Lost and Then, Found!

Crowds have waned, the usual hustle and bustle that fills the walkway is now eerily quiet, while shadows playfully dance on the massive stone and log walls.  As I walk towards the doorway, I am cheerfully greeted by two holiday wreaths standing guard on either side of the entry way.  Welcoming all into the fishing camp, the wreaths seem to breathe and ooze holiday spirit from every fresh bough and glistening ornament.  The enormous antlers nestled between the bristling greenery, rapidly release visions of a pleasingly plump jolly elf with his team of reindeer beginning their long journey through the clear cold and star guided Christmas Eve sky!    Perhaps we will hear the bells of the sleigh as they make a quick stop for the steaming mug of hot chocolate and the plate full of cookies that beckon.  Hopefully the reindeer remember those crisp juicey cold apple snacks, so rosey red and sweet, we put out just for them!

As I round the corner, gorgeous holiday decorations hanging from the Lodge's massive log beams, a perfectly decorated tree standing guard in the center of the Lodge, the fireplace flickering, rocking chairs now quietly still, resting from the earlier evening activities of holiday Guests enjoying the dancing flames while warming away the night time chill, a feeling of serenity and holiday happiness fill my spirit.  My day almost complete, just a few more pieces, the intricate ins and outs of my daily puzzle will all be in place. Funny how I look forward to these moments of solitude and quiet, yet thoroughly enjoy my full speed ahead approach of each new day.

Walking back to the fish camp, the soft glow of the lanterns wrapped in their holiday greens, help lead the way, but the shadows and the images they create on the walls and moisture laden windows, only add to the mystique and magic of this fairy tale place. Rounding the corner, at first look nothing seems unusual or out of place but at closer observation, I notice my quiet late night must of been visited by...........all that's left is one tiny shoe, sitting alone beneath my wreaths. Imagination, much like the flickering flames in the stone fireplace, has just had another log added!  As my mind roars to life, there are many things to ponder here!!!!  Why would one so tiny be out in the wee hours of the waning night time?  Was it a visitor from Mickey's Very Merry or is that one tiny shoe, a little blue and green Croc adorned with Mickey heads, all that is left?  Have thoughts of the North Pole, Santa and his reindeer, a bustling workshop of tiny elves scurrying to finish each special toy, transported my tiny friend to a new place and time, after all this is a magical place!  As I pick up the tiny shoe, it is obvious, it has just been left.  Placing it where it can be easily found, I am sure its owner will dearly miss it.  Perhaps much like the crumbs left in the fairy tale, it is a direction finder for its wee owner  upon his return to reality.

As the next day begins and I return to my fishing camp, I notice the tiny piece of apparel has disappeared, hmmmmm, did its owner retrieve it?  Questioning other inhabitants of the area, no one recalls seeing the tiny shoe, odd but perhaps true, it was lost and then found. As each small child visits this place, I find myself looking downward.  Time, approaching the magical hour, Guests returning to the Lodge, I notice a tired little boy snuggled asleep in his Dad's arms, his small feet adorned with the blue and green, Mickey head Crocs. As he stood beneath my massive wreaths, Dad must of realized I was watching, a broad smile lightened his face, a thumbs up and goodnight wave laid to rest my weary imagination, yet who knows......this is a Magical Place! 

Dare to Dream!

As a child my dreams always fascinated me. Having had a few of nightmares invade the usual fun and exciting world of imagination, I now wish I'd kept a journal of these events.  There were times I'd hurry to my room, turn off the lights and snuggle deeply into the soft, fresh scented sheets and blankets.  Nothing better than a pillow case that conjures up visions of the warm afternoon sun and fragrant springtime breeze.  Everything so fresh and new, tickling the senses, honeysuckle blooming, the many shades of greenery stretching skyward as they are being beckoned by the warmth of the late spring and early summer sun.  No wonder nightmares were few and far between!

My favorite dreams were usually about the vast expanses of our universe.  As a child space exploration, then just in its infancy, beckoned me. Somehow the thought of being able to travel to other planets overwhelmed my imagination.  Whether awake or asleep, I craved everything outer space.  Could I be an astronaut? Why not, I'd be the first female in outer space or so I thought. A sadly disappointing and abrupt awakening ended my adolescent space voyage dream, when in 1963, a Russian female cosmonaut by the name of Valentina Tereshkova was launched into space. My imaginary world of space travel driven from the heavens at the tender age of eleven!

It was a space program's debut in 1965 that once again lifted my spirits, enhancing my dream process nightly.  "Lost in Space", an all-time favorite of mine.  Even now when it appears on cable, I am driven to watch.  God love the robot with his "danger Will Robinson, danger!'  methodically  mechanical cry of doom, arms flailing in every direction. As years passed other thoughts of grandeur occupied my dreams, space exploration taking a back seat.  Although still fascinated and always reading anything concerning the universe, it was the voice of Carl Sagan on public television that "forced me" to sit for an hour and watch!  

Living in relatively close proximity to Cape Canaveral, I have been fortunate enough to visit, peering inside a space ship, allowing my imagination a "free ride".  Watching a number of launches, each one more breathless than the first, admitting to myself..... I should have pursued the dream!  On nights I leave work, long after the evening rush and the road is wide open, it seems to dissect the night sky as I head southwest towards home, I gaze upwards into the beauty of this Florida sky, so vast and unending.  I pick out familiar constellations,perhaps making a wish upon a falling star.  They seem so numerous yet each one, much like a snowflake, is strikingly different.  Where do they land, who else is making that special wish?  This world we live in, with solid surfaces beneath our feet. is where I am grounded, but my imagination is free to explore in it's outer most expanses, no boundaries, just questions waiting to be answered and explored!   

Have we learned?

So much media coverage about today's woman:  exactly who is she? Very much a unique person, she craves individuality. What is important to her? Her world, her accomplishments, her family, their happiness and her legacy.  Peace of heart and mind allowing important issues to be prioritized and acted upon. It is a feeling of self worth, so hard to define yet so simple.  All one needs to do is ask, "am I able to make a difference, have I made a difference?" In the vast expanses of our ever changing world, where there is violence, natural disasters, human suffering, negativity and self doubt, differences do not always have to be grand.  A simple smile, a caring gesture may lift the spirits of someone who has or is experiencing such "pain".  Regardless of age, today's woman craves knowledge, conversation and enlightenment.  She has learned from her mistakes and those of her predecessor.  She knows one must and she promises with such fervor, "I will not repeat what has caused me great pain, perhaps it has taken away from the precious few hours of life that we are given.

It was recently reported that today's woman will make approximately $750,000.00 less than her male counterpart over the course of her working years.  Staggering statistics, a stark reminder there is much work to be done.  Taking charge of our future, women continue to make a difference.  Perseverance will surely result in rewards, but the nagging question remains, "Is it all about money?" Women don't always travel the super highways, we stop to experience life, observe, share, and nurture others with a much bleaker future than just equal pay. Having the mindset, if you want something, only you can make it happen, we are the keepers of life, passing on the knowledge, hoping our children will be better off, their "world will be worth living in."  Martyrs, not a chance, it is the "nature of our beauty, as well as our beast." We get it!  In the face of change, we are the champions of change with a "can do" attitude.

 Moving past the money issue, the world population's carbon footprint continues to grow. Recently passing the seven billion milestone, what will it be in just another generation?  Our objective, nothing less than ensuring that our children will have that "world worth living in."

Diversity is key, with just over fifty percent of the world's population being female, our counterparts sometime approach with caution.  Can you blame them?  A group of outspoken women firing questions in rapid succession at one unprepared male, it is a recipe for disaster.  There is truth in John Gray's "Woman are from Venus, Men are from Mars." Moods of the female species are complex, numerous and double meaning.  Admittedly the male species has moods, hungry, horny and sleepy.  Comedian, writer, celebrity and animal activist, Elayne Boosler one said: When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping, men invade another country."   As I laughed at the thought, I was also consumed by sadness, ones perception of the opposite species should be individualistic at best. Personally, I hate to shop, while the over consumption of food makes me sleepy and my thought process slows to a crawl.  On the flip side men do invade other countries and should never tell their female counterparts to mid their own business. 

Having been the matriarch in a household dominated by males, the dog included in the count, has made my life so much sweeter.  Only now do I understands my Father's comment "I am outnumbered!" referring to his female dominated flock.  The men of my life are more caring, more open minded, more patient.  They get it!

As a whisper in the wind I am not one to rely on cliches.  Words of wisdom from my Grandmother, "wish in one hand, poop in the other", may have worked from the female generations before me but I prefer " you can't win if you don't play the game."  What I want may not be totally achieved in my lifetime yet woman have made great strides. There are more young men today who embrace life, listen, observe and much like their mothers, they are not afraid to voice their opinions yet accept those of others.  Slowly, the archaic "take my toys and go home" attitude is slipping into obscurity and the emotional roller coasters of their lives, much like mine are embraced, not something to be feared. It is these traits and the tenacious personalities of both women and men, that will truly lead to equality. 

 




 

 

Soul in my Work!

Passion is a powerful or compelling feeling, so when one asks, "are you passionate about your work?" I ponder a bit.  Perhaps the more appropriate question should be:  "What am I passionate about?" Simply stated, without letting my tangent personality get the upper hand, I am passionate about life.

At a recent gathering, opportunities to observe and truly listen to conversations, presented themselves.  Amid the chatter, laughter and the tiny but cautionary cries of a baby with an empty stomach, my mind presents me with a question I had contemplated many times but was always able to resist answering.  As I comforted the small infant, slowly rocking him back to sleep, I began descending into anoesis but for only a micro moment.  As if someone had painted a bold brazen scarlet letter upon my chest, the unanswered question that has been very much a thorn in my side, begins parading across my thoughts.  "Is there soul in my work?"

Baby milk now ready for consumption, I return my joyful, sweet smelling, wiggly worm little package to the arms of his waiting mom.  As I settle in for the opening of the wide array of gifts presented to the future Mr. and Mrs., my eyes scan the room.  The happy couple laughing, kissing, surrounded by all those who care deeply, savouring their moment.  It is their day, their gifts, thoughtfully chosen by those closest to them.  My eyes have captured, my brain is recording.  Jokingly I am leaning forward, resting my arms on a walker belonging to the Dad of the future bride.  Just released from the hospital, a tenaciously spirited man, there is a battle of survival raging within him.  Looking deep into his eyes, I see the love and pride for his daughter pouring forth, he, has "soul in his work!"  Daddy is hanging in there!  All around the happy couple, people are laughing, smiling, taking pictures.  Her attendants are....attending.  A break from tradition, she has chosen her closest friend, someone who has, for the last ten plus years, been with her and her family. Someone who seen her triumphs, has encouraged, poked and prodded her and her loved ones through dark times and the happiest of moments, her "Man of Honor." 

As I watch and enjoy the moments happening all around,  my eyes again fix themselves on her Dad. There is a softness in his glaze as he looks at each gift. Although he cannot easily move about, he too is capturing everything. Mom is helping deliver the gifts, Dad is proudly beaming.  As I try to invade his thoughts, he leans towards me."I want to tell you," he softly whispers, "he is the best, my daughter chose wisely, her Man of Honor.  He may be her best friend but he is the best friend everyone should have.  You did a good job Mom, you should be proud!"  As emotions swirled, a gentle calmness settled within, "Thank you,  he is a wonderful young man, with out a doubt I am proud!"  Allowing that warm calmness to invade, I realized, although I do not take myself seriously, I take life itself very seriously, I have been blessed.  There is soul in my work!    

Summer sun and Autumn colors

Pumpkins, gourds, vibrantly colorful mums and dried corn stalks, combined with the unseasonably cool crisp and dry weather, release a flurry of long buried memories.  The southern sunshine still warm, but its angle as it treks across the expanse of this never ending sky, is much lower, the arc smaller, the Autumn season is taking hold.


Before all creatures awaken and as they settle back down burrowing in for the cool nights, familiar scents float across the cool damp evenings, creating an eerie landscape.  Daylight hours warm the rapidly cooling soils and numerous lakes, but once sunshine falls below the horizon, heavy fog forms quickly, racing across the lowlands, creating eery shapes and capturing some of the most pleasing scents that bring back great childhood memories. The pungent smells of the wood burning stoves and campfires used to chase away the evening chill while family and friends gather round the smoking barbecue.  Southern tradition at its best.


Mother Nature's creatures and their human counterparts, hibernate for the summer months, the changing seasons find them emerging from their deep cool burrows and air conditioned homes, to reconnect with her.  As the summer monsoons wane, the cooler sun brings life to the parched grounds.  The multitude of green tropical plants are now being overtaken by the vibrant colors of the fall flowers.  Mums are everywhere with the colors of autumn, yet the delicate pinks, purples and reds of the petunias and other tender annuals are appearing.  They are in stark contrast to the warm and hearty colors of autumn, yet their displays are dazzling. They beckon the return of other creatures, the northern snow bird has begun its annual migration.

A non-hibernating species, they flock to warmth of the south.  Their return is time to reconnect with friends that have survived the exhausting and non-stop battering of sun, heat, rain, more sun and more heat. A confusing time, "how did they manage and not show signs of being battle weary?"  The hearty souls snicker, "we miss you old friends, perhaps as the months pass quickly you will reconsider staying, fighting this battle of tropical sun, moonlit nights, awesome warmth of a star-lit sky and long walks nightly through the warm sands of our miles of beaches.  If the flicker of the tiki lights in the wee hours of the morning bother you, maybe you shouldn't stay, but the haunting calls of the owls and  soothing coo of the doves might persuade you." 

Tonight's gorgeous sunset mimicked the lavenders and pinks of the now flowering petunias.  Yet the deep orange glow and redness of the fiery sunset was such a contrast.  The red sky at night, is a sailor's delight but the colors of the fall season create an artist's palette that stimulate the senses of the battle weary creatures that have "survived"! These southern lands continue to amaze, they are a true picture of just how resilient we all are. We dread the thought of daily never ending sun, yet as clouds move in, we gaze upwards asking for its return.  We seek relief in the coolness of our homes yet take advantage of everything outside.  We golf, swim, walk, spend  lazy afternoons under the canopy of spanish moss laden cypress trees, drinking cool sweet tea.  During the warm and humid evenings we sit outside, light the torches and re-hash daily events. We even wonder if and when the migration of the snow bird will begin. 

 I have learned; those living in the land of the southern sun are a forgiving and God-loving people who enjoy their privacy, yet are willing to share, taking advantage of the solitude provided by the spring migration of the snow bird, yet welcome their return.  As Mother Nature renews her lands, its people renew and rekindle old friendships, beckoning all to return, welcoming them into their hearts and homes.  A hearty people we are!  Bed & breakfast season is upon us!
           

Vacation-Staycation Memories!

Gorgeous Florida weather this week, but because of prior commitments, I did work Thursday. For the most part humidity and I have been on vacation for a good part of the week. Although "I am on vacation", no time for brain drain.

This actually has been a stay-cation with painting having top priority this week.  But my mind has been wondering back to the narrow streets of Paris, wondering if the staircase of flowers still adorns the front steps of the Church of La Madeleine, creating  a vibrant sea of color, the delicate hues of the petunias and dusty miller dancing ever so lightly and carefree, their soft fragrances drifting aloft much like the vapors in the wind, beckoning me to come and sit for just awhile.  Back in my little home the only fragrance awakening my senses is the fresh coat of paint brightening my dining room walls.

As strange as it may sound, my mind had settled on a color long before the process of actually collecting those little color samples began.  Something easy on the mind and spirit, yet able to showcase the colorful collections of glass and paintings. My thoughts again drifting to the free spirited movement of gently swaying branches in the afternoon and early evening breezes.  As I walked along the river Seine, admiring the canopy of trees, the freshness of the evening air invigorating, house boats and barges moored along the stones walls of the river, I imagined that way of life to be so fulfilling and relaxing.  Perhaps this softness and stillness could be brought to me.

Another day, quickly drawing to a close, it has been quite productive,  The majority of what I had hoped to accomplish this week is complete. There is a certain satisfaction in knowing you have reached your goal even if it is only a plateau.  Of course there is much more that need to be done, but realistically I would like to return to work at least feeling somewhat relaxed.  With thoughts of France still frequently drifting through my mind, I wonder: The magnificent murals, delicate paintings, perfectly sculpted statues, ornately painted ceilings and yes my beloved and adored Mona Lisa, all painted or sculpted by the masters, "Did they ever have sore bones and muscles after a day of painting or chiseling away at stone?" Hmmmm, no Alleve, Advil, Bayer Back and Body tablets for them, they just sucked it up!  So as my inner most voice has repeated calmly and at least a gazillion times over the course of this stay-cation week."stop ya belly aching and just do it!"

Right now as I sit quietly on my comfy love seat, little laptop perched on crossed knees, the vision of the most gorgeous cosmopolitan people, Parisians, once again begin their evening stroll through my thoughts. Are they out and about in this European hub viewing the Eiffel Tower, spectacularly lighting up the darkness of the evening sky.  Perhaps it is the Arc d'Triomphe, a monument to what was, what has happened and the guardian of the Champs-Elysees, Paris' most prestigious avenue, a place where cafes adorn every inch of the overly wide sidewalks, completely lined with the beautiful horse chestnut trees, high end shops, cinemas and fashion houses.  There is a dampness in the air but still the beautiful people mingle!

As I sit here, the subdued colors of the walls create an air of leisure and balance. If paint were not the predominant odor teasing my senses, I might be able to close my eyes, imaging myself back in France, on a cool autumn evening, perhaps engaging in lively conversation while enjoying a glass of wine from the Beaujelais region of France.  If I linger long enough, perhaps the November arrival of Beaujelais Nouveau will tingle my palette.  Just a passing thought!

For now, I will snuggle down on my love seat, enjoying the cool evening breeze drifting though the dining room window.  The weeping willow walls seem to dance with the evening shadows, the sounds of the preserve and the children of Mother Nature ready to emerge for their evening stroll under the starlit tropical Florida sky.  As I emerge from my stay-cation cocoon, the blood returning to the legs which have been tucked neatly beneath me,  I drift in an out of reality, I wonder: Did Leonardo DaVinci ever feel the muscle aches that are now riddling my aching body? Just a thought!

Just Bits and Pieces!

Multi-tasking isn't for everyone!  At the very top of that list and an art-form in its own right, the ability to listen and carry on more than one converation simultaneously.  Although I can probably make a good size list of those much better at this than me, it's probably safe to say, I can hold my own.  There have been times that listening intently to just one conversation would have produced better results. In retrospect, some of the conversations, even in small amounts, produced some great stories and outstanding moments.

Good, bad or ugly some of the Egg-Nazi's jokes were great, while others had a tendency to backfire.  As the story goes, an anonymous, off color jokester relays the story of a full figured young woman with a larger than normal upper body.  Repeating a joke, not my forte, I will forego the meaty part of the blurb.  If my memory is correct,  it usually is, the punch line "I'll take two pickets to Titsburg!", will forever be etched in my mind, as will the the look of disgust on the young woman's face, who just happened to have a very large set of "pickets to Titsburgs!" The clarification for that statement is: 1) I have no idea who the young woman was; 2) She happened to be the next in line to place an order at Fred's News and as she came to the counter she only heard the words, "two Titsburg";  3) Mr. Bill and friends were exchanging this joke, insisting they were whispering. For the record they were not, which resulted in the young voluptuous woman taking offense; 4) She insisted they were taking about her, they were not.  Had I not calmed the woman down, I feared for the life of every one of the male species present in the place at that precise moment.  Had she sued for sexual harassment, it would have been a tough case.  Reason being, the slew of obscenities spewing from her face far surpassed the snickers of an overheard, albeit misguided punch line, that had nothing to do with her "two pickets to Titsburg!"  Did we loose a customer?  No, we never saw her again but prior to that fateful morning, we'd never see her before either!

"Was it a fling," not sure, I only heard bits and pieces of the conversation but, "I think so!"  A hint of a whisper begins to float across the room...."a pregnant nun? no, no get the gun? What gun? Not a gun, what am I hearing.  Oh a piece of gum..... anybody got gum. " You got any gum on ya Dick?"  with a twinkle in his eye..."only if you put it there!"   Just the bits and pieces, ins and outs of passing conversations, one never know what others have heard!