Sitting in church

I did not make it to church today, instead it came to me in the peace of early light. The parishioners gathered, as I entered and sat on my doorstep pew in the morning chill - a gentle breeze, swaying leaves talking amongst themselves, an occasional squirrel, daddy-long-legs, slender threads of golden sunlight dancing in patches on the lawn, and our dear cat Simon (though he paid little attention to the homily as dry skittering maple leaves round-danced distracting him). The choir of birds chirped and sang hymns of praise each in its own voice. I do love this church with a dome of sky for a roof, welcoming all who open their hearts and minds. The sermon was peaceful, its message spoken without words straight to my soul. I am grateful beyond measure for the blessings big and small in life, for the kindness of others, for babies and children and elders and all between, for sweet love, for sometimes tears, for laughter, for lessons learned (and learning still), for good health, and for meaningful work. The list is long, my gratitude great. Today is all ours, yesterday done and graded, tomorrow merely potential. The benediction simply to go and love one another.

The Blessings of a hilltop sanctuary

Earth has risen from its slumber and donned verdant attire. The view from the hilltop both heals and inspires me. Everything is alive and busy fulfilling the opportunities presented. This is my favorite time, when the introspection of winter gives way to action. The months spent pondering need to find purpose or it will just be forgotten. The hilltop is my refuge, sanctuary, and classroom. I love this hill where I come to sit, to observe, to pray, to relax. I can see so far away... the glory of sunrises, the beauty of sunsets, the full moon rising at day's end and setting serenely at dawn, storms gathering in the distance, holiday fireworks in at least 5 towns, the natural world going about its business... it is so wonderful and enriching here. I offer tobacco, burn sage and cedar, pray and listen. Some of my father's ashes are scattered here. Just down the hill is an orchard planted when my youngest was born. The house, the creek, the memories woven through time... they are precious to me. This place is so dear to my heart. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have spent time here learning and living and finding my way along the good path. It has been a healing balm.

Happy Mother's Day

     When Creator chose woman to carry the future of our human race he knew she was the best candidate for the job. He gave each one different combinations of his most precious gifts: love, patience, foresight, perseverance, creativity, eyes that see beyond the obvious, compassion, resourcefulness, and much more. To those who may have seemed to get the short end of the stick he gave them a double dose of humor to see them through. Creator didn't require all to give birth in order to be a mother either, some chose their children, some even chose children regardless of their backgrounds and loved them as their own. The line of women stretches back into the mists of time.

     For all the women in my life who have helped to make me who I am today and those who believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself I say a very grateful thank you. You are the golden sunlight that fills my spirit, the wind beneath my wings, the ones who taught me how to be a strong woman, that shared of their time and talents, my lady relatives by blood or heart, my dear friends, and the ones who fill my basket so I could have something to give away to others - you are amazing women. I love you all. Happy Mother's Day.