Lasting Pleasures

Easter Basket

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"Pleasure is the flower that passes;

remembrance, the lasting perfume."

-Jean de Boufflers

My sons have naturally grown up over the years into fine men, but I have held on to their childhood Easter baskets and bring them out at this time of year as a sweet ritual. I smile when I recall their tiny hands clasping the basket handles, and how much joy they expressed in the discovery of their once-a-year celebration of spring and overflowing abundance. Such kind rituals offer us the beauty of being surrounded with deep ongoing connection that understandably moves forward into next generations, and releases a lingering perfume of pleasures.

May you have a weekend of cheerful spring celebrations and rituals that bring you enduring joy.



Dance the Miracle

Dancing Toes

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"Think of the magic of that foot, comparatively small,
upon which your whole weight rests.
It's a miracle, and the dance...
is a celebration of that miracle."

- Martha Washington, American First Lady

Oh, how I love to see a child dance with abandon... the steps and music belong to them alone...no one has taught them...they just know... pure and simple expression....indeed, it is a celebration of the miracle of being.

Today, may you celebrate the miracle of your life...and dance your own unique dance with joyful abandon!

Blessings to you...

Finding Roses

Finding Roses

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"Beauty and grace command the world."

- Park Benjamin

I like the whole of idea of recycling - and wish I was better at it (I do keep trying). One of my favorite ways to recycle is to drop off, at the local Community Resource Center, my items that I have discovered are not exactly "10"s for me (but could be for someone else). And while I am there, I poke around to see if there is maybe something that "sings to my heart." This weekend, my heart went out to a little bowl with scattered pink roses. The yellow tag said $5.00, but lo and behold, when I went to pay, the lady said, "It is your lucky day, 1/2 off on all yellow tags!" So for $2.50 I have a little bowl that is so sweet and springlike... and I did my small part for recycling and the Community... imagine that!

Heart Songs

Song Inspiration

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"Always remember,

your focus determines your reality."

-George Lucas

Over the past few years, I have adopted the idea of more fully surrounding myself with things that are a "10"; in other words, they make my heart sing... I figured that if I was willing to make a long-term commitment to caring for something, it only seemed wise - out of a sense of mutuality and good balance - that it would care for my heart in return. Of course, my "10" may not be another person's "10" - but that is fine with me - what seems more important, is for each person to take the time to discover what makes them happy on a consistent basis, and draw that into their life with focus. Perfection is not the goal... discovery and a shared sense of belonging is (that beautiful ah-ha moment when you sense a "rightness"... and, well... you simply "feel your heart sing," and you instinctively know that you want to more fully belong to that reality!)

What are the "10"s that make your heart sing... (your favorite color, favorite book, favorite place, favorite bowl, favorite scent, favorite photo, favorite work to do, favorite space, favorite individuals) - are they in your life already... or are they simply waiting to be discovered and brought closer by you? What exactly is it that gives your heart "a song to sing"? Have you taken the time to know?

One Day Soon

One Day Soon

Photograph by: Karen Holmes

"The migration begins

and

one day soon

she arrives at her destination."

- Jason. F. McLennan (Zugunruhe)

When I saw this staircase yesterday, so beautifully lit by late afternoon sun, my breath was taken away - so much so that I had to return to take a photo to share. To me this staircase is a perfect metaphor for envisioning your future and taking that first step. My favorite aspect about this staircase is that it emphasizes something I began saying years ago: "Enjoy the process." The overflowing, radiant and wildly colorful flowers so simply and clearly define what enjoying the process is all about. Gather beauty and love around you as you begin your envisioned signature climbs... and one day soon you will indeed arrive at your destination.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend as you define your destinations, and then "enjoy the process" to one day soon.