Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom

4th of July – A Country Celebrates It’s Birth

2008-07-02T21:22:00.008-06:00

Fourth of July is fast approaching where we celebrate the birth of our United States. We have picnics, gather with family and friends and watch fireworks boom and sizzle.

I shared with the Assisted Living residents last Sunday evening a couple of stories about our Forefathers Wayne Dyer told in one of his lectures. Please allow me to paraphrase and share these stories with you:

It was the year 1826 and Thomas Jefferson lay on his bed at Monticello near death. His aid comes in and asks him, “How are you?”

Jefferson asks, “What day is it?” The aid said, “It’s the 4th of July, Mr. President, exactly 50 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.” With that, Jefferson said, “Adams lives” and closed his eyes and died.

Meanwhile in Massachusetts, Adams also lay ill and asks his aid, “What day is it?” He is told it is July 4th exactly 50 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Like Jefferson, he said, “Jefferson lives” and closed his eyes and passed away.

When have you ever heard of two U.S. Presidents dying in the same year let alone in the same day within hours of each other? Here are two Presidents who played such an important role in the conception and creation of one of the most sacred and honored documents declaring freedom for its people.

It wasn’t a popular thing to be doing at the time…challenging the most powerful country in the world, Great Britain. If the Revolutionary War had turned out differently our Forefathers would have most likely been executed as traitors. In signing that document it could have very well meant death.

Fast forward four score and seven years to 1865 and we find our nation engaged in a terrible Civil War. There is a prominent and popular Shakespearean actor in Washington, D.C., world renown, who has just heard the devastating news that President Lincoln had been assassinated at Ford Theatre at the hand of his brother, Thomas Wilkes Booth.

Edwin Booth goes into deep despair and depression. He doesn’t want to talk to anyone and is living, but just barely, with very little interest in acting anymore.

Years later, he finds himself in Philadelphia on the platform awaiting a train. Just as the train approaches someone pushes a young lad off into the oncoming train. He jumps down and hurls the boy out of the way of the train just in time saving the boy’s life. A few days later, he gets a letter from Mary Lincoln thanking him for saving the President’s son. Edwin Booth resumes his career.

This country and many countries have been blessed with people who’ve had visions and a love for freedom and one another. There are Forces that have kept this country strong and sure and it feels good to remember those who have gone before and paved the way for the beautiful gift of freedom.

I hope you enjoy your 4th this year. In the midst of the BBQ’s and fireworks, please take a moment and remember the many things we enjoy giving thanks to those who have served and are continuing to serve this country and countries all over the world to keep us safe and free.

Happy Birthday United States of America!

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I Hope You Dance!

2008-06-26T21:40:00.013-06:00

(Photo by Microsoft Clipart)
There is a dance we’re all in - the dance of life.

We may not think going through the motions every day is much of a dance but it’s a dance nevertheless whether we cooperate or resist. And what is a dance without music - quiet whispers from within.

I’ve been thinking a lot about something "Eckhart Tolle" said:

“Being one with life is being one with Now. You then realize that you don’t live your life, but life lives you. Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.”

“…you don’t live your life, but life lives you” – that is such a powerful sentence. I’ve been realizing that in my own life I’ve had it all backwards if this is true. I’ve been taking the lead and running with it – living my life instead of allowing life to live in me. Isn’t that what we’ve been taught to do?

We get caught up in routines, work and excuses. I wonder, sometimes, what we’re running from. We don’t stop long enough to listen to our music - our dreams and heart’s desires - and notice and appreciate what is going on around us. What kind of a partner is that like to dance with?

Dr. Wayne Dyer just recently gave an example of the human’s take-charge attitude on Oprah’s “Soul Series” ~ (I’ll paraphrase):

Life starts and we’re conceived. God handles how we’re fed, how we grow, whether we’re a boy or a girl, how many toes and fingers we have – all the way through our full development in the womb. He gives us our very own life. Then, it comes time for us to be born and, when we arrive, we say to God, “Thanks. I’ll take over from here.” We go it on our own from there.

When you consider it – that’s a bit arrogant. Yet, we carry on going about doing and doing and doing. So, how do we turn it around and allow Life to take the lead while we’re in this dance? I’m learning to do this and dance the dance of life.

1. For me, the first thing is to slow down long enough to connect with Essence -Life Source - to a point where I feel it and know it and become comfortable. I’m learning who my lead partner is in this dance. One way to make this connection is through our breath and become aware as you breathe in and out.

2. When I feel it and recognize the connection from within, then I can begin to trust and allow ideas to flow, people to come in and out of my life, merge with the events of the day – not fight it and try to make things happen.

3. Next, find your music; it’s within each of us. You can’t dance without music and if we tune into the music that resonates with us we’ll know the rhythm of our heart and can move in time with our partner - Life.

Dr. Wayne Dyer says, “Don’t die with your music still in you.” And I’ll add, “When you discover your music, dance. Dance the dance of life and let your Creator lead.”

I HOPE YOU DANCE!

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My Dad - Now Here Is A Man

2008-06-12T21:50:00.008-06:00

(Private Photo - © by Pat Ruppel) ~~ My Dad, George "Roy" Collingwood. He went by Roy.

Unfortunately, I can only celebrate this Father’s Day with my Dad in spirit. I lost him in March of 1999 and I was just really getting to know him in the golden years of his life after all that time. He was 83 years young and due to turn 84 on his birthday that June 6th – D Day.

Yes, he was a World War II Veteran. He had a service album and showed us pictures from all over the world. Unlike a lot of Veterans, he talked a lot of the war. He had seen his share of the horror but his nature was to look for the good and mostly talked of the places he had seen during his tour.

Dad had grown up on the East coast and loved to swim. He talked of him and a friend swimming across the Delaware River at its narrowest point when they were only 10 or 11. Can you see kids doing that today?

He continued this love for the water throughout his life swimming in quarries, oceans and seas. One of the stories he told us was of a time during his tour of duty when their ship was in port. He often would dive off the side when they came in. This time when they were in a small inlet port he was about to dive off starboard when his buddies yelled at him to hold up.

From the ship, topside, they could see the narrow entrance to the port and a large shadow swimming under the surface of the water. A giant manta ray had appeared to enter the inlet and its wing-like fins stretched out to almost each side of the shore. Needless to say, my father stayed on board.

When he took us swimming in the ocean at my grandparents we’d play around and soon he’d disappear, then all of a sudden his feet would appear. He was doing a hand stand under water.

Then, there was the time in his latter years, 78, when he had gone fishing in a small lake using a friend’s canoe. He had never been in a canoe before and it tipped over when he was out in the middle of the lake. He swam back to shore with the canoe in tow but was more upset from losing his tackle box and prized lures. He said he’d never go out in a canoe again.

There are many stories I could tell of my Father, as you can, as well, reflecting on those special moments. I miss him and know he’s out there in another time and place taking up his rod and reel walking into the sunset – goin’ fishing.

I love you, Dad.

I celebrate and honor all of the Dads out there this weekend to include my husband. Here’s a tribute to you – young and old - new Dads and Grandfathers – Dads with little girls and Dads with young men – Sons, Grandsons and Sons-in-Law - one and all. I wish you happiness and a loving day surrounded by those most dear to you.

My Dad - A Father's Day Tribute - by Paul Peterson post on YouTube by Ken

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What Are Your Priorities?

2008-06-11T21:22:00.012-06:00

(Photo taken from Microsoft Clipart) ~~ I read this little story from Stephen’s site on Libero’s blog on StumbleUpon. It made me think how my days go and wonder if I have my priorities in order.

PRIORITIES IN LIFE
(Author unknown)
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2" in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "Yes."

"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health, your children - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else. “The small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued "there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

Too often our days are driven by circumstances at hand dictating what our course of action should be. It’s usually not until life gives us a nudge – sometimes not so gentle – revealing what’s important. Just today, I was given one of those little nudges to take notice of what’s important.

My husband works for an auto parts store and was getting some parts off some shelves in the back when all of a sudden the whole 20’ row of shelves collapsed in on him. He didn’t have much time to react except to start to put his arm out and move a few steps back and think, “This is going to hurt”.

To his amazement the shelves and the parts all fell around his feet. The boxes on the floor next to him were dented in where some of the parts came down on them but he wasn’t bruised or scratched. It was a miracle how he wasn’t touched looking around at the pile of parts 1-2 ft high he had to climb over. On top of all that were the parts he was originally looking for with the order. Talk about divine intervention.

As I thought of how close he came to being hurt, I was reminded of priorities. He is certainly one of the rocks in my life.

Thank you angels for the times you keep us safe and look out for us even when we don’t notice. This time you had our attention on what’s important in our lives.

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln

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Feeling Invisible

2008-06-04T22:55:00.015-06:00

(Photos by Microsoft Clipart) ~~ I had one of those days Monday when all the whistles and bells were going off and issues triggered left and right – maybe not where others would notice but that’s what was going off on the inside of me.

It started off bright and early when I sat down at my desk at work and booted up my computer to get ready to log in. I get this error message – Access denied – your user has expired. What? I didn’t know what was going on.

It turned out that proper paperwork had not been sent in to keep me on board and security had cancelled my access. Sooooo, after 3 hours of working around systems and asking people to look up things for me I finally got access and could log in.

Having said all that, it doesn’t seem like what happened was a big deal and normally it isn’t. You expect glitches and set backs once in awhile. It’s part of working with technology and I understand that but for some reason this set off a lot of "stuff" within me I wasn’t prepared for. It was old hurts and thoughts of feeling neglected, not important enough, invisible….little did I know I would be facing a meltdown 9 AM Monday morning. I was blindsided.

In "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose", Eckhart Tolle says some pretty telling truths that hit on what I was experiencing:

“Whatever behavior the ego manifests, the hidden motivating force is always the same: the need to stand out, be special, be in control; the need for power, for attention, for more. And, of course, the need to feel a sense of separation, that is to say, the need for opposition, enemies.”

“The ego always wants something from other people or situations. There is always a hidden agenda, always a sense of “not enough yet,” of insufficiency and lack that needs to be filled. It uses people and situations to get what it wants, and even when it succeeds, it is never satisfied for long.”

I could at least recognize, after the fact, that I had identified and fallen for the old conditioning. When you’re in the midst of these triggered thoughts and emotions you want to be right – you want validation.

But, it’s comforting to know that there’s nothing wrong with me. I don’t have a split personality with a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other wondering which side will show up. Tolle says,

“All that is required to become free of the ego is to be aware of it, since awareness and ego are incompatible. Awareness is the power that is concealed within the present moment. This is why we may also call it Presence.”....“Only Presence can undo the past in you and thus transform your state of consciousness.”

I know there will be more times when emotions and
old hurts will surface again but each time I become more aware of what is happening and not fuel it by reacting or attaching to it. The more I learn to observe and watch the situation and what I’m doing with it and not judge, the less effect it will have on me. That is what it is like to be set free.

What triggers in you some of the old hurts you’ve held on to? You know what they are – you can feel them and know when you’ve lost it. There’s a part of you watching yourself go off ranting and raving and you sometimes wonder why you’re so upset. It’s all part of the egos we all have acting out to feel safe because when we wake up to whom we truly are it diminishes and dissolves as it exists right now.

Who we are and what we do does count – we have to know that and not look for it in the world and in people. They can’t give it to us. We already have our Beingness only we need to look for it where it is – within.

Buddha's famous answer when asked what he was: Are you a god? "No." Are you super-human? "No." Are you an ordinary man? "No." What are you then? "I'm awake."

~~ From Himalaya’s blog on StumbleUpon ~~

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The Little Things

2008-05-30T22:00:00.009-06:00

(Photo by Microsoft Clipart) ~~ What is one thing that you still remember to this day that warms your heart and puts a smile on your face? I’ll bet it was something spontaneous and incidental but you still remember it as if it was just yesterday….where you were, who was with you, the sounds and smells.

It’s not anything big - you tune into the little things. It may be a twinkle in the eyes of a loved one as they tell you some exciting news or read something to you that inspired them.

My husband wrote a poem years ago that is one of those special little things that means a lot to me. I have it hanging on the wall.

He was taking some classes in college at the time and not long before that we had left our roots in Toledo and Cape Charles, VA and headed west.

It was 1969 and our trek was similar to a modern-day wagon train except we were in our Volvo station wagon with 2 dogs pulling a U-Haul. We had no jobs and knew no one in Denver and no clue where we were going to stay. You wonder whether we were adventurous or ….. better not say.

It turned out to be adventurous as we have lived in Colorado now for 39 years and have more stories to tell of those times. But for now I'll share the poem he wrote:

When, in a distant place by the sea
And I was young and free and alone
I searched for a special someone
To walk beside, someone I didn’t know
And you were there.

Later, when we left the sea
And came to the mountains
The vastness of this new place
Filled me with fear
But you were there.

I roamed from job to job
From trouble to trouble
Searching for something from within and without.
Yet never quite finding and feeling the doubt
You were there.

And now in this time of finding
This time of happiness and joy
This time of reaching and growing
This time especially for sharing
You are there.

Used By Permission - © Jim Ruppel
The little things make life worth living. All over the world little things are happening this moment. People are giving, and sharing. The sun is shining and the streams are flowing. There is good all around in just taking notice. We don’t have to do extravagant things and make a big noise to touch someone’s heart. It’s the little gestures and kind words – the little things that mean so much.

Do you have some special moments, those little things, you’d like to share?

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Through the Eyes of a Child

2008-05-28T22:24:00.007-06:00

(Photos by Microsoft Clipart) ~~ We have a 2-year old grandson and I’m constantly amazed at how he’s constantly present and in the moment. He doesn’t think about what happened yesterday or what he’s going to do tomorrow. It’s right now. That’s all he thinks about and what he is involved with.

Can you remember what it was like to be that free spirit? Can you remember what it was like to see a car, a dog or an airplane for the first time? Oh, the wonder and innocence of a child.

Did we lose the curiosity and pure excitement of just being alive every day? Thrilled with the little things like ants crawling across the sidewall or captured by blowing bubbles hours on end. When did we get so serious?

There are some things I’d like to unlearn and roll back time and go back before it was learned. When it shows up again I’ll pass. Wouldn’t it be nice to undiscover anger, hate or greed?

Yes, we have responsibilities and we know things won’t get done if we don’t do them but I think we take it too far and get stuck. We don’t know how to chill – lighten up and just laugh out loud. We get too concerned about what others might think or the next deadline.

I love it when our grandchildren come up and spend the weekend. They’re all boys ranging in age from 2, 8 and 13. It’s a span from toddler to preteen and testosterone. I learn a lot from them and about myself when they come.

I learn what is the latest music on YouTube, how to dual with light sabers and catch up with the latest Shrek videos I didn’t get to see at the movies. I crawl under the table in the pretend fort and jump on the bed with them. On special moments they climb up on the kitchen counter ready to talk and I don’t want to miss it.

I don’t want to miss it. Miss life and the mystery of life. Children will teach you how if you’ve forgotten. Just watch and listen and follow their lead.

Next time you hear a child giggle pay close attention and feel the joy that comes from the depth of their soul and the freedom of spirit. What would you like to see through the eyes of a child?

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A Time to Remember….

2008-05-25T14:14:00.019-06:00

(Photos by Microsoft Clipart) ~~ It’s Memorial Day weekend, amidst the barbeques and family gatherings it’s a time set aside when we remember those who have given so much – life and limb – to keep us safe. As Bob Schieffer said this morning on a television program called Face The Nation, “…not as God has made them but as war has left them.”

My father served in World War II and the Korean Conflict and my father-in-law served in World War II. Both are no longer with us today.

My husband is a Vietnam-era veteran and my son-in-law served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. They both served their country and I’m proud. There are many that have served and haven’t come home and many more that are still engaged in war for this country and many countries all over the world yet to come home.

Growing up, Dad would tell us many stories about the war. One, in particular, I remember was when he told of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. He said they were the closest unit to the bombing and were the first ones deployed and on the scene to secure the area. He spoke of what it looked like in contrast to what he had seen before. Everything was leveled with white ash all over – no trees, no buildings. Nothing was moving and there appeared to be nothing alive. I still have that image of how devastating that must have been.

No one can be fully prepared for this devastation. No matter what your political views or on what side you take your position, war is hell on both sides – for the ones winning and the ones losing. It’s not a win-win proposition.

I think of the stories told in World War I (the war that was supposed to end all wars) when the opposing sides would break from fighting on Christmas and eat with one another and play cards.

It is my prayer that one day we will find a way to end the conflicts and fears and live together in love and harmony in our homes, communities and countries throughout the world.

No matter where you are or what country you live in, if you have lost loved ones in war or are remembering family and friends who have not fought in war but are no longer living, may you find comfort and peace in the arms of an angel on this Memorial Day Holiday weekend that we celebrate in the United States.

Video – In The Arms Of The Angel – Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban from Daving83 on YouTube

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Meme Tag – You’re It – If You Want to Play

2008-05-20T22:39:00.012-06:00

(Photo by Microsoft Clipart) ~~ (Meme – according to Wikipedia – it is any unit of cultural information as a practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.)

I’ve seen others tag each other on other blogs and thought it was interesting but have never taken the chance to enter in and play until now. I’m cheating and using most of what Patricia wrote when she tagged me. Won’t you take the plunge and join me in the fun.

The current meme was passed on to me by Patricia Singleton who writes for Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker. The article that Patricia wrote is called Tag—You’re It—Another Meme.

HERE ARE THE RULES TO THE MEME:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share 4 things in these themes.
4. Tag 4 random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (I am only tagging anyone who reads this and wants to participate. It is not required. Only do it, if it is fun.)
5. Let each random person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website. (My title is the only notification you are getting if you choose to participate.)

4 JOBS I HAVE HAD:
1. Nanny – I’ve always loved kids and enjoyed mine when they were little and I now enjoy our grandchildren so I thought, “Why not.” I watched a baby girl at the age of 3 months for 5 months until her daddy quit his day job to watch her and go back to school. It was a great experience.
2. Secretary/Admin Assistant for most of my life since I graduated from high school – actually thought I would do something different but since I took typing and shorthand in high school I always seemed to fall into this type of work.
3. Self-employed entrepreneur (Wisdom For The Ages) as a facilitator and speaker and now writer on this blog. This is the heart of what I love – learning to connect with people and talk and listen to their stories.
4. Currently working as a document specialist – data entry. It’s funny – I really like it and look forward to going to work every day. To some people, they might think how can you do such a mundane job but to me I welcome it as I get to work without any constant interruptions or answering of phones. I quietly work away in my little cubicle.

4 MOVIES I CAN WATCH OVER & OVER:
1. “It’s a Wonderful Life” – an old 1940’s black and white movie you usually see on TV around Christmas. It’s become a tradition for me to put it on Christmas eve with nothing but the Christmas lights on, the house quiet and everyone else in bed.
2. “Sleepless in Seattle” – I’m a softy for those chick flicks and a happy ending.
3. “Lady Hawk” – an old medieval time love story with a beautiful black Friesian horse. That’s what I enjoyed the most was the horse trotting to the music.
4. Anything funny and on the light side – Steve Martin and Peter Sellers movies.

4 PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
1. Philadelphia – actually a small borough south of Philly (Norwood) – with my parents and sister. It’s where I grew up and graduated from school. Nothing too exciting about it with the refineries and typical suburbia.
2. Cape Charles, Virginia – first place where I truly felt at home with my grandparents. I loved being with them and my cousins and the beach. Good memories.
3. North Denver, Colorado – where we settled in shortly after we got out of the military and headed west for the first time leaving roots and family.
4. Bailey, Colorado – a small town in the mountains almost 50 miles from downtown Denver at an elevation of 8500’. We’ve lived here over 25 years and it is our slice of heaven – our home.

4 TV SHOWS THAT I LOVE (when I watch TV it’s mostly reruns):
1. Frasier
2. Northern Exposure
3. Men in Trees
4. Boston Legal

4 PLACES I HAVE BEEN ON HOLIDAY:
1. Virginia
2. Ohio – not for the holiday but to visit my husband’s parents
3. Colorado
4. Colorado – sounds boring but we’ve never gone anywhere for the holiday except to visit family if we’re living there.

4 OF MY FAVORITE DISHES:
1. Shrimp Cocktail
2. Wine and Cheese
3. Veggies and Dip
4. Lobster and Crab (I miss my seafood from Virginia)

4 WEBSITES THAT I VISIT FREQUENTLY: (It was so hard to just pick 4. I read so many. In addition to Patricia’s choices here are some more great sites to check out in spreading the love around.)
1. Spiritual Journey of a Lightworker found at http://patriciasingleton.blogspot.com/
2. The Next 45 Years at http://www.thenext45years.com/blog/
3. Blogging Without A Blog at http://bloggingwithoutablog.com/
4. She-Power.com found at http://she-power.com/

4 PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
I’m happy and content right where I’m at right now. Anything else would just be icing on the cake.

4 BLOGGERS I AM TAGGING:
I am not tagging anyone specifically. If you would like to be tagged to do this meme then go ahead. Have fun with it.

Thank you, Patricia, for tagging me and all of the readers that choose to participate. I used this meme as an opportunity to share more of my life with my readers.

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A Little Slice of Heaven

2008-05-16T21:28:00.020-06:00

As I sit here this evening at my kitchen table writing a post, the light is waning but it’s still bright enough to look out back across the field and see something wondrous and beautiful – 3 bull elk grazing. This is my slice of heaven sitting in my home with the Rocky Mountains all around and wildlife close by.

They were there in our neighbor’s yard early this morning before I left for work and again this evening on my return. As my husband took pictures, he was amazed of their size. Their racks are some of the biggest he’s ever seen still in velvet and not fully grown yet.

Here are some pictures (elk photos are copyrighted by Jim Ruppel):

Not only the elk gave me a send off this morning and a greeting this evening but a rainbow peaked out from some early evening thunder clouds off in the distance having just moved through.

~~ (Rainbow Photo by Microsoft Clipart)~~
Whew!! No matter where you live there’s beauty all around and it’s your slice of heaven too.

From the mountains where I live, to the beaches on either coast, to the southern bayous over to the desert, to mention a few - this is a beautiful world.

These are just some of the many blessings graciously given us at no charge and, “Oh” how they touch my heart and soul in this little slice of heaven.

"A Moment of Happiness"
A moment of happiness,
you and I sitting on the veranda,
apparently two, but one in soul, you and I.
We feel the flowing water of life here,
you and I, with the garden's beauty
and the birds singing.
The stars will be watching us,
and we will show them
what it is to be a thin crescent moon.
You and I unselfed, will be together,
indifferent to idle speculation, you and I.
The parrots of heaven will be cracking sugar
as we laugh together, you and I.
In one form upon this earth,
and in another form in a timeless sweet land.
~~Jalalu'l-din Rumi

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What Would You Like to See and Do?

2008-05-15T22:45:00.015-06:00

IMAGINE...You may say I'm a dreamer... But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us...and the World will live as one~~John Lennon~~
Do you have some things in mind you would like to do or some place you would like to visit before your time with this life on earth is over? I have a small list of things on my frig and now and then I add to it.

I’ll share them with you and I’d like you to comment and share some of the things that stand out for you that you would like to do. Here are mine:

1. SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (AURORA BOREALIS). I’ve read about them and have seen glimpses of them on TV shows now and then. But, I can only imagine how mystical they are in their greens and blues swirling around and moving with the currents of the air.

Credits Go To Carlos (RioMondego) On YouTube

2. PARAGLIDE. I once saw this TV spot on Colorado Getaways of a woman and her friend trying out the adventure of tandem paragliding. If you have someone with you on the first time out, you may feel more secure. What would that feel like soaring like a bird?

3. VISIT SCOTLAND. I have ancestry that came from Scotland (both grandparents) and a friend that has frequently visited the Findhorn Foundation. I have my father’s 100-year old book written about my great-great-great Grandfather, Thomas Edward, called “The Life of a Scotch Naturalist” by Samuel Smiles, LL.D. He was given an award from Queen Victoria in the late 1800’s and one of the people who gave him tribute in the book for his work was Charles Darwin. I would love to visit and explore some of the places talked about in his book and do a genealogy research as well as take in the sights and get to know the people.

4. SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS. I met a woman who practices Reiki a few years back who took regular trips to Cancun, Mexico to swim with the dolphins. She invited me to go with their group but I wasn’t able to go at that time. She talked about the spiritual and therapeutic benefits her clients received and the wonderful experiences.

5. VISIT THE GROTTO OF LOURDES, FRANCE AND TAKE PART IN THE EVENING PROCESSION. Dr. Wayne Dyer talked in one of his lectures about participating in this procession in the small town of Lourdes, France. He said this procession takes places every evening from early spring to the fall. No one advertises, there aren’t any real instructions as to what to do. Ten to fourteen thousand people from all over the world show up every evening with candles. There’s a strong peace and energy force somehow orchestrating the event. There are wheelchairs and people with crutches and no pushing or shoving. It all seems to move and flow so effortlessly. It was a powerful experience for him.

6. SEE THE TULIPS IN FULL BLOOM IN HOLLAND. I love flowers and can just imagine the fragrance in the air as you take in field after field of brightly colored tulips.

This is my list so far. I know there are many other wonderful things on this God’s earth to discover and explore. As I learn about them, I’ll add them to my list. I'm excited for the time when I'll get the chance to visit and do these things and cross them off my list. How about you? What are some of the things you’d like to do - places you'd like to see?

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