Winslow

Telling mommy she works too much.

Personal Prophets

Centering

The curiosity of a child

These images are from Sunday.  I haven't been able to take photos for yesterday or today.  Things have been a bit hectic since these were taken.

Sunday's sermon included discussion of "personal prophets...those within our lives who changed us..."  (Sounds familiar--perhaps Marjorie has been reading my blog?)

Having dessert with Maunie this evening, she told me how proud she is of me and how I have been handling the events of the last year--and the goals and determination I have for the years to follow.  While I thanked her for this, I was also quick to give credit where credit is due.  If not for the support, of my friends and personal prophets, I would not being doing this well, and I know this.  As with Marjorie, who said, "sometimes I hear voices...", I also hear the voices of those individuals I look up to, those who support and comfort me during those more trying times.  I know these people have been sent to me for a reason, perhaps solely to help me through this phase of life, but hopefully for longer. 

Turning the mind

Taken from a cell phone...doesn't do it justice.

Despite a few glitches, here and there, today was a good day.  I had the opportinuty to spend time with a few of my favorite people, all of which occurred over tea--and not at the same time (Jen you lucked out...I couldn't find my cable--or you would have been the subject of my photo today!).

I also had the opportunity to spend some time outside this afternoon.  There was a significant build-up of ice at the bottom of the driveway and along the walkway that needed to be removed, and with the weather as is was today, I went to work on it.

Truthfully, there were moments where as my back started to ache and I could feel the blisters starting on my hands from the pick ax, I was not willingly doing the work.  In fact, there were points that I was rather willful.  I found myself becoming frustrated with the fact that I was outside alone doing the work, when at one point I was told there would be assistance,.  However, before spiraling too fair down into the negativity, I caught myself.  In that moment, I asked for the ability to find it in myself to be grateful--especially for the fact that I was able to do the work.  As I looked up from the ground where my focus had been for sometime, I saw this image.  The rays of the last hour of sun light streaming down and illuminating the flag that hangs on the porch.  I noticed the golden rays receding from the sky and darkness slowly settling in.  And the flag, there as a reminder of the freedoms we all enjoy and so often take for granted.  In that moment I knew that I had gotten what I asked for.

conquering fears

Meet Jarod

Jarod is my "neice's" painted dragon.  He is 4mo old, and will get bigger.  Holding him was an exercise in exposure therapy.  I was in one of my safe places, with my safe people.

I've come to the end of another work week.  There were highs and lows, points at both ends of the spectrum where I said to myself, "why do I do this?!"  I do because it's what I was made to do.  Am I in the place where I will do this work forever?  No, highly unlikely.  But it will do for now.  Being in this place, at this time, has changed my life.  The series of events which led me to this point, has allowed me to come into contact with individuals who have and will continue to have a tremendous impact on my life.

Yet, as much as those I have met changed me, I know that I have also made a mark on many of them as well.  Some of these signs are obvious, others more subtle.  A quote I haven't thought of in years, just came to mind--it was my 7th grade teacher's favorite quote--"Education Is Not the Filling of a Pail, But the Lighting of a Fire"--I think of this, because she too was one of those I credit with having touched my life, and I hers...I still receive Christmas cards from her 15yrs later.  But also because, though I am not in education directly, the work I do IS educational in some way--I help people learn about themselves--as they teach me about who I am.

with two spoons

Lui Lui's
Tollhouse sundae

Dinners with Joan appear to be dangerous.  This photo was taken at the end of a meal with a new (somewhat unlikely) friend. I am the same age as her children, and there are some moments of what I perceive as awkward silence, but it is nice.

Phenomenal Woman

Phenomenal Woman

Fitting.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say, It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me. Maya Angelou

Very behind...from 1/16

Cape Elizabeth, ME--tuning the Grand Piano

The view while I listened.

These are from last week, when I was in ME.  I had the opportunity to spend time in a beautiful home (mansion) just off the water in Cape Elizabeth.  I'd needed to be by the water that day, below is a picture of the view from the sitting room.








The water always calms me, grounds me as little else can.  Right now I am trying to find my footing.  In some ways retracing my steps. Trying to find myself again.  To figure out where I went wrong, what I missed.  How to keep it from happening again.  I have yet to find answers to these questions, and sometimes I feel as though I am stumping among the roots and uneven ground beneath my feet.