Secret Garden - Dreamcatcher

"Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream."
-Edgar Allen Poe

Thoughts?

(update: unfortunately, this wonderful video and music was removed by the user....this is the song that was played:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZlhaLT7IY&feature=related)

Who knows what the tide could bring?

I've always longed to gallop a horse along the shore. Ideally, I picture it being along the rugged coastline of Ireland or some place similiar. While on holiday ages ago, I was able for a brief moment to ride along the North Sea shoreline. Though the ride was fun and the moment exhilirating with the realization of being in that part of the world, it lacked the freedom and passion that I longed for in the experience. I'm still thankful for that opportunity, but my longing for the other has not ebbed. It's been a few weeks now since my car crash, so I've had time to continue on the journey of physically healing. My emotional and mental state is still in the ups and downs of things, as I go through the 'grief' cycle; however, I've not come to any life altering realizations or revelations. People have asked me, do you see life differently now, and appreciate more....well, I say, I work in a critical care baby unit and therefore am privy to seeing tragedy; so, really all in all, I'm thankful everyday for what I have. Sure I've had my 'moan' moments, but I think that is just being human.

When I allow my mind to go back to that night, and relive each millisecond of the crash, thankfullness and tears do come when I think about what I was spared, what my family was spared. If anything, I am more purposed now to aim for making dreams come true, not only my dreams, but for my loved ones, as well. I still think/ask, God? what's the game plan? and hear only silence; yet, when I hear a certain song or glimpse at a picture that causes my spirit to stir, the chest to tighten, my heart to skip a beat, a tear to fall and know that is so right...I need to hold onto that feeling, that thought, and believe in it. My wish if anything is to live less selfishly, not by denying myself my dreams, but perhaps in fulfilling them, if this makes sense. I only ask that my dreams be in accordance with God's will and not from some selfish ambition. With this said, I do believe that in pursuing what's on my heart, fulfilling those dreams, becoming the best that I can be, in this, others will be blessed. Often in the past, I've become discouraged, thinking what I have to offer isn't much, my desires to learn this or that won't amount to anything or be useful; I could go on, but I won't. I think we all have our doubts with things. In this post, I just want to encourage readers here to consider your dreams, consider what you have to offer. Nothing is too small, not even something the size of a mustard seed.


"The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”
--Albert Schweitzer

"...And I know what I have to do now. I have to keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
--Tom Hanks, in the film Cast Away

Summer Visitor

The desert has lots of brambles, sage, and goatheads but in the many years of living here, rarely have I seen thistles. In fact, in the past few years I've seen three plants; two of them were found in our yard separate years, separate sides of the house, the other was at my work out in the parking area. Somehow, I just find this strange....maybe there's a message? I have been praying about a few things on a consistent theme for these past few years.
Or, maybe I'm just full of silly notions and I just need to see to the weeds? :)


“The kingdom of God does not come visibly … because the kingdom of God is within you.”
--Luke 17:20-21

Nuttin' But Stringz • America's Got Talent Semifinals 2008

These guys are great! HipHop is not really my thing, but their violin playing is incredible; and, it all comes together for a very unique, energetic, passionate sound. They have my vote!

Have You Had the Flu?

"Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God"

--Karl Barth, Swiss Theologian


Have You Had the Flu?

Miss Beatrice, the church organist, was in her eighties and had never been married.She was admired for her sweetness and kindness to all. One afternoon the pastor came to call on her and she showed him into her quaint sitting room. She invited him to have a seat while she prepared tea.

As he sat facing her old Hammond organ the young minister noticed a cut-glass bowl sitting on top of it. The bowl was filled with water, and in the water floated, of all things, a condom! When she returned with tea and scones, they began to chat. The pastor tried to stifle his curiosity about the bowl of water and its strange floater, but soon it got the better of him and he could no longer resist.

'Miss Beatrice' he said, 'I wonder if you would tell me about this?' pointing to the bowl. 'Oh yes' she replied, 'Isn't it wonderful?' I was walking in through the park a few months ago and I found this little package on the ground. The directions said to place it on the organ, keep it wet and that it would prevent the spread of disease. Do you know I haven't had the flu all winter'

Dolly parton, Emmylou Harris,Ronstadt, Those memories of you

Bluegrass to drive the blues away...and a gentle reminder (to self), there's always someone whose got it worse than you, so quit your whining. ;)

Farther Along

This photo was taken last month on a road trip up to the Eastern Sierras. Here we are with the beautiful backdrop of the mountains, open pasture with grazing cattle, the early morning air fresh and clean, and across the stream I hear the chirping of little ducklings. We used to raise Mallard ducks, so I do absolutely adore the wee ones. I spied them across the stream, which you may be able to see in the photo. They were ever so young, and were chirping with scared little chirps. The mother was no where to be found. They were helplessly wandering up and down the stream staying in a little line following the leader, who also seemed frantically lost. I wanted so much to rescue them, but knew that wouldn't be possible. This observation probably has so many parallels that could be drawn from it.

Right now, I'm just thankful that my little ducklings have their mother. I'm really trying not to get down about things. This song kept coming to mind, as I grew up with these southern bluegrass style songs.
Bad things happen to good people. Good things happen to bad people. We don't understand why,
but maybe, we will farther along.

I'll Fly Away - Allison Krauss

A little BlueGrass and a neat video