Becoming...

Becoming...

Photograph by: Ryan Rutherford © 2011

"One is not born a woman,

one becomes one."

-Simone de Beauvoir

Yesterday, I received an email response from my long-time friend Jan. For many years - far beyond a ten-finger count - we have made time to commemorate each other's birthdays. The celebrations have taken on a precious jewel-like quality glimmering across time - we have met both in joy and sorrow. Life has naturally defined us; but, together as friends, we have created a delightful, sweet harmony of kind consideration. We owe our friendship a debt of gratitude... within it's composition we have found added grace to become better women...

Who are the friends who have blessed you with finer definition and gifted you with a grateful heart?

 



Let Your Heart Lead...

Let Your Heart Lead...

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"To know what you prefer

instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer,

is to keep your soul alive."

- Robert Louis Stevenson

What does your heart go out to?

Yesterday, while in a specialty shop, I heard a sweet voice across the way exclaiming glee. When I followed to the source of joy, I found a tiny 18-month-old clothed in delicate femininity; she had already hooked a soft bright yellow duckie purse, it's price tag dangling, over her ruffled sleeve. I bent down to ask her if she liked the duckie purse more than a pink bunny purse hanging close by. Her deep chocolate eyes and gesture of more tightly clutching the duckie purse spoke volumes to me. Children, unmarred by decades of marketing influence, seem far closer to knowing their heart's desires... and, more so, they are willing to stay with their desire. They understand more about leading with your heart...

Today, you might follow the little girl's lead to distinguish and then stay with your heart's desire... 

Who knows, you just may find that Chanel has nothing on a duckie purse...

Choose Your Direction

Choose Your Direction

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"The capacity for hope is the most significant fact of life.

It provides human beings with a sense of destination and the energy to get started."

- Norman Cousins

What road have you chosen to travel? Which direction are you headed? In my work, I am surrounded by small business owners. Recession road-weary, I become unexpectedly invigorated by the spirit of these entrepreneurs who confidently challenge grim economics with their life energy and clear direction. What I notice is that they seem to share a key quality: a simple belief in themselves and their ability to grow a thriving business. I find significant hope in their tenacity and direction of faith to expand possibility!

And, I also smile and think: How very American of them!

With Courage

With Courage

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."

-Anis Nin

In the moments not long before a newborn’s birth, “exits” curiously come into view. Cleverly disguised within the departures are bursts of freshness poised for courageous appearance. Mother and father join baby as old roles depart and new ones begin. Even grandparents go through a novel transformation as the child of their child brilliantly enters the world.

I like that my granddaughter was born on the cusp of spring, in a time when newness brings with it a soft song of expectation. If I stand still long enough, I believe I can feel a sweet breeze waving goodbye to a season’s end and bringing with it a new song for me to sing... I will be glad to learn the words.

A New Life Begins...

A New Life Begins

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on."

- Carl Sandburg

I was there in the moment... the very moment my granddaughter took her very first intake of air. We breathe in and out without even thinking... I assure you, that single breath was captured forever in thoughtfulness. I will remember the miraculous qualities of that breath for all the rest of my days.

Someday, I would like to take her to Paris, France. I want to kiss her on the cheek in Paris and say to her: "Please let me introduce you to Paris - you will now see it with someone who will love you forever..." I desire to see the world from her perspective, and to watch her unfold into her own beautiful, signature self. These are among the thoughts that begin to form at the moment of that unforgettable first intake of breath...

Yes, indeed... the world will go on... and a sweet shining star is now among us to light a new pathway.

Thank you, God.