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Time is flying...

This has been a busy month and it will get busier next week…got some irons in the fire…working on a project but not ready to discuss it in too much detail yet..

Spent the day cleaning.  It was cold outside anyway…

Izzy just woke up, walked out into the hall way and barfed.  Just once.  Hope she is OK…maybe she got too hot…better take her sweater off …

Re-designed my other blog Mystical Journeys and it feels strange…Will think on it some more…I may end up doing an entirely new blog for my painting…

It's too late…or early…I have to get up in five hours…better hit the sack.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone….just in case this is my last post for 2013.

Acts of Kindness and Heroes Among Us...

Amazing story and video…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZGh2ytxrGk

Poetry Jam: Make the Last Memory Be the Best...

I learned a long time ago

how important parting is.

Be it at the end of a phone call,

 saying good bye for the night

or the last time before a separation...

I read a book entitled Celebrate the Temporary

 promoting contemplation of ones death often

with the realization our time here on earth

is temporary…each day is our last

before tomorrow.

September 4th, I lost a dear friend

The last time we spoke was week before she died.

I knew she had physical challenges

but her voice and laugh were still so young

as it was in High School 

She loved to laugh…

so I made sure every time we spoke

I made her laugh.

We talked for hours…

It was a good last memory.

©dkb

submitted for Poetry Jam

Challenge: To use the word last in 20 lines or less

Acts of Kindness...God Made Dogs

Had to share this video.  Anyone who was every blessed to have a dog, will love this and can so relate. I know I am so grateful for our adopted rescue pup Izzy.  We just celebrated four years of her adoption.
I know there are a lot of cat lovers out there too...I will be looking for a video on them...

Why?

image from Pinterest

we are all leaves

from different trees

we color the world

with our changes of color

shapes, sizes, seasons

and hues

different

yet the same...

we live in the same forest

making the world

we know 

more interesting

more joyful

to experience

why do humans

cut down forests

for progress

for profit

for greed?

why?

why do humans

make it so complicated

by judging others

by our differences?

is it about fear?

negativity?

does our technology

breed competition to out do

another

to make the most money?

why?

they can't take it with them.

why is so imperative

some should have 

so much more

than another?

why?

for what purpose?

to feel better?

more powerful than another?

more secure?

what? why?

wouldn't it be nice

to see sports teams

representing and 

playing for charities?

where both teams contribute portions 

of their proceeds to their charity?

more television programing

like Secret Millionaire

Undercover Boss

Extreme Home Make Over Home Edition

more feel good programing...

how about programming

with a panel of experts

and viewers can log in or

call in to get expert advice

for free...

(what a concept!)

what about political

parties setting an example

to show the country

how to get along?

how about a movement

to be kind to one another

or to treat everyone 

like a member

of one's own family?

everyone wants 

to feel loved,

safe,

significant,

wanted,

accepted

and to have a purpose...

so why try to take it away from them?

what about professionals,

sports figures,

famous celebrities

and millionaires

donating their valuable time

to teach in schools

or hold classes

with the unemployment offices?

why not?

why can't they share

their skills and knowledge?

what about neighborhoods

getting to know one another?

having a list of names, phone numbers

and emails to keep in touch

have pot lucks

assist in ride sharing

helping in emergencies

sharing skills and knowledge

getting to know one another

networking

brainstorming

helping with child care

pet sitting

so many possibilities...

we can't allow

technology

to take away

the human element

of touch...

to have eye to eye contact
 listening
to communicate with
another's soul

many humans

enjoy the forest

nature

the out of doors

it gives them peace

relaxation

calm

yet...how many

see the comparison...

the example

as a possible solution

for mankind?

there is so much peace

in simplicity

less complication

in forgiveness

joy in gratitude

understanding in appreciation

freedom in acceptance

fulfillment

in making another smile...

why don't we see it more?

why does it have to be 

scarcity or excess?

©dkb

Acts of Kindness....

Just driving along a road and noticing something on the side of the road...
She stops and discovers it is an injured dog...

If you ever doubted your power to change some one's life...watch this video.

Positive Thoughts For a Better Life...

"Some days are better,
  Some days are worse.
  Look at the Blessing,
  Instead of the curse.
  Be positive, stay strong
  and get plenty of rest.
  You can't do it all,
  But you can do your best."

-- Doe Zantamata

Magpie # 188: A Tree on a Hill...

Mark A. Haley 2010 photo

Photo prompt presented by Tess Kincaid 

Poetry challenge by Magpie Tales

standing mid-ascent 

the sky reflects my mood

the impaled tree in the distance

stands alone, plowed through and indifferent

a huge, abandoned, empty water main pipe

indiscriminately dropped, splitting the tree

which simply adapted and grew around it

teaches lessons in it's silence

the open meadow is dry

over baked by the sun

many dying from lack of rain

it crunches beneath my feet

were these stone steps

laid to hush the sounds of loneliness?

so pilgrimages could be made

to the solitude of sitting beneath a tree?

the wind always finds me

on this hill of pondering thought

taunting me with wind whispers

or yelling with rumbling thunder

the effort is always rewarded

if nothing more 

than the example of determination

and steadfastness

the view gives insight

much appreciated 

by a familiar friend

even if it is a tree on a hill...

10-1-13 ©dkb 

Short Break....

My Father passed away this past Sunday, peacefully in his sleep.  He has been in a nursing home for the past four years with Alzheimer's.. He would have been 93 in November.  He was a War Hero and a wonderful Father.

A family friend and fellow Marine wrote an incredible tribute to Dad and I re-posted it on my my other blog.  

I will be taking a break for a few weeks.  I will be traveling to California to be with my family and spend some time with my Mom.

Thank you so much for the kind emails I have already received...

Power Jam: Super Hero...

This is an older picture of my Mom, who is now 86 years old and myself.  I was probably in my late fifties in the photo, I am now 66.

This Poetry Jam challenge, hosted by Brian Miller (his blog WaystionOne), is to write about Super Heroes.

My Mom is my Super Hero.

She dared to go where she had never been

and sailed way past her comfort zones

She married young, totally unprepared,

during WW II

She learned "on the fly" how to be a Military wife,

to cook and become a Mother

an only child, she had seven of her own

She suffered the death of one of her sons

only 48 hours after his birth

She led by example and strong beliefs

yet always willing to listen and discuss anything

encouraging us to have our own opinions

we are very much alike emotionally

so we butted our stubborn, hard heads a lot

each of us always knew

she was there for us

She may not have been able to solve 

our problems, but she was in our corner

offering suggestions and supporting us

She taught me to be my own person

She taught me to listen to my gut

She taught me not to do anything

I would not want seen 

on the front page of a newspaper

being hard headed

I still pushed the envelope

and made my mistakes

yet I always knew she was there

if nothing more than

reminding me... it was a good life lesson.

She taught me to stand up 

for what is right

and for what is wrong

often we had differences 

of opinions-- but we could talk about it

and agree to disagree

She taught me to love my country

to be proud of our heritage

to do for others so I would not

dwell on myself

She demonstrated the importance

of keeping one's word

showing up on time,

with the commitment to finish what we started

She did not miss work

and worked so hard she would

fall asleep in the chair with her purse on her lap

taking a "cat nap" before cooking dinner

She wants to learn and be informed

She reads the complete newspaper

and does crossword puzzles in ten minutes flat

She knows her way around a computer, iPad

and smart phone.

She has faced the majority of her fears

but has not yet learned how to swim

while still raising school age children

she took a job when Dad did not earn enough

She could budget, save and stretch money 

teaching us always to meet our

responsibilities first, which

gave us time to decide

 how important

something really was

that we thought we wanted

today she celebrates 68 years of marriage

Dad has been in a nursing home

for the past four years

prior to his admission

she was his caregiver for over ten years

and earning a living for both of them

She just retired three years ago

working to the age of 83

She still lives in the two story home

where we were raised

She is still independent

She rarely calls for help

She does not interfere

and gives her love and wisdom

honestly without expectations

Super Heroes sound good
look good
depend on TV and movies--
I'll take the real,
human
dependable type...

She's my Mom

my friend

I love her

respect her

and am so proud to be

her Daughter

`©dkb

Cookin' Up Something Good...

"Writing is what we make from the broth of our experience..."

-- Julia Cameron from The Writer's Life Insights from the RIGHT to WRITE.

The Learning Years....

" There are years that ask questions and years that answer..."

-- Zora Neale Hurston

On Feeling "Uncreative"...

"One must also accept that one has "uncreative" moments.  The more honestly one can accept that, the quicker these moments will pass.  One must have the courage to call a halt, to feel empty and discouraged."

-- Etty Hillesum


Hellish heat permeates the barrage of depressing news
Days of drilling within
Tapping into nuggets of creativity
Restoring the sadness of soul

Some days there is nothing
Courage is required of patience
Drawing upon inner faith of self
Remembering the source of Perfection

Like smooth, quiet waters bring calm
Be the calm
Be the quiet
Gather the peace
Be ready for the big wave of inspiration

~©dkb

Interest in Life...

"Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music -- the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people.  Forget yourself."

-- Henry Miller

I Choose to Bless This Life...

"Bless a thing and it will bless you.
Curse it and it will curse you...
If you bless a situation, 
it has no power to hurt you,
and even if it is troublesome,
it will gradually fade out,
if you sincerely bless it."

- Emmet Fox

The older I get, the more I realize how true this quote really is.  I am challenging myself to concentrate on faith and bless a particular situation, knowing worry will not help or solve anything.  Our lives unfold and events happen...  Often we don't like the results, but disliking it and getting all worked up only make it worse.

I've been a "worry wart" so much of my life and the only thing it did for me was make me nervous, negative, fearful and insecure.  When I learned to embrace change instead of fight it, I feel my life flows better.

My husband is always saying, "It is what it is" and "Everything happens for  a reason"; and his philosophy has influenced me for the better...  For a long time I felt this was a cop out.  In my younger days I was a warrior and fought for my principals.  Not that I don't today, but often what I thought were battles were really my not liking the outcome of something. More and more now I see the wisdom in not sweating the small stuff...and really, most of the time, it is ALL little stuff when placed in perspective of an entire life.

Circumstances often challenge, but the more I tell myself "You can handle this", the easier it becomes...
Doubting myself is like slapping myself across the face.  Who needs that?

One of my most stressful times of my life was after my divorce, raising my two daughters alone.   I suppose struggling to make a living for us, often working two or three jobs, was a big part of it.  I wanted to keep my girls in private school and knowing I was in it pretty much alone as a single Mom with full custody was extremely stressful.  I had a lot of doubts in my ability to hold it together but by doing it I learned how strong and capable I am.

My daughters are now grown with their own families and I get to bask in the joy and pride of how capable and strong they are.  Raising them I was the teacher,  the comforter, the protector, the provider, the problem solver, the enforcer, and it was challenging.  Now, despite living further away, I am called upon when needed and occasionally invited to share my opinion.

Living a life of purpose has always been my focus.  Being retired and not having the responsibility of raising a family can often feel aimless and without purpose.  I don't want to allow the fact of my aging to become an excuse to slow down and lose my vision.

I have to confess, I have cursed having to stay here in Nevada, being further from my children, grandchildren and large circle of family and friends. We came here originally for a better job for my husband and planned to return to California when he retired.  No one had any idea the economy and housing market would fall off a cliff as it has....

I have decided to bless the fact we are living here now.  I will have faith and believe our lives will continue to weave and enter twine despite the distance because we love one another and are a close family. I hope one day soon we will eventually live closer, but in the mean time, I accept and bless our lives as they are now.  Cursing my situation will only make me feel full of regret, hopelessness and misery.  The last thing I want to do is burden my family with a negative attitude.

So today, I submit this vow into the Universe and pledge to see more blessings and do a lot less cursing and complaining...  You all are my witnesses.

Magpie #178: Harley

Painting by Andrew Wyeth

photo presented by Magpie Tales

poetry challenge by Tess Kincaid

Harley

she laid upon the cool dewy grass

admiring his physique 

in the moonlight

his body cloaked in powdery pollen

from their romping on the hillside

they had made love 

after skinny dipping

 the lake

 cool and refreshing

after a long days Harley ride

she became transfixed

with the single beam

from the motorcycle's head light

 symbolizing how quickly 

they had become one

their attraction was intense

their bodies were re-born in their union

nothing mattered

everything was effortless

molding together as smooth

as the Harley's unique purr

they were headed toward

Big Sur

 the rest

 would unfold as they rode

 into their destiny...

©~dkb~

Mag #176: Statue de la Liberté....

Supermoon, 1013 Julio Cortez AP

Challenge by The Mag (Magpie Tales)

Photo presented by Tess Kincaid

standing proud

Lady Liberté

illuminated by a super moon

a celestial drum roll

for your re-opening

after repairs

from hurricane Sandy

your strength

of integrity

shines hope 

to every soul

craving a new start

rejuvenating

each set of eyes

who experience

the welling of pride

and emotion

when first

meeting her

we need a symbol

someone

some thing

to bring us back

to what is 

really the most

important...

freedom

non judgment

and love

©~dkb~

If Only....

Image from Pinterest: weheartit.com

if only

i could run daily

on the beach each day

away from this desert town

if only 

i could find the happiness

which comes

from being closer to you

if only

i could look forward

to doing the little things

which make up a day in a life...

if only

i could be there

whenever you felt the need

to call so we could be together...

if only

i could turn back time

and find another way

so I didn't have to go...

if only

i could feel the joy

in hearing your laughter

and feeling your arms around me

if only

we could sit over lunch

or dinner or breakfast

just talking about whatever

if only

we could play a game

or watch a video 

together...to watch your face brighten in a smile

if only

i could be there

for all the memories

instead of hearing over the phone or watching a video

if only

i could tell you

without making you 

share this heavy burden

if only

i could bloom

where I am planted

and make the best of it

if only

i could shake the sadness

to awaken my creativity

and find so many ways  to show you 

if only

i could pick you up

and enjoy your company for the day

or weekend...

if only

we could sell this house

I'd do it in a minute

to find something, anything closer to you

if only

i had one wish

it would be

to be closer to you

I love you

©~dkb~

Conscious Choices....

Pinterest image: http://pinterest.com/judybelmont

each
and every day
we live and learn
hopefully
most of our choices
are conscious ones
generated from within
through what we've learned
through our parents
and living
experiencing on our own

we do the best
we can
knowing we are
imperfect
but growing
open to vulnerability
because
it is the only way
to courage

©~dkb~

Thinking of My Dad...

My Dad is not doing well.

He has Alzheimer's and will be 93 this coming November.  He has been losing weight rapidly since the beginning of the year.  He weighs 116 pounds as of last Sunday.  He has a huge skin cancer growth on his left pinkie toe the size of a child's football which we suspect is why is WBC is rising.  His right eye is closed due to skin cancer, he has a fifty-cent sized melanoma on his left temple and another skin cancer on his upper lip.

He has poor circulation in his legs so the antibiotics don't help much...he has heart trouble, thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis in his hands and joints...and the list goes on. He is under Hospice care due to "failure to thrive".

He has been less and less responsive on our family visits as if he is too tired to be excited.  He has always had a excellent, voracious appetite, but even that has been waining. He speaks so softly it is difficult to hear him. I think he is ready and preparing to go...

My brother from Ohio flew into California last Monday.  I was suppose to leave Nevada Tuesday, then today, but needed more time to get myself emotionally prepared.  I will leave early tomorrow morning...my four brothers, sister, Mom and I will all gather around Dad on Father's Day.  Afterwards, we'll go over to my sister Holly's for food and reflection.

My brother has been visiting with Dad every day this week, reading the Bible to Dad, who seems to be soaking it all up and receiving comfort.

Dad has been in the nursing home four years the 22nd of this month. My husband's Mother also had Alzheimer's and after her husband died at 90, she died at 93, four years and five days after him.  She had no health issues, it was all the Alzheimer's.

My suitcase is packed and my dog Izzy knows "something is up".  She will be staying home with my husband. I plan on coming home next Monday, the 17th.

No matter how much I prepare...I cannot settle into the thought of losing Dad, despite feeling like I lost him several years ago when he was claimed by this insidious disease...it still doesn't make it any easier.  I know he will leave us.  I know I will feel relief knowing none of his medical issues will get the opportunity to get worse...He never complains of pain, but how can we be sure he isn't in pain and just unable to express it?

I'm so thankful we had him for so long.  I have enjoyed him for 66 years and feel very blessed to have had him for my Father.  I feel no regrets.  Dad and I have always had a very close, bonded relationship.  I am his firstborn and am named after Dad and his Mother.  I believe the heavenly chariot will come for him and take him up to heaven where he will be reunited with our other family members, family friends and family pets.  I am at peace with it and have put Dad in the hands of our Lord.

It is the circle of life and we all take our turn....We have come close to thinking Dad would leave this last year...putting him with Hospice last August; but he surprised us and bounced back with new energy.  This time is very different.  We all see him slowing way down.  He seems so very tired.  The weight loss and lack of appetite sure indicate a big downturn...May God comfort you Dad and allow your exit to be a peaceful one...I love you.

A Request..

"A criticism is just a really bad way to make a request...so why not just make the request?"

Example: "Could we find a way to make this thing which upsets me so much, go away?"

from Diane Sawyer on Oprah's Master Class

I just LOVE this...and want to implement it into my life.

Parenting Manifesto...

"Above all else,

I want you to know

that you are loved and lovable.

You will learn this from

my words and actions...

You will learn that you

are worthy of love,

belonging,

and joy every time

you see me practice

self-compassion and embrace

my own imperfections.

We will laugh and sing

and dance and create.

We will always have permission

to be ourselves

with each other.

No matter what,

you will always belong here.

As you begin your

Wholehearted journey,

the greatest gift

that I can give to you

is to live and love

with my whole heart and 

to dare greatly."

Brené Brown

from her book, Daring Greatly

Magpie #170: The Voyage of Wounded Warriors....

Ponytail by Last Exit

Challenge presented by Magpie Tales
Photo Challenge presented by Tess Kincaid

Not sure which is the worst mutiny;
self abuse

or what we allow from others...
 Wounded warriors

of love

 taking the short end
for the sake of
"the greater good";
turning the "other cheek"
hoping for better weather...
Keeping commitments
instead of a daily log,
but feeling doubt...
 And after awhile
it begins to feel too heavy...
 A threatened presence
is a challenge to any self esteem;
to be unheard
unseen
dismissed
is a lonely voyage...
Learn the lesson.
 Standing tall

often means sailing alone;
independent
intuitive
following the stars of instinct
with way less judgment...
Yearning for invincible youth
doesn't come to aged faces...

but fresh starts
are for anyone
willing to raise their sails and lean into the wind...

Reclaim your self respect

before disillusionment chains it up

 and sinks it into the deepest of oceans...
 Altruism is a  noble chart to set
as long as staying on course
in the day to day battle
is being true to one's own compass...
How much has to be given away
before the poison plume of vapor
steals it like a monstrous wave?
 One clear, blue-skied day
 subtly as the swing of a pony tail
in a sudden gust of wind;
the jib will jolt the sailor
 into alerted consciousness
 of a new awareness
and the alarm sounds....

©~dkb~

Connection....

"Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment."    -- Brené Brown

Brené Brown's TED Talk on The Power of Vulnerability. 20 minutes.

Don't Look Back...

from my Pinterest boards...

once you pack it up
with NO REGRETS
knowing you did
all you could do
you don't look back
you move forward
you hold your own umbrella
and weather any storms
you can do it

©~dkb~

Skillful Sailors...

Bing images

 

"Smooth waters don't make skillful sailors."  

African proverb

It's Time...

jump out of planes
and forget to pack the chute...
skate on thin ice
and ride bareback into the storm

spin in circles until you puke
ignore until the headaches come
twist your guts into numbness
so you can remember who you are

climb up high enough to see the perspective
dig deep to find the person you wanted to be
talk to the hand and listen to yourself
you have the answers, you know the score

howl at the moon
scratch it 'til it hurts
dig your heels in
and don't let anyone steer your ship

wasting time and money
is not the same as when we were young
you're suppose to be wise when you're older
don't braille your way through your life

enough is enough
wake up and smell the coffee
it's time.
get off your ass and live your life

©~dkb~

Today...

image from my Pinterest boards

Today

I will be grateful

for my experiences

our company

traveling

all that I accomplished

and forgive myself

 for what I did not 

get done.

Today

I am gracefully

bowing out

of plans for today

instead

staying home 

spending time with my Izzy girl

who patiently

endured being ignored

as we ran here and there

 being boarded for a week.

Today

I will find my carton

of Epsom Salts

pour a handful into my tub
1/2 cup baking soda
& ten drops
of Rosemary oil

close my eyes

and imagine 

I am soaking

in a nice warm tub
in a big open window
over looking an endless ocean... 

Peace and harmony

to you all 

this weekend...

©~dkb~

Izzy girl...so happy to have my full attention...

Somedays...Catching Myself Smiling

 generated by laughitout . tumblr

from my Pinterest boards

It's really nippy outside

but thankfully

my ankle is doing so much better

Feels good to be walking again

instead of limping in pain

taking it slow and easy

is a new pattern for me

but if it means my ankle gets better

I will do it!

Baby steps are often 

more successful

than rushing in and burning out

losing a few pounds

remembering the tortoise and the hare story

More and more I see the benefits

of making my own self happy

instead of depending on others to do it

It is a choice

It is a mind set

It is a decision

It is up to me

Hectic, busy times ahead

and I will take it 

one day at a time...

I like it when I pass a mirror

and catch myself smiling...

©~dkb~

Cotton Candy Floatation...

Have you ever seen

a feather floating in the wind...

rising, falling, back and forth

aimlessly tossed...going 

where ever it is carried...

I feel like the feather...

I have no direction

no waking up with determination

crossing items off my "to do list"

I ease into the day

sleeping as long as I wish

luxuriating

pondering

puttering

no goals, no limits

or schedules

Like I am waiting

for someone to give me

my assignment

offer a suggestion

an invitation...

I know my life

will be speeding up next month

with commitments

events, plans,

and I welcome it...

I look forward to

having a schedule busy enough

to force me into 

organization

structure

discipline

Floating makes my head

feel like cotton candy...

©~dkb~

The Importance of Creativity...

Sir Ken Robinson's talk for TED (Ideas worth passing on)

discussing the importance of creativity being 

taught in schools and how historically they don't.

Oh how wonderful our children and grand children's futures would be if more of this were encouraged and appreciated in our school systems.  It is so important on so many levels to really see a person for their individuality and unique way of learning.  I think so many issues and problems would be better served and possibly avoided if one's individuality was celebrated instead of imposed with the expectation of joining the majority.

The video is about 20 minutes--but Sir Robinson's humor engages you while his ideas captivate and stimulate vision.  Enjoy....

Destiny....

Your Life...

"Time decides who you meet in life,
The heart decides who you want in your life,
But your behavior decides who will stay in your life.
Surround yourself with only the people who treat you well."

~~~unknown quote origin~~~

Shared by friend in Yoga class