THE PRAYER

We may not have the voice of Celine Dion or Josh Groban but we all have something to give, a quick wit, a kind word, a patient nature, an artistic flair. The trick is not only to recognize our talents but to share them. Listen as these two make beautiful music... truly a gift from God.

HAVE A BLESSED SUNDAY!

I WANT TO DANCE IN THE MOONLIGHT!

I have always been a "good girl" an obedient child, who got good grades, practiced my piano and was clueless about Woodstock and Haight Ashbury even in the middle of the 60's

I graduated from college, taught second grade, got married had six babies, and devoted myself to my family. I am a self proclaimed "homebody" who passed up many adventures because I wouldn't leave my children. I have no regrets about that, but TIMES HAVE CHANGED!

The other night my youngest daughter took me to Costco.  What a fun place. She talked me into buying a little bottle of pesto, something I had never tasted. When I got home I opened the jar and took a whiff. It was so robust and dense. I wasn't exactly sure what I would do with it but the delicious aroma gave me this overwhelming feeling that I wanted something new... not the road less traveled but a road I've never set foot on.

I laid in bed that night thinking of all the things I wished I could do with my life...

* I want to take a cruise to Alaska and then travel the scenic route by train across Canada. 

* I want to bicycle through Vermont in the Fall and return to watch the tapping of the Maple Trees in the Spring.

*I want to live in an orange house.

* I want to visit Nantucket and buy a hat from Peter Beatons.

* I no longer want to eat... I want to "dine" on the freshest and most delicious food I can find.  No more meatloaf and mashed potatoes, I want something new, maybe sushi. 

* I want to visit Lake Placid, the Appalachian Trail, and tour the Southern homes in Savannah.

* I want to get my masters degree in English Literature.

* I want to sit in Central Park and watch "Pale Male" swoop through the trees.

* I want to work from home in my pajamas.

*I want to LAUGH every day.





* I want to fall in LOVE.

And... I want to dance in the moonlight like Isadora Duncan, with only a long silk scarf to cover my nakedness. 

I WANT TO FEEL ALIVE!  

Wow, that was quite a bottle of pesto!

KEEPING IT EVEN

INGE LOOK artist

Last weekend I listened to a psychologist speak about the differences in the way men and women relate to their own gender. 

She generalized that while men often "step" on each other as they climb the proverbial corporate ladder, their behavior is both expected and accepted.  Its just men being men, doing what they must to succeed and provide. 





Women she noted, are very different in their approach, they like to keep the playing field even. If a women becomes a little too successful her cohorts will pull her down.  If someone is struggling, others will lift her up. She proposed that we like to feel equal as we measure our success or failure. 

I'm not sure if that is completely accurate but it is food for thought.   Women are competitive and most of us tend to be a little insecure. What looks like criticism is actually a reflection of the fears we hold for ourselves. 

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we truly believed that there was room for everyone to sparkle, each unique but equally valued in what we have to offer. When I find myself feeling threatened I try to remember that the place I hold in the universe can only be held by me. We are one of a kind and we don't have to be afraid. 

I believe as women mature there is potential for an amazing metamorphose. Being generous in our relationships, kind, supportive and forgiving may not always keep things even but it definitely makes us, as individuals, shine a little "brighter" 

"Who can find a virtuous women, for her price is far above rubies."  Proverbs 31:10

JUST IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD...

I live in the country where the sound of a rooster crowing in the morning is a predictable way to start the day.  But when a neighbor brought home a couple of miniature donkeys no one expected to hear what came out of their mouths. 

My goodness how could anything so small make such a large sound. They bray like clockwork every morning and sometimes in the late afternoon. Its a very noisy way to start the day.

Still, they are pretty cute and so far it looks like they are staying.











My dad use to sing this song... now it makes sense.

"Sweetly sings the donkey at the break of day,

If you do not feed him, this is what he'll say...

Ee-aww, ee-aww, ee-aww, ee-aww, ee-aww"

Found this You Tube clip that sounds just like them.

HOME IS WHERE YOU HANG YOUR HAT?

But I've ALWAYS been concerned with what the hook looks like!

My son and his family just moved from their beautiful home on the hill overlooking the valley. It was not an ostentatious house but it was spacious and meticulously well kept. 

It had a huge family room and wonderful entryway, vaulted ceilings, an immaculate yard complete with a tree house my son built, five bedrooms and a kitchen with all the amenities. Did I mention the three car garage which was perfect because these people have "toys" 

For the last eight years my son has been commuting to his job in Salt Lake City, driving 90 minutes each way down a very steep canyon which can be treacherous in the winter. As a captain in the fire department he works crazy hours. He also teaches at the fire academy, works for FEMA and is the President of the firefighters union. He is one busy guy. His family wanted him closer. No... his family needed him closer.

When I arrived at their new home I was a little stunned. It is an older home, still with lots of room but not nearly as nice. In fact they quickly admit they will be changing lots of things... flooring and closets will just be the beginning. My son is very skilled with his hands and I'm sure in time this house will be as wonderful as the last.

It was quickly apparent how happy they all are with Dad never more than 20 minutes away and I began to understand what my daughter-in-law had been insisting for over a year. 

If "He" is going to be passionate about his job, then we are nixing the commute...we are moving closer!

She's a good woman who was willing to give up "things" to put her family first. She went with a smile on her face and hope for the future.
 

I know I am lucky to have her as my daughter in law but the really blessed one is my son... he is married to a very unselfish and wise woman.

 

Michelle...
A remarkable woman of a certain age!

 

Home isn't where you hang your hat... its where you gather your family!

IN THE PAGES OF A BOOK ...

"Do you know, Peter asked, why the swallows build their nests in the eaves of houses? It is to listen to the STORIES"    PETER PAN

They're back... all 700 of them!  I've just spent a week updating and entering all of their names and information into our computer system. Reading assessments have been made and on Monday they will come streaming into the library looking for a book.

After the flurry of "check out" the library goes deafly quiet as they escape into another world... fantasy, mystery, science fiction.  It is magical to watch.

Reading is everything. It unlocks doors, opens opportunities, enlightens and inspires. The written word is delicious and more often than not we find ourselves in the pages of a book. 

FREDERICK THE LITERATE by Charles Wysocki

"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks... and all the sweet serenity of books"  

LONGFELLOW

THE ROAD AHEAD...

I love blogging. I like having a voice and an opinion. I love finding beauty in the world and I am always hopeful that someone is reading.

There is certainly no shortage of people out there but there are very few I draw into my inner circle. I'm pretty much a "lone wolf" in a butterfly costume.

To say I was a late bloomer would be comical. I don't think I began to see things clearly until I was 60. Don't get me wrong, I have had a wonderful life filled with many happy memories but at the moment the road ahead looks dimly lit. I'm not sure what's next.

Taking a few days off... hope you don't disappear.

Thanks for reading!

Suzanne

"I took the road less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost