Tag Archives: gratitude

Remembering Gratitude

Road ToLong weekend coming up this weekend in Canada. Thanksgiving is almost here, or as I like to call it gratitude weekend.

I am grateful for the chance to go to Radium Hot Springs this weekend. Sharing in good company and turkey. Immersing ourselves in nature and the mineral springs.

We had strong winds here this past few days, so strong in fact it tore my gate off the hinges. That gate must weigh about one hundred pounds! Yes the winds of change are in the air. Feel the bite of the chill, then welcome and assimilate it.

A thin coating of ice has settled on the bird bath. I discovered this morning a couple of hungry robins. So in the course of my errands I acquired some peanut butter suet with hanging cage and a seed bell to accommodate the slightly larger birds like the robins.

Leaf IceReceive all that blows in and out of your life. This energy exchange is crucial for the vitality of life.

And one must stay aligned and know their own inner truth.

The most important thing one can do at this moment is not to buy into the fear that is being promoted. Keep your own energy centered, circulating and raise your vibration.

Remember you have always had everything you needed. The universe will provide. Be grateful. Afford yourself simple comforts and pleasures. My heart is full as I acknowledge the many blessings I have received into my life. My wish for you is that you have all you have ever wanted and more.

Remember we are so much more than we once thought we were. Many blessings to all.

Essence

Essence

Lone TreeHere is the next stage of the snow scape, painted from a photo I took while cross country skiing in Lake Louise. Some final touches yet to do, but not too much.

When I realize my work has touched someone, it is both a milestone and an honour. Suddenly a subtle awareness rises within. My soul is lying naked on the canvas its essence marking the place.

Vulnerability is illusion. Above all, the simplicity and innocence which fueled the creation must be preserved. More is revealed as we journey to the centre, peeling away the layers.

What a fascinating multi-dimensional process the art of creating is. Artful magical revelations. I count my blessings everyday, for the privilege of creating.

 
“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.”
~Friedrich Nietzsche  

Good Medicine

Good Medicine

Killer FrostThis is what I woke up to several mornings ago. It had hailed the night before, then froze, surely a killer frost. Although some plants in my garden continue to persist. I would have to say pansies afford gardeners the best value. Cheery blooms, lasting all summer, yet hardy enough to stay long into the fall.

This years preparation for winter is a slow and steady project, one small task at a time, unlike the rushed scurry of other years to beat the looming cold. My rain-barrel has not been emptied yet. Perhaps we will taken by surprise at the last moment, though I somehow doubt it. Many baby squirrels, and robins are around, which I cannot say I have ever seen before at this time of year. I wonder if it is a sign of a mild winter to come. Some of the perennials have been swaddled in mulch, especially the peonies, whose promise of blooms next year I patiently await.

SunsetThanksgiving brought surprisingly pleasant weather which was almost too warm for a bonfire. The sunset was memorable, especially since we were high on the foothills overlooking the mountains.

Let’s not forget the wonderful glow of special friendships, and a pleasing rounding of the belly after a luscious feast. Hoping you were as fortunate as I, to have been surrounded by such gifts, and that you too are overflowing with gratitude. Counting your blessings is a sure antidote for anything that ails you.

Our host, created this sacred space, a medicine wheel to honour our collective good fortunes, the ones who have gone before us, and to open the door for future blessings. Everyone brought something to contribute to the wheel. In the photo below, I just love the shadows of the tree spirits, whose presence graced us, along with a friendly woodpecker, who I declared to be the gatekeeper.

Medicine WheelMedicine Wheel GiftsMedicine WandHere is my offering-a medicine wand, made by me. The four colours of thread below the crystal represent the four directions. The various stones, shells, and beads attached to the sinew and deer hide serve the intention of hearts opening, abundance and protection as we travel our soul paths. We welcome the gifts of the future for the common good and healing of all.

Though bitter, good medicine cures illness.Though it may hurt, loyal criticism will have beneficial effects.
~Sima Qian b.145 BC