Saturday, February 28, 2015

teachers



Often I stay up at night thinking about these three little ones. I feel a great responsibility in raising girls and wondering if I am equipped to teach and show them all they need to know to live and thrive in our ever changing, complex world. I am also keenly aware of how they are some of my greatest teachers.

This reading resonated with me on the subject of teachers:

Tales told about the stars reflect a lot about the people who tell them. The constellation now called Orion was once called Hippolyta. Hippolyta was one of the Amazon queens. The Amazons were women warriors who had four leaders instead of one: two older women and two younger women. Everyone could benefit from the experience and wisdom of the older and the strength and vigor of the younger.

After Hippolyta died, they named this constellation for her to honor her and remind themselves of her wisdom and bravery.

We can draw a good lesson from the value the Amazons placed on the contribution each one could make, no matter how young or old. When we remain alert to the possibility of learning from people we hadn't seriously considered as teachers, we are reminded of our often forgotten value to others.

What can I offer in wisdom or strength to others today?

From Today's Gift: Daily Meditations for Families ©1985, 1991 by Hazelden Foundation.

* Feather crowns

Saturday, February 21, 2015

dreams



I have been having so many vivid dreams lately. I wonder if it is the influence of the lunar new year, the new moon or because of the change in my sleep cycle. I am trying to wake up at 5 AM so that I have some time to myself to meditate, reflect and plan our busy days before everyone else is awake. I was inspired by my sister to try miracle morning. I was skeptical at first but it is really working! Some of the (still early) benefits are: I feel much calmer throughout the day, focused and incredibly purposeful.

We made some dreamcatchers here at the beach and from what I understand dreamcatchers were created by Native American mothers and grandmothers who would weave magical webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants. The dreamcatcher is meant to filter out all bad dreams and only allow good thoughts to enter the mind. Once the sun rises, all bad dreams just disappear. We made two, this first one was made before we learned how to make the  "web" design.

Sweet Dreams!

Saturday, February 14, 2015

valentine delivery





We made some valentines based on the origami heart. The plan was to deliver our hearts around the neighborhood to friends and acquaintances.  We had one delivery to an acquaintance that brought tears to his eyes, he was clearly moved and then I found this beautiful quote that moved me and felt fitting for the day.

One purpose for our lives is to assure others of their importance to the life pattern that captures us all. And when each of us is committed to that purpose, both the fear and the reality of human failure will be erased.
—from Worthy of Love by Karen Casey 

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Sunday, February 8, 2015

perspective




“As with expeditions into the wilds when we have endured storms and rapids, cold and sleet, and sometimes lack of food, it is ultimately the good things we remember, not the bad.”
—Sigurd F. Olson

This quote came to me today and felt spot on. It is most difficult to have perspective when in the middle of a storm. These are photos of us exploring Bainbridge Island Washington over the summer. When I took these I was stressed and excited waiting for my husband to finish packing and travel across the country to meet us so we could settle down and explore new possibilities. I had been watching all three girls by myself for close to a month and it was wearing me out. When I look at these photos I see and remember the incredible nature we were surrounded by during that time and those mountains! When I saw the mountains they always calmed my anxious spirit and put things into perspective.

I find a daily gratitude to really help especially during tough times. And getting out into nature really eases my mind. Do you have habits or rituals that help support you when you are in times of trouble or just in general?

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

the sky





I have been privy to some amazing skies over the past 6 months. The sky in the Pacific Northwest is amazing! It is constantly changing and shifting with the clouds and the light and the wind blowing everything around the mountains. Then driving across the country through the high plains where the sky goes on and on forever in the clearest, cleanest blue I have ever seen.  I am inspired by the sky it connects me directly to spirit and higher power and reminds me of something larger that connects us all. What inspires you?

I included this painting called "Shelter" by talented artist Shawn Dulaney.
Also this image of a woman in a beautiful blue flowing dress- the wind in her hair. The texture and colors. . . gorgeous.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

gratitude


Gratitude this morning
Sleep
Friends in NYC
Ice cream
My family
The moon

This full snow moon is in the sign of Leo which is my sign! It is calling on us to be our authentic selves- I am hoping I can tap into this energy moving forward and we danced in the moonlight at the beach last night to celebrate and absorb as much moonshine as we could  ~more here: mysticmama


Monday, February 2, 2015

another favorite playground






























We spent time in the Pacific Northwest this summer and fall. Those evergreens are so enchanting-some of the tallest trees in the world that seem to stretch up to the heavens. There is definitely a part of my heart that lives out there. These above images are from time we spent at Sacred Groves a magical 10 acre forest sanctuary on Bainbridge Island in Puget sound.

In the fall we traveled across the country to the mountains of Western North Carolina where we collected kindling for the fire and snuggled in surrounded by the big hug of the smoky mountains. What an amazing playground for my girls! I have many fond memories of running and playing in the woods as a child- I learned so much about life in those woods near my home. Do you have a sacred place? Or maybe it is a secret?- I won't tell! 8)

The woods- majestic and strong- the trees hold us, hug us and help us breathe.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

my favorite playground










The sand, the sea, the sun and the sky. What could be better than a giant sandbox? Where is your favorite place to play?!!