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....

Flinched

Silence

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known or unknown

 

dreams fill our being

whether known or unknown

holding steadfast

controlling thoughts

with simple questions

should be so easy....

 

walking through the shadows

where's the clarity?

blind to see

can't be reached

faceless

 

From a distance

Nod if you can hear me

 

changes come eventually

struggling in our own space

is hard to match

that negative becomes a positive

we touch it, breathe it, experience it

 

the vibration covers you in this new world

finding some isolation, hearing the music

it asks for nothing

but gives everything

can you take me home? hear me? treasure me?

 

just one little nod

 

 

Distance speaks

Never forget that once upon a time, in an unguarded moment, you recognized yourself as a friend. " Eat Pray Love" - Elizabeth Gilbert



I stand alone with only my thoughts to answer to.
How did it come to this, with all that feels, all that shouts,
smiles back at me like sunshine surrounding my heart?
We both stand close together as one, but the distance speaks.
Under the spell again.
I can't breathe or let go of the dream.
It feels good, conquers all, and sustains peace of mind.

Glancing with patience

Sometimes it's hard to hang out in the crowd. Where the conversations are trivial and words fly without thinking. All that is wanted, all that is needed, seems to stand alone.

At a distance, it's unfathomable. At close range, unmistakable. Can you feel it?

You stand there with patience, as I sit waiting. Glancing up, knowing, expecting.

Choices, Change and Chianti

I always thought that a clear and sharp mind made for the best writing. After a meal of beef (Not sure why I ate it. Where's my veggie burger?) and a bottle of Chianti, lets try to prove that theory wrong.

First, I would like to step out and talk about the word choices. We make them every day. In what we say, think and decide. We live with them. We see them. Sometimes the consequences are what we had in mind, sometimes not. Bottom line, are the choices really about us?

How about changes. Right before our eyes the world keeps evolving. Nothing new about that. But, why is it that we're always surprised when change stares us down? Are we prone to conform so as not to worry? How about standing our ground? Why does change usually weaken our defenses? Not until we're comfortable will we exhale and say "yes, that's why I did it".

I write because I feel. I love because I can. I smile with every bit of sunshine sparkling through. This is me. Simple, complex and questioning. Always questioning. Have I figured it out yet? No. Definitely not. But I do know that with every flicker of movement, every breeze that touches my skin, I have substance. Within that substance is peace. I hold that close.

Along with every morsel of shift, comes the ability to soar. Every speck of opportunity, the capacity to learn. The words come freely. The pattern sometimes jumbled. But, I know that it's full and just waiting to be heard at times.

Unfortunate Slight

Lose control and let your emotions go. Untwist the feelings and let them fly. They will come back as clear as when they filtered in. Seize the moment, relish the thoughts. They are there.

Hold back and keep straight. There's a lot to say about continuance. Rest again peacefully. Smile genuinely.

Unfortunate slight.

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.