Motionless

So it goes, pale blue colored
standing afar, lingering
focus made, radiance
stumbling words, humbled stance
heart expressed, coming to life
words melting
intense cry chasing the sound
..."not you, stay there"....

Simplicity

Back to basics this year in the making of my wreath. Putting aside the ornate one of last year, I chose to make a wreath with what I had on hand. Limbs from a tree and pinecones that were thrown askew outside, I set out on the task. This was the first of my decorations and perfect for what I want to accomplish. Simplicity.

Apple or Pumpkin? :)

Thanksgiving of childhood years can bring back such fun memories. This year as I was at the hectic part of getting dinner on the table while everything was still hot, I received a text message from my cousin. I haven't spoke with him since the family reunion in July so I took the time to respond. He was at his parent's home with siblings and family also waiting for dinner. All he text was "I'm waiting to see if they're putting me at the adult table or kids table". That's all I needed to laugh hysterically for the memories came flooding back. Every year when we were young, our three related families got together that included us 7 kids. We in turn sat at the kids table separate from the adults and wondered which one of us would be lucky enough to sit with them at "the important adult table" the following year. As our knees grew closer to the card table's top, we thought surely the next year we'd be there. Never happened. We stayed at those small tables until our late teens when all of a sudden our significant others added too many for the occasion and dinner was split and had at three different homes. It wasn't until later in years did we realize that we had the best of the two tables. We had laughter and jokes, teasing, competitions of who could eat the most while balancing the table on our knees, along with conversations like why do we have to choose between apple and pumpkin since we just wanted both! But most of all, we had cousin camaraderie that has lasted over the years. When the line "kids table or adult table?" can be said to any one of my cousins and it produces a smile with laughter , you know we actually were at the important table. Pie anyone? :)

In line...right?

Stealing my heart with just a glance...

it keeps me trusting. How can it be any better than this?

Towards me, away from me. Breathe into my life... saving me.

Amicalola Falls

Fall in northern Georgia is beauty sprinkled with the crisp air that I love. Though far from my hometown of Pittsburgh, I've come to enjoy this season in the South. With every turn on this particular day, the trees looked as though they were ablaze. Hiking through this splendor of color was amazing and I was thrilled to be there on one of their peak days. I couldn't decide whether the journey to the Falls was better than the destination of the Falls itself! Isn't that how life is suppose to be anyway? Although...maybe another drive there would help decide. :)

McIntosh Reserve to Franklin County UCR Paddle Trip Oct 24-26, 2008

This is one of my favorite trips every year that Dan and I take. The cool crisp air along with the many shoals throughout this section, make for a great weekend of paddling. We began at McIntosh Reserve campground and 20 miles later concluded in Franklin County. At one point, I paddled off to a different section around an island and saw two eagles flying above. The contrast of the birds against the blue sky was amazing.
Looking forward to other days on the water. :)

Roar of Silence

Moments stand still. Every turn in view shows the dream...speaking the thoughts produce a smile, but in defeat the roar of silence plays forth. Avoiding those places, the presence gives solace.

There is a time for everything under the heavens

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted: a time to kill, and a time to heal: a time to break down, and a time to build up: a time to weep, and a time to laugh: a time to mourn, and a time to dance;....
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

I remember this reading from childhood, when going to daily mass seemed monotonous, but always left me feeling renewed. As the years went by, this reading stood out as one of my favorites and mass changed to being alluring. But as life came to pass and I was shown that everything wasn't black and white, it didn't have that same magical feeling when I listened to the lines. Today, as the day allowed me to attend mass, this reading showed its face once again in all its grace. In this timely manner I sighed and knew why. We are here yet only for a brief moment in the eyes of our being. We are here to love and be loved. To give of ourselves in care and comfort. To immerge in the world's beauty, absorb it's strength and discover the work God has done. There is an appointed time for everything...

Stumbling upon peace

Peace is never far behind in my world. It runs besides me thru times of difficulty, but settles in when called upon. As always in my life, certain places and things make that peace more assessable and therefore will lighten my heart. When I came upon the above phrase while traveling, it immediately had my heart smiling. How true those words ring.

Silent air

Standing still with no air....where to go from here...
If I backtrack, maybe I could find my footing.
If I move forward, will you stand with open arms to catch my fall?
Will your grip be reassuring..or have me looking back in earnest?

Gliding

looking out

make a wish

closing your eyes

look into your own

see it floating

scattering in the wind

watch it drift my way

hovering over time

finding a safe place to land

Motyl

"Happiness is only real when it's shared" ~Christopher McCandles~ Into the Wild


This alluring butterfly was flying around my flowerbed the other day. As I sat there and took dozens of pictures, I kept thinking that my photo would not capture the lightness of that beauty I was seeing first hand. The past few weeks I had witnessed bushes full of different butterflies on our river trip, then dozens more as I hiked thru Shenandoah Mountains a week later. But it was in my own yard that one stopped me in my tracks and reminded me of why I love butterfly gardens. The peace and tranquility seems to grab hold of me each and every time I take the moment to just watch them.

Flint River 95 miles, 7 days, 1 great time

Paddle Georgia 08 was on the Flint River this year. We started in Thomaston and paddled 95 miles to Oglethorp, GA. We had a fun time along the way and experienced many changes on the Flint. Former President Jimmy Carter spoke to us on the last day. He talked of protecting the Flint River and all that it entails. This funraiser helped establish a new river protection group on the Flint.

The Beautiful Flint River at the 1-mile stretch of Yellow Jacket Shoals where the river drops nearly 40 feet.

All smiles after the first fun day on the River. :)

One of the many shoals.

Dan making it look easy.
Jimmy Carter at the fish fry.

Enjoying the rapids :)

very simple....?

I look at these flowers and think of perfection, simplicity, and see a lightness that smiles through. With all the colors in the world, again and again I pick white flowers to plant. It shows off a brightness without being pretentious. But, within this simple flower, there still lies complexity. Simple, yet complex. I would definitely describe myself as such also. Simple in that I believe everything should be true and honest, yet complex in the depth of my perceptions. I will continue to plant white flowers, take pictures of them, and show them in all their glory. To me simplicity is what I strive for.....while complexity is what I hope for.

Swing Life Away

When was the last time I was on a swing.....? I can't remember, but know it was when the kids were little.
I was drawn to it this past weekend while visiting family in Pennsylvania. As I watched my nephew from the kitchen window, I saw a smile on his face as he was swinging. He was wrapped up in his own world and enjoying his quiet time. When did I last feel that? I used to love the big swings where it felt like you were a mile off the ground and letting go would take you flying.
Needless to say I went outside. I told him he looked quite content there and asked to join him. He said it's best when your swinging by yourself. Disappointed, I then turned to walk away so he could continue. He jumped up and said it was my time to see for myself! As he left me there swinging, I knew just what he was talking about. I could have stayed there much longer then my schedule allowed. There is something about swinging and smiling that goes hand in hand as I quickly learned.
He went and grabbed my camera and took this picture to remember that moment. :) I smiled while my thoughts were swinging life away.....

The Art of Spring

How beautiful spring is in Georgia. The flowers are blooming, birds are singing and the warmth of the sun is soaking through. These tulips have been adorning my front step all week. Every time I walk through the foyer, I can see them peeking through the side glass window of the door. I remember that rushed day when I actually threw them into the pot. I didn't have time to change the soil or set them in just right. But how glad I am that I took that extra 5 minutes to plant them. For now they are beaming brightly. That in itself has me smiling. :)

Quest

And I know
I may end up failing too
But I know
You were just like me with someone disappointed in you

First glance, it's shining brightly. Then the mist of rain comes into play. The eyes remain steady in this direction. The quest unknown.... the stance forthcoming... but lost under the surface.

Moments...

The silence between
your words stand
firm....it is at
those moments
where I see the
calmness that steals
my heart.

Etowah River

I spent a cold February day on the river with Daniel and sixteen other people. We paddled the Etowah River with the intentions of going through an old mining tunnel that was 1/4 mile long. It was supposed to be dark, narrow, quick and scary. Just what I was looking for. :) Needless to say when we arrived, there were "no trespassing" signs with a fine of $5,000. Dan, myself and all but a few opted to paddle on down the river instead of taking our chances. With the temperatures in the 30's, we decided not to chance getting stuck in a dark cold tunnel alone nor pay a fine. (maybe when it gets warmer :)

But, it ended up being a fun day on the water. We had obstacles that made the paddle exciting, a takeout that took every bit of leftover energy, and we met new friends to paddle with in the future. Can't wait till next time. :)

What's in your world?

2008

Making my way into 2008
while not discounting the past year
the future looks bright and clear
and the possibilities endless.
I'm smiling at the thoughts
enlightened by the dreams
warmed from my surroundings
and always with my inner peace intact.
Watch me fly....