Peace, Peace and Always Peace (8/10/2006)

Some things in life are hard.

We never know what another person may be going through. We all get wrapped up in the webs that are our lives. Not one of us can claim to be entirely selfless. It is in fact healthy to look out for our own wellbeing.

However, along the path that we travel, there are bound to be pot-holes and trouble. Many times, these conflicts can not be ignored. It is HOW we deal with these conflicts that define the kind of person we are, and how the remainder of our journey in life will be.

In tripping ourselves up, many times we stumble over others and may even injure them. Despite these situations being uncomfortable, simply walking away will only cause continued pain, making the weak, weaker yet.

The good derived from working through the pain is that we come through the other side knowing more about ourselves and having the opportunity to express to others how much we treasure them and care about them.

In life, I believe that everything happens for a reason and that there is something to be taken from every experience. The key is being willing to recognize and accept the message - whatever it might be. That is what growth is about.

Sometimes we aren't ready for the next step as is evident in the way we choose to not deal with issues in our lives. But that is ok too. When the time is right, we will see clearly the actions needed and the alteration in our steps that must happen. Until that time, we can take solace in knowing that we are loved.

Today I send healing thoughts and positive affirmations to all those in my life. I am comfortable in my skin and I feel my soul expanding as I grow in each experience. I have no delusions as to my imperfections. I am constantly tripping myself up. But, I feel good in saying that I am willing to get up, dust myself off, offer a hand to those around me that may need a boost, and should they turn their head away, I can be ok with knowing that I tried and that I will offer again when they are ready to heal and continue in their journey.

My wish today is one of peace. I am thinking of all those who touch my life, and sending this wish to them.

May your souls be well and may your mind be clear.
No matter what, I hold you dear.
Peace, Peace and always peace.

~Autumn

Joy From My Flowers (7/21/2006)

I derive so much joy from flowers and my own form of gardening. I can't help but smile when I see beautiful things in nature, and flowers are "queen" of natures beauty.

These are all flowers from my garden beds around the house. I hope you see a smile somewhere in them for you too! Enjoy!

These are my favorite flowers - STAR GAZER LILY

Wandering Petunias

Johnny Jump-Ups

Maroon Columbine

Blue Cone-Flower

Snap Dragons

Shasta Daisies

One of my FAVORITES....


BLUE DELPHINIUM

Gerber Daisey

Pink Babies Breath

Blue Allium

Yellow Rose

Gratitude (6/27/2006)

Wow, how time flies! It has been over a month since I've posted.

I continue to look at the many miracles that occur around us and I am in AWE every second. In my quest for health and inner peace, I am finding that there are so many things to be grateful for. I am a very lucky, blessed person.

I have family that I cherish, a husband that is my hero and loves me unconditionally, (as is evident since he still loves me despite my TERRIBLE hair cut and recent extreme mood swings.) I also have amazing, creative, thoughtful, precious friends that inspire me each day. I also have new friends that have come into my life that I so cherish. All these things, in addition to the magic in every day, give me joy.

Empty Nest (5/15/2006)

EMPTY NEST! ...Only 13 Days Old...and they
are up and AWAY! (5/15/2006)  
I went out this morning to check on my little birdies and I startled one right out of the nest. It was Big-Bubba. He flew a few feet, and then landed on the steps. He hopped around the yard for a while testing out his wings and then flew away. Each time he tried to return to the nest, his parents chased his away. I guess Robins aren't as willing to let their young come home once they have left the nest.

The second little one was soon to follow Big-Bubba's example and flew straight across the street and began to feast in the neighbors yard.
The third baby took his time and needed a little prodding from mom and dad. They hung out in the grass with him for a while and flew back and forth demonstrating the skill. Finally, he joined the others feeding on seed and worms across the street. The fourth and last little birdie, Tiny Tim, was the smallest of the bunch and was of course on the bottom of the heap. He fell back asleep after just a few minutes. I stood to leave him to rest and scared the poop out of him - literally - as he flew away. He only made it as far as the street and then had a crash landing that was followed by a tumble - talons over beak. He was a bit shook up, as was I. I was afraid that he was hurt as he just sat there, a bit dazed for a couple of minutes in the middle of the road. I was worried a car was going to come by and smash him. BUT, after a moment to collect himself, he fluffed his wings and flew into a nearby tree.

Now the entire family is happily feasting around the neighborhood. I hear their chirps all around.

Oh what fun it has been to watch the whole thing!

9 DAYS OLD! (5/11/2006)

9 DAYS OLD! (5/11/2006)
Can you believe how big they are in such a short amount of time? Their eyes are open, but they sleep a lot. I chat with them regularly so they are familiar with my smell and sound. They watch me intently and aren't too fond of the camera....Odd, they should be used to it by now.

A friend of mine asked if I had named them. I haven't found that I have been inspired to call any of them by name....well, except for the largest one. I call him BIG BUBBA. He is first to poke his head out for food and he always seems to be on top of the feather heap.

Kozmo doesn't seem too interested in them as they aren't "tweeping" yet. BUT, he is very interested in what exactly I am doing on the front porch so often. He watches me with a very inquisitive look through the front door.

I'm sure they will be out of the nest very soon!

Here's to life and nature, and the small joys that we derive!

ME...MY LIFE...MY HEALTH...MY HEART...MY INTENTION...MY HOPE. (5/9/2006)

ME...MY LIFE...MY HEALTH...MY HEART...MY INTENTION...MY HOPE. (5/9/2006)

It seems that I am constantly battling my health. For the one moment of comfort that I have, there are 20 moments of pain and discomfort that follow. I keep asking, hoping and wishing for a time that I will be - "MYSELF" again. I desire and LONG for something that I can recall in my mind as free. Free of pain, free of worry, free of guilt, free of dissatisfaction, free of my current bonds.

The funny thing is, I know...this IS me! I AM myself! I am HERE! This is NOW! But I still can't let go of the other.

I have done yoga before. But this time, I started the practice knowning that I needed to leave all my previous skill and knowledge behind. I knew that I was different now. I have a different body-vessel than the last time I practiced, not to mention I have grown in my life experience.

Yet, despite that realization, I find that I feel defeated in the things that I can't do. I feel anguish when my physical body does not respond as I wish it would. I am unable to let go and accept what I am feeling in this moment. I am attached to a feeling that I can't quite recall. How do I let go of that? How do I accept the inadequacies and failures and yet still find growth?

I know what I am supposed to feel, but can't help but feel a sense of loss. I feel empty. I feel sad.
I am in search of the personal power to thankfully and lovingly acknowledge and accept where I am. I am search of the personal power to continue on and to grow.

I ask for love and light, and wish the same to all.

A Practice (5/9/2006)

A PRACTICE - Def. Something that you work repeatedly in order to acquire or polish a skill.

Over and over again I have to reacquaint my conscience mind with this definition as I practice yoga and re-learn to live my life. The fundamentals have changed, and as I am learning, will continue to change. It is the ability to enjoy the moment I am living without becoming attached to it that will bring me greater balance and accomplishment in my life.

I was reminded of this during my yoga class today. I found it difficult to focus, release, relax and stay in the moment. I felt a sense of frustration in what seemed to me to be a relapse, or steps backwards in my progress. Oddly enough, this particular class was drawn to a close by having all the students sum up and express their experience. After relaying my observation, my instructor reminded me that there will be ups and downs, ebbs and flows in my practice. Some days will be wonderful. Others will be good. While still others will leave me with a sense of longing. It is by means of awareness that we accept each experience for what it is and move on. As stated in the Tao, we should not become attached to a feeling or judge our current moment based on previous experiences. We should however, accept each experience, being in the moment in it's entirety. Feeling the here/now, yet not building an expectation that we may become attached to. This could be very damaging and will hinder our own movement and connection with our being.

Again, I am finding that there is more to be learned with each breath. Always another way to see, understand and accept a moment, thought, or feeling.

I initially began the practice of yoga with the intention of better physical health. It is only in the continued practice that I am seeing that the physical benefits are simply an outward sign of the inner healing and peace that can be found by continuing to work at this practice.

Today I wish gentle thoughts of caring to all. May your mind and body find peace.

My Ode to the Robins (5/8/2006)

Not quite a week old, but growing so fast!

Tomorrow will mark the one-week birthday of these little birdies, yet they are already so big. I'm having a bit of seperation anxiety thinking about them leaving the nest already! I've become quite attached to them, even though they aren't the cutest sort of baby out there. They are still precious and fun to watch.

The momma and daddy Robin are always diligently feeding their little ones. It is amazing how much they eat. It is no wonder they are as big as they are already. The momma still sits on them to keep them warm, but many times they get their necks stuck outside the nest, poking out from under her feathers, looking rather sadistic if you ask me.

We haven't noticed much chirping yet, but their eyes are open and they are starting to move their wings a bit. I'm sure it won't be long till they are trying to fly away. All four of the eggs she laid hatched and so far, each of them had survived.

My Ode to the Robins

My feathered friend

found safety on my stoop.

A nest was built

and pretty blue eggs left.

Come rain or shine

She weathered the days away.

Now hatched into life

They eat and sleep all day.

My sweet little birdies

Soon to spread their wings and fly away.

By Autumn Shishon Stinton

A Poem - I'll Meet You In My Dreams (5/4/2006)

I awoke from a dream this afternoon, heart heavy but INSPIRED to write this poem.

I'll Meet You In My Dreams
by Autumn Shishon Stinton

Oh gentle one with open heart...
I'll meet you in my dreams.
I close my eyes and know my part...
I'll meet you in my dreams.

My life so full so much to share...
I'll meet you in my dreams.
Watch over you because I care...
I'll meet you in my dreams.

I know your name I see your smile...
I'll meet you in my dreams.
In my arms for just a while...
I'll meet you in my dreams.

I see the things that we will do...
I'll meet you in my dreams.
Yet wake to find that I am blue...
I'll meet you in my dreams.

We know each other, our hearts like one...
I'll meet you in my dreams.
To stay together Oh, what fun...
I'll meet you in my dreams.

I think of you most every day...
I'll meet you in my dreams.
Until the time you come to stay...
I'LL MEET YOU IN MY DREAMS!