Getting to the Other Shore

Well, once again, it is my birthday. Funny how that happens every year.  Last year, in celebration of my 37th year, I made a list; a long, lofty, somewhat laughable list. Was it impossible? No. Did I accomplish all of those things? Not even close. The list was ambitious to say the least. It was largely about accomplishing goals, tackling obstacles, getting things done, challenging myself physically, and pushing myself to be stronger in a way that I really truly wanted to be.  I look back at that list and I do not feel disappointed in myself for not accomplishing even 75% of those goals, not a bit.  I look back at that list and I think...I need a new list...a very different list.  And so....in celebration of my 38th year...you know that one that leads up to me turning 38, here is my list. Here is my simple list that is not about goals, not about things, or anything material, it is simply about life and peace and light. In honour of my 38th year, I vow to co...

I promised myself I would try to come back to this blog; to pour myself back into my life and write something, even something small, once a week. It's happening, but very slowly.  Sometimes when we cannot find our own words, we find little bits of our hearts and minds in the words of someone else. That was the case this week, I had no words, and then I read some. I am surprised my cousin Laura ever learned to walk. She was a beautiful, little, doll of a girl, captivating all of our hearts and so we (her older cousins and myself) carried her everywhere; we never wanted to let her go or put her down.  Now our little dolly is all grown up and still she captivates me.  The other day I saw a post from this lovely soul, who happens to be family, and I had to share it; I am in awe of her. I am in awe of the passion and commitment in her words, whenever I read them, and of the way in which she (and her brothers by the way, who are equally amazing) live their lives with s...

14 years ago today, when the world stopped, and we all stood in shock and disbelief of what we were seeing and hearing and feeling, we were united not in our opinions of what or who was right or wrong, not in our politics, cultural or religious beliefs. Rather we were united, on that single day, in our respect for the unquestioned bravery of those who went in, without hesitation, to the rescue. We were united in our deepest sympathy for all the loved ones lost and lives that would never get to be or were forever altered. We were united in the heartbreak that comes from innocent lives fractured and dispersed as a result of righteous violence and perpetuating hate, on this day and on all those that came after in the name of vengeance. Our hearts ached in unison as we found that we could be simultaneously, overwhelmingly proud and deeply ashamed to be part of the human race. Today is a day that is worth remembering for that alone and to reflect on an intention that we should all ca...