the glass half full

...Spring...

2010-06-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

Winter is gone (finally).
Spring is almost, too.
Before summer pushes its way in for good (or ill),
here is a last bit of spring for you.

...birthday wishes...

2010-01-28T09:42:00.001-08:00

Though Facebook can be the source of much time wasting, it does have some redeeming qualities. Reconnecting with people you've lost touch with is loads of fun, but getting all those extra birthday wishes is definitely the best part. I know everybody gets prompted that it is your birthday, but that is okay. As the number gets higher and higher I'll take whatever good wishes I can get...prompted or not!

...Christmas music...

2009-12-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Please press "pause" on my Christmas playlist at the bottom of this page to fully enjoy this "Crazy" organ solo of Go Tell It On the Mountain.

...CHRISTmas time is here...

2009-12-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Christ...the real gift of Christmas

...nature's small gifts...

2009-11-30T16:28:00.001-08:00

Young boy fishing with his dog: Palm Beach County, Florida
Today I was driving behind a truck. One of those extended cab pick up things. As I followed behind I could make out the outline of a dog sitting in the middle of its backseat. It seemed to be one of those big, short-haired, floppy eared dogs that you see hanging around with guys with extended cab pick ups.

As we were driving along I was watching the back of this dog's head and just pondering the relationship between man and dog. The loyalty, the trust, the give and take of dominance between man and his companion whom we lifted up out of nature to suit our needs. Were we selfish to force our domination of one of nature's creations? What benefits does the dog receive from this relationship?

As I looked and pondered, something else came into view in the truck ahead. I saw something white on the dog's head. I looked again and saw a tiny white hand, a quarter the size of the dog's head. I couldn't see the hand's owner, they were too small to be seen over the car seat. But, I could see the white hand stroking the big, soft head over and over. And the dog turned and put it's head down into the seat, I'm sure to offer a big wet kiss to the owner of the little hand.

I've seen many beautiful places around the world. Sights that seemed almost too spectacular to belong in our mortal realm. But, the more I see, the more I appreciate the small and subtle blessings in nature that surround us every day. Like a kid and a dog.

...my cup overfloweth...

2009-11-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

So many things to be thankful for. Family, food, fun together. The ease and comfort of being among those who know and accept you whatever the outcome of your Thanksgiving experiments. While those away from us were missed, we were together in our hearts...and through our stomachs!

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.

Go ahead and say your thanks to someone (out loud) today. Only good can come from an attitude of gratitude. Make it a habit.

Psalm 30:12

...gratitude...

2009-11-23T07:25:00.001-08:00

...digital photography...

2009-11-20T16:47:00.003-08:00

My camera broke...which isn't really a great thing. But, it got me thinking about digital photography and how great that is. You can take as many pictures as you want. When you have cute kids and dogs that is a blessing. And really, it is great to have 100 pictures of the same sunset. Until I can figure out how to take pictures of the new things I see that keep me happy, here is a link to some pictures of places I've visited in 2009.

http://picasaweb.google.com/trimarie1

...Halloween...

2009-11-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween in our neighborhood. It is so Americana. Halloween in our neighborhood makes you think that, despite how they say we're going to "He-- in a handbasket", around here everything is a-okay. Kids were running around the streets, mostly followed by adults joining right in with the fun. We had lots of trick-or-treaters and the neighbors got a chance to come out and visit and chat.

It makes me feel sad for the anti-Halloweeners. They are so focused on the "pagan" aspects of Halloween that they miss what is really a happy and joyful time. Halloween is about kids...being one and pretending to be one. I love it.

Here's what greeted our trick or treaters! She seemed very confused, but loved all the visitors!

...man's best friend...

2009-10-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, here she is...

before...

and after.

She is way cute and too bright. If intelligence in dogs leads to excessive naughtiness, she must be the Madame Curie of canines! But those soft brown eyes are pools of repentance and the amount of forgiveness shown by her doggie heart is a lesson to all of us smaller hearted mammals.

"To those who have cherished an affection for a faithful and sagacious dog, I need hardly be at the trouble of explaining the nature or the intensity of the gratification thus derivable. There is something in the unselfish and self-sacrificing love of a brute, which goes directly to the heart of him who has had frequent occasion to test the paltry friendship and gossamer fidelity of mere Man." - Edgar Allan Poe

...some really great kids...

2009-10-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Psalm 127:3

...Thursday afternoon sunshine...

2009-10-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

I would not call myself a sports "fan", as in fanatic, but I always have been a sports enjoyer. One of my fondest tv memories is watching "Wide World of Sports" with my dad. That, the Olympics, an occasional World Series or Super Bowl and every once in a while some ice skating and gymnastics thrown in are my usual sports exposure.

But, I have recently been exposed to a whole 'nother world...high school football.

Sitting high in the stands on a beautiful Thursday afternoon, I took a look around. I saw a hawk circling above the stadium, airplanes coming in on approach, white lines and green grass, parents steadily streaming into the stands, younger people helping older people climb the bleachers, kids trying to hold a coke and nachos and pizza and climb the bleachers, cheerleaders trying to stay in precision while never breaking a smile, and my very tall kid in his bleached (almost) white pants standing on the sidelines.

I have found that I really enjoy these games. As long as I can stay out of the "ugly box" (this is my name for the group of parents watching the game for whom high school football is a religion) I find the game to be rather uplifting. All those people together in cheering on the team makes for a great vibe. Most of the spectators are very encouraging to the players and the team is good enough to make for some exciting play.

I'm glad my kid decided to get involved. The whole "Friday Night Lights" thing is something I did not participate in in high school. I'm glad to have the chance to experience it now. So, go check out your local high school team. L-E-T-S-G-O Let's go Let's go L-E-T-S-G-O uh Let's GO!

...rain...

2009-10-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Can you even imagine seeing rain for the first time?

It would be a little frightening.

A little confusing.

But, ultimately a lot of fun.

Oh yeah, drying off is the best part!

...small sins...

2009-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, not "sins" exactly, but things you do even though you know they are bad for you. Here is my current obsession:

You know and love the almost caramely, sugary goodness of Sugar Babies, now add the apple-y green outside and it is taking over my thoughts in a way that must be slightly sinful.

They don't look like much. But, they are teaching me much about self-mastery!

...the final frontier...

2009-07-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Been anxiously awaiting the Space Shuttle launch. I've never seen one in person, but saw one on a big screen live at the Griffith Observatory once. It was, surprisingly, nerve wracking and moving.
I've always been a space nut. One of my earliest memories is watching the moon landing on tv. I don't know whether the moon landing itself left the impression or the fact that we were staying in a motel (something we never did) was more exciting. But anyway, I remember it. And here it is 40 years later! If you would like to travel back in time to re-experience man's exciting adventure to the moon, go check out this website that is re-creating it in real time.

Also, click the button on the sidebar at the bottom of my page to see today's Astronomy Picture of the Day.

Then, tonight, go outside and look at the stars for awhile. I have a lot more philosophical stuff to say about the heavens, but today I'm just posting the fun stuff and crossing my fingers for that launch.

...dancing...

2009-07-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

You need to PAUSE the music at the bottom of the page before you watch this one...

Oscar the Meyer's Parrot dances to his favorite tune...Listen as he declares himself a "good boy" before and after...

...land of the free...

2009-07-07T11:30:00.001-07:00

Seen on Independence Day...

...flag raising by Boy Scouts...

...lunch in front of "Independence Hall"...

...even the bugs enjoy a beautiful 4th at the water park...

...floating down a lazy river...

...viva multicultural America!...

...finally FIREWORKS!

D&C 134:4-5

...new life experiences...

2009-07-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

I had a new life experience a couple days ago. I visited an hospice. A family friend is now in hospice care and busily making arrangements for her own funeral. She has asked me to sing and wanted to make sure I knew which songs, what order, etc.

I wasn't sure what to expect when arriving at the hospice and was really quite surprised. It was a regular looking house on a regular looking street, but when you went inside what a different spirit you find. Right away you knew that there was something special going on here.

Our friend's small room was filled with people, including small kids running around and visiting "Grandma". The room had the bed, a chair and couch, an armoire, french doors that looked out onto a garden, and two pictures on the walls. After discussing her plans for her funeral, she told us about the pictures on the walls.

One was of a garden gate. The kind you see in old English gardens that have actual walls. It looked like a wooden door. This picture was facing her bed and she told us when she first came into the room she couldn't see it very well and wasn't sure what it was a picture of. By the next day she could make out that it was some sort of door way and soon she said it looked to her like a veil. Now she could see it. It was the veil she would be passing through soon into the next part of her life. And look, couldn't we see that there was the shadow of a person on the other side of the veil. So you see, when you go through there is someone there waiting for you. The other picture was on the side wall and she finally could make out that it was a bench. That was where the Savior came and sat beside her during the long nights. Waiting with her until she walked through the veil.

I am so thankful to have been able to have this experience with the Spirit. Another one in many to help strengthen my faith and remind me of the tender mercies of the Lord.

Ether 12:19

...happy links...

2009-07-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

It seems that much of the World Wide Web tends toward the trite, vulgar, or the very least, cynical; but occasionally I come across a happy link. (Okay, sounded a little Pollyanna there--but I am going to declare "a little Pollyanna" a needed and necessary thing today!)

Here is today's Happy Link: The World Of Beatrix Potter

ENJOY!

...cooling off on a hot day...

2009-06-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

...unexpected gifts...

2009-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, a family friend generously gave me a gift. He had been at some sort of sale on Saturday and saw this book, thought of me and bought it. How sweet. How touching. I appreciated it so much. This friend is an (I hope he doesn't mind this) elderly gentleman that attends church with me, and I use the term "gentleman" appropriately. What he probably doesn't realize is that this is just the sort of gift that I love. An old book. Forgotten on someone's shelf, dusty, yellow pages, the work and words of someone long ago; imagine the wonderful possibilities.

"The Education of a Music Lover"

by Edward Dickinson

Published in 1911, I've only had a chance to read the preface so far. I love the language. One hundred years and you are in a different world. This was especially reinforced when I read this passage:

"In the course of the past few years an ingenious invention has brought the teaching of musical appreciation within the reach of instructors who have sufficient theoretical knowledge. It has made all departments of musical composition in a certain degree accessible even to those who are not expert pianists. I refer to the mechanical piano players, which were at first looked upon with suspicion and often with abhorrence by professional musicians, but which are proving themselves an agency of immense usefulness in diffusing good music among the people."

Player pianos, that ingenious invention! I had to giggle aloud when I read that one. One hundred years later, I find this article this morning that puts even more perspective on the last century of music appreciation. The ingenious inventions just keep on coming.

I'm looking forward to reading Professor Dickinson's book and am so thankful to generous friends.

Romans 12:10

...downtime in the backyard...

2009-06-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some comfortably cool "June gloom" mornings have resulted in some pleasantly warm June afternoons. Time well spent in the "work in progress" backyard.

Now, doesn't that look inviting? Look, a seat saved just for you!

Of course, you may run into this fuzzy friend in the backyard. Go ahead, throw a ball. Fun for both of you!

The "hula girl" is blooming as big as plates and covering the whole bush in sunny yellow. As the evening approaches, the smell of jasmine adds just the right amount of sweetness to the gentle ocean breezes blowing in the next morning's cloud cover.

Late spring in the backyard...enjoy!

Isaiah 45:18

...animals and people who care for them...

2009-06-14T16:30:00.001-07:00

Visited a small zoo that exists because a group of people wanted to help animals in need. I've always been an animal lover and am so proud of and impressed by those who spend their extra hours caring for them. I can't manage to keep my bird's cage clean, let alone find funding and a home for grizzly bears! I know there is some sort of animal sanctuary or zoo near you. Go find one and visit as soon as you can.

Deuteronomy 22:4,6-7

...blossoms...

2009-03-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

1 Nephi 11:8

...puppy love...

2009-03-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Is being joyful genetic? or is it a learned? Nature vs. Nurture...the old debate.

Well, recently I welcomed a brand new "bundle of joy". I like that old expression that we give to babies; it sure describes my new baby. My bundle of joy is named Olive and watching her play and romp is guaranteed to make you laugh. Her joy in being alive and experiencing new things is so neat to see.

Don't all little ones come already full of joy? I think they do. They have a natural ease with being joyful and expressing it. They don't begin to lose that joy until they experience disappointment. This is where the effects of nurture come in. I think that disappointment and discouragement is the learned trait.

That means that somewhere inside us all we have the little bundle of joy we came with. Find it. If you're having trouble finding it...play with a puppy!

Doctrine and Covenants 136:28-29

...a time to mourn...

2009-02-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for the gift of faith. That once it was the size of a mustard seed; but with care, it has grown.

Life is full of all kinds of experiences; some we welcome, others we don't. And when life brings sorrow or grief there is a choice to make. You can either take the path of grief where fog and darkness shades your destination, or you can keep heading down the path of light.

There is a time to mourn, so that there may be a time to laugh. We cannot see all things as God sees, but we can look down the path we walk; and if it be the path of light that we are on, we can clearly see the end...and that's what keeps us walking.

Eccesiastes 3:11-13

...boys...

2009-01-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

They get dirty. They like to laugh at gross stuff. They do dumb things on dares. Who are these strange and different creatures. Why can't they just do things like girls do them? Does anyone understand them? They don't share their feelings. They make guns out of anything. They can't find anything. And they are maddeningly prone to parent deafness. It is so easy to poke fun at them and laugh at them, call them lazy and gross and unfeeling. But, if you do, then something happens; they become lazy and gross and unfeeling.

I worry for them. They need to be better understood. Their joys are simple. (guns made out of sticks and forts made out of boxes are very fun) They are brave. (To fit into their society, a "double dog dare" may just need to be taken) They are clever. (They can't find their belt on Sunday morning, but their minds visualize a project much clearer than mine) They share their love with their actions, not necessarily their words. (Mommy, I drew this picture of you)

I am hopeful. Mothers love boys. Boys grow into men. Men become fathers. Fathers mold boys.

Do your part. Open your eyes of understanding. Love and mold a boy today.

Deuteronomy 4:9

...laughing at silliness...

2009-01-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

I've always been a movie lover. My brother is fourteen years older than I and one of my earliest memories is of going to see "2001" with him. I remember being really little. In my memory we sat in the front row, but it may have been just really close, because I remember the screen was HUGE. I've seen it many times since, of course, but I have a very distinct memory through little eyes of the scene with the girl slowly walking and walking around that circle and Strauss playing in the background. I also remember him taking me to see "An American in Paris". I was a little older, I think, and I've loved Gene Kelly ever since.

Anyway, I'm a movie lover, but not a movie snob. Let's face it, there are all sorts of armchair critics out there who have lots of opinions they feel they need to share. Me, I just want to be entertained. I can usually turn off my brain and enjoy most anything. There have been a couple near walk-outs, but I usually stick it out. However, I am always most pleasantly surprised when I do have to use my brain, just don't make me think too much.

I've been mostly disappointed in movies lately. There really hasn't been much that looked interesting or entertaining enough to see. Too much raunchiness or they seem to be taking themselves way to seriously. Sometimes you just need silliness.

The other night "School of Rock" was on and I stopped for a couple of minutes to get some laughs. Great movie for just enjoying being silly. In the scene I saw Jack Black declares, "I serve the community by rocking!" Love it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

...the communication age...

2009-01-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I realized that my baby and I could talk to each other and see each other at the same time though we're almost 900 miles away from each other. I discovered the video chat.

Warning: "Back in my day" moment ahead...

When I was away at school I was also far from home. I remember having a phone in our dorm room, but I don't remember calling home very often. It was expensive and I was barely paying for school, let alone luxuries like calls home.

I'm so thankful to have the ability to text, call, email and now see my baby. I don't think she tends toward homesickness, but I tend toward the side of worry. Just being able to reach out and touch her in some way once a day is a blessing.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

...a new beginning...

2009-01-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

First thing I'm thankful for in this new year is health. Although I complain about it at times, I am so thankful my body is still (for the most part) in working order. An horrifying bout of stomach trouble which, thankfully, ended was just the reminder I needed that no matter how icky I may feel, it could always be worse.

This is definitely one of those "silver lining" posts. Cause, really, what is there good to say about 24 straight hours in the bathroom.

Here's to the New Year and new beginnings...starting with good health for everyone!

...He is born!...

2008-12-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

President David O. McKay(1873-1970) declared: "True happiness comes only by making others happy-the practical application of the Savior's doctrine of losing one's life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.

It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring 'peace on earth,' because it means--good will toward all men."

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the "spirit of Christmas," we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the "Spirit of Christ."--Thomas S. Monson

...help given when unexpected...

2008-12-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Isn't it a great feeling when you are at that place where you let your mind think "I cannot do this"and then you see them. Like an angel sent from above, there is someone to help; unexpected and appreciated.

...Christmas surprises...

2008-12-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

Giving a little of yourself to another to brighten their day is the best way to brighten yours. Many, many cookies and rice krispy treats later, I'm a happier person.

...ginger snaps...

2008-12-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

I wish I could take a picture of the smell. We switched to a "faux" tree a few years ago, so we have to replace the piney smell with candles. It is not quite the same. But, that's okay because nothing is like the smell of gingerbread coming out of the oven. To me it really says, "CHRISTMAS"!

...School Holiday Programs...

2008-12-11T17:18:00.001-08:00

I do my best not to be disturbed when I hear news of school Holiday programs not being able to include any Christmas music. I would like to believe that I am not living in the last bastion of traditional America. You see, last night I conducted a Holiday Program that included "The First Noel", "We Three Kings", "Bidi Bom" (Hanukkah song), and "Do You Hear What I Hear". We also had the Santa songs and "Jingle Bells" thrown in for good measure. The kids wore their Santa hats and the little girls dressed up in their pretty, sparkly red dresses and they sang their hearts out. This is a public school. I am so happy that all the children are getting the opportunity to hear and learn these traditional Christmas songs that bind our generations together. I hope it is still happening in other places also. I am thankful that those who may not share my religious beliefs at least share my enjoyment of this season as a time with a tradition of hope, service, and love.

...Christmas lights...

2008-12-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

My favorite thing about this Christmas tree is the lopsided star. That imperfection makes me smile.

As I was driving home last night it struck me that the thing I love about Christmas lights is that it is a time when neighbors get together and do something really sort of silly, just for the fun of making each other happy. As you look around at the lights it's sort of a microcosm of people in general. Some are more simple folk and want to participate in the group effort so they put up a strand or two. Some want to participate, but they want to make sure that everyone knows that they are up on the current trends. So they look around and do what other people have done. You know the types. Remember when every other house had "Las Vegas" style lights, or icicle lights, or now it seems to be blow up Santas and Frostys, etc. Then there are those people who just have to stand out from the crowd. Their contribution must be noticed. They cover every possible bush and tree. Then, of course there are those who don't participate. I hope it's not because they are hum-buggy. Anyway, I am thankful for everyone who joins in. Thank you for all the work you put in to help make our Christmases a lot brighter!

...Christmas time is here...

2008-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

So, Christmas time is here. I have to admit I wasn't feeling it, yet. We arrived home from our Thanksgiving trip on Dec. 1, got right back into the swing of life, and Christmas was still hanging out there somewhere in the future. Then, I turned on the t.v. and there he was, with his little tootsie roll antlers and permanently stuffed up sounding voice...Rudolph. Suddenly, it was Christmas time. Now, I know that Rudolph and Santa, etc. are not the true meaning of Christmas and all that; but, I have seen that shiny red nose every Christmas of my whole life. So, he helps bring the feeling of Christmas time. This is one of the hard things to learn as you get older. Christmas changes. When you are little Christmas is magic. Later, if you are lucky, you get to make Christmas magic. Anyway, seeing little Rudolph and all his misfit friends always reminds me of Christmas magic. So, here we go...jumping into another Christmas season...ho, ho, ho!

...baby's laughter...

2008-12-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to spend some time this Thanksgiving in the company of a baby. This sweet little boy reminded me a lot of my little guy. My little guy was a very quiet and serious baby. (Although, he did smile at me the day after he was born. No one else believes me, but he and I were there and we know the truth.) He wasn't much of a crier and didn't demand your attention. He spent most of his time looking around at the world and filing everything he saw away for future use. So, when something would strike this little guy funny it was really funny. I remember one time when he was about six months old he was sitting in his car seat. I started shaking my head at him and in a silly voice said "no, no, no". Then he would shake his head and laugh and laugh...that glorious guileless laugh that only an innocent is capable of. Pure, unadulterated comedy. "Mommy did something I didn't expect and it made me happy." Just the memory of it makes me want to laugh...and cry at the same time. That little guy is bigger than me now, but every once in a while Mom will say something that catches him off guard and I love to hear that bit of my little guy squeak out in between the bass range laughter.

...giving thanks...

2008-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

"There are many things I am thankful for

I can find them near and far.

There are many things I am thankful for.

Let me tell you what they are,

I'm thankful for the earth

I'm thankful for the sea

I'm thankful for my friends

and I'm thankful to be me.

I'm thankful for the sun

I'm thankful for each tree

I'm thankful for my home

and I'm thankful to be me.

I'm thankful for my food

I'm thankful to be free

I'm thankful for the stars

and I'm thankful to be me."

--"There are many things I am thankful for" by Hap Palmer

The words are simple. The feelings uncomplicated. Sung by the sweet voices of K-3 graders the emotion is palpable and cannot fail to touch that place in your heart that yearns for the simple joy that comes when you are just "thankful to be me".

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

...parrots...

2008-11-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

6:30 am. Sleeping. Suddenly awake! Loud screeching coming from the sky. Parrots!

I am lucky enough to live in an area frequented by a very large group of WILD PARROTS. I don't mean the ones I have living in my family room (even though they do act wild). I mean wild urban parrots. During this time of the year they fly over my house at around 6:30 am and play around in the trees all day until they fly off somewhere to the northwest to wherever they are roosting right now. Wow, they are beautiful to see in flight...and funny to watch playing in the trees or on the wires above. When we have loquats on our tree they like to sit in the tree and eat them, which is fine with me otherwise they all go to waste. But, they are loud. This is an important part of being a parrot, especially a wild parrot. They live in pairs and family groups that, generally, stick together. So, when they fly they are constantly calling to keep check on each other or to warn of dangers. Living with a couple of parrots it is amazing to me how many different sounds they are capable of. (Having a bird tell you "I love you" will have to be a post for another day. )

Now, I know that this moment may not be one that would bring happiness to everyone's life. Some people may find the parrots downright annoying. So, I guess this is a good time to talk about perspective. Obviously, I am a bird person. So, seeing these beautiful intelligent creatures flying free and thriving where they were never meant to be brings me running out of my house to watch them whenever they fly over. However, others may be pretty annoyed during the 6:30 am fly-over when they are trying to get that last half-hour of sleep.

So, I guess the point is that although this is my list of moments that bring me happiness, you should reflect upon the things that you run into every day that keep you moving forward. And remember, we are trying to look through that glass half full. Maybe you can find something joyful that you never thought of in that way before...even at 6:30 am.

Click here for more info on California's wild parrots.

...Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire...

2008-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

She was called "the world's greatest tap-dancer" and many thought she could out tap Fred. This "Begin the Beguine" number from Broadway Melody of 1940 is considered one of the best tap numbers ever. Enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Eleanor!

(for better viewing, scroll down and pause my regular music at the bottom of the page) :)

...the Sun...

2008-11-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

Recently the sun went missing for a couple of days. As I was reflecting on how its departure made me feel I had a memory. When my little ones were really little I would walk them home from school. On really nice warm days before we went into the house, we would lay on the grass on the front lawn and just soak up the sun for a few minutes. I don't know what the neighbors thought, but I remember it felt so nice and calming and it was a good transition between school and home.

I have always loved the sun. Give me a day at the beach anytime. I have found that getting outside and doing something, anything, will shine up the day for me. Instead of running from house to car to building on a sunny day, stop...close your eyes...and just feel it for a minute. I promise it will help.

I have been using the word comfort in my prayers a lot lately and was thinking about other words that could mean the same thing. A word that popped into my head was "solace". It is a similar word to comfort, although I think it leans more toward "peace". I don't know much about the etymology for "solace", but it just does not seem coincidental that a word which means peace and comfort begins with the word for sun...sol.

...some really lovely writing...

2008-11-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

"One of the strange things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live forever and ever and ever. One knows it sometimes when one gets up at the tender solemn dawn-time and goes out and stands alone and throws one's head far back and looks up and up and watches the pale sky slowly changing and flushing and marvelous unknown things happening until the East almost makes one cry out and one's heart stands still at the strange unchanging majesty of the rising of the sun - which has been happening every morning for thousands and thousands and thousands of years. One knows it then for a moment or so.

And one knows it sometimes when one stands by oneself in a wood at sunset and the mysterious deep gold stillness slanting through and under the branches seems to be saying slowly again and again something one cannot quite hear, however much one tries.

Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark blue at night with millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure; and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in some one's eyes."

--Frances Hodgson Burnett, "The Secret Garden"

...finding "The Wizard of Oz" while channel surfing...

2008-11-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

"ha ha ha

ho ho ho

and a couple of tra la las

that's how we laugh the day away

in the merry old land of OZ"

...happened upon the scene where they are getting ready to see the Wizard. Something about this scene always made it one of my favorites. They curl Dorothy's and the Lion's hair, they polish up the Tin Man, and stuff the Scarecrow with fresh hay. And something about the green used in this scene makes it the sparkliest green I've ever seen.

I can remember when I was little finding some of this movie unsettling. I wasn't really sure if I actually liked it. But, I watched it every year and somehow, back then when you didn't see your favorite movies repeated very often, something was magical about it when it came on t.v.

Thanks to that magic, I'll happily stop by in the merry old land of OZ, even for a short visit...

Moments

2008-11-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog.

I've decided that my blog should have a theme. I guess I'm just a put things in boxes kind of girl. Therefore, a theme. I chose one of my favorite words...felicity. Although summarized by most as happiness, to me it contains a particular form of happiness.

Happy is too broad, joy is too bursting. I prefer the calm, meditative reassurance of felicity. I also appreciate its second definition in this literary application, "the ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts".

Marianne Dashwood gushes to her sister,"Is there a felicity in the world superior to this?". However Marianne tends toward over-indulgence in her sensibilities. Such passionate souls, as she remarks herself, often meet with tragic ends. I will borrow Marianne's word with less passion, more positive reinforcement.

Here's what I mean...

I have spent a lot of my first forty years waiting, hoping, and expecting a feeling of constant happiness..."Do I feel happy today, or not?" I admit I have seen the glass half empty, believing that someday it would be filled.

But in those years there were moments.

Moments when I would look at where I was, in the moment I was, and in that moment...I felt felicity. I am slowly coming to realize that I didn't need to find or make the moments, I just need to recognize that they are always there.

And so my blog is one for moments of felicity.....lots, and lots, and lots of them.