For some strange reason...

I have been writing poetry lately. I am fortunate to count some very accomplished poets as my friends. I am thinking they are inspiring me to look closer at my own creativity and experiment. It is quite delightful to write something short and to the point. There is no messing around with character development because your soul has been laid bare on the page for all to see. So I am sharing these with you today because I have to let them out. I hope you understand.

Bewildered I stand
Wondering why a storm raged
out of control
when there was no warning
of a changing weather pattern.
Destruction strewn across miles
with only the distance I travel bringing relief
Time reveals how nature works and how
she washes away the silt.
I am now able to pick up the remains of
myself and begin again to rebuild the home
for my heart.

Like dominoes

one by one they fall

to ego

to pride

to selfishness

Thinking themselves to be

so right

so perfect

above reproach

Yet still they fall flat

with no one there to lessen

the blow

Consumed by a raging fire
burning deep within my soul
my thoughts are scattered
like pages in the wind
my heart yearns for your touch
I want nothing more than to
be in your arms
safe
sheltered from the flames
that seek to devour everything
in their path
But we are apart and I must
stand alone for a time

Where can I go to stop this burning?
What can I drink to quench my
thirst for you and this love?

I bet you've been wondering what I've been up to. Well I have been working feverishly on this book!!! I had two of my fabulous writer friends - Dina Darling and Susan Braun - give me some wonderful contributions for it. Every one of my artistic friends are a gift that I do not take lightly. I love you all.

I can't begin to tell you how freeing it is to meet a goal and more importantly, a dream that has burned in my soul for decades.

So please check it out and buy your copy. If you are looking for a signed one, please let me know and we'll work it out via mail or when I am close to you!

Interconnected by Sandy Sarris Wilson | BOOK INFO

Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance - Jean Antoine Petit-Senn

I must say I'm sorry I haven't been on here very much lately. The computer craziness has added piles of work to my daily round and I'm adjusting my schedule to accomodate the homework my children bring home too.

I wanted to share with you something I enjoy hence the quote today. I enjoy capturing nature's beauty and especially the sun as it traverses the sky. I don't profess to be a great photographer but I am blessed to know a handful of friends who are so very talented in this field and they always encourage me with their kind words. Once again, I have published calendars with some pictures for the new year. I hope you will follow the link on the side of my blog to a site where you can view them and purchase one for yourself and maybe one for a gift. I don't say this because I will be making a huge amount of money because I won't be. I ask it because of how much I enjoy it and I want to pass my love of beauty on to you and yours. I believe abundance is most visible in sharing what we love and enjoy.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Women are artists of the everyday. the world does not acknowledge or applaud everyday art, so we must. We are the keepers of a sacred truth. We must cherish this wisdom and pass it on to those we love - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it - Buddha

I bet you have been wondering what I've been doing. I have taken to writing a detailed list of things I need to accomplish mainly because time will slip through my fingers just as quickly as sand if I don't focus myself. I hope you do the same or if not, you will begin this habit.

My summer vacation was fun. We went to Chincoteague and Assateague Islands in Virginia. It was peaceful and beautiful. Both islands are very small and within a day, we knew the lay of the land and knew how to get where. We rented a house on the channel that separates the islands and were able to sit on our deck and watch the tide rise and fall dramatically. Herons, egrets, ducks, and ibis' would walk through the tall grasses and water for their daily meals, seagulls would fight over the bait fish on the surface and positions on the dock pilings.
We spent several days on the beach on Assateague. We rode bikes through the trails, were chased down by hungry mosquitoes, and witnessed the gorgeous wild ponies of Assateague in their natural habitat. It was a perfect respite to a hurried summer and when we returned home, the children began school again and my work started afresh.

Of course, there are those who had other designs on my work. Both of my computers; a laptop and desktop, decided to crash within 7 days of one another and taking a small amount of work with them. Fortunately, I have most of my writings and photographs saved and the sweet boy in the computer shop who took my laptop for repairs assured me it would be no trouble to retrieve anything lost. Well it's easy for him to say, right? Until I have it back I feel like I've been stuck in limbo. I had to completely replace my desktop which was actually a necessary thing. Now I have a beautiful new HP computer that is a lot more fun to use, looks really cool and a new printer to boot. I have two children who expect me to re-install a hard drive on the old 'dead' desktop so they can use it. My head just hurts thinking about that, maybe I'll drop it by the sweet boy in town and he can do all that for me?

Have you ever felt like despite your best efforts, roadblocks stand in your way to success? As I have become more in tune with my work, I have found that the subjects I write about tend to irritate and bother the demons in the spirit realm. Really. I actually have a friend who once told me that it disturbed them I had so much contact from them, that it didn't seem natural for a woman of God to be in that position. I could only chuckle.
My calling is not theirs. I deal with spiritual warfare a lot more than I write about it and yes, it is perfectly normal for such interference. It's only 'not normal' when you're not about your Father's business. If I'm not doing what I should be doing, if I'm only going through the motions, well then I'm no trouble. But if there is a passion in my heart for spreading God's word, well then, I am a target and I say, bring it on!

Again, I am waiting patiently, priming the pump with information to once again begin an assault. I've got plenty to do, more lists to make, more emails to respond to, and more hearts to touch. I love the position I am in yet I do not take it lightly. I am thankful for the computer blips and silly setbacks because they serve to remind me I am on the right track. My work will be received by those who are ready when the time is right. My heart is in it and I have given myself over to this work. It defines me, who I am and who I am becoming.

I want you to think about yourself today. Have you discovered your work, your calling? If so, have you given yourself over to it completely? Why not? I know when I finally decided to do this every day has become in a sense, a vacation for me. My work is a joy to create and it brings me a greater measure of satisfaction when I know it is reaching out to others on their paths. Today I hope you will consider these things and create such a world for yourself.

After all, it is those who have a deep and real inner life who are best able to deal with the irritating details of outer life - Evelyn Underhill

What have I been up to lately? My children are home and I find myself pulled in many different directions. We've been in the pool, at friend's houses and I've been in the kitchen, laundry room and garden. I love summer but it is incredibly wearing on my soul some days.

I find during the summer I have to make a conscious effort to spend a few stolen moments doing "me" things. I have my morning ritual that involves complete solitude and meditation. Once I am finished, I find I am ready for my day.

Maybe you think I'm a little crazy but I have found I have to have an inner life in order to deal with real life. I have to have calm and centering time available to me or else I will be an ogre who is angry you have trespassed in their domain. I do forgo a few simple pleasures in the summer, yoga being one of them, in order to spend time with my children. In an effort to keep the house in some semblance of order I have to rush away from the office work and be in constant motion throughout the house. My writing schedule is interupted too because I like to sit with soft music, preferably classical, playing and the kids tend to complain and fight. It's not extremely conducive to perfect clarity and hearing what needs to be said next.

I have some friends who are reaching milestones in their careers, publishing poetry and photography books. I am also working on another calendar to be ready later in the year. There are many ideas and things I want to do but what I need to do right now is slow down, be present in my children's lives because they are growing so quickly. So no, I don't have a word count for you and I can't answer the question, where is the book or books? What I know is I am working on all I can possibly do with as many interruptions as you can imagine. I know my writing and photography is richer and more fulfilling because my life is so filled with love and laughter. I thank God for those who demand my time everyday. I hope you feel the same way about the loved ones in your life.

For now, let's consider what we can do for ourselves to restore the harmony in our inner lives. You can take a walk at night in the cool evening air or cook an amazing meal for your family with the richness of the earth grown in your own garden or from a local farm stand. Breathe in and out slowly. Make it a point to watch the sun rise or set. Pray and praise. Seek Spirit. Love your family and furry friends. Everyday we make countless decisions. Today choose to be at peace in your soul. Find a sacred place in your home or yard where you can tap into a deep reservoir of calm and feel this harmony deep within yourself.

Where there are friends, there is wealth - Plautus

What a happy thought. I need a nice happy thought today, how about you? There is a small remnant of snow on the ground, most of it has melted in the bright sunshine. It's dreadfully cold here and I do not like cold one tiny bit. I've been working on year end paperwork all through the month of January and it is almost done. Tedious sifting of receipts, entering and adjusting figures. My mind is as numb as my fingers.

Today I wanted to share with you the great wealth I have in this world. Not in monetary values but in relationships. I can honestly say some of the most amazing people on this planet are my friends. I've laughed with them in person. I 've laughed with some only online because our lives take us in different directions, states, and countries. I have learned from them countless lessons and taught some myself. I can cry with them but I'd rather rejoice. I am a very rich woman only because of the women and men I am lucky enough to call my friends.

I hope today you will look into your life and be able to say the same thing; you are indeed a wealthy person by the beautiful souls who frequent your life.

I knew I was supposed to be a writer; I had made that declaration in the closet of my soul - Padgett Powell

I have a lovely little book called "Walking On Alligators" by Susan Shaughnessy. It's 203 pages of meditations of encouragement for writers. I think all writers should have small reminders for themselves, a voice that speaks uniquely to who you are deep inside. I am a firm believer in helping others to reach further than they believe possible but sometimes the favor is not returned. Since I am practical in all things, I have learned to buoy myself up during down times and my favorite way is through other writers thoughts. These are the precious souls who know where I am, how I yearn to write and some days do everything but show up on the page even though I know it is what makes me truly whole. Sometimes I liken it to taking medicine that will help me during an illness but gagging throughout the entire process. I need to write. It is almost as essential to me as breath. Have you ever felt this way? Then you, my friend, are a writer.

I often have people ask me when my book is being published. Where is it already? I study a lot of things about writers and my answer is usually 'it will come in time, the time it is meant to be'. It took J.R.R. Tolkien twelve years to write "Lord of the Rings" and I suspect now, decades later as it still provides income for his descendants it was probably an insignificant amount of time in the scheme of things.
I write daily but I also care for a home, for a family, for a business, and for myself. Many things demand my time and it used to drive me insane when I couldn't write more. One day I realized through the written words of others that "A writer's life is her work" and I stopped obsessing so much. I started to write on small pieces of paper tucked in my purse while I was volunteering in school, waiting at the stoplight, wandering around the grocery store. Life was showing me colors, people, situations and when I stopped long enough to catch my breath, I realized some days I needed to live so I could write more fully and add life to my characters, to my words.
I am a writer. Now, every day, in so many ways, I write.

You don't become a writer when your work is published or even praised. You become a writer when you tell yourself that is what you are. I was meant to be a writer. I may write differently than what I was instructed to in school but I am a writer. I may not always write about subjects that you enjoy but I am a writer. And as Susan assures me today, "Your membership card as a writer is issued in the closet of your soul". She's right; I am a writer.

This thought is for my friends; the writers, poets, photographers, and the other amazingly artistic people I am honored to have in my life. I love you all. I am in awe of your talents. You inspire me. I hope you never lack for a reassuring word about your art. I also hope you choose today to boldly proclaim to yourself and the world exactly who you are creatively.

Soon Annabel was able to stretch out flat in the air and roll over.
"For months I've tried to fly, " she said. "Why couldn't I before?"
"You didn't really think you could, " said the cat. "Isn't it amazing the things we don't do simply because we think we can't do them?"

- Taken from No Flying In The House by Betty Brock - a book I loved to read as a child.

It's amazing what you can find in your favorite childhood books. The lesson from this one is belief. You can do anything if only you set your mind to it. There is magic in believing. I have found even if you have all the necessary skills yet don't believe in your heart you will accomplish your dreams, you will struggle much more on your path until you learn this very simple principle.

I didn't have many in my life that could teach me how to achieve anything more. Most well meaning people wanted me to reach my goals as long as I didn't overshadow their own success. It wasn't very encouraging. Thankfully, I have learned through countless books and a few wise men and women that I can do more. And all they really taught me was to believe in myself.

Do you believe you can do more? I hope so. And if you don't believe it yet, I wish for you to get ahold of belief and bring it into your own heart. May all your dreams come true.

Namaste (pronounced Na-mas-stay) is a Sanskrit word which means 'I respect the divinity within you that is also within me'.

I hear many people doing something new this year for themselves. Eating well, beginning a work-out program and I am thrilled especially since they are all my friends. Our lives are spent in this one body and it is easier to accomplish things when you are rested, well fed with healthy food and in good health.

I've always done some sort of work-out program. At one point in my life, I struggled with my weight. I was hiding out really and covering myself so I wouldn't be noticed. I felt ugly and unloved for a long time. I was not happy and had so many things to work through but refused to do any of it so I substituted the necessary work with a protective covering. Early in my Air Force career I had to fight to maintain a suitable weight and those in charge were not incredibly encouraging. Thankfully during this time I began to shed my skin, literally. I uncovered buried hurts in myself and let go of things in my life that were unnecessary. Over the past 20 years I have learned even more about taking care of my body, my health, what works for me and my lifestyle. It has been incorporated into everything in my life and my family shares my love of healthy, fresh food and sufficient exercise.

Now at 40 and very in tune with myself and my spirituality, it only seems natural that I have turned to yoga. I use DVD's for my work-out and purchase them from www.acaciacatalog.com. They are very affordable, easy for beginners and those who have back or knee pain. I have talked to many people who say "I'm too out of shape for yoga" but really, you're not. It is at it's basic level only stretching. It is so simple, so invigorating of a practice for not only body but your mind. It is calming, detoxifying, and quite magical. I'm not nearly where the instructors are with flexibility but I can notice a huge difference in my posture, the lessened pain in my knees and rotator cuff. It is amazing and healing. I hope you have already decided to look toward something new physically this year for yourself and perhaps you will seek out yoga also.

Namaste.

You can refer to me anytime as Mrs. Darcy...

You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice!
You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.

Take the Quiz here!

In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. - Mr. Darcy, taken from Pride & Prejudice

I am currently reading all of Jane Austen's novels. Have you ever read them? Maybe you were forced to by an English teacher in high school or college and hated it. The funny thing about that is sometimes, those novels you hated in school turn out to be absolute masterpieces when read just for fun. When you don't have to figure out the symbolism, the story comes to life and you find yourself lost in it.

For why I'm reading them, it happened when I watched a movie last fall called "The Jane Austen Book Club". Have you ever heard of it? The book club would meet after reading a particular book of Jane's and their witty banter about these characters made me want to know them in the same way. It spurred me on to purchasing all of Jane's novels so I could find out what I did not know and really be able to enjoy the book club discussion even more. I began with Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, and now I'm halfway through Mansfield Park. At first, the writing style is so strange, chock full of details (which is a tad boring at times) but once I overlooked all that, I find the characters extremely amusing. The entire setting of time that Jane lived, from the late 1700s to her death in 1817 reveal to me a period I'm not very familiar with but the time seems quite pleasant and very polite.

It's difficult to experience moments of happiness if we are not aware of what it is we genuinely love - Sarah Ban Breathnach

On Christmas, my children gave me a DVD of Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley. I watched it over this weekend - twice - and let me tell you something; the novel and this movie are quite possibly the best romantic pieces of work I've ever seen!
One look at Mr. Darcy striding across the field in the early morning light to come and propose again to Elizabeth Bennet is enough to make you believe in love all over again. Yes, there are certain liberties taken with the film, a few things are missing but it was magnificent and I highly recommend it. It made me think that this year I will purchase all the adaptations of Jane's books on DVD for myself. I get a catalog with all of them including another version of Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy - a must see because he is so charming and handsome.

My review is over and I hope you will consider looking into a classic literary work yourself this year. You never know what you might find and it may inspire you in ways you never imagined.

I'm in Virginia tonight. I'm lounging back on a tiny couch in a lovely hotel. The kids have swam lap after lap in the pool. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. And the Georgetown Hoyas are on ESPN2 which is exciting because we don't always get to watch them play on the shore. Yes, I know, it's depressing.

We are meeting some family in the mountains tomorrow at a ski resort. I'm not sure I'll be back on here again for the remainder of the week unless something has to be said. I intend on spending the time writing and shopping. Vacation = shopping, n'est pas? I don't really ski downhills. I can run into trees just walking in the woods, thanks.

The kids keep coming in, wondering if I'm playing a game and snatching popcorn from the table in front of me. They are now 8 years old and such fun; they have the best personalities. Every place we go together is more like an adventure. My daughter reminds me she still hasn't been to Texas. I'm not exactly sure what that is all about or why she even mentions it but it is kind of funny. They have been in more states already than most people I know. They have no idea how good their life really is.

I will be back in the new year, re-charged and refocused on my goals. A few days of different scenery can work wonders. I hope to have some great pictures too.

Happy New Year!

You cannot give to people what they are incapable of receiving - Agatha Christie

It's Christmas Eve. No snow although I have watched with interest the news showing all the places in the country covered with it. I even muttered "Praise the Lord, I currently live on the shore!"

Well it's true. I am not a huge fan of blizzards, snow, blowing wind, or freezing rain. This body was made for the equator or as close to it as possible. While I love to witness the seasons, I could do without all the extremes. For my family and friends in the Midwest (and beyond), I hope your electric is restored, your fireplace is welcoming and there is cheer no matter where you go. I miss you all especially during the holiday season.

I have noticed this year that most people on the planet are not very nice. Have you come to this realization? While I am certain they are lovely humans to those they love, they go about their way in the world without a care of how they treat other people they don't 'really' know. Sometimes, I wonder if they ever consider they could be "entertaining angels unaware"? I know I have run into a few honest-to-goodness angels in my day to day activities. One minute they were there, encouraging me and flowing with love for all in their vicinity, and the next minute they were gone from sight. Do you believe in things like this? I am fond of telling my children, "just because you don't believe it, doesn't make it untrue". Are you a believer of angels? Have you ever encountered one in your daily round?

For today, I'm asking for peace. Peace in my mind, in my heart, on our planet. I hope this Christmas is overflowing with peace and love. I do understand how difficult it is to receive such a gift. You do have to be in a place to accept and receive peace and love. I hope you look toward the new year and seek peace for yourself, seek a safe place where you can learn to receive all good things to yourself. You are so deserving. God bless you on this Holy Night.

The more we allow ourselves to recognize the wisdom and truth in other spiritual paths, the closer to Wholeness we become. - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Time flies when you're having fun! Look at the years that have gone by and I've changed, for the better in my opinion. I'm not where I need to be but thank God, I'm not where I used to be either. I'm sorry I've been away so long but the race isn't always to the swift and I've been on quite a journey.

It's currently Hanukkah and in a few days, it will be Christmas. Yes, I know I'm not Jewish and you're probably not either. But I am always a fan of Hanukkah purely because the faith of the Maccabees and their fight ensured that the Jewish faith would continue. Do you realize if they didn't rebel and win their freedoms, that there would have been no Jewish community for our Lord to be born into a century and a half later? I am grateful for their victory and for the restoration miracle, the abundance of oil that burned for 8 days in the temple.

I hope you are having a peaceful holiday season. My wishes for you are for you to enjoy the ones you love. Pray for those who challenge you. Live each moment of every day.
God bless you now and into the new year.

What's the earth with all its art, verse, music, worth-

Compared with love, found, gained, and kept? - Robert Browning

This day I find myself seeing much more clearly. Life has handed me some amazing challenges and many blessings at the same time. What do you do with that? Do you run? Do you kneel? Do you stand and accept both with outstretched hands?

I've done an immense amount of work since I have been here last. I've changed a few goals. I've begun to work with the years of my writing to see where the story will take me. I also have been inexplicably changed by some in my life. It has all been good to see more clearly now the reasons I did not understand. For so many years I have forgotten the most important things and almost lost touch. Illness has helped to set me straight and remind me my spirit is much stronger than first believed.

I hope to be back again soon to share more.

Today is a simple, slow day. The sun is shining and the gladiolus outside of my front porch are blooming. Absolutely gorgeous! I have never planted them before but I do believe I'll add more to my garden next year.

The kids are in the playroom and I'm attempting to do some work. Writing that is.
I have so many thoughts and ideas in my head and plans for my future.
I hope you do too. I am in the goal setting mood today and that means I hope to put a date on my aspirations so as to bring them into existence. Will what I dream of happen today? Who knows? What I do know is that if I never toss it out there, nothing will ever happen.

I know many women who want to do more with their lives than laundry and dishes. Women who aspire to be actresses, singers, writers, artists. We are all these things right now and we just don't realize it. We have success in our daily round; we manage a life right now rather successfully. We need to just project our bigger buried dreams into the universe for them to take shape and bring us success also.
Let's embark on this journey together. I am tired of saying "If Only I had..."
Let's just leap and the net will appear.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. Joseph Campbell

So now it's 2004 and I haven't been on my blog for a long time. I am ashamed of myself. I've had a full year so far. Visited Disney in January, the kids were sick so our vacation became an adventure. I came back truly relaxed and once they were given proper medicine, they were well again. I have been busy as of late with the garden and the bounty of vegetables that springs from it. I have been freezing everything in sight. Fresh tomatoes are the best though so it is worth it.

I am heading to the great Midwest at the end of this month to visit family. I am sure that will be noteworthy so stay tuned.

I met Edwin McCain earlier this year with Stef - that was a lot of fun although I got in trouble for the really late night (4 a.m.) Oh well, you only live once, right?

I am re-reading "Simple Abundance" again (it's a yearly book, you know). I wish everyone would read this book and allow it to saturate their lives. It has changed me so much it is amazing. Sarah is my favorite author...still.

Enjoy your summer! I plan on coming back again soon.

Oh my gosh! It has been forever since I've been on my blog! What is wrong with me? Well Christmas shopping and then there is family to drive you insane. Life is never dull.

I saw the Return of the King on opening night - all I can say is this movie rocks big time!! Can't wait for the dvd! Did everyone just love that kiss that Aragorn planted on Arwen at the end.....swoon!! And Legolas did some serious tail kicking in this flick. I was impressed.

Wow! It's been a long time since I've been on here. Well I have been busy tending to summer. We went to the beach again and that was a lot of fun. The kids are in love with the ocean especially in the early evening. They would run down and play there almost every night.

We just had a full weekend of parties - one for my birthday and one for a bridal shower. It was a lot but so much fun! I know we had kids everywhere and they were running around, sliding down the water slide and having a great time. We had a great feast and I felt relaxed and at ease. I only have a birthday party every 10 years so this one was extra special.

I have a passage in Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach that I read religiously every year around my birthday. It is called "A Birthday Ritual".
Sarah says "Many people who love you will try, but no one can celebrate your birthday exactly the way you need for it to be observed. That's because no one really knows the year you've just completed; no one else has lived it. Birthdays are new beginnings, but they're also moments of personal closure.

Every birthday, not just the ones marking a new decade, is a significant milestone. Every age brings with it three hundred sixty-five Real life lessons.

"We turn, not older with years, but newer every day." Emily Dickinson

I just finished reading something in the recent People magazine about some 1980's bands that are re-grouping and going out on tour again. What a scream! The one that I already knew about was Duran Duran. What I think is amusing is that they have been together all this time minus, of course, a few original members. But that was a good thing. If they hadn't of split up, John Taylor might not have a nose by now due to his old coke habit.

The best part is that finally Simon LeBon looks good again. He looks like his old self.
He was doing something totally horrible for a while there. He was downright ugly! I couldn't stand it!

If you don't know, I was totally and completely in love with Simon. He stole my heart and kept me away from making huge mistakes with a few boys while I was in high school!
So here's to my smashing older man. May he always be in command of a stage somewhere. If I find myself in front of that stage one of these days...I'll keep a lighter in my purse in case "Save A Prayer" is on the play list...