Blood donors top my gratitude list today. On this day over three decades ago, a doctor saved me with her own blood as well as that of so many others…🌟
Honeysuckle along the walking path…🌟
A dear friend texted me this gift for National Poetry Month: it’s the number for Oregon’s Poetry Hotline—call and listen to a new poem each day through the month of April: 503-928-7008 🌟
Children and swing sets 🌟
Busy cardinals in to-fro flight 🌟
Viewing the solar eclipse from my own front yard-memorable and amazing sight 🌟
Coffee in the just right cup 🌟
Bonus:
A short poem from Naomi Nye to send us into the new week: 👠
Easter greetings to the Christian readers here… I hope you’ve had a lovely day and made good memories. The bloom in the picture was only a bud the afternoon of Easter Saturday…what a difference a day makes, right? 😉
That full bloom iris greeted me this morning and reminded me how much good can come in a truly short time. Always be on watch for it.
It’s been a busy few days here with grandchildren dyeing eggs (and that brought back memories of my children doing the same— as well as my mom doing the same with me so many decades ago. Memories hang with us.) Traditions. ❤️
Little Easter baskets and fillable eggs and cascarones and children’s happy voices …
…and those children coming in with pre-birthday gifts as we were able to celebrate together this weekend…
The mailbox has been a treasure trove of happy mail recently, and I will always marvel at the magic that seems to bring a card or parcel from place to place. Today, it held homemade baked goods, too…all the ways friends show up with love and light.
I sent some good mail of my own during the past few days: a stitched contour portrait is on its way to Australia thanks to India Flint and her ever busy way of connecting creatives through stitch or words or art.
Friendships…and the ways we witness one another through good times and bad 🌟
Full moon glow a few days ago that led me to stand in wonder…the beauty of this world…
Books and journals and coffee cups and flowers…all the usual suspects that bring joy 🦋
Recipes…and time to make them…
And as I enter a new year, I honor the tradition of staying up to meet the day—happy to see another year and hopeful for the good it will bring…
So many times I wanted to post because I knew I missed last week, but I decided a catch up today would do. The message really doesn’t change:
Find beautiful moments. Surround yourself with good people. Learn from a child. Laughter is life. Carry on.
Solo goose the last few days…so Mama is likely on her nest just out of sight…
Wisteria appeared in its purple glory, cascading like clusters of grapes among telephone poles and adding a shot of color to still winter shrubs…
Dandelions have come, too, and while some of you likely hate them, Sofia christened them wish sticks and we are happy happy to see we have plenty of chances…
I was able to participate in two granddaughters’ school event this week, and I’m always glad to see happy children, beautiful classrooms, and a whole host of people…ones who come to witness and celebrate handprints and seedlings and book fairs…
Speaking of celebrations, a dear writing friend received good news and will have one of her poems published this summer. When that happens and with her permission, I will post it here. How truly good to see someone following the call to write and earning deserved recognition. Good news lifts us all. May we have more of it…
Blackwing pencils…one came to me from the friend mentioned above and reminded me how the little things really are not little at all…
Well, let’s see. One more thing—-how about some lines from the nature loving poet Mary Oliver to send us paying attention into the new week:
This, from her book Upstream:
“Teach the children…stand them in the stream…rejoice as they learn to love this green space they live in, its sticks and leaves and then the silent, beautiful blossoms. Attention is the beginning of devotion.”
Hello readers, and welcome to February. We get a bonus day this month. I haven’t decided what I’ll do with it yet, have you?
The week was fast and eventful. Grandkids swinging, testing out puddles, throwing rocks and noticing all the minute details of the natural world.
The eldest pumped her arm at the end of our country road as a truck driver passed by, and he rewarded her with air horn honks…and in that moment, I was transported to the same driveway many decades ago, being rewarded the same way. Little lights. Little efforts…
We have rock candy experiments “growing” in jars on my kitchen countertop. Little ones have to wait for a week to see the results. The smallest efforts, once again…
Garden center jonquils made their way to my arms this week…and
my daughter texted me a pic of one of my fave places : the Charles Bridge in Prague. Night scene. Lights on water. In that moment, transported to a past as well as future (hopefully) time. All the ways we get to be connected through space and time and memory and effort and kindnesses…
beauty…
Plastic baby Jesus has come out of storage, and has been coddled, sung to, and wrapped up these past few days. He’s really an outdoor manger piece, but these kids treat him like the real deal…
The geese are back. The birds are feeding this morning and filled with song…
Talismans. Those memory laden items or even attitudes we carry to sustain us during trying times. The week gave me a few trying moments, but was punctuated with high notes—much more good than trying. The sense of self we carry really does matter.
I noticed a lot this week. At a community meeting, a woman leader was summarizing content and asking questions, but at one point referred to herself as “stupid”…and my antenna went on high alert. People of the world, women of the world: we do not refer to ourselves as stupid. We may be learning, we may be relearning, we may be unsure; we are not, however, stupid.
I digress, I see. 😄
A former GED student came by “just to drop in” on his way to a college comp class. Those moments of realization: knowing you helped make a difference for someone…but also knowing no one succeeds alone. ✅
The week also gave me a watercolor workshop and time with old and new friends. And later today, some special young adults have arranged their schedules to keep up a tradition we established years ago. 🔔
Some good words to end (or start, I guess 😉) the week:
“The last of human freedoms – the ability to choose one’s attitude in a given set of circumstances.”~~Viktor E. Frankl 🌟🌟🌟
The reciter is eight years old. I have not seen her in a few years, but I was traveling for work and was able to meet up with her mom and dad and her for a lovely dinner and conversation. I was expecting a hug (received multiples ❤️) but I didn’t expect her mom to help her learn this lovely poem to recite for me. Sweet sweet sweet moments.
Power in people. So much, it takes my breath away at how time spent with real presence (yeah, I mean no devices, no extras, real conversation) is not the norm these days, but I cherish it when it happens.
And now, away from that dinner together, I see the red tables, the trees swaying with a much desired AR breeze after a day of rain, the stacked rocks on a tree branch that became a topic of conversation. I see Mirren drawing blue ants crawling up a colorful tree while we waited for dinner. I see her parents’ bright smiles and I know their lives are hectic, too…but they made time for me that night. I don’t know when I’ll see them again, but the memory of them is with me now. And I am grateful.
Many people enter our lives here and there through the years, and it’s so good to be able to connect the dots as time goes by. Reuniting with friends is a beautiful gift.
Other gifts this week: spending time with each of my grandchildren. Seeing the unique talents and presence each of them brings to the world: laughter, paintings, stories, signs.
I have some new art to display thanks to them, and a few toys that are still scattered, reminding me of this full and joyful life.
Also—traveling safely to and from the curvy swerve-y roads to Fayetteville, AR and back. The scenery is lovely, but those roads…mercy. I thought of friends who I won’t see again in this life as I passed through their old hometowns and stomping grounds. Even though they’ve gone, a presence lingers and sends that important message: live now.
I met some new people this week and that, too, was gift. Lots of conversations and connections and ways to be hopeful in the days to come.
As I write this, my 8 pm alarm is ringing—my sign to stop and pray for my children. ❤️
I’ll end with them tonight. I spent some precious time today talking with them around my den table—one in person and one virtually. Once again, busy people finding time. A lot to celebrate in that. 🌟
Go celebrate your life this week. Offer someone your presence. ❤️
Whewww…some weeks are just on steroids. This was one. Fast and fleeting and a few other f words…haha. It’s going to be that kind of post, I guess. 😆😅🤣🫣
It was a good week at home base though. My loved ones are ok. I’m ok. Oh, there are things. There are always things…minor inconveniences that keep the days a bit off kilter. Things in the distance that worry us, make us pause…but, in the moment…this present moment that is all we really have, things are ok.
I know I post a lot of positivity here (that is my goal after all!), but that doesn’t mean my life is without irritations. Mistakes. Miscommunications. Nope. Human here. 🖐🏼
But in spite of “all the things, all the time” a bounty of kindnesses and surprises came by, too.
I heard from a teacher friend this week. She’s starting a brand new job in a new place, and I think of the students who are so blessed to be in her care. Good luck, Angela. ✅
The tire saga continued this week, but the third stop was the charm: leak found, patch done, No charge, ma’am. Again. Kindnesses.
Oh, the other vehicle also decided to act up, but that is a temporary thing. Repairs will come. The towing company sent a guy who took the water I offered on a sweltering day, and we learned together how to get cars into neutral when they won’t cooperate (thank you YouTube 😅).
In the midst of busy days, ants came to join the party. And stayed. 😩 🐜 But, after a variety of tries, they have made their exit. Lordy DAY. Can we get a moment’s peace in the house, please and thank you. But, they are gone, so yes, a check on the good things side of the list.
Not to be outdone, the kitchen faucet started spewing water. I tried, but had to call on my son who came right over and set things aright. We might have some little child hands who tend to push and pull a bit forcefully on faucets. 🧐 That, too, is a small price to pay for childhood joys. 💦
And, if you have any doubt that beauty can be found even in deep shit, here’s a bit of proof for you:
Butterfly feeding on … well, shit
I do not know, y’all. I have been working on a few work related things and took a needed walk break for some re-set, reconnection. This is what was in my path. Talk about signs. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅
Oh, I warned you…it’s that kind of post. Hope you read this far.
I’m thankful for my silly life. My serious life. The people who walk in the world with me.
Take good care of yourself in the coming week. Be kind to a teacher. A student. The folks in the world who keep our worlds turning.
I don’t know about you, but I’m surprised at how quickly this month went. Sometimes July seems to drag, but even with the heat here, the days zipped by. Lots of really good things happened this month. Here’s just a sampling…things that I hope will resonate with you and keep you looking for the beautiful, too. 🌟
An elderly man was headed out of the grocery recently, and turned back and asked the clerk if she could watch his cart. He said he’d forgotten something. A few minutes later, I passed him as I drove away and he was wheeling his cart out, carrying a beautiful bouquet of flowers. We can fill in our own blanks, but someone was likely surprised by beauty. So lovely. 💐
I’ve noticed recently when I drive away from my grandchildren’s house, they often stand and watch at the front door to see if I’m still looking back at them. I am. To be loved by a child is no small thing. Always cherish it. 🤘
About a year ago, my daughter was with me and we were out of town. I received a call about a full time job offer that has been such a blessing. I still remember her happiness for me and how we celebrated that day. Today, I look at an almost finished building on campus that was not even started a year ago, and now it won’t be long before new classes will be taking place there. Nothing-then something…so very often. So much good. Possibilities just out of sight but almost here…all the time. Hang on if your good hasn’t come yet…it’s on the way. 🧚🏼♀️
This month has also given me another opportunity to teach at our local women’s recovery center a couple of times a week. These women are creating better lives for themselves. It’s really touching to be able to witness it as it happens. Success is measured in a lot of ways and sometimes comes packaged a bit differently than we might expect. People are resilient. Never give up on anyone, especially someone who is courageous enough to make a new start. 🏆
Sometimes we need to make an effort, or as I’ve been relearning recently, to ask for help when we need it. I was dreading an appointment due to my mind sometimes making things enormous when they are not, but I asked a friend to accompany me. She did. The appointment went fine. She still doesn’t realize the impact of what she did by walking with me during those anxious minutes. Sometimes we don’t know what we do for others just by living.
Another friend told me this week that she took a train trip even though she was afraid. She’s never traveled alone, but she saw that I did. It gave her courage. Live your life this week knowing that what is nothing to you might be life changing for someone else. How do we change the world? By living our best lives.
So, hold a hand. Accompany a friend. Say yes to a new opportunity. Help a person who isn’t as lucky as you. Be happy for someone’s joy. Buy someone flowers. Get on a train or plane or whateverrrrr. Blow a kiss to a child. Take your mom to lunch if you can. (My son did that for me recently. Made my day. ❤️)
PS
Children grow up. Mine still make room and time for me in multiple ways from across the world to a few miles over. I’m thankful.
I’ve been writing this blog for ten years this month. Thank you for coming along. ❤️
A student who I previously taught came by to see me this week. He wants to write…and in his words for real this time, and I think he really might. We can hope. We can offer hope to those among us who are brave enough to share their desires with us. We can encourage and picture them doing what they hope to accomplish. 🌟
My two youngest grandchildren spent the night this weekend, and for the first time, the youngest let me trace his hand in one of my journals. Little milestones. His sister assisted, and clapped for him in encouragement. Sweet little moments. 🌟
I witnessed a beautiful memorial ceremony this week for a cousin who died after a full and vibrant and long life. It really is a beautiful thing to honor the memory of good people. A tree was planted in her honor—something bright and beautiful to remind us she lived. Traditions like these are important. I was glad to be a witness. 🌟
The irises are still busy under the oak tree in the front yard. Some years, they barely bloom at all. One day, one purple bud opened. The next morning: seven or more. This struck me as a reminder that things really do change so fast, but those changes can be good. Sometimes they really are good. I’ll post a pic or two at the end. 🌟
Fish fries. It’s been a long time since I attended one, but my workplace held one this week and it was nice to congregate on a beautiful day, listening to live music and enjoying good conversation. 🌟
Timers for prayers. I’ve done this for years now: set random alarms to remind me throughout the day to pray for specific people and their needs. A dear friend requested that this week—not the alarm (but she is getting one 🙏🏼)—but the request…it is a holy and precious thing to stop for just a moment to think of another…I believe the power in it is stronger than we might realize. 🌟
Free pass givers. Sometimes we are not at our best. Maybe we are tired, maybe we are anxious, maybe we have no reason except that our best behavior was not available. But even so, we see people letting it go. I saw that this past week. It makes me want to be that free pass giver in this new week. I’ll be trying. 🌟
One auditioner before the big blooming 🧚🏼♀️What a difference a day makes. 💐🧚🏼♀️🌟
A blog reaching out to victims of abuse and others in need, providing insight about abuse, hope for the future, and guidance to see THE LIGHT that lead Secret Angel out of the darkness of her own abusive situation and helped her to not only survive but to overcome.
agnestirrito 