Because my friends and family mean so much to me....
Dear Friends and Family,
Yesterday, as I tried to get in touch with a dear friend of mine who is vacationing in Hawaii, to make sure that her, her husband and 3 year old were ok after the earthquake, the reality of how fragile life is settled in on me.
At the same time, I thought of my best friend who is, after almost 3 weeks, still standing strong while watching her mother's health slips in and out of ICU, still not knowing what they may be up against.
I thought of Doug's father who has been putting up a fierce fight against leukemia for quite a few months; I thought of my great-grandmother who is as strong as a rock but fighting her body and it's breakdown; I thought of Grandma Katherine and Grandma Fran who keep smiling and keep active despite the aches and pains that continue to mount a war against them; I thought of my mom and the amazing strength that she displays each day; I thought of my brother and his amazing heart and the brave face that he puts on each day; I thought of my friend and neighbor who is sick; I thought of a friend who just put her cat to sleep; I thought of a friend who is taking charge, making a leap of faith for her children and being a GREAT single mom!
I kept thinking of all those in my life that bravely face each day despite different battles....Whether it be a quest to find time and self in a busy mommy life, or the friend who worries about a husband being shipped overseas. There are so many precious people in my life, and despite the journey that each of you may individually be on, despite the places that you may find yourself in that journey, I just wanted you to know that I love you all and am thankful for the role that you play in my life.
We all evaluate where we are and where we want to be. We all make choices to ensure our own happiness. Sometimes it means that those we care about are further away than we would be ideal. That is life, and as I continue to learn amazing things from my mom, I'm discovering that distance and the menial trials of life don't change the bonds of family or friends. This isn't a forwarded message, or a quick click of my entire email address book. I chose to contact all of you to share a special wish for you - Know that I am thankful that you are in my life. I wish you nothing less than everything you want and all the happiness that you can imagine!
Life is too short to have regrets! Friends and family like you are a treasure!
XOXOXO
Autumn
Monday, October 16, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Beauty (9/14/2006)
A thought about BEAUTY!
Today in my yoga class, we were asked to think about BEAUTY. It means different things to different people. But beauty is everywhere, it is just a matter of taking a moment to acknowledge the beauty that exists around us and in everything.
A couple of things that struck me that we all take for granted:
The beauty of our bodies. Our body does so much for us each day and because of the commercial world we live in, we get focused on an image of beauty that is so far from reality and created by someone else. Isn't beauty an individual thing? Shouldn't we all learn to see the beauty that we are...just the way we are?
Secondly, take the time to see the beauty in things that "are." Things that don't have a purpose other than to simply "be." A great example of this is a POEM. It just is and it is beauty in its own form.
My hope is that by reading this you may slow just a bit and take in the unremarkable beauty all around us, that is, in reality - QUITE REMARKABLE!
Today in my yoga class, we were asked to think about BEAUTY. It means different things to different people. But beauty is everywhere, it is just a matter of taking a moment to acknowledge the beauty that exists around us and in everything.
A couple of things that struck me that we all take for granted:
The beauty of our bodies. Our body does so much for us each day and because of the commercial world we live in, we get focused on an image of beauty that is so far from reality and created by someone else. Isn't beauty an individual thing? Shouldn't we all learn to see the beauty that we are...just the way we are?
Secondly, take the time to see the beauty in things that "are." Things that don't have a purpose other than to simply "be." A great example of this is a POEM. It just is and it is beauty in its own form.
My hope is that by reading this you may slow just a bit and take in the unremarkable beauty all around us, that is, in reality - QUITE REMARKABLE!
Under Pressure (9/14/2006)
Pressure...We all know it!
Sending you all love and light!
~Autumn
This is a great thought to help COPE with the pressure of life that we undoubtedly all feel at one time or another. What a wonderful way to see the positive of a difficult thing like "Pressure"
"Even a lump of clay thrown on the potters' wheel undergoes pressure. It is the pressure of the potter's hand that coaxes the beauty out."
"Even a lump of clay thrown on the potters' wheel undergoes pressure. It is the pressure of the potter's hand that coaxes the beauty out."
Sending you all love and light!
~Autumn
Thursday, August 10, 2006
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
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
Friday, July 21, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
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.
Monday, May 15, 2006
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!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
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!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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.
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.
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