Breathing in and Letting go

Photo courtesy of Laura Shea

 

"The essence of life is that it's challenging. Sometimes it is sweet, and sometimes it is bitter. Sometimes your body tenses, and sometimes it relaxes or opens. Sometimes you have a headache, and sometimes you feel 100 percent healthy. From an awakened perspective, trying to tie up all the loose ends and finally get it together is death, because it involves rejecting a lot of your basic experience. There is something aggressive about that approach to life, trying to flatten out all the rough spots and imperfections into a nice smooth ride." ~ Pema Chodron When Things Fall Apart


It seems that lately not many things have gone as anticipated. Many of the crucial foundations from which my days are built (as of late) have been altered in some way. I'm sure, in time, I will see the reason behind why things worked out as they have but in the meantime, I feel like a little girl stomping her feet and pouting out of disappointment and well.....because I didn't get my way!

As I consider those many things here is one that stands out as it runs deep, on many different levels:: Several months ago I was pleased as punch to see my dream of being a body worker begin to culminate by being accepted in our local school for Massage Therapy. I began classes in October and have done really, really well! I was passing, in fact, I'm proud to say that my grades are better than I have ever done, ever......going back as far as my early school years! I loved what I was learning, I loved my classmates, my teachers, the drive to and from school, and I even loved that special coffee treat I'd get for myself occasionally for the ride home.

In other posts I've shared with you how our little Seraphina has been struck with some odd fever syndrome. We haven't gotten any new information as of yet and are kind of in a stand still, waiting to see if she spikes yet another fever. From the last two fevers they seem pretty cyclic so we're holding our breath a bit until the middle of the month to see if it indeed comes back. If that be the case, more tests and other work-ups will be performed to see what the best course of treatment would be. I have fear of so many things.....I pray everyday that all is as it should be and try to find peace in that, within myself and Seraphina's bright blue eyes, and in the comfort of my family. Because of these unforeseen instances, I had to withdraw from school. It didn't really take much thinking over, it was the right decision because first and foremost I am a Mother. The paperwork was finalized today and so long as all goes well over the next seven months I hope to begin again. I know, it doesn't seem that big of a deal, especially since a restart could be in my future.......it's just I had a plan, ya know?! I had things all worked out, dreaming up a business name, how I would be of service to my community, I dreamt of being able to help provide financially for our family easing the burden a bit for my husband. Mostly, I dreamt of rediscovering those parts of myself that still seek the sunlight.......

I'm breathing in and letting go. Like the tree above.......absorbing all that is and releasing it back; an ebb and flow; and give and take; a breathing in and breathing out. Sometimes life doesn't go as planned......we forget dates, are in bad moods for the littlest things, fight with or bring anger to another, say hurtful things out of fear and the unwillingness to just let it go, and sometimes we don't get what it is we had hoped for. Life is hard sometimes, but the best part is we can begin again any time. We can have a restart, even if it's months down the road. Once we give up and lose hope a piece of our spirit has died. One of the biggest obstacles of this has been to not wallow in my despair but to rise to the challenge to show my children  that even as adults, we too, don't always get what we set our hearts and minds to. We cast our sight on our dream and aim for it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.......accepting the sadness for what it is but refusing to be defeated.

So, I will continue to breathe, continue to wake up, be a Mama to five amazing souls, a wife to one dreamy man, and in the meantime I will keep my eyes on my dream. It will come, one day. Even if in seven months it still isn't the right time I will find a away to keep those soul parts of me alive. After wading through the murkiness and sadness I've rediscovered that all that I am in a day is also the place where those pieces of me that get stuffed live. They live in my children and in my work as a homemaker, teacher, lover, friend, sister, daughter, blogger ;) Sometimes I forget......it happens. We get so caught up in what the picture in our head of how our reality "should" look like that we forget that it's the experiences that matter.

"To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. To live fully is to be always in no-man's-land, to experience each moment as completely new and fresh. To live is to be willing to die over and over again. From the awakened point of view, that's life." ~ Pema Chodron When Things Fall Apart

 

I'm looking forward to pushing the restart button here at home. Reconnecting, digging deeper, and improving on what I can here at home. It feels good. There is peace after all......

Self-Care and Something FUN!!

 

 

The photo above represents many days over the past month. Our wee Seraphina has been so sick over the past 4 weeks. She's been struck with this on and off again super, raging fever. She presents no other symptoms, just fever.....for days! The last fever lasted 10 whole days reaching as high as 105.2*F. After all these years of being a mother, I have never, once, had a child reach a temperature quite like that. It was scary, unbelievable, stressful, sad, frustrating, you name it and I probably felt it. Not to mention how terrible she felt. But, boy, what a trooper she was. Super snuggles all day and all night, nursing every 20-30 minutes around the clock to keep her hydrated and preventing the need for IV fluids, blood work every few days, sleeping fewer than 45 minutes at a time. I'm noticing that I'm using the word "was" but really, this is where we are now. We're back in this God forsaken territory. The land of the never ending fever with no other symptoms. It's been 4 days now. We've been to the doctor, we've had the blood work and we'll do the follow up appointment tomorrow. Who knows where this one will take us, or how far. It scares me beyond belief to think for a moment what she may have to endure.......even if it's just a bunch of days more of this fever. Seraphina is only 7 1/2 months old!!! Her little body, however strong and resilient, is still so young and vulnerable. *sigh* I'm just a worried Mama wishing I could just make it go away. I don't doubt for a second that many of you have been in similar shoes as I am right now.

 

The last time our babe was ill I didn't take much interest in finding ways to alleviate my stress and worry. I spent 10 days with that little soul strapped to my body. We never parted, I think I may have only showered twice that whole time and didn't even contemplate going to school. This time around, seeing as the sleep deprivation is beyond acceptable limits, I'm realizing that I truly need to take a moment just to breath, think, cry, soak, and be. The photos below chronicle how I will spend those moment, not all at once, but spread out over the course of this illness......I make that promise myself and my baby that I will also take care of myself.

 

 

This gorgeous book was a gift from my husband. He knows me best and must have had an intuition that I would need some fortification along this journey. This book has been deeply satisfying.

 

I try to keep organic, dried flowers on hand for various projects. My plan is to put some in a little muslin bag and soak them in a bath......just for me, and baby, too! But me first!! The soothing and aromatherapy qualities of each of these flowers will prove to be so healing. I can't hardly wait!! I can't remember the last time I had a bath.....really!!

This picture is of some corny bags. They are simple and wonderful. (I didn't make these ones, these were gifts from my Mother and sister.) All corny bags are is square sacks filled with dried corn. Period. Its what you do with them......you warm them up  and use them as heating pads. The warmth they emit is just so healing and deep. Somehow better than just a regular 'ole heating pad.

 We were gifted a microwave (used) with these as the preferred method to warm them up. You can also just put them on a heated oven stone or on top of your wood stove, turning them every few minutes to heat them through. The microwave does work a bit faster. I plan to open a few up and pour in some lavender flowers so that when they are heated they will also release they healing scent of lavender.

 

 

Above is a simple photo of a candle. I will, with much zeal, sneak to find 10 minutes where I can just sit in silence and meditate. I think when we're in crisis it's so important to allow ourselves the space to just be in it, release what we can and accept the rest so we can keep moving forward. Otherwise, we'll just keep stewing and stagnating and never getting anywhere. Not to mention, it's so important to release the stress of being on 24/7 without a break in sight. I read a beautiful post in tribute to Mama's caring for their sick children, here is a quote from it ::

 

You can do this. 

You can do it with grace. You will do it beautifully. I know you will.

You may need help lifting a bag of dog food.

You might need someone to get a bowl from the top shelf in the cupboard.

But hidden behind your skirts is safety found nowhere else.

It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to be mad.

But be fierce, my friend.

Fight hard.

Push back.

Love your little one.

This is what being a Mom is all about.

Right here. In this moment.

It isn’t about the Little League games, or the perfect nursery, or empty laundry baskets, or college scholarships.

It’s about shining for your baby when they need it the most.

Shine on, Sister.

God is good. Always. No matter what.

 

You can read the whole post here:: Life Rearranged

Now! For a total non sequitur :) I do have a bit of fun news, A sweet friend of mine emailed me with then news that she had nominated this blog for the Circle of Moms Top 25 Creative Moms award. I wasn't sure I believed her at first, I mean, it's not something that has happened to me......ever!! It wasn't until I received the confirmation email from Circle of Moms that I received the link to my nomination. I am unbelievably humbled. My blog is a very special place for me and my family. It's the place where, one day, my children will be able to look back and see the living proof of their childhood and our life together. It's been my greatest hope that our life's work would somehow inspire others to take a second look to notice the beauty in the little things, the simple things. I feel ever so blessed that it seems as though my wish has come true. I am so inspired by other blogger friends (one in particular:: Sara Wilson from Love in the Suburbs  who has also been nominated for this same award) so I'm finding it to be beautifully uplifting that some folks might feel the same way about our work here, in this blog.

If you feel called to do so, I would love it if you might help me get into the Top 25. Click on the button below and scroll down until you find A Simple Life. And while you're there, maybe you could share a vote for my friend Sara from Love in the Suburbs? You can vote for more than one blog at a time, you can vote once everyday until January 30th when the voting closes. I think it would be quite wonderful to be included in the Top 25! My vision for the future of this blog is ever changing......it would feel wonderful to invite others to come along for the ride!

 

From the bottom of my heart......thank you for your support and friendship and gentle pushes of encouragement to keep following my bliss here in blogland xoxo

Welcome 2013

 

We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves, otherwise we harden.

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

As we prepare to ring in another year, I am noticing that I feel full to the brim with excitement, anticipation, and readiness. It has been a long year. No longer than any other, literally, but emotionally, physically speaking.......I'm ready for a new year to begin. I know that nothing truly changes but a few numbers on the calendar, but, somehow it's change enough to help institute a clean slate. The littles and I had the lovely experience of going over all of our photos from the year. Remembering what each one was; what we were doing, how we felt, who was around. To help close out 2012 we chose some photos to highlight. They each held a particular moment or memory.......a beautiful way to let this door close and another one open.

This year was full of Angels, past and present, seen and unseen. Even today, we can realize their power and presence in our life and in our world.

 

This year was a 'love' year. Everyone was held more, loved more, understood more.

 

 

2012 was a big year for 'firsts'; first hair cuts, learning new things (knitting, sewing), beginning new jobs (owning a new business and school).

 

We said good-bye a lot this year to those we love. We said hello a lot, too!!

  

 

This was the year of Papa!! Because of a myriad of reasons, Papa was home LOTS caring for the children while I had to be away. It was bittersweet but I can see now that everyone needed that extra bit of connection with Papa.

 

June 3, 2012 Seraphina Meadow Mairead was born. She's had a tumultuous six months.....I can only pray they get easier from her on out!

 

We met many new friends this year. We have also reconnected with many not so new friends. It's been a wonderful year of friendship!!!

 

We saw much bonding this year between our children. The littles warmly embraced their new sibling and the big kids, well.......they know how to love another xo

 

There were many beautiful sights to witness this year. Tons of rainbows, sunrises and sunsets, flowers blooming, honey bees dancing, and love blossoming between us all.

 

 

This is the last year before my eldest is a teenager. It's so hard to contemplate being the parent of teenager.......it's been that long yet it's only just begun! 

 

 

I had to learn to let a lot go this year. I had very little control over many things......I decided to focus on the important things.

 

We built upon much this year; play things, relationships, solitude, and growth.

 

 

This year we tried to be silly! Some days we succeeded.

 

 

In 2012 we sought out the light. We had to......

 

 

 

In 2012 we also had to hold on to and build up our faith.

 

 

 

In 2012, I found myself clinging even more tightly to the love of the man I married. He's my rock, my beacon of light.

 

 

 

To ring in the new year we made some hats because, well......you can't have a party without hats!

 

 

I also cut out a garland of doves as a symbol of our family's wish to be more peaceful, to act in and cultivate peace. For 2013 I hope to live a life of more peace. I want to be a peacemaker and to continue to teach my children that through love there is peace. Through giving, there is peace. Through trust, there is peace. Our nations need love, giving, trust, and peace desperately......is it not our duty as parents to bring those qualities to life in our own children?

 

 

One of our goals for 2013 is to keep our hearts aligned with all those amazing things that we get to experience all year long. You know, the ones that usually get forgotten but mean so much that just the glimpse of their existence is enough to warm our hearts. This year, we will have a goodness jar. We each will slip a dated piece of paper inside the jar (everyday or as inspired to do so) that tells of something wonderful that happened to us or someone else or that we saw that day. My hope is that by the years end, we will have a jar full of amazing memories that will carry us through the next year, inspiring us to dream bigger, be better, hold those we love closer.

 

 

2013 will bring many changes to our simple homestead. We will be homeschooling more (bringing the big kids home) and playing more. We will be seeing the beautiful land beyond our own borders, together. We will travel, breathe the ocean air, visit family. A book may be published (fingers crossed), our Etsy shop will come alive again. Life will be fuller than full! Of course, throw in all those little unexpected twists and call it a day!!

We have no way of knowing where our paths will lead us, but we can, with open hearts, wish for and want the best from our waking days. Let not one moment slip by being taken for granted. Let not one day go without telling those you love how deeply you care for them. Let only  the good prevail and let the dusty things fall to the side. Hold on to what is good, give no one evil for evil. Hold up those who need it, be kind. Above all things, let love guide you. Love's light shines brighter than the biggest star......let yours shine!

And now we welcome the New Year, full of things that have never been.

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

 

I am truly wishing you all a glorious New Year. Blessings abound ~ Marcy

Finding peace in patience

The past 5 days have been rather intense around here. Our wee Seraphina has become quite ill, including a persistent fever that would spike as high as 105.1 and required 2 trips to the Emergency Room, antibiotics, too much Motrin, and hardly a wink of sleep. Her poor little body is fighting so hard and yet she manages to smile and play between the highest points of her fever. I've attributed them to waves, like surfing......when her fever is down we're just kind of paddling along the water, relaxing and enjoying the extra snuggles but when her fever reaches it's climax it's "all hands on deck". She and I have become quite the team, I've learned her unique style of communication that lets me know she needs intervention, that the fever has become too much. We're both working hard to balance fear and worry with acceptance and patience. It's so hard. We're both so tired.

 

 

 

As you can see, not much else has been kept on top of. Between having my sick little babe and the other littles at home full time, homework (which I've barely just glanced over), trying to keep everyone fed, keeping the fire going, not to mention the never ending piles of laundry *sigh* one thing in particular has been far from my mind; holiday preparations. Nary a decoration or Christmas tree have appeared yet in our home. We've got the simple gestures of our Nature Table and Advent Garden (which has become a resting place for our cats) and nothing else. Typically, I'd be quite bewildered by all of this chaos. I so love this time of year and all that goes into creating the holiday mood within our home. Having said that, I'm OK with a delay in this year's preparations. It will happen, eventually. We will get our tree up and decorated. We will continue to add our little handmade additions to our Nature Table and Advent Garden. We will bake to our hearts content.......just not right now.

 

 

 If there's one thing this little Angel has taught me through all of this is that nothing is more important than the gift of time. St. Nicholas had written a letter to each child stating that each one would individually receive quality alone time with each parent each day. As a large family we have noticed how quickly we can become detracted from our ability to carve out enough time with each child. Some nights my husband and I go to bed realizing that we haven't spent alone time with each child in quite some time. I've got a bit of leverage in that department as I'm able to be home during the day so I do get that quality time with the littles, but my big kids is a totally different story. Seraphina has, through her persistent illness, opened my heart to accepting that all that little piddly stuff will always be there and the time I gain by ignoring the pressing call to clean or do laundry or wash dishes can now be spent chatting with my 12 year old, or fawning over make-up and hair accessories with my oldest daughter, or learning a new song with Charlotte, or goofing around with Kiki, or simply snuggling the day away with my little Seri in a nest on the sofa. Those nagging tasks will get done, but not before each child has received the time they most certainly deserve.

 

 

Not everything is lost in this; I have, at the very least, been able to keep up with the addition of a star each day thus far in Advent. It's a beautiful thing to see the ceiling above our Advent Garden fill up with these colorful stars. This has become a favorite quiet spot for Kiki to play. I have to admit, I do feel quite peaceful when I look over and see the soft glow of the lights beneath the cloth, the empty stable as it awaits the arrival of those coming to welcome the Baby Jesus. I have learned that there is peace in patience.......so, I will continue to cultivate patience during this week of healing.

 

Where are you finding your peace these days?



A Season of Mindfulness; Day 2

As it usually happens, things don't always turn out as planned. My day today was all about learning to let go and give it over to { God, the Universe, Spirit }. I expected to experience things in order for me to put into practice the higher parts of myself, but........just not so quickly!

I had my monthly full day of class today. This requires me to drive 45 minutes from home. Now, we are big proponents of purchasing 2nd hand cars ( or 3rd, 4th etc.)!! Our beloved Honda Odyssey has been giving us clues that her end was near but no clue has been more clear than today's!  

It was snowing this morning when I left for school. I drove slowly down dirt road to the main road, about 1 mile or so. As I was nearing the end of the road I began to break as I normally do but there was nothing but ice under me (snow was covering it, the roads seemed fine, I must have just hit a slick patch!!). My car wouldn't stop. I slid the whole way down the road........had a quick thought for a moment that "Oh, gosh......there could be a car coming." I could barely get myself to look to see if I was going to get hit by an on-coming car. I cringed as I slid into the main road, quickly turned the wheel to get the car straightened out and........then........nothing. My ears were buzzing. My heart was pounding. And I was driving; as if nothing had happened at all.

I got to school and had a lovely day. Gave and received two massages in preparation for our midterms next week. I left school early today as I was meeting family up North for a fun little family outing. My instructor stopped me on my way out and asked if I would be willing to hook in, energetically, at 4:15pm as our class would be sending some light and love to a classmate of ours who has been having a difficult time. I was glad to be asked and said that I would hook in as I was driving. I hopped in the car, stopped at the nearest gas station, and pulled up next to a pump. I got out of the car and noticed my pump number........13. I chuckled at myself as I was about to get back in my car and pull to a different pump (I'm a bit superstitious). I went in, paid for my fuel, came back out, and proceeded to call my husband as I pumped. We chatted, checked in about whereabouts. I remembered he had mentioned to me earlier in the week about needing to replace our front right tire. I checked in with him about that. He believed that all would be well. I agreed and was on my way. As my exit lay before me, I noticed a strong calling in me to be very aware of my surroundings. My eyes and ears became very keen to everything; lights, sounds, and other distractions. I proceeded to pull off my exit and head down the ramp. At the bottom of the ramp I noticed it was 4:14pm. I took a deep breath, pulled up to the next stop light, stopped, closed my eyes, began to sink in to the swirling energy about and out into the Universe. I opened my eyes, pulled through the stop light and............

I am so thankful for all the Angels that were with me today; the ones that shielded me from on-coming traffic, the ones that held my car together until I was in a safe place, the ones that whispered to me to be ever present. I am thankful for the Angels that made it their promise to get me to all the loves of my life tonight.........

There are so many more photos I wished I had to include ALL of my beloveds.......you know who you are.

On this second day of my Season of Mindfulness, I am utterly aware of how much we don't have control over what happens in our life. We can control our actions, our decisions. We cannot control the outcome. I understand more deeply how every moment counts, every second we are awake means we are to be listening for the subtle whispers of our Angels. Don't get lost in the mire, swim above it all. Breathe deeply and fully. Honor what is being asked of you and DO IT with passion and love. Return to your loves everyday, without fail and give them your heart, all of it!

Smile. Breathe. And go slowly xo

A season of mindfulness: Day 1

December 1st is tomorrow; most Advent calendars begin on that day. Most churches recognize Advent's beginning on the Sunday 4 weeks before Christmas Day. I am starting today.

My heart has been called to do some deep house cleaning; body and soul. I am reaching out for that golden ring as I ride this merry go round, as we do everyday we live on this Earth. I know I won't ever hold that ring in my hand but I can, at the very least, touch it with the tips of my fingers. Lately, I've been feeling as though my efforts have been deteriorating......I've been less excited about my spiritual health. I've been guilty of just trolling along, walking in the same rut I always do, hardly deviating from my course. This isn't who I am, I am so much more than that. Granted, I have been a bit busy; Mama to 5, wife to 1, student, caretaker, Community member........I'm finding that I've been giving less and less of myself because I've been trapped in the quagmire of monotony. This changes today. I'm not taking on more. I'm simply heading inward and listening to the needs of my soul; the messages I ignore everyday as a result of putting out so much.....I need to fill up my vessel. Don't get me wrong, I am truly satisfied with my life, in fact I am more than satisfied. I have amazing children, I love my days and nights with them. My husband is so loving and kind. I have wonderful friends and family. I love my school and all that I'm learning. That being said, I still feel less connected to self. I don't really remember so much about what makes me.......me, spiritually. Life's pace is moving along at warp speed......I desperately want to slow it down.

For this Advent season and into Epiphany I will be working deeply within myself.......honestly fulfilling my desire to be completely mindful and attentive to my Spirit and those I walk with on this Earth. Like the Elementals that have returned to the Earth, I will return to myself.  Follow along here on my blog if you feel called to do. You can also follow along on Facebook as well as Instagram. I will do my best to post daily, if only a picture or poem that has inspired my regeneration. Other ways I will honor my Spirit daily will be to go on as many walking meditations as I am allowed (weekly if not daily), I will get back into daily journaling, and allowing myself 15 minutes of quiet time in the morning before the house wakes in the morning. I will continue to feed my soul by doing the things I love the most but doing them more often:: creating with my littles, playing the piano, finding ways to connect deeper with my older children, getting back into yoga/pilates, finishing off my Reiki certification, singing, dancing with my husband and praying.  This little list serves as a reminder that I am headed in the right direction. This truly is just more about giving me to myself.  Seeking out that inner peace that I strive for in my waking moments in all the roles I play. In what ways do you give you to yourself?

For today I am beginning by holding onto this meditation from White Bison::

**"Someone must speak for them. I do not see a delegation for the four footed. I see no seat for eagles. We forget and we consider ourselves superior, but we are after all a mere part of the Creation."
~ Oren Lyons, ONONDAGA
Whenever we make decisions, we need to look around to see who would be affected. If we change the course of a river, who, what will be affected? If we put poison on the gardens, who, what will be affected? If wee cut the trees and too many are cut, who, what will be affected? We need to become aware of the consequences of our actions. We need to pay attention to our thoughts. We are accountable to our children to leave the Earth in good shape.**     What decisions are you making? How will they effect those around you? Have you taken responsibility for your actions, honestly and fully? How will you make better decisions during this season of Advent? After Advent? I challenge you to honor your Spirit by committing only to what is honest and true, be humble, don't be more or less than you are right now xo

Do you hear what I hear?

 

 

"At time's turning point
The World's Spirit-Light
Entered the stream
Of Earthly Evolution;
Darkness of night
Had held its sway
Day-radiant Light
Poured into human souls.
Light,
That gave warmth
To simple shepherd's hearts;
Light,
That enlightened
The wise heads of kings.

 

O Light Divine,
O Sun of Christ,
Warm thou our hearts,
Enlighten thou our heads
That good may become
From what our hearts
We would found,
What from our heads
We would purposefully direct."
     ~ Rudolf Steiner

The silence and reverence that sets upon us at this time of year is palpable; all of our senses can hear, see, and feel that a shift is near. For me, it happens every year at this time. The little child inside me awakens from a year of deep slumber (or hushing probably as I'm distracted by the other children in my life xo). I allow myself to unfold and give all of myself over to the many profound possibilities of this special time. The light, the love, the welcoming of the energy of the Christ Child, all of these pulse through me, rejuvenate me cell by cell, I am more forgiving of myself and of others. I wish I could bottle this feeling up and carry it with me all through the year. I try, boy do I try. I am human, after all.....

This week has been a week of looking very deeply inward. I have been challenging myself to see where I fall short, were I expect too much of myself and others. I have looked at those places where I've stored up anger and resentment, sadness and loneliness. It's not pretty.......it's hard and sometimes painful. Looking in the mirror and seeing, nay, feeling as though I've failed is a sorrowful place to start the Advent season. On the contrary, I couldn't imagine starting anywhere else.



Me and my special Birthday girl! Kiki was my 30th Birthday gift xo

 I turned thirty-three this year; the Christ year. I've heard many a story about ones trials and tribulations to seek and discover a deeper sense of self. I experienced it through my husband and his Christ year. I began preparing for these experiences last year; hoping to do much needed inner work to alleviate any tumult and suffering and more in the way of celebration and joy. Well, you can't really prepare for that kind of thing, so, I feel like as long as I've been immersed now for a full year, I may as well get down to the nitty-gritty. What better time than at Advent?!

This emotional and spiritual quest only propels me to dive deeper into the celebrating at hand. Every plan, every activity, every beautifully placed decoration is done with much attention to being mindful and full of spirit and foremost.....how will my children feel, see, or hear this little piece of magic?  My heart is directed toward creating that unique mood of Christmastime not just for me, but for my children. Inside, as I struggle to find my spiritual side of wife/mother/homemaker/sister/daughter/friend/student/neighbor (sigh) I am overwhelmed not by feeling spread thin, but by realizing my great fortune to have so many meaningful roles in this lifetime. How grateful I am to hold those wee ones in my arms, day after day. How grateful I am to love and kiss that amazing man who chose me above all others. How grateful I am to love and cherish each person in my life, hopefully enough so that they know how much they mean to me when we part ways. It's these little reminders that allow me to hear the peace sinking in.......my heart and mind are quiet. I am holding that spirit of the Christ Child in my arms. *breathe*breathe*breathe*

"The gift of the light
We thankfully take,
But nothing may be
Just alone for our sake.
The more we give light
The one to the other
It shines and spreads life
Growing still further;
Till every spark is set aflame.
Till every heart Joy shall proclaim"
     ~ M. Tittman (from the German)

 

As you wait for the Christ Child and as you wait to hear/feel your peace sink in; how do you honor the spirit in your life? Do you have any special ways that you give presence to your inner peace? What special rituals does your family have that helps to honor these shifts in yourself and in your family culture?

 

Wishing you peace and quiet, in your heart and mind,  this Advent season xo

Once in a Blue Moon

 

 

Today marks the first full moon in 30 months with the next one happening well into 2015! There is the saying "Once in a Blue Moon"; what in your life have you suggested would only happen "once in a Blue Moon"? Can you make any of those things happen now? Things that come up for me are taking all the kids to the mountains, sleeping in, spending that day at the ocean, visiting dear friends. All of these things I've suggested only happen "Once in a Blue Moon".

On the spiritual side of things, blue hues hold meaning in communication. Although the moon doesn't appear to be blue, the name alone suggests that there is indeed significance between these special moon events and communication. What are you trying to communicate at this moment? Are you being clear? What is your motivation for your expression? All of things can be considered tonight as this Blue Moon dances over you and maybe you'll find the insights you've been seeking.

Today, DH is off from work and all the children are home. It will be my greatest joy for us to celebrate this beautiful phenomenon by allowing ourselves the freedom to so something that happens on such a rare occasion. Maybe even something as simple as having ice cream for dinner or having a picnic by the river. No need for extreme measures, just quiet listening so we can hear what our souls are asking for.

What is your soul asking for? DO it today or at the very least make sure to go outside and witness this most amazing moon. I would love to hear how you choose to celebrate!

Technology

 

Before this moment I would have considered myself a bit of a Puritan when it came to technology. We have a rather old television that is plugged in with only a DVD ( an upgrade from our VCR player that finally broke after more than a decade) player for the occasional movie watching we do as a family. We have no landline phone, no answering machines, no microwave, no gaming devices. We have a laptop that was a used hand me down and Tracphones that we put minutes on when we can.......that is until now! We are now the proud owners of an iPhone (thanks to my sister and her hubby)!

To say I felt a bit overwhelmed and confused is an understatement, I was truly and utterly lost! Where does one begin? Technology is far more advanced even from when I was a kid! I had become wary and distrustful of it all. I wanted to keep our children and ourselves as far from it as possible. It was like a scary monster that lived under the bed. You couldn't see it or understand it but you knew it was there.

I guess we've taken a leap of faith into an unknown realm by trusting that we can welcome technology into our lives in ways that we are comfortable without feeling as if we're being taken over by it.

I am, however, enjoying my new gift. Being a big family I enjoy having my calendars, to do lists, and reminders all in one spot and I like that they will actually remind me of something I most likely have already forgotten. I also really enjoy the many ways I am able to manipulate a photo. That with the added bonus of being able to stay in better contact with friends and family who are a bit more adept to the technological world than I.......for now!