Monday, February 15, 2021

Contribution


 Today. It’s a word. It implies a unit of time and that very implication imposes definitions, limitations, expectations, urgency and even hope. Words are interestingly powerful things. Magnificent things happen when words are spoken correctly and terrible things happen when words are twisted, misused and abused. This is why I try, as much as possible, to choose my words, even in extreme emotional states. I have spent so many years having to talk for a living, learning to communicate in ways that bring positive results and keep relationships working that it hasn’t bothered me a lot to spend a few months not having to talk much. 

Well, more than I would have liked given that we now live in a country where I speak little of the language and have to be ever more cautious about how I use my words. I find having to translate my thoughts into the proper communication based on this new language gives me even more of an opportunity to choose the way I wish to present my thoughts. With all I have seen of communication lately in politics, in social media and on the news, I wonder if it might not be prudent to do a little language research and interpretation before many people open their mouths to speak. 

It is a simple problem really, and one that is as old as time. Humans must be taught at the earliest age to understand that their thought process is different from anyone else’s. An individual’s ideas, emotions and judgments are based on their own history, genetics, upbringing and influences which means that there are trillions of possible dyed in the wool ways in which people view everything from love, spirituality, responsibility and happiness to how to make a really perfect grilled cheese sandwich. 

When we speak to anyone else about anything, it is imperative to accept that their personal experience will affect what they hear and understand when they hear you. Sure, if you spew dogmatic ideas and opinions, there will be those who might share your views or even others who are afraid to think for themselves and will follow the most powerful voice they hear. 

If you speak in a passive voice, inspiring compassion, empathy, understanding and hope, you may attract others of like mind as well as those who may long for these types of feelings but aren’t able to accept them for themselves without actually doing the personal groundwork it takes to get to such a place. 

This process ends up in leaders and followers of groups with rules and standards which only amplifies separation. In my humble opinion, at this point in time for our world, it is crucial that we stop talking all the time, stop looking to someone else to set our standard or make us feel like we belong. 

I only find true peace when I am still and quiet, when I walk in Nature and listen, feel, touch the Creation we call home. When you can see the perfection and beauty in the tiniest parts that make up the whole of this magnificent world we live on, you can finally understand that Existence depends upon everything single thing that moves within it. 


That glint of yellow there on the ground


Golden beauty on its petals found


A shadow on that leaf as it rustles


Delicate wonder that knows its place

As I walk in silence, hummingbirds appear, butterflies flit by, bees sing and the wind whispers through the trees. They dance in the breeze. Gracefully, gratefully, hopefully, carefree. These are healing moments. Moments. Not days, months or years that loom ominously on our calendars of demanding expectation. I may not be in the same rat race I was just six months ago, but my practice of experiencing moments began long before I left my career behind. It was this practice that helped me to survive the standards, constrictions and dictations that were placed on me by those who understand nothing of the illusion of time. 


Be brave. See something familiar without the old judgment. 



Acknowledge your reflection in the All That Is.
For we are all and all is us. Only when we see existence truly as the sum of every one of its parts will we reach a point of unity. 
Go outside and find something minuscule. Examine it, feel it and accept it for its part in Creation. If you want take a photo or make a sketch and share it here with me in the comments. Let’s all begin to acknowledge the gifts that are ours for free. 

They are depending on us. If we stop looking, how long before much of this Creation will cease to exist?





Thursday, January 28, 2021

Open doors #ThursdayDoors

 One of the nice things about living here is being up in the mountains while living close to a viable town that provides 99% of what we need. If I am feeling energetic I can walk the six miles down to town to do business and catch a taxi back up. I haven’t tried making the trek back up on foot since I am usually carrying groceries or supplies. Since we were not here prior to the Covid outbreak, I’m not sure what businesses were like back then; but knowing the weather and the welcoming nature of these people, I think not much has changed with regards to how they operate other than MINSA regulations which are strictly adhered to. MINSA is their health organization which lays out the mandates and protocols for operations during this pandemic. They run a pretty tight ship which helps us feel more comfortable about shopping when necessary and visiting medical facilities as we are having to now. 

What I enjoy most is the ‘open door’ way businesses operate. The temperatures range from 64 to around 75 most of the time, getting up to 80-ish during a different season. Very few businesses have air  in the heart of town, so once they open for business the doors remain open. It’s nice to look inside and see what is going on before venturing inside or to say hello to whomever is inside. 

I have a few of the many open doors to share with you that we see all the time. Maybe I’ll have more later but it feels awkward taking photos when I am not sure I could fully explain the purpose. I hope you are all well and having a good week. We are still plugging along with hubby’s health challenges and hoping the light at the end of the tunnel keeps growing brighter. 

For more great posts and rules on this blog event, visit Dan at No Facilities He’s a wonderful writer, blog host and all around great guy. 


There is so much fresh produce in this province and it is all so wonderful and affordable. I am growing very accustomed to my daily papaya. This little stand is right on the main road but there are stands and markets everywhere for fresh produce. 



I loved the way I could see through both doorways to the view beyond. Always, there is this amazing view.  



I walk past this hotel when going into town on foot and just love these wooden doors. Everything  is always clean and well maintained.



This doorway leads to some amazing coffees and chocolates. The inside is eclectic and there is also a patio area. There are a lot of chocolate shops in town and its production appears to be as big as coffee around here. My favorite is the Mayan styled spicy chocolate they sell. I got a really nice coffee liqueur here as well.
 


And this, well, this I see every day as often as I want. I love the way the plants grow together to form the natural arched ‘doorway’. Looks like a nice place for wedding vows. 

Happy Thursday everyone! 


Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Think Twice #1LinerWednesday

 










Soooo...you think you’ve had a tough day?

This post is part of Linda Hills OneLinerWednesday prompt. Visit her blog to read other great posts and join the fun. 

Monday, January 25, 2021

Moments

With all that is going on in our lives right now, I have been at a loss for words. My head is a jumble of things and I have not been able to reach my zone of expression. Maybe it is just that what would come out would not be my normal emotions. Still, I have so many beautiful moments in my days that are so inspiring. They keep my heart in tune and my hope on the horizon. I thought I would share a few with you here. Stay safe and well, my friends. 


Light waltzing with mist


Nature’s smiles


Brilliance at sunset


This tree....


Our friend Lucie


Passion never dies on the growing fence


 

Sunday, January 17, 2021

The Passion of Beeing

 

Within the cool shadows of the living wall


Passion blooms in radiant enticing hues


of scarlet, gold and violet too


with silver tongues that sing the melody
of seduction, reproduction and sweet repose


such strains too sweet to be ignored
by Nature’s laborers of fertility


In droves they descend upon her bloom
 her treasure freely exposed
and eager for the taking


The hungry feed voraciously
humming quite loquaciously 
to hypnotize her will
to surrender


She trembles ‘neath the feathery touch
as deeply probed, extracting such-
the gems of future generations



“Share with me, and you shall see
the fruits of our unbridled passion”




Another and another come to worship at her knee
her suitors taking turn as she sighs,
“To be or not to bee”



Alas there is no choice for her as Nature knows its way.
 Her tender heart bursts inside out, fulfilling Passion’s play



Alas, the contradiction
as we give the benediction
Some intruders may be welcome, 
embraced and fed robustly
while mankind must put up
barb and blade to keep
out thieves and thusly
is his folly.

Copyright words and images
CKP 2021

Be kind to the bees, for they ensure the continuation of all that blooms and grows. If they disappear, then so, too, shall we. 







Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Why? #1Liner Wednesday

 Why did the rooster cross the road?





Why, to crow on the other side, of course! 

I only wish I had been able to take a video of this guy standing in the driveway and crowing at the house, as if fulfilling his sworn duty to its occupants. The road was treacherously busy that time of the morning, so...

I hope everyone is having a good week personally. I know as a nation America is struggling right now. I have been in constant prayer for the good in my country to rise, even among those who had previously chosen a dark path. Some of those people were among my closest friends and family. I struggle with comprehension of how little I knew of their hearts and how to reconcile a future relationship with them.
On a very personal note I am going to do something I rarely do but should more often. My husband is suffering from a very serious health issue right now that is challenging due to our circumstances and those of systems. I am asking you, my online friends and anyone who reads this to send a simple prayer for us to navigate through this time with understanding, growth and healing. If you don’t believe in God, just a thought of positive energy would be much appreciated. Thank you all for always being out there, speaking your truths, sharing your light and shining as only you can do. Never let anything put out your light, still your voice or silence the message of love that you want to share. 

Thank you,
In Love and Light,
Cheryl


Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”


Saturday, January 2, 2021

In My Own Little Corner/ SoCS

 Magic happens, dreams come true, and love abounds...






“Just as long as I stay in my own little corner...all alone in my own little chair.”

When I was quite small this was my favorite holiday film and I had to reenact it for days, using a hand me down white party dress and sing this song just before my Fairy Godmother showed up. How I longed for one of my own.

This post brought to you by Linda Hill’ SoCS prompt. Be sure to visit her blog to meet other great bloggers.

https://lindaghill.com/2021/01/01/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2021-daily-prompt-jan-2nd/

 




Monday, December 21, 2020

Meet The Neighbors

The best part of my day is laying out fruit for my new feathered friends. So many, so happy, so HUNGRY!



So, how did you hear about this place?



Bullies even in the natural world



What? Do I have pulp on my beak?



You should come back on Papaya day. But boy is it crowded. 




Gratitude is the way to begin each day



I told you to WAIT YOUR TURN! 


Why can’t we all just get along?

At least for the holidays....




 

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Open Doors #Badgecontest #Thursdaydoors

 I took this image awhile ago while visiting family in Louisiana. The doors were placed on the lawn of a church. It struck me as a beautiful statement of inclusion at that time and I feel even moreso now it speaks to the need for love and acceptance. 


Happy Thursday everyone! Now go on over to Dan’s Blog to find more amazing doors and meet some very talented writers and wonderful people.