tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40136961335823930122024-03-18T08:55:39.328-06:00Pennies From HeavenLynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.comBlogger395125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-31796639249842667592024-03-16T11:19:00.003-06:002024-03-16T11:31:46.504-06:00What I Didn't Know About Ireland <p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Hs3UdtTlNFJ5B5SprS-P9_XiPL8Gf_Fs4hyphenhyphen7kst7jnmX5UhijvyNvuKrCATrbEc3A0IwTEQqnrip8NIsGb_9tq5jLbL67cXy2c6SrEAgMiP58j-Bf3usNbaw_s5GdYBuLF5pGyVmHCo/s1600/Glendalough+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Hs3UdtTlNFJ5B5SprS-P9_XiPL8Gf_Fs4hyphenhyphen7kst7jnmX5UhijvyNvuKrCATrbEc3A0IwTEQqnrip8NIsGb_9tq5jLbL67cXy2c6SrEAgMiP58j-Bf3usNbaw_s5GdYBuLF5pGyVmHCo/s320/Glendalough+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a> </p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As an Irish American, I grew up thinking that I knew certain things about Ireland. Of course, I had always heard how beautiful it was and how friendly the people were, but I was surprised to discover that there are so many things that as Americans we don't really know about Ireland.</span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Here are just some of the things that surprised and delighted me during my travels to the lovely green isle.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Top o' the Mornin</b> </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I've never heard an Irish person say this in over 20 years of traveling there.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Corned Beef and Cabbage is not the national dish</span></b></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The most common or traditional meal I found all through the country is boiled back bacon (pork), potatoes, cabbage and a lovely parsley cream sauce, it's just like the country boiled dinner my grandmother made when I was growing up. Corned beef and cabbage developed in America due to the cost of food and immigrants living in the same communities with some who did not eat pork. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAVY-Z6YBEO24apb5PTsirO4tuA-5mjKmDBs-Blh40vjMFJfsKHWciF_-xeMqB8JHQpbi2pKo97E868zRhRKzU77VJDa6JCDVM28FVthAC8KpokrZqDw6Qt1gfFxntQqL_LO0UvuZpNU/s1600/OIP%255B2%255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Irish Bacon is not the same as Canadian Bacon</b> </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It a gorgeous slice of pork loin (rashers) that I adore!</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">St. Patrick's Day began as a religious holiday to honor their patron Saint</span></b></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Until 1970 pubs were required by law to close for the day. Irish immigrants in America began celebrating in remembrance of their homeland and it has evolved into the green madness we know today. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are </b><b>separate</b><b> countries</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Although they share a border with the South, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Pubs in Ireland are truly Public Houses</span></b></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">They are a place to meet, gather and conduct business. You are as likely to find a hardware store or linen shop in the same building. I even found one that had a mortuary on the other side. Many have become more of a drinking establishment, but you'll still find many true pubs throughout the country.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b><b>To say that the Irish are heavy drinkers, is not a fair reflection of the culture</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I found drinking to be more of a social activity, and many prefer tea or soft drinks over alcohol when they are out. My favorite was black currant juice mixed with water, very refreshing.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b><b>Having said that, there is a very healthy respect for the black stuff</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">During my travels I would often see Guinness mini coupes driving through the country to inspect and service the tiny pubs in the towns and villages. As a woman you are more likely to be offered a glass instead of a pint when you order a beer, just tell them you want a pint, and you'll get a smile and a wink.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>We've all heard of Irish Wakes</b> </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I was very moved to hear the story about families having American Wakes for their loved ones who were emigrating to the US - they knew they would probably never see them again. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Christian - Pagan - Ancient Celts</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As I trekked up the Hill of Tara, I was surprised to see a very modest statue of St. Patrick and all of the surrounding monuments and symbols to honor their ancient pagan history as well.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Cherish the History</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">That is something very unique about Ireland - they don't remove something just because it is old or seems out of date. A lovely caretaker I met at the Kylemore Abbey gardens explained to me that anything that thrives there stays there. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b><b>Taxi drivers are more like professional tour operators</b> </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">They will give you great information about the local area. It will also be the most interesting conversation you will ever have. The Irish are very well informed about news and world events and love to chat with travelers about all of it.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>How lovely and social they are is not a myth</b> </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">If they ask you about yourself, it isn't simply to be polite - they really want to know. When I lived there, I was told early on, to allow extra time when you go out so you can chat with the people you meet along the way. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>The Irish have an incredible, irrepressible, independent spirit</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b></b>That is perfectly displayed on the Painted Doors of Dublin. At the same time, they have a deep love and loyalty to their country, like singing the national anthem at the end of the night after drinking and dancing. That is something you would never see at an American bar.<b></b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">They are the warmest, kindest most generous people I have ever met, and the countryside is absolutely stunning. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">If you've been there, then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then you must see it for yourself to understand the true beauty of this very special place.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">To say I was charmed by Ireland would be a tremendous understatement. It's not only the home of my ancestors but has become the homeplace of my heart. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb73WcWuNpg9k7FonhvZs97eBOV-ldzkHoS7Qa8OsnBU8gItKyZQWTAFtsKc-QyUTVTfCmGLqEwLt5qjZD0MMizSVDW3FUOixMziiiJjO7_TFZueaDzL0qWFclpXx89LlehISwP7f7C0g/s1600/SAM_0151+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb73WcWuNpg9k7FonhvZs97eBOV-ldzkHoS7Qa8OsnBU8gItKyZQWTAFtsKc-QyUTVTfCmGLqEwLt5qjZD0MMizSVDW3FUOixMziiiJjO7_TFZueaDzL0qWFclpXx89LlehISwP7f7C0g/s320/SAM_0151+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-29527175993743043312024-03-15T10:58:00.006-06:002024-03-15T11:00:59.101-06:00Winds of Change<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I always look forward to the Ides of March and the change that it brings. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Not the dark, foreboding of Julius Caesar but the positive, life affirming transformation of Spring.</span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Flowers are peeking out from the thick blanket of snow that fell last night with the promise of warmth in the air. </span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I have learned to welcome each new season and appreciate that everything must change in order to grow.</span></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-33408192047653050282023-12-29T12:49:00.001-07:002023-12-29T12:50:09.979-07:00Gone<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">I watched as the hearse pulled up to the house across the
street. Out came a gurney with a body
draped in a white sheet.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">I had noticed a lot of activity throughout Christmas week
and had hoped that my neighbors were having a nice family holiday.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">Thinking back now, I should have seen the signs.</span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span><span style="font-family: times;">The kids and grandkids had been there much
more than usual.</span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span><span style="font-family: times;">And there was an
excessive number of strangers coming and going, carrying what sometimes seemed
like medical supplies.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: times;">They were my age, so I thought perhaps one of them wasn’t
well but I didn’t think the worst, until the hearse arrived…</span><span style="font-family: times;"> </span><span style="font-family: times;">He was gone.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-62173865496944404952023-12-01T08:49:00.004-07:002023-12-01T08:49:52.472-07:00Christmas Magic <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It was just a few weeks until Christmas and I could hardly wait.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We had moved into our beautiful new house, and I had my very own bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more sharing with my annoying younger brother.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Mom was busy decorating and getting ready for the holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure I had ever seen her so happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finally met someone who treated her well and even liked us kids too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Buzz was a kind man, quiet and gentle with a warm smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking in with his dusty work boots, exhausted from work, he was never too tired to pick me up and give me a huge bear hug.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We were living a life I could never have imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was so much food in the house we had to put another refrigerator on the back porch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have to worry about moving in the middle of the night because we couldn’t pay the rent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life was very good.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">“You are not going to start another project this close to Christmas.” I heard my mom telling Buzz.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">He was always working on something. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He built a new patio with a rock garden for mom in the summer and a mini playhouse for me and my brother.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Despite her protests, he began working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It was unusual for him to be doing it inside, but it was winter, so I didn’t think much of it. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Mom was beside herself with the mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had worked so hard to clean and decorate the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had even pushed the Christmas tree off into the corner.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I was surprised and confused when I came home from school and saw that he was actually tearing down the living room wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">He and mom almost never argued but this was different. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were pieces of wood and sheet rock everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy I had a room to go to where I could stay away from it all.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As the days passed, mom accepted that this was going to happen whether she liked it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Just a couple of days until Christmas now and I was more excited than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our first Christmas in the new house.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Behind the canvas tarps, Buzz worked away, he looked like the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">He even enlisted my brother to help with his “secret project”.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I was a little jealous that I wasn’t included but I kept myself busy playing with my dolls and reading in my room.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Finally, it was Christmas eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew this year would be special, but I had no idea how much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">After dinner, mom sent me and my brother to our rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We have something to do before Santa comes, so you have to stay there until we tell you to come out,” she instructed. “And no peeking,” she nodded to my brother.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Presents, it must be our presents we both thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">When she opened the door, she told me to close my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gently guiding me, we walked into the front room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">When I opened my eyes, I saw the most incredible fireplace I had ever seen. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">That is what Buzz had been working on. Whoever had lived there before had covered up the fireplace with a wall.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It looked like something out of a fairy tale – the fire was glowing with twinkles of light reflecting on the hearth.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Under the tree were two boxes, one for me and one for my brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We didn’t usually get to open any gifts before Christmas morning, so this was another unexpected surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My box was not wrapped, so it was easy to just open the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I did, up popped the most beautiful little gray kitten in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Immediately I began to cry, as I carefully lifted her out of the box.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">“Is she really for me?” I asked in disbelief, petting her gently. "I think I'll call her Thumbelina because she's so tiny," I said.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My brother grinned at me and began opening his package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a toolbox with real tools to build things, he was thrilled.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span>Mom smiled and watched quietly as we laughed and played. </span>Buzz reached down from his rocking chair and lifted me, still holding the kitten, into his lap.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It was truly a magical Christmas.</span></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-8248404536222080392023-11-03T12:14:00.001-06:002023-11-03T12:14:24.723-06:00Finding the Path with a Heart<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As we age, it becomes apparent that we must create new lives.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We ask ourselves should we change careers, begin retirement, travel, downsize or stay where we are?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">What often comes with that are the fears associated with making those choices.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We begin to worry about money, our family, our health, where we should live, should we settle down or roam the world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">When we were raising our families, those decisions seemed to be made for us - we must keep a job, take care of the children with all of the responsibility that entails.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There was very little free time and what there was usually consisted of weekends or once a year family vacation and then back to the routine.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Now, in our 60s we have to make a conscious choice about what we want in our lives. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Our work is not to make something happen but to learn how to let it reveal itself.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is that time in our lives when we have the opportunity to allow the soft flowing of events to become clear to us and then follow the path that has the most meaning in our lives. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It can be very easy to remain in our old patterns, letting familiar circumstances drive our daily lives.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">If we look more closely, we realize that we are entering a brand-new chapter and are being given a tremendous gift.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The possibility, maybe for the first time, to do something just for ourselves.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">For many of us, as this realization sinks in, we employ the same principles of how to get things done – we take action.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">What is really ironic about this concept, is that the harder we try to make anything happen the less likely it is to turn out in a way that is pleasing to us.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">If we can learn to let go, we will discover things that we never thought possible. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Letting go is much easier said than done.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We are taught our entire lives that we must work and struggle in order to get things accomplished.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">That hard work is the only way to achieve the results we desire.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Always trying to control external circumstances is exhausting and, in the end, never really possible.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We cannot control anything outside of our own self so that is where the work must be done.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">That is why so many spiritual teachers advocate practices like Meditation, Mindfulness, Yoga, Prayer and Journaling.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Anything that allows our conscious mind to relax and release resistance will provide benefits in all areas of our lives.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Just like any other skill, we must learn to develop techniques that work for us.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is not a one-size fits all solution so we must do what feels right for us personally.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It doesn’t matter where you start, you just have to begin. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Like everything else, it is very easy to approach this as something else to manage or control.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Trying to unlearn that is the most difficult thing I will ever do in my life. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Even now, after many years of practicing many aspects of letting go or allowing, I find myself slipping back into my old habits.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is important for me to do something each day, even for just a few minutes, to reclaim my balance and continue forward.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">What works best for me is to keep it simple and find those things that bring me joy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Sometimes it is writing in my journal or going for a walk.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Other days it is playing with my grandchildren or planning a trip to some faraway place.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It really doesn’t matter what it is, all that matters is that you find ways to release the anxiety and tension so that you can learn to experience the peace that comes from just being in the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">With that peace comes an unfolding of events that we never could have planned.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Bringing to us those very things we thought we had to chase after.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It is ultimately more satisfying to have everything we desire come to us in the perfect way and at the perfect time than to try to manipulate or coerce it. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">For me, appreciation is a key factor in everything I do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am grateful for what I already have in my life and look forward to whatever new surprise is on the horizon.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I always trust that something wonderful is about to happen and my only job is to relax and enjoy it. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://sixtyandme.com/author/lynn-clare/"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Published on Sixty and Me</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-18354158659530785642023-10-07T12:18:00.001-06:002023-10-07T12:20:53.623-06:00The Stanley Hotel - A True Ghost Story<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">It was a lovely spring day, and my friend was coming to
Colorado for a visit. We decided to go to Estes Park for the
weekend. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> <br /></span>We talked as we drove up the mountain and he asked if this
was where “The Shining” was filmed. I told him I wasn't sure, but I
thought it might be. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">It was a glorious day - blue sky, beautiful scenery, and
the perfect way to begin our trip.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">As we approached the
overlook of Estes Park with the Rocky Mountains rising in the background, it was
truly a spectacular sight.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We drove toward town and
noticed a striking white building up on the hill. Neither of us knew
what it was, so we decided to investigate. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Driving closer, we
marveled at the perfectly manicured grounds and then saw the sign that read - The
Stanley Hotel.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We agreed that we had to
see it but were sure that it would be too expensive to stay there.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">As we entered the property, the massive white gates opened
to a large outdoor patio. Inside, the lobby was beautifully decorated
with big leather chairs surrounding several huge stone fireplaces.
Antique tables with fresh flowers brightened every corner, it was warm and
inviting. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We inquired about the
rates and were surprised that they were offering a special price for the night,
so we decided to stay. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">After checking in, the
desk clerk informed us that the hotel was haunted and that they had ghost tours
in the basement after dark. We thought it was amusing and a good
tourist attraction but declined.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Climbing the stairs, we noticed the air changing, it became
heavy and dense. The brightness of the lobby faded as we walked
toward our room. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">When we opened the door, we were immediately struck with
the closeness of the space. Not only was it very small but there didn't seem to be any air circulating at all. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We knew that this would not be comfortable and asked to
change rooms. They moved us to a large, beautifully appointed suite
with a great view of the mountains. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We enjoyed a luxurious meal downstairs at the restaurant
and continued to marvel at the wonderful surroundings. We planned on
going into town later and do some sightseeing, but we never left the
hotel. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Throughout the evening, several people approached me saying
I looked like someone they knew. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">When I went downstairs to the restroom, I felt a chill in
the air. The entire time I was there I felt as though I was being
watched, it made me very uneasy, and I hurried back to our table. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">My friend laughed when I told him and reminded me about the
ghost tours. I thought it was funny, and quickly put it out of my
mind. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">It was getting late, so we decided to go back up to the room. As we
sat and talked, I felt a sudden draft of cold air and looked to see where it
was coming from. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I was shocked when I saw an apparition of a man step
through the doorway of the bathroom and disappear. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Before I could react, my friend asked if there was someone
behind him. Standing over his shoulder I could see the faint outline
of a young girl. We both were stunned, not sure what was
happening. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Slowly we began to speak, this felt like a child’s spirit
nothing malevolent, but terrifying just the same.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Suddenly, the energy changed dramatically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room filled with cold air and a bright
light flashed across the wall and splashed on the bureau mirror. It
felt as though dozens of very angry people were trying to get into the
room. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We were both in shock at what we were seeing and feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was 2:00 a.m. and checking out in the
middle of the night seemed strange, but we could not stay any longer.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">It was a relief to see the friendly night clerk at the
desk. <br /></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span>When we told her what happened, she said that it was a
regular occurrence because the hotel really was haunted.<span style="color: black;"> </span>She had seen some extraordinary things
herself. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">We talked to her for some time, hoping to calm down before
driving home. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">She said she was not surprised that I had a bad
experience. She told me that I looked very much like a woman from the
hotel who passed away many years ago. <br /></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: black;">We drove back down the mountain in silence. Years
later, I still think about what we encountered in that strange and dark
place. <br /></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="color: black;">I have never returned to the Stanley or to Estes Park.<br /></span><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-77338945871418847812023-09-06T09:43:00.013-06:002023-09-06T09:50:12.977-06:00Opportunities <div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">The great American anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “We
are continually faced with great opportunities which are brilliantly disguised
as unsolvable problems.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">That is the philosophy that I embraced as a child. From a
very early age I understood that even if they were less desirable, there were
always options.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">Whenever I find myself feeling limited or restricted, I think back to some
of the defining moments in my life. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">During those times I needed so desperately
to have some hope of escaping what was happening that I would create every possible
scenario I could think of. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">Truly, some were very unrealistic, but it did
not matter, everything got equal consideration.<br />
<br />
Then I would sort out what seemed to be the most reasonable course of action and always trusted my heart to guide me. I knew how I was feeling could not be
wrong. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">That brought me to where I am today, trusting and believing that
anything and everything is possible.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-55944824780917743062023-08-24T11:23:00.000-06:002023-08-24T11:23:46.841-06:00Happy Accidents<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I've written about this many times before, but it is something I appreciate even more as time goes on.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />I absolutely believe that what seems to be a bad experience can truly be a blessing in disguise or what I like to call a happy accident. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />This year has been full of opportunities to find the good in even the most trying of circumstances.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Everything from having a serious health condition discovered during a hospital visit for something completely unrelated, to a severe hailstorm that uncovered a much larger issue with my roof. Both of which can now be easily managed and/or resolved without further damage.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Honestly, when things like that first occur, I feel frustrated and vulnerable. But as soon as I can begin to look at the situation a little differently, I can see that there is a positive aspect to whatever has happened. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Not only does it make me feel better, but the solution comes much quicker. I often forget that the best answer will present itself when I can release the negativity that I am feeling.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Somehow, it is easier to think of the worst-case scenario instead of letting the universe surprise and delight me. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Albert Einstein said it best - "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." </span></div><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-70153592532590444252023-08-12T08:15:00.000-06:002023-08-12T08:15:39.908-06:00Gratitude and Appreciation<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We've all heard it many times and many different ways during our lives. Count your blessings, give thanks, feel lucky for what you have, think of people who don’t have as much. We understand the words, but seldom do we stop to think what they really mean. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">I'm not sure exactly when it occurred to me, but one day, I began to really understand what it means to be truly grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just for the good things but for everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">When I started looking at my life in a new way it was very revealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I thought I had been a grateful person, I realized I had been taking a lot for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just the big things, but all of the small, seeming insignificant things that make up my life.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">I started focusing on very specific things to appreciate, like my morning cup of coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered, what did it take for me to enjoy that simple pleasure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">It had to be grown, picked, processed, distributed etc. by others who made it possible for me to sit at my kitchen table with little to no effort on my part.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">Pouring a glass of clean water, sleeping in a comfortable bed, turning on the lights - the list goes on forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much to appreciate and be grateful for.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">What about when things go wrong?</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">The big shift occurred for me when I began to see problems as opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something that would have upset me in the past, like an issue at work or something going wrong with my vehicle, became a challenge for me to find the best in the situation.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">This was when I had to be more general and not so specific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to have a job or a car, I felt fortunate to have the resources and ability to figure it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">I applied this philosophy to everything I could think of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it was a good experience, I thought about how much I appreciated having it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it didn’t feel so good, I thought about how grateful I was for the lesson and what positive aspects of it I could find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><span><span style="color: black; line-height: 25.68px;">In the beginning it was a little difficult to always find the silver lining but with practice it became easier, and I’ve learned that even when I slip back into my old habits, I can quickly recover by simply remembering all that I have to be grateful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-8732584162308028042023-06-09T11:38:00.002-06:002023-06-09T11:40:06.616-06:00Keep Your Head Low<span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We are bombarded with negative sights, sounds and images at an alarming rate. This definitely falls under the category of easier said than done, but it is critical to find a way to navigate through this minefield.</span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Avoid being in the line of fire as much as possible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">If we can try to minimize, or at least limit, some of our exposure to those outside influences we will have a much better chance at keeping our thoughts in a better feeling place.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Excerpt from - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Your-Vibration-High-Head-ebook/dp/B094HGBWPB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2URRRY2SHBY8H&keywords=keep+your+vibration+high+and+your+head+low&qid=1686331972&sprefix=keep+your+vibration+high+and+your+head+low+%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Keep Your Vibration High and Your Head Low</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Available on Amazon.com</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-12512868158439659332023-04-12T12:55:00.004-06:002023-08-12T08:00:50.395-06:00It's the Little Things<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I have been traveling for 6 months now and I am always amazed and delighted by the wonderful people that I meet along the way. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Today as I went out for a few errands, I encountered many who were just going about their day. Most were in a rush and not particularly pleasant, one was very rude.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />When I arrived back at the hotel, I asked the housekeeper for some coffee to take back to my room. She was so helpful and polite I wanted to give her a small tip. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Inadvertently, instead of giving her two single dollars, I gave her a twenty-dollar<span> bill and a single. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span>I paused for a moment before realizing that not only did she deserve it, but I hoped it would be a nice surprise when she sees it later.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span><span>Here in the US, wages for service workers are </span>abysmally low. Honestly, anyone who will clean up after me deserves more than I can give them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />I hope she remembers the gesture but not my room, I want her to be able to accept this very small token of my appreciation for all that she does.</span></div><p><br /></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-14657730651196025932023-03-30T07:08:00.002-06:002023-03-30T07:08:16.685-06:0030 Day Reboot<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It’s that time of year again. The time when I begin to feel a bit restless and in need of a change. I don’t feel stuck, just a little less interested in my usual routine.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Time passes so quickly that I forget to stop and reassess where I want to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of those things that I thought about doing so many months ago, but never did, now don’t feel so important or interesting.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Being retired, I don’t have the commitment of work and yet my life is full and busy and for that I am grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I am ready for something new.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Time for a Change</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>I have to be careful when I’m feeling this way as I have a tendency to make radical changes, like moving houses or even leaving the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need to go to that extent if I can just find some new ways to revitalize my outlook.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />What I have learned is that all change actually happens from within and that is where I need to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I have created a personal challenge that will help me to reset my perspective and allow some fresh ideas to surface.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Be Easy About It</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>What I am looking for is a gentle shift, not a huge leap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some way of opening up to some new things without having to throw out the old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>One thing I will do more of is meditate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spending just 10 minutes a day, sitting quietly is so simple that I forget how much power there is in reconnecting with my spirit.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />When I do that, it seems that I feel lighter, and more creative ideas come to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><b>Do What You Love</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>Something that never fails to soothe my soul is to go out in nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what the weather is, I always love just walking in a park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go during off hours so I can be alone and just experience the peace.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>This year, I started a small vegetable garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been so satisfying to care for the plants and watch them grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a lovely reminder of the cycle of life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><b>Have Fun</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>Part of the process for me is to remember to have more fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always been a very serious person so light-hearted fun is pure joy when I can let myself feel it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Over the years, I have found that I enjoy many things but don’t often incorporate them into my daily life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>Whether it is turning up the music and dancing while I’m cleaning house or cooking some new exotic dish, it doesn’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just being playful is key to feeling happy.<br /><b><o:p> <br /></o:p></b><b>Minimize Negative Influence</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>It is helpful for me to reduce outside interference in order to make sustainable changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>The big one for me is my phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live alone so it is easy for that to be my biggest connection with the outside world, but it has become less of a tool for communicating and more of a time warp of senseless activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I catch myself scrolling through a flood of information that I don’t want or need in my life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />I remember when a phone was just a phone, not a mini-computer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Television is another intrusion that I allow far too often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need the constant input of bad news and excessive advertising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><b>Maximize the Positive</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>It is easy to go through the day without stopping to think about how I am really feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day there is an opportunity for me to look for the best things in the world around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>Something as simple as a friendly check-out clerk at the store or a lovely yellow butterfly on the bush in my yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is as wonderful as we let it be.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Many years ago, Bing Crosby sang “Accentuate the Positive – Eliminate the Negative”, that is my new mantra.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />I can’t wait to see what delightful things I will discover on this new journey.<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p><b><i>Do you feel a need for change at different times of the year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you do when you are craving something new?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share your stories and join the conversation.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><i>Published on <a href="https://sixtyandme.com/author/lynn-clare/">Published on Sixty and Me</a></i></b></span></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-81698637675040605592023-03-20T07:12:00.001-06:002023-03-20T07:12:00.337-06:00Baking Bread and Setting Boundaries<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I was grateful to be in the process of making bread when I
received her text message. She wanted to
talk. What about? I had no idea, and after a year of not
speaking, I felt sick to my stomach even thinking about it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Kneading the dough, squishing, and pounding helped to relieve
a little of the anxiety I was feeling about even hearing her voice.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /> </span>Our last conversation had disintegrated into a full nuclear
meltdown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full of so much ugliness and
rage that I had no desire to speak to her and honestly did not know when I would.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />She is my 50-year-old daughter, born when I was just 15
years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amount of pain and
anguish I went through to bring her into the world was enough to convince me
that it would never be possible for me not to want her in my life – I was
wrong.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Beating the dough harder, I thought of all the things I
would like to say to her, but I knew she was probably not ready to hear any of
them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />She loves confrontation and arguing, and she is very good at
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me – not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes me back to when I was married to her
father.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /> </span>He was a jealous, controlling, abusive man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never knew what was going to set him off,
so I worked very hard to avoid doing anything that I thought might upset
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span>The truth is, he never needed a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so angry that he had been forced to
marry me and blamed me for ruining his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span>His mother was a kind and loving woman and I clung to her
for whatever comfort I could find.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />My mother was so disappointed in me that we barely spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lived close by but rarely came to visit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> Now, I felt the same judgement and coldness from my own daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span>I sent a message back that I could talk between 12:00 –
12:30, during my lunch break if that was a good time for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought setting a time limit would help to
keep the conversation from going off the rails.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />What I didn’t want was to cause any additional injury to
this already damaged relationship.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />It was 12:20 when she rang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was nervous but decided I would stick to my timeframe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began by telling her, I only had 10 minutes
to talk so she would know that I needed to keep our conversation short.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />She was calling to ask, in the event of my death, what my
final wishes were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A friend’s mother had
passed unexpectedly, and she realized that she had no idea what I would
want.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /> </span>It was all very matter-of-fact and detached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went on to say that as the eldest, she
expected to have to make some of those decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was taken aback, especially considering the
current state of our relationship, and very happy that I had set the time
limit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />She always has a way of catching me off guard and then when
she doesn’t like my response an argument ensues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span>With less than 5 minutes left, I was able to think of the
most appropriate response without getting emotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span>I told her I had already taken care of my will and legal
power of attorney in the event of any incapacity or death and would send her a
copy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Mercifully, the timer for my bread went off and our time was
up.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />I ended the call by telling her that I loved her and the
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honest, civil, and
respectful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt relieved and grateful
that we could even speak for a few minutes without upsetting each other.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Just like not letting the bread dough rise too long, setting
that simple boundary produced a better outcome that we have had in years.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Going forward, I will do more of this to maintain
peacefulness in my life.<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p><i>What have you learned late in life that has served you
well?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were there interpersonal
relationships that felt out of control that you wish you could change?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share your stories with the community!</i></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-37319645443927565332023-01-24T13:23:00.004-07:002023-01-24T13:23:51.773-07:00Amazon eBooks<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4OB2K-iQFbAsnnMv3NgPWWHlMGM4y43qIoR45CfDO8qH3Ti1QOZ4ZJCCJghXXo0glkBdqjwfjHvn-zz_XE0RCTsjsjeG1I6iy-5iGUc3ZKdusu0lNdo4mtSlG5Xfck8mxy9BfLs4gtamTmOjXuhqBdrQ1Y6KfLIfBzJxsvyRoNC7VjAsj3_T0I2M" style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="421" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4OB2K-iQFbAsnnMv3NgPWWHlMGM4y43qIoR45CfDO8qH3Ti1QOZ4ZJCCJghXXo0glkBdqjwfjHvn-zz_XE0RCTsjsjeG1I6iy-5iGUc3ZKdusu0lNdo4mtSlG5Xfck8mxy9BfLs4gtamTmOjXuhqBdrQ1Y6KfLIfBzJxsvyRoNC7VjAsj3_T0I2M=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></p><p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0B192R3TN" style="font-family: times; font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">Author Page</a></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-78080620444546373602023-01-14T13:38:00.000-07:002023-01-14T13:38:13.152-07:00Begin Again<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Today I will start anew. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Full of love and hope for a better tomorrow. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A day that will bring justice and equality for all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">A new beginning for a future we can all believe in. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The Beginning – </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">As I begin this journey of mine,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I will loosen my laces and remove my boots,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">to protect me from absolutely nothing.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Crossing over into a world of color.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> - Michele Ledoux</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-43154199050934523682023-01-13T17:37:00.000-07:002023-01-13T17:37:05.900-07:00Rollercoasters<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I used to love to ride Rollercoasters, with all of the drama and excitement it felt like my life playing out at the amusement park. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The never-ending series of ups and downs and twists and turns that left me dizzy from all the motion. </span></p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Now, I prefer a peaceful ride on the Ferris Wheel, still moving but at a lovely pace and away from the chaos. </span>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-20043119880337049242023-01-12T22:00:00.001-07:002023-01-12T22:00:36.654-07:00Set Your Intention<span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I have learned that I must set an intention for what I want in my life, right now and in the future. </span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">This is not about wishing and hoping for something that is out of my control. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I have the ability to focus my thoughts and energy in a way that moves me closer to my desire. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-91742782462957342872023-01-11T18:09:00.001-07:002023-01-11T18:14:15.767-07:00Wanderlust<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There is nothing that spurs my wanderlust more than not being able to travel. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />I love being free to just pick up and go whenever I want.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />This year will prove to be a little tricker, but I have no doubt I will manage to make it happen.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />My list of the yet to be discovered is growing by the day and I can't wait to explore those fantastic new horizons!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitthM-BE0gAgpV9Va6fGyA4wOpmCVWTKE_-lmzOFkeDfByf3FvZKHLfPJ-_Vqv_hcF6SPzb8X7iRx1OpZFoh--eelkDBYngGNwLd-cfCr3zelWLWyEd64T-7TVGrFRQad4pwuV8DlGgiLDikJld-evKYMFBkD4uDMlwhNBTknbfIrYM-lPO8lZfD28/s2803/20180901_200254%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2075" data-original-width="2803" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitthM-BE0gAgpV9Va6fGyA4wOpmCVWTKE_-lmzOFkeDfByf3FvZKHLfPJ-_Vqv_hcF6SPzb8X7iRx1OpZFoh--eelkDBYngGNwLd-cfCr3zelWLWyEd64T-7TVGrFRQad4pwuV8DlGgiLDikJld-evKYMFBkD4uDMlwhNBTknbfIrYM-lPO8lZfD28/s320/20180901_200254%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-29015123622643582192023-01-10T08:49:00.002-07:002023-01-10T08:56:16.963-07:00Pure Silence<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There have only been a few times in my life that I have experienced true peace and tranquility. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The first time I really noticed it was while paragliding in Mexico. I was a little nervous at first but when the wind caught the chute and took me up into the air, all my fear faded away. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I was overcome with the beauty and silence as I floated above the water.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS_wCR6YLyNtdgboiuuGPHu8OifnKWGeizNhrIEHCRj8_oFFietthZ6RdE5aIkoZwfC0sjHPSgTWz-wBb72F2ThXLbZSmDANFBM4MVR0HtMNDyctst99bgRRoo6W9MWB_g-J95Se2PeyrnRP5X-oYzFretGJPtKSlf3tQh7c6F24jHkrby7dv3nYJ/s2349/20170131_122631%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="2349" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS_wCR6YLyNtdgboiuuGPHu8OifnKWGeizNhrIEHCRj8_oFFietthZ6RdE5aIkoZwfC0sjHPSgTWz-wBb72F2ThXLbZSmDANFBM4MVR0HtMNDyctst99bgRRoo6W9MWB_g-J95Se2PeyrnRP5X-oYzFretGJPtKSlf3tQh7c6F24jHkrby7dv3nYJ/s320/20170131_122631%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-3792694897374972622023-01-09T16:09:00.000-07:002023-01-09T16:09:58.832-07:00Finding My True Self<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Sometimes, as we age, our true essence can begin to fade. A life that was once vibrant and grand can become subdued and pale. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">You continue on, day by day, with what needs to done and, in many ways, you feel like you are just going through the motions. When this happens, your spirit feels diminished.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">After I turned 60, I began to believe that this new state of being was a natural progression and was simply a new pace that I would become accustomed to.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Rekindling the Vitality I Lost</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There were aspects of myself that I felt must be a thing of the past, something from my youth that was not part of who I had become. I was not unhappy or unfulfilled, but, I had lost a great deal of the zest I had previously felt throughout my life.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">At the very moment that I needed it most, I met someone kind and gentle who helped to coax me back to my true self. With a little tender persuasion, I quickly responded to all of the life I still had before me and realized how good it felt just to be alive.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There is a Spanish word that describes this reawakening perfectly – “reverdecer” – to make green again, to revive.</span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Now it feels as if my spirit has been renewed and I have a sense of hopefulness that I have not felt in a very long time. All of the sudden, everything feels possible again.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It Happens So Gradually</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">We don’t plan on letting ourselves slip away, but, it is so subtle that we may not even notice. Time passes and, slowly, we lose some of the drive that we once had.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It’s not until something dramatic occurs that we remember how we once felt. Then we rediscover all of the enthusiasm that we still have in our hearts.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Just like a daffodil that lay dormant during the winter, in the spring it sprouts and comes to life again. It even bursts out of the snow with a beautiful, irrepressible life-force that cannot be denied.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Reconnect With What Makes You Happy</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Do whatever you can to restore and maintain your vitality. It doesn’t matter what it is. It doesn’t matter how big or how small it is – if it brings you joy, you owe it to yourself to do it.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">If you can’t do some of the things you used to do, then it is time to find something new. It is never too late to create the life you want for yourself.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Anything that makes your heart smile will breathe new energy into your life.</span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There are so many wonderful ways to continue to nurture and feed our spirit and all of them make life worth living.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"></span>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-21263665468986148672023-01-08T15:45:00.003-07:002023-01-08T15:46:31.085-07:00Homeplace<span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Explore the world, travel near and far until you find the homeplace of your heart. </span><br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-70427940537928765822023-01-07T20:34:00.003-07:002023-01-07T20:42:25.988-07:00A Gentle Path<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My journey is shifting yet again, this time it is a peaceful and easy change. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">What started out as a rocky and steep climb has evolved into a beautiful, scenic walk. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">The further I move along this road the more I realize that I do not need to struggle with the obstacles in my way. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">I just need to go around them to stay on that lovely, gentle path.</span></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-64654408544697375142023-01-05T09:38:00.001-07:002023-09-12T07:19:31.477-06:00Obstacle or Opportunity<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">When an unexpected, seemingly difficult, situation arises it is easy to think about the worst-case scenario. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Quickly my mind goes into fight or flight mode, and I struggle to find a solution that will distance me from the issue.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Unless I'm being chased by a bear, this is usually an overreaction, but it doesn't feel that way at the time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">What I have to do is slow down and remember that every obstacle provides an opportunity for something new.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It may be how I am thinking or feeling about the circumstances or perhaps it is to guide me in a better direction. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">My challenge is to try to find the path of least resistance and remember that it will all work out just as it needs to. </span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-66405956749780186482023-01-04T09:46:00.002-07:002023-01-04T09:46:14.648-07:00See the Beauty<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">There is more than enough seriousness to go around. If I pay too much attention to it, it takes over my life. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />It is an ongoing lesson for me to look for all that is good in the world and there is a lot of it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />When I can do that, everything feels brighter, and I can see the beauty beyond the dark clouds.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /><i>"It's not what you look at that matters, it is what you see" - Henry David Thoreau</i></span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013696133582393012.post-82164467696520396022023-01-03T09:45:00.000-07:002023-01-03T09:45:55.594-07:00Feel Good<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">It's easy to think happy thoughts when we are feeling good, not so much when we aren't. That is why it is important to develop a practice or something that will help to carry us through until we are feeling better.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />One of my favorite quotes from Abraham Hicks is "You never get it done and you can't get it wrong."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />No matter what is happening, life is always changing. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />I used to think that I had to work hard to eliminate unwanted things from my life. What I am learning is that it is much easier to simply replace them with something, anything, that feels just a little bit better.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />It doesn't take much to change the direction of your life, just consistently pay attention to how you feel and do more of anything that feels good. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Something as simple as a casual walk can produce more positive results than furiously trying to get something done.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br />Be kind to yourself!</span></div><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01847485521128645230noreply@blogger.com0