remembering

I went to a church yesterday that made me think back to childhood memories at our cottage. At this church we sat outside with other families with children. The day was beautiful and Fyn slept on my chest as we listened to the sound system set up outside. A man's voice came on that reminded me of the voices of the cottage.

My grandma's brothers all shared the voice of the speaker who talked of his mission trips to far off lands. His voice so similar to my Uncle Don, my great uncle that passed so suddenly three weeks ago, and his message so familiar. His voice echoing childhood voices I grew up with at cottage functions, but had fallen out of touch with for so many years.

I met Don all over again last fall as he was taking on the challenge of my father. He said he understood the battle with alcoholism my dad has succumbed to and he was willing to look out for this man that was once a baby in his arms. This challenge is understood by many people that have witnessed the damage this disease brings to family and loved ones. I respect my uncle's desire to help this man that refuses help.

Reaching back into those memories took me to a cottage on a lake where so many happy memories were created. My Uncle Gordy returned to my thoughts as I remembered his stories of my Uncle Don. Gordy was my childhood companion, one of the magical people that never seem to grow beyond childhood mentally. We spent summer nights sitting beneath magnificent skies listening to baseball games on the radio. Between innings he talked of his brothers and sisters, their kids, and grandkids. I remember the love in his voice as he talked of his incredible family.

Connections

Origin stretching backwards
living and existing in a natural world.

Like a plant, our roots dig deep into the earth,
nurturing us with minerals and water.

We are organic beings using nature
to live, to grow, to survive.

In environments diverse around the world,
insects, plants, and animals adapt to global changes.

As this beautiful planet
three quarters covered with life giving water
cycles her way through seasons,
Discover connections linking us to all living things.

Please help our Mother,
she's the most beautiful in the Universe.

Our choices impact all beings. Love completely,
filling all with energy and power.

Live in tune with nature. Silence the noise,
create beautiful pieces of art.

Love yourself

A door released from its hinges
floats along the river.

From where I am, I see the nails
Hung to hold reminders
of things to do today

The reminders already
cast aside by river's current,
yet their hooks
remain and rust.

On the river of life's Water,
cleansing the door.
We may all awaken when
we open the door to river's current,
Where we will see the world on the other side,

A simple twist of the river's flow will flip
the door so the hooks and nails we've
Driven beneath the surface
scrape along the bottom.

In time the nails will
simply break off freeing
the raft of reminders.

Time to live today
Love yourself.

Magic is spring

What if there was
a place in your imagination

Where mice were really dwarves
building underground housing units

When insects flew, fairies
took flight to dust

Where flowers bring
color to a once white blanket
Held in Mother Tortoise's
arms as she rocks her child to sleep

Soon my little child
your time will come to awaken

This world needs love
Rising from its soil
watch the little folk

With eyes open
not as pests

They have much to teach
you have much to learn

Fyn you are the child
of Mother Tortoise's son

Peace awakens from dreams
fresh on a spring morning

Breathing happiness
on winds round the world

What if there was
a place in your imagination.

Magic

Water as far as I can see,
joining sky on the horizon--
Rising on wings of hope.

A bird in flight feeling free,
exploring without destination
searching while traveling up.

Among clouds looking
beyond tomorrow into future--
seeing magic abound.

Peace for those seeking
to live in the world of nature
Follow the path around

Distractions along the way
Tune out corporate static--
Peacemakers come

Ready to dance and play
A wind of change does speak
Listen for the sound of a drums.

Rhythm of Life

Life has a rhythm--
drums sounding through forests
calling all to community.

Our nature--to live in peace,
gather within the circle we share,
our being, a gift from the creator.

Mother gives us life,
we grow in her womb
listening to her heartbeat.

Everyday rhythms guide us
as we walk along this path
beside the River of Life.

window

a window to watch the world,

photographs provide an opportunity to focus,
capturing moments in light

have you heard? there is magic outside,
memories in the making
for those who want to see

step outside doors, free yourself
seek incredible experiences
interacting with love
as we make a difference