Monday Morning Motivation, December 25, 2023

 

Today is the day many children look forward to with wonder and delight. And yet the day may come when the feelings of wonder and delight slowly fade, replaced by responsibility and perhaps obligation as we mature.

On this day, my wish is that you allow room in your heart for the wonder and delight you felt as a child; even if it was only once and short-lived, push through whatever it is that separates you from that lightness and joy. Think back to the best memory you have of a Christmas past (or any event), linger in that moment in the present, and hold on to it so you can carry it forward to the future.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Familiar things in unfamiliar times

 

In this constantly changing world, which leaves us feeling unprepared, there is a feeling of nostalgia and even a sense of comfort that comes with the familiar. This little reindeer stamp is one of those familiar things.

 

In December 1988, I was in Markettime Drug when this fun lil’ character, sitting by itself on a shelf, caught my eye. I was smitten with its charm and without hesitation snatched it off the shelf and headed to the cashier. It's probably the only thing I ever purchased at Markettime Drug, and it’s been with me ever since. Funny thing, before that night, I never visited Markettime Drug. I drove by it hundreds of times, never stopping; yet that night I felt compelled to stop and go in.

 

The ink pad dried up years ago, but as a card maker I have enough red ink pads to keep it going. Every year when it appears in my workspace while I am sending Christmas cards, it puts a smile on my face and a bit of joy in my heart. A tiny reminder of a different time, and yet serves to remind me that not everything has to change.

Monday Morning Motivation, December 18, 2023

Some things just have to be shared.

I've been following Our Mindful Life on Instagram for several years. When I'm stuck on what to say come Monday morning, I'll turn to OML and find a treasure. And when I do, this happens. "Self," I say. "You just can't keep this nugget of wisdom to yourself. It must be shared!" And so, I did. 😊

It's My Favorite Time of Year

 It's my favorite Christmas song, which I listen to all year long.

Florin Street Band - My Favourite Time of Year

The making of My Favourite Time of Year. How much do I love BTS for anything on video? A lot!!!

BTS for the video

Speaking of the heart

 

Somewhere, at some time in my life, I heard or read the words The heart has no concept of time. Those words became a ripple of change within me and my perspective on everything changed. Perhaps for the better.

And when it comes to loss and the grief that accompanies it, I came to grasp a deeper meaning of those words. 

Especially last April, when it came time to let go of my horse, Duke. In late March he went into respiratory distress; I immediately took him to his vet, Dr. Dave, who diagnosed Duke with heaves and prescribed a month-long round of Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) applied topically to his pelleted feed. I tried everything to heal him, soaking his hay in water to remove dust, removing all bedding from his stall. I clipped his long shaggy Cushing's related coat around his vital organs hoping on the warmer days it would bring some relief. Nothing helped him. I was hoping for a miracle. There was nothing further Dr. Dave could do, and so, after speaking to veterinarians at Washington State University, I came to terms with the fact that the time had come for me to make a quality-of-life decision on Duke's behalf. Since that day, just the thought of him, or when a social media memory of him pops up, the flood of emotions flows. 

Duke crossed over at mid-morning on April 28, 2023, seven days shy of his 28th birthday.

I am grateful for every moment I had with him. I am eternally grateful for his existence in my life. I am grateful for the fifteen years we had together; those memories are sacred to me. Duke was the gift I always dreamed of but never expected. 

Duke and I, August 20, 2011

Duke, March 21, 2023 with his hair clipped.

 Farewell, until we meet again...

I will remember you...

Long after your hoofprints have faded from this Earth,

Because they are forever imprinted...

On my heart.

I hold you close within my heart

And there you will remain...

To walk with me throughout my life

Until we meet again.

Monday Morning Motiviation, December 4, 2023

(c) 2006, copyright embedded into photo, 

Hello December!

Diamond turns into gem by
Enduring what should have 
Crushed it. However,
Every ounce of pressure
Makes it stronger than
Before. And if coal can
Evolve, you can too because you're
Rare, strong
and beautiful.