New Year's Reflection

So thankful for the gift of life here this past year- the health, the abundance, the friendships and the valuable lessons learned. Some of these included:

• Learning to be my own best friend 
• God is so much more than my "religious" mind  was ever able to wrap itself around 
• Individuals are responsible for their own journey here- I am only responsible for mine 
• There is beauty everywhere if you just look for it 
• Religion is not a stepping stone closer to God- listening within is 
• Water and walking is a simple way to good health
• Good friends will misunderstand you and hurt you, but they are still good friends 
• Religious people are just that- religious! They have nothing over anyone else 
• People can say and preach so much; But when the rubber meets the road, its what they do, that speaks loudest
• Life is a mystery~ and I'm okay with that
• No two perceptions can ever be exactly the same, that is why conformity is never the answer
• Two things can always produce JOY- keeping a list of "thankfuls," and focused random acts of kindness
• You do not have to try and explain your-self  to anyone; you are you- and that needs no explanation
• God is LOVE! Pure and simple!

Happy New Year to all! May you be blessed with many beautiful new experiences that take you to greater heights and clearer vision!

Love, Joy and Goodwill to all of you!

Halloween Morning Magic

We are preparing for a mystical night of Harry Potter magic in our Halloween themed Hogwarts School for Witches and Wizzardry! EEK!!!

Pumpkin Carving fun!

Meet Moaning Myrtle- a permanent ghostly resident of Hogwarts

Out neighbors have little ghosts like this one floating about their front yard

More to come...

The Inexpressible Comfort of a True Friend

"Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away." ~George Eliot

It was so good to get a surprise phone call from a dear and distant friend this morning. How God knows just when our hearts need some cheering up, and so this friend was like a warm ray of sunshine on a cold winter morning, shining on my heart.

Friendship is something that is indeed a rare commodity- at least the kind of friendship spoken of above; the kind of friendship where one is truly free to be who they are. With a friend such as that, minds are put ease, cares melt away and honesty can flow. People are able to process life and be honest about where they are. They can be free to be imperfect. Its not about someone judging you nor comparing you to anything. Its just about two people, sitting side by side and sharing their journey with one another- without judgement. For who can really judge but God? No one knows the soul like God does. What a comfort to be with a friend whom you can just be who you are and where you are. You won't be shunned, whispered about, nor frowned upon. You will just be loved and valued- another soul to make a connection with.

For more beautiful quotes on friendship visit my Friends and Sisters Board!

Lunch with Zoya

I was just about to resign myself to another quiet day at home, when I received a phone call from my good friend Zoya inviting me out to lunch. Enthusiastic to be with a wonderful friend that  and consistently encourages and puts strength into me, and knowing I was going to my first sushi restaurant, I was planning on taking lots of pictures and critiquing the food. But alas, I was so caught up in our warm visit that I completely forgot about taking pictures. Only in the last few minutes did I remember, while we were kicking back at the fountains enjoying the fire and deep in conversation.

Straight across from us the aromas of freshly baked bread continually wafted in our direction, so just before we left we made our way over to Boudin's and purchased some fresh baked bread. We both picked the whole wheat multigrain bread and I also got a loaf of the ciabatta sourdough bread, and let me tell you, I could not keep out of it on the way home. It was as good as eating a doughnut.

I think I will make up some garlic and herb dipping sop to go with the bread as part of our dinner. Mmmm...