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.

Meeting Nathalie Lete

I swear wishes come true. A week ago, I would have thought I would have to travel to Paris to meet my favorite Artist. Natalie Lete made the calender I HAD to buy in 2023. The dishes I bought from Anthropologie last year to replace what I had sold. For my birthday this year I bought a new tea cup and breakfast bowl. And, a sticker book. When I saw she was coming to New York last week, I was excited. When I saw she was going to be at John Derian's store, I really wanted to make this happen. I have wanted to go to his store for a long time. I love to decopauge, but it usually comes out with bubbles or wrinkles. When I saw it was on a Tuesday, I instantly texted my son. It was eight minutes away from where he plays most Tuesday nights. We had no problem parking, and we ended up eating at his favorite restaurant. There was a pretty long line. It wasn't until I got the book in my hands signed, I knew why. She signed each one in calligraphy and drew a picture. Oh my! SO SO SO special. This was the best book signing ever! When I just put the keywords Labels in for this post, some other ones came up. It said "Nathalie Lete Ebay out with blue in with new....follow that dream.". Times like this I realize my Pollyanna way of thinking is completely having faith with patience knowing dreams come true. Thanks to my son for especially making this a fun dream come true.

Cheer Up! Things Are Going to Get Worse

Who am I to feel like she has a voice today? I am the broken hearted. I try not to bring up politics or religion at the dinner table. I try to listen, more then talk. I am naturally very quiet. I am a follower and not a leader. Wellll.....it ends up I am all of those things. And, I ended up a leader working in management for decades. Why? Because, I am born and raised an American. I can be any of those things and be a good American. We all can. I woke up this morning after voting. I watched Hallmark movies last night. I got up with the sun, after seven solid hours sleep. I was SO tempted not to open my laptop. I was going to join a health club with a swimming pool. I can now do this with my medicare, and it's free. I was going to put my beach chair in the car. In New Jersey it is a beach day in November. It is set to be 79 degrees. I am still going to do all these things. But, I was going to wonder the whole time. Who was elected president last night? I was going to celebrate how long I could go, without actually knowing. And, deep down really feel how in my real life, it didn't really matter. But, I opened my laptop and read an email from Marianne Williamson. And, saw who was elected President. I then went on to Kate Bowler's email. And, she gave me a video to help me navigate through this day. It is where I got the title for this post. I laughed out loud of this quote from a nun. Kate Bowler is the Author of "Have a Beautiful Terrible Day". A book I listened to on my way home from the Smokey Mountains this Spring. I am also including the video in my email today. It is your choice to watch. I realized how much I miss older people in my life as I age. If you seek the wisdom of an 85 year old smart writer please proceed to be comforted by his wisdom. The video is here He talks about the value of a journal. And, this is also my passion. Something I will be sharing a lot on this holiday season. My advice for today is to rest into it. I might turn on some TV with commercials in a few days. Lets celebrate! No more political commercials. No more advertising the Great Divide of our country. We are one nation under God. God Bless America!

She Wishes

She looked in the mirror. Took a deep breath. And, began to sing her daily tune. It went like this. Inhale breathe and begin. "ME me Me mee ME MEEEEEE"! Exhaling, and proceeding with the business of her day. This was an exhilerating feeling. She never felt like this before. But, days, months and years went by. She realized this was the most different feeling she had in her whole life. She was putting herself first, above all others. And, surprisingly she couldn't believe how shameful, guilty and sad it made her feel. She continued to sing her song each day. After a couple of years, she was made a birthday cake. It was for her and her best friend. She was among friends and their families. The room darkened and became quiet and still. The cake was brought out with candles flittering. We all proceeded to sing a joyful tune of happy birthday. When it came time to blow out the candles, she couldn't think of a wish. A lot of time went by as her friend was concentrating on making the perfect wish. So, she just concentrated on her friend's wish, and hoping this wish came true for her. The next year she celebrated her birthday again with her. Before she left for the trip to Florida to visit her, the area was hit with two strong hurricanes. She worried and fussed whether to bother them in the days before her trip. As soon as she arrived, she realized her wish came true for her friend. She had decided to make a shorter work week. Clearly, she could see the difference it made in her life. She realized watching life evolve, watching wishes come true, is the best birthday gift ever! Song of the day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2KtmVp1CA Arrow by the Head and the Heart Quote of the day: The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. Walt Disney