Jelly Belly

Bought my first bag of Jelly Belly's is ages. Ate the entire bag in one sitting. It contained an assortment of 20 flavours. Jalepeno pepper, strawberry daiquiri, lemon, chocolate, tutti-frutti, toasted marshmallow, buttered popcorn, coconut. Need I say more?

But I shall.

On my one-hour train ride home from the big city to my tiny little town, I sat and enjoyed every last little bean of Jelly Belly goodness. I ate them s-l-o-w-l-y. I savoured each morsel of tasty goodness. Each explosion of flavour filled my mouth, awakening my senses. And to think this was all done in public! The people sitting next to me were bone-tired, nodding off, heads flopping forward, backward, and sometimes sideward in rhythm to the movement of the train. I sat there enchanted with my little bag of jellied treasures.

It was a moment in 'moving meditation'. As the train sped northward, carrying me home at the end of long day, I focused my attention on the flavours of the little gems I was steadily devouring. And each one was absolutely, perfectly delicious.

My favourite combination was chocolate + toasted marshmallow… tasted a bit like chocolate cream pie. Followed by peach, cherry, and liquorice.

Hard to believe I ate the entire bag and you know what? I don't feel the least bit guilty.

The night and I are often at odds. Some nights march slowly toward the endless and infinite reaches of the sky. The distance to the dawn is unbearable. There is a depth and breadth about the night that overwhelms me as I lie in my bed, feeling so small and insignificant.

The pearl-bright moon bathes the world in silver, but I shut out her light and stare into the darkness, seeking elusive Sleep. Hiding in some unfathomable place, beyond my reach, always taunting me, but she never gives me that most longed-for kiss. This leaves me feeling a sense of hunger, like a vagrant seeking a warm meal or a derelict dying for a drink.

Last night Sleep became lazy and careless, covering me with her veil, transporting me to another plane. And while in her care, I became a mermaid.

The ocean was as deep as the night itself. The water was neither cold, nor salty. It was inert, yet supportive. I swam without effort or strain, as if I had always been a mermaid. I felt light, ethereal, and free. I held no worry or want. I swam with a strength I did not know I possessed. Everything seemed possible.

Exploring my watery world brought me a profound sense of peace. I felt confident and sure of myself. It was as if I had been given a secret power with no conditions attached. There was a certain provocativeness about all of this. So much was given to me in this watery, otherworldly plane.

When I awoke, I was quite astonished. There was such a strong sense of well-being that I could hardly believed I had slept though the night. I felt as if I had won some strange battle, waking at dawn feeling calm and rested.

My hope is to carry this mermaid spirit with me during my waking hours. My fantasy is to become the mermaid once again should Sleep provide me the chance. It was a most magical experience.

Summer Stars

Bend low again, night of summer stars.
So near you are, sky of summer stars,
So near, a long arm man can pick off stars,
Pick off what he wants in the sky bowl,
So near you are, summer stars,
So near, strumming, strumming,
So lazy and hum-strumming.

~Carl Sandburg

Simply charming...

Today I discovered a ‘new to me’ artist by the name of Julie Paschkis. Her artwork is absolutely stunning. One of my favourite styles of art is folk art. I love the simplicity and the directness. It is a “No fuss, no muss” style. But don’t let this genre fool you! It is often layered with meaning and folklore. This is part of what makes it so very interesting and intriguing. Often it is that which is simple that is the most profound.

What I love about Julie’s work is her eye for whimsy and detail. At first glance, the work seems simple and straightforward, but upon closer inspection, one might find a small mouse, or a little bird hiding in the perfect place, just waiting to be discovered. And then “Voila!”, the magical creature comes alive, adding a little bit more to the wonder of it all.

She has also illustrated many children’s books, including books of poetry. I look forward to reading them all! It does not matter that I have no children of my own. Such stories and poems are for those who are young at heart and still have a sense of wonder about this big beautiful world.

Her works are bright, cheerful, and inspiring. Art does this… it moves us in ways we might not expect. Sometimes it evokes an emotion. Other times it might call us to action. When looking at Julie’s work, it makes me want to become an artist. Oh, to be able to put down onto paper the amazing images I have in my mind’s eye- that would be a most wondrous miracle.

Please be sure to visit her website and take a look around. She has many wonderful paintings, posters, books, black and whites, and textiles. You just might discover something you fall in love with. I know I did.

http://www.juliepaschkis.com/index.html

Time to retreat...

In this busy life it makes sense to step back every once in awhile and spend some time alone. I guess this would be called a ‘retreat’. It can be an act of withdrawing, as into safety or privacy. A retreat can also be a place of seclusion, privacy, or a refuge. Retreating or going to a retreat can have strong restorative powers. It can help one gain perspective, especially if troubles are being troublesome. It can also help one gather strength needed for going back out into the world again. It will also help one give more time and energy to others once they have been able to recharge their own self.

I am fortunate be have the opportunity this coming weekend to retreat to a place where there will be much silence and solitude; a place surrounded by nature. It will afford some much-needed time to step off this crazy merry-go-round of life. While I will be sharing the space with others, there will be plenty of time for each of us to pursue some time alone. We shall share meals and walks together, but there will be stretches of time where each of us can spend some time alone, recharging our selves so we are better able to handle life once we return back to the real world. It is in this spirit that I offer you the words to a beautiful song by Mary Chapin Carpenter called “I Have a Need For Solitude”.

I have a need for solitude
I’ll never be safe in crowded rooms
I like the sound of silence coming on
I’ll come around when everyone has gone.

I have a need for cool, verdant places
Beneath the trees in secret empty places
Nobody knows so no one will intrude
I have a need for solitude.

But you can find me when the light is changing
At that time of day, when there’s little day remaining
And you can find me, where I’ve been waiting,
Waiting here, for you.

I never was the pretty girl in school,
I never was fast, tough, and cool
All I ever was, for all my life it seems
So hard to love, and harder now to keep.

But you can find me
When the light is changing
At that time of day , when there’s little day remaining
And you can find me, where I’ve been waiting
Waiting here, for you.

I have a need for solitude
I’ll never be safe in crowded rooms
I like the sound of silence coming on
I’ll come around when all the rest have gone

~Mary Chapin Carpenter
“I Have a Need for Solitude”
Age of Miracles


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13l3w50a65o

Taking stock...

Every once in awhile it is a good idea to stop and make time to give thanks for what is present in this life. Lately I have had some significant challenges, but have come to realize that they are entirely surmountable. And in the process I have made the time to think about those little things in my life that truly matter to me. Of course, there are my family and friends, whom I love and adore without question. But it was important for me to also think about what is right and perfect in my life, right now, on a much more mundane scale. And while these things listed are certainly not of any greater importance than the family and friends in my life, they are what give my amazing life sweetness and spice.

So, in no particular order, I offer you 100 things that brighten up my life and I would not want to miss for the world. As you read them, I challenge you to think what would be on your list…

1. The stars in the sky.
2. The planets in our solar system.
3. Io, Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa (four of the many moons of Jupiter).
4. The sun, our closest star. May such light forever warm my shoulders and offer comfort.
5. Poetry- particularly sonnets.
6. Children’s literature. So many wonderful stories and so many amazing illustrations.
7. The dictionary. I began a love affair with this book in grade 6.
8. Chet Raymo, an astronomer and naturalist, who is an amazing writer.
9. Earth’s moon- fat, round, and ever present, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life.
10. Strawberry-Rhubarb jam. Sweet, tangy, and perfect on a hot buttered English muffin.
11. Camels. Lovely brown eyes with l-o-n-g eyelashes to keep out the desert sand.
12. Children’s laughter- the deep, belly laugh they give when caught up ‘in the moment’ of silliness and fun.
13. A cool gentle breeze coming in the window at night to caress my bare shoulder as I sleep.
14. Any song sung by my favourite singer, Van Morrison.
15. Slow dancing, with a sway to match the movement of grass in the wind, or kelp in the sea.
16. Puppies!
17. Pretty summer dresses that make me feel beautiful and feminine.
18. Dr. Seuss stories.
19. Morning coffee- a perfect start to any day!
20. Capers- little buds of zingy goodness to spark up tuna salad, potato salad, or pasta dishes.
21. The local public library- so many books, so little time! And all for free! Yeah!
22. Sugar cookies- especially when made with a star-shaped cookie cutter.
23. The soft call of a mourning dove…coo…cooo…cooooo….
24. The scent of fresh and growing lavender in the garden on a hot summer day.
25. Rainbows
26. The pitter patting sound of rain falling on leaves.
27. Bumble bees.
28. Colouring with perfect, bright felt tip markers and muted colouring pencils.
29. Pigeon, a loveable story-book character created by Mo Willems.
30. The sensation I get when walking barefooted on healthy grass in the summertime.
31. Shovelling snow- it is physical, outdoors, and works up an appetite!
32. An afternoon spent in an art gallery or museum.
33. Listening to live music performed by friends.
34. Waking up with a great poem in my head, one that is just insisting it be put down on paper.
35. Homemade blueberry cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream.
36. Fuzzy caterpillars. And by extension, butterflies!
37. The smell of a campfire and roasting marshmallows.
38. A good night’s sleep- deep and dreamless.
39. Cooking a special meal to honour and care for my family and friends.
40. Patchouli incense. Melllow and evocative.
41. The potential held within a single blank sheet of paper.
42. John Waterhouse prints.
43. Spying wildlife while out walking in nature.
44. Fiddle head ferns, and edible fiddle heads, too!
45. Using my imagination.
46. Art deco-style architecture and artwork.
47. Watching baby ducklings in the pond in the spring.
48. Black and white photography. Ansel Adams prints in particular.
49. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories.
50. The children’s poetry of Shel Silverstein.
51. Owls. Who doesn’t like owls?
52. Sitting under a tree in the summer and reading a book, especially short stories.
53. White tulips.
54. Creative writing.
55. Being trusted with a secret.
56. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla.
57. Orange-spice zucchini bread with orange glaze on top!
58. Claude Debussey’s “Claire de Lune”
59. Apricots.
60. Fresh dates.
61. Fresh figs.
62. Long, slow back rub- both giving and receiving.
63. The sound of a fog horn in the night.
64. Fresh cut flowers at the breakfast table.
65. Comfy slippers to keep my feet warm in the wintertime.
66. The smell of fresh pine needles.
67. The sound of the wind in the trees.
68. Kumquat marmalade- taught myself how to make it and it was delicious.
69. Salad- spinach with little treats such as berries, raisin, or nuts is really fun to eat.
70. Balvenie limited edition single malt scotch. So smooth.
71. Early morning bike rides.
72. Curling up in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter’s evening.
73. My large-brimmed straw hat.
74. The sound of a cat purring while contentedly sleeping in my lap.
75. Sweet peas growing in our garden as they learn to climb the trellis.
76. Grilled veggies- earthy, hearty, and filled with vitamin-y goodness!
77. “Chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song sung by the little black-capped chick-a-dees outside.
78. Fresh linens on the bed, especially after a busy day out in the world.
79. A foot rub.
80. Red vines licorice! And “Good and Plenty” black licorice candies.
81. Dark chocolate and red wine. Mmm.
82. An afternoon spent knitting.
83. The painting of Vincent Van Gogh.
84. The psalms in the bible
85. A walk anytime of the day or night.
86. Reading about the history of science, religion, and philosophy.
87. Key lime pie
88. Cross-country skiing with hot chocolate to follow.
89. My teddy bear.
90. The sound of crickets at night.
91. Hotdogs piled high with saurkraut.
92. Shiny new pennies.
93. Walking along the beach on the wet, firm sand without any shoes on.
94. Freshly ironed shirts
95. Orange juice and champagne…guess that would be a mimosa!
96. Spinning on my drop spindle to transform fleece into yarn.
97. Stained-glass windows whose picture tells a story.
98. The sound of a choir singing in a large, acoustically alive church.
99. Long, slow, deep kisses.
100. Life itself.

Blossoming…

In the dark soil of winter the flower draws strength and energy from the earth, which is needed to nourish the roots. And then, when the sun shines her own energy and warmth down upon the earth from above, the flower slowly pushes through the dark soil, first exposing one green shoulder, then another. And then, miraculously, there appears a tiny bud. And with more courage, strength, energy, and love, there finally appears a tiny flower, with delicate colours that shine back to the sun, for all the world to see, as if to say “Look, I made it!”. That is how I am beginning to feel.