Archive for November 2007
The Rhythm of November
Cold temperatures inspire me. More than that, they empower and liberate me from Routine. And while I am certainly no slave to a routine, still … there is are variations of my daily habits — like new rhythms — which find their way into my life during the month of November and linger ’til the warmer mornings of Spring.
Such as … An entire new (bulging!) folder of photos of clouds and sunsets and the varied lines of trees which have shed their leaves for the dormancy of Winter.
Such as … A brisk morning walk with a finally-frisky-and-healed Golden Retriever puppy.
Such as … Steaming delicious whole milk and making my own version of café mocha! 
The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July. ~ Henry David Thoreau
November Sky
November woods are bare and still;
November days are clear and bright;
Each noon burns up the morning’s chill;
The morning’s snow is gone by night.
Each day my steps grow slow, grow light,
As through the woods I reverent creep,
Watching all things lie “down to sleep.”
~Helen Hunt Jackson, Down to Sleep
Treats!
Photo Credit: DippedDreams.com
… Hoping to redeem myself as a hostess with my dear and beloved “Artistic Soul” friends …
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt! ~Lucy Van Pelt
Stained Glass Windows of Life
Church Window of Beautiful Pieces
The detail and artistry of stained-glass windows has always captured my eye as well as my curiosity. It reminds me of quilting, in that the artist selects seemingly random pieces to compose order and beauty.
During an evening in May of this year, I left a business meeting with my mind set on driving straight home. It had been a long day and, honestly, I was somewhat drained as I tossed my briefcase onto the passenger seat, put my key in the ignition and started the engine.
As I backed out of the parking space, looking through the rear window of my van, I could see deep blue sky peaking through bright, white billowing clouds. It was an unspoken invitation to take the long way home — camera in-hand — in order to capture seemingly random elements of said drive. And although I could post lengthy commentary regarding the beauty of that drive home, it is the memory of investing an hour of my life in the simple pleasure of “seeing what I could see” that dances through my mind this morning.
God whispers in our pleasures … ~C. S. Lewis
How often do we simply choose the shortest distance between two points? Our plans typically include the quickest steps from one part of our day to another, with the goal of “getting it all done” … But in the end, we realize that “it” is rarely “all done” and the price we pay for rushing hither and yon is steep.
Why not simply opt to select seemingly random pieces of our hours, of our days — of our lives — to compose our own designs of order and beauty. To piece together a life lived well — a life sprinkled with simple pleasures and pause — even (and especially!) in the midst of change, choices and checkpoints.
The image above is a favorite of mine because it is beauty in the midst of a solid structure. Even beyond the lines of the glass and window frame, there are other lines and shadows within the frame of this image which add to the overall order and beauty.
Winds of Change
Windmill on a Blue Sky Canvas — Elk City, Oklahoma
It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power. ~Alan Cohen
Everyone resists change; the only variance between people who do change and people who don’t is how quickly the decision is made to divide and conquer the matter of Fear.
Fear can be fuel for the fires of change or a numbing-drug as we medicate ourselves from reality. Either way, Fear defines our habits — and said habits become either a bridge or the barbed wire fence regarding change.
What winds of change are blowing in your life? As you peak around the corner of change, what do your fear look like? Will you build a fire or merely drink the kool-aid of status quo?
Decide to be Excellent … by Moving Through and by working from a Plan. Related posts: Mean What You Say, Say What You Mean and Imitation or Authenticity?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Whatever you dwell on in the conscious grows in your experience. ~Brian Tracy
What I have dwelled upon? Click here.
Mr. Blue Sky
New Mexico Blue Sky, June 2007
ELO – Mr.Blue Sky (Original Promo)
The sky is the daily bread of the eyes. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emerson’s Journals
‘member The Grinch?
For so many years, I have felt like The Grinch around this time of year. Real-life was just a little too real for me, and I just wanted to turn the calendar to the month of January and be done with all the holiday stuff. 
However, I have had one of those moments — like at the conclusion of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. When The Grinch can hear the Who families singing in spite of their loss of the material aspects of Christmas; when his heart grows so large it bursts out of the frame of the cartoon x-ray square.
A moment when the proverbial light of healing, forgiveness, enough time — whatever is pulsing wattage into said light — shines bright! 
Deep exhale … Life is good.
Duke
It has been a long day. Once I finish this post, I will give this pup his last dose of homeopathic remedies … Settle him into his bed … Stroke his head (they only part of him that seems not to ache …) and go to bed myself. It has been a very emotional and very challenging 24 hours. I am grateful for loving and well-trained vet care, and for the opportunity to love and care for this beautiful and loving and vibrant animal.
June 10, 2008 — A sad update about our Duke: A very sad farewell …
Thanksgiving Day is a jewel …
Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. ~E.P. Powell
Gratitude seems to sum up this image. As I pulled the blinds on the window next to my computer desk, this beautiful red rose caught my eye. The Zinnias (which had invaded its territory) have completely succumbed to the cold weather, but still provide a neutral background for this bloom. I was grateful for the stem of red rose blooms I was able to cut and place in my bud vase on my desk.
P.S. Whether you are for or against the war, say “Thanks!” (Click here … It is free; no sign-up, except your first name and location.)
