Is Your Soul Ajar?

"The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience. " -- Emily Dickinson

Significant words from our Emily. After a few minutes reflection, I think I must confess that my soul is not quite as 'ajar' as I long for it to be. Responsibilities, agendas, details, road construction, overdue library books, my missing croc, wailing infants, airport security, poison ivy attacks, the agonizing news report, spilled milk -- all add up to a gradual closing of my soul's portal.

In the rush of the day's list, it's all too easy to neglect the soul-work that gives meaning to the tasks. How do you keep a healthy, vibrant soul ...... eager to embrace the ecstatic experience, outside of the monastery, in the humdrum lane of life? Rereading Emily's quote I recognize the 'should' word and contemplate how that word itself has gotten me into trouble in the past.

Take a deep breath friends. [I read that advice everywhere.] When I 'remember' to breath with intention and focus, I experience for myself the benefits touted by so many differing authorities. Could it really be as simple as that? Oxygen? Mindfulness? Certainly a step in the right direction..... it's the remembering to act on what I know that can be such a missing puzzle piece for me.

And then there are sights that take your breath away. Or the smell of a vanilla candle burning. Or a late Matisse master-piece of simplicity. Or a symphony's tuning in anticipation, before that orchestrated down beat. Or the image of a red barn against the crop of grain on the rolling hillside. Or a morning dove's coo. Or that infant sighing and finally snoodling completely in your aching arms into a hard fought, deep sleep. Or the majesty of the astounding view of the Grand Canyon from the helicopter perspective above, cresting over the first ridge. Or the crystal purity of the water at shore's edge along the glintering white sands. Or a tree that is caught in the act of dancing. And suddenly all is right with the world. An ecstatic experience!! And my soul rejoices.

You shall go out with joy and be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. -Isaiah 55:12

P.S. I discovered the dancing tree photograph while searching on Photo-Bucket under dance. I am completely mesmerized by this image, but have no idea who to attribute the photograph to. It's a masterpiece to be sure.

Patriotic Little Family

What a treat last night to learn, quite unexpectedly, that we had the best view of the local fireworks, from the front porch of my daughter's new home! I've been living here with her since this past February, when her dear husband departed for Air Force pilot's training in Oklahoma. Her pregnancy with the twins was far enough along at that point that she was no longer allowed to lift their toddler. So we've been participating in the reality show, where the grandma moves in -- and sleeps on the futon.... and paints murals on the nursery walls, while balancing previous committments and professional responsibilities.

[I JUST got off the phone with my dear SIL and it sounds like there is a very real possibility that he will be returning in the next two weeks, certainly so by the end of the month. Oh happy day!!]

It is amazing to contemplate how our service people give so much of themselves and the sacrifices that are required of their family members.... but that's a whole different blog.

There have been many blessings living with my three grandchildren for these couple of seasons. I know them each quite well. I was able to observe the acquisition of language for our 'reluctant talker' at very close range and see what a miraculous bridge sign language was to his acquiring spoken words. I've gotten to watch the twins rolling over for the first time. I've heard their first delightful coos and gurgles of interaction..... their smiles are just beginning to be meaningful acknowledgements which light up my heart for hours afterwards. There has certainly been more than just a silver lining to this togetherness time. What a joy to have three generations together -- even if only temporarily. And we are fortunate enough to have four generations gathered together on occaision: enough to take your breath away with gratitude.

I have loved having the opportunity to look thru the eyes of a toddler, all over again: To watch with amazement as he encounters snow for the first time. Playing a continuous, squeeling game of chase thru the floorplan's circle -- is a guarenteed gold medal of fun. Wondering together where the bunny will hop next? Knowing which picture book brings the fastest comfort. Realizing that vehicles-with-wheels are indeed our greatest contribution to mankind. Marveling over the length of eyelashes that glisten from a stern look given across the room. Grasping anew the gravitational power of the puddle. Observing the perseverance required to acquire a new skill. Lessons I've learned: PRICELESS.

FOURTH of July Enthusiasm

What an incredible day to consider the blessings of our country. A great day to spend with family..... appreciating all the opportunities that lie around the next corner.

Remember the shock and horror of Sept. 11th? In the few days that followed I was at a loss for how to move forward, until the Friday of that week arrived. It was the national day of mourning. I was to make my regular appearance at our Jewish Preschool and lead both music and Shabbot services. While still overwhelmed by the enormity of the events unfolding, I thought that the parents and grandparents about to gather for worship would appreciate seeing the little ones that they loved, waving a flag.

So very quickly I crafted a little dittie: "Red, White and Blue..... I Love You."

We lit the candles that morning and the children waved flags on the steps of the synagogue. There were very few dry eyes in the room.

I am now devoted to the effort of turning my song into a picture book. I am making the illustrations from fabric again..... only these will be much more 'representational' in nature. The quilted image above will be the first two pages of the book.

In the truest of serendipity stories, this past spring I met the woman who has been responsible for the "White House Easter Egg Roll" for the past 28 years at an early childhood conference in Virginia!! She is hopeful that the new administration, as yet to be determined, will continue the long standing tradition that began in 1878 and that I will get to participate in entertaining the children attending the 2009 event!

Wouldn't it be amazing to PREMIERE my newest book, "Red, White and Blue" at an event on the White House lawn? At this point I have 9 of the 16 quilts complete. I'll need you to prompt me to stay focused and complete this project in time. Then we'll keep our fingers crossed that I'm invited to participate. How's that for a goal?

A Blog! Debbie has a BLOG!!

Welcome to my ramblings.

My dreams. My images. My travels. My goals. My hopes.

All wrapped up here for us to get better acquainted.

Several of you, dear friends, have asked for a back-stage pass to where these ideas of mine originate and how to put them into best practise. I have much to learn about blogging, but let's get underway. A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, after all.

It's summer time in the city and that means travel to libraries for summer reading events: families, children, books, singing, librarians ...... what could be better? What could be more fun?

Here's a sneak peak at the after-the-show shanannigans @ the Cardington Library. Pictured are the children from the summer adventure camp, summer school friends. Can you find Waldo?