Yellow
florets against azure blue
The
sun’s reflection within a bloom
Speak
to me of days to come
Sunshine,
joy, comfort
Burst
into my life today
O
golden rays of light
And
fill me with your warmth
Forever
“Memories…like the corners of my mind”…..Oh no…not so dramatic! The mission of this blog is to be a collective of friends, fifty years strong & still climbing. Having met in first grade & still sharing all that life has to hold, let us continue to share our laughter, light & insight as this is what carries us through life. Let’s see…“Friends are like bras: close to your heart and there for support.” There, that’s more like it!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Design Your Flower Self
I came across a most excellent article in Smithsonian magazine about hybrid orchids. So much thought, work,
planning, effort and consideration is given to them. Some are designed just for
the beauty, some color and scent and some designed to honor a VIP. All are remarkable. None are available in
nature through a natural process. The desire to work with nature and bring out
the very best she has to offer is key.
I thought that it would be wonderful to design yourself as a
flower. If you did, what would you look like? Choose your color, shape, mood,
texture, scent and season to flourish. What is it that needs to be expressed
from within that you can put into color, shape and a new dimension of yourself?
Perhaps you would prefer to be something other than a flower.
Design yourself as a cookie…something sweet. TV and magazines are full of such
competitions as people reinvent the culinary classics. Why not you do it for
yourself? A song is an excellent consideration. What tune would you create to
sing yourself into the heavens? Would it be jazzy or classical? An impromptu
song from the heart, different and unique each time you sing, may harmonize
best with the world around you. Create yourself as a game to entertain others,
especially children. Your inner light of humor can shine forth through the
laughter of others.
There are times in your life when you have the opportunity to
reinvent yourself. You needn’t start from scratch, but then again it’s your
choice to do so. It’s an inner cry from the heart to be recognized and
reawakened. It’s good to listen to the whisper. It’s opportunity knocking. It’s
telling you that it’s time for a change. Don’t be worried. The authenticity of
‘you’ was always there. You won’t lose yourself, just expand your horizons.
It’s the kind of moment that gives your heart wings…the moment that allows you
to soar to new levels of your life and potential.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other
name would smell as sweet." Romeo & Juliet William Shakespeare
The bloom is within you. You are being asked to discover your
possibilities.
Cathy
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Life’s A Circus
Today I watched a TV show about the circus. I watched in utter
amazement as the multi-talented troupe of performers displayed their crafts.
Everyone was multi-talented while multi-tasking. There was no apparent room for
divas in this show. As the members were interviewed, they described their day
jobs and night jobs; by day they set up the tents and rehearsed and by night
they performed in splendor.
Multi-generations were present and were on call 24/7, 365 days a
year. Now THAT’S dedication. Both family and extended families, all co-workers,
were needed to make the magic happen as they moved about the country every two
weeks. They assembled the tents, set up the staging, took care of the animals,
made costumes, painted faces, practiced and performed, broke down the staging,
dismantled the tents, packed the gear and lastly, drove to the next location.
WOW! I was amazed and delighted in watching them. They were precision in
perpetual motion. Harmony!
This was more than a livelihood to them. Beyond the physical
activities and dedication was the greater purpose…entertaining the public. They
brought smiles to the faces of young and old. They brought surprise, talent and
wonder to each act. For each nightly performance they lightened the hearts of
all attending. They defied the laws of nature in the big top by making a
difference through their humanity.
Mother Teresa said to ‘never confuse the job with the vocation.’
Their job was well defined each day and night by their actions. Their vocation
to bring people together was of a higher intention. Now this IS the greatest
show on Earth.
Cathy
Friday, March 30, 2012
From Here Springs Hope
As SMFs, we at this time of the year, had made it through the
winter and had so much to look forward to. Spring meant the loosening of the
coat buttons, the unwrapping of scarves around the neck, mittens in the
pockets, hats forgotten, and the dreams fulfilled of playing outside at recess
once again…in warmth! Oh, the sure joy of spring settling into our bones again.
Hopscotching without ice, billy-buck-buck without frostbitten
fingers, gym class outside, and open windows in the classroom were signs of spring
being here to stay. Fresh cut flowers for Mary’s Shrine at the front of the
classroom were always a welcome sight. The fragrances of these gifts from the
students’ homes filled the classroom. Forsythia and tulips brightened our days.
Irises and sprigs from cherry and apple trees delighted the senses. I can’t say
I speak for the boys, of course, but they were the first to loosen their ties
come springtime! Spring brought change and it was welcome.
Spring meant that daylight savings time was right around the
corner and that meant we would procrastinate our homework till after the sun
went down. We wanted to grab every moment of sunshine available. Extra playtime
after school was the order of the day too. After a long winter, it was probably
welcomed by our parents and nuns as well.
The daily hum-drum of routine to survive the short hours of winter
was at an end. Spring symbolized the continuity of cycles and we would watch
our school’s continuity and creativity at work once more. There was preparation
for all the good things that come with the rebirth of spring: Easter Sunday,
First Communion, Confirmation classes, the May Procession and choir classes for
all of them. Last but not least of course was the readying for graduation.
So much to do! We all participated and shared in the succession of joy of each
student through their advancement through each grade.
Yes, rebirth, but with the dependability of cycles and routine was
the nature of spring. Tradition helped our routines but with new twists each
year as each new class added their own flair to the ceremonies. It must have
worked too as we are still together today as friends and family celebrating the
same great events with the same joie-de-vivre as we did when we were young.
Hope springs eternal! Enjoy it. You’ll be glad you did.
Cathy
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Into The Wind
As March came in like a lamb, so it goes out like a lion this
year. Things in general are a bit topsy-turvy this spring. The day lilies are
so high and the hostas are just waking up. Despite the darkness of the day’s
light, the forsythia is smiling yellow against the grey and the weeping
cherries appear to weep no more. The eighty degree weather of last week is a
delightful memory as we battle today’s wind and chilly temps.
As the seasonal fluctuations settle in, put on the kettle, make a
pot of tea and let the grey skies have their day. Grab a cappuccino, a good
book and a soak in the tub. Make a play-date with your kids or grandkids, drag
out the Crayolas and paint yourself a pretty picture. Create a tangible
daydream.
As the winds blow, create your own calm. Find your center and
ground your life for the wonderful season ahead. Spring is still sleepy and
there’s plenty of time to design your future.
Cathy
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
A La Carte
As days come and go
I like to experiment
with food
Some like it hot
Some like it sweet
Usually, I like it
blue
I have many interests
Perhaps I’ve a future
in the culinary arts
A dash of this
A dash of that
It’ll always be
colorful
Cathy…for Shane!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Happy Birthday Patty
...and a little something for your listening pleasure...
...because you're worth it!
The Sunset Question
As sunset comes about and you are ending your day, what is it that
you bring to your table? Today I heard a phrase…to paraphrase…”to know a people
and their land, you must first walk in their shoes.” A familiar statement, not
new to any of us; but, the question going out to you is this…’whose shoes did
you walk in today’? At the end of the day, what experience did you have that
you can bring home to add understanding to your life?
Did you observe, experience, share and/or care in a new way? Did
the interaction cause you a pause? For a moment, did you rethink your thoughts
or refine your paradigm? Does your sunrise and sunset balance your day and
life?
Cathy
Monday, March 26, 2012
Forcing the Bloom
As some quick and early pruning begins in the yard this year, I’ve
a few twigs to bring indoors. With some good light from the window, I’ll be
forcing the blooms from the quince bush. I don’t have to force too hard as they’ve
already a good start on the season. Since they seem to be in harmony with
Mother Nature, I’ll tag along, and take my cue from them.
As I take my cue, I’ve the thought that ‘forcing a bloom’ is a
great way to start each day. It’s a form of putting your best foot forward. As
the sun shines on your face each day, what do you want it to see? What do you
want the first neighbor passing by to see? The ‘best you can be’ is a great
place to start. We can start with a smile because we wish to see the same from
them. As you give, so shall you receive. A smile it is. With smiling eyes is
even better. With a ‘have a good day’ is best still.
So, if this is ‘forcing your bloom’, then go for it, I say! Once
you get in the habit, it won’t be forced. You’ll then be a ‘natural’ at it.
Cathy
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A Good Knight’s Dream
Once upon a time there was a knight who dreamed a dream. Inspired
by the past he dreamt of continuing the sagas of the bygone days of yore. “Oh,
my kingdom for a dragon” he would exclaim! “To ride the wind for a good cause!”
But, homework seemed to get in his way! There were classes during the day…’not
so bad’…sports on weekends…’better’ he thought, but what to do, to do? What is
it that makes me long for something so different?
One night the knight dreamed a dream. It was a powerful dream,
full of inspiration….the kind of dream one never forgets because it feels more
real than the daytime before sleep sets into the bones…the kind of dream you
don’t want to wake up from. It went like this:
As
the knight rubbed his eyes, he awoke to a dark cloud of smoke.
“Well
it’s about time you woke up!” said the voice in a cloud.
“Who
said that?” said the young knight.
“My
name is Milis.”
“What?
Who are you? Where are you?” the knight said.
As
Milis swatted at the smoke, allowing it to clear, “Here” he said, clearing his
throat.
“What
ARE you?” inquired the young knight.
“Milis
the Meek is my correct title, mentor extraordinaire, just larger than most of
life. You did wish for a dragon, did you not?”
“Well
yeah! It was a daydream. Who knew there were any left.”
“Well,
it’s the dream in the daydreams that make wishes come true…and the dragons who
knew of the daydream in you…knew! Milis at your service, milord.”
“You’re
really a real dragon?”
“Yes,
from the fire breathing category, as you can well tell!”
The
young knight pondered the moment while stirring from his sleep, unable to
believe his eyes. “What do we do, where do we begin?”
Well,
firstly young knight, to business. I have arrived with your apprenticeship
papers in hand.
“I’m
an apprentice! Cooooooooooool! What does that mean?”
More
questions, thought Milis, this is an excellent sign! An inquisitive mind, sharp
as a tack, to wake from a deep sleep and observe opportunities at hand! Soon we’ll
be able to traverse the kingdoms, skim over the oceans and maneuver through the
clouds like we own the world. I’ve chosen my apprentice well. ‘Well done,
Milis’ he thought to himself! I’ve always had good taste. J
“Just
a formality, sign here”, Milis said.
“Sign
where? What does this say?” said the young knight?
“Well,
it’s your name…C.J.McKnight, Apprentice to Milis.”
“You
already know my name?”
“This,
young sir, is not just a name, it’s your title. Christian by name, you are, are
you not?”
“Yes”
he said wide eyed.
“McKnight,
by title… for your apprenticeship”.
“What’s
the J for?”
Bright
boy, bright boy, he misses nothing! “You wanted a good cause, did you not?”
“YES!”
“The
J is for Justice” Milis explained.
“When
do we begin?”
“Right
now.”
Milis
explained that C.J. McKnight must invent his new world. Your best choices must
be put to parchment. Let’s talk a while and make our list.
“First,
your kingdom” Milis declared.
“A
castle, of course, a den for the dragon, lush lands for food and a steed for surveying
the kingdom…after all, even a dragon needs his rest!”
“Second,
your cause” Milis declared.
“Good
food and happiness for all in the kingdom.” said C.J.
“Third,
choose your colors” Milis declared.
“Blue
is a happy color.”
“Declarations
in place, we may now begin. Formalities are complete on parchment, we can now
proceed” was the final declaration by Milis.
Let
us now draw your kingdom, for I see you are a visionary, milord”. A new
parchment materialized. Quill In hand, ink in well and C.J. began his vision.
As the figures penned to parchment, the eyes widened. The smile broadened. The
drawing came to life before his eyes and his quest was at hand. The dragon
beamed with pride for his apprentice. The vision was beautiful and teaming with
life. Happy faces were on the peoples of the clan.
“How’s
it looking?” the young knight asked.
“Perfectly
wonderful” Milis replied.
“When
do we begin?” asked C.J.
“Immediately.
Climb aboard.”
With
a comfortable grip on the green shoulders the two began their bond. Voices
engaged in conversation and dreams to be dreamed. They walked till they reached
the edge of the land where it drops the cliff to the ocean. “What do you see by
the sea?” Milis asked.
“The
sky, the land, the ocean and the sunset. Is that a good answer?”
“Think
again.” Milis said.
The
young knight paused, thought a thought about a dream to be dreamed. “Endless
possibilities.” He beamed back.
“Now
you’re thinking. Hang on to your hat. Get ready for the ride of your life!”
The
dragon reared, but just a bit, for his charge was new to this territory.
“Are
you ready?” Milis asked.
“I
am” said the adventurous knight. “Kick it!”
And
‘kick-it’ he did. Milis belched fire and smoke in celebration of the event. With
a quick gesture he lunged into the air. Over the cliff and into the lifetime of
possibilities they went. In that brief moment, C.J. McKnight remembered once
reading of the old mapmakers…’beyond this point there be dragons’ and thinking
how lucky he was to have found one. The old mapmakers must have known of
something special. In the crisp of night air in the land of the never setting
sun, they flew into a sunbeam. All that could be heard was the thrill of the
apprentice…
“Cooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool!”
went McKnight.
The journey has just begun.
Cathy
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Laughter is the Way
“A
day without laughter is a day wasted.”
Charlie Chaplin
He ought to know as one who made his living by making others
laugh.
Whimsy, mirth, chuckle, belly-laugh, chortle, guffaw,
har-de-har-har, giggle, snicker & snort, cracking-up, cackle & crow, jocularity,
merriment, rip-roaring, slapstick and rejoicing are all synonyms for laughter. We
should try a daily dose of these just for the fun of it! Find the lighter side in
all situations. It will surely brighten your way. J
Cathy
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)