Word of the Week: Grace

                         

The picture of grace...

And the power of grace...

"Grace is the effortless flow of existence; love and favor freely bestowed on us.That comes when we are living in harmony with life, when the rhythms of your body-mind are in synch with nature's rhythms. To live in grace is to experience that state of consciousness where things flow and your desires are easily fulfilled. Grace is magical, synchronistic, coincidental, joyful. It's the good-luck factor."

from the book: Power. Freedom and Grace by Deepak Chopra

I recently read this book. This quote truly seemed to be speaking to me. I've read it over again and again.

If I could have just one wish come true for anything, it would be to find and continue to live in a state of grace, as described here. This truly sums up the desires and wishes of my heart.It sounds like pure bliss, doesn't it? Inspiring.

Wishing you a wonderful week, filled with grace.

I've Been Posting Up a Storm!!!

I've been on a posting "binge" today. Actually wrote 6 posts in total. I think that's my record for one day! LOL

Here are the ones I've already posted:


Down & Dirty (book review) at: My Real Life Reviews (it's a gardening book btw, LOL)

Amber Alert! This time a happy ending at: My Poetic Path

On the Menu Last Night: Easy Vegetable Curry at: Veggies, Yarns & Tails


The others are scheduled for later. Now I'm off to work on my novel.

Speaking of storms, we've got rain on the way today, yippeee!!! We need it so much.

Happy Tuesday  :<)

Word of the Week: Weeds

Life’s garden of weeds.
Sometimes the stalks grow high.
The leaves unruly and untamed.
Crowding out our vision, view and desire to renew.

              
On (too) many a day.
So hard to see above and beyond.
But weeds have a lesson to teach;
unique and of themselves.

                               
They remind us that what we see is not always…
what we get.
What we perceive often hides,
the true picture and final story.

                              
Searching for the serenity and beauty to be found.
In the access and opportunities denied.
Perhaps, the road not travelled.


It is there, although at times,
hard to understand.
Often seen as trials.
Some days, impossible to bear.

                   
Life’s garden of weeds.
Futilely, we pull, strain and tug.
Instead of finding the patience required to,
wait out the storm.

                   
Once again,
to bask in the glorious sunshine.
A re-awakening required.

                          
There are no mistakes that cannot be healed.
Soaking up the seeds of growth.
To reappear as the most beautiful of blooms.
Sharing their timely and timeless wisdom.

***

GHH 2008, revised 2011

Also submitted for the OSI prompt: weed

PS: I think weeds (in all forms and senses of the word) can be blessings in disguise. :<)

Word of the Week: Gems

I love what thoughts and possibilities the word: GEMS can conjure up!

Every day is a new opportunity to find hidden and unexpected "gems" in our lives. And in all the forms a real gem can take.

For me, some of my favorite gems are:

•  a treasured keepsake that brings wonderful memories to mind
• honest, kind people who are there when you really need them
• walking in a soft rain: the sound, the sight and the scent of the freshened air afterwards
• finding a long, lost beloved item again that seemed to be lost and gone forever 
• and as for "gem- gems": aquamarine, garnet, emeralds, peridot

to name but a few....

What comes to mind when you think of a  gem in your life right now?

I hope your week is filled with special and memorable gems of all kinds.

And maybe a great surprise or two! :<)

You never know where they might turn up!

***Photo courtesy of: Flickr. And speaking of finding gems, click over to this photo's Flickr page to read about the diamond shown here. Now that's my kind of freebie!

***

PS: And two new posts at my other blogs you might also enjoy:

Veggies, Yarns & Tails: Carrots: Can't Get Enough of Them (with soup recipe)

My Poetic Path: Haiku Reflections: Another Daisy Haiku

Gone Fishin....

...well not really fishing!!!


But I am taking a short break from blogging. I've been working on some off-line projects over the weekend and making good progress. I've decided to focus on these for a while and not spend so much time online. I don't know about all of you but many a day, I end up spending 5-6...hours online and it goes by in a flash! A lot of time.

I also want to spend more time out of doors and since I don't have any of the new techno bells and whistles like Ipads, Blackberry etc, if I'm not at home, I'm not on the Internet either. LOL

I will be back at the beginning of August to announce the winners of the Happiness Is....contest so do stop by then to see if you've won a prize. I hope some of my earlier posts are inspiring and uplifting to you too!

Speaking of the Happiness Is.....contest, there's still a few more days to enter at:

Happiness Is....???

The entries so far have been so much fun to read but I hope there's more to come before the end of the month. Isn't it interesting the different ways that we sum up happiness?

Happy July. Enjoy those warm summer days.... and see you next month.

Many hugs, G :<)

Word of the Week: Perception

                                   

From a distance, a "time out" from our usual routine thoughts... what do we perceive?

"Perception appears to be automatic, but in fact it is a learned phenomenon. The world you live in including the experience of your body, is completely dictated by how you learned to perceive it. If you can change your perception, you  change the experience of your body and your world."

from the book: Ageless Body. Timeless Mind by Deepak Chopra

                              

 What a hopeful and inspiring message this is.

This is a book I would highly recommend. Written several years ago (perhaps there is an updated edition?) the insights and wisdom of the author still rings true. I am just finishing this book; it was not a quick read. A wealth of information to digest and consider throughout.

                                

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Enjoy ALL Kinds of Weather. A Rainy Day Haiku too!

                                    

                                      

It's been raining here in Interior BC,  a very LOT!  Much more than the usual for June.

As I'm such a rain-lover, that's just fine with me. But the complaining starts almost immediately. I hear it everywhere: "where is the sun"  "I'm sick of all this rain" "I hate the rain" "Rain, rain go away" "why does it have to rain"...it goes on and on.

I love the rain but I also love the sun too. And the changing seasons. The snow, the fog, a wicked good storm now and then. Thunder booming. I kind of like it all!

We can't do anything about the weather so we may as well enjoy what we can about it.


It's a big part of every single day, isn't it?

And what an added "bonus". When we can enjoy the beauty of nature, in all it's verdant glory, thanks in large part to the rain. I'd say:

Rain can be a very good thing. :<)

A Tanka Poem: The Beckoning Spring

                                                                     

Tree on the hillside

barren branches, wait for green.

Sun to warm it's boughs

and as in life, will renew.

For now, the whispering winds.

GHH/2011

This is my second attempt at tanka poetry.

Tanka is the oldest form of Japanese poetry, you can read more about it here.

My first tanka poem: Spring Thaw is posted here, I wrote that one quite a while ago.

 I still prefer haiku but I've enjoyed trying tanka too.
                        

What is your favorite form of poetry?


For me, writing poems is so relaxing and rewarding. Succinct and timeless forms of expression. Reading and writing poetry is a true joy in my life. I hope that's the case for you too!

Photo (isn't it wonderful) courtesy of my blog friend: Jason Evans.
                                               

PS: It's been a very busy day in Blogland for me!

Here are some new posts at my other blogs:

My Poetic Path: Rainy Days and Monday...

Veggies, Yarns and Tails: Save a Bundle, Make Your Own Sprouts 

My Real Life Reviews: Breathe Right nasal strips


And a couple more in drafts!!!LOL

Time to call it a day on the computer. Happy Wednesday and see you soon!

"Simple" Acts of Kindness Haiku

                                

                                                                                              

Sometimes, we may never know, the far-reaching branches of one simple "act of kindness".



Word of the Week: Dreams

                     

Sweet Dreams
                               

In my dream, there is a staircase.

Leading up to the sun and warming rays.

There is an answer waiting there.

At the top of the stairs.

But it has not been reached.

Still to be revealed.

It will remain.

A sweet and soothing dream.

Awakening to peace and renewal.

There is hope to be found.

Gazing towards the light.

Hope that sustains on even the darkest days.

And weaves through the longest of nights.

In dreams we travel across time and space.

We draw near to those loved ones already passed.

They are there, always waiting.

Interacting with us in the ways still allowed to them.

And wonders to us, in turn.

Sometimes bringing them closer than even those left behind.

If only we remain open to their voices.

Fragile and fleeting, yet clear.

Sweet dreams.

Keep me moving towards the light.

Still my overworked heart.

Calm my mind from the pressures that overwhelm.

These too shall pass.

And again, I will journey forward.

Safely on my way.

The path, meant to be.

Not those of life’s detours.

Or roads best left behind.
                 

                     

GHH/ 2009
                            
                          

                               

       A "dreamy" poem I wrote a while back.

                     I thought it was a good choice to share with this "Word of the Week".                  

Wishing you a wonderful week, filled with happy day and night dreams!

Staircase photo (I love it!) courtesy of my blog pal: Caroline Brown.

An Inspiring Quote for Friday the 13th!

"There is no digression, only added detail."

Here's to adding the right details, to every day.

Thanks to Brenda for suggesting this wonderful quote.

From the book: Salt and Saffron by Kamila Shamsie.
                 



and


Happy Friday the 13th!


 Here's to a lucky day for all of us.


Forget about the superstitions.
                       


Heh, Bloggers back (sorta, I lost some comments) that's a start! 

Here Comes the Sun!

                                     
Found this fun (and very popular) YouTube video featuring the Beatle's :

Here Comes the Sun

The graphics on this one are so cute!

It also got me up and moving.

 I hope you are singing and dancing along too!

Wishing You a  Happy Day and Lots of Sunshine too!  

                                                

Word of the Week: Bliss

This is one of my favorite photos and bliss is one of my favorite words. I hope you enjoy the haiku too.

Bliss...such a lovely state of mind and word to contemplate and reach for. Sometimes it seems unattainable but I don't think that's ever really the case. It's just a state of happiness taken to the next level, isn't it?

I hope you find your own special BLISS this week!

I'm a Hugger and Proud of It!

I have always believed in the power of simple gestures like giving someone a hug. When the distance makes that impossible, I still like to express the sentiment via a cyberhug or perhaps a line of OOOO's at the end of a letter or page.

Hugs. Such an easy thing to do but they can change someone's day, perhaps more than just the day, in a very positive way.

Many, many times over the years, I've been thanked for giving someone a hug, told that "they needed a hug right about then" sometimes, needed one a lot. I've also been grateful to  receive a hug unexpectedly especially when I was feeling sad or upset. A hug always makes me feel better. Someone took the time to show they cared.

There is some etiquette involved when it comes to hugging strangers of course or even someone you know but not very well. A simple request such as: "I'd like to give you a hug" is a good idea in those circumstances.

 I've yet to have anyone say NO thanks to a hug! LOL 

How pleased I was to find out about this HUG campaign online recently, I don't know how I missed this, even featured on Oprah! Talk about media coverage for a simple act of human kindness and contact. I'm loving it! This is a great site to check out for more about the many benefits of hugging and how this campaign started.

Give someone a hug today. Try to make it someone who looks like they really need one. Instant warmth and smiles, guaranteed!!!

A Beautiful Spring Photo to Share (with Haiku)

                          

I added the words. My thanks to Caroline Brown for sharing this inspiring photo.

One of my all-time favorite spring photos.

                                 

April showers will bring May flowers!

Speaking of Toast...

                   
...in yesterday's post, that is!

                                           

                                                  

This photo and post from my recipe/craft blog came to mind.
                                            

Some of the best things in life are the most basic of pleasures.

What could be finer or more satisfying than freshly made and lovingly served:

Toast, Jam and Tea


Savor the Simple Pleasures.


Wishing you a wonderful Weekend!

                              
PS: A very easy jam recipe is included in the link above.

Want to Live Longer? Lighten Up!

Just found this interesting article about a very inspiring 104 year young woman!  You go Dot!!!


Yet another plus of being happy, taking life as it comes, going with the flow, putting on a happy face...you can actually add YEARS to your life! 


This is just one of many articles on this topic and again and again the results conclude: happy thoughts and an optimistic outlook = a longer, healthier life. It's another good reminder to not sweat the small stuff and keep things in perspective throughout each day.


Does it really, REALLY matter if you burnt the toast this morning? What about finding a stain on your favorite blouse that you were planning to wear today? Getting caught up in traffic on the way to work...the list in a given day can be endless. Small, annoying delays, set-backs etc. Negative energy that can slowly but surely change a good day into one that you just want to end.


When an annoyance or delay happens, deal with it as quickly as possible and move on. Put it behind you.

Speaking of  traffic jams  put the time to good use, not dwelling on frustration:

• Sing along with the radio.
• Take some slow, deep breaths.
• Think about a pleasant event coming up.
• Catch up with your knitting or a good book.
• Gaze at the sky and the scenery that usually flies by in a blur.

                     
the list goes on and on...

Think about how lucky you really are to: have that toast to eat (personally, I like a bit of burn around the edges!), that special blouse that your best friend gave you that will still look great to wear again after a wash. And wow, having your own car and a job to go to and get paid for! Triple bonus! A lot of people who would be happy to have those and don't.  

Choose happiness today.


Make it a better day for you and everyone in your life. Living a longer and healthier life is kind of a nice plus too, don't you agree?

PS: Mr. Cheddar has also been busy today. He has a new cat treat review (there's a dog- variety available too) you might enjoy. As the Ched says: Chiao for now!!!

A Gerber Daisy Haiku

                                                            

This beautiful gerber daisy was a pretty and thoughtful gift that I received from a couple of friends. They dropped it off, as a much-needed "pick me up" for the day (I was having a less than happy one). It certainly did that and went on to weather the winter on the bathroom window sill, leaves crumpled and flowers nowhere in sight.

And then, to once again emerge in all it's loveliness.

Daisies of all types and colors, always make me smile.

                               

Wishing you a Wonderful Spring Day!

Also submitted for: Today's Flowers

L-O-V-E...It's Real Baby!

If you like Craig Ferguson, you are in for a real treat and a good LOL.

I think he's such a hoot!

Singing L-O-V-E from the movie Born Romantic here's

Craigeeeeee: L-O-V-E!

(click to sing and dance along)

Have a l-o-v-e-l-y day!

Put On A Happy Face!

                         
This happy, classic tune was playing in my head the other day.

It doesn't get much better than when it's sung by the amazing Tony Bennett!


The smiling kids and happy faces in this video made me feel happy too.

                                                    

Click to sing along: Put On A Happy Face

                                                           

"spread sunshine all over the place...."

PS: Speaking of things that make me happy, I just wrote this new post over at My Real Life Reviews today that's oh so yummy! Caution: chocolate alert!!! LOL