the quiet

The quiet has been elusive as of late.

I've sought it in pockets of a day, though it runs screaming to the crash of an unknown chaos in other rooms. There is no time for a silent thought. Perhaps, it is best this way.

The quiet brings opportunities for contemplation. Things, one tends to pack away for later dealings, well up when the air is void of other suggestions. Those worries, old wounds, or lost moments of sunshine.

But on occasion, by accident, I've come across sounds that seep between gaps of the din, softening the noise a bit. Just enough peace. Giving clarity a smoother ride.

It could be, as I'm older, I'm learning to appreciate the way the light falls through the trees onto the faces of the children. And just as children do, I discover how brilliant the points of sunshine can be, slivers shimmering through the window shade. That even the tiniest flower, near-hidden in tangles of grass, has its place in the bouquet. How achingly beautiful it is. All of it.

sunshine

Today was a particularly lovely day.

After what seemed like weeks of rain and grayness, we've got sunshine! Nice.

And not just any sunshine. This is the clear and crisp kind. That which is surrounded by cool air and a sweet soft breeze. I love the fall. My favorite season to be sure.

After a quick mow to some thick lawn, I sat enjoying the afternoon, whilst the kiddos ran free in the yard. Camera phone in hand.

A wonky thing is wrong with the camera in my phone. An unreachable strange smudge is on the inside of the glass protecting the tiny lens. Nevertheless, at times, the camera produces pleasing effects and softness. Especially when it catches the sun just so.


Ian is certain Sara doesn't really need help riding the trike on the "circle". He's seen here coaching from his lawn chair, "She can do it. Come on."


The husband will enjoy this... Minimalism, I say. o_O


And so, we close this day with hopes for another one just as lovely... And a night sky as clear and full of sparkle...

happy day (^-^)

Happy Birthday, Babies!

plumage

Image info HERE.
My mind has been busy. I've not slept as much as I ought.

I'm not fond of great amounts of sleep. Just enough will do. Somewhere around 4 hours is fine. Beyond that, I dream too much and vividly... it's difficult to make any sense of it.

There are times my dreams have been disturbing. The things seen, on occasion, come to pass. I suppose everyone does this from time to time. It would be nice to dream about winning lottery numbers. HaHa! But no. Such is not the way for me.

I should document my dreams. I've been interesting characters who've done amazing things. In one adventure, I was James Bond-like. Sports car and all. Nice. But some dreams are seemingly mundane. Like images of unknown people walking by in some faraway land. Or flashes of objects like colorful fabrics, pottery, or jewelry.

My last dream was not clear or memorable for the most part. What I do remember is the very end of it. The moment before I woke up, a large peacock spread its feathers. The image has stayed with me today. It's meaning unknown.

weight

As a youngster, I recall the lush gardens in our backyard. Mom and Dad tended them diligently. Perhaps, I took their beautiful existence for granted. The gardens that is. And maybe, my parents, too, at the time.

As I am much older, with my own children to nuture, and a potential garden to grow, the purpose of the garden has somehow changed.

Back then, there were moments my brother and I simply did not understand the time the grown-ups spent tilling the dirt, planting the seeds... Of course, the results were lovely. The yard was transformed from a flat and empty void, to an oasis. A refuge for wildlife, a harbor for us from the world outside, a meeting place.

I did not understand why they spent so much time working to create this special space.

Now, it seems my own life is becoming a bit more complicated. The children are growing. They've each their own needs. Their own issues.

When the weight of our world becomes too pressing, confusing, I find myself looking to the green of the trees. My fingers picking at the weeds and sifting through the dirt. The heaviness lifts a touch. The chaos begins to fade.

Perhaps, this is how our own oasis will begin.

summertime

Turn off background music HERE, then come back up.

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It couldn't be helped.

This Porgy and Bess tune won't leave me today...


Thanks to cashmerequeen for sharing this vid.

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diagnosed: human

Once again, there is quibbling over what to do with health care in the U.S. Most recently, discussion concerning U.S. health care and illegal aliens.

There are many people in our land of plenty who are without plenty of things. Then, there are those who seem to have it all.

Perhaps, for those who do have it all, it is difficult to understand not having. Even more difficult for them to believe, there are actually people who toil very hard, yet never gain much. Harder still to trust, there are actually illegals who pay taxes. I've seen it myself. Where does that money go?

Of course, it is somewhat baffling why so much anger is directed only at illegals, with regard to taxes and health care. Maybe the anger should be directed at those who hire them. Those who pay them a mere pittance for their labor. The ones smiling at all the cash they've saved themselves by hiring workers on the cheap.

But never mind how it is we are in this position.

In all the rhetoric, something is fading... Humanity.

Yes, I know I'll be called a bleeding-heart liberal. No matter. I'll make no apologies for a desire that my fellow human beings be treated with at least a modicum of dignity. If that's a liberal thought, so be it. I once thought it was a "Christian" thought. Somehow, I've been kicked out of that club.

Whilst attempting to learn more on the health care debate, I stumbled across this comment by "brian" on CNN's Cafferty File:

brian (Nova Scotia) August 18th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

I am very confused. The United States is likely the most Christian nation on the planet. No other country has given so much to so many others in times of need. It is inconceivable to me that such a generous people such as our American Cousins could consider turning away 6 million ‘Illegals’ and their children. To say nothing about the 47 million of your own citizens who are unable to get affordable health care. I have every confidence you will sort this out , I only hope it can be done so while perserving the values America believes it stand for.

I am very confused, too, "brian".

And I haven't even mentioned how some Americans view other Americans who do not have health insurance. Health insurance is a commodity here. He who can buy the most wins. The prize? In some cases, life.

I don't profess to have all the answers. The situation seems too complex for most of us to grasp. Still, people are not just things to be tossed out like so much refuse. For all the talk of valuing life... Why not value it?

Ah. But how much will that cost?

Michael Moore is at it again...

Turn off background music HERE, then come back up.

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This looks interesting.

James Cameron's Avatar Teaser

The long awaited Avatar is nearing its release.

At last, a teaser trailer to whet our appetites for some cool looking sci-fi. But what about the story?

Admittedly, I don't know much about Avatar. In any case, the movie images look interesting. And they ought to, since this film took over a decade to make. Well, from its inception to completion. The actual work on the picture took 4 years, I understand.

Me thinks I'll be along for the ride come this December.

District 9--August 14, 2009

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Image info HERE.
Finally!

D-9 has been released.

I've plans to see this picture. Its less than slick presentation I find intriguing.

I'm hoping to see something original in this film. Something to pique the imagination like Star Wars (my absolute favorite) did long ago.

Ahh... Gritty sci-fi. I can't wait!

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