easily distracted...

I'm fairly certain I should never be left to my own devices, especially in a home filled with everything to feed my creative mind. For almost a year, I've been daydreaming about making a lighthouse for my garden beds. The passion developed after seeing the one my daughter had at her lake house.

I used to make garden decorations out of clay pots what seems like a lifetime ago, there are still a few random half painted small ones stuck on shelves. But as usual, I moved on to something else, never quite circling back.  To make things even more enticing, my daughter gave me a box of gardening pots, peeking out of the box were several clay pots.  

For the past few days, I have been completely wrapped up in creating.  Digging out supplies from various spots that I had hidden them. I still needed a few pots and sauces to finish the lighthouse shape, easily solved by a quick trip to the garden center. 

One of my sisters planted an idea in my head yesterday, one that I cannot past.  I am probably going to make a trip to the garden center for a few more pots.  I am not going to be able to get it out of my head if I don't.  I need to make that lighthouse, it needs to leave my mind. 

Glowing in the darkened garden

Puffin Pass sits in the lower garden area

Somehow in the midst of all the painting, I am still keeping up with the gardens, canning, freeze drying, quilting and all the other things that drift in and out of my thoughts and life. 

If you have never made your own maraschino cherries, I'm going to highly recommend it.  I made two types, one with Luxardo liquor, perfect for old fashioned. The majority of the jars are alcohol free, these were made primarily for my sweet dragon. She loves them. 

I am finding myself in such a peaceful space.  I am feeling the world changing all around me. The quiet space I'm creating is calming.  It's peaceful.  

In the cooler early hours the morning, Hubs and I worked on our yard.  Neither of us can handle the extreme heat, so we are thankful that the current heat wave has started to fade.  I managed to get all of the flower beds weeded and Hubs was able to fertilize the yard to help it deal with the extreme heat of summer.  I'm questioning why they even sell fescue in this area, as it is a cool weather grass and our weather is definitely not cool in the summer.  I find I question a lot as I age. 

For years I have ignored our lower yard, I'm fairly sure I have mentioned that.  It just didn't draw me in, it didn't invite me to spend time there, so I never really put energy into it. Each bit I put into it, tempts me to do a bit more.  To create a private small paradise. 

While the creative side of my heart is filled creating this personal space, my mind is filled with something entirely different. 

Lately, probably as a result of watching everything around me, I've been pondering the immense disconnect and lack of true community spirit that seems to be spreading. I am not usually an overly outgoing person, I know that I am completely comfortable alone.  Yet I do enjoy people.  

A neighbor reached out on our neighborhood Facebook page, sharing that she was a widow and newly retired, feeling a bit lost without a support group.  While out of town last summer, I couldn't reach Hubs for hours and the only neighbor I had contact info for was not in town for the day, the stress was incredible.  Yesterday listening to a podcast someone asked a question about what do you do as an "elder orphan". I think it struck me hard, simply because the point was being driven home that we do not have the communities we used to have.  The connections. 

There is something positive to be said about the old fashioned small town mindset.  I grew up on military bases, same kind of mindset. You shared skills, you supported each other, you were there when someone needed something.  No one walked alone.  

In that past few months several of our neighbors have moved (I never even met them), new families have moved in.  The last few I have made it a mission to get to know, even striving to learn and remember names. Baby steps. I am forcing myself to step out of my bubble, to create connections with the people that are in my immediate area.  To support those around me in whatever way I can or feel comfortable with. I'm still basically more comfortable alone. 

I now babysit a pup during the day, so her mommy can go to work without worrying about her being alone. She lives a few doors down. I've helped neighbors with their yard work, Hubs and I have pressure washed driveways and sidewalks.

I don't know why I'm feeling drawn to reach out, but I am.  A couple of our neighbors would like to get together to make fresh pasta and have a dinner together.  I love this idea, strangely.  I feel like many are starting to long for that sense of community.  Maybe we are moving past the closing our doors, putting up barriers?  

Only two are actually mine

For now, I'm going to continue taking small steps.  Creating beauty all around me.  And finding a way to create community.  I feel quite strongly about it.  I don't know why... I just feel very drawn to do it.

What do you think?  Am I losing my mind?  Is the world changing so much that I am grasping at the past or is there actually a need in this crazy world for us to come together, to stop all of the division?

Time to get back to work... I will ponder this later.... besides, I need to paint another lighthouse...

make a wish...

What is going on?  I pose this question in all seriousness.  Today started off incredibly beautiful, the late winter sun rising beautifully promising a bright wonder filled new day. I was sitting having coffee with Hubs in the front tv room and staring out the window watching it through the haze left over from the night.  It felt warm and empowering. Our pups were laying there basking in it, it was the perfect start to a perfect day. 

Note I said was.  Hubs turned on the news, something I really find less and less palatable by the minute.  I started to say day, but realized that is completely an understatement. Every single "article" for discussion was divisive, ugly, putting down someone or something.  I felt like I was listening to the cool kids at school deciding who matters and who doesn't.  The repetition of hatefulness was toxic and just plain ugly, if you say you hate something enough times you definitely start to believe it. 

He went downstairs to start work early, one of his branches has an issue, so I took advantage to turn the vile crap off.  When I did they had just finished talking about how only one race is unable to get a home because of income inequity.  I wanted to vomit!  Because income inequity is definitely not limited to a race, an age, a religion or freaking anything else.  Ask me how I know... I could preach on it for days with cold hard facts.  I'm not going to, but I am fed up with it. The next "article" or maybe I should just call it opinion piece as I pushed that beautiful blue button that would silence the propaganda machine started rolling into how minorities and women are afraid to return to their jobs as they are being called back.  I simply couldn't... 

This morning as I drew my energy cards there were two of them stuck together, so I understood that I needed to know both of them.  They were incredibly powerful today.  The angel of strength and the community card.  

The irony of my strong reaction to the bull on the news was not lost on me.  Here I had just pulled two cards that were talking about our individual strength and the power of using that strength as part of a greater community.  

I took the meaning of those cards to heart.  Today my little great nephew has to have another heart surgery, he's just 3 months old, it's delicate, it's intense and it is vitally important to his survival.  I was focused on the fact that we individually and as a collective can give the healing power needed to him and his medical team.  I have faith.  He has an army of angels, prayer warriors and healers all focusing intense power and love in his direction. 

The cards seemed so very obvious. 

Yet as I was cutting Hubs' hair and listening to random snippets of that vile news, I felt a calming sense of knowing.  Maybe those cards were saying something far greater.  The angel of strength says that we all have the power to harness the universe for good to tap into something far greater than ourselves and focus that power and strength to create far more than we have ever dreamed possible. The community card says that whenever at least 3 are gathered either physically or spiritually for a common cause the universe will aid.  It speaks of again doing good and being more.  Being successful in your endeavors. 

Both of them were encouraging me to find my voice and strength and be not only ready but willing to use it. 

I think I have already said I do not trust the media.  Now is absolutely no different.  From my quiet seat on this bus I was wondering why?  Today mask mandates quietly die, no fan fare, no hoopla, in fact if a friend hadn't told me I wouldn't know. It was announced last week, all week I have slowly seen signs going down telling you to mask up before entering.  I have slowly seen fewer and fewer people wearing the dreaded things. I am seeing smiles.  I am able to understand people when I speak with them. I noticed that several of the places that I have seen non-stop fear mongering about the virus have now switched almost on point to war fear mongering. 

I no longer trust any of it.  What are they trying to distract us from?  What are they trying to control?  Why are the opinion pieces all trying to block us being unified and loving one another?  What is the purpose?  Why are they sowing hate and discontent like wildflower seeds? Why has their been such a concerted effort to instill fear and hatred bouncing from one topic to the next for a very, very long time. 

Religion, skin color, orientation, nationality, medical status... the list is endless, for as far back as you can read in our "history" books (any irony is the fact that it is his story?) there has been some form of hatred being sown. Division lines being drawn at every step of the way. 

I used to think it was simply an American problem.  Now I truly see it is a global problem, it has been happening everywhere for a very long time.  I guess if we are busy fighting one another for whatever the flavor of the week is, then we are too busy to see the damage being done to us by those that feel they have power. 

I don't know, these are just some random thoughts that were popping into my head like wildfire this morning.  Maybe my head is looking for a distraction from the medical procedure that the little guy is going through, but I don't think so.  I think as the energy of the planet is changing, I am feeling a veil of blindness starting to lift.  I am seeing and feeling things far more clearly and in focus.  I could be completely off base, but it doesn't feel like I am. 

I am tired of the divisiveness being spewed at every corner.  I am tired of the immediate programmed response to something "of course they did, it's because they are ... insert the appropriate adjective here...".

My grands are all mixed, my youngest was being a total butt in dance class two weeks ago and was kicked out of class because she flat out refused to listen.  Props to my daughter for seeing it for what it is.  She was being a brat - it happens that is how kids test boundaries.  Piles of poo to her father he immediately said "of course kick out the minority".  Nope sorry pops... had absolutely nothing to do with that at all. 

We are being programmed to think like this.  It breeds hatred and contempt.  It has to stop. We are such powerful, loving beings.  All of the worlds problems could easily be solved, all the inequities and damage undone, if only we would stop allowing ourselves to be brainwashed. 

This is my deepest belief. We have been programmed with "keeping up with the Jones'", that without  meeting certain "standards" we are less than, we are being medicated and controlled.  We need to open our eyes and hearts and start pulling together, as a human race. 

Okay... this soapbox is getting taller by the moment so I am going to jump off while I can still see the ground. 

Today is about focusing all my energy, prayers and love on the little guy that I am sure is being prepped for surgery as I type.   Today is about sending love.  Please join me.  Please lift that sweet little cherub up for healing and health, guide the surgeons hands and bring him through it all!  Wrap his family in love, comfort and knowing that he is in the hands of the highest power!

Last night while chatting outside with friends as we finished a wonderful evening the most brilliant shooting star went past.  I made my wish... 

love and peace...

power of a moment...

Anyone else have a rough night of sleep or lack thereof?  I sure did.  Sleep seemed to want to escape me all night long. Didn't get to sleep until well after 10 pm, which for me is the middle of the night. And then I was awake literally almost every hour.  I finally gave up and stayed awake at 4:30 am, I didn't get out of bed, I was still hopeful, but dang... what a long restless night. 

I feel like I have been rushing and frazzled since opening my eyes.  Hubs was up at 3:30 am as usual, so it was the middle of his morning when I finally came downstairs and he was ready for his breakfast.  I just wanted coffee.  I've been dealing with a mild, nagging headache for a while now, I know it's related to the season change (happens every season change), but that combined with a sleepless night has left me a touch on the fussy side. 

I needed Hubs help to load the quilt on the longarm so I had to get with it earlier than I was ready.  He's off to work, my coffee is cold, but I need to stop and reset before I start quilting.  I deeply appreciated the help, I just wasn't ready to human yet. Not sure I am ready yet. 

The best part of the morning was the sunrise that I almost missed.  My photo's don't even remotely do justice to the deep vibrant orange red that filled the entire sky this morning.  It was breathtaking the way it highlighted the brilliant colors of the leaves without even a splash of blue showing.  It was a blessing that I am focusing on as I get ready to move forward with my day.  I am definitely a chaser of sunrises as we all know. 

I didn't manage to get all of my work done yesterday.  The gardens are still in dire need of attention, and a few other minor things didn't get addressed.  I got busy with other things on my list, they took longer than I planned.  It's all good. Our afternoon walk along the river was so beautiful to look at, but the gnats were very annoying and led us to decide to not walk there until it is far colder. 

As I stopped to reload my day, to reset my expectations and where I wanted this day to go I have calmed deep inside.  The headache is still lingering, but the heart is in the right place. I browsed the book for a few minutes.  Looking to see if there are any new recipes that I definitely want to try, pictures of family and friends or inspiring ideas.  I manage my newsfeed pretty intensely and only allow things that are going to lift me up and add to my life.  Today was a small gold mine of positive life enhancing goodies. 

My favorite was a post by a friend, I barely know her outside of the book, I used to see her a long time ago at one of my old Y's, but its been years.  Anyhow, she shared an idea that I am absolutely in love with!  She asked for Christmas cards from her friends for Christmas this year, but not just any old card... a card that contains your favorite recipe.  I love this idea.  I love it more when I think about the connecting of community that it brings.  I love the idea of receiving a handwritten recipe card from all of my family and friends.  I will be buying a stack of index cards and starting to write mine out. 

For Christmas I would like Christmas cards. I want your favorite recipe written inside the card. Even if we hardly talk. Message me for my address if you don't have it. I would gladly send you one also if you would like! How nice it would be to have my mailbox flooded with Christmas cards. I'd love to have the recipe on an index card so I can add it to my recipe box. Oh and make sure you sign it please.

Love this idea! Stolen from a friend.

What a treasure.  Stop for a moment and think about it.  It gives you greater insight into the things that person likes, it could be an heirloom recipe that Gramma made a lifetime ago, or you might find a new favorite of your own.  These are time tested recipes.  I remember long ago when you graduated, got a home or got married you would get recipes from your family.  Somehow that quaint little tradition has died away.  Probably about the time that dining out became the norm, not the special occasion event that it used to be.

I am diving deeper and deeper into sustainability, into being able to walk your own walk, and not worrying about things on that superficial level that led to the panic toilet paper buying last year.  And this idea fits right in with the way my brain and heart are heading. 

I want to be part of a stronger community.  I want to have the connections and the depth of relationships that will enable all of us to weather any storm or calmness that comes our way.  I want to know the people that are integral in my life on a deep enough level that I know what they like to eat, drink, do in their spare time.  I want to know how we can support and lift one another up. 

It's silly how a small idea like has flipped my day.  Has me looking forward to writing all of the recipes out and starting on my Christmas card list.  I have no idea what a stamp costs the days.  I have a bunch of forever stamps in the house currently, heck I even have boxes of cards as I often buy them with the intention of sending them out and then life would get in the way and... boom no cards sent, idea put aside for the following year. 

I am adding it to my calendar for the week of Thanksgiving. When I plan to put up my tree this year and start getting boxes ready to mail full of gifts.  My youngest lives on the coast, and frankly the mail has me a touch concerned. 

I can't wait to see the next brilliant idea that will bring us all closer together.  Forever ago a dear friend wrote in one of my year books... if distance were measured in smiles, not miles all the friends would be together in this world... This was years before computers and even more years before email, instant messaging or social media.  I'm not sure if that friend was able to see the future or just a bigger optimist than I am.  But how prophetic can you get.  Miles don't really separate us any longer, we are able to talk, see and communicate on a moment's notice.  The weeks of waiting for a letter and then weeks more waiting for them to get yours and reply are things of the long forgotten past. 

Well... Hubs put on some old country music for me, the quilt is loaded, my calm is back it's time to get busy.  Time to get lost in the rhythm of sewing and daydreaming what recipes I am going to share with the people that mean the most to me!

peace and love my friends...  

do good...

Oh my goodness!  A toasty fire is blazing to warm my toes, the house is filled with the goodness of the lemon ricotta muffins baking (who would have thought you could have tasty muffins without grains?) and the sun is slowly rising just over my shoulder out of the bay window. 

Such a wonderful start to the day.  The nights are finally getting cool enough for the leaves to start changing colors and the mornings are crisp enough to have my fires.  Life is truly good when you break it down into the smaller moments.  

I've really shifted my perspective this year.  I used to be such a crazy planner, someone that needed the decade picture, not the daily.  With all of the changes that have occurred this year, I am no longer the person that needs to see the entire road ahead.  I walk more by faith. Far more by trusting my heart to lead me. 

I was penciling some items on my calendar today, you know those little things that need to be remembered, time with family and friends.  Plans for the cooking that will start today for a friend in need. Notes to remind me of the important things, of benchmarks I personally want to achieve in the next few weeks, you know... those kind of things.  As I went to turn to next week I was stunned to realize that it is already November next week.  Time is seriously dashing past. 

I know that I've been focusing a lot on addressing the fear that is so prevalent in our world these past few days. I might have even concerned a few of you as my phone sure did ring a lot yesterday with check in's and who do I need to pray for inquiries.  I am really in an incredible space in life.  I honestly feel like I am where I have been meant to be for a very long time. This year has been an incredible blessing for me. Freeing. 

Yesterday I came down to the kitchen for a refill on my water when a flash of red caught my eye on the deck.  As I paused to look out there were three beautiful cardinals inside the netting of our gazebo.  The day before had very high winds and my only guess was that they had come in looking for shelter and food as Hubs and I had forgotten to refill the feeders and couldn't figure out how to leave.  

They were panicked, flying helter skelter around crashing into everything.  I was afraid that I was going to have to clean up their poor broken dead bodies.  I went outside and admittedly held my breath as I rapidly opened the netting on the side furthest away from them to avoid causing them more distress or injury.  One of the three immediately saw the escape route and rushed to it.  The two bigger ones a male and a female didn't even notice.  The one that had escaped was sitting on the branch just outside in freedom calling to them, probably giving guidance in bird speak, yet they refused to fly to that side of the deck.  

They were exhausting themselves. They were becoming increasingly agitated and in distress.  I finally went back out and took my chances.  I was able to help the female leave as she was on the ground where I could life the netting from the distance and not scare her too much.  But the male... goodness was he stubborn and terrified.  He kept flying into the closed netting, completely oblivious to the fact that freedom was so close at hand. 

Just as I was able to lift the netting to allow him to slip out he finally realized there was a full wall open behind him and flew out through the opening.  They sat in the trees just beyond my deck seeming to scold me for their previous predicament. Failing to see their role in all of it. 

It honestly seemed like I was watching what so many people are dealing with today. 

I have been listening to a lot of astrologers lately, I have always been fascinated with astrology, the consistency of the stars and planets as they move silently above us. I wanted to study astrology when I was a much younger woman, but I gave into the pressure of those around me when they said it would be a waste of time and money.  Not a career path that would benefit me.  This older woman now understands that learning something for the sake of learning something you are passionate about is a far greater gift to oneself than doing things you are not passionate about. 

It seems we have moved into a time that is going to be a bit intense.  That the planets now ruling our skies are going to be forcing things to the light, that we will simply have to deal with things we haven't wanted to look at and examine. The heavens are giving us a chance to clear out the stuff that doesn't serve us any longer and revealing things that will serve us. 

While the world is going through this turbulent time I am personally going to focus on doing everything I can to help others.  I'm sorting through belongings that don't serve me and figuring out how I can use the items to help others. The way our economy is right now, there are many that can use the items I no longer need.  

Yesterday I went through my closet, having given up grains and sugars I have lost a bit of weight, and there was no sense in holding on to clothing I can't wear.  It killed me to remove some of my favorite sweaters and pants that I never had a chance to even wear, many items were from when I worked outside the house.  They definitely would not be appropriate for my daily routine.  I've held on to them, it was a mental attachment to physical items that I didn't need.  As I folded them I thought about family and friends that could potentially use them.  I offered them up.  After my family and close friends "shop" I will figure out who else I know that might be able to use them.  I don't really want to give them to a resale shop, I would prefer to donate them to people I know. I want to help them. 

Today, I will start the three weeks of cooking that I promised a good friend.  He is having a medical treatment that will mean he will need a liquid diet, his wife is recovering from surgery, I love to cook... seems like a perfect solution.  Sweet Hubs will deliver the food, it will make his life a bit easier.  I have time and the skill and tools to provide it.  

I am trying to support others as much as I can.  Trying to lead with love and compassion.  I am finding examples of others doing the same thing.  The man that was injured in the road rage incident is still in the hospital with multiple surgeries still needing to done, one of his neighbors posted a P.O. Box on Nextdoor asking people to send a card if they felt inclined to do so.  My heart soared with the number of people asking for the address so they could cheer him up on his long road to recovery.

Neighbors are reaching out to others to offer help where needed, the simple things yard mowing while people are recovering from illness and injuries.  Offers of produce from gardens... so many wonderful things are happening. 

I am choosing to let the fear and anxiety slide past, I am choosing to focus on the good that we can do for one another.  Anyone else? I am choosing to be like the first cardinal, I want to fly free from the confinement that we are finding ourselves surrounded by.

Love and peace...

creating...

Finishing up my current project, I have had the opportunity to listen to quite a few podcasts.  I have very eclectic tastes as I have discovered and I often find myself lost in a myriad of topics and speakers. Current events, spiritual, historical, energetic and astrological are just a few of the areas I tend to wander around in.  Most of these areas can draw me in and allow me to do some very deep thinking. While my hands are creating my mind is free to wander and explore.  The book worm of old is thankful for the ability to do multiple things at once. 

Listening these past few days I have noticed a reoccurring theme.  

Creating.  

Most of them are talking about the overwhelming need we are discovering as humans to reconnect with our creative spirits. For far too long we have drifted away from being creative.  From expressing ourselves and from exploring the things that fill our souls.  There is an almost unanimous thought process across all of them that now is the time for us to reconnect. To fully experience things that fill us with passion and fire of spirit. 

As the needles glided through the soft blue yarn I let my mind consider the thoughts being put forward. To process what I had heard and how it applies to where we are now and were we are going. 

I felt the sheer pride of accomplishment as I slid the last bind off stitch off my needles.  The hurry part of me.  The need for immediate satisfaction almost rushed upstairs and and simply steamed it.  Ignoring the directions to do a wet block. I mean who has the patience for that?  In 2021... I do.  Even if it kills me.  I don't have the blocking forms, I've never had the patience.  In fact it killed me to sit it down, to order the blocks and pins and wait. I cannot wait to see it finished.  I've never completed a lace shawl before.  Yet, it is lying at my feet on the ottoman waiting. I feel strongly that I want it completed properly. 

I am taking a moment before starting the next project.  As I sat still over the past few days I felt an overwhelming need to complete projects. My world is filled with many.  Pretty sure the next one will be the pair of socks that has been driving me crazy for almost a year, if I can find the pattern. I seem to have misplaced it, one full sock in. I didn't understand the need to complete these things.  I am always surrounded by projects in different stages of completion.  Most often it is because the world gets too big and I lose my focus and motivation.  

Listening to the speakers, what resonated with me the strongest is that we have been programmed to be doers.  Always busy on "important" things, i.e. work, chores, checking off boxes.  And for the most part the deepest part of us, the part that calls for us to be creators is somehow stifled.  It isn't as important.  Creating beauty, in any form is often frowned on except for those that are at a point of having the luxury of time. 

I started reflecting back on the year that was.  

I remembered the weird confusion of feeling blessed to have my job, still collecting a paycheck and able to take care of my responsibilities, mixed up with pure jealousy of those that were at home.  I have longed to be able to be at home and live in my creative world my entire life.  I struggled hard looking at all the loaves of bread being baked, the meals that people were taking the time to prepare since they could not go out to eat.  I have a large number of very creative souls that surround me and each day my Facebook filled with pictures of creations, my email with messages of people learning to play instruments, writing books and poems.  

I watched with a mixture of joy and jealousy as all around me people found creative ways to not only express themselves but to create community and fill basic needs. 

As I personally struggled through I couldn't bring myself to fill the hours with creativity.  I wanted to, I tried, but I felt blocked.  Strangled. I halfheartedly completed my cooking class, I love to cook, but my heart had checked out.  I killed the only batch of sour dough I attempted.  I used to make so many loaves of bread, it was almost a passion. The soaps I made were okay, but it felt like a chore.  Not something I love. I got out supplies to knit, crochet, sew... and that is as far as it went.

Sometime mid-summer I started to long to create again.  I found myself winding balls of beautiful yarns, some of which I had spun myself.  I ordered roving and in the pure heat of summer spun and knit my sweet Hubs a Harley inspired scarf.  Knowing he would wear it during the winter cold. 

I think I mentioned yesterday how many people gave me homemade gifts.  Things that filled my soul with love.  One neighbor blessed me with the same gifts she'd given her family, to thank me for spending a lazy Sunday teaching her to sew.  Each item was made from things they grew or gathered in their garden and with treasures from a grandma that had passed on. 

Over the past few days I've had people asking me to teach them to crochet, to knit, one grand daughter wants to learn to make soap. A sister reached out wanting to learn to quilt, another to crochet (lucky for the one wanting to crochet that the sister wanting to quilt is extremely talented at crochet and lives far closer than I do).  I wish my sister that is so talented at photography would further explore that vision that she has.

Are we truly here to create a life that is full of energy, creative and calm?  Are we here to work together collectively to share the good in life.  To not check boxes?

My whole life I have longed for a simple time.  I've always felt out of place.  I have never had career aspirations.  I've always dreamed of a place and time where we could experience life, where it wasn't about having enough to survive.  I'm not driven by money.  I'm driven by experiences, knowledge, creating and sharing that knowledge. For a non-people person, I am incredibly drawn to people, to creating community.

How many others are the same and simply have been afraid to explore it?  

Sweet Hubs refinished a desk over the past few months.  It is not a fine piece of furniture from a shop, it is pre-war, definitely hand made and it is wonderful! It was no doubt assembled by a man (or heck I'll be radical - woman) for use in the family home or office.  Years of finishes were built up on it.  Burn marks in the top, in my fantasy world were put there when the man's cigar rolled out of his ashtray while he was busy into the night. I fell in absolute love with that desk. 

He did such a beautiful job with it, every time I am downstairs the hours of his labor reach out to me.  He has every reason to be proud of it.  I love to see the lights glowing off of the rich, warm wood.

He is also very musically inclined.  He doesn't think so, feels he is too old to pursue the things that he slid to the side when life demanded his attention as a younger man.  We were at my favorite local shop full of crystals, tarot cards, candles, incense and so much more one day.  When he came upon a set of chimes, as he played I felt so much calm and peace in my soul that we bought them.  I didn't care what the cost was, it was so beautiful and calming. I don't get to hear him play often, I am usually still asleep when he is playing them in the man cave, but when I do, I feel calm and peace fills my heart and soul.  

I considered getting him a tongue drum for Christmas.  And sitting here now listening to the beautiful sounds of a Hang drum... oh the possibilities are endless.  But it is for him to decide what creative journeys he wishes to follow. 

Creativity to me has always been a second nature. I have many passions and I am always wanting to learn more. I am always willing to help others learn.  I mourned when arts were removed from schools, I've hated life moving in and us as humans giving up on creating.  Walking through stores to pick out things pre-created for us.  To surround us, to listen to, to eat, to clothe ourselves with, to tell our story. 

I am very interested to see how this story of ours unfolds.  I firmly believe all of us are here at this time in history for this moment.  Each of us has a role to play. Maybe the slowing down of life was deliberate.  Maybe it was to allow us to reconnect with our humanity. To reconnect with our communities. 

Life was not simpler in the time before, it was hard work.  Yet my Little House spirit longs for the community to gather to lift each other up, to plant gardens, quilt the coverings of our beds while we connect, listen, support and grow together.  To listen to someone play an instrument, as we cook together and care for one another. 

I'm all about creating.  Not just material things, but creating the very fabric of life. Souls are meant to be connected.