Thursday, March 23, 2006

Balance

Several years ago a friend gave me a rock. This was not the first rock I had been given or the first rock I had collected. Truth is, I am a rock person and I spend hours searching for just the right rock. I also find myself turning the corner at times to find just the right rock when I wasn't even looking. This rock however was amazing and captured my entire interest. There was something about this small, smooth object that took my breath away and that would stay with me forever. If only I knew at that time just how this rock would become such a major part of my life. Rocks. Either you get them or you don't. Either way is fine but for those of us who have a connection with rocks, there are some that have no match. This such rock was that type. This rock was smooth and dark gray. It's uniqueness came in that it had a perfect circular hole all the way through it. It was perfect! It could not be man made but how did it happen? I was told she had found it at a beach in CA but could not remember quite where it was. She just felt it would be important for me. Wow! How some know things about us long before we do, ourselves. Many years later I have come to find that my favorite place to spend any free time I may have is at a beach filled with rocks just like this gift handed to me so many years before. I have spent hours over the last year walking this beach and collecting those rocks that seem to want to join the many rocks we have in our home. It is amazing to me when two opposites join and the fact that my favorite things in life, rocks and the ocean, have become such an important factor in my life. It has become a joke in our home. We go to the ocean and most pictures of me show me walking the beaching with coffee in one hand and rocks in the other. I have had many fun talks with other rock collectors while walking the beach early in the morning while most people are still cuddled in their warm beds. These are the times, coffee in hand and rocks filling the other, when I know that I have arrived! May we all find time to find that balance in life when opposites make sense and life is just a breath of pure happiness! Blessings-

Monday, March 13, 2006

Birthday Blessings

All I wanted for my birthday this year was to see the blossoms which are in full bloom. The almonds were at their peak blossom over my birthday and my wish came true. We traveled out to a nearby orchard to walk. As we left the car and entered the orchard the air was filled with the scent of blossoms! This was however joined by another sensation I was not expecting. Since I was quite young, I have dreamed of some day being a beekeeper. The air all around me brought back these dreams and my excitement grew! Not only was I to be blessed by the beauty and scent of the blossoms, but the air was filled with a sound and energy I had not expected. As we entered the trees, the hum of the bees was amazingly loud. The bees were everywhere! They hummed and hovered about the blossoms as well as about us. What has entered this space? Who are these intruders? They seemed to be content to just buzz a bit around us and go back to their work at the blossoms. With each new tree we explored, bees would come to swarm about. It was a thrill to reach out towards the blossoms and have the bees hovering all around, checking us out. It is amazing how they work. They are on a mission and they work so hard. To see those with pollen on their legs and watch as they worked, traveling back and forth from the hives was humbling. I sat for a bit at the base of a tree filled with the scent of the blossoms and the sound of the busy bees, knowing my birthday was complete. As I travel to the Farmers Market next to purchase yet more of our local honey, it will be nice to remember my time with the bees and how they blessed my birthday. May we all take the time to remember where our blessings come from and all the work that goes into bringing our food to our tables from the soil, rain, sun, bees, farmers, workers, and those who stock the shelves or drive the trucks. May they all be blessed for the gifts they give us. May we all stop to enjoy the blessings we receive each moment of our lives.

Sweet Sixteen

Could it possibly be here already? Brit could not wait and I was hesitant. It seemed just moments had passed since she was placed in my arms. Life has been full with this young energy. She is so excited to have fun at all times. This was true also as this birthday aproached. She could just not contain her giggles as she counted down the days! She planned her party and anxiously awaited. With ideas and help from many, the day came and her gathering was a success! A house full of teens!!! The was music, food, lights, a campfire with so'mores, etc. How fun to be a teen and so full of life! It was an honor to share this special moment with such anamazing young lady. To have watched her grow over the years through toddler years and on through the homeschooling years. Through hours of dance lessons and the enjoyment of listening to her practice various forms of music. She has been a breath of fresh air filling our house with constant energy. She has matured and become a young lady filled with love for all and concern for her community and those who need an extra hand. May her life be enriched for years to come. Happy Birthday Miss Brittany.