Night Sounds

Half past midnight
Thunder has rolled through
Rain bounces on pavement
The cold front is passing
Warmth under down
Teddy soon will hop up

The grass is being refreshed
Perennials absorb the water
The rising creek
Rushing waters
Heading to the wetlands
Soon to reach the Lake

The flash of light
The roll of thunder
Droplets bouncing

Lying in the dark
Smelling fresh rain
Hearing the sounds
Seeking renewal.

Time for sleep

Dawn Sounds

4:30 AM the window is open ... 

The birds are singing .... 

5:30 AM  I still hear them ... 

It is a new day they say ... 

I am alive ... 

Marking their territory at the changing light ...

Their sounds travel in the still air ... 

Let the day begin

Another day ... 

Life continues

Thanks be to God

Just as the lights of twilight speak to me

The morning chorus marks a new day

Thanks be to God for the sense of sight

Thanks be to God for the sense of hearing

Whew Friday

That is all I can muster ...
Am looking forward to a return of the muse and photographer.
Hopefully next week


What do you do when you lose your way?

Thank Goodness

Folks are stretched thin ... 

Folks are grumpy ... 

When will it end.

Glad there are only four work days this week.

How about you?

When Tuesday Feels Like Monday

The good news ... is that Friday will feel like Thursday ... and then there are two days off!

The Best Day Ever

"Today was the best day ever."
"We got to play croquet ... swing on a tire ... and look inside the secret chest!" "Wow this is great!"
"Thank you Debbie"

The warmth, love, and sheer genuineness of young children. You see my two good buddies came over for a few hours yesterday. While they played and I putzed around the house trying to clean and sort the garage (an ongoing project).



They saw a trunk on a shelf ... "What's in the steamer trunk, Debbie?" they queried. Gee I don't know ... "Can we look, can we look?" Heck, I wasn't sure so we took it down and I told them it was mormor's (my grandmothers) ... that she brought all of her worldly possessions from Sweden to America in it 90 years ago. "See, those were her initials: F J. I bet she wrote them herself."

With anticipation only a young child can muster up we opened it ... low and behold ... there were treasures in it. A book filled with cards from a baby shower that was given when my mother was pregnant with me. Birthday cards given to me when I was their age. About 30 of my mother's handkerchiefs. Cards my mother gave to her mother. A photo album of relatives and old Life magazines ... one from when President Kennedy was assassinated and another from when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. the USA Today from 9/12/01 and 9/13/01. I guess it was a secret treasure chest!

So the steamer trunk has moved inside the house and has taken a place of honor in the living room.

Yes .... it was the best day ever ...
Until the next best day ever ...

Make today the best day ever!

Struggling

Every once in a while I feel as though I have it together. Then there are those days that I can only say "what was I thinking of?" Nothing every really comes naturally ... everything is a learning process. Writing? I am envious of those who seem to simply be able to sit down and in a few short minutes craft a reflection on the morning light. I watch photographers wander a wedding scene and suddenly an album of perfect smiles, lighting, positioning and emotions captured. Maybe if I had a different lens ... or better lighting?

It is that journey of learning ... two steps forward ... feeling success ... then trying something new ... and slipping back.

Wait. I get it ... it is like the developmental process of learning the English language. To make a verb into past tense you just need to add "ed" to most words (walked, talked, watched). So a young child practices ... and suddenly they say eated (ate), goed (went), singed (sang).

I think photography is as complicated as the English language.

So today ... no picture.
Just a simple person trying to figure out how to capture the image with the camera.

The Greens of Twilight

Royal Birthing Place, Kukaniloko, Hawaii

Whenever I look out my living room window at twilight I am caught off guard by the shades of green that fill the expanse. From the grass, to the lilac bushes, to the leaves, the needles on the fir tree. It seems that even the pavement in a distant has a tint of green in it. The shades of green ... of life ... of spring. A sense of new beginnings, of harmony and balance fills the living room window and my breathing deepens and there is a sense of peace. I want to take it all in ... this thirty minute period of renewal.

Tranquility and peace ... in the green twilight.

What colors bring you tranquility? 

Naptime

The time to take a nap has sorely disappeared in our rush of society.  There are many days when I just want to put my head down and rest a bit, just like Shelby here.  Perhaps during these days of recession we can all learn to slow down.  Enjoy the comfort of sleep, the softness of a pillow or the shoulder of a friend.   

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.

Isaiah 40:1

Change

Why is change so hard?

There is a saying that the only thing that likes to be change is a baby with a dirty diaper.  

What about you?  

What are you trying to change?

Tomorrow is another day to try again. 

Sunset Webster, NY

It Really Is More than A Moment

           Waikiki Sunset

          

          The magic of light before

          The magic of light after

          Before and after the sun hits the ocean

          There is a period of time of magic

          We mustn't wait for only that moment

          Come early

          Stay late

          We are called to experience it all

          We are called to be part of the transitions

          We are called for more than a moment

          Come sit with me ...

          No need to talk ... 

          Experience the fullness ... 

          Life is good. 

           

It Only Takes A Moment

SF Sunset from Oakland Hills

          As the day draws to a close

          And light transitions to dark

          The magic of colors fill the sky 

          Some things become clearer

          Others disappear from view

          It truly is only a moment 

          And it only takes a moment

          To become one with the creator 

          In the glory of the sunset

          Tonight .... take a moment

          Look for the colors

          Experience the creation

          It only takes a moment

Commitment

We are chosen by God.  Through baptism we become children of God.  God's commitment to us is unconditional ... knowing that we we make mistakes ... day in and day out.  Yet for us it is so difficult to make commitments for a lifetime.  The words of a marriage ceremony often include "for better or worse" "until death do us part".  I watched this young couple make their vows to laugh and cry together ... "until the end of time."   These are powerful words.  

Let's support one another to live out commitments ... 

during the best of times and the worst of times.

Prayers for New Beginnings

24 hours from now they will be husband and wife!  Together for many years and now another new beginning.  In laughter, fun, and love we gathered as they prepared to for the big day tomorrow.  

A wonderful couple ... full of life, love, creativity and commitment.

Please join me in prayers for Lindsey and Chris!

Gotta Laugh

Ahh what we become known for in life. 

Papa is known for making babies laugh! 

What are you known for?

The Dark of Night

Sometimes in the middle of the night

When sleep is allusive 

In the depth of the quiet 

When time passes ever so slowly

You can hear the beating of your heart

The sound of your breathing

In the deep silence

You hear life.

Tonight when you wake

Listen to the life

That lives inside you.

And makes you one with the world.

Children Together!

I love watching young children expressing themselves!  

When they receive love from their parents 

... when they are allowed to play, laugh, express a whole range of emotions 

... they are more apt to become secure, confident, adolescents 

... they will be willing to take calculated risks.  

These kids laugh together play together work together and love together.  While they "posed" for the camera ... they aren't able to fake the love and care they have for one another.  

Let's catch our children laughing and loving one another!

Better yet ... let's laugh with our children!

As Morning Breaks

In the freshness of the morning the sun breaks through the horizon. Yet in those moments before birds awake and call to one another, the wind gently blows the night away, and flowers enjoy they final rest.  The world awakens. The magic moments of early morning life as God calls us forth to this new day.

Be safe my friends,

Go forth ...

Share love ... 

Laugh ...

Remember ... 

Give thanks for what is ....

Let go ... 

Join the adventure!

Oh Wow

Life really is good!

Born into a family and surrounded by love.

God did not mean for us to be alone

We come into the world born of woman

Gathered into a family 

A family of love 

Little H here ... well he is experiencing the family crib.

From generation to generation.

Earlier today I was stand-in "grandma" for M at a "Mother's Day" brunch.  While we were running errands she told me that she remembers when she was born ... and that the first person she saw was her father!   

Each of these children have been given the gift of families who love them.

As we move toward "mother's day" let us we aware of others who long to be part of a family. Look around you ... there is someone in your daily walk that is craving to be included in a family.  Perhaps you have an extra chair at the next gathering!  Welcome them into the family.

My Soul Proclaims

My soul proclaims your greatness O God

Some days I feel like I am going to burst with all the goodness that fills my heart and soul. Beauty and glory surround me ... dew drops, children, sun, clouds, friends, family, community, a full moon, blossoms, the promise of resurrection, rain, thunder, spring shades of green, laughter, tears, the list could go on

My soul proclaims your greatness O God

And my spirit rejoices in you!

... please share three that come to you

Let My Prayers Rise Up

Let my prayers rise up like incense before you .... 

Day or night

Sunrise sunset

Morning or evening

Let my prayers rise up like incense before you ... 

Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication

Let my prayers rise up like incense before you ... 

Standing

Sitting

Kneeling

Let my prayers rise up like incense before you ... 

Around the cross

Around the table

Before I sleep

When I rise

Let your prayers rise up!

Slowing down ...

I woke this morning ... and it seemed as those there was a bit of sun peaking through!   Ahhh the gray skies and rain are getting to me.  

I want to sit on a blanket in the park .... 

you know that scene in your head ... 

the one that brings serenity.  

Perhaps it is on the beach ... 

For me ... a quiet place ... a solitary place ... a place to be ... 

Perhaps all I need is the image ... 

The brain works in mysterious ways ... 

Just writing and imaging slows my breathing ... calms the restlessness.

Where will your imagination take you?

Prayers for Families

I write this today with prayers for friends. 

I have good friends who are going through the transition of life to death.  As a family they are working together to make decisions and seek a peaceful transition for their father.

I ask that you pray for them

That they may feel secure in their decisions

And know that they are held in the love of God and their families.

Thanks!

The Magic Key

What ever happened to the magic we believed in as children?   Ahhh this magic key opened so very many stories for me when I was but a young child.  I could run from place to place in the park, insert the key in the box, turn it and behold a story would unfold.  Then eventually I would get to the theatre and watch a show.  The magic of childhood ... learning and exploring.  

The movie "Sleepless in Seattle" references magic.  The falling in love.   "It was magic"

In the movie "Corrina, Corrina" Whoopi Goldberg wills magic at the stop light to make sure it changes just when she needs it.

Magic ... Do you believe in magic?

   "And it's magic, if the music is groovy

   It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie"

You know ... I want to go back to Fairyland Park in Oakland

It was magical ... not because of the key .... the story ... the theatre.

It was magical because I got to experience it with people that let me believe.

Let me explore ... let me run ... let me play.

I am so looking forward to taking Lila to Fairyland.

Someone suggested that it be a 4-generation trip!

I sure hope the key still works!

And it's magic, if the music is groovy

It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie

So today ... close your eyes ... believe in magic.

Sit with a child

Let them lead you through a wonderful adventure of play.

They will share their hearts and minds

Shhhhh ... don't tell anybody ... 

But that is where the magic really is!

The key to the magic ... 

It's in the relationship!

With Friendship

Do you laugh more when you spend time with friends that laugh?

Our journey in life is influenced by friends.
We are a reflection of our friends. 

We get energy from our friends.  

And the energy can be positive or negative.

When our friends look at the world for what it can be 

Our work to make better the world is strengthened.

Seeking friends who honor the heart strengthens the heart.

I am a better person because of my friends.

For that I am grateful.

Who makes you a better person?

Drop them a note ... say thanks. 

Baptismal Birthday!

Dancing feet in the waters of baptism!

What a joy a baptism should be ... 

The water .... the sign of the cross

Babies aren't quite sure what to make of it

Perhaps babies should be given the opportunity to dance for joy!

They are baptized into a family of love and grace and hope!

Head to the river

Head to the beach

Head to the ocean

Head to the lake

Dance in the water

The water ... the sign of our baptism.

Dance for joy in your baptism.

Sprinkle the waters from the font!

 

Thanks be to God!

P.S. Yesterday was mom's 85th birthday

Today was Lila's baptism!

Birthdays!!!

85 blessings for your birthday

A lifetime of loving

Caring for others

Putsing in the garden

Growing rhododendrons

Planting pansies

Teaching children 

Being a mother

Being a daughter

Being a wife

Being a woman

Being a sister

Being a mother-in-law

Being a Gammy

Being a Great-Gammy

Being a Good Friend

85 blessings for your birthday, Mom

Thanks for the 85 times 85 times 85 times 85

And many more times of loving us

85 blessings mom for 

taking us to scouts

reading with us

sewing our clothes

cooking our meals

changing our sheets

85 blessings mom

for picking us up

helping us read

supporting our dreams

giving us stuff

Happy Birthday to my 85 blessings mom 

This pansy is for you

May Day

Let's celebrate

Our riches are great and wonderful!

A traditional day to celebrate our labors.

Thanks be God for giving us work to contribute to the greater good.

I get the opportunity to work to make lives of children better.

Take a few minutes today ... 

Jot down all that you contribute to the world through your work.

Stop and pick up some flowers.

Put them in a basket 

Give them to a neighbor

Make their day!