Summer Reading

One never knows what chance treasures these easy unconcious rollers may toss up on the smooth white sand of the concious mind;

 what perfectly rounded stone, what rare shell from the ocean floor.

 - Anne Morrow Lindberg, Gift from the Sea

I no longer keep track of how many times I have read Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg, a text filled with wisdom and peaceful observance of the stages and rhythms of a woman's life. Nearly every summer I revisit the pages of my well-worn and well-loved copy, amazed at the peace that washes over me when I see my own questions, my own musings so precisely verbalized by a woman who lived a life so very different from mine. It reminds me that we are not alone in this journey because deep down our hearts are the same.

This book is particularly appropriate reading for me this week given that I am staying at the beach and celebrating my 46th birthday.  These two events have put my contemplative nature into overdrive.  I always wanted to be a woman who grows older with grace but I admit that lately I sometimes find myself wondering who that cheerful and slightly sagging chick in the mirror is.  Does she know that 50 is just around the corner?

I love watching and listening to the waves as they form and make their way to shore.  The tide, like the passing of time, is unstoppable... relentless.  Every day it flows in and it flows out, changing the landscape with each crash of a wave.  Life is just the same.  Things come crashing in, circumstances change and the best I can do is look for and appreciate the beauty that is before me right here and now because it, too, will be changed with the arrival of the next wave.

I haven't needed much "stuff" to keep me happy this week.  Even the one moderate suitcase I brought seems superfluous (although I really, really tried not to overpack).  The weight of unneccessary possessons is such a burden.  As I headed out to the beach my first day here I filled my backpack with so many things I thought I might need.  Did I really think I was going to read my book and work Sudoku puzzles?  Today I will probably walk out the door with just my hotel key.

Most of all, though, I have learned that I am ready.  By God's grace I believe I am ready for whatever the next year, the next season of my life brings. 

Tomorrow I head home.  This retreat has been great, but I look forward to infusing a bit of beach girl attitude into my everyday life.  I want to pursue my renewed desire to simplify and "lighten my load", to seek and appreciate the beauty that washes up on my little shore each day.

A Dream Come True

Today I had the great fortune of visiting with one of the most beautiful women I know, Mattie Seale.

Mattie is the mother-in-law of one of my dearest friends, Susan. (Mattie is quick to point out that Susan is not "just" a daughter-in-law, but that she has become a true daughter over the years.)  To many of us Mattie is "Mama Seale" and just a few moments in her presence today left me with a feeling of peace and contentment.

Mama Seale has a heart of gratitude.  She is well-loved and she loves well.  She has lived a big life filled with the usual ups and downs but when she looks back on it all, she says life has been good "without interruption".  She told me that her faith is the foundation that allows her to enjoy life to the fullest and that her life today is like a "dream come true".  I felt peace and hope settle over me as I listened to what she had to share. 

It seems that every day I am bombarded with information about how to make my life "better".  I am encouraged to do more and be more.  Teachings abound on how to "create the life I want" and "live my best life now".  I believe, though, that great lives are not orchestrated or acheived.  Great lives are simply lived, facing whatever comes with courage and grace.  Mama Seale knows this and her words of experience and wisdom resonate with something deep inside of me.  They call forth a desire to simply let go and be content with what I have and what I am this very day...to realize that my life, with all its challenges and triumphs, disappointments and victories, really is a dream come true because I am loved and I love and in the end that's all that really matters.

A Prayer for Japan and for Us All

I spent some time at the Dallas Arboretum today. The spring beds are unbelievably gorgeous and this weekend there's an added bonus...Artscape, a fine art fair, is taking place in the pecan grove. 

As I walked through the gardens and admired the artists' works I was so grateful to be surrounded by such beauty and again and again I found myself thinking of the people of Japan.  How many lovely gardens and beautiful works of art were destroyed in last week's earthquake and subsequent tsunami?  As I watched families enjoying the beautiful day together I thought about the thousands of families that are mourning the loss of loved ones or living in fear of a nuclear disaster.  I cannot even begin to wrap my mind around this. 

The only thing I know to do is pray. 

So I pray that each individual in Japan today would see something that brings them hope.

And I pray that each finds strength and help in the days ahead.

And I pray that each of us will take time today to count our blessings, to honor the people in our lives, and to reach out to someone in need.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  
Philippians 4:8



Aiming Past the Wood

"Aim for the chopping block. If you aim for the wood,

you will have nothing. Aim past the wood,

aim through the wood." - Annie Dillard 

We've made some progress on the tree I mentioned in the last post and the logs are starting to pile up. It's time for my thirteen-year-old to learn the fine art of log splitting. 


The Annie Dillard quote above is true, not just literally, but symbolically, and I hope I can use this opportunity to teach a greater truth to my son.  Sometimes you just have to fix your focus beyond what lay just before you to get where you want to be.


I often think if we could see too far down the road of any endeavor we might never dare move forward.  If known in advance, the challenges and obstacles ahead might well overwhelm us before we even got started.  Often the only way to progress is to set our eyes on the prize...the end result...the finish line.  This is, afterall, hope.  This is, afterall, faith.

Transformations

A few weeks ago I developed a new semi-obsessive interest in silver plated spoons.  (Did you see my last post?)  Since then I've scoured second-hand shops and rummage sales for vintage utensils, the older the better.  I've got some ideas for Christmas ornaments and jewelry, but for now I am having a lot of fun hammering the spoons flat and embellishing them with stamped words and phrases.

Each piece is absolutely unique and full of character, bearing many marks and imperfections. 

I think a lot about spiritual parallels when I work in my studio.  When altering these spoons I remember that they were uncared for and discarded until I purchased them, seeing the potential each one held.  Despite their layers of tarnish and grime, I believed that each one could be transformed into something new and beautiful in its own right.  Do you see where I'm going with this?

I can't think of a better illustration of the transforming love of Christ.  Even in our lowest moments He sees our potential.  He looks far beyond our imperfections and sees something beautiful.  He values us so greatly that He gave His life as the purchase price. 

That's a big message for a little spoon to carry and it was a huge cross for one man to bear.  I hope today you know how valuable and full of potential you are.  In the capable hands of our Creator, marks left by hurt, shame and regret are not only redeemed, but transformed.  Our scars become an essential part of our character and beauty.

Anticipation

Sometimes I think I should just write my entire blog about the MT SYLVAN COFFEE HOUSE & MERCANTILE.  I spend enough time there and I love the people that frequent the place so much.  Sometimes when I walk in I hear can almost hear the theme song to the television show, Cheers,... "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came..."

I walked into such a sweet atmosphere this morning, as Denise Warren was readying the tables for a bridal luncheon.  As proprietor, Denise always takes great care in preparing a fresh and peaceful environment for her guests and today was no exception. 

There is something delicious in the anticipation of a celebration.  There is nothing more joyful than friends coming together to share a bit of life, and being asked to facilitate that is really quite an honor.  I was blessed to be able to help out today by furnishing centerpieces for the tables.  They featured some of the vintage spoons I've been altering and stamping lately.  (I'll have to post some more pictures of those later.)



So I've been thinking a lot today about that atmosphere...where preparations are made for a great celebration.  What if we lived each day with that kind of anticipation?  What if we walked around believing something joyful and wonderful was about to occur?  Would we see and interpret things differently?  Would set-backs and dissapointments become opportunities...just bumps on the road to something better?

In Due Time

Walking along our trail this afternoon, I thought of the many hours I spent clearing it last February and March. It seemed I was out there almost every day.

It's hard to believe that was a year ago. So many things have changed since then. A year ago I worked alone. Now I have two puppies to keep me company. I prayed a lot back then about my daughter entering college and my son moving into junior high. Now they are both settled in their new schools and doing great. Twelve months ago I was thinking of starting a blog, a website, or maybe an etsy store. All of those dreams are now reality and I’m learning to balance it all. While some issues remain unresolved, many have somehow worked out and, sadly, some things I truly enjoyed are just a memory now.

I want to dwell on this for a while...to allow my ever-changing circumstances to teach me to look beyond the present, to count my blessings, and to keep hope alive when things are hard because everything could be so very different a year, a month, or even a day from now. This life is dynamic and flowing with possibilities, creativity, and joy when we embrace and expect change.

Where were you one year ago? What has changed in your life? Be encouraged, my friend. Embrace the blessings that are yours today and believe that what is heavy on your heart may not disappear tomorrow, but it will most definitely resolve in due time.

The Quality of the Day

To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.

Henry David Thoreau

I've been working on my self-talk lately, finding that a simple word or phrase can turn my thoughts in a good direction and improve my day immensely.  A few months ago I began altering old keys with visual reminders of things that make me stronger and happier.  I guess you could say they are "keys" to a joyful life! 

I just put the finishing touches on these last night and plan to string them on antique brass ball chains.  I've not actually seen antique brass ball chains for sale lately, but I'm keeping hope alive that they do exist.  (any suggestions of where to find them?)

I've been adding little one or two word encouragements to my gift bags, too.

How amazing it is to think that such a small detail...just a word or a phrase or some little visual...can change someone's outlook.  There is such power in what and how we choose to communicate.  It is a total blessing to know that these little keys and tags might just put hope in someone's heart or a smile on someone's face. 
I hope you are encouraged today, my friend, and that you will find a way to encourage someone close to you.  A few simple words truly can affect the quality of this day :)

No "Givens"

So after all my talk of sunshine yesterday, look what I saw upon waking this morning:

The weather can be so unpredictable as we move from summer to fall.  One day I'm dancing barefoot in the sunshine, the next day I have raindrops dripping from the tip of my nose or I'm hunting for a sweater to ward off a fresh chill in the air. 

Life is just that unpredictable in so many ways.  There are no "givens."  Rain clouds appear unexpectedly.  Frosty evenings send a chill through my bones.  All I know to do is look for the hidden blessings and trust that even the darkest night is broken by the sunrise.

Love the Moment

Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed. - Corita Kent
An unusual amount of rainfall in the last few weeks has made the flowering plants around my place happy, happy, happy. Their beautiful blooms inspired me to pull out some flower canes left over from recent projects and make a pretty little collection of flower beads.

When I work with these beads I will try to think about the quote by Corita Kent. I will remember that flowers begin in darkness...a tiny seed planted in the right environment becomes a thing of great beauty. Even the ugly stuff...the hard stuff becomes a lovely gift when we allow it to shape us into stronger, more patient, more compassionate human beings.
Today, if a worry, a hurt, or even an irritation crosses my mind I will do my best to love that yucky moment. I'm not sure how successful I'll be, but I'll give it a shot. If I give that seed the environment it needs (a trusting, hopeful heart) just maybe it will become a thing of beauty in my life...