"Imagine Wonder"

What a reminder this little dear is - a reminder to imagine wonder.

When looking in the dictionary for the word wonder there are all manner of definitions.  The closest they get for me is: "a feeling of surprised or puzzled interest; miraculous deed or event."  In my life that is mild for what I feel when wonder appears. 

Looking at a sunset or a dark sky filled with stars goes well beyond 'a feeling of surprised or puzzled interest'.  Having a heart filled with love by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren is almost stunning its so wonderous. 

Hopefully she won't fly away too soon -- a reminder of wonder is always welcome.

"Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experienece that reveals the human spirit." - e. e. cummings

Visiting With The Animals

Each morning I walk up the hill and back.  Its always a lovely, quiet walk. A rabbit greets me each day.  I stop my walk while he sits in the grass by the side of the road.  There we have a bit of a one-sided conversation -- me talking and him listening.

However as hard as we try to have a quiet conversation, the crows seem to want to put their two cents worth in.  Whereas the rabbit is quite a introvert, letting me speak softly and wiggling his ears as he listens, the crows are definitely extroverts.  They squawk and squawk overhead as if their message is very, very important.  I'd like to think they really have something to say but I think what they're saying is 'get out of here, you're in our territory'.

No matter Mr. and Mrs. Crow -- I have things to say to the Rabbit and I shall continue to say them no matter how noisy you are.  

If we could talk to the animals, learn their languages

Think of all the things we could discuss

If we could walk with the animals, talk with the animals,

Grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals,

And they could squeak and squawk and speak  and talk to us.

Lyrics by Leslie Brecusse

"Consider Bliss"

These little winged ones continue to remind me that life is about more than getting up in the morning and moving through my day.  There is wonder and celebration and even bliss.  

That word bliss - meaning lightness of heart; blitheness, glad joy of heaven - is actually, a complicated word. Is it something BIG that impacts my every so often?

Or is it an everyday companion, much like this gentle doll.  My days are filled with so many good things that giving thanks becomes routine.  Perhaps being fully aware and giving 'thanks' are the forms bliss takes in my life.  

"Just think of any negativity that comes at you as a raindrop falling into the ocean of your bliss." - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Into The Woods

Just behind our house is the forest.  The land drops off and we walk down, down, down to get to the bottom where we are surrounded by forest.

At the very bottom there is a small pond -- but the journey to get there is what its all about.  For there are any number of things to see if I look carefully.  The other day I came upon these red mushrooms -- a blast of color in a world of green and brown.

There is a bench there but sadly a southern forest in the summer is no place to stand or sit still. Things are crawling and buzzing and 'alive'.  Its better to keep moving.

Do you suppose the fairies dance in this bed of ferns?

Time to head back up the stairs and leave this deep forest in its mystery.

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." - John Muir

Celebrate Happiness

Look what flew into my studio the other day.  I'm so thrilled to have this lovely reminder so close.  And yet, sometimes happiness itself is like that saying 'so near and yet so far'.  

When I looked in my trusty Meriam Webster dictionary for the word 'happiness' I found several synonyms: bliss, contentment, felicity, state of pleasure.  Who in the world would not seek these beautiful words as a way to live? 

My quotation of the day is from the Dalai Lama.  This is a man who has lived with much sadness and fear and struggle and yet he still believes in happiness.  With this little reminder nearby I think my actions are speaking.


"Happiness is not something ready made.  It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama

Fall is coming

The other day, I walked out the backdoor to be greeted by a beautifully rich sign of Fall.  The Oakleaf Hydrangea, which has been full of white flowers all summer, has changed her coat to brown.  Much like fabric looks after being coffee stained -- this lovely brown color has appeared.

Such a rich color -- it only adds beauty to the already gorgeous green leaves.  I'm so thankful for this welcome sight.

"Never take anything for granted." - Benjamin Disraeli

"Embrace Silence"

I often crave silence - perhaps that is one of the reasons I love spending time in my studio.  It is quiet (unless I feel the need for music). Silence seems to be a rare commodity these days.  

I love it that this sweet - somewhat shy - 'Kindred Spirit' came to visit.  No words were spoken and yet we communicated.  Sometimes just being with someone in silence can be a true gift.  Knowing that you needn't say a thing -- that a hug or a touch or a smile can convey all that you feel.
  

 Each quiet moment is like treasure found.  

"Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.  And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.  And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance." - Khalil Gibran

Time Passes...

...and hasn't it been fun!!!  Tuesday, September 1st was  my 6th year blog anniversary.  When I look back it seems like a long time ago that I took heart in hand and went 'public'.  I was beading then but if you've come along for the ride all these years you know how much (and many times) that has changed.  

I thank each and every person who has given up a few minutes of their time twice a week to stop in for a visit.

There are some who have become quite good friends.  You know who you are and please know how very much your long-distance friendship means to me.  

Each reader has  given me a window to the world -- to your world and to your wonderful art and craftsmanship.  

So here's to another six years -- of fun, frolic, imagination, creativity, and success in whatever WE all take your hands to.

"Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend." - Theophrastus