Distant Horizon

There is no pain, you are receding.
A distant ships smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what youre saying...

Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd

When I watched the sun going down on this particular evening, I felt as though I could just sit there forever. There is something about the peacefulness that occurs as it slips away. Almost as though time should stand still during that last speck of light. A stillness surrounded by a comfort that we grasp for. Mesmerizing at it's best.

Capture it....feel it.... rest in it.

Fleeting Glimpse

Behind the eyes I see

not only here and now

but feelings standing lone

dreams showing thru

discovering, learning, imploring.

One would not understand

and see only a fleeting glimpse

that makes it real

Piercing, yet gentle

The object to crave sits looking on.

Piercing and gentle.

Pulled in from a distance.

Flattered by your presence,

yet simply can't quench that thirst,

your look says you've experienced all.

Embodied, yet unblemished.

The quietness fills the air,

speaking with silence.

walking out

  

whatever I say should have some bearing

does it matter now

my thoughts in line, scattered, oppressed

ideas seem to flow when I let them

is there control here, out there

can you relate when you crucify

will I transform them to fit your dream

though I sit and watch mine fly

altered mood

my own zone

the breathing just got easier 

He has been here

 

Solitude has been my best friend through life. 

 It has not disappointed me.  It comes to me when in great need,

and it leaves when ready.   It's never desperate for changing,

but vanishes when asked.  It won't argue, nor judge.

Solitude can leave me smiling.  It is never lonely. 

It's having a chance while starving for compliance. 

Have I said too much?....

 

The more you push me down, the more I press on. 

The more you insist, the less there will be to give. 

Handle my love with care and everything will be yours to hold.

The easiest thing in the world to be is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don't let them put you in that position.
-- Leo Buscaglia

It is easiest to be myself. As others look and make their perception based on what they see, almost always something new comes to pass that makes them question. How easy it is to make assumptions. We clarify if only for our self, the road that is sometimes lonely yet sometimes needed, how to go on. Lots of people talking, few of them know.

 

 

 

     that's me in the corner                                  

     trying to find my way out                                  

     learning that I can't see where

 

     consider this

 

     the world stays still

     in everything that I know, believe, act

 

     consider again

 

     the spin in my head

     in just about every dream

     comes tumbling down

Abundance

If we possessed every virtue, but lacked humility, those virtues would be without root and would not last. -- St. Vincent de Paul

At times, I take a step back and look around me. I see things that I never dreamed of when young, and the sense of luck and fortune enters my mind. I step back in another direction and know everything I imagined has indeed showed it's face. And yet stepping back for another view, I see that the simple things have stayed the same for me.
The world and it's beauty that have always showed the path for my outlook, shines. Yesterday, I smiled when seeing that my flowers overtook this statue that has been adorned with color since my childhood. It is the same smile of those early years, the same beauty of color, the same statue. In abundance? Definitely.

My garden bursting into Life

 

I've been taking pictures of butterflies the past week while in my garden.  These insects have been fluttering around minding their own business while I stand in wonder looking at their perfect beauty.  So light and airy, they bring my garden into a life of it's own. 

 I see them as extraordinary in their own right, peaceful in our midst. 

Watch me shine

Sitting in wait

Looking beyond

While beautifully placed

Freely smiling

On the grounds of just being

It breaks thru the silence

Speaking loudly

Seasons change

But watch me shine

If only for now

For tomorrow, I've yet to endure

Kelly's flip

I will have to say that Kelly's first time in my kayak was an experience for her. :) As I was putting her in the boat, I kept hearing her say "I can't do this!". I just laughed and told her "just do it!". Little did I know that as soon as I turned my back, she was in the water. As I jumped in to make sure she exited the boat, I saw her on her back laughing and saying "I told you so!". She didn't want to get back in, but she tried again. After being more patient this time, she did well and enjoyed a little paddle in the cove. She proceeded the next day to venture out more into the lake with me. It was a fun time. :)

High Museum of Art, Atlanta

NEW PHOTOGRAPHY

Taryn Simon

 

 

Ron Williamson

A former baseball player, he served 10 years of a death sentence for a murder he did not commit.

There is always something new to learn after visiting the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.    The other day was no exception.  The new exhibition on display consisted of 4 contemporary photography artists.  The one in particular that stood out to me were the works of Taryn Simon, a New York City-based artist.  One of her projects called Nonfiction,  included photographs documenting international regions in turmoil.   The pictures were very interesting, though sad of the destruction.  The other series that stopped me in my tracks were The Innocents.  They were photos of men  wrongfully convicted, imprisoned, and then subsequently freed from death row.   The primary case of wrongful convictions were mistaken identification.  They were exonerated through the use of DNA evidence.  This series of photos were taken at the scene of misidentification.    Each one was bold in their look of emotion and left me wondering of the path they went getting to that point.  I plan on getting the book containing all the photos and reading the stories behind it.  I thought it interesting.

 

Butterflies

The butterfly is a flying flower. The flower, a tethered butterfly.

- Ecouchard Le Brun

What is more graceful than a flower? A butterfly of course. :) On this particular day, I had two of those beautiful insects land on my hand. I watched them closely, admiring their beauty. It made me think of all the pictures of butterflies I took in my garden looking through a lens. On this particular day, I just watched it sitting there at close range. I think it was saying, "just look in the moment before life passes by".

Thompson Weinman Dam

Obstacles/Rapids:

Mile 3.5 - Thompson Weinman Dam - This lowhead dam poses a serious, dangerous threat if you go over it. There are no buoys to mark the dam so unless you know it is there, it is very easy to paddle right up to it's lip without realizing you are about to go over a 20- foot drop. After going beneath the Ga 293 bridge, keep to the left bank. Safety boats will direct you to the portage path. A TRIP OVER THIS DAM (RE:WATERFALL) COULD BE FATAL.

The above message was on our map for June 28th of the Paddle Georgia Trip. As I was preparing that morning for the 18 mile paddle, I read this paragraph on our map for the day. Needless to say, I was a little apprehensive, but sure that we would find this place and get around it becaue we were with 300 other people that day. We did just that and took pictures in front of it after we portaged around the dam. But I'm still thinking about that place 2 weeks later and keep wondering why there are not any buoys or warning signs posted in that area. Yes, we were fine because we were aware of it, but what about someone just getting out for the day and paddling this part of the river? I have found a web site for the Etowah River and plan on posing that question. We had caution signs along the river at different times for sediments and debris in the water, why not a sign for this dam??

May angels lead you in

So what would you think of me now,
so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance.

Sometimes one just knows. While up in Pittsburgh last week for the family reunion, I noticed my cousin watching me and looking like he wanted to talk. I had spoke to him earlier about basic family catching up, but this was different. I felt he wanted to discuss something we had both experienced. I was correct with my instinct. I finally saw the opportunity to approach him as he sat in a lounge chair with an empty chair next to him. As soon as I sat down he started talking. I just smiled and was ready. I had been waiting to talk with him about this for a long time. He had lost his only brother, as I had lost my only sister . Him and I are the same age and both our siblings were two years older than us. We both have a remaining sibling, but I always wanted to know his inner thoughts of losing his brother that was so close to him growing up as my sister was to me. There was a connection that I knew he would understand. As we sat there, it seemed as if we finally shared something that was needed for both of us. It was time.

And if you were with me tonight,
I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big,
God wouldn't let it live.

May angels lead you in

Artist: Jimmy Eat World Lyrics
Song: Hear You Me

Paddle Georgia 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Dan and I just returned from our week long trip down the Etowah River.  This was a project of Georgia River Network.  It was 120 miles total of 7 days on the river.  We camped each night and kept moving from the Dawson State Forest to downtown Rome Georgia where the Etowah meets the Oostanaula to form the Coosa River.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this picture, Dan and his friends left their kayaks to swim in the cool waters of the river.  What fun they had going over the shoals!  It was amazing to see how quickly friends were made on this trip.  Each wanted the other to finish the 120 miles of hard work paddling in rain, intense heat and strainers that filled the river the first few days.   

 

 

Here we are the last day on the water after going over quite a rapid before Lock and Dam Park in Rome.  As you can see we are smiling.  The week had gone fast and I for one didn't want it to end.  My thought was continue on down the River to Mobile and into the Gulf!  I guess I'll have to save that trip for another time.  :)

Come back Kelly!!! :)

"I can't wait to tell you guys about the whole trip! the only thing standing in my way is about 16 more days and an ELEVEN HOUR FLIGHT home. (ps...no one told me it would take longer to get back....yipes!) " Kelly 6-14-06

Kelly has been studying abroad in Italy since May and I am missing her. The group of 35 students, along with their professors from Emory, have been moving from city to city every few days with the Italian studies program. In general, they will have participated in 270 tours to towns/sites when it's all said and done. According to the school, this is "an academic ‘outward bound’ program engaging faculty and student participants in a discovery of Italy and of one’s self. " I will have to say that from her calls and emails, she definitely is discovering herself along the way.

I can't wait to see her! I look forward to the many pictures and the stories that she will have of her journey when she comes home the first of July.

I can't wait to see you Kelly!! :)

State Finals

 

We had a great time at the state tournament a week ago.   I have been waiting to post the team picture on here but  haven't received that yet.    Our team did really well and won 4 out of 5 matches.  We ended up tied for 1st in our group.  Our team had one set more than the other  1st place team and we couldn't move on to the next phase.  I assume we will try to be there again next year. 

Overall, the weekend was a lot of fun.  We had nice dinners in the evening and good conversation along the way.  It was an experience that we all will remember.  :)

Tennis anyone?

Winning at tennis was excellent, but character off the court is more important. J. L. Atlanta Journal Constitution May 9, 2006

Today our USTA team is heading to Macon GA for the weekend to the state tournament. Should prove exciting, fun and maybe play some good tennis along the way! We have been waiting since last August when we won our division to head to this tournament to show our stuff. Hopefully we will come back with having a good time being there as a team and watching those who excel give us inspiration.

CRBI Canoe-a-thon, Race and Environmental Fair

This past Saturday was the 6th annual Coosa River Basin Initiative's Canoe-a-thon, Race and Environmental Fair in Rome, Georgia. The Canoe-a-thon and the race were 13 miles on the Oostanaula River. It was nice to see over 120 people participate in this event to raise money for the River. Dan had a great time participating in the adult kayak group and took 3rd in that event! He was only a minute behind the first and second place winners who were in their late 20's. I would say for a 12 year old, he did excellent. Dave and I took first in the mixed tandem canoe category while our friends in this picture both took first in the men's single canoe and women's single kayak.

The day was beautiful, sunny and full of nice people to talk with after the race. Along with that, it was nice to know that money was being raised to keep the river maintained.

Let the river flow. :)

Tommorrow

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you."
-Lao-Tzu

I think we all need to be ourselves in this life we have. Valuable time can be wasted when we compete with others in things that shouldn't matter as much. I tend to follow my own way in areas that are important to me. Sometimes this raises eyebrows, sometimes not. We all have the ability to choose, but at times stand still in which direction to take.

When I falter, I raise.

When I doubt, I regroup.

If I compare, I lose sight.

Tomorrow, I will start over.

Bird of Confidence

Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.

Henry Van Dyke

This picture was taken as I was lying on the beach waiting to put my kayak in the Gulf for some paddling. I was looking at the blue sky and absorbing the sunshine as this bird caught my attention . With it's great wing span and searching eyes, it flew above me in a graceful flight. It was not as colorful as the many birds I saw while in Florida, but it shown brightly with it's confidence in flight. I layed there in wonder while thinking, dreaming and flying. :)

Georgia Aquarium

These sharks look far from real to me in this picture, but they are in fact very real. To me, they look like those toy rubber sharks that they sell in the store!  lol

 

We visited the Georgia Aquarium which is now the largest aquarium in the world.  It was beautiful with the fresh and marine water that filled the displays.  Even though the salt water fish showed their bright colors vividly, I seemed to love the fresh water rooms.  They had a flat glass ceiling showing the fish, and my instant  thought was that this would be great in a bedroom.  To just lay there and look up and see the fish swimming around would definitely be pretty calming to me.  I actually had a dream last week where two of the walls in my bedroom were aquariums!  Dreams do come true, don't they?  :)

Map of myself

This is pretty much what journals are all about, at least to me. I knew as I wrote them that even though they provided an excellent place for brain (and heart, and psyche) dump, they were mainly a map of me.
-- Colleen Wainwright, communicatrix, 03-23-2006

This journal has definitely been a map of myself the past few years. At times I have written in the heat of the moment and during the pulsing of my heart being challenged. I have posted the proud moments that have surfaced in my children's life, while I stood on the side just absorbing their excitement. I was at first tentative as I switched from handwritten journals to open journal writing on the computer. But creativity that had been overflowing, surfaced as ideas flooded in. How nice it has been to look back and see that path over the years as I read older entries. It seems as though when there were too many eyes watching I tended to step back. Personality trait? Yes, I would say so. But, with my heart and soul submerged in the written word, I've come to realize how lucky I am for that release and for that map that continues to make me smile.

dan gogh?

This is one of many pictures that Dan has made at school. Most of the large ones are hung in my laundry room for a wall of artwork. I liked this one as I thought the colors were good and that he used different shading to show the depth.

All of a sudden I'm hungry for a piece of cake. :)

Strength

Would you sell the shirt off your back just to get what you need?
Before we go any further, would you do it if I ask?

Would you rob my heart to soften yours? Lighten my load while securing yours??

Watching it scatter in the daze of love
Hanging on tight
Gaining my strength
Smiling in the process

Dan's New Kayak

I am just as excited as Dan in him getting his new kayak. He made this purchase last month in January after saving money for a couple of years. We paddled out on the lake last week when the weather was nice and the sun shinning. I also signed up for another week long trip with him this summer. We will do both the rivers and lakes this year and hopefully make a trip to the ocean for some sea kayaking. It's great to see him enjoying one of my passions in life. :)

Books

Although the controversy has died down about this author, I thought I would write about these books.

I had read both back in the fall before all the hoopla started. I was enthralled with Million Little Pieces and couldn't put it down. I found it to be an encouraging book with great meaning. As I was reading it, I did think that he was so far gone in the drug and alcohol world that he couldn't have remembered everything exactly. That was OK for me, because the meaning that I got out of the book was more important. It was different than any book I had read before, and I liked that also. My Friend Leonard was also a good follow up.

We will be reading Million Little Pieces at my suggestion, for our book club in the next coming months. I can't wait to hear the controversy and should prove to be good discussions. :)

SUPER BOWL XL

http://www.post-gazette.com/

It's so great to be Super Bowl Champions again!!  Way to go Steelers!!!!

 

Suduko

This is the new challenging game that I've been doing as of late.  I was introduced to this game last month and it continues to interest me every chance I get to play it.  Challenges themind I would say.  :)

Each row, column and “area” (3*3) should contain the numbers 1 to 9 however: 
Number can appear only once on each row 
Number can appear only once on each column
Number can appear only once on each area (3*3 slots)
The bottom line : the number should appear only once on row, column or area.

Statue at Carnegie Museum

The art of the embrace. I'm not sure which I like better, the statue itself or the embrace. Are they clinging together for pure love? Surrendering? Heartbreak? Or longing to just feel another's touch? The intenseness of this embrace shows.
In my life, I tend to hug those around me. Where it once seemed foreign to me while I was young to embrace friends, it now comes naturally. Sometimes you feel their love coming thru, other times just the motion is there. Yet, it doesn't take away the need that I have to express.
I like to think this statue signifies heartfelt love in the time of need, as feelings left unheard can never penetrate the desire we have to love.

Quieting the senses

What is considered priority?
My life has mounds of priorities that sometimes can be overwhelming, though every one has importance in some way. Yes, few are of the most importance, but that does not diminish the others in their own way. The feeling of being pulled in a thousand directions can sometimes fog my path. It is at those moments that I stand back, find the quiet, and listen to my heart. This brings me to my center and throws the energy back in my being.
I had to do this the other day as my world closed in around me. I sought out the place where the peacefulness surrounds me and the quiet fills my senses.
I returned refreshed, smiling, and ready to conquer anything in my path. :)

Carnegie Museum of Art

The Carnegie Museum of Art was on the top of our list to visit while in Pittsburgh. Living there, I would always take the family to see the latest exhibits. Most of the time, I felt I was dragging them there to see something that interested me and not them. While there last week, I ventured off to look at paintings that caught my eye. After what seemed like hours, I went looking for Kelly. I found her sitting and intrigued by this piece of art. I smiled and took her picture. Apparently all those trips to the museum planted an interest of art in her. It was a good site. :)

University of Pittsburgh

While back home in Pittsburgh, we took the kids on a tour of Oakland where the University of Pittsburgh is located. It is also Dave's alma mater. This picture is the Cathedral of Learning. It is the tallest school building in the western hemisphere with 42 floors. This is one of the main attractions of the campus and one that we enjoyed showing to them. They've seen it before, but never on a walking tour. Actually a freezing walking tour in the dead of winter. Why not? lol

Merry Christmas

Today was a relaxing day spent at home with my family. After going to midnight mass last night and getting into bed around 3:30 , we had a lazy morning and awoke a little before 11:00. I enjoyed the excitement of everyone opening their Christmas presents. Seems that they were especially good this year. :)
Tomorrow we head out on a road trip to Pennsylvania. We will visit our family in Pittsburgh and stay the week with them. I am looking forward to time with my relatives.
I wish everyone peace and love this coming year. May you see the brightness in your everyday surroundings and the love and compassion in people that walk along your path. Merry Christmas :)

Contest

With everyone home from school on Thanksgiving break, we had a contest of making gingerbread houses.  I had only bought 2 of them because I didn't think anyone would be interested in building them.  Well, pulling them out that one day created a surprise for me.  Seems as everyone wanted to do it.  We divided up teams and I told them I wouldn't help either team.  I did concede after Team B added 2 cups instead of 2 tablespoons of water into the powder sugar to make icing!  I will have to say they did come out shining at the end with a nice house.  Although my daughter on team A, announced that it indeed looked like two guys did it.  What she mean by that?  lol 

Time

 

The way you define yourself as a writer is that you write every time you have a free minute. If you didn't behave that way you would never do anything.

     John Irving  

The days past have been hectic to say the least.  I have found myself craving the free time that has been lacking.  It seems as though time is rushing by and I'm left with a feeling of exhaustion and of want. 
I have piled up pictures and entries that need to be posted.  I have missed writing in this particular journal and feel the need to enter again.  Even if only for my own satisfaction of fulfilling my passion of writing.  Lack of time should not be lack of creativity.     
Let's see now, where's those pictures.....

The two sides of my brain need a half a meeting

Sometimes there's just no words left
when disappointment appears
and we see others as though for the first time

How is it that in our world of calmness
lay awakenings that spurs our thoughts
and questions our own ability
to excel in what we want

Persistent in being
move forward a must
success to follow

Dream Flights

I saw this hot air balloon flying over my home the other day. The Dream Flights written across the balloon caught my attention. How often is it that dreams really do become a reality? Are they sometimes right in front of us although we cannot see them, or do we continue to search until it is clear? I tend to search vividly in the light of day for those dreams to show themselves as I see it at night.
As this balloon dipped down low as if to land, I found myself chasing after it in my vehicle to the next street over. Was I chasing a dream? It chose not to land, but popped back up in the sky as dreams can often do in our life.
It was there, but out of my reach....

Weekend on the Chattahoochee River

Associate with well-mannered persons and your manners will improve. Run around with decent folk and your own decent instincts will be strengthened.
-- Stanley Walker

This past weekend I took a 2 day trip in my canoe with about 15 other people down the Chattachoochee River. I took a girlfriend with me and had a blast showing her the way of the water. We camped on private property that had a beautiful log cabin I have seen before in my dreams. It looked so warm and cozy. They built a massive bon fire that mesmerized me throughout the evening and warmed me along the way. We visited 2 different water falls and ate our lunch on a different island each day. I noted that usually when people are out doing what they love and sharing a common interest, the end results are those being more helpful and kind. It was a refreshing weekend and one that will carry me over until the next trip. :)

Can't say why.....

Divorce, Southern Style

A night out at the Canton Theatre was fun this past weekend. The prelude was dinner at a New Orleans style restaurant which was located across the street. We went to see "Divorce, Southern Style". This was a hilarious comedy about a middle aged divorcee's schemes to get back together with her ex-husband....of 15 years ago! The reason being, she was low on cash. Should be so easy. lol This production kept me laughing throughout with the actors fitting the parts perfectly. The ending was good and showed how strong us women really are.....the only way to be. :)

Friendships

Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance. Radindranath Tagore

I sit here thinking of the past few weeks and the new friendship that has emerged in my life. I've always said that good friends develop when you least expect it. These recent weeks are no exception. How nice it's been to openly talk without hesitation so quickly into the newness. I don't question the timing nor the reason. I just know that it has been refreshing. :)

This is my favorite part of the day when out on the water. As the sun continues to rise and glistens on the lake, it can leave me mesmerized. My senses are close by absorbing the stillness and quiet. It does wonders for my well being and the outside world seems far away. I have been fortunate to get out there at least twice a week as the weather continues to cool off. Yes, I might have to add layers on to stay warm, but that beauty continues to show it's face in a world of color.

Moments....

As you offer yourself to love....
and lay awake to ponder if things will change....
with the mere thought of heartache....
of those left behind.
I'm here.

I count on you now....
to lift my life unto yours...
and pray you'll stay next to me.

Just hold my hand tightly....

Parents

Brian, Dan and I flew up to Pittsburgh two weeks ago to visit my parents. It had been my mother's birthday and I thought a good time to go see her. It was an enjoyable time spent with family.
On this trip, I ended up not renting a car because my Dad insisted that their car was there for my using. The first day I asked him for the keys to go somewhere, I felt as if I was back in my teens trying to get away with something! After asking where I was going and how long I would be out, he proceeded to hand over the keys. My first thought was to say "where's the closest car rental place?!" The next trip was even more interesting. I sat in the back seat with my two boys, while Dad drove and Mom told him where to go! Once again, I felt like I was back in my childhood. It's funny how things seem to stay the same between parent and child, while child to parent changes. Parents....you got to love them. :)

1533

"He had been my lover for years and yet it had been my task to make sure that he never knew me. As he lay on me, and moved inside me, I felt as lonely as if I were the ship which bore my name, out all alone at sea." The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory

Out of the 650 pages of this book that I read, the two lines above stood out to me immediately after I read it. The loneliness that was portrayed of this girl seemed so real. Loneliness that seemed to slip so easily into her very soul and stay there unwanted. She was a girl who had everything, but had nothing that really mattered. I loved this book about the reign of King Henry VIII involving his first two wives. It's hard to imagine living in that era where females did not have a say in anything. I don't think that would sit well with me! This novel was compelling, spellbinding and I felt as if I was there in court with the Tudors each and every time I opened the book. There are not too many authors that can do that. I'm looking forward to reading the book that follows this one. :)

THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

 

Yes Derek, I'm back from vacation.  :) 

We took a couple of trips actually and one of them camping at Elkmont and hiking in the Smoky Mountains.  This was the most energetic trip for me and the one that I didn't want to leave from.  I saw my first black bear there when I was a child, and now my kids saw their first one also.  The first day of hiking to Laural Falls, we came upon a mother bear and 3 cubs.  Needless to say, I was a little nervous but excited to see them.  I didn't even take a snapshot picture because I was afraid the sound of my shutter  might cause a disturbance!  After watching them for a little while, the bears continued into the thick of the woods and we continued on our hike to the Falls.  Needless to say, the boys moved a little faster on the trail after that to keep up with my pace.  :)
We hiked to Grotto Falls and also many other trails in the mountains.  I felt alive and forgot the outside world for that week.  It was great and the scenery beautiful.  Next year I hope to bike the 11 mile loop around Caves Cove if I can get them to go back.  I think the word was, "This is Mom's thing, why do we have to do it?".  lol

Vacation

Going on vacation! See you in a week!

Carol

Mother Theresa

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
Mother Theresa

Throughout the years, I have always been drawn to reading articles and books about Mother Theresa. I had hoped to see her in person someday, but never had the opportunity before she passed away in 1997.
Our church last night had a presentation of her work in Calcutta and the Missionaries of Charity that served the poorest of the poor. I was moved to tears as I listened to Linda Schaefer described her experience in India. She was the last professional photojournalist granted complete access to Mother Theresa and her work throughout India. She talked of working side by side with her and volunteering her time and energy before Mother Theresa even allowed her to take any pictures.
It is always amazing to me to hear about Mother Theresa and the people that could never say "no" to her. It truly was an amazing life.

The English-Speaking Union, Atlanta

Yesterday, myself and 3 other members from our book club, went to a luncheon sponsored by the The English-Speaking Union in Atlanta. Philippa Gregory was there to speak of her new book "The Virgin's Lover".
This is a historical novel of the first year reign of Queen Elizabeth 1. It tells of the year 1558 when she had the challenge of a war against the French who were invading Scotland and the uprising by the English Catholics. Of course she falls passionately in love with a married man who is her favorite in court. Phillippa Greggory blends historical fact with modern day rumors. I found this novel hard to put down.

We had the chance to talk first hand with Phillippa and had this photo taken of us with her sitting in the middle. The four of us enjoyed the luncheon, her speaking of the book, and listening about her background. We are reading another of her novels "The Other Boleyn Girl" for next month's book club meeting which is about the reign of Henry VIII. I would definitely recommend these novels to anyone interested in historical times.

Searching

I awoke this morning very early again with one of a few dreams that has been following me for years. The dream of finding another part of my home that is untouched by everyone that lives here. It is a place that only I find over and over again as I open each door and walk thru each room. I have plans in my dream of going thru every trunk and looking under every covering to discover what is there. In my dream, I feel as though my life will unfold as I unfold those places.

I always awake from this dream wanting to find that place and have figured out long ago that I am searching in life. Do we unconsciously hunt for answers that will give us meaning?

Tennis

Our USTA summer ladies team finished off the season this year with a 9-1 team standing. We came in first place in the district and are headed to Macon for the State Championship next May. Yippee!
Should be a fun time and definitely a good experience for the team. All that hard work and sweating in the Hotlanta summer heat has paid off! :)

The Weekend

 

We spent the holiday weekend at the lake and I was able to get in some serious paddling time.  I enjoyed the quiet time early in the morning before all the motor boats hit the water.  With my map in hand I explored some new places.  I came across deer drinking from the water, different kinds of birds with my new favorite being the heron, and butterflies galore floating in the air.  I fully expected to see a snake in my boat each morning as I left the kayak on the water's edge.  I am happy to say that it didn't occur, but I did have an inch worm crawling up my inner thigh while out in the middle of the lake.  I was lucky I didn't tip!  I don't like bugs!  lol   Needless to say, I just came back from ordering a storage cover for the opening.   :)     

 

 

 

Even though one is unprepared
We can make it through the storms and wind of change.
With every hand that is extended
we should grasp
and every outlook will be the same.
It is in that emotion which holds steadfast
our feelings to give those comfort
when they don't even see where they will walk.