Simple

Oh c'mon, this has got to be the best of the best commercials ever, simply brilliant! 

This video is currently my all time favorite, it is world class kooky, crazy, fun. The ensemble cast of creatures  blend in purrfect harmony to create a colossal progrum and make beautiful music together.

This is the stuff sweet dreams are made of and might perhps offer a glimpse of heaven.

Hope 2013 is strong, healthy, happy and full of really good stuff!

 

God Bless The Child ~

You and Me

Yes, I want to tell how much I love you, I want to tell you how much I need your presence however measured in my life and in fact accept open heartedly, humbly and with profound gratitude. I thank you for your love, the lessons you have taught me, the sound of your voice, your scent, the bright slight glint, hint of sadness in your mysterious eye's, your very vibration and connection. I can not thank you enough for what you have done to and for me. I guess I will never be the same as the song goes.

¡Viva Guadalupe!

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!
12.12.12

The bittersweet story includes children and unbridled faith. It is a spiritual alchemy of sorts with the capacity to lift what has been somehow lowered, to rebuild what has been torn down, to create compassion out of chaos, to cast light out of the dark.

Miracles prevail no matter what you call them, grace derives from divinity, where divinity goes so goes elements of peace, power, privilege, perfection, the presence of a holy spirit.
Yes, it is true, Blessings abound among the hardships, the sail stays upright, true, strong,
available to those who seek and find it's amazing wave of glory.

For Everything

For every tear that is shed I wish for consolation and comfort, for every disappointment I wish for shear delight, for every heartache I wish for love and peace of mind, for the sadness I wish for joy, for every moment of despair, doubt, fear and worry, I wish for certainty, courage, security and a safety. For every act of malice and hatred I wish for kindness and compassion. For every lost and lonely soul, I wish they are found and cared for. For every cold night, I wish for warmth, for every long day, I wish for goodness to follow.

For whatever brings you joy I pray you have your fill. For whatever makes you better I pray you are blessed with more. For your health, freedom, family and friends you love and who love you too... I pray you hold these gifts forever in your heart and soul and fill your life with everything especially good for you.

The Story of Life

The thoughts, concepts, philosophies, practices and beliefs of people truly amaze me, from the depths of despair to shear delight and the thick creamy waves of desire, there exists a passion for life with the truly great thinkers of the ages. The words and teachings of such minds, bursts forward in words, in art, science, the expression of humanity reveals a heart stopping, mind blowing creation. The story of life begs many questions; where does it begin, how will it end, what keeps it going and who will contribute to or take away from this place, the planet we inhabit and cling to with our lives?

Here is an example of someone who rode into the rodeo on a great rocking horse named Music, his words wrangled, mangled, twisted and shouted across the sheet, pages full of observations, some silly, some wise, wonderful and brilliant. The lyrics sung sweetly and strong are still spread around the arena of the world like sawdust, the notes, melody, rhythm, rebellious nature of the song thrust forth, untamed and unaffected by constraint.

Miracle's

To witness the birth of a child is to experience a culmination of a lot of lives. From a particular form of life that is shed to another form of existence. A resistance to change occurs then natural resolve to move  forward.

 

The pain, joy, exhilaration and the miraculous nature of it leaves one speechless, spellbound, and humbled as you hear whispers of mystery and wonder.

 

So much to consider with much responsibility and care involved. We hope a good future awaits along with health, happiness, good beginnings and possibilities. We hope for strength and courage to take on life's challenges and lessons. Live a good life, learn and share, be blessed and bless others, love and be loved.

Evolution

We take on each day, sometimes with exuberance, sometimes with dread, living through it until the very end. We move along tending to our own concerns traversing our way through the challenges, inconveniences, interruptions from the comfortable routine and  rhythm of our days and nights.

In a heart beat, thoughts shift, the mind changes, our thinking transports us to a better or worse place at any time. Our perception and attitude, at the center of our universe. We live and learn about our own evolution as we seek peace in a chaotic world. The task is ongoing, labor of a lifetime, playing, laughing, crying, carrying on this way and that, surging forward and retreating as we strive to cultivate a good life.

 

Life rushes us and we trip over ourselves yet emerge upright. We are comprised of our darkest days and brightest nights, our happiest moments and our saddest. We are our own worst and our best companion but at the end of the day, we are of course always there. 

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Mark Allen Joseph & Mary Ellen!! Wow, what a ride it has been! To think about Mark's physical life, running it's course, at 37.  Now at 55, with most of my life lived, I am older and I hope wiser than years ago or even yesterday.  I used to think people in ther 30s, 40s, 50s & so on, were ancient, now, well, not so much.  Although it is true, there are day's I feel like I am 5 and sometimes 500. For today and the next 365 days & nights, I will be 55, still wondering when I am going to feel like an adult.!

It has been a sweet birthday with love and blessings at the helm. I am humbled, honored, lifted-up and left filled with huge appreciation for such kindness. My heart spills over, all over the ever loving place, it bounces off the walls and skips along the fireplace mantle, it runs up along the wall, up the ceiling and back down again, it dances and prances like a drum major in the Rose Bowl Parade. My heart and it's contents ooze with life's goodness and beautiful vibration.

Thank you good people who make my heart swell so, like the colossal wave as it rises up in the sky further than seagulls fly.  I have enjoyed a deluxe day filled with wonderful surprises and make-me-melt messages. I love each one like a duck loves every duckling. All my love and gratitude precious one's. God bless you now and forever. ~ 

Peace of Mind

Peace is like a soft running stream, it flows smoothly and moves with perfection like a long steady strand of ribbon, unraveling into bigger waters, the effect ripples to create a particular warmth and comfort our spirits long for. Chaos in our environment, in the world, in our own minds and hearts cause turmoil on many levels. Unrest brews, storms percolate and erupt like a volcano spewing mangled debris, ash and fire into the air with the hot molten lava of bitternes and anxiety that takes over a calm, quiet place.

Our souls however, instinctively resist hysteria and are compelled to rise above the anguish of inner and outer turmoil, we want to settle into a place where we can take refuge from the battles of life. Judgment, perception and attitude struggle between full-on mental and physical warfare and harmony, peace of mind, balance and centerdness. It is necessary to find our way back to a peaceful place, a stillness which is imperative to our survival as a species, like a salve on an open wound, peace and quiet are remedies for life's harshness and it's deafening noises.

The hateful ways of humanity are like a deep, raw and bloody wound that cannot heal. Love, respect, honor, care and concern expressed and shared is much more than an ointment, it is open heart surgery for a disease that can be cured of humankind's hostile nature. The effect of kindness and compassion is residual,  resinating to the core of our existence, as we long for a soft, tender place to land in a roughly hewn world.

Spiritual Dwelling

The business of death and dying is tricky business, death is tough on the emotions and involves core feelings, gut wrenching, reality-checking things. The finality of death can leave loved one's weary, winded, in shock, kind of numb and overwhelmed with grief.

Many fascinating aspects of death, the manner in which one die's, the age and other circumstances surrounding a death can have much bearing on the degree of mourning that takes place.

When the last breath of life is exhaled, the first breath in heaven, is inhaled- this is something I heard at a funaral years ago right around the time I most needed to hear it. It is an idea that I find very comforting, when there is a death that is close to me.

Mysteries prevail, as well as my faith in the presence of ultimate goodness, sacredness, life giving, spirit lifting perfection, a spiritual dwelling beyond human limitations and understanding.

Champions

Champions are made of extraordinary things that separate them from those who dare not reach for the gold, nor aim for the highest, sharpest or most accurate mark, nor train, live and breathe to claim the fastest time, the furthest throw, the strongest lift, highest jump or most challenging personal best or world record.

It takes a courageous, bold and daring spirit, strong mind and body and true heart of a champion to reach the heights and depths known only to the one's who dare to think of themselves as capable of earning the spoils of the victor, the one who is driven, who strives, works, lives and dies by their own efforts, to achieve what rightly belongs to the champion.
~

Congratulations! to all of the competitors who;
win, place or draw- 

deserve all due respect and honor for showing the world how it's done!

Plunge

Life, is a vast world of experiences, from the simple, subtle, sublime to the most exhilerating or excruciating times. We plunge into the depths of life in search of moments that satisfy the soul and are fulfilling. Then something changes, shifts occur, unexpectedly challenges rush in like a tsunami, with little to no warning.                         
To approach the day eager to take it on, head and heart first is ideal, to blast-off in the hopes of happy landings as other realities find us taking a nose dive, floundering, struggling.
One forward motion after the other we somehow manage to emerge from the turbulence, we hope stronger, wiser, more resiliant than ever and we pray better for the wear and tear.    

So much of tomorrow depends on what and how we go about today. We dream and hope for the best, that we are able to catch our breath, stand tall and lift-up our spirits to the peace and quiet our hearts crave and long for, at the end of the day.

                                                         

  "When the power of love overcomes the love of power,

the world will know peace." 

~  Jimi Hendrix

To this blessed land of the free, home of the brave

and those who strive to obtain such priceless treasures-

                                     Happy 4th of July!!!

Homemade Dolphin Toys

The more you learn abourt some creatures, the more you love them and feel humbled by their very divine and wonderous nature. Here's a look-see into the amazing world of the great Dolphin as it has fun playing, twirling & swirling about, with their own self made bubble rings.!

Memories

Memories come alive and take over the present moment. In an instant a thought turns into a scene from the past, flashbacks tug on your heartstrings and leave you yearning for more of those moments we wanted to last forever, like the people who have preceeded us in death and whom we love so dearly, still ~

Soft In the Middle

Paul Simon, you know Paul Simon, formerly of Simon & Garfunkel fame... both great song writers and composers. Came across this little-ditty recently. "A man walk's down the street ~ He say's; why am I soft in the middle? The rest of the world is so hard" Spoke to me.

Another month winds down, as the Spring and Summer gear-up. Change is as constant as time, it moves in slow motion and speed races along. The quality of our day's, our general mood and whether or not it is a good day or bummer- has everything to do with the attitude we harbor, the thoughts we allow to take-up space in our head, at any given time, in any given circumstance. Perspective matters a great deal and easily determines the overall quality of what and how things take place during the course of the day.

"Whether one believes in a religion or not,

and whether one believes in rebirth or not,

there isn't anyone who doesn't

appreciate kindness and compassion.

~ Dalai Lama

Shifting Gears

As the season's change so changes the mood of people, the pulse of mother earth is stronger with the light of day. She awakens with a stretch and a yawn deciding whether to go back to sleep or get-up and on with things. All of life  adapts and modifies according to the time of year, some resist the required  and renewed sequence of events like a gear shift getting stuck in neutral. 

Our place in existence moves constantly along changing in accordance with the earth's physical mechanics, the grand scheme of things perfectly orchestrated, the cosmic ballet continues, our world twirls on it's axis rotating in an elegant dance as gravitational forces of nature support the weight of the world and somehow keep it all together.

Of all the places in the world we find ourselves, it is right here you are and I am. It is remarkable to think that at any given moment in time someone is hurting in some way while someone is happy as can be. The news of a death is usually followed by news of a birth or birthday. Life's pendulum swings at a constant and sometimes chaotic pace. The challenge is to find a middle place where the latest news however extreme will be bearable. How quickly the hour glass empties only to flip over and fill again. Life is draining and replenishing, exhausting and exhilarating. At the center of the peaks and valleys we hope to find balance and peace, reassurance, encouragement and strength to move forward ~ with blind faith and the faith of a saint.

Eventide

As the day slowly comes to an end, the suns takes it's last bow and fades into the night.  My big idea now and on a constant basis includes- Maintaining and striving for peace of mind, strength of body and spirit and a path guided by goodness. I find it more necessary everyday to stay calm and carry-on. If only it were that easy during the moments that catch us unaware and a bit off track, floundering in negative thinking. It is draining to harbor dark thoughts, thoughts that would make us feel inadequate, doubtful, full of despair. While it is a challenge to find balance in a lopsided situation, it is imperative to arrive at a peaceful place as soon as possible. It is worth the effort and reaps the benefit of happy living and healthier lifestyle. It is an equal opportunity way to roll with the punches, forgive, focus on people, places, things and thoughts that pave the way to the goodness I seek and pray for everyday. Good night good people!

LOVE is a lot like a fine car. If you treat it with respect, maintain it regularly, keep it clean, handle with care and not wreckless with it... it is a beautiful thing with a solid frame, it is safe with plenty of room. It is a special car that ride's well even during challenging weather, rough road conditions and sharp turns that pop up occasionally to keep things interesting. 

*Overall, it is a ride of a lifetime. 

Matters of The Heart ♥

Strong is the heart, as healthy are the mind, body and spirit.

Planetary Prayer

When one takes a moment to consider the delicate balance between the earth in relation to our solar system and the vastness of the universe as we understand it,.. it is staggering to imagine the stories of life taking place on the surface, underwater, underground and surrounding the earth, the direction it rotates on it's tilted axis, the constant atmospheric and climate changes taking place... A moment to reflect on the miraculous nature of it all, the fragile nature of human kinds presence on this planet and in the universe. What is possible for earth can take place at any second on any given day or night.  When all is said and done the world and it's precious inhabitants are at the mercy of the heavenly, mighty and mysterious cosmos, our vulnerability, a constant reminder of our precarious place in the heavens.

The quality and longevity of humanity depends on how we think, our attitude toward one another as well as how we treat everyone on the globe. How healthy of mind, body and spirit are we?  The quality of the human condition improves as it evolves into a more thoughtful, kinder, respectful people who grow in the direction of what is right and true. Holy Spirits emit light offering grace-filled respite in a chaotic world, the light translates, transforms into change and transition. This phenomenon is available for the taking and brought to us by the creators of love and peace. The choice to design and build a just world, fair and free- is our own. The future is promising if we say so, if we cultivate goodness, positive change, a humble appreciation and awareness of this sacred and blessed planet. Amen ~

PEACE * FREEDOM * JUSTICE

Desert Heart Transplant ~



Jack in the Pulpit aka Indian Turnip
perennial herbaceous plant 

 The Move to New Mexico
Toward the end of the 20’s, O’Keeffe began to tire of New York and took a trip to New Mexico. She fell in love with the terrain and returned there every year until she moved there permanently in 1946. It was a new beginning for Georgia O’Keeffe, whose inspiration abounded once again as she took to painting the mountainous landscape and sun-bleached animal skulls that littered the desert floor. She insists that the bones depicted in her work were not indicative of death, but rather of the ever-lasting beauty of the desert itself. She reveled in the striking vegetation and vibrant colors. Once again her paintings took on a magnified quality, possibly a significant message that nature is larger than humanity, and that its splendid beauty dwarfs us. Despite artists using nature as a subject, nature will always be too much for an artist to contain.

About the Author: Jessie Ippersiel has been a fan of Georgia O'Keeffe's work for many years and provides content for georgia-okeeffe.com.