W-A-T-E-R

"
The mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew then that
‘W-A-T-E-R’ meant the wonderful cool something that was flowing over my hand. That living word awakened my soul, gave it light, joy, set it free."
Helen Keller, The Story of My Life

History Repeats? A quote to ponder

"Yes, we did produce a near-perfect republic. But will they keep it?
Or will they, in the enjoyment of plenty, lose the memory of freedom?
Material abundance without character is the path of destruction."
-Thomas Jefferson, from a letter to John Adams

Thought for the Day

"When money is our objective, we must live in fear of losing it, which makes us paranoid and suspicious. When fame is our aim, we become competitive lest others upstage us, which makes us envious. When power and influence drive us, we become self-serving and strong-willed, which makes us arrogant. And when possessions become our god, we become materialistic, thinking enough is never enough, which makes us greedy. All these pursuits fly in the face of contentment...and joy."
-Charles Swindoll, 'Five Meaningful Minutes a Day'

Experience

"Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him."
~Aldous Leonard Huxley, Texts and Pretexts, 1932



(photo from High Sierra Pack Station...more pics to follow)

The Quote of the Day....

“I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.”
--Eleanor Roosevelt

Solitude

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. ~Henry David Thoreau, 1854

Like water...

(waterfall near Bend, Oregon)

"Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth, and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world."
— Brenda Peterson

Casadh an tSugain - Micheal 0'Domhnaill and Bothy Band 1979

"Joy, sorrow, tears, lamentation, laughter -- to all these music gives voice, but in such a way that we are transported from the world of unrest to a world of peace, and see reality in a new way, as if we were sitting by a mountain lake and contemplating hills and woods and clouds in the tranquil and fathomless water."

~Albert Schweitzer

Life and unexpected turns

"Experience is a jewel, and it had need be so, for it is often purchased at an infinite rate."
-William Shakespeare

Life does have these unexpected turns. For good or for bad. Yet, when we consider what could be a bad turn of events, is there not a lesson, perhaps, to be learned from it? And, therefore the bad event, in a way, redeems itself for good?

Simplistic, I know, but the hour is late; yet, these thoughts keep me from sleep. We are troubled when things do not seem to unfold as we thought they would or should, even with every effort on our part. Suddenly, we turn around and that moment in time is gone forever, and we are left stunned and feeling helpless, perhaps hopeless. There are often no words for these times, only the love of our friends to see us through, and revive the failing spirit within us.

Many people, I think, underestimate their value, the merit of their experience, the merit of their very life. We all have some good to give while we are here on this earth, in our strengths; and, even, dare I say, in our weaknesses. We are not alone, though we may feel lonely. We must just think on those golden moments of our life, force ourselves to dwell on them if we must, to keep us going, to keep us breathing....for who knows what the tide will bring in tomorrow.

reference post

A wave is but many drops of water...

Photograpy credit: Clark Little, Oahu, Hawaii

“Too often we underestimate the power of

A touch,

A smile,

A kind word,

A listening ear,

An honest compliment,

Or the smallest act of caring,

All of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

-Leo Buscaglia

Exploring horizens

"I was like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me. "
Isaac Newton

The joy of focusing brilliantly on something is becoming a reality as my children are older, and more off to their own pursuits. What now shall I endeavor to behold? The ocean of possibilities lies before me. On the other side of it, what truths do we miss because we are so focused on the small things. Like blinders on a carriage horse, we can miss so much when we fail to lift and turn our heads and acknowledge the goings on around us. It's easy to get into a rut, think narrowly, stay safely to what we know. How do we limit ourselves to knowing and exploring the greater possibilities that lie before us? Just a thought, however brief, before I depart for work.
Until later, blog friends. Any thought on this?

What is Greatness?

Thinking on those who've gone before me in the tapestry of time, each with their own unique story, I often think, well, what were they thinking? Most likely, given human behaviour, they were thinking some of the same things when you or I meet with adversity, challenge....A mix of 'oh, no, can I get through this?' using perhaps different words, or 'let's conquer this challenge'. But, really, what in your opinion makes a person great?


"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them".
- Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act II, Scene V).

American Dream, references

American Dream, part 2

Only time will tell

The American Dream, Part One

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such Principles and and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
-Introduction, Declaration of Independence

Sierras in the Spring

We've been to one of our favourite haunts of late, the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. It helps to have friends who live there. It also helps that hubby teaches an annual class on working in the wilderness with youth-at-risk; and, the family gets to join in (for the class week, and well, sometimes for basecamp). We usually get to play while he teaches, but then I'll make a big pot of chile con carne, and everyone is happy.

It's busy as ever here in the desert. We've had a wonderful visit from our Canadian friends of whom we haven't seen in years. The kids are wrapping up their (home)school year, as am I. We've had a milestone here....eldest daughter has graduated high school and starts college courses in the fall.
I haven't had much time for thought or should I say one continuous uninterrupted by a child, husband or puppy thought, though the feelings are there for writing something worthwhile (ie the weighted life). I've been enjoying other bloggers' ramblings and writings; lots of good topics and plenty to enjoy and mull over.

I'm still slowly recovering from the car/truck crash. Hard to believe that it will be a year ago August, should I add, that I almost died. Still chokes me up, thinking of it all. I am so thankful to still be here, walking and talking.

I want to recommend Yoga (flow yoga) to help with strengthening and stretching; and, believe me, it ain't fer sissies (nancies n' jessies for ya'll over the pond). Was even reading a while back about an 80 year old granny still doin' her yoga....there's hope yet! ;) Ciao for now!




"Soul doesn't pour into life automatically. It requires our skill and attention"
-Thomas Moore

Can't see the forest for the trees

(pic: Summer 08, Eastern Sierras)

....."An expression used of someone who is too involved in the details of a problem to look at the situation as a whole."

Raising a teenage boy has definitely been much different from raising a teenage girl. If it can be broken, he will break it. If it is a chore needing to be done, he will wait to the last minute, half do it, or come to find out later didn't do it at all. Schoolwork...hahahaha...right. Don't get me wrong, my son is a good kid; just, well, a 14yr old boy who is stuck in the tween state of child and adult.

While I've been busy with uni, my hubby and son have become well absorbed with an X-Box live internet game; and, have developed a team of people from all over the world who play together and take on challenges from other teams, etc. I've encouraged it, as it allows for 'male bonding' time. Now, why am I speaking of this, you might wonder? Back to the teenage boy. He's managed to decimate three pair of not that inexpensive Turtle Beach headsets. The first pair were somehow mangled...the 'boogeyman did it'...(they were probably trampled during a running-thru-the-house nerfgun war with his friends (they had somehow forgotten that the house was neutral territory). The second pair were vacuumed over; he was too lazy to move the wires. The third pair my hubby had just bought. They were in the house about thirty seconds, when teen boy, eager to help open the package because he knew he had just wrecked the second pair....managed to cut the wires to the headset as he was opening the package..........

He knew he blew it, and went to his room upset, very upset. My hubby wasn't sure whether to laugh or be angry. The teen daughter had just warned the teen son to slow down, be careful with opening the package. You see, the teen son has a problem with paying attention to detail and hurrying through things. It's an ongoing battle; an ongoing sit down and talk; an ongoing trying to help form character; ongoing test of patience to let them grow at their own pace, rather than forcing the issue. We could have chosen to punish, to yell, to become angry at the money wasted; however, I really think that would have crushed his spirit. He really was honestly sorry, honestly angry with himself. The one thing I do love from these situations is turning them around for teaching times. This is not always easy, mind you. It's easy to become emeshed in just the immediate problem before you; see only what is going on in 'the now'.

I'm really hoping this lesson of the headsets will forever be a reminder for him in the future...to slow down, pay attention to detail and not hurry through things...when driving a car, operating machinery, or anything else that may come his way as a young man. The hubby sat the teen boy down, and managed to repair the vacuumed head set using some old parts from one of the other pair; the teen volunteered to pay for the replacement wires for the newest set. Hopefully another lesson of resourcefulness and responsibility was taught. Sometimes raising a child means that you have to not only see the individual trees but also the big picture of the forest. Being a parent isn't always easy, but it's been the best 'job' yet.

For Presence

"Awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence.Have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.Receive encouragement when new frontiers beckon.Respond to the call of your gift and the courage to follow its path.Let the flame of anger free you of all falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame.May anxiety never linger about you.May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.Be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder."

-John O'Donohue,
"To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings"

(credit for poem source goes to Lucy)

Reflections

"We frail humans are at one time capable of the greatest good and, at the same time, capable of the greatest evil. Change will only come about when each of us takes up the daily struggle ourselves to be more forgiving, compassionate, loving, and above all joyful in the knowledge that, by some miracle of grace, we can change as those around us can change too."

-Mairead Maguire

Only Time Will Tell

There was a time when a few men went over-mountain with a man named Daniel Boone to the wilds of the unknown in now what is East Tennessee. They went to carve a life for themselves and their loved ones; and, to remove themselves from political unrest and oppressive taxes. Beyond the government boundaries, they met with the local natives peacefully and leased land from them. They worked the land, expecting handouts from no one. Their women and children worked alongside, all contributing in their own way. A government council, known as the Watauga Association was set up to allow the order of law and was democratic in fashion. All was well for a while. Times being what they were, and with tea dumped into the Boston Harbor, peaceful times were not to be. Unfortunately for the settlers, their Native American neighbors were influenced by a king's government who would quash any insurrection. Being self-determined, they chose to side with those who would seek the freedom of self-rule. It was difficult decision for some, because there were Native Americans and those loyal to the crown who were their friends; and, then there were the formidable red coats to consider. Lives were taken, lives were spared but they all had their own resolve in the matter and would not be swayed. History played out at the Battle of Kings Mountain, and as such they say the tide of the war was turned much to the determination of these mountain men....names such as John Sevier and Davy Crockett who might be familiar; and, much lesser known names such as Gillespie, Bean, Lane, Russel of whom I have to thank in part for my being here.

History is fascinating to me, especially stories of people caught up in times greater than themselves. It seems there is always something we can learn from their story. Yet, as

fascinating as it is, I'm not sure that I am one to wish for this responsibility. The American election is looming and unfortunately, I think the ugliness will only worsen. There's a lot at stake for this country and for the world. Can we meet this with integrity and forbearance? How can a nation with a history of great men and women produce the leaders it has these last two decades and into the present?

Some say that this country already practices socialism; yet, aren't helping the poor and needy biblical principles as well? I think what is feared is heavy taxation of those who Do work, only to redistribute to those who don't, but could work. This will only continue the cycle of welfare dependency, ignorance, entitlement, juvenile delinquency, crime and incarceration, and support of illegals; and, to continue to deepen the troughs of the government itself. This is not the ethic that this country was founded upon.
I've investigated both sides of the debate, and have found both sides to be lacking. I see the strengths and weakness of both arguments and see that nothing comes without hard work and sometimes sacrifice. I question the one who is promising so much, he fairly tickles the ears. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
They say if a lie is repeated enough, soon people will accept it as fact. So much of this seems to be going on. Review the last 25 yrs of history, and see what has played out. Take the time to question what is really going on. Count the cost. Vote with conscience and informed decision, not emotion.

We live in a country where we have the right to voice our dissent, the right to self-defense, the right of habeus corpus, the right to work hard and better ourselves despite our social station but there are so many who seem to take this for granted or forget that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. What I don't understand are those who would undermine the very foundations and principles of what this country was founded upon. We have an obligation to ourselves, to the world, and to the next generation to make a moral choice as to which person will be the best to continue the light to so many, that of the American Dream. Or, is it time to awaken, the dream is no more. We've allowed the dream to fade away as Rome self-imploding through moral decay, complacency, corruption and loss of sense of self. Only time and the history books will tell.

"Only a moral and virtuous people are capable of freedom; the more corrupt and vicious a society becomes, the more it has need of masters."
-Ben Franklin

Falling Forward!

Your Autumn Test Results

You are a dynamic, vibrant person. You aren't afraid to pursue your passions. When you're happiest, you are outgoing and expressive . You love celebrations, and you enjoy showing off a little. You prefer change to come slowly. You need a long transition period when your life changes. You find love to be the most comforting thing in the world. You feel at peace when you're with your loved ones. Your ideal day is active and full. You like to keep busy with your favorite things, and you appreciate a routine. You tend to live in the moment. You enjoy whatever is going on, and you don't obsess over the past or future.

http://www.blogthings.com/theautumnquiz/

I know, I know, one of Those tests.
The weather is changing!! The long, hot, dry, dusty, windy days of live-in-an-oven summer are over!! It actually rained the other day. Just a light rain, mind you, but we all were outside lickety-split; me hobbling on my crutches as fast as I could go. Even the cat joined us in a game of chase and catch when the kids would throw things for him. (We would have asked the dog to join us, but she is not as good as the cat at playing chase and catch, unless it was after the cat, of course!)
Fall means sunny skies and brisk air, rainy days fresh and cool; yummy scents filling the house from things baking in the oven, warm fires and hot cocoa (with Baileys and Kahlua added for the grown-ups), my favourite sweaters/jumpers or a cozy cardigan, continued family adventures with snowshoeing, long horse rides without getting heat exhaustion, high electric bills from continued use of the air conditioner fading away into the sunset at last....ah, sorry, getting carried away here...!! :D
Don't get me wrong, I love our summer evenings just after sunset, sitting outside in our garden, sipping a nice Merlot.....
...well,.....It's all about attitude, I suppose....surely there's a handy quote....

"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change."
-Earl Nightingale