Friday, December 30, 2011

GANESH

My beautiful daughters really know me. They know what I like and what is special to me. On Christmas morning, I opened a package from both my daughters and inside was this Ganesh statue! I was instructed to close my eyes and just open. The moment I felt what was inside I got chills. I immediately knew it was Ganesh, waiting there inside hand-made rice paper tinted red, to remove all my obstacles. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I couldn't have asked for anything better or more appreciated.


HINDU PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE AND PEACE

Lead me from untruth to truth.
Lead me from darkness to light.
Lead me from death to immortality.
Om, peace peace peace.
(Peace be in all three realms: surroundings, body and mind)


THE ORDINARY ACTS WE PRACTICE EVERY DAY AT HOME ARE OF MORE IMPORTANCE TO THE SOUL THAN THEIR SIMPLICITY MIGHT SUGGEST.

Thomas More

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

If Life is a Game... These are the Rules Movie

If Life is a Game... These are the Rules Movie: Have you ever thought..."I wish life came with an instruction manual"? That's why the 10 Rules for Being Human are so important. They answer the fundamental question...What is the purpose of life?

In light of losing a childhood friend this December, losing a beloved Fire Chief on Christmas Eve and a blogger friend losing her father on that very same day, this came to me in my email box this morning. I found it so appropriate since I have been pondering "what is the purpose of this life if we have to lose someone we care about"? Life isn't easy to understand, that's for sure. But, questions always do seem to get answered if we just listen. And those mirrors that reflect in others what needs fixing in me? Yes, they exist. I am working on mine. Perhaps these rules will help someone else out there. I guess the trick is to really "see" what needs fixing. And to really see that it needs fixing! And then, to start fixing!! And why wait until the New Year to begin...start today, this second, this NOW.

Monday, December 19, 2011

THE HOLIDAYS

MY GIRLS
AND THEIR FAMILY
WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON.

I WILL BE TAKING SOME TIME OFF TO SPEND WITH MY FAMILY IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, TO PROCESS THE LOSS OF A FRIEND, AND TO GENERALLY UNWIND AND RECHARGE.

"ADOPT THE PACE OF NATURE; HER SECRET IS PATIENCE. SOMETIMES YOU DON'T NEED THE THINGS YOU "NEED" TO ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS, QUIET TIMES, FRIENDS, FAMILY".

AMISH PROVERB



Saturday, December 17, 2011

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT MARY

Today is my 38th wedding anniversary. Thirty-eight years ago, most people said it wouldn't last. Too volatile they said, too much discussion and not enough outward expressions of affection. Well, it has worked for us despite all of the naysayers and I attribute it to just that: we discuss, we talk, yes we even argue but we make up and we tell each other everything. We are truthful and open in our relationships and that carries over into our relationships with others. Some people can't take the truth. They just can't.

But today, while spending a bit of time alone by myself I had time to reflect upon my relationship with Mary and how I met her so many years ago. And you know...when I think about an exact moment and when we first became friends, I cannot pinpoint it. It is if she just "appeared". And that's the way that I like to think of her leaving this dimension too. She just slipped away, quietly, without a lot of fanfare. Private. Proud. Graceful.

Mary was with me the night that I first met Bill. Well, actually, I knew of him in high school. He sat in one of my classes and when I would glance over in his direction he would turn ten shades of red and look away. I was not very out-going in those days. In fact, I always considered myself very shy. Maybe it was just a lack of confidence or self-esteem. Those two attributes have seemed to haunt me my entire life. But in my early twenties, Mary and I used to spend quite a lot of time together going dancing and just hanging out. Most of my other friends were attached in those days and Mary and I used to like to do the same kinds of things.

Mary was an incredible dancer with such rhythm. And she had the most beautiful dark curly hair and very white, pale skin. She always attracted young men that seemed to be worldly. We would be sitting at a table, having a drink, and someone dark and handsome would come over and ask her to dance. I sat alone at the table many nights while she was twirling around on the dance floor. She loved to laugh and have a good time. And so it was that we would spend weekend evenings together. She was with me when I first met my boyfriend Michael. And later, she was with me when I first met Bill.

I was thinking back to all the times that we spent in high school together. I spent many nights at Mary's home, tucked away under piles of quilts in her big brass bed. I always felt safe at her house; her parents right across the hall. It was always a home filled with love and support. I came from a broken home and so staying at Mary's was always a pleasant experience. There were never any arguments or loud voices at Mary's home. It was a safe haven. It always felt cozy and warm.

Mary's Mom was always inquisitive. She would always want to know what we were doing in school, who we were dating, what our future plans were. She was always curious and interested. And it felt good to be listened to and to know that she was genuinely interested and concerned. Mary was one of the first people I knew to go to Europe and travel. She came back and told us all about it. She served us cheese from a slicer "the way they served cheese in Europe". I remember her slicing off a thin piece and throwing it at me. The biggest laugh came from her and she said: "That's the way they do it in Europe." I believed her. I've never been to Europe myself yet so I cannot corroborate that story or deny it. I just took it for granted. Mary would never lie to me.

Mary was also the first person I knew to have a plan for when she graduated from high school. She was going to go to college, she was going to get her degree in library science, and she was going to work in a library. And she did exactly that. She worked for over 30 years at the College of Alameda in the library there. She was surrounded by intelligent people who were curious about learning, who were artistic and talented themselves. She took me to arts and crafts shows that some of the teachers held around the holidays. She took clay classes. I still have a whistle hanging on my wall that she made me and gifted to me over 30 years ago, hand-painted with cactus plants and strung with an orange ribbon to this day.

Mary had parents who were fun to be around too. Her father collected stamps and to this day I think that I collect stamps, little works of art, because of the interest he sparked in me when I would be over at her house and curious about his collection. He was always willing to sit down and tell me anything I wanted to know about his collection...where they came from, where he purchased them, what the stamp shows were like and how he learned about them and their value. You could tell that Mary came by her intelligence and curiosity naturally. You only needed to spend an evening with her family to see that family life was all-encompassing and important to them. And I always felt comfortable with her family.

I will miss Mary. Her mother and father made their transitions a few years ago so she will join them now. I'm sure there will be a family gathering when she arrives the like of none that we have seen before. She might even be serving cheese "just like they do in Europe". That would be fun to see, wouldn't it? Most of all, I will miss Mary's curiosity and lust for life. Her ability to remain calm in most situations (although when she got flustered or anxious, it was fun to watch her jump around). Maybe it was that dancing ability. Maybe it was her friendly smile and her willingness to help someone. Definitely she was a unique and wonderful person. And she made a mean batch of fudge too! I still have her Mom's fudge recipe, lovingly typed out on a 3 X 5 card and titled "Aunt Marion's Fudge". Maybe those years of filing in the card files, pre-computers, prompted her to type (yes, on a typewriter!) the recipe. She had an eye for details. She hand-sewed what seemed like millions of beads on to her sister's wedding dress. What a beautiful dress it was too!

So, Mary...if you're there reading this, please know that you meant the world to me. You were loved, appreciated, and thought of so much. I only wish that I would have been granted the opportunity to visit you while you were in the hospital. I tried, believe me, I tried. I hope you know all of these things that come from my heart to yours. You were a unique friend, without whom I might not have met Bill and married him 38 years ago had it not been for you going with me that one fateful work night. You always stood by me in those days. And for that, and so much more, I thank you.

Friday, December 16, 2011

DECEMBER FIFTEENTH



"In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." R. Ingersoll

I borrowed this quote from Melanie. She posted it on her blog Secret Notebooks--Wild Pages when her Mom died in 2009. I have never forgotten it, just as I will never forget my dear friend Mary, who passed away yesterday after a long illness. There is so much to say about Mary but it will have to wait for another time. Right now, I am thinking of her in deepest sadness.

(The photo is Mary on the left and me on the right).

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

RIVER TALES

I FEEL SO LUCKY THAT WITHIN A SHORT FIVE OR TEN MINUTE DRIVE FROM MY FRONT DOOR, I CAN BE AT THE RIVER AND ENJOYING WHAT IT HOLDS FOR ME. THIS FERN OUTCROPPING WITH MOSS AND ROOTS TRAILING OVER THE ROCKS IS JUST ONE LUSCIOUS EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE RIVER PROVIDES ENERGY FOR. I'M SURE IF I WERE TO INVESTIGATE THE MINUTE DETAILS, I WOULD BE ASTOUNDED AT WHAT I WOULD FIND. THE RIVER HAS SO MANY TALES TO TELL.


I THINK OF ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FISHED THIS RIVER, WHO HAVE HIKED THIS RIVER, WHO HAVE JUST WALKED ALONGSIDE THIS RIVER. THIS STRETCH OF THE RIVER WAS SHADED BY THE MOUNTAINSIDE TO THE SOUTH. THE SUN IS JUST PEEKING OVER THE TREES IN THE BACKGROUND HERE. BARE TREES IN THE FOREGROUND LEAN TOWARD THE RIVER AS IF BY DOING SO THEY WILL BE GRANTED A TASTE OF THE SUN WHEN IT MAKES IT WAY OVER THE MOUNTAIN AND BEGINS TO SET IN THE AFTERNOON.

SAND BARS, BRUSH, EVERGREENS AND DECIDUOUS TREES ABOUND HERE. THE RIVER IS LOW RIGHT NOW. THERE HAS BEEN NO SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL THIS SEASON AS YET AND WITH IT BEING MID-DECEMBER AND NO SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL IN THE NEAR FORECAST, THE RIVER MIGHT BE LOW FOR QUITE SOME TIME. BUT, SPRINGTIME WILL REPLENISH AND RENEW. THE TREES WILL BLOSSOM FORTH, THE MOSS WILL GROW MORE LUSH, THE ANIMALS WILL BEGIN TO FORAGE AGAIN. RIGHT NOW: THE RIVER IS SLOWING DOWN AND WHAT LIVES ALONG THE RIVER IS DOING SO AS WELL. SUCH IS THE CYCLE OF THE RIVER. I ONLY WISH I COULD HEAR WITH EVERY RIPPLE WHERE IT HAS BEEN AND WHERE IT IS GOING. WHAT TALES THIS RIVER COULD TELL IF I ONLY COULD HEAR ITS VOICE.


A PERMANENT STATE OF TRANSITION IS MAN'S MOST NOBLE CONDITION.

Juan Ramon Jimenez

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

2011/12 Pipe House Chronicles - Episode 1

Makes me proud to be a Buthman!! Great job Kyle!!


Monday, December 12, 2011

THE PERFECT EQUATION

ONE HAPPY CHILD
PLUS
LOTS OF ENERGY
EQUALS

ONE PAPA AND ONE CHILD
ASLEEP
IN THE AFTERNOON

NOTICE THAT "THE BOPPY" IS BEING USED BY "THE POPPY"
INSTEAD OF THE BABY!!!
OH WELL. WHATEVER WORKS!

Friday, December 9, 2011

LOST...

ONE TOOTH.
NO...TWO!!!
PLEASE RETURN WHEN FOUND.
REWARD GIVEN.
LOOK UNDER PILLOW.



Tuesday, December 6, 2011

MURALS

This mural is by local artist Stan Padilla. You can read about what the mural is all about if you click on the image below. I love how when you walk around the town of Auburn you can be treated to art. I often wonder how many people take the time to really get up close to it and find out what it's all about. The other day, I did just that and tried to capture some close-ups to share on my blog. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I did.
Our area has a rich history with the Maidu and Miwok Indians. I am happy that Stan has taken the time and the effort to honor these peoples. He has depicted some of what intrigues many people who live here and visit here.
Our area is rich with animal life and we are blessed to have the beautiful American River here as well as many others (Yuba, Sacramento, Cosumnes, Stanislaus, etc.)

Thanks, Stan, for all your hard work and dedication. I hope that many people enjoy this mural for many more years to come.

Monday, December 5, 2011

OUR ESSENTIAL NATURE

Even Starbuck's tries to unite.

"What we are truly looking for can be found only by turning in the direction of that which is looking."
Robert Brumet Page 156 "Birthing a Greater Reality"

Friday, November 25, 2011

THE GUEST HOUSE


THIS BEING HUMAN IS A GUEST HOUSE.
EVERY MORNING A NEW ARRIVAL.
A JOY, A DEPRESSION, A MEANNESS,
SOME MOMENTARY AWARENESS COMES
AS AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR.
WELCOME AND ENTERTAIN THEM ALL!
EVEN IF THEY ARE A CROWD OF SORROWS,
WHO VIOLENTLY SWEEP YOUR HOUSE
EMPTY OF ITS FURNITURE,
STILL, TREAT EACH GUEST HONORABLY.
HE MAY BE CLEARING YOU OUT
FOR SOME NEW DELIGHT.
THE DARK THOUGHT, THE SHAME, THE MALICE.
MEET THEM AT THE DOOR LAUGHING AND INVITE THEM IN.
BE GRATEFUL FOR WHATEVER COMES
BECAUSE EACH HAS BEEN SENT
AS A GUIDE FROM BEYOND.

-------------------Rumi

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

"A Good Day" video - Brother David Steindl-Rast

"A Good Day" video - Brother David Steindl-Rast


A wonderful message and video as a reminder to be Thankful and Grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

SOME THOUGHTS

TODAY, I BORROWED THIS FROM RANDY. CHECK OUT HIS BLOG. HE DOES A WONDERFUL JOB OF SHOWCASING SANTA FE, THE ARTISTS, AND THE SCENERY AROUND SANTA FE AND HE USUALLY DOES IT WITH JUST ONE PHOTO! HIS BLOG IS AN INSPIRATION.

I LOVED THIS WHEN I READ IT OVER AT HIS BLOG AND I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS SOMEHOW VERY FITTING FOR THANKSGIVING TOO. IT'S NOT ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE OR HOW MUCH BUT IT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES. ENJOY THEM WHILE YOU HAVE THEM. FORGIVE THEM IF YOU DON'T, AND REMEMBER THE ONES THAT HAVE TRANSITIONED BEFORE US. THEY HAVE PAVED THE WAY FOR US.

THIS WEEKS IS STARTING OUT TO BE A VERY BUSY ONE INDEED WITH A DAUGHTER THAT IS SICK, A BACK THAT DECIDED TO GO OUT, AND A MEAL THAT NEEDS TO BE COOKED. I KNOW THAT ALL THINGS HAPPEN THE WAY THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO SO I AM THANKFUL FOR THAT KNOWLEDGE.

I AM ALSO THANKFUL FOR ALL OF THE BLOG FRIENDS I HAVE MADE IN THE LAST YEAR. I FEEL SO HUMBLED BY THOSE OF YOU WHO CHOOSE TO COMMENT AND GET TO KNOW ME AND ALLOW ME TO GET TO KNOW YOU. I AM SENDING BIG HUGS TO ALL OF YOU AND THOUGHTS OF THANKS AND GIVING ALSO. THESE "THOUGHTS OF THANKS AND GIVING" ARE SURE TO SHOW UP IN THE FUTURE.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

"Who's Got a Problem with the Ego?" ~ Live w/ Michael Beckwith at Agape ...


IF YOU MAKE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH THIS VIDEO, CHECK OUT ASH'S BODY VIBRATIONS. INCREDIBLE! EGO???? IS IT ANYTHING YOU NEED TO CHECK?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

CLAY IN THE MASTER'S HAND

You know how when you drive past a house and it just beckons you to come in? This house has always done that for me. Each time I have driven or walked past this house, it has always made me want to see what is on the inside. Last weekend, there was a sign on the tree at the driveway that said: "Pottery Sale". And so, my dream to see the inside finally came through. And the tree in the front was just the icing on the cake!

The kitchen was so warm and inviting. Food prepared and sitting out on the center island, along with many clay pieces that were for sale. This was the 2011 Pottery Sale and Open House for "Clay in the Master's Hands".

The wonderful stove had a few of the garlic keepers and hand-made pumpkins sitting on display. Fresh hot mulled cider steeped on the stove also.

A little corner of the kitchen had some of the regular items that every kitchen has including the two hand-thrown mugs, a couple of bowls, and a milk shake mixer. Well...maybe not the milk shake mixer. I have always wanted one but do not own one (yet)!

The dining room area has a banquette complete with toille cushions and matching window dressings...just enough to look good and add some color but not enough to spoil the view out the window.

A few of the home-owner's pumpkin collections were displayed on the hutch that was hand-made by her father.

Here you see cupboards that are new but made to look old, filled with every type of hand-thrown pottery. These pieces are all hand crafted and wheel thrown by Jim Esway. He was giving demonstrations and also had a sign-up sheet for pottery classes he will be starting in January. I just might have a new hobby in the New Year!

This is what you saw when you walked in the door. The living room furniture had been removed and tables were displayed with his wares. Beautiful colors, beautiful functionality, beautiful glazes. They all made you just want to pick them up and touch them.

Isn't it great when fate steps in and gives you something you had wished for? It seems like this is happening more and more for me lately. Things I have wished for (like selling our home and buying a new one) seem to be opening up without much effort. And this house that peered out at me from the meadow that it sits in? It opened it's doors to me too without much effort either. I just had to follow the sign. And the signs are everywhere. You just have to look for them!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

OUR BUSY WEEK

Our week started out as usual, with Baby Mae. And this week Bill was able to help me with her since his hand is doing much better. Walking a baby around in a pack most of the day can make your shoulders a little bit sore. So, the help during the week is always appreciated. Good job, Papa!!Is this where the phrase "don't play with your food" comes from? Or, is it like I always said to my Mom when I was growing up "you can't have any fun unless you get dirty". Whatever the case, there is never a dull moment during our busy week.

And folding laundry? Easy, peasy!! Just take the laundry out and put the baby in! That always solves the problem, at least for the moment. Life each day with a baby is just that: living for the moment.

Babies change from minute to minute. I watch this little one grow and change each week. New finger-nail scratches appear instantly under the eye. The mood can switch from happy and giggling one minute to unhappy and crying the next. No two days are ever the same. No minute is just like the last. What worked yesterday to appease her will not work tomorrow. I guess it is all a growing process. She is learning what works and what doesn't, what makes her feel good about herself and what gets results.

Isn't it great what you can learn just from being around a baby? Life's lessons in a nutshell. Life's lessons happen each minute, not just each day. And best of all? If I get angry or I'm in a bad mood one day, just like that she can change my attitude. I could never hold a grudge. I could never ignore her and never speak to her again. I could never wake up one day and not want to communicate with her. I could never let years go by...and by and by.

This baby teaches me to be present in the moment, to share her with anyone that wants to know about her, that it's OK to be unhappy for the moment but remember that just like that, I can un-do that unhappiness and move ahead. I can't hold a grudge against her for any reason. I have to communicate with her on a moment-to-moment basis because she is learning to adjust, just like I am. This is unconditional love. This is "out of the mouths of babes." This is living. And our busy week? Just like that, it is over and done with and I have a few photos to remember it by. And hopefully, I have retained some good memories and not held any grudges. Because life is too short. Don't you agree? What is your baby teaching you?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

PERSPECTIVE AND MEMORIES

Forty years ago, 1971 to be exact, I met a young man named Michael. Michael lived right around the corner basically from where I live now. Who would have guessed that 40 years later I would be living here with a totally different perspective and life. But, here I am.

I was only 21 and still not sure what I wanted from life "when I grew up". I look back now, with a different perspective and realize that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Michael was a "free spirit". He was the first person I had ever met that always had a positive outlook on everything. And I mean everything. I used to work all week and then drive 3 hours from the Bay Area to spend the weekend with him. He always had dinner ready for me but it was never a typical dinner. He always made dinner an experience and fun. One night we celebrated "Country Joe and the Fish" with a special dinner. Everything, including the carrots, had a fish theme. Yes...he had carved all the carrots into fish shapes. It was those kinds of fun experiences that I remember about Michael.

Michael and I eventually went our separate ways. I was working in the corporate world at the time and he was living up here, 3 hours away. And I was young. Things had a different perspective for me then. I wanted different things in my life. A year or two later I met Bill and we have been together almost 38 years now. We celebrate 38 years this coming December. And, little did I know then that I would be living here with Bill now. It's funny how things work out, isn't it?

What made me remember Michael and all these memories this morning was this flowered container that sits on my sink vanity. I lifted the lid and put my nose to the container and there he was...inside that jar. Michael had purchased this little container for me one day when we had stopped at the local Five and Dime store. I waited in the truck because it was going to just be a short trip in and back out. But, out he came with this flowered container and gifted it to me. I have had it ever since. Inside, there is a bottle of jasmine oil that he purchased from The Body Shop in Berkeley one weekend when he came down to visit me. The contents of the bottle have long since evaporated but left behind are the stains from the jasmine oil and the scent. Yes...40 years later the scent of jasmine still permeates that container. And, every time I lift the lid and sniff, it transports me right back to that time 40 years ago.

Years later after Bill and I had been married a year or two I found out that Michael had drown in Clear Lake trying to save a couple of people that were in a capsized boat with him. He met such a tragic end but he also gave of himself unselfishly, just like he always did. I'm happy to have had the time that I did with such a remarkable person. He gave me a different perspective on life at a time when I was just starting to form my opinions of life and work and the people who were important to me. For this I will always be grateful. And I will always have my memories to transport me back.

Funny how a scent can do that. It skips over years; it skips over things that have transpired (good and bad). It takes you immediately back in your mind to that time and place. And being here now allows you to look at that time and where you are and get a totally different perspective. Sometimes it is the same but sometimes it is not. Sometimes it allows you to realize that the choices you made were the right and proper ones, even though at the time you were making them it was painful and difficult.

Today, just a quick sniff has given me the opportunity to process and reflect. And I realize all the great moments that I have been afforded. It has allowed me to remember to enjoy the ride and not second guess my decisions. There is always a reason, there is always a choice. Look to your heart and know what is inside. Your heart will never steer you wrong. And if you forget: open up that container and take a giant whiff. I guarantee it will help you remember!

Monday, November 7, 2011

I Don't Know Shit ~ Lyric Video ~ by Here II Here

WHO AM I? HERE II HERE ANSWERS THIS BETTER THAN I CAN. THIS IS MY MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK. ENJOY!




Friday, November 4, 2011

WEEKEND THOUGHTS

The weekend always brings with it a chance for something new. Is it the old patterns I have lived with for so long, when I worked Monday-Friday and Friday night started the weekend? Or, is it that there is a bit of free time...some time to do just exactly what I want or just to sleep in a bit or read a book or?

Whatever the case, the weekend is almost upon me and doors open all the time on new opportunities to do or places to go. I think I shall take a bit of time to explore my options and hope that the weather decides to cooperate a bit too. If not, I just might take the opportunity to do exactly nothing. Or do something really slow. That counts too doesn't it? I don't always have to be doing something or going someplace to enjoy the weekend.

Living in the moment is quite hard. It takes a lot of practice and is something that I really need to work on. So, this weekend, I don't think that I will plan anything in advance and I will just see where things take me. I will practice living in the now of the next two days and trust my Divine Guidance to give me exactly what I need. I hope that everyone else will be enjoying their weekends too. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, enjoy those moments. They can change so quickly.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

POST HALLOWEEN POST

Natalie didn't want to Trick or Treat last night so we walked around the neighborhood and took pictures of all the decorations that everyone put up. Here was one of The Grinch that she liked.

So, we returned to the house and she was given "the job" of passing out candy! We needed to tell her the rules though. Otherwise some of the older kids tried to take advantage of the situation. You know: when there's free candy involved, why not!

And of course, this was Mae's first Halloween so the little "B" just buzzed around watching all the activity and really was a good little girl.

The holidays are upon us now. It seems that from Halloween until Christmas they just roll from one to the other with not much time to breathe in between. I guess the trick is to roll with them and enjoy the ride!
Happy Day-after Halloween everyone!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

INTEGRAL SPIRITUALITY

I'VE BORROWED THIS QUOTE FROM A SERMON TODAY BY MARK SCHINDLER, MINISTER OF UNITY CHURCH IN AUBURN. IF YOU'D LIKE TO READ MORE ABOUT MARK, YOU CAN GO TO THE WEBSITE AT WWW.UNITYOFAUBURN.COM TODAY, HE SPOKE OF INTEGRAL SPIRITUALITY BY KEN WILBER.

"It's astonishing that I can deny I. That I can take parts of my self, my I-ness, and push them on the other side of the self-boundary, attempting to deny ownership of those aspects of my self that are perhaps too negative...to accept. Yet pushing them away does not actually get rid of them, but simply converts them into painful neurotic symptoms, shadows of a disowned self come back to haunt me...those things in the world that most disturb and upset me about others are actually my own shadow qualities, which are now perceived as out there." Ken Wilber---Integral Spirituality

I thought this sermon today at my "less-than-traditional-church" was so apropos for Halloween with the phrase "come back to haunt me". It reminds me that I need to figure out what it is about me that I might need to work on so that, as Ken Wilber says: "If we stay awake, we can use these experiences to reclaim lost parts of our self. If we are not awake, then we simply propagate suffering in our life and in our world." (page 90)

In the last month we have seen so much anger and frustration with Wall Street and people protesting against what they feel are injustices. The "one percent" are rising up and taking a stand for what they believe in. Ken Wilber says on page 94 that "when [we] are willing to accept our feelings of deficiency with compassion, we will eventually discover that what we truly seek is always within our self. Everything that we truly need, we already are." Involution. "The teachings of ancient wisdom tell us that who we really are exists in a realm beyond time and space." (page 95).

Saturday, October 29, 2011

HEARTS WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT THEM

I snapped this photo while up in Nevada City last weekend because I found the clothing that these two people were wearing to be quite unique. In Nevada City you are liable to see anything in terms of clothing. It is a great place to people watch.

But, as it turns out, I captured much more than I thought I was with my camera that day. There is that incredible glowing orb right there in that young woman's hands and then to her right, on the back of the young man's head is a heart. You can click on the image to see it larger.

It just goes to show you that you can't always judge a book by it's cover. People are so creative and full of life, spirit, and love. These two prove my point exactly! Here's hoping that you capture something special and unexpected too. There are no obstacles, only opportunities. Enjoy your weekend.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

SHARING...

...IMAGES FROM MY NEW FAVORITE STORE IN NEVADA CITY AND A THOUGHT.



JANAH CAMPBELL HAS THIS GREAT STORE LOCATED AT:
320 BROAD STREET---NEVADA CITY, CALIF.
IT IS CALLED "SPIRITHOUSE IMPORTS"
TRULY, ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT.
SHE TRAVELS ABROAD AND PURCHASES THE WORK THAT SHE DISPLAYS IN HER STORE.

(HERE'S SOMETHING I HEARD ON SUNDAY):

"To every man this is taught: Thou art one with this universal being, and, as such, every soul that exists is your soul, and every body that exists is your body...For I am the universe, This universe is my body" Swami Vivekananda



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

LIFE'S SECRETS


LIFE ENDS WHEN YOU STOP DREAMING.
HOPE ENDS WHEN YOU STOP BELIEVING.
LOVE ENDS WHEN YOU STOP CARING.
AND FRIENDSHIP ENDS WHEN YOU STOP SHARING.

This was sent to me by my friend Nancy today and I thought that it was such a wonderful sentiment. And what better photo than that of my my granddaughter Mae who I hope will always remember to dream, to believe, to care, and to share. She makes me aware of all of these things every day. I am blessed to have her in my life, as well as the rest of my family and friends.

Monday, October 24, 2011

SATURDAY IN NEVADA CITY

Saturday afternoon the weather was so glorious that it just couldn't be wasted sitting inside cleaning or even doing yard work. Saturday was an exploration day to Nevada City with my daughters and granddaughters. It was a glorious, warm day filled with the spirit of the season. Every window was decorated for Halloween and we had a great time checking them all out as we walked along the streets.You can see by the photo below that the colors are just beginning to start to change here in the Foothills. I have read many blogs where the color has already come and gone, being washed off the trees by wind and rain in many locations. Not so here. And it made for a wonderful day.

There isn't anything like being with people that you love. I have to admit that I was licking my wounds on Saturday so it felt nice to be bathed in the warm sunlight and the glow of love from my girls...all four of them! LOVE IS ALL THERE IS. And that's all each of us needs.

Friday, October 21, 2011

TODAY


I WALK ORGANIC SHAPED PATHS
IRREGULAR UNDER FOOT
BORDERED BY GRASS
BY RIVER ROCK
BY CYCLONE FENCE.
ONOMATOPOEIC SOUNDS FORM IN MY HEAD.
THOUGHTS OF MAE
(WIND AND FLOWER)
COME TO ME
WHILE I STROLL WITH PURPOSE.
ONE IS HERE
THE OTHER IS NOT.
THE DEMOISELLE DEPOSITS
PUPA ON TWIG OR LEAF
TILL HIS WINGS ARE SPREAD.
EMERGES COMPLETE INSECT.
I PASS STRANGERS,
SOME WITH DOGS
SOME WITH PARTNERS.
SOME LOOK UP
SAY HELLO
OR GOOD MORNING (AFTERNOON)
SOME WALK QUIETLY PAST
WISHING NOT TO BE NOTICED.
I WALK QUIETLY
THINKING, CONTEMPLATING.
JUXTAPOSITION EXISTS.
THE MEMORIES,
THE ACHE OF LONELINESS
FELT.
BRIGHT LIGHT
ONLY SHINES
WHEN DARKNESS
IS ACCEPTED.
TODAY
I CHOOSE
A DIFFERENT
PATH.


Thursday, October 20, 2011

Spaceflight Now | Breaking News | Falling German satellite greater threat than UARS

Spaceflight Now | Breaking News | Falling German satellite greater threat than UARS



Is anyone wondering where or when the ROSAT will land? I listen to news reports and check links about it but it seems that there really isn't much information regarding where or exactly when it will land. Is this by design or is it that they just don't know? I think with all the scientific instruments and data that are available we should know more about it than we do. All I can find out is that it will be around October 22 or 23 and that I have a 1 in 2,000 chance of being hit.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Contrex - Ma Contrexpérience - 97s

If you're like me these days, exercise is not easy to come by when it is filled with other daily duties. But, maybe, just maybe I could be motivated by something like this!

Received this from a friend today. Thought I would share. Enjoy your Wednesday and get out there and burn some calories...however you have to do it!


Sunday, October 16, 2011

HALLOWEEN???

Here's a photo of a skeleton for Halloween. It belongs to Bill! This is a photo of the X-ray they took of the implant in his finger. Do you see it there in the middle? I'm living with a Bionic Man. It is a pyrocarbon implant. Does it look a little scary? It does to me!

He is doing fine though. Attending PT twice a week now and gaining lots of motion in his hand. He still has to use the braces during the day and while sleeping though until he has full motion and the OK to use his hand by the doctor.

It makes life a little bit more hectic around here than normal. Watching baby Mae is not as easy for me as it could be if he was able to hold her more, feed her and change those diapers! (Is this part of your plan Mr. Bill?) But, seriously, he is doing really well and does many things one-handed. Before we know it he will be back to normal (as normal as a Bionic Man can be, that is) and I will have him hauling gravel in the yard and weed-eating.

I got my daughter Kimberly here to help me wheel barrow loads of gravel yesterday. I hope I didn't make her body too stiff for the rest of the week. But it was nice having her help. I told her that I was sorry for her that I am OCD because I can't just do "part" of the job. Once I start I have to finish. There is no "waiting until tomorrow to finish the rest" in my vocabulary. I am a determined person with a goal in mind always. And my goal yesterday was to create two new walk-ways with the gravel. Mission accomplished.

And then we went to Oktoberfest in town and celebrated with food, drink, music and a bon-fire. It was a nice way to end a day of hard work. Thanks for the help Girlie! I really appreciated it. And you know me: it takes a lot for me to ask for help. But, I am learning to and appreciating the help that I receive. I am open to unlimited goodness!

Friday, October 14, 2011

FRIDAY RESTROSPECTIVE



"I BELIEVE THAT A SIMPLE AND UNASSUMING MANNER OF LIFE IS BEST FOR EVERYONE, BEST BOTH FOR THE BODY AND THE MIND."

Albert Einstein

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