Gift of Jewels Gift of Friendship

When things seem to be looking down and happy is hard to find, the Universe or for me, God steps in and sends the right people at the right time.  People that enjoy your company (just the way you are) and do not expect anything from you just good conversation and laughter.  God knows I needed the postive support and love.  My darling husband has been remarkable (as usual).  The only downside would be the fabulous meals that I have been forced to eat!  I amazed by the outpouring of love and friendship, both in real life and in cyberspace.  I have been astounded to realize just how many lovely people I have come to know. Making new friends is fabulous...my friends from Nia class...my cyber buddies...my husband's friends from grade school and high school. Nuturing older friendships from my neighborhood (we laughed until we had tears in our eyes)  Book clubs friends reading Eat, Pray, Love and watching the movie...having an intense craving for Italian food after.  "Floozie friends" that love you fiercely enough to allow sadness and step in to offer support and comfort.  So thanks to all my beautiful friends!

My dear friend, Se'Lah of Necessary Room is  hosting another round of "The Gift of Jewels" This will mark the third time I have participated in this wonderful outpouring of love and friendship around the globe.  I am so excited to plan something to mail to my "newest" friend.  I have met a very funny Mamma of four grown sons and a beautiful, creative spirit in Denmark both of whom share parts of their lives with me as a result of Se'Lah's love, generosity and giving spirit. 

I am filled with gratitude and humility and IT IS ALL GOOD!!!

p.s. the above photo is a postcard I received through Postcrossing.

To Forgive or Not Forgive?

emp·ty [ émptee ]

containing nothing: not containing or holding anything, unoccupied, uninhabited, unfilled, etc. etc.

Experiencing some serious betrayal has left me feeling a little tired, shell shocked and empty.  I like my place to be a place of love, joy, compassion and lots of happy...with the occasional snark thrown in for fun.  The actions of others remind me that one must always look inside to find the full measure of one's worth!  Everything happens for a reason and there is always a lesson to be learned.  I am working on an attitude of forgiveness, praying and meditating on what that means.  My thoughts go round in circles and lead me in many directions, along with forgiveness comes the philosophy surrounding the word UBUNTU...I Am Because You Are...We are all connected to a larger whole.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu offered a definition


A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008:

One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity.

We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.

So when I offend, I am sorry and seek forgiveness...when offended I offer forgiveness whether it is sought or not. 

The Bible teaches us that we are to forgive over and over and over and over.  The "Golden Rule" suggests we treat others as we wish to be treated. 

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."   Paul Boese.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."  Mahatma Gandhi

and for those of you that like a little snark with your diet coke:

"Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much."  Oscar Wilde

After turning the other cheek, the best "revenge" is to live a happy life surrounded by those that love and care for you...even with a foible or two!

Flashback Friday - Some Days a Diamond, Some Days a Stone!

Sometimes...you reach the top and you feel like this...

And sometimes...you feel like if you can't see them...they can't see you...sometimes...solitude is golden

sometimes...contemplation and pondering are the order of the day...and sometimes...you just need your friends!

Happy End of July to You!!!

May All Beings be Free from Suffering

Bumper Sticker seen yesterday:  May all beings be free from Suffering.

Everyone suffers at one point or another in their lives...for some their day to day existence is threatened.  I am happy to know folks that go above and beyond to advocate for the hungry, homeless, abused, poverty stricken masses. 

I would like to introduce you to my friend Kelly...teacher of special needs students, professional photographer, muralist, pottery freak, all around doer of Good plus she is a great mother and a good friend!

Kelly has recently returned from another mission trip to Costa Rica.  During that time, her group  made repairs and painted murals at an orphanage.  They brought shoes and gifts to the children.  Kelly's sons asked how many "orphans" she would bring back to live with them.  She has captured many striking photographs that are displayed in galleries and used to get the message out to each of us to help children the world over.

 
She has given me permission to use some of her photographs on this blog.  Others can be seen at Kelly Crayne Photography (website and on facebook)

Most homes consisted of dirt floors, old boards and tin for roofs.  Food was and is scarce.  Let us not forget the suffering masses around the world.  A small effort from each person is like the ripple effect in a pond.

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.

Mother Teresa

Let us keep the tide of humanitarian aid and effort going.  Each person can do something.  One thing.  Join me!

Playing with Food

Earthfare's special, purchase 1 pound of heirloom tomatoes and receive mozzarella and basil free.  Hmmmm...what to make?  I purchased some organic vine tomatoes and plenty of heirlooms for a special project.  What to do when faced with so many varieties and colors...play with your food!

Heirloom tomato, heirloom rosary (missing cross due to an uncle's trip to pawn shop)  coral beads with sterling silver.

Playing with the tomatoes in the herb garden...oregano looks a little "seeded out"

Oh Tomato, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways!

tomato, basil, mozzarella salad with a balsamic vinegarette dressing...YUM!!!

Weighing in...postal scales dating to when you could mail a letter for 2 cents...considering more tomato possibilities...fresh tomato juice, tomato, basil, mozzarella pizza, tomato pie, tomato salad, tomato soup, marinara sauce, tomato basil pasta, fried green tomatoes, salsa, preparing jars of tomatoes for winter...ooooh, ooooh the deliciousness goes on and on...tomatoes, love em or leave em?

So, Sew

A silly little tale for sure...many of you know I suffer from bouts of insomnia.  During one of those sleepless, let me see what is on the boob tube at 3 a.m. moments I purchased a sewing machine.  She who hasn't "sewn" in a very long time.  (baby stuff circa 1981 - 1984)  The sewing machine, at least I assumed it was a sewing machine stayed in the box in the home office for probably 3 months at which time I thought I should make sure I had indeed purchased a sewing machine...breathe...establishing that it was in fact a sewing machine it went back into closet sans boxes.  Fast forward to the present day and time...I have an obsession...I adore quilts... I now wish to make a quilt or ten.  The fabric is purchased, the sewing machine is "set up" and I must learn how to operate the computerized version!  We won't discuss how much time was spent ogling and touching fabric or thinking about quilt patterns.  I plan things very well...it is the starting and finishing that is problematic for this lifelong procrastinator.  I am pretty sure I suffer from an adult attention deficit disorder or a scattered memory disorder.  I may start something in one room and go to another room for an item and get started on something else and remember there is a project going on in the other room...you see it is Monday already.

Wish me lots o luck.  I will be under or around a pile of fabrics and lots of delicious sewing implements!

Simple

“The simplest things are often the truest.”


Richard Bach quotes (American Writer, author of 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull', b.1936)

Se'Lah of Necessary Room is hosting a Simple Things Birthday Party for the lovely Christina!

Throw the doors open, light the candles, sip a cooling beverage, have some cake...today we honor and celebrate the most beautiful Christina of Soul Aperture.  She the amazing, wise, gifted writer, photographer and all around beautiful spirit makes the simple celestial.  Simple things for you Christina...your spirit has reached out and touched my spirit...One Love!  I wish for you...

all the beauty of the earth and sky

cherry juice running fingertips to elbows from the plumpest, juiciest cherries

treasures from the shore and wood

a heartfelt laugh that radiates throughout the entire body

a hand in yours

a delicious cup of tea or two in mismatched cups and saucers

a postcard or letter in the mailbox

rain on your skin

sun on your face and hair

a soft place to land

books of every sort

baking smells in the kitchen

flowers, oh yes lots of flowers on your counters

bubbles

peace and love

hugs and joy

friends who "get" you

everything that is good, lovely and praiseworthy!

Happy Birthday!  May all your dreams and wishes come true!