This year's story- love, loss and joy

Well- if my share of 2011 was to be published as a novel it would be a mixture of love, loss, inspiration, joy and maybe a little mystery.  

I had eagerly awaited the blank pages of each month of 2011, wondering what chapters would be written. Now that the year is nearly over, I have to say it has been one of the most difficult in recent memory. But it can also be described as rewarding, thought-provoking, faith-building, educational and joyful. 

One thing the past year taught me is to not take people and their time on earth for granted.  Actually, I have become increasingly aware of that over the last few years as the number of people going to their heavenly reward seems to be increasing. I mean people close to my age and younger as well as older friends and relatives. As a person of faith I take comfort in believing they are in a place of peace and comfort with no pain and suffering, no illness and no problems.  But they are missed… 

There was also joy this year. Renewed family ties are priceless. 

Those who read my blogs know that I like to talk about the gifts we are all given. Another lesson hitting home is to really appreciate the gifts of others.  Everyone has gifts; some are more subtle than others.  It reminds me to cherish each person for who they are.  Some may not love us as we think they should but in reality they love us with all they have. 

I also found out that my faith is strong enough to carry me through really tough times. And I learned that my faith makes an impression on other people- at least they tell me so. I know that many people care enough to pray, and that prayers can truly be felt.  Sometimes prayers are answered as we want, some are answered but not as we hope. But always- prayers are a gift to be given and received.  

I was reminded of the joy of a smile- especially an unexpected silly grin. I was reminded of the joy of a kiss- especially an unexpected silly kiss.   A more profound reminder is that sometimes the most mundane and even undesirable “chores” can be a gift and an act of love on both sides- from the gifter and the giftee.  (Sometimes being able to accept something being done is more difficult for a person than doing it for someone else.) 

The mystery is why things happen as they do. But that is an answer that most likely remains unanswered in this life.  

The year of 2012 is just a few days away- what will it bring? Only time will tell… 

Secrets One - The Series

Priming the well . . .

As we came into this new year, I wrote a blog about the new year being a book of blank pages- and how exciting it can be to discover the new chapters to be written as we progress through the year.

I am here to tell you that I don't much like this storyline of 2011. While there have been a few major highlights here and there, there have been far too many tears. And there are more to come. Family and friends play a part in both the highlights and the lowest points. And soon we will be saying goodbye to a family member, after losing a close friend and another family member a few months back.

Writing has unfortunately been pushed aside for the more immediate needs of the situations going on in my world. That along with the fact that fatigue and emotional overload can make one feel totally blank. Some days if you could look at my creative thought process all you would see is a blank space, a void. At times, it feels as if everything has been sucked out, and nothing has replaced it.

But every time I turn around I see reminders- quotes like "we must express ourselves creatively" and "we all have God-given talents that we need to be developing." Or I meet someone who is putting to good use that God-given talent. Those are all little nudges for me to do something!

So I am making an attempt tonight to pour a little into that void of my creative process. I remember those old-style water pumps  that work by pumping the handle- sometimes the well has to be primed with water to get more water out. One might say that is what I am attempting to do now with my creative thought process- prime it with thinking and writing to get more output.

It is commonly said that emotions can enrich our art. In time, I believe it will. But for now, I will be priming the well a bit more.

Secrets One - The Series

Art comes in many forms . . .

I have a confession to make- I love watching home design shows. I was pondering my need to watch these shows because I am not a homeowner, and in fact, have downsized to a relatively small living space. So what is behind this "need"?

Then it came to me. The designers are actually producing works of art when they take a bland living space and turn it into something beautiful.

My favorite designer began as a visual artist, and on each episode he gifts the homeowner with an original canvas painting or other artwork. His designs are full of color and fresh ideas. One of the appeals to watching him is that he has such a wonderfully fun and joyous personality, and one feels happy just watching him interact with his great crew and his clients. He truly loves what he is doing. His designs are an extension of that joyous presentation.  He is on my "bucket list"- before I die, I would love to have him design a room for me or at the very least have an art piece done by him. 

Running a close second is a beautiful lady whose designs are truly divine. She too has a wonderful sense of humor, and like the previous designer described, she surrounds herself with a like-minded crew. Her room designs, use of textures and the right amount of bling, and her insight into what the clients want make the results absolutely stellar in all situations.

A former set designer and his English bulldog have also surprisingly stolen my heart and imagination (Okay, the bulldog stole my heart and the designs my imagination.) The series is edgy and radical, much different than anything I thought I would like. His clients are both residential and commercial properties, and the designs are equally outrageous and wonderful. Looking like a tough guy complete with tattoos, he always adds a surprise gift- something the space needs, but that the client has either not thought about or was not able to add themselves. This unexpected thoughtfulness sealed the deal for me, and his clients seem to be thinking along the same lines- they adore him. Needless to say, his crew members are as edgy as he is, but also just as delightful.

Do you know what these three, and several other designers that I enjoy watching, have in common? They embrace their respective gifts or talents- they really are artists following their passions. And from all appearances, they are incredibly happy doing just that- and making many other people happy as well. One cannot ask for much more than that in life!

Each of us has a unique gift or spark in us that needs nurtured. I would have loved to have been a visual or vocal artist, but that is not my gift or talent. And I know that when I do not write, it feels like something is missing and I am not as happy. When I allow that writing spark to flame up again, I am content. And it really is something special to be able to impact others with my writing.

Is there something you have wanted to pursue- maybe painting, music lessons, a writing class? Or just taking the time to enjoy your passion, whatever it may be? Well, why not start today!

Secrets One - The Series

What we sow, we shall reap . . .

Something has been bugging me! Negativity!

This has presented a challenge in writing this blog because I did not want it to sound negative, the very thing that has been bugging me!

Let me just say that I love the opportunities that the "internet” presents. To me, it is like a multitude of doors are open to connections. Or, this is funny because the picture just popped in my mind, one huge transparent wall now open to all my contacts! So, for me, the internet is a good and positive thing, and allows opportunities to write in a delightful variety of ways while being in contact with friends and family.

But, like every good thing, it can be used for harm. Depending on the use, the user can actually hide behind the anonymity of it all. If a person feels anonymous, the guard and restraint comes down, and things are written (said) or done that otherwise would not be. I have been floored by some of the things I have read- some directed at "regular" people and others at public figures-just horrible, negative and many times untruthful thoughts. There is no face-to-face contact, what does it matter?

In that same vein, I believe one's talent- or gift- is given for good purposes. I think it is meant for edification- for good, the uplifting of others- not for destruction or harm to others. I would rather speak (write) favor over someone- to encourage them. Now, of course, not everyone who types something into a website, blog or even comments section is called to the purpose of writing. But, still, the words are tools. Used mindlessly or harmfully, the words have the same effect on both the writer and reader- it causes harm, discouragement and even depression and anxiety.

I have said it before, and I will say it again- words do have power. Really, anything we “feed on” affects us- our thinking and our actions. My goal and hope is that what I write has a positive effect on others- whether it is uplifting and edifying, or simply entertaining and makes someone smile!

Like other actions in life, I do believe “what we sow, so shall we reap”.

Have a wonderful, creative and positive day!

Secrets One - The Series