Long Summer Day

Long Summer Day

"Happiness flutters in whilst we rest among the breaths of nature."

-Kelly Scheaffer

Some long summer days you snuggle deep into the comfort and afterglow of a day that has been lived in simple happiness: marshmallows are roasted dark brown and squeezed just-right between graham crackers and Hersey's chocolate; laughter fades into yielding yawns and whispers; damp and sandy beach towels are wrapped tightly around shivering shoulders and one-last-swim suits; the ancient glow of bonfires burn down with the setting sun; and waves breathe deep tide sighs preparing for night's peaceful covering. 

It has been a good day... I do believe God is smiling.

Summer paths...

Summer Path...

Summer paths to consider…

Resting beneath a stand of genial shade trees…

The waters of a fountain singing to the air…

Iced lemonade in a beaded crystal glass…

The first lick of a hand-scooped ice cream cone…

A friend’s words (or photo) that stirs a breeze of inspiration…

A stranger’s out-of-the-blue unassuming smile…

A lithe stride encircled by a graceful white cotton dress…

A daddy’s tender kiss against his child’s cheek…

A song of hope being sung…

The first and last page of a book that changes you for the better…forever…

Being in the company of love…

The gentle scent of a white rose of peace …

A heartfelt prayer receiving a reassuring answer…

Open Door

Open Door

"When one door closes, another opens;

but we often look so long and so regretfully

upon the closed door that we do not see

the one which has opened for us."

-Alexander Graham Bell

Something I have noticed is that the feelings that surround many endings - the regret and longing for things to be different - are important and worthy of tenderness. Like a child rocking gently in a loving mother's arms, the good rest that comes after you cradle those feelings into calm, simply prepares you for the path and the open door beckoning you forward... your heart belongs to you again and you are ready to walk through into the newness that awaits you...

Bloom in Grace

Bloom in Grace

"Every time a flower blossoms,

God demonstrates His grace."

- Marianne Williamson

I notice that I am most at home in Grace. To me the simplicity, comfort and courtesy of grace is like a soft rain falling on a parched field... "choose grace" is the best whisper of direction I ever receive when I harbor indecision or discontent (whenever I have chosen other pathways that have more to do with fear I have simply found disappointment - and I do not feel at home). Life is often so complex and stiff, in response I choose the comfort and pure bloom of Grace...

Shared Secret

Details of A Day... Shared

"It is only possible to live happily ever after

on a day to day basis."

- Margaret Bonnano

This little girl and I never met except in our joyful hearts - we were in the very same place... in the very same moment... beneath a crisply-starched desert summer sky... the air was soft and kind... a sweet melody of an exquisite meal lingered...in that day...in that moment... we shared life... and we both shared the delicious secret of living happily ever...

Wishing you a happily ever after day...