Unkind words are for the birds

Unkind Words Are For the Birds

I have been told To let time unfold Still my mind Can be so unkind Being kind to myself Brings good health &wealth Enough of the fight or flight Love yourself with all of your might Begin again said the robin Go your own way said the blue jay Give it your all said the cardinal Go with the flow Said the fish crow Enjoy your house said the tufted titmouse You will never find glory Telling yourself the same old story Tell your story Even if you feel it is ordinary

This was written in May. These were the birds I saw in one day around my home. I have the Cornell App. I love to identify the birds by their sounds. Birds I saw that day, not mentioned in this poem, are the house sparrow, gray catbird, European starling and the great blue heron. As the year 2024 is ending, I am reflecting on my writing. And, realizing that I am still not too kind to myself in my thoughts. And, this is my anxious side. So, I decided to ask a bird what they thought. And, actually they were very kind. So, this year I have to remember to be kinder to myself. Believe in myself. Trust myself. Be proud of myself. And, most of all love myself. I don't plan on changing myself into a new me. That is one clear thought that comes shining through. Quote of the day: A bird does not sing because he has an answer. He sings because he has a song. Joan Walsh Anglund I am noticing more and more how much I loved the little gift books of poems from Hallmark in sixties. This book is from the book "A Cup of Sunshine". Song of the day: Cardinal Kacie Musgraves

The Eighth Day of Christmas

I really think looking at Christmas like this is great. We still have a week to celebrate. And, appreciate any decorating we have done. Yesterday, I had a Hallmark movie watching marathon. I also started cutting out templates to make a bird for my tree. Today is the day I take back my cable equipment...oh my. It is something I really don't want to do. But, I won't know until I try. And, even if I do it for six months, I will save at least $1,200. I have a book I started when I went to Florida in November. I hope to finish it this week. I really found what I don't finish, makes me feel bad. Entering the year 2025 feels very hopeful. My bookshop I put on the backburner. I was keeping up with it each week. And, I just get bombarded with so many ads and emails each day. I just figured I would give it a rest. But, it is part of my entertainment budget for the new year. I have two books ready for the month of January to read. And, a lot of Authors are preselling books I am really interested in reading. You can visit my bookstore here. It was really fun to do each category, since I have pictures of meeting the authors. Part of my frustration was also printing QR codes to hand out. I have a new printer, and am really disappointed with not having what I was used to. But, yesterday I figured some things out, while printing the templates. Quote of the day: "Please, no matter how we advance technologically, please don't abandon the book. There is nothing in our material world more beautiful than the book." Patti Smith Happy 78th Birthday to Patty Smith today!!! Song of the day: Oh Holy Night Patti Smith

The Last Sunday of 2024

Simply put, I love Sundays. They are the most hopeful day of the week, for me. I worked a good percentage of Sundays in my lifetime. And, the job I have now, I have worked a few. I never minded. But, I would blame it was more difficult to attend church, because of working on weekends. Last year I tried to attend church more for this reason. And, now I have settled into only going when I feel like it. I haven't felt like it, in a while. The good news is, I don't feel guilty. And, I really can celebrate a simple Sunday of doing nothing. And, some writers I follow bring me back to bible readings. So, on this last Sunday of 2024 I will just leave you with the greatest wish of all. Peace be with you. Quote of the day: Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove Dance me to the end of love. Leonard Cohen Song of the day: Let There BE Peace on Earth

The Nineth Day of Christmas

Going to New York City gives me hope! I came home from work, and looked at instagram. I saw a friend went to the city to visit Luna Luna. I was following this closely last year when it was in Los Angeles. I was really disappointed I didn't get there. I had heard nothing about it being in the city. I am SO excited it is there until February 23rd! It is carnival rides designed by these artists: . Featured artists include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Arik Brauer, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay, Monika GilSing, Keith Haring, André Heller, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and Kenny Scharf. Some of the most legendary Artists of the 20th Century. The story of this commission in itself is fascinating. If you want to learn all about it, the link is here. If you are at all interested in visiting, please reach out to me. Quote of the day: I don't think art is propaganda; it should be something that liberates the soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further. It celebrates humanity instead of manipulating it. Keith Haring Song of the Day: You Make Me Feel by Sylvester with Keith Haring backround

The Tenth Day of Christmas

So, these next ten posts will be a continuation of Christmas 2024, which actually carries through until the Epiphany on January 6, 2025. It is about hope during the holidays. Yesterday, I dove deep into an email from Rainn Wilson (played Dwight on the office). He is also an author of "Soul Boom". His podcast this week featured Keila Shaheen on Shadow Work "Healing isn’t an end point; it’s a process." I was fascinated by the words Shadow work. And this quote hit me as I felt this year we truley never heal, it is always on the horizon. We are always looking towards it with hope. I listened for an hour. And, was blown away. Her story on self publishing a journal and having it sell 700,000 copies was a complete and total miracle. Seems like an impossible feat to me. Especially, when she found she needed help to fill the orders. The company could make 500 books a day. And, through her tik tok store and some influencers she was selling 10,000 books a day. It is no surprise she published a new book "The Lucky Girl Journal". The biggest surprise she is only 25. So, my biggest hope in life is looking at these young authors. And, my children and thier friends are doing some amazing things. And, are dealing with problems and health issues, young people didn't deal with before. Keila Shaheen's take on healing is through writing. And, obviously I feel the same way. I hand wrote most of my advent journal. But, I was happy to focus on the ornaments of my tree this year, music, quotes, helpful and hopeful stories through my blog. Quote of the Day: “The difference between a good life and a bad life is how well you walk through the fire.” Carl Yung (She referenced his words a lot) Song of the Day: Gild the Lily by Billy Strings. He is another young soul I admire (age 32)

The 11th Day of Christmas

I loved Kate Bowlers Advent Blessings this year. Yesterday's was the most important and will change the way I look at Christmas for the rest of my life. It was an explanation of the 12 days of Christmas. It begins with the arrival of Jesus and ends when the Three Kings Arrive. I have always kept my tree up until that day. But, didn't know that is how the date was arrived at. This year it is January 6th. So, I am going to try to post each day. I am going to share something that makes me hopeful each day. The beauty of Kate Bowler is she is very optimistic, but is very realistic in how terrible the world is sometimes. She is young, yet a surviver of stage 4 colon cancer. She was diagnosed in 2015. She is a Duke University Theology Professor. What I am going to share each day is the felt birds I decorated my tree with. And, how the one pictured is from the store J Jill. I just love it and the embroidery on it. The dove can symbolize peace or in the Catholic Religion the Holy Spirit. I watched videos of Pope Francis Christmas Eve. Did you know this year is a jubilee year? Again, I am 65 years old and still learning meanings of traditions like the 12 days AND the Jubilee year. This year the theme is HOPE. With all the years of my life, I feel HOPE is what is most needed today. And, I just didn't want to wake up this morning and think Christmas is over. It is not just a day. It is a feeling. And, I am happy to carry this feeling into the New Year. I recieved two felt birds for Christmas. And, when I put them on the tree today, I will be thinking with intention of two really important prayers of hope. Quote of the day: "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." – Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol Song of the day: Matthew West "The Hope of Christmas"

Look to the Angels

I have been lucky to be part of Susan Cain's Quiet Community. A great newsletter and monthly candlelight zoom calls. The first week of December I was so lucky to be on this zoom meeting with: Joseph Nguyen, #1 international bestselling author of “Don't Believe Everything You Think”. As I evaluate the year, I think I experienced a tremendous amount of growth. I have fallen victim to my own negative thinking. I think the empath in me had to take a break from thinking of others first. I had to pay attention to what, how, when and where my most negative thoughts came in. And, then how to control them. To have this zoom call at the end of the year, I was able to put it all together. And, realized I could still use some help in the way I react to the negatives that enter my life. And, most of all I can't control everything, like I started to think I could. So much of life is what comes to us, and we really can not control that. It ends up Joseph Nguyen is 27 years old. And, he was brilliant. He had some life experiences, which brought him to his knees. And, then he picked himself up and went to work. On just how to deal with life and the unknown. His PAUSE method was helpful. I had an opportunity to use it right away. Visit his link for more. As I approached Advent this year, I really wanted to approach it differently. Not so much the way I normally do. I was so happy by the end of November my calender was full of fun activities and work. One day work was cancelled. I had all of my finances for the month figured out. And, now it has changed. I ended up at Allaire State Park, where I am pictured above. And, it was very refreshing. And, I was glad for the opportunity to visit the park, which is only open on weekends. It is on my walks I realize how I still have a catastrophe way of thinking or Murphy's law way of thinking. When I was young this is when I would lock arms with whoever I was walking in the woods with. And, we would start skipping and singing "lion, tigers and bears, OH MY!!!". So, I have known how reframe my thoughts all along. But, I realize now how much fear I feel effects me. And, when I just went to Josh Nguyen's page I was reminded of something. There was an article " Boredom is actually a fear. And, yes it is! It has been my biggest fear, since retirement. Next year I am going to cancel my cable TV. So, again I am creating something I am afraid of. Because, fear holds me back. And, I am not going to miss living my life, by watching someone else live theirs on TV. I am not giving up TV all together. I'll be streaming shows of choice. And, hopefully it will be a lot less commercials. My quote for today is what the Angel said on Christmas: Shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem. They were taking turns watching their flock during the night. An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy.". This is the message I am taking with me into 2025. Song of the day: Hark the Herald Angels Sing from a Charlie Brown Christmas

Look to the Birds

I had an appearance of a dove flapping it's wings at me this year. I asked the dove what are you trying to say to me. The dove said: "You are Love". I have carried this affirmation with me. Last week I had heard an expression called "Rage Bait". And, I have to say I fell for it a couple of times. But, the mere fact that there are people in this world who are spreading words just to get attention or a click is driving me crazy. The last few weeks I am getting an abundance of robo calls. The commercials of dogs, disabled children, homeless, medical insurance and pharmacuticals all seem to be screaming for my attention. I consciencely try to stay away from the news. But, this is just crazy. I have my own worries of myself and loved ones. Why oh why do these rage baiters think we can help their cause just by messing with our emotions and making us feel guilty we can't help. Making us feel ultimately hopeless. Oh that felt good to let out. Sorry for my rage. What do you do to feel better? I am glad I spent the evening last night with ones who can make me laugh. I listened to the song " Bullet with Butterfly Wings", which I will share. I write it down, and sometimes erase it. This year I decorated my tree with birds. Each one I put on the tree, I repeated to myself an affirmation. I have prayed every morning to an Advent Devotional. I am hoping this feeling the world is giving me is short lived, and Christmas will restore the joy which should be filling our hearts. For centuries, birds have represented freedom, new beginnings and devotion. Quote of the day: A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” — Maya Angelou. Song of the day: Bullet with Butterfly Wings The Smashing Pumpkins

Look to the Trees

I would say last week I focused on the stars. This week I would like to focus on trees. I hope you get the chance to look up at a tree. Paying attention how the trees are reaching up to touch the sky. In the beginning when I was going through a lot during this period of transition. It helped me to think of myself as a tree. Strong, rooted, grounded, and swaying with the changes. This year I just had to have a day, yesterday, to do the same. I can do this a lot easier than before. Because, I may still have the same emotions and fears, I can sleep a good solid seven hours. This makes such a difference. And, today I will go to swim class. Where I can really let go of the anxiety I was made to feel. Yes, made to feel. No details needed, but I still am dealing with someone who does not have my best interest at heart. So, this morning I think of this ornament, and put it to work. I take a deep breath and Let it go. I write this, and then not only think up, but look up. And, realize my thinking is a big part of how I feel. And, then I move on. Some steps are all mine. But, remembering there is someone in my life who comes out of nowhere. Just to trip me. Is it fair? Do I deserve this? NO I DON'T! Fool me once, fool me twice. But, this person will NEVER fool me again. So, on to the Christmas tree, again. I love the shape is like an arrow pointing up. I also love the ornaments we put on. Some represent fond memories of places we have visited. Some have pictures of our loved ones. Some reveal our favorite childhood characters. They are placed there with love and careful attention. Filling in all the empty places the branches leave. I love facebook, because now I don't have to visit all of my friends actual houses. Facebook allows me to see all of your trees. And, they are refecting your loving light on me. Each day it seems someone else is sharing their tree. I also loved decorating my tree this year. My theme is birds and they are mostly all made of felt. My favorite is the dove representing peace and the holy spirit. And, this is my biggest wish in my life for more peace. Well, I have a doctors's appointment this week,and hoping it is a good one, too. I am thankful I am not worrying as much. Sometimes I don't share a post. This one I have to edit, but I might not. Because, I only like to look at the bright side, I try not to share my troubles. I always figure the reader has enough of thier own. But, just want to say all ended well. Best doctor appointment so far this year. Don't need to see this doctor for another three months. I had the best times dancing and laughing at my work parties. But, then ended up with an upset stomach for a couple of days. Went to a Hallmark Christmas convention, and realized I would be happier at home with my own tree. And, this is the conclusion I came to in 2023. I would not change one thing I filled in my calendar in for the month of December. But, going into 2025 I am ready to make some changes. One is very drastic. But, most of all it will give me more time. Something I thought I wanted, but then had the fear of not using it. Next year I will not have a fear of the quiet. I will make the most of it. I will dwell in it. I am sharing this from Mary Oliver this week. Because, I think it is only in the quiet we can really see things the way they are. WHEN I AM AMONG THE TREES by Mary Oliver When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often. Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.” Quote of the day:“When we have learned how to listen to trees, then the brevity and the quickness and the childlike hastiness of our thoughts achieve an incomparable joy.” - Herman Hesse Song of the day: Step Into Your Power Ray LaMontagne

Look to the Stars

Happy Second Sunday of Advent. I had a wonderful week. Lots of community and nature experiences. I have to live up to my word of the year radiate. And, even though the deep cold has settled into our area, I did experience the warmth and love of the season. My rise and write group was especially inspiring this week. Our last meeting we talked about this time of year how corporations are busy planning for new goals for the next year. And, one member shared some motivating words she was told at a work meeting. The speaker said to focus on a these three things: LET GO. THINK UP. MOVE ON. While catching some of the news, listening to friend's worries and just this feeling of uncertainty in the future I let fear creep in from time to time this week. But, I really am trying to let the goodness of the season outweigh the fear. And, saying these words to myself, really do help. I have to admit I forgot about them. She reminded us all this meeting, by making ornaments for our tree with these words. We also did a book trade, which was really fun. I also loved being out in nature last night during a beautiful sunset. I intended to go for more of a drive to see the Christmas lights, but was too tired. But, I think this way of thinking is setting in. While everyone is talking about the drones, and wondering with fear what they are doing. I am thinking maybe they are making maps or films to navigate Christmas lights. Most of all I am choosing love over fear. And, it is helping me keep in the Christmas Spirit. Song of the Day: Andrea Botticelli Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle - with English subtitles

You Are A Star

I am trying to find and feel love, wonder, awe and joy again. I am sharing pictures of me from three years ago. Because pictures may tell a story. But, truthfully you never know what is going on with someone. Before, I was divorced I was told I was not loved by my husband. We were still living together. And, I thought he had a lot of courage to tell me this. I didn't think there was something I should do to change this. I just went on going to work each day, but feeling really empty inside. My mom after a year or so in the depth of alzhiemer's said "What is wrong with you?". I immediately thought nothing was wrong with me, but my husband doesn't love me. I hadn't been talking much to her about my relationship, as I used to. My weekly visits were about her and catching her up with the kids. But, this time I blurted it out. And, she looked at me and said. "Oh, that is not him talking it is God." I immediately understood what she meant. And, it made the most sense to me. Because, I was feeling that way. It was going to be life changing, but I didn't have to do anything. I should just continue the way I was. I thought eventually things would work out. My mom died a few weeks later. And, a few months later my marriage was over. The details aren't important. Tell my brain that, though. So, this Advent I am writing about it because I do believe it helps me heal. Most of all I want to feel the warm and fuzzies of being loved. And, I do believe this. I feel we are born into an overall universe of love and that was created by God. And, by our goodness we are the closest to love. I still can't understand how you can tell a person you had a relationship with for over forty years......how do you not love them? This is what haunts me. So, basically I just keep saying to myself. Love over fear. Love over fear. Love over fear. And, I am real careful what and who I pay attention to. Especially on the computer. This year I have been especially happy following Kate Bowler. She wrote the book "Have a beautiful terrible day". She is a Professor at Duke University. She is married and has a son. She was diagnosed with Cancer at a very young age. She is full of wisdom, but mostly witty. I love her outlook. And, each day of Advent I will be following her reflections and blessings. So, today is the perfect blessing of love. A Blessing For What’s True About You When God thought you up, it was a good day, a lovely dream realized in God’s imagination, a celebration from before you were born. You were made out of God’s overflowing love, in who you were, and are, and would become. God saw it all, from way before the beginning, ‘til way past the end. And saw that it was good. This one, God said, this one I love. I delight in the beauty, and the promise, the wonder and the glory that is this one whom I have made. And my gaze is ever upon them, constant, and warm like the sun at golden hour, gentle as starlight, transforming and continuing, calling forth all the growing, all the becoming that is to be done. Remember this truth: You were made by love, for love, to love. I think all of us can use a dose of these words. You are not just loved, you ARE love. You are the brightest star in the sky reflecting all of God's blessings. You are as bright as a diamond. You radiate love. My hope for you today is for you to feel God's love deeply to give you the faith of the promise of Christmas. Have no fear said the Angel.

Hope Doesn't Quit

This picture is from when I was at Princeton Public Library for Diana Weymar's signing of her new book about craftivists. It yells to me what I already know. But, some days I just sink into the "what ifs". It is a pattern for my whole life. But, I have to say after all these years I do always have hope. Approaching Thanksgiving I am meditating to Deepak and Oprahs 21 day meditation of gratitude. And, I think I am most thankful for my spirit of hope. It gets me through long days by myself. My challenge is no tv or music from 10am - 6pm each day. It is great for concentration and focus. Each week I start a bunch of little art projects, try to get more organized, and do laundry etc. And, then the end of the week I try to finish all of what I have started. But, it doesn't seem I am accomplishing anything. Listing on Ebay has really become a struggle. But, last night I listed three items. I took pictures of ten. But, I woke up to two orders. And, this ignited some motivation to get the rest listed and put away. My favorite days are the ones I go to work. And, I have something happening each week for the holidays to look forward to. I am looking forward to 2025. I have this book to write. I plan on closing my Ebay shop in March. The most challenging is I am still in the thinking stages of cancelling my cable TV. They raised the cost from $175 to $225. I could save a LOT of $$$$ by doing this. Except I am afraid it will interupt my good sleep patterns I finally have developed. But, I have books on hand I want to read. And, I think if I did read, it might even end up better for me. This is now December 2nd and in starting Advent I have two websites I am following. One with daily creative prompts and the other is daily reflections, blessings and prayers. But, this post, what I want to focus on is Hope and Love. How do we muster up hope and love this season. They are both the best feelings, but some how some way fear still seems to seep into the big picture. So, today I tried to remember what it was the angel came down to say the night that Jesus was born. And, the angel said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." And, these words will be my guiding light for the Advent season. All things will be done through hope and love. I also read this great little poem from Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper this week. It said: How did the rose Ever open its heart And give to this world All its beauty? It felt the encouragement of light Against its being, Otherwise, We all remain Too frightened by Hafez Advent is the perfect season to put love over fear......light over darkness. For thousands of years all of the world takes this season to work through hopelessness. I am looking forward to diving into each day of Advent and holding tight to hope and taking joy. My hope for you is the same.