particular day, this rainbow gave me a feeling of illumination. The dark (unknown) is temporary and the transformation into the light is through the rainbow. As I continued to gaze and the sun continued to lighten the dark sky and the rainbow faded, I felt lifted in knowing that life is all about changes, moods and believing. In that moment, I chose to be enlightened by the sign of the rainbow.

Make it a great one!

 

Another change is on the way!

This is a subtle indication of change. We all know it's coming, yet, some of us choose to sit and watch it come and others start preparing before it gets here. Which are you? I like to start getting ready before the winter season (change) gets here. I find comfort and peace in being prepared. I know others that wait until winter (the change) is upon us before doing any preparation at all. There is no right or wrong to this...only differences. Differences in how we approach matters is what makes us so unique. I choose to embrace the diversity of our humanness and celebrate all. What about you?

Make it a great one!

 

Celebrate this day!

It's important to be in the moment. Choose to be involved with all that surrounds you. I could have easily sat where I was comfortable to watch this sunset. Instead, I chose to be a part of it by getting up, grabbing my camera and running to the beach to not only capture the magnificence of this moment...I wanted to feel part of it. As the sun's setting rays continued to intensify, I could feel the excitement building within me. I actually hooted and "woohooed" a few times because I couldn't contain myself during this happening. It was awesome!!!! Hooting was only one expression of my emotions...I also danced around. I was so "into" this sunset and I let go of any inhibitions and expressed as I felt. It was freeing and a great celebration of what was happening in my life at this moment. Celebrate only as you can...it is very freeing and fills your spirit.

Make it a great one!

 

Held within each season is change. As the bright summer flowers quietly fade and the autumn leaves burst into colors of yellow, orange and red...a calmness settles in. There is a peaceful calling that invites us to go within ourselves and gently awaken to introspection. Like the change of the seasons, we, too, must be open to change.  For without change, our lives become mundane. "Some people live 90 years...others live one year 90 times." Life is lived by choice...what are some of the choices you willingly make to live a life of joy, fulfillment and purpose?

Make it a great one?

 

Living on a lake, something is always "calling" me. Yesterday it was the clouds. Wow!!! A silent expression of movement and color. I could "feel" the dance of the clouds in their quiet undulating colorful gray ribbons. It was truly mesmerizing! It's so important to connect with one's surroundings... even if just for a moment. For within that moment, when we open our hearts and breathe in what is, is when we are most connected and vulnerable. We stand exposed while embracing all that surrounds us fully knowing the peace that can be found in this one sacred moment.

Make it a great one! 

Wow...it's been awhile...I'm back. Sometimes in the course of our lives we have to put aside the very things that we enjoy. "Doing" was very present in my life the past few weeks and required my focus. Now it's time for "being" and "doing". That wonderful balance in life called harmony. Harmony is where I find my peace, my creative self, my heart self while still balancing accomplishment (doing). At the end of the day, it's harmony that makes me comfortable and helps me to realize without harmony you are either sliding up or down in life. Make it a great one!

Remember the joke about how many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: One, but the light bulb has to want to change. Does your light bulb need changing? What is stopping you? Change happens in two ways...by design or default. Is it time for you to design the life you were born to live and perhaps change your light bulb?

Make it a great one!

"Where you focus your attention becomes your intention!" (Not sure who said this first.)  Where is your attention focused and is it your intention? If not...refocus.

Folk Art Fish

Under two coats of paint behind this fish are the words, "keep it simple". I wanted to remind myself to "keep it simple" so I decided to paint the words on the kitchen wall...a visual reminder. I chose the font, made a stencil and painted the words on the wall. Simple...right. Well, I wasn't done yet. I kept looking and thinking that it looked too plain, too simple. So over the course of three days, I created those words using twelve different fonts, made the stencils and painted each one in different colors. Three days!!!!!!!!!!!! Once completed, I stepped back and critiqued my beautiful words..."keep it simple". I didn't like it...there was so much going on the original idea and message got lost in the busyness of it all. The next day I repainted the wall, hung the fish as a visual reminder to "keep it simple". The lesson...when you want to keep something simple..."keep it simple!"

Make it a great one!

Severe thunder and lightning storms coming through the area...flash flood warnings. Two inches of rain already and another two inches expected. Shutting down the computer for the evening. Be back tomorrow. Make it a great one!

Life Expressing

Life expresses in many ways. Some of us are captivated by beauty and for others it may be a fragrance or a brilliant color. No matter where and when you look, you see life expressing. It's all part of our connection with each other, nature and Mother Earth. What calls to you? What is it that you see expressing? Take the time to notice what appeals to you and why.

Make it a great one!  

The next five days are about "being"....filling my spirit with the heartfelt joy and comfort of being with family and friends. Will post again on Tuesday. Make it a great one!

 

 

 

Getting grounded

 

Noticing roots of trees is very grounding for me. Whenever I'm feeling scattered, I place my bare feet firmly flat on the ground (or floor), close my eyes and envision roots growing from the bottom of my feet deep into Mother Earth. It gets me focused, centered and very present. The mind clutter leaves and I feel very stable and supported in my body. In this photo, I noticed the number of roots and thought about the strength and nourishment these roots give to the exposed standing tree. In a number of ways, that relates to our grounding and how it effects our bodies. A scattered mind serves no purpose...centered and grounded enables you stand in your strength.

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

Soft Awakening

The softness of this morning's awakening invites you to melt into it and breathe in it's stillness, it's peace and it's hope. Today is a new beginning and it's up to you to create a day that brings the "all" that you want to experience. Let go of yesterday and let go of the things to come. Today...in this present moment, is where all life is and always will be.

Make it a great one!

Off for a relaxing weekend. Be back on Monday.

  

 

 

 

Lighten Up Through Relaxation

It's encouraging to know that a few people can really relax...no matter where they are. When was the last time you truly set your intention to experience true relaxation. It's time to let everything go and become lighter in the process. Shed all your worrisome thoughts of guilt...and all the shoulda, coulda, woulda's that constantly play in your mind and  keeps you bound in the heaviness of that cluttered mind. Lighten up...be playful, relax and find your peace and calm. You'll feel like a new person.

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

Wild Turkeys

Riding into town today, I came upon these wild turkeys. Of course, I had my camera and stopped to get a photo. Turkey is considered the Give-away Eagle of many native people. The person who sacrifices for the good of others and carries the burden of the people is the one who is given the most respect. Turkey represents a gift of giving. The gift can be a beautiful sunset, a smile, a nod...whatever the gift, it is never unimportant! I feel grateful in witnessing the wild life that lives in my surroundings and am able to share this gift with you. Do you feel the spirit of giving rising within you? Do you feel the urge to share with others?

 

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

Duck and ducklings

 While watching these ducklings on the beach, they were all over the place...picking up bugs and wandering to the next bug. When it was time to leave (and I don't know what determined that) they started to get into a formation. Mama duck watched as they took their place in line and swam off close to the lake's edge. The question that came to me, "When was the last time you had your ducks in a row?" At different times in our lives, it's important that we get our ducks in a row in order to move forward and on to the next adventure.

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

 

Nature's Art

When was the last time you looked for art in nature? Finding nature's art is another way for me to connect with my surroundings. I may find it in a tree, a stone, a fern, a milkweed, a flower. I'm not even looking for anything in particular. I just know it when I see it! And when I see it, I marvel in it and embrace it's natural beauty. Connecting with nature and my surroundings brings a calmness and peace that goes beyond it's beauty...it caresses my spirit and awakens my heart in oneness. Is it time for you to connect with your heart, your spirit and your surroundings?

 

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

 

Touch the Sun!

 

There are usually many ways to accomplish one goal. What is it that you need to look at in a different perspective? What is it that is preventing you from seeing things differently? Some times when you feel stuck and need a different view point...change your physical position, sit in another chair, or go to a different room, go outside. What would you have done if someone asked you to touch the sun? 

 

 

 

Focus!

Wow...there is so much going on here it's hard to determine where to look first. My eyes go to the "loudest" part of the photo first. For me, the "loudest" is the sun bursting through the clouds. Then, as I continue to scan the whole photo, I notice the quiet subtleties...the light orbs, the rainbow of colors held in the sun's rays, the dark clouds, the blue sky, the sun's reflection on the water, the grasses in the forefront, the trees framing the photo and the feelings it all brings into being. It speaks of all that is needed to express the wholeness of oneness. 

 

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

 

 

August Sunset

 

The beauty of this moment is held within this photo. As I witnessed the closing of this day, everything continued to change...the clouds, the colors, the water and the light. And...as darkness continued to fall, I could feel the coolness of it on my arms and it surrounded me with it's stillness. A stillness that only comes with night fall...a welcoming to the completion of this day. It embraces you, refreshes you and renews you to all that ensues.

 

Make it a great one!

 

Dare to be different!

 

Sometimes you just have to break out and be who you really are! We get comfortable "in the box". The "box" doesn't require much of us...same, same, sameness. It takes courage to break down the walls to fully express who we are in this abundant universe. So what if we "stick out" in the crowd, it's all about being our authentic selves and stepping into that. So...dare to be authentically you and embrace it, be proud and get out of the "box".

 

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

 

 

Day is done!

This photo holds a feel of nostalgia for me...a place I had visited long ago. Times change, people change and places change and I hold these images deep within my heart. My family used to vacation on a lake during the summer. I would look forward to seeing my summer friends and our wonderful moments held within that frame of time. We would sail, waterski, sit by the fire in the evening, exchange stories and laughter was like a second language. The first summer I met my new friends I was just a teen. We all grew up together on the lake. Our last summer together was when I was a junior in high school. I lost touch with my summer friends over time and often wonder who they became and do they do the same thing with their families...go to a lake for a summer vacation and spend time with their summer friends. Sometimes it feels good to "go back".  Such wonderful memories always stir my heart and bring comfort and joy to my inner being.

 

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

 

Sometimes you have to experience darkness .

This cave was blacker than black as I continued going deeper into it. At first, upon entering, I felt uncomfortable in the "not knowing". As my eyes continued to adjust to the darkness, my discomfort became curiosity and as black as I thought this cave was...I could see all of the beauty held within it. It took time to see...to feel. I had to really "look" and "absorb" for this experience was deep and affected my inner being or knowing. As soon as I turned back towards the entrance, I was captured in the brilliance of the light streaming into the cave. The light...that's where I was comfortable. There is a saying and I don't know who first said it and this is not word for word, it goes something like this, "Sometimes you have to decide to be uncomfortable for as long as it takes in order to grow"

 

Make it a great one!

 

 

 

 

During one of my morning meditations, I decided to ask the lake a question, "What do you hold within your depths?"

 

 

Within my depths are the answers you seek. Thrashing at the surface serves no purpose. Allow yourself to find the peace needed at the surface to gain the confidence needed to search my depths...an exploration of my inner places. Only when you dive holding the space of confidence and learning will your journey serve you. Only when you give up the fight and allow yourself to explore my depths with openness does your learning begin. Calm yourself and when you feel almost ready allow yourself to sink into the answers that you seek. Be aware of all that is held in my depths. The answers you seek are everywhere - you must be open to receive them when they appear. You can find serenity both at my surface and in my depths. Experience your dive with open mindedness...for it's when you are ready to receive that the answers appear.

(This writing is held deep within my heart.)

 

Make it a great one!

Looking back doesn't change things...it's all about what's in front of you and the choices you make when aware of all your opportunities and possibilities!
 

Make it a great one!

 

Rainbow magic

I love the magic of rainbows...the hopes, promises, dreams and wishes!

Make it a great one!  

 

Arches

 

These arches absolutely captured me. Not only in their massive appearance and the number of them...I wanted to walk under them, feel the energy of 500 years in them and get to the opening at the end. I'm including a "coaching tidbit" in this commentary: "Where you put your attention becomes your intention", (M.Morrissey).  So...where is your attention and is it aligned with your intention? 
Make it a great one!

 

Water Fowl

 

I love geese. They honk, they fly in formation and can fly great distances when migrating. They are so much a part of the activity on the lake. I found this formation interesting...no one leading and only one following. I'm curious as to what is going on. Has he been banned, is he just plain old slow, is he from a different flock or is it by choice? Sometimes things are not as they appear. What do you suppose is going on?

Make it a great one!
 

I love the stillness and silence that this photo reflects. On the water is an image of what is real...a reflection. It's difficult to tell what is real and what is not.  However, when you look with great observation, you will notice the reflection is not as crisp as the true image. What is it that you may be holding onto as truth when it may be only a reflection of truth?

Make it a great one!

 

The Walk From Hell!

 

I'm calling "it" the walk from hell! While I've been breathing in clean, crisp refreshing air...my dogs have apparently been breathing in a stimulant. Jazz (black) came out the door like a race horse out of a starting gate. Daizee (white) didn't have the full effect...yet. Then, Jazz spots Jerry C. and she began jumping around like a fish on a line. Daizee pulled exactly like a sled dog...what more could I ask for? You see, they knew Jerry had bones for them. While they were totally out of control, he gave them the bones. (Thankfully all of his fingers were still intact when the gift was received.) Jazzmin was at the "high" of "this" and pulling. Daizee, on the other hand, wasn't and was putting on the brakes. Jazzmin was pulling me, I was pulling Daizee, who sat down to express what little interest she had in walking. I leaned over,"Daizee, honey" (I'm now talking through gritted teeth trying to "be" in the patience of these words), "we are going the full distance". She sat there...then whatever "it" was hit her and she was off. Now we are at a good pace for our walk and joy was starting to kick in. Then, out of nowhere...they stop, sniff, walk, semi-run, stop, sniff, walk, semi-run. I felt like I was being driven by someone who was learning how to use the clutch. Our pace turned into jerks, tugs, run...ack! Jazz starts lifting her leg and marking everything and eating anything she can get her teeth on. Twice I had to stop and take cardboard out of her mouth. Usually, they settle in, but not this time. When we turned around it was more of the same. It all came to a head when they had me stretched out in opposite directions. I stopped in my tracks and pulled them in...that's when it happened. A grrrr...from me! (I felt like one of the guys at the gym when lifting a weight that really challenges them and they use the "sound" as strength.) You see, up to this point I was the only one not having a good time. The strength I needed came from that primal voice...a warning to them and patience to me. It did get their attention. After the blah,blah,blah talk, I made the leads shorter and we walked quietly, comfortably and joyfully down the center of the road.

It's interesting that all of this stopped when I decided to take control. And...it was always up to me to when and how I did it. What are you letting control you? Is it time for you to make a decision?

Make it a great one!

 

 

FEAR

 

FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL. Fear can distort...what you see or feel while afraid is quite possibly a twisted truth. The story I'm going to tell you has to do with fear and my actions and assessments based on my perceptions at the time I was experiencing this dreadful lesson. 

 

In 1997, I bought an old field stone house. It was lake front and had a beautiful stone wall that the waves would break upon. It was everything I wanted...it had been vacant for five years and some of the locals, squirrels and mice in particular, had moved in and were living quite comfortably. The few friends I had shown the house to before actually buying it all asked the same question, "Are you sure you want to buy THIS house?" In my heart, I had already moved in and no one was going to talk me out of it.

 

I moved in with two Maine Coon cats, Nettie and Hattie, and there were many active nights of hunting, but eventually things settled down and it was me and the "girls". One morning I got up and noticed that the "girls" were not in bed with me...so I called out, "Hattie, Nettie, hey girly girls"...nothing. I went down the stairs; came around the corner and there they were under the dining room table staring at something. Now...anyone who really knows me knows that I always have stacks of books on the floor, on the table and on the counters. I couldn't see what was of such great interest. As I walked towards them, I asked, "Whatcha looking at?"

 

Whoa!!!! I must have jumped back ten feet. It was a snake! I'm scared of snakes! FEAR GRIPPED EVERY MUSCLE IN MY BODY AND MY BRAIN WENT NUMB.

There were three things at that moment that I absolutely know for sure:

1. It was about three feet long.

2. It was poisonous.

3. I had to do something...NOW!

 

The first thing I did was open the door to the deck that was lakefront. Then, I ran into the kitchen. I got kitchen tongs...it was the only think I could think of to use so I wouldn't have to touch the snake. Now...I only had one chance! Using the tongs, I got hold of the snake right behind it's head. AWWWWW! It was twisting and whipping it's body all over the place as I ran for the door. I brought the tongs back and flung the snake out into the lake. Every inch of my body was shaking. (DEEP BREATH.) IT WAS OVER!!

 

I walked over to the couch and plopped down...put my head in my hands and cried...but these were tears of courage and joy! I had faced my fear and was able to do what was necessary - get the snake out of the house. After a while the tears stopped. I sat back with my head resting on the back cushion looking up at the ceiling and thought, "What just happened here?" The reality of the situation (now that it was over) was...most of what I saw was distorted. It was a snake...that was true for sure. It wasn't three feet long, it was probably twelve inches; never the less...still frightening. It wasn't poisonous, it probably didn't want to be in the lake where I threw it. The only part that wasn't distorted was the fragment that I had to do something now. As I was sitting there assessing...another fear thought gripped my mind...at about twelve inches, it could be quite possible that it was a baby...sometime snakes have lots of babies. I could feel the fear starting to build within me. I'll call my friend, Jan, she has snakes for pets. I dialed, she answered..."Jan", I explained what happened..."What are the chances of more snakes being in my house?" "Well, some snakes have hundreds of live babies" she said casually. "I'd check the basement first. There's probably a crack in the stone foundation". There was a long moment of silence. "Jan, would you come over and check out the basement...please?" So, Jan came over and checked out the basement for me. After what seemed to be forever, she came upstairs and declared the basement free of snakes.

 

My whole perception was very compromised during my assessment and action of the snake drama. Because my total self was gripped with fear...most everything associated with my decision making process was definitely twisted.

 

I've taken a couple of "nuggets" from my experience...when fear (false evidence appearing real) grips you:

1. Take a deep breath.

2. Take another deep breath.

3. When you can't find your cats...they have probably cornered a snake.

and....

4. A quote from Pat Paulson that helps to put everything into perspective: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself...and quite possibly the bogeyman".

 

So...where's the "snake" in your life?"

And...what are you going to do to face "it" and throw "it" into the lake?

 

Make it a great one!

 



While sitting and looking out over the lake, I noticed families on the beach were standing and pointing to the sky. There was "eagle" in all of his glory! He was soaring high in the currents. What I particularly love is when eagle shows up most everyone stops, stands and looks. There is something about this majestic bird that captures us. Perhaps it's the symbol of freedom that he represents or his innate ability to effortlessly soar beyond our imaginations. What ever "it" is (and "it" is different for each of us)...he is truly mesmerizing and definitely a gift.

 

"And the day came when the risk to remain

tight in a bud was more painful than the risk

it took to blossom."             -Anais Nin

I call this Mom's cactus. I inherited it when she passed to a more peaceful place. The quote is one of my favorite's. Using the flowers and the quote together reminds me that I don't recall my Mom ever setting limits or saying that it can't be done. Whether or not she actually said the words doesn't matter. It was her silence, acceptance and mindful "watch" that gave me strength and encouraged me to take risks to become more of my authentic, unique self. I celebrate my Mom...all that she was in life and all that she continues to be...

I am a fan person...I love having my doors and windows open to all that surrounds me. That connection continually fills my spirit. It's part of the awe and joy in my day. Yesterday was hotter and more humid than I ever remember. (The air was already oppressive before I put my feet on the floor.) Our walk (me and the "girls") - well...it was more like sniffing around a broader area. I walked the "girls" to the boat ramp and down to the water's edge. They got their feet wet but the smells from the rocky area called them and that's where they explored. We headed back to the house finding relief under the fans. Another storm blew through quickly...this time we lost power. Once it rolled passed and the rain stopped, I opened the sliders and the cool air exploded into the room.  This is exactly what we were hoping for...I sat on the bench, both "girls" laying on the floor in front of the door being entertained by the fireworks that are now lighting the sky. Our day ended in gratitude. Make it a great one! 

Before the storm


I took this photo watching this storm "build" while knowing that it was only a matter of time before it was going to be pounding at my door. There is spectacular beauty in all that nature does. She does it with light, color, sound, movement, temperature, moisture, darkness and suspense. The clouds and sun are what beckoned me...a brilliant light bursting through dark clouds. It gives me a feeling of hope.

My day started with a gift...eagle flying low over the surface of the lake - well below the tree tops. Ducks swimming around the lake's edge. Little birds twittering in the maples. Fog rising from the lake's silver surface. Morning awakens with much of the sameness of the previous day...yet, each day's awakening is different. The difference appears when you look beyond the sameness and in to the true happenings of it's parts. Each part uniquely present in this day. What you see depends on how open you are to seeing it. In this moment of unfoldment, the landscape is an invitation in which to calm one's spirit. Make it a great one!

Day is done!

Most of my paddling is done in the evening. The colors in the early evening are so much softer than mid day. The sun had already settled below the mountains painting the sky with soft orange, yellow and blue. The lake became stripes of silver and blue and the crescent moon hung over the mountains creating a peacefulness in the landscape. Even after I took the photo, I continued to sit there, floating on the water and witnessing. My thoughts were of solitude, peace, connectedness and gratefulness in all that is held in my heart and in the hearts of others..Knowing everything and knowing nothing.

On the Pond

Hazy blue mountains, patches of fog rising like smoke from a chimney, boats moving silently across the lake. A few maple leaves appear dancing in the warm summer's breeze. Crows, sparrows, jays chime in a cacophonous symphony of morning's awakening. Then...silence...there's something! After a few moments, it all starts again...the embracing resonance of day break. Starting the day in gratitude! Make it a great one!