Light

light is such a powerful metaphor

for all that is good

at anytime

but it takes on special significance

during the holidays

no matter what your belief system

light shining

dispelling the darkness

is something we all need

it’s universal

so when you see those twinkle lights

and icicle lights

and tube lights

and Christmas tree lights….

let them rekindle your own light

the one deep inside

let them ignite that spark

dispel whatever darkness

lingers within

and keep you shining

just the way

you were meant to be

(yes, i need that reminder too!)

Holiday Spirit

i’m a little kid-like when it comes to the holidays.  as soon as the turkey is digested, i start thinking maybe it is time to pull out the holiday plates, activate my special playlist and start decorating.  rationally, i tell myself that december should really be the starting point for all this madness.  after all, i don’t want to OD on it before the 25th. but, little by little, things get pulled from their long hibernation hideouts  and start doing their part to make this a festive holiday.

at this point, the house is decorated and the tree is up.  we’ve already attended our first holiday party and i’m working on cards.  i’ve made some killer apple cranberry bread and given it away.  and i’m determined not to get stressed.  everything does not need to get done right now….. it will all happen in its own good time.  and as i stated in a previous post:  IT”S ALL CHRISTMAS.  right now.  this moment.  we do not have to wait for one day to enjoy all the good things that this season has to offer.  each little piece can bring us joy and meaning if we stay open to it.

having said all of that, i’m afraid it’s going to be kind of a rough one for us.  our worst fears for our sweet muffin (bone cancer) seem to be coming true.  after a respite that the medication provided, her limp has returned.  i already have her presents wrapped and under the tree, but i am doubtful that she will be with us at that time.  sigh.  one day at a time at this point. though my heart is breaking, i am determined to look at the big picture and find joy in other things. 

Raw Power

today i witnessed raw power

stunning in its beauty

yet terrible in its force

 power that goes right on

wielding itself

relentlessly

even in the absence of watching eyes

 power that needs no recognition

no admiration or praise

because it just is

 independent of thought

or of ego

bereft of a reason for being

it just is

and i,

mesmerized,

small

drenched in awe

in its presence

(could i get a little of that??)

Have You Found Yourself? (creatively?)

i do know some artists who could answer this question in the affirmative.  they have found their unique creative passion and are moving forward on it every day (or so it seems!)  but for many of us, it can be more of a struggle.  

 i know so many creative folks who feel like they have not quite found their “niche”.  or maybe their style.  they love creating, but they are seeking a form of expression that is distinctively THEIRS.  they are patiently (or not) waiting for that day when they will know exactly what that is.  

 

 i am one who would fall into that category for sure.  i am trying new things and combinations of things, all the while thinking that something is going to “click” one day very soon and it will all be crystal clear.  my future rolled out before me in a smooth, arrow-straight path steeped in creative bliss, beckoning me to hop on and take the first step.

but maybe that’s not ever going to happen….  i’m starting to get that.  here’s the thing.  i do not want to be living my life in a “waiting” mode.  i want my focus to be right now.  this day.  this moment.  it’s ok to feel as if i am not “there” because that’s just the way life is.  

it keeps unfolding and evolving and sometimes you make false starts and end up going 2 steps forward and 3 steps back.  but i want to be in the flow of it…. soak up each experience and learn to embrace the questions and the uncertainty.  still working on it…

bye-bye november (!?!)

 (all photos taken as part of one of my latest creative endeavors, the iphone!)