Merry Christmas to You

Wishing my readers a bright and Merry Christmas!!!

Winter's Arrival

First snow

Although winter officially begins December 21 on the solstice, the first snowfall of the season heralds this time of year. This past Saturday, we experienced our first flurries, with little more than a dusting of snow accumulating here in our mountains. White puffy flakes softened the stark, gray landscape and a gentle hush fell over the woods surrounding the cabin. The simple beauty of the glistening snow felt magical. It's a reminder to slow down and allow oneself to be awestruck by nature's ways.

At this time, I've purposely limited my activities and simplified the holiday rush as much as possible, conserving the little energy I feel. Winter's cold, gray days assist with this "slowing down process." Rather than try to counter it and exert myself, I am giving in to the natural, slower pace. I feel fortunate that my need to rest more now is in tune with the seasonal ebb and flow of things.

The somber, peaceful days of winter promote reflection and thoughts of the people, ideas, and things we value most. If I had one wish I could grant to all, it would be that everyone feel at peace, feel content and feel loved.

Enjoy the season!

A House Becomes a Home

A couple of months ago, I found an empty shell of a dollhouse at a yard sale for the bargain price of $3.00. Since then, I've had endless pleasure furnishing its four simple rooms, making tiny touches to personalize it and create a miniature, one-of-a kind world.

After scouring local antique shops and craft stores for furnishings, I turned to eBay, where I discovered an endless supply of miniatures at affordable prices - anything you could possibly dream of to furnish a pint-sized abode.

Since starting this new hobby, I've learned that dollhouse furnishings come in various scale sizes. The pieces I collect for this house are 1/12 scale, where one inch is roughly equal to one foot.

The bedroom, study, kitchen, and living room, have come a long way since I started. What began as empty rooms with four bare walls are now turning into colorfully decorated spaces. I've found ways to make this tiny house uniquely our own - two cats that are look-alikes for our Jasper and Pacey sit about in miniature, a tiny cowboy hat, Kevin's trademark, rests on a coat rack in the living room, and miniaturized versions of our wedding photographs sit atop the study shelves. Wall hangings reflect our personal collections. There's an old world map over the fireplace and a butterfly collection over the sofa. Like any home, there's a list of to-do projects - the walls need painting, floors refinishing, and cabinets stained, but, unlike real-life, these projects can comfortably wait for any time I feel like getting to them.

Who could have guessed such a project would be so fun? I can add to, embellish, and rearrange my little rooms at whim. And...if ever we are graced with grandchildren, we already have ways and means to keep them amused for hours :)

That Peaceful Feeling

We all have our own ways of centering ... of feeling at one with ourselves and the world. I find that peaceful feeling comes to me in some of the simplest ways. Sitting outside on the front porch rocker and gently swaying back and forth is a prime example. I am so thankful Kevin created a little haven on the front porch of the cabin to relax and unwind in this way.

Thinking back on a more stressful time in life when I was living alone, getting over pneumonia, and the electricity went out on a bitter cold night, I remember being enveloped with peace by simply lighting some tea candles and putting them in small glass holders of amber, forest green, and burgundy colors. I placed the candles on my bedroom window sill and the gentle glow of the flames and the colors cast on the sill by the holders was mesmerizing. Gazing at them, I forgot about my troubles, at least temporarily, and felt warmed by the gentle glowing lights.

When we experience hard times, I think it's important to slow ourselves down, mentally step back from whatever is bothering us, and do something to put our minds at ease and engage our senses. Baking chocolate chip cookies and savoring the scent as it wafts through your kitchen, going outdoors and gazing upwards at puffy white clouds drifting across a span of blue sky, sitting quietly and petting your cat or dog ... something that shifts the focus away from the problem on to something pleasant or even awe inspiring.

As I get older, and during this period of feeling ill at ease due to kidney failure, I find myself naturally gravitating to these kinds of activities and feeling calm and relaxed. I share these thoughts because I think we all would be better off, if, on a regular basis, we took the time to take little "time outs" from long days and busy schedules to allow ourselves our own unique means of experiencing that peaceful feeling.

Cat Nap

"Oh, it's nice to get up in the mornin'

But it's nicer to lie in bed!"

Amen!!!

HAPPY Halloween!!!

Plugging Along

Last week we received some great news. After her test results came in, it was determined that, so far, my daughter is a perfect match for me as a potential kidney donor. Her blood type and all 6 antigens are identical to mine. She still has some tests to get through to see if all is well for her to be able to donate her kidney...but the first major question was finally answered and the green light results gave us all a boost.

This week has been a practice of patience. Over and over, I've had to call and remind doctors offices to fax medical results to Johns Hopkins Hospital. I even had difficulty getting a necessary doctor's appointment scheduled with my internist, because, in the receptionist's words, "my case was getting too complicated." I finally called my physician's nurse directly, and she scheduled my appointment for today. My doctor, who I've known for years, and I shared a laugh over the fact that if his receptionist told all his patients that they couldn't make appointments with him because their medical issues were "getting too complicated," it kind of defeated his purpose in being there. I'm not so sure his approach with his receptionist, after speaking with me, will be as light hearted and fun.

While at the doctor's office, I got a pneumonia vaccination and was referred on to a cardiologist. I need a variety of cardiac tests to assure that my heart is strong enough to withstand surgery and the receipt of a new kidney. Also scheduled is a CT abdominal scan that will provide closer examination of the cysts on my kidneys to rule out the possibility of malignancies. The surgery can not go forward if the cysts are cancerous.

I have never enjoyed going to the doctor or getting medical tests, I don't know of too many people who do, but after all I've already been through in that regard this year alone, I'm getting used to it and used to waiting lengthy periods for simple tests. I'm finding that I'm taking things in stride better than I thought I would at the beginning of this process on the road to getting a new kidney. The road may be long, but I just keep plugging along. It's stop and go and sometimes bumpy, but encouraging news like we received from my daughter last week helps make the ride a lot easier. We hope the road ahead will offer up a lot more green lights!

True Grit

Bush Honeysuckle

My topic for pondering and discussion today is determination. Going with the flow, even when the waters are rough. Making the best of a bad situation...and maybe even finding something pretty good about your new circumstances.

The inspiration for today's blog came in the form of a most curious insect - a walking stick. Few creatures have been better named. The walking stick looks exactly like it's name - it's a living, mobile twig!

Walking Stick Posing for the Camera

Today, I was doing a bit of garden clean-up. My cone flowers needed to be trimmed back and the plastic trellis in front of them stored for the winter. As I lifted the trellis from its spot in front of the cone flowers, I found the above pictured walking stick clinging to the back side. I had upset his refuge and hiding place and felt compelled to find another place to drop him off since the trellis was going into the shed - no place for a walking stick of the insect type.

The fragile looking walking stick teetered nervously on my hand, but waited until I found a small oak tree to scurry off. I was thinking I should try to get a photo of this stick-like camouflage expert, but had other garden chores to tend to at the time. The walking stick accepted his new perch with little fuss. I was sure by the time I was finished with my outdoor activities he would be long gone.

Two hours later, I returned to the little oak tree and there he was! Not only was the walking stick still amongst the oak leaves, he willingly posed for photo after photo, until I was satisfied that I had gotten at least one shot that would show off his best attributes. He'd had quite a day - being discovered by a giant human and being transported to a new location by said human...and then, after having found the new digs not so bad and starting to unwind, being rediscovered and photographed in them - definitely displaying true grit, going with the flow, and making the best of what had to have been quite an unsettling experience! I guess we all could pick up some pointers from such a brave, adaptable little dude!

I just love quotes. The quote that follows seemed a very fitting end to this blog. It made me chuckle, too. It was written by a gentleman by the name of Robert W. Service. I have no idea who he is or was, but I would imagine this guy knew a thing or two about determination, too :)

It's the plugging away that will win you the day

So don't be a piker old pard!

Just draw on your grit; it's so easy to quit -

It's the keeping your chin up that's hard.

Chestnut Oaks

This Day

"Your daily life is your temple and your religion." - Kahlil Gibran


I thought I would start this blog off with the simple, but profound words of Kahil Gibran, one of my favorite philosophers. This day for me started as remotely as can be from anything resembling a temple or religion in my book. I was feeling so nauseus and uncomfortable that I decided to scrap my planned agenda and rework it in a more gentle fashion. I started with a nap with the cats...yes...I got up and then took a nap! Now, for the cats, this was the absolute pinnacle of ways to start the day. They just love to huddle in bed with me, the longer, the better. So, it was nice to see I was making my furry companions so happy.

The extra rest helped me, too. After some chicken noodle soup and soda crackers for lunch, I had enough get up and go to get outside and stack the wood Kevin chopped over the weekend. We're getting a good head start on our wood pile!

That little bit of exercise energized me further to take a walk through the woods. With camera in hand , I set out. After making a circuit around the cabin, taking in the beauty of the colorful, autumn leaves, I headed over to the lot next door, tresspassing into our neighbor's yard which affords a great view of the farm across the street from us. The farm valley below and mountains beyond is so scenic!

In the open field of my lookout, there is a patch of vibrantly colored "Butter and Eggs" flowers. They've been flowering since early summer.

The natural beauty all around me elevated my day from ho-hum to heavenly. As I slowly retraced my steps to our cabin, I felt renewed, happy, and at peace. This day was a good day afterall.

Home Sweet Home

Happiness is ...

A warm kitty to cuddle

Jasper is an amazing cat. She seems to sense when I am sick or feeling bad and does her best to remedy the situation. Years ago, when I was suffering from pneumonia, she was never far from my bedside, and usually laying right on top of my chest like a mother hen, keeping watch over me and keeping me warm. Today was a tough one for me symptom wise, and there was Jasper at the ready to offer the comfort and closeness that has endeared her to me and created such a close bond. It truly is a gift to love and be loved in return by an animal!

Jasper and her sister Pacey have brought immeasurable happiness to our lives. Pacey adores Kevin, and he has become her "chosen one." Everyday, she curls up in his lap as he watches television, the most content look on her face. She also likes to visit him when he's at work in his study, often curling up on the table beside his computer, keeping an eye on his every move.

Even though there are many days here of late that are physically uncomfortable, I continue to find happiness in simple endeavors at home in our peaceful cabin. It's been nice to have some down time to devote to creative activities. I found a scrapbook at a local yard sale and have begun to fill it with collages. I'd almost forgotten how fun it can be to create hodgepodge collections of magazine photos and clippings.

My latest collage creation

Jasper and Pacey even inspire my collaging :) I was able to find photographs that resemble each of them to include in the montage.

Happiness truly is the simple inspirations that enter our life and touch our world with a bit of magic all their own. Be it a beautiful wildflower, a flitting butterfly, or the glow of a campfire or candle light ... there is much to be noticed , much to be thankful for, and much that brings happiness.

Fall Free Form

Brilliantly colored maple leaves

The temperatures are getting chillier and the leaf colors are definitely starting to pop. Soon, we will be surrounded by the vibrant reds, golds, oranges, and browns here at the cabin. The tall green pines compliment the hardwoods' colors with their evergreen shades. It's an especially beautiful time of year.

Fall is also a time for contemplation. The seasonal change lends itself to reflecting on one's place in the world, first looking within and then focusing outward on the bigger picture, recognizing that, though each of us is but a tiny speck in the cosmos, we are all interconnected parts of the natural world. Though each of us are unique individuals, we are never alone in the world. The natural beauty of color and light that surrounds us in fall has a spiritual essence all it's own. It's an uplifting and invigorating time of year.

Through the years, I've enjoyed trying my hand at all sorts of poetry. Especially fun is Haiku ... a simple, but sensorially evocative or emotionally touching string of words ... some following a distinct pattern of lines and syllables and some more free form in style.

To celebrate the season, I created a couple of free form Haikus to share:

Leaves twirl

On a chill breeze

Autumn kaleidoscope.

Over head

Crescendo fades

Geese fly south.

Enjoy the beauty of the autumn season!

Our woods as the sun sets.

The Wait Continues

Even though things are progressing as they should, the process for finding out when I will get a kidney transplant feels agonizingly slow.

Last week, Kevin and I went to Johns Hopkins Hospital to attend the long awaited initial transplant evaluation meeting. Over a five hour period, we met with a nurse coordinator, nephrologist, dietitian, social worker, financial advisor, and the transplant surgeon. It was a long, intense day, culminating with a "blood letting." I was required to go to the Hopkins lab and give more blood than I ever had at one sitting! Fortunately, Kevin and I had eaten the sandwiches I'd packed just before I went to the lab to get my blood drawn. Otherwise, I fear I would have passed out!

We were told at this initial consultation that my case would go before a review committee for a final decision regarding my transplant. All of the medical experts we saw agreed a transplant was in order and the sooner the better. Now, it's a matter of waiting to see what further tests I need to undergo prior to surgery, determining whether my daughter is a match, and, if so, scheduling a date for surgery. We are hoping that all will go well and that the transplant can be scheduled before the end of the year.

Immediately after the evaluation meeting, I felt extremely nervous. Even though it was great to finally meet with the Hopkins staff and get a lot of our questions answered, this meeting brought it all home that the transplant is really going to happen...and soon. How soon, we still have to wait and see.

We still have matters of insurance to work through and must choose our provider carefully. That's one of the scariest parts. We have to be really careful of the choice we make to assure adequate coverage not only for the transplant surgery, but for the follow-up aftercare. After the surgery, I will be required to take a whole battery of medications for life to prevent rejection and infection, and, for the first year afterwards, visits to the doctors office will be a frequent occurrence.

My daughter went for her initial blood and tissue tests yesterday. In a couple of weeks, we should know whether or not she can continue to be considered for donation for me. So, once again, we anxiously await results that will determine our next moves in this process.

Desirae and I had the chance to talk a bit more about our joint effort in this process this past weekend when she came down from Massachusetts for a visit. She is facing this with a sense of calm and level headedness and is so supportive of me. It is of great comfort to have such a loving daughter who is willing to be there and give so much. And Kevin has been everything I could ever ask for, too - loving, supportive, and always there by my side. Even though my nerves are a bit frayed, I feel confident in what will be.

So, for now, we continue to wait...

Apples, Animals, and Asian Food

Our neighboring apple orchard

It was a picture perfect fall weekend. After picking Desi up from the airport on Friday night, we were in a whirlwind of activity. On Saturday, we toured our local zoo...always a fun thing to do, but especially fun when feeding the resident wildlife. Desi and I purchased a cup of the zoo's special diet pellets and found plenty of eager eaters!

Feeding the colorful koi and carp

We saw llamas, jaguars, tigers, giant tortoises, monkeys, and a whole slew of tropical birds on our zoo visit. It was exciting to walk the wooded zoo trails and discover what was awaiting us around each bend. Though small, our local zoo is a wonderful place to see wildlife up close. The crowds are minimal and the scenery is as pretty and diverse as the animals within.

Desirae waiting to see the tropical parrots!

Des has always had a special way with parrots. They seem as intrigued with her as the other way around. Not only do they chatter to her, but they mimic her when she bobs back and forth from side to side. It's a riot!

After our zoo trip, we went to the orchard market where Desirae helped pick the perfect pumpkin from the giant "pumpkin pyramid." The pumpkin will stay a pumpkin until the end of the month when it will be transformed into a Halloween Jack-o-Lantern, it's face glowing brightly in the dark.

The weekend went by in a flash. Desirae attended a friend's wedding reception on Saturday night, and, then, after a day of visiting on Sunday with Kevin and me, followed by a scrumptious meal at an Asian restaurant in town, it was time to head back to the airport so Desi could catch her evening flight to Boston.

My fortune cookie from the restaurant read, "You are busy but happy." - Yup, I'd say so :)

September's Song

As the seasons turn, and summer refrains fade out to be replaced by autumn's crisp melodies, it's a great time to reflect on times past and to start looking ahead to the future.

A fun place to do both of these things is the county fair. Here you can hold on to vestiges of summer fun enjoying the rides, refreshments, and many sights of fair life - the farm animals, crafts, and bounties of summer harvests ... and at the same time look ahead to the arrival of shorter days and cooler temps, gleaning inspiration from the many exhibits for creative endeavors you too might pursue in the coming winter months.

Susan at the fair's entrance

Kevin on the ferris wheel ride

A bird's eye view of the fair

Kevin and I always enjoy attending our county fair in September to celebrate the end of summer and usher in a new autumn. A ride on the ferris wheel at sunset has become our tradition!

Our September was especially memorable this year in that we went on our long awaited homeymoon venture to southern Florida. We were able to squeeze in a beach holiday and relished the beautiful, nearly deserted beaches of Sanibel Island. We languished in the warm Gulf waters and searched for shells along the shore.

We also visited Everglades National Park with it's endless "rivers of grass" dotted by snowy white egrets. Outside the park, we took an airboat ride through the glades at an alligator farm. Our airboat guide made us his guests of honor. We're guessing not too many people show up at his alligator farm on their honeymoon :)

After heading south and exploring the gorgeous, tropical Florida Keys, we started the long trek back north up the coast, making a stop at the Kennedy Space Visitor's Center at Cape Canaveral. It was truly amazing to get a glimpse of the very space vehicles that traveled to the moon and back and see the actual equipment used to launch current space missions out into the great beyond.

At the close of the summer season, nature had one more surprise in store for us ... these lovely pale blue and pink morny glories sprung up around our pond. They may have grown from the wildflower seeds left over from packets we'd distributed as wedding favors. I'd strewn some of these flower seeds around the pond, not sure what might come up!

We're preparing for cold nights now, chopping and stacking firewood to keep our cabin warm ... looking back at a beautiful summer of love and wondrous memories and looking forward to the seasonal turn of the wheel and new ventures that lie ahead.

Passages and Pizza

Desirae & A Very Proud Mom on Graduation Day from Johns Hopkins University

Like every first time expectant mother, I was fraught with anticipation for my baby's arrival. The almost nine months I had been waiting seemed like the longest time span of my life. I was more than ready to experience this life form that had been growing within me, so eager to begin the forever relationship of mother and child ... to see, hold, and nurture my baby.

I was told by well-intentioned relations if I wanted to hurry the process along, I should eat pizza. Yes, the zestier the better...but any nice, gooey, cheesy slice of pizza pie was the supposed key to moving things along! So, at nearly nine months to the very day, a pizza party was indeed my course of action...and, wouldn't you know, I went into labor that evening!

My beautiful daughter arrived in the world the next night...all 7 pounds 8 ounces of perfection - our bundle of joy. Seeing her for the very first time is the most precious miracle I have ever experienced...ever.

That day was the beginning of what I can best describe as a love affair - a love so deep and so enriching, a love ever-lasting. Being a mother is one of the biggest joys of my life - not the easiest portion of it, not by a long shot, but endlessly rewarding. I've watched my daughter grow from a helpless, vulnerable, totally dependent baby, to a little girl filled with curiosity and joy for life, only to evolve into an intense, driven, and, at times, cantankerous, moody teen, and then flower into a gorgeous, independent, extremely competent, loving young woman with a generous spirit and strong heart. I've beamed with pride, laughed 'til my sides ached, shuddered with anger, and, through it all, shared her journey every step of the way in awe of the life she was creating one step at a time.

This weekend, my daughter is headed for Massachusetts to start a new job. She goes well prepared with a Bachelors and Masters Degree in her chosen field of study and a wealth of life experience already under her belt. She goes with my blessing and with the confidence that a mother who truly believes in her child has rightfully earned. Last night, she came over for a final visit before starting off on this life venture. Our final meal together? Pizza :)

Aerial Jewels

Flower Kisser

A beauty to the eye

Whirring quickly by

Romancing the flowers

Courting them for hours.

A jewel shining bright

Summer afternoon's delight

Enchanting without a word

Magical hummingbird.

From late spring to early autumn, we are graced with the presence of ruby- throated hummingbirds. These tiny, metallic colored birds use their long, thin bills to probe flowers for nectar, earning the nick-name "Flower Kissers." :) They are especially fond of the more brightly colored flowers, red ones in particular, but they aren't too fussy and seem just as happy with pink or orange flowers, too. Both male and female are about 3 inches long. Their feathers are a metallic green above and their underparts are whitish. Only the male has a ruby-red throat patch.

In addition to flower nectar, the tiny birds love sugar water from specially designed hummingbird feeders like the one in the photograph above. We have two of these feeders set up for our hungry guests. One is situated by our pond and the other is next to my kitchen garden on the patio. Both receive a lot of patrons. Sometimes, there are skirmishes amongst the hummingbirds. Aerial duels transpire if one hummer thinks another is encroaching on a feeding station already claimed as his or her territory. If a feeder happens to go dry and doesn't get filled up immediately, I can get an earful from a scolding hummingbird when I go outside. These frisky little guys have identified me as their waitress and definitely let me have it if the food is slow to arrive!

Our side garden of columbines - a hummingbird favorite!

As summer wanes, days grow shorter, and temps start to cool, we see less and less of our tiny guests. By early autumn, they all have migrated to warmer territories and more fruitful feeding grounds. It's always a little sad to know you're bidding them good-bye for the season. Then again, it's always magical when spring comes around again and the hummingbirds return, lighting up the sky with brilliant flashes of color ... like tiny, sparkling, aerial jewels.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

This past weekend, Kevin and I went off the beaten path to Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Lothian, Maryland, where my friend Susan works as a park naturalist. The sanctuary encompasses about 1,400 acres of freshwater wetlands, upland forests and open meadows that are situated along the eastern shore of the Patuxent River.

Temps soared into the mid 90s the day of our visit. It felt like we were in a sauna as we strolled around the marshland sanctuary. Susan led us down a wooded path called the "Otter Point Trail." At the trail's end, we didn't find any otters, but we did see a pair of ospreys and a magnificent great blue heron as they flew overhead.

The marshland was a vast, panoramic stretch of aquatic vegetation. Susan pointed out that the lighter greenery we were seeing was actually wild rice. As we gazed over this wide expanse of lush plant life with the river snaking its way through it, a "flock" of bright yellow swallowtail butterflies flitted back and forth across the green background speckling it with their vibrant, shimmery forms.

Susan has many tasks as a naturalist, not the least is caring for the resident wildlife inhabitants. In the photograph above, Susan is checking in on an Eastern Box turtle. Susan's done extensive studies of the box turtle population in and around the Jug Bay Sanctuary. Her research provides a greater understanding of this dwindling reptile species and aids in protecting it.

Gems from the Sea

Shells from Sanibel Island, Florida

Of all my collecting ventures, collecting shells is my favorite. When I was growing up, our family had friends who owned a beach home in Ocean City, New Jersey. Almost every summer, we traveled several hours to visit them, usually staying for about a week. These summer vacations bring back some of my best family childhood memories. The days were spent sunning on the beach and bobbing up and down in the ocean waves, and slowly tracing the water's edge for shells. Early morning, right after the sun came up and before the crowds arrived, was the prime time to look for them. Our prizes came in the form of moon snails, like the one almost dead center in the shell display above, and small conch shells. Usually, the tumble of the surf battered the shells making it hard to find intact specimens, but every once in a while you got lucky and found a whole beauty ... a rare treasure!

In the evenings, my family walked the boardwalk, sometimes stopping for a game of miniature golf, sometimes treating ourselves to summertime snacks such as icy cold, syrupy snow cones. My favorite were the bright red fruit flavors that left my lips looking as if I'd applied a heavy coat of red lipstick. Some of our shells admittedly came from the shell shops along the boardwalk. We combed through huge barrels of colorful varieties, choosing a few to add to those we'd found ourselves on the shore.

Beach times have always been special times. When my daughter was growing up, we frequented the Outer Banks in North Carolina on a number of occasions. After she graduated from high school and before she set off to college, we took a trip to Sanibel Island, where we found ourselves in shell heaven. The warm, gulf currents delivered a vast variety of shells to the shores where we beach combed. After returning from that trip, I created a framed display of some of the prettier shells from our collection, a portion of which is pictured above. The tiny coquina clam shells, that resemble brightly colored butterflies when the shells are still joined and opened flat, are some of my favorites. These can be found in an endless array of shades and patterns.

When pursuing my degree in environmental science, I accompanied a class researching tropical marine ecology to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. Never have I experienced more pristine waters, beautiful tropical beaches, and gorgeous shells than I did in San Salvador!

Below is a photograph of a Queen Conch shell one of my room mates during that venture to San Salvador found and gave to me. She had a very generous spirit and she knew how much I loved shells. It is a priceless gift :) Now, this conch shell rests on the shelf of our cabin's bay window, where it receives the morning sun. The shell's belly glows a rich, rosy pink with the kiss of the morning sun.

Queen Conch from San Salvador, Island, Bahamas

My ode to shells ...

Gem of the Sea

Washed ashore

from depths unknown

Carried to the sands

where I walk

Nature's work of art

trusted to time

A treasure

now held in my hand

Intricate swirls

muted and bright shades

Intertwined

in a network that's one of a kind

Priceless gift

delivered by the waves

This seashell...

the gem of the sea.

Treasures Found

I've truly enjoyed my latest avocation as treasure hunter, hunting for precious collectibles for our antique booth.

Especially for those getting up in years, a trip to an antique store can be a trip down memory lane. Familiar items discovered among the shelves of curios can trigger childhood memories and fond recollections.

Some of the items I purchase for our booth have been specifically chosen because they bring back pleasant associations with times gone by. My father was a frequent traveler to Japan during a period of his career. He brought back exciting tales from his travels, and, for my sister and me, he brought home beautiful, exotic dolls. My own dolls have long ago been passed on, but when I came across the gorgeous, silk clad Japanese dolls pictured above, they were a must have for the booth! I savoured their rich garments and lovely faces prior to tagging them for resale and displaying them, with the hope that they might also delight someone else.

Another favorite collectible for me because of past association is Wedgwood, a fine porcelain produced in England. My mother had a small collection of the more typical, periwinkle blue Wedgwood vases decorated with fine white relief carvings usually of Grecian or mythical scenes. It's been fun to discover the wide variety of Wedgwood pieces available in all the various colors and patterns. It can be found in blue, green, pink, lavender, black, or white and comes etched, painted, or with transfers in an endless array of form and pattern. Vases, plates, cups and saucers, trinket trays and boxes...such variety!



I'm especially fond of this Wedgwood beauty, a small pitcher picturing a hunt scene. Notice the fox hound handle! This piece is actually the second one of these I've come across and purchased for our booth. The first was of the same hunt design pattern, but was a larger pitcher in a solid kelly green color. I hadn't had it displayed on our shelf for more than a couple minutes before another antique dealer came by and just had to have it.

Some of my finds are hard to part with, but it gives me immense pleasure to offer things that recall good memories for my customers and bring out the smiles :)

Remembering Walden

Words of naturalist Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862

Last autumn, Kevin and I went on a road trip to New England. We stopped at a few places each of us had always wanted to go. It was a beautiful time of year for travel in this region. The leaves were turning brilliant shades of gold, orange, purple, and red. The air was cool and crisp.

One of our destinations was Thoreau's "Walden Pond," in Concord, Massachusetts. This is where Thoreau built a tiny, sparsely furnished cabin and for two years and two months, he observed nature, writing about his experiences in a journal which evolved into his now famous book, "Walden; or, Life in the Woods." His work is regarded as one of the world's most revered and inspiring literary masterpieces.

People from all over the world come to Walden Pond to pay homage to Thoreau. The sign in the photograph above is located at the original site of Thoreau's tiny, shore-side cabin. The stones to the side of the sign were brought from far and wide by visitors to the site.

Trail side view of Walden Pond

A foot path loops around the pristine Walden Pond. The day Kevin and I visited was a chilly one, early in October. We arrived late in the afternoon. As we walked along the perimeter, a man swam the distance in the icy water, slowly, but steadily making a huge lap around the pond.

To quote Thoreau, "A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature. The fluviate trees next the shore are the slender eyelashes which fringe it, and the wooded hills and cliffs around are its overhanging brows."

Henry David and Kevin :)

Kevin shakes hands with a bronze likeness of Thoreau. The front portion of a replica of Thoreau's cabin sits in the background.

The period Thoreau spent at Walden Pond was a time of solitude and introspection. From what I understand of his life, it was probably one of his most fulfilling ventures and where he spent some of his happiest hours. During his days at Walden Pond, Thoreau lived in the moment and grew keenly aware of his surroundings. His thoughts and words from this experience are still compelling today because they touch on universal truths. His quiet words of wisdom carry deep meaning ... and give us all something to ponder!

From Thoreau's journal, September 18, 1858 ~

"I was inclined to think that the truest beauty was that which surrounded us but which we failed to discern, that the forms and colors which adorn our daily life, not seen afar in the horizon, are our fairest jewelry."

I love this photograph! Of course, I love who's pictured in it more than life itself...but this picture embodies what my daughter is - youthful, vibrant, happy. Desirae is my only child - all my love, time, and devotion, as well as any mistakes a parent can make raising a child have been poured into her. If there ever was a child who is everything a parent could hope for, I have it in Desi. She is the brightest flower in the garden of my life :)

On the Horizon

It still feels a bit surreal, but I'm formally started on the process to getting a transplant. An intake coordinator from Johns Hopkins Hospital called this week and now I have an appointment scheduled with the transplant evaluation team in October. At that time, I will meet with the transplant surgeon, nephrologist, social worker, dietitian, and nurse coordinator in sessions to last from 4 to 5 hours for this evaluation. Kevin will be there with me to learn as much about the process as I will.

The number of medical tests and procedures required prior to this appointment is quite staggering. Even if I was feeling my best, it would feel a bit burdensome to make all the necessary appointments and go for all these tests...feeling at my worst with no energy to spare, doesn't help. Ordinarily, I am pretty sharp and organized in my day to day life, but I find even the most mundane chores are harder to accomplish now...so this will be a challenging time.

Kevin continues to be very kind and patient. I know it isn't easy to live day in and day out with someone who is going through this ordeal, yet he faces each day with me with a smile and offers me words of encouragement. I can only promise him I will do the best I can do.

The coming appointment looms like hope on the horizon...like the dawn of the beginning of a better day.

Art Show :)

Three Ducklings

Black Bear

Grazing Pair

Autumn Leaves

Our Cabin in Summer

Today, I thought I'd share a sample of my watercolor paintings. I especially enjoy drawing and painting from nature. Our cabin is a perfect place to paint from, as we are surrounded by natural beauty year round.

Anniversaries

Our Wedding Day, June 14, 2009

The one month mark of our wedding day has come and gone. I missed the opportunity to write a few words then. So, on this day instead, the 40th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, immortalized by astronaut Neil Armstrong's now famous words..."One small step for man...one giant leap for mankind," I want to say how much brighter, happier, and full life on this planet is to be sharing it with Kevin.

In some respects, marriage is a giant leap of faith, but each small step we've taken together before taking our vows and celebrating our love makes us sure of our footing and eager to proceed, come what may.

We included in our vows the following simple, but profound words adapted from a Navajo Song ~

In the house of long life, there we wander

In the house of happiness, there we wander

Beauty before us, with it we wander

Beauty behind us, with it we wander

Beauty below us, with it we wander

Beauty above us, with it we wander

Beauty all around us, with it we wander

In old age traveling, with it we wander

On the beautiful trail, together we wander.

I am honored to be traveling life's journey with my soul mate, Kevin.

Happy wanderings to all!!!

From Where I Sit ...

This weekend was a rough one health-wise. On Saturday night, after a couple hours of stomach and back pains accompanied by increasingly intense nausea, I spent about half an hour in the bathroom, the contents of my stomach just not wanting to stay put. I was sicker than a dog! After that, I crawled into bed quite early, depleted of energy to do anything else. Fortunately, a good night's sleep followed. I remained pretty exhausted throughout Sunday, but it was a restful day at home in the company of my very supportive partner.

As the disease progresses and my kidney function decreases, I am bound to experience more of these kinds of symptoms. Such is life at this stage of the disease. Though still scary to think about, a transplant is becoming more and more inviting as an end point to feeling so sick and tired and a the beginning to days of better health with renewed energy to do all the things I love to do again.

To change the subject (a useful tactic to feeling better!), years back my Mom gave me a copy of a magazine called "Civilization." It included an article entitled, "The Literary Life," with photographs of the desks and workspaces of various notable authors. "Seeing writers in their workplaces, we come to appreciate the creative act, the lonely process of making literature," was how the article began. I was captivated by the images and primarily by how stark most of the rooms were...almost empty rooms devoid of personal objects, but spaces where colorful, lively, suspenseful words were woven together and books crafted that tantalize our emotions and inspire us to think more deeply. The photographs of these spaces left one with the impression that there were to be no distractions...simply a means to facilitate an inner vision to make its way out on to paper.

I scanned my room and my desk space and was struck by how much stuff I have crammed in here and all around me. I hope anyone who may come across my blog enjoys reading it, but, as far as literary greatness goes, I think my room with all its colorful contents and its many, beloved distractions will be a limit setter to the coming creation of any masterpieces :)

I've never found writing to be a lonely pursuit either. For me, it's simply a means to connect to my own thoughts and feelings and communicate them with others. From where I sit, I write ... and it's a joy to share!