A Little Gift..."A Bird in my Stoop" (4/30/2006)

A little gift..."A bird in my stoop."
(4/30/2006)
In a matter of about 4 hours one April afternoon...we had a nest on our front porch. We envisioned the mess that we would have and debated whether to take it down or not. We decided to leave it. What fun to watch the Robins nest and make their little spot "just right."
Shortly after the nest was complete, the Daddy Robin, took to a bush within sight of the porch and the new nest. The Momma Robin then set up house.


Within a day, we had a beautiful blue Robin egg. Then another, and another, and now we have a total of FOUR eggs. They are the most beautiful color of blue! "ROBIN EGG BLUE" - What a marvel nature is!

The Momma Robin is faithfully sitting on her eggs. She was afraid of me at first, and flew away to a close tree all the while yelling at me if I came to close to the nest. If that didn't work, the Daddy Robin came to the rescue and would dive-bomb my head. Over the past week however, we have built a rapport. I can now slowly approach the nest and walk around the front porch without her darting away. Doug's presence however, still shakes her a bit.

So we wait...We greet them in the morning and ensure their presence before we go to bed. Today I came running up the stairs to the front door, not because I heard the door bell ring, but because I heard the Momma protesting and I wanted to see what was going on.

Come what may, we are presently happy to say that we are hosting nature and have a family of Robins as our guests. We are seeing nature up close and in it's most perfect form. Oh what a joy!

Hoping you are finding many joys in your life!

Finding My Path...Consciousness (4/29/2006)

Finding My Path...Consciousness (4/29/2006)

Oddly enough, it seems sad to me that it is only at this point in my life that it is occuring to me that I need to consider my path and consciously be aware. Aware of what? I'm learning that is a trick question. The question isn't so much "WHAT" to be aware of, but simply being aware. An awakening of the senses to all that I see and feel and think. The biggest challenge for me is being MINDFUL and yet, not THOUGHTFUL. That simple statement was a conundrum spinning me further and further from the meaning the more I contemplated it. That thought in itself was my problem. I was "doing" exactly what it was that was causing my confusion.

I sought out assistance and input in hopes that I could find an explanation to this dilema that was worrying me. One of the most helpful ideas that was given me to assist in my understanding was an illistration. It painted a picture that helped clarify my thoughts.

Envision in your minds eye a place that offers you comfort. See your self there. While you are in this place, a train passes infront of you. You don't have to strain in any way to clearly see the train or any of its cargo. The pace of the train is perfect for you to clearly identify each car. Each car that the train pulls contains a thought or idea. Some may be plesant and others may be troublesome. You are aware of the content of the cars, and know that they are there. You see them, acklowledge them and then...let them pass, not dwelling on any particular one. Should you start to follow one particular car, you remember that you don't have to. The train belongs to you and you will be able to see any of these cars at any time. This, to me, is being MINDFUL.

Being mindful allows us to make choices and decisions that reflect our best intentions. This requires a lot of focus for me. It isn't as easy as it may sound. Infact, I struggle with this idea, but intend to continue to practice it.

So, what is my path? I can't be certain, but I am mindful of it, and continue in my search.

Wishing you all clarity in finding your path.

Thoughts To Focus On.....(4/28/2006)

Thoughts To Focus On.....(4/28/2006)

On Thursday, I attended my normal yoga class and enjoyed this sentiment that was shared:

May I be filled with loving kindness.
May I be well.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be happy.

This wish I send out to you all.

Making Thoughts Tangible...(4/25/2006)

Making Thoughts Tangible...(4/25/2006)

I honestly believe in fate. That being said, I think it is important to note that I believe that fate can only take you so far, and then you have to step up and take control. Additionally, you can alter the course of fate at any time. I'm opening a can of worms here, so I will stick to the thought for this post.

Art is an expression of our souls. We are all artists...some are just looking for the media in which to express themselves. Others of us may have trouble seeing the art that individuals create. Art isn't limited to paintings, or sculptures. Art is and endless display of a persons talents. One person's art may be cooking, anothers gardening, and still anothers may be a more subtle form such as the way that they bring calm to a room, or the tireless hands of a mother who cleans her house and skillfully folds clothing and bedding for her family. ART is in the eye of the beholder. Ask yourself:

Are your eyes open to the art all around you?

Do you take the time, a simple moment extra, to appreciate the art of each person in your life?

I am posting a picture of a piece of art that I have created from the art given to me from many loved ones. While I found myself recently ill, I came to see that kindness, thoughtfullness and caring come in many forms. Some are unspoken while others are in tangible form. As my recovery continues, I have found solace in the thoughts and warm wishes that have been sent to me along the way. Taking bits from each note, and each card, I was able to create for my own pleasure, something that has meaning based on it's previous form, yet takes on another meaning in the sentiment of it's new form. From cards and thoughts, a ribbon of CUSHING'S Disease Awareness was born.

It is in the honor of my friends and family that I am proud to display this awareness ribbon and art, rightfully named,

"WELL WISHES 05"

Communication (4/25/2006)

Communication...(4/25/2006)

Recently a friend of mine posted a "tidbit" about communication and how it effects our relationships. I thought about it and was pleased to realize that I had a pretty strong opinion on the subject. (Go figure! hehehe!) Here are my thoughts:

We are creatures of communication, words and reason. This is what sets us apart from other species. Conscious communication is a valuable and required tool in nurturing the relationships in our lives.

In addition to the words that we choose when we communicate, our tone, gestures and expressions that accompany each phrase and each word make the difference between understanding and miscommunication. Poor communications skills can be the difference between flow and stagnation.

Communication is an art form. It must come from the beauty within. It can be cultivated in each of us. The way we communicate is an individual as our fingerprints. To know someone and to communicate with them takes effort and respect by both parties.

Communication can be the salve that heals or the lack there-of can be the sting that starts a conflict. Communicate from the heart and with earnest and all will not be lost. In order to communicate openly and in "good form" with others, we must first be honest and open with ourselves. Find truth in your words and your expressions, and you will have peace and joy.

Wishing you all peace and joy.

LIFE is a gift...Sadly, some of us only realize this and reach this place of of clarity when faced with life altering changes, or possibly illness. When faced with our mortality, we are forced to evaluate and ponder our existence. Many of us find clarity in this moment. This moment is a moment to be treasured and hopefull not wasted. I only wish that you could convince others who have not faced challenges such as this, that there is no need to have that WAKE UP CALL to "realize" your life. Each moment is a gift. Slow down. Cherish the small things. It is the small things combined that make life.....NOT necessarily the big moments.

Wishing you all joy in the small things. Peace to all!