To Be Tolerant

To see through another’s eyes

To feel through another’s heart

To understand a different mind

To work through another’s hands

To walk in another’s footsteps

To love with a child’s hug

To accept without judgment

To wonder the glory of the world

To taste and know the bitter and sweet cup

To embrace the difference…

…and find your reflection within it

Cathy

Dew Catchers

A Million Wishes

What can be more wonderful than a wish in the making? It is reported that a genie grants three wishes. What can be more wonderful than three wishes in the making?

With the abundance of dandelions gone to fluff, what better way to spend them than to send them out with a wish. If you make a single wish on a single bit of fluff, then you can allow the other bits to be cast off into the wind anonymously to find the future owners of each potential wish.

This past week, my grandson and I met a nice young man of approximately six years of age at the playground. The two of them played tag and frozen statues until suppertime called us home. As we prepared to leave, they proceeded to pluck all the dandelions from the ground, make wishes and blow till all the fluff was airborne. I didn’t suggest this to them. It seemed to be instinctive.

“One last wish and off we go” I said.

This new friend said “I have made enough wishes for myself. I will now make a wish for you” as he looked at my grandson. “I wish you a plentiful college fund.”

I’m not sure I’ve heard of a more genuine and generous wish from a child. I looked over at his mother and said “That’s quite the boy you’ve got there!” I could only pick a dandelion, make a wish of “Ditto” for him, and send the wish upwards to the ears of heaven.

That day, more than one handful of dandelions was picked and about a million wishes were made as the three of us scattered them with a wave. I like to think that they floated above those in need of a wish and that they were all granted. As good fortune’s tales are told in the future, I will continue to think of that day and of wishes fulfilled.

A million wishes to you.

Cathy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj-74SWs0A8&feature=related

Choose God, Choose Love

Choose God, as He has chosen you.

http://www.heavenletters.org/gods-highest-creation.html

Cape Cod

The season is upon us

And the shores we know so well

Where sea spray greats our every move

And salty air cleanses our thoughts

Sunlight warms us and moonlight romances us

Along the beaches of Cape Cod

Our youth blossomed there

Our memories linger there

As we are called back over and over

To rejuvenate there

The sand beneath our feet

The shells collected in our hands

The roses along the footpaths

All tell us we are home

Terns, seagulls and plovers

Serenade our ears

Tides washing against the shores

Relax the senses

Sky meeting the ocean soothes the soul

As we harmonize with its nature

The company you keep along the way

Stimulates the friendships for all times

For these are the paths we have walked

And the memories that we share

Invisible footprints on the beach

Etched in timeless tales

Stories told and untold

For this journey of the heart

Cathy

In Balance

This weekend the announcement was made that Shaquille O’Neal was named Dr. O’Neal. “NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal received his doctoral degree in Education from Barry University Saturday morning alongside another 1,100 students during multiple commencement ceremonies at the James L. Knight Center.” Chicago Tribune

His doctoral project was titled:  "How Leaders Utilize Humor or Seriousness in Leadership Styles." I was impressed. Without knowing the body of work, I was impressed with the title and concept. It indicates that balance is the key to a good leader. There’s a time for humor and a time for seriousness when being a leader. Personally I lean towards humor, but both keep you in balance.

It’s always best to look on the light side. Examples from your own life can be the best way to relate to others. Examples cited from other’s experiences can be made from the same point of view of levity being the best path as we all have similar circumstances in life. Laughter is the best medicine. It helps to balance us especially when we can’t find the words to express ourselves. It’s wonderful to bring a smile to someone’s face. It’s the sign of a true leader.

Cathy                                                                                                                                    

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Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-mct-shaq-becomes-dr.-oneal-graduates-from-barry-20120505,0,5291789.story

Bill Cosby: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bputeFGXEjA

Terry Fator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMl-fXxeuzk&feature=related

Johnny Carson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpOGB4SkcM4

Loretta LaRoche: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH0nshGIKwQ&feature=related

Happy Birthday Donna!

Wishing you a happy birthday and a wonderful year to follow!

Here are flowers for you.

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Waltz of the Flowers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbf58FSDJBQ

Flowers In Paradise: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=79YYVr37MTg

The Beauty of Flowers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aXM7jYeV2s

The Super Moon

Just before midnight, Boston time, we experienced the ‘supermoon’ of 2012. Fourteen percent bigger and thirty percent brighter than your average full moon, the rainy skies parted just in time for the viewing and picture taking. Our perigee moon graces us but once a year.

As moonlight goes, and so often it goes hand in hand with romance, it’s nice to think that we could carry this light with us through the year. At fourteen percent larger than life and thirty percent brighter we can carry quite a glow of love with us. With all that extra love, we should spread it around a bit! Any way you look at it, enjoy it!

Cathy

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MSN: http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/05/11557176-how-big-is-that-supermoon-anyway?lite

Boston, Local Pics: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/weather/29460513/detail.html

Google images: http://www.google.com/search?q=supermoon+2012&hl=en&rlz=1C1_____enUS439US439&prmd=imvnsu&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=fN-lT5uzBsnkggeWh5HjAQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CBcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=604

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Paper Moon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6FOMwCITfs

That’s Amore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS6-b7CONDI

Moon River: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flm4xcOyiCo

Moondance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVYHSi3HQNg&feature=related

Moonlight Sonata: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck

Moonlighting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coCOLRyz9X0

Blue Moon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7giOrKYIwpQ

Eye Of The Beholder

Amidst the raindrops and drizzle this week, the realization of certain beliefs came to mind. Beliefs are meant to be challenged for perspective. Perspectives are changed constantly as we learn and live life’s lessons. “Truth will out” Mr. Weasley says. (Harry Potter series)

Beauty was the topic in mind. As I walk the dog through puddles and wet grasses, in between rain and drizzle, cap on head and footwear soggy, the thought of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” came to me. I myself, not fitting into the fashionable stereotypes at that moment, caught sight of a single dandelion struggling to maintain its dignity in the rain. At that moment a wry smile grew on my face as I realized that even a dandelion has bad hair days!

When raining, the beautiful saturated colors of the spring blooms are a photographers dream. Dewdrops and raindrops add an extra dimensional, almost ethereal quality, to the subject matter. Light glistens, reflects and refracts the colors at hand. Natural enhancements defy and define beauty at the same time…perceptions and perspectives redefining truths.

 My hair and the cuffs of my jeans were both wet. The dog didn’t look any better! As I made my way home, I smiled again. Today I am a dandelion!

Cathy

SMF, Signature in Time

On the rainy days, needed as they may be, the indoor time can lead you to the quieter recesses of your past. In a box, in a closet with snippets of papers from school days, I rediscovered this single paper. I’m guessing it’s from the second grade as the penmanship is pretty good. Do you remember that we were taught to write, not print, in first grade? Well, this seems to be a bit better than first grade writing, so second grade it is.

A signature undated and the reverse side with a simple pencil sketch…a penguin on an iceberg with an igloo, does still mark a point in time. It’s like a treasure hunt…priceless!

Cathy

Buttercups

Yesterday, as the day gave us a reprieve from the needed rain, I did manage a walkabout with the dog. Much of the blooms along the way were saturated in the deeper colors of a rainy day. When we came to our favorite field, I noticed that the vast yellow blanket of last week’s dandelions was already changed to the fluff of their seed. With a huff and a puff the wishes were made and ascending into the air. The purple groundcover at the corner of the field had lost its luster and was a near faded memory. In the distance was a glow of yellow. As we walked through the damp grass, the lowly buttercup made its appearance. Five perfect petals framed its face. Looking up, as if to bravely catch the raindrops with a smile, it defied all odds.

Memories of childhood with a buttercup under the chin made me smile. “You love butter and somebody loves you” came to mind. I didn’t have to go that far back in my mind as I have done the same recently with my grandson. A little golden glow under the chin and a dusting of pollen is proof positive of love in the moment.

   

Between the approaching raindrops I gathered them up…a treasure of gold in a single hand’s grasp. A place of honor is bestowed upon them in crystal with water…tangible sunshine to brighten the room. We can love all the glories of the flora and fauna kingdoms but we will always admire the simplicity of a single bloom that can bring a smile to the face of young and old alike. They are a simple reminder that you are loved.

Cathy

Enjoy!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb_OEaHfWII

Nature Calls

Mother Nature has blessed us with the long needed rainfall. A dry winter, void of snow, left the ground thirsty. The kindly received rains, not a spring gully washer, gave to thoughts of more gardening. The heavy spring clean-up was out of the way in April. May brings the refinement of the colorful plantings to grace us for the next two seasons. So grab your Wellingtons, clogs and gardening gloves and make a stand…in the garden that is! Design the colors of your life now. Plan for a comfy seat nestled in the corner to view your good efforts in the near future. A small table for tea and scones will be a perfect complement for the day. Add a butterfly, hummingbirds and a song bird or two and your June will be most excellent. When all is ready, be sure to give me a call…I’ll be right over!

Cathy

Our Next Birthday Girl!

Donna's birthday is May 6th!

The Merry Month of May

May is here at last. The glorious month after the April showers. With winter long gone in our memory, May sends its blessings of colorful petals and butterflies. This is the month that we celebrate any and all things with flowers. As the stormy winds of early spring die down, the sun’s warmth caresses the earth for this colorful fruition. Mother Earth comes alive again.

With each dawn a new possibility emerges. It’s these possibilities that the painters try to capture in their art. Women come alive in springtime. Mother Nature releases our good graces asking us to be the best we can be. Celebrate with song and dance. Embrace your feminine self.

The feminine spirit is alive and well today as always. Find a way to honor yourself, womankind, a mentor. Pick a flower, sing a song, dance like no one is looking. Call a friend, have your favorite meal or find solitude to suit your needs. Enjoy the merry month of May.

Cathy