It's July, where did June disappear to? 

Off on the horizon time is held pressed against clusters of clouds and dreams. Options are endless. And with the long days of summer it appears there will be enough...of all things. 

Joy and wonder, walks on the beach, books to savour. But again the blanket of night falls
and with it moments never to return. 

s l o w down I whisper again and again.
xo

SPRING has arrived in all her GLORY! The light is gorgeous; it falls on every little thing like a lovely gossamer drape. It's magical, soft, and suggestive. The quince is blooming, the tulips, the forsythia. The sugar snap peas are up two inches! The cardinals and osprey are singing praise, as am I. Winter didn't hold us too tight, but still it wrapped us in layers and early darkness. It gave way to rest for some. And we lost, to death, some dear ones in that season. It left holes in the fiber of our beings. We held the grief close to our hearts and one another. And now in the holes we wish for flowers and sweet memories. xo

Magic and beauty in a morning puddle? Why not!

I find myself often looking down as I walk, perhaps searching for small treasures, while all the while thankful for the ability to stay upright. I know too many people who now have difficulty with keeping balance. Balance on the feet and also balance in all things called life.

Yesterday I shoveled heavy, wet snow and felt muscles in my body I haven't paid enough attention too. This morning they remind me they are holding me up. I promise them more. I promise myself this.

After noticing the empty branches of the grand oak, I took the photo above of, I looked up and between the lace of it all I recognized its magnificent age and posture. 

Earlier in the season it had thrown acorns to the ground for others to gather. What a mighty thing you are I shouted up towards the sky. xo

A little bit chilly this morning as February arrives and much of the country raises itself from a 'polar vortex' - a wide expanse of swirling cold air- and I think of the horses and the homeless and so many more. I think beyond our flannel sheets to places I've never been. Always thankful, always blessed. Our little dog, Charlie B, wears a turquoise polar fleece vest, he doesn't like it but once outdoors he smiles at us. He too lucky, or whatever one calls blessed. The squirrels found the bird feeder shortly after we put it outside the kitchen window, they drape their bodies and fill their bellies, knocking the smaller seeds to the frozen ground where a robust gathering goes on. As always it's the little things that opens the heart so wide. xo

As the light slowly returns and the holidays wind down may we each find ourselves 

surrounded by that and those adored and celebrated. May we fill our lives and hearts 

with kindness, patience, love, and all that makes us want to shine. In our family there

is a new house, new puppy, new kitten, and abundant gifts shared and exchanged. There 

is warmth, amazing food, memories, and new dreams. There are loved ones going through hard times and there is the holding of healing. xo

I may have already shared the above photo, yet I think the sentiment is of utmost importance as we move through the busy holiday season and into a new year. 

While driving with my mother a few days ago we were talking about how it is we have no idea what is going on inside the houses we were passing. Never mind the fact those people had houses! They might be people who are hungry, angry, scared, or alone. They might be pregnant and tired or abused and scared. They might well be inside creating art or music, cooking fabulous treats for loved ones. The thing is we don't know. 

We don't know what others need. 

I'm hoping we''ll think to ask, listen, do something tiny to keep the ripples of hope going. It truly takes less energy to be positive than to be negative. And it carries so much more joy! To this I toast, make a wish, and ask you to do the same. 

xo

The mornings have turned cooler ~ the grasses and flowers are putting themselves to rest. So, above ~ a photo ~ a reminder of what was and what will happen yet again. But next we move on to frost on the pumpkins (if we had any). The dog sleeps in! I wake early and sit in the envelope of darkness ~ I wait and watch slow slivers of morning arrive. The reflections on the windows erase images of me and open to what is possible in the beyond. My hands come away cold when I press them to the glass ~ Nothing stays the same. Here's to what is next ~ may it hold us each and all in love. xo