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Picture taken by my friend Cyndi Leos....thank you Cyndi.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Be Bold Enough...

Pinterest


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.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

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

Monday, November 4, 2013

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...

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

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




Friday, October 18, 2013

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.

Monday, October 7, 2013

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

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

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 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

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...

Sunday, August 4, 2013

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




Saturday, August 3, 2013

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.

Friday, August 2, 2013

The Learning Years....

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

-- Zora Neale Hurston

Thursday, August 1, 2013

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

Monday, July 29, 2013

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

Saturday, July 27, 2013

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.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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~

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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~

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

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~

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

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~

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

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.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

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



Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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~

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

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~

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Skillful Sailors...


Bing images

 
"Smooth waters don't make skillful sailors."  

African proverb

Monday, March 25, 2013

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~

Friday, February 22, 2013

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...

Saturday, February 9, 2013

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~

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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~

Thursday, January 17, 2013

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....

Monday, January 14, 2013

Friday, January 11, 2013

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