A Wish, For You.

Tonight at sundown, marked the holiest of holidays in Judaism.

It is a day about saying you are sorry. 

And asking for forgiveness. 

Sorry in itself is such a small word, 

but it has such a big impact. 

Just think about all of the little hurts we carry around;

the weight of them on our hearts when piled up.

Many of these could likely have been eliminated 

if a simple "I'm sorry" had been extended.

I was raised in a loving, liberal home, 

in which my parents shared traditions

from both their religious backgrounds.

Beliefs and rituals weren't pressed on us.

We weren't a church or synagogue family. 

In truth, I identify more closely 

with my exposure to Unitarianism,

but there is something about this day in particular 

that I find really meaningful. 

You don't have to be religious at all

to reflect upon your actions of the past

and to be mindful 

to make everything right in your world -

if only for the day. 

And that goes both ways. 

Today is about looking inward more so than out.

This is a powerful exercise - 

and one that I find very rewarding. 

And so...

As my dad wished to me, 

I wish for all of you:

Happiness, health and love. 

xo

Autumn's Pause

I've wanted to share an update for a long time now.

But see,  there were dance floors to shimmy on, 

and giant sequoias to gape at.

There were trails on which to get my shoes dusty

 And too many big moon nights, requiring the attention of my eyes.

There were hawks – darting in and out of the shadows of the trees that begged me to spot them.

There were meals to share, introductions to be made; glasses to clink.

There were old friends, who had to meet new.

There was Manzanita-scented air, inhaled deeply into my lungs.

And shooting stars, tallied from the bottom of Yosemite valley, my parents by my side.

And sure, there were moments where there was nothing at all.

But that’s what I needed.

Just a quiet corner, and the pleasure of visiting with people that didn't require an explanation.

There were scenarios where words were fumbled, and hearts ached.

Where I felt anger rise from my feet and heat up my cheeks.

And then of course, there were instances of the purest joy,

with honey-coated whispered words, so sweet and true.

There were simple moments, really.

But they were mine.

Happy Autumn, until we speak again, friends. 

So Long, October

How is it already the end of October? 

I swear, time ticks by faster on the west coast. 

It's been a mix of calm and chaos - without much of a middle ground. 

Some months are like that I suppose, 

but all I wanted for fall is for things to hold steady. 

Did you know that autumn represent wisdom and maturity? 

 I don't feel either of those things at all really. 

My feelings have been mixed up all month,

 making me feel a little confused and foolish.

photo is my own

I think it's tied to the notion of letting go.

Letting go of pain points at work. 

Letting go of circumstances that don't pan out as planned.

Letting go of the questions without answers...

That's hard for me. 

I'm no good with the act of releasing.

I cling to the things that I invest in,

and fiercely 'miss' the expectations that fall flat. 

I bless and let go and then er, I take it all back and try it again. 

You can't say I'm not persistent! 

But there comes a time when one has to step forward and move on. 

In November, I'll do better. 

Have a wonderful weekend my friends. 

Enjoy these last few days of October,

 both the calm and the chaotic. 

xo

 

With Every Season...

Happy Autumn! 

With new seasons, come new beginnings. 

I am so grateful for the peace and calm 

that fall has already delivered  to my head and my heart. 

image

Here's to hay rides and spiked cider, 

pumpkin picking and catching falling leaves.

xo

Hello Fall

Hello Fall,

By the ways and wonders of the Universe,

you will be here each year, 

smacked between the dog days of summer

image

and the first frost of winter, and yet...

every time 

I am just pleased as punch for your return.

Welcome back.

Bring on the apple cider and flannels!

xo