Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Essence

Let me remove my mask
and set aside the illusion
I've been hiding behind
my essence awaits ahead

04041996

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Return

Eternal and unconditional
that is what nature is....
we, removed, must return
that is where our souls are,
where we will find ourselves

04161996

Monday, December 4, 2017

Focus

When we focus on the light,
we're able to see what it is...
truth and freedom ours,
love and peace too....

03121992


Winter is hanging on

Mother nature is not ready, as yet, to let go of winter. This morning she has unleashed another serious snowfall. The flakes are big and moist falling in a heavy sheet. The challenge to many, at this point, is to see the beauty of each one. So many of my neighbors who couldn't wait for the first snowfall as a wondrous sign of winter here in God's country are now bemoaning another storm instead of being grateful for the blessing and the gift. Too soon it will be over and spring will be here. Already small signs are raising their heads anxious for their turn.

The squirrels, up early, have arrived for breakfast. Life is present; snow makes no difference as long as they have food and shelter. The cats and I have that and more; and warm fire, a dry shelter with a wonderful view, hot showers and entertainment, and a shovel when the snow subsides. God provides me with all that I need and more, as well as the ability to enjoy, not wish away, the gift of today and to see it with eyes of wonder still.

The snow is alternating with rain and turning to/on the ground in melting off the driveway even though the air is quite frigid and requires gloves and hat outdoors. No need to shovel under these conditions, and the snowplow has been making regular runs but there is not a lot on the road to create a berm accept what he dislodges from the old piles and leaves all my driveway.

My friend blessed me with a ride to the post office but the only thing waiting was an ad. She also brought me a new Angel for my collection from her trip to Panama.

The morning snow became afternoon rain, slowly melting and washing away at the thin layer of mushy snow from the driveway and also creating a rivulet of ice to the backyard. Evening brings a magnificent sunset of charcoal clouds against the crimson sky over the broad ridge of the tree-topped mountain and a temporary deluge from the sky.

The wind is now silenced and the chill has paused, becoming a more tolerable cold. Night comes gently to God's country. The igloo my grandchildren built still stands, a monument to their weekend in the snow, of their persistence, and the sound of their voices echoes in my mind and heart.

03151992

Sunday, December 3, 2017

What a beautiful day

What a glorious day it is today. No sign of any rain appears but instead unexpected warmth that allows me to shed my extra clothing and appreciate this special gift from God. It is not so hot that it melts the hill of snow so it is like having the best of two worlds at once. The squirrels are in the mood to play and arrive very early for their breakfast and games of tag.

Much time is dedicated to catching up on my computer work but I take frequent breaks outside to enjoy the wonder and the warmth. My cousin has invited me to travel with him to Italy, France, and Brussels, a very appealing offer indeed.

In the afternoon I make my mail run and take advantage of the wonderful weather and take the high roads and drive up the hills to capture the wonderful views, to see winter from a birds eye view. I brought my camera along in the hopes of collecting more pictures but unfortunately a UPS truck was tailing me and I found not one area where I could pull off. I will try again the first opportunity I get.

I am, as always, fascinated with the ever-changing scenery, the terrain, sky, and the beauty of God's country. No two days are ever alike but there is always a sense of being in a spiritual environment. I almost feel the spirit of the Chumash Indians who inhabited this area and would like to study further the special relationship they had with all living things and with the powers that govern the universe and all that is.

In the early evening great billowing clouds come over the mountains resembling fields of cotton opened to the sun, begging to be picked, areas highlighted as if God Himself had spotlighted them. Soon there was an avalanche of fog, heavy clouds, creeping quickly down the mountains as if an invasion were taking place by a force of nature that could be seen but not touched.

By nightfall the air again holds a bone numbing chill urging the necessity to again find warmer wear. The clouds have gone elsewhere and the stars have made their appearance. Tomorrow will be another God-given surprise to be revealed and I will create it with joy.

12121992

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Sunshine on snow

The sky is so beautifully clear today Mr. Sun is out bright and shiny for the first time in at least a week. To be in the moment is to appreciate and embrace the experience and the gift of life. Right now it feels like God is smiling and the world is in a state of joy. Everything the sunlight touches glistens and the air is filled with Birdsong as if they are extolling God's praises and their gratitude.

The squirrels came early for breakfast, anxious to begin their day and the neighbors are off, I presume for an early trip to town. They've seemed to be suffering a bit from cabin fever of late. If it had been this nice yesterday I would have lingered longer in town.

The squirrels, I notice, have completely broken the bird feeder on the front tree and the seed is now scattered all over the ground below. They are joined in the foraging by the quail and bluebirds, all trying to get the greatest share.

Today is dedicated to catch-up, on settling some problems, housework, and email, as well as word-processing documents I am working on. I did take time to phone visit with both my daughters. My cousin is complaining he hasn't had any email from me of late. I guess dedicating so much time, due to the necessity, to snow shoveling does take time away from other things, but priorities take precedent

More rain is predicted for tomorrow, which may mean more snow here. So for tonight the sky is clear and the stars stand out like a tray of diamonds against a background of black velvet. Outback the lights from the houses on the hill shine like a double moon or beacons guiding an airplane on to a landing strip at midnight. Of the moon itself there is no sign. The houses themselves cannot be seen but you know their location by the lighted shapes of windows and doors hanging in space.

It is quite serene tonight. The hoot owl is silent and no coyotes have been heard in the near vicinity for weeks. It is comforting to sit in the rocker on the deck, bundled against the cold and just be. Not concentrating, but a part of all that is around me and at one with the universe and with God.

I appreciate each day, the gifts each one holds, God's guidance in leading me here, and the journey this life has taken me on. Amen!

12021989

Friday, December 1, 2017

A trip to town

The sky this morning is cloudy with great coral billowing clouds and others gray streaked, almost charcoal, moving in over the mountains. Much of the roof tops are cleared of snow and I notice the absence of the constant dripping caused by melting snow from my own roof and realize, it too, must now be clear, but I was mistaken. After walking up the hill on the road I see that one side of the roof is partly clear, the other side is still mostly snow-covered. It is just too icy as yet to drip but will continue on with the sun's warmth.

Today I will go into town, to Santa Clarita. The forecast is cloudy but no snow or rain is predicted. Oh, joy! As the clouds gather, increasing in density I question my decision, but as the sun begins to peek out briefly I feel I should not miss the opportunity presented as I don't know what next week will hold and my shagginess is beginning to bother me, also I look forward to the freedom of the drive. So with faith in hand I am off.

Is a beautiful drive with clouds closing in behind me as I descend down the mountain. As I get ever lower both are reaching to meet, cloud to land and land to cloud until all blends into one.

The continued threat of inclement weather was even in town as if, at any moment, the sky would open up. I took care of my business in record time rather than linger as usual but felt no sense of anxiety, rather a reassuring peace from God that the journey would be a safe one.

It is good to be home as a thick fog has descended hiding all below in less than half an hour. The mountains, trees, and houses behind my home are all hidden from view, only indistinct lights show through as an indication of where a home is located.

Pesky, the squirrel, is agitated and screaming on the deck and dives into a tree while still chattering loudly. Peeker on the front deck was clamoring as well.

There is a damp feel to the air, almost as if you could wring it if you could hold it and release a wealth of water to the ground.

The cats are all resting, Lil Bit centered on a pillow as if he is a royal offering, the little king of the house for sure.

A few stars appear in the night sky out front but are hidden from view behind. It is as if front and back are two different worlds, door-to-door, a house divided indeed.

12011989