The Ultimate Yes

Sacred Life Sunday ~ Sailor's Delight

"Pink sky at night.  Sailor's delight.  Pink sky in the morning.  Sailor's warning."

I know not whether the above is true, but I do know this...sunset is the only time I love the color pink in all its glorious hues.  This picture was taken this evening from one of my favorite spots near home.  Traveling south on Hwy 101, just before you exit right to Cannon Beach is a place you can pull over and see the expansive horizon.  Every time I come over the mountain and catch my first glimpse of the mighty Pacific, I am reminded how blessed I am to live where I do.  

Other than a smattering of rainy days, the Oregon coast has had an exceptionally lovely autumn.  I am especially grateful for the sunshine these days as it gets dark by 5pm.  There more weeks and we'll be moving towards the light again.  YES!

The quote above makes me think of two sailors I use to know. Sigh...

One was a bonafide Navy boy.  And boy oh boy was he ever YUMMY!  He was a brief, but very fun fling twelve years ago.  And then there was the sailor who danced his way into my heart and has never left.  Even though we sailed on from each other in 2001, I wonder about him still.  I hope he's happy.  I hope he's still dancing somewhere.  The memories of us...the OceanPrincess and the Sailor...they still bring me delight.  I hope when he thinks of me he remembers the delight, too.

That soft spot in our hearts...the place where old lovers live...it's sacred and it's bittersweet.  I have no doubt it's pink. 

Having Let Go...What's Next?

 

Having just sent out the last issue of Lighten Up to several hundred subscribers, I'm feeling a bit emotional right now.  There was a part of me that didn't want to hit the send button even though I've known it's been something I've needed to do for awhile.  I've written a monthly newsletter for the past five years and it was time to let it go.  Despite the sense of freedom that comes with letting something go, inevitably there's also a feeling of loss.  Even though I'm happy to be moving closer towards the writing my heart has been begging me to pay attention to, I'm a little sad. 

A lot has happened in five years time and my newsletter has been one way for me to document what has transpired in my life while at the same time providing me a venue to share my musings with others.  I know I have other means to stay connected to the people I've met over the years through my newsletter, but it will be different.  I have to remember that change is good and remind myself that this was the right decision for me to make.

So...what's next?  Growing my business every day.  Launching my book blog in January.   Loving my husband, family and friends for the rest of my life.  Dancing on the beach right now.  

Sacred Life Sunday ~ The substance of string

 

I've worn the blue strands around my wrist for four months now.   When a good friend of mine tied the ends of the string together back in July at Leadership Camp, I had no idea they would still hold steadfast to my body today.  A sweet symbol of friendship has turned into an important daily spiritual reminder.  I was told that my blessing bracelet represents love and strength; two very good things to ruminate about and remember every day methinks.

This morning as I danced at our studio, I studied my hands in depth as the last two quiet songs played.  I looked at my rings and thought of my husband and my friend, Layne. I'll wear those bands of white gold and silver forever.  I was intrigued by my veins and the blood that coursed through them just underneath my skin.  I'll be of flesh and bone as long as I'm alive in this body.  And then there was the string...how long it will continue to make its home around my wrist remains to be seen.  I won't cut it away so until the strands break on their own, I'll remain adorned. 

These were just some of the thoughts I had as tears rolled gently down my face and merged with the studio's hardwood floor. Love...it is what each of us wants and needs. To love and be loved...there is no greater task, no greater reward.  Love of self.  Love of others.   It takes strength to love that which we don't understand.  Strength to continue to do what we love.  Strength to live big and fully even on those days when being smaller sounds safe and more reasonable. 

When the day comes when the blue strings break...love and strength will be the invisible bracelets I'll continue to wear. 

President Obama...YES!

 

"Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark." ~ Rabindranath Tagore

It's been a time of tremendous joy, profound gratitude and many Thank-You-God moments since I heard the sweet words, "Barack Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States."  My heart has been filled to the brim with hope and happiness.  With every ounce of my being, I feel this country has chosen not only the best candidate to lead this nation forward, but the most genuine and inspirational politician I've seen in a very long time.  Throughout his entire campaign, I believed in him. I just knew this was the man who America and the rest of the world would say "YES!" to.

While I don't consider myself a religious person, my faith in all that is good and true...things like love and compassion, hope and the human spirit...was never in doubt during these past two years.  I know I worried way too much at times, but my belief in big change never wavered.  Even during some of the darkest moments, I kept on believing that the will of the people would prevail and the man who inspired millions would be president.  YES WE CAN has become YES WE DID. 

I know there is much to be done in the coming days, months and years ahead, but right now I am celebrating the fact that Barack Obama will be this country's president in a little more than two months time.  I am ecstatic that I will soon have a president I can be proud of...a president who listens and who values honesty, integrity and authenticity.  I believe in this man and in the American people to bring about the changes our country needs.  We did it.  We really did it. 

God didn't vote.  We did. I can't help but say it though...Thank God.