Day 16,976: Sunrise, Meinrad and Bling

Today I am so grateful ...

That despite having to rise and arrive well before or any sort of shining occurs, I am in the office with access to a window to bear witness to this sunrise.  The building is perched so I high on a hill that the view tricks me into believing I'm flying.  It reminds me of watching the sun rise above the Atlantic horizon during that one precious week of the year when I am with my family at the beach.  This memory softens me and makes this office day okay.

To have discovered the moving artwork of Meinrad Craighead via this video for the documentary, Praying with Images.  (Thank you, Chris Zydel!)

For the honor of wrapping two commissioned amulets this week (one Solar Quartz and one Labradorite) for two dear luminous goddess, high priestess-esqe, healing creatix friends.  One of these two friends received her pendant today.  (Photo below.)  She will wear it tomorrow as she makes her way on a vision questventure (adventquest?) to Sedona.  My other pal will receive her power bling next week.  I can't share the photo (yet) as I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I hope that it rocks her socks off.  In the best way possible, of course.

So what has been filling you with gratitude in these waxing days of light?

Day 16,969: The Code

I used to think that there was a code to crack in terms of productivity -- one single secret that, once discovered, would forever free me from procrastination and apathy.  I don't believe that anymore.  I think that every single day presents its own unique code for cracking based upon numerous internal and external factors.  I think we are constantly called to meet ourselves wherever we're at, moment to moment, with kindness and compassion.  I think that we have to become an expert at articulating our needs, because those left unnamed and unmet are energy sucks.  At the same time, gentle nudges of encouragement in the form of setting ourselves up to show up can be immensely helpful.  But I no longer use the term non-negotiable when it comes to what I want and need to do.  It's been retired with never, always and should.

Day 16,964: The Call

I saw them, heard their call

from the tree top -- drawing more

to the flock and me nearer still.

I marveled at so many

in one spot.

As I continued on the

sidewalk, I saw it.  The hawk.

Splayed.  Surrendered.

Mighty, sad remains.

The crows hang around

with the hawks in these parts

and this fallen one must've

made many friends.

May your spirit continue

to soar, winged one!



Day 16,961: Barriers

When we adopted Garrett and Tansy five years ago, we put a gate at the top of these stairs.  The cats stayed up.  The hounds stayed down.  We did it for safety reasons.  We did it for convenience.  It made sense at the time, despite the nuisance of it.

It's been almost six months since Fred's passing and I finally took that damn gate down.  I have little tolerance for barriers these days.  Keeping things in.  Keeping things out.  Tear 'em down, I say.  Let the chips fall where they may.

Day 16,958: Tools

I've needed this magnification light for a long time.  Yet I resisted.  I can't really say why.  It's not a big deal to want and need to see what I'm doing nor to say yes to buying the tool to help me do it.  Silly, really, to procrastinate about these things as I often do.  It's amazing how much easier having this light has made wrapping.  I see clearly what, even with glasses, was more of a blur.  I appreciate the reminder that there are infinite tools at my disposal ... always at the ready to make things easier.  I need only step out of my stubborn denial and embrace the help. 

Day 16,947: At Random

Another week is getting away from me.  Work demands have been high.  I don't know if there's been more to do or that, in my hormonal haze, it's just felt that way.  What I do know is that I've not been able to get to what fuels me.  There have been no "wraps" for lunch this week.  I haven't been getting out for walks despite the lovely weather.  And I've been more likely to grab for comforts than mason jars of green smoothies. 

That's life.  There will be those weeks when the to do list is long, the demands are high and the resources seem sadly sparse.  But that's when we really get a chance to show what we know when it comes to getting back on track with kindness and noticing that there is still plenty for which to feel grateful despite (and maybe even in light of) life's busyness.

That said, I am grateful for new art books delivered to my door by the cheery mailman.  They will be thoroughly devoured in bite-sized morsels.  I am grateful that my daughter's boyfriend's sister is a Girl Scout, because I've grown awfully fond of having a couple of Savannah Smiles with my morning tea.  Thanks to Emma scoring me two more boxes, I can keep indulging myself for quite awhile.  And, last but not least, I am grateful that no matter how busy I am or how long the lapse between entries, I always find (if not fumble) my way back here to this page.  I'm also (deeply) grateful that you join me here when I do.