Beginnings

"Beginnings"

 

My new friend Pam crochets charitable gifts of children's sweaters. The small sweaters are prayed over, and leave Pam's final stitch to be mailed to an organization that will then send the sweater to somewhere in the world where a tiny child is needing added warmth. I like to think of Pam walking down the street in a far off city and recognizing one of her signature bright-colored sweaters on a happy child as they wander by... the very same child she had prayed over stitch-by-stitch. We do not always know where our prayers go, or who will receive our gifts as lovingly as we attempted to send them... however, we can choose to accept that every single small stitch of effort is worthwhile even if it simply serves to make our own hearts more open and gracious. I am grateful that Pam has taken the time to teach me to crochet... I receive it with the loving grace in which it is given, and I hope to someday send off a sweater of my own to a sweet prayed-over child I may never meet.... except in my heart.

Happiness Shelter

"Pals Heading Out Together"

 

It is in the shelter of each other that the people live. - Irish Proverb

A very dear, long-time friend of mine sent me an email yesterday, and I realized it had been quite awhile since I had heard him sound so happy. Joe said, "Life is pretty darn good. No complaints. Happy, busy, healthy!" What I realized after reading those simple words of his, was that I was happy about him being happy... but he had also inadvertently given me another gift of friendship: he had motivated me to be more positive, too! It is really that simple: just get busy with what inspires you, recognize your happiness, support your good health, and welcome with vibrancy the repeated offerings of inspiration and connection with others!

Life is pretty darn good! Thanks for the inspiration, Joe!

"Friendship Connection Refreshment"

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

Be Healthy!

Morning Beach Run

Become an active person.

How inspirational that the New Year brings along with it an abundance of messages supporting excellent health. Market bins overflow with colorful fruit and vegetable choices, magazine articles shout from the newsstands "eat healthy, feel better", and sleeker-looking friends start peppering their language with excited conversations of new workout trends and attire.

Simple: eat healthy, get active, and feel so much better!

Breakfast

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

Be sure to eat plenty of things that come from the earth.  - Dr. Oz

Winter Oranges

The cold crisp mornings of winter. The sight of our breath rising on the air.

- Santa Montefiore's "The French Gardener"

I have had the good fortune of living in a town that grows oranges; they are coveted worldwide for their particular bursting rich flavor. I have also lived in other remarkable places where every single season is clearly defined: winter, spring, summer, and fall. And what I have found in considering the two is that in places where oranges grow, the boundaries of seasons are far less noticeable, which requires one to pause long enough to actually see what is going on. A New Year brings on similar indicators of restrained change... and it occurs to me that it is worthwhile to take the time to notice.

New Year's Community Celebration

Circle of Community - New Year's Morning 2006 - Encinitas, CA

Photo: Karen Holmes

The purpose of art is not a rarified, intellectual distillate - it is life, intensified, brilliant life.

-Alain Arias-Misson

Days before the event, The Coast News reporter invited the Community to a New Year's "walk through artwork"; artist Kirk Van Allyn "Kirkos" had been commissioned by a local architect to create the New Year's morning low-tide sand drawing as a charitable effort in support of local art organizations. 

I accepted the generous invitation of an outdoor museum showing, and what I found was unforgettable; for all my days it will signify a brilliant life event. By the time I arrived, the labyrinth was already completed, created against the backdrop of a melon-colored morning sunrise, blue-white breaking waves, and seasoned surfers. Kirkos had been extravagantly generous with the outpouring of his talent, and the community was already taking to the "wandering path" and adding their own contributions of sand-steps, meditations, prayers, hopes, appreciation, flowers, and carefully placed stones. 

What lesson did I learn on that breathtaking New Year's morning?

Kirkos, and his Community audience, taught me that our own authentic boldness of expression, talent, and gratitude will indeed continue to radiate and ripple out in brilliant inspiration long after a new tide comes in...  

New Year's Morning 2006 - Encinitas, CA

Photo: Karen Holmes