Word Magic, The Final One for 2023

 The final word for 2023 is LEARN

Definition:  gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught.

Laying in bed very early on a recent morning I thought about words and what have I learned. As a young girl I loved opening the dictionary and pointing to a word to learn and start including in my vocabulary. Over 30 years ago I started picking a word for the year. Some years I would get through part of the year and almost forget about the word, but then I would say "pay attention" and always I would learn something.

This past year my word was VOICE. It was one of those words that I sort of ignored for awhile. When it chose me I thought I would speak more, but I realized I really wasn't speaking more. Recently what I learned is that there are different ways of using your voice, not necessarily by speaking. For me I realized that in using your voice you are REVEALING you. I needed to reveal me and who I was. So slowly I am revealing who I am by words I write and very occasionally by what comes from my mouth. Sometimes the words in my head trickle out in whispers from spirit.

Words are Magical, we learn from them. I hope and pray that in my sharing words this year you also have learned and embraced some words into your own lives.

 

In paying attention and noticing what word I was being drawn to for my own personal word for 2024, two words came to me. For several months I have felt that there needed to be more kindness in the world and I wanted to embrace that word. I strongly feel like next year is going to be a year of challenge for many of us and that what will get us through it and grow is kindness. Kindness for ourselves and kindness for others. I can fully take that into my heart, but I also needed a word that would challenge me. Ugh!!! I don't really like words that challenge me, for they teach me lessons I am not sure I want to learn. My challenge word is move. I know, that is sort of a strange word to choose, but I need to move my body more. I feel better when I am moving everyday. So for 2024 my personal words are Kindness and Move.

 

This is my last Word Magic for 2023. For next year I will be focusing on Words of Kindness and Joy on my Monday posts. Who knows where that will take me, maybe a joke or a poem or maybe a story. In sharing words of Kindness and Joy I hope we all learn to share a smile for those that cross our path.

The pictures I shared today are just to make my words more beautiful. This last one was taken in November as I walked this path with my favorite cousin and dear nieces. We shared words during our brief time of being together and I think we all learned new family stories.

Whatever paths we take words will come to your mind, may we grow and embrace them, learning together.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Word for the Week

 

Each morning I sit right here with my tea and toast. As I was sitting there just moments ago I began thinking "what word will I choose this week?". Words flowed through my head and I attempted to grab one, but then I stopped. The silence was almost deafening. Usually I see from this perch someone walking by with a dog or two, but this morning there wasn't one walker. I listened and in the distance I could hear the soft drone of a plane. I saw a fly and a crow flutter by. The leaves on the trees were still. It felt like I was the only person left in the world and I sat, I listened, and I prayed. And still there is that plane flying overhead, but nothing more. Those in my house sleep as I listen to the silence.

Silence is a fickle thing. As a young mother I craved it. As an older woman often finding myself alone it sometimes feels lonely, but sometimes it feels almost spiritual too. Sometimes I want to fill up the moments with music that makes me want to dance, but at other times I cherish those moments where all I hear is the drone of a plane overhead or the distant call of the train.

So my word for this week is SILENCE. Listen carefully, cherish those moments, embrace them, then dance.

Have a great week, dear friends!

Writing Challenge

 After reading what I have written, does this lady staring out at the world fit with the story? Is she bold to assume we can accept and love her just for who she it?

The Pedestrian Woman by Robin Morgan

She stands at the intersection, waiting

to stride across in the inimitable way of hers,

shoulder bag banging against one hip, head high,

her hair promiscuous to the wind.

Or sits at the typewriter, inconspicuous

as any other woman,

writing messages to the universe

which will get her in trouble with the boss.

No past, no future, flickers like a clue

in all those chance encounters

that accumulate a life.

See her ride the subway. See her

warm the leftovers for her supper.

See her feed her dog.

And can you see what vision

fires its shape in her sleep's kiln,

what passion, irony, and wit,

what love, what courage

are disguised

in all her daily movements? 

Thanks, Stephanie for this poem shared recently.

This poem was my inspiration in a recent writing class to play with the line "her hair promiscuous to the wind", particularly intrigued with that word "promiscuous" and wondering if the word needed to be a negative word or maybe something playful. This was what I wrote after sipping a particular tea that teased and enticed me. Enjoy!

 The image of the wind blowing through my hair as I walk through a field of yellow mustard, outdoors, stumbling at times, but ever bold. My head is held high and the feeling of being alone though surrounded by others around me. I don't notice them for I am in another world. A song touches my tongue and I sing out boldly, wrapping my tongue around each word and embracing them. I sing for the losses of a life once dreamed of. I sing for the world that hurts. I sing a song that laments, but yet searches for the nuances that delight my soul. I grab each moment while I continue the way forward. I toss my hair and my head in the wind and I smile (or is it really a smirk?) For I know what is surrounding me and even more what is a part of me.

If only as a young girl I was taught to fling my head and hair in the wind and walk boldly through the muck. Would I have become someone I don't know today?

There is a boldness that causes my tongue to wrap around words yet unsaid. It is a bit promiscuous as it calls me to ponder, it sits in my mouth. It wants me to embrace it and take it in, but I am tentative in my acceptance. It teases me with it's scent. Do I love it? It asks for me to do so. Yet my own boldness pauses. Let me go to places yet unknown, be a bit promiscuous, let the tea embrace me and gather me in it's arms.

BTW - It was a green tea I was sipping. 

The picture was taken on a recent visit to my favorite antique mall.

Happy weekend, dear friends!

Delight in each day and let your imagination fly free. 

Right Now at this Very Moment

I was thinking of senses, but have already done that.

What do I think of right at this very moment.

Dreaming of beauty and adventures is in my soul.

Fantasies and fireflies tickle me with delight.

Singing in the rain and Dancing in the Moonlight,

a fantasy to behold; but truly in my dreams,

I sing!

 I sing for you
I sing for me
I sing for justice
and
I sing for joy.

I dance in the speckled light under the trees.
I dance through the rose gardens.
I dance just to make my heart happy
and
I dance for all the twinkling stars up above.

I laugh the laughter to ward off the pain.
I laugh at the silliness in a story that doesn't even make sense.
and
I laugh because sometimes it is just better than crying.

At this very moment joy surrounds me
like petals of a roses falling from the sky.
At this very moment stars are tickling my eyes.
and
at this very moment I twirl under the sun and moon.
The sun is setting and the moon is rising,
I notice both with my arms out stretched.
I welcome each for what choice do I have.

At this very moment I send you love.

Walk on the Wild Side

Do you sometimes want to walk on the wild side?

What do you find?

Is it scary?

Invigorating?

And Adventure?

There is something for me that feels energy when I step off the path.

Yes, it is very scary, but I am so proud of myself when I do it.

Sometimes it is just a small step, but sometimes I gather up my brave girl self

and take a giant step toward something new.

It usually takes a lot of self talk, a deep breath, and then a huge jump.

The landing might be hard or if the way has been padded with good wishes

the path can be like falling onto the soft mossy ground.

And yes, sometimes we get hurt in the leap, but of course we will recover

and move on, make a new path.

As a young girl I was often up for taking a dare or was it a challenge.

I loved it!

I still love the challenge, the adventure, the anticipation,

the fall and especially the landing in the unknown.

As an older woman sometimes the fall scares me deeply.

I have become more cautious.

I know in my heart I must accept the challenge,

enjoy each day and find new adventures.

Sometimes they are just around the corner

and sometimes far away.

So take a walk on the wild side, challenge yourself!

Where will it take you?

Enjoy the adventure! 

Find laughter as you fall and open your heart to what is around you.

The unknown is only the unknown until you allow it to wrap you in it's arms.

Happy Weekend, dear friends!

Enjoy the challenge and adventure each day!

Lily Follow Up

Follow up to introducing my Tea with Lily book.

When Lily graduated from high school,

her college essay was about our tea times each Christmas.

I was totally honored and touched that she would write about them.

Now she is in college and studying to be a nurse.

She will make the best nurse ever

and I am so proud of her.

Here is what I wrote to her on our final tea:

Lily

 Preparations are made.

The teapots await.

The flower has bloomed

and is ready to fly.

Well wishes will be shared.

Hugs will be there.

For tea times of the past

and a bright future at last.

Fly to the sky and capture the stars.

For you deserve all of that.

Then when day is done

sip on your tea and float on the clouds.

Dance in the twilight and remember

my well wishes are there.

Fly with the birds and capture the stars.

Love, Marilyn

Here is her college essay:

Christmas Traditions
Tea. Not very synonymous with young children, which probably explains why I was throwing a fit under the table. It was one of those moments when mortified parents just want to melt into the floor rather than discipline their child in public. It just so happened that we
were in a fancy tea room, the Heathman, and it just so happened that it was the Christmas holidays. My parents were trying to start one of those family traditions that lasts throughout the years and it seemed like the Heathman just was not a great option at that time. Fortunately
for us my mom had a friend, Marilyn, who adored the art of tea parties and all of the wonderful times that go with them. The very next year they planned one of these affairs and it went over much more smoothly than the first time around. I don't specifically remember the happenings of my first Christmas tea party with Marilyn or much of what would eventually create much of the foundation for traditions in the years to come. Every year since that fatal year at the Heathman, my close family has joined together at Marilyn's house at Christmastime and shared our year's progress. As my taste for tea has grown so has my appreciation for these family gatherings and the meaningful conversations that have come out of them. Now not only do I look forward to the little sandwiches and the artfully decorated cookies; but also the loud, and not always obnoxious, laugh of my uncle and the warm embrace of my grandma. Those moments of laughter and togetherness are not easy to forget and often remind me how much a family tradition can grow from something small to an annual event that brings such joy and community. Through each passing year my mom has kept a photo journal of pictures that show how my family has changed. From the progressive aging of my brother and I, to the lack of my grandfather who passed away when I was four. Although my family has changed and evolved we have stayed together through this tradition and recognize that change is not always such a bad thing. Like that very first time at the Heathman all traditions come to a close at some point, and these tea parties are no different. Regretfully we have decided that this year will be our last
official tea party with me heading off to college next year. Although I will miss the time spent in that little North Portland home, I know that with the end of one tradition there will be an opportunity for growth. During times of change in life there is always room for nostalgia and reminiscence, but also that possibility that you will stumble upon something truly wonderful.
Lily

 

Let It Go

The flowers are just because some days we just have
to pause and smell the flowers and be GRATEFUL.
They are shining in my garden right now.

Having worked for the company that has the slogan "Just Do It".   Plus always having dreams and working to achieve those dreams, my attitude was always one of "Just Do It".  Just make it happen for you know there are ways of getting it done.  So it was a bit of a surprise to myself when recently I had a dream that woke me during the night and left me with the message, "Let it Go".  Now this isn't an easy one to face, but I believe it came from having to do very little for 6 weeks while I recuperated from surgery.  I could see the dust bunnies floating on the floor and I knew so much wasn't getting done, especially to my standards.  I still have dreams and things I want to do; but that message kept coming, "Let it Go".   I don't like it, really I don't.  In all my years I haven't had to think in this direction.  I am struggling with it.  I know there are still dreams to come true and places to go; but I also know there are some things I need to let go.  So riding along with my word for this year of "Grateful" is coming "Let it Go".  Where this will take me, I am not sure; but I have some mighty lessons to learn this year, lessons I am not sure I want to learn.  A different direction I may be headed.  The journey will be full of surprises, delights, frustrations, and even anger.  Not something I usually mention here, but some days are just like this and we learn, we turn, and move forward into new avenues of life.   I need to open my heart to what is coming and just let other things go.  Round and round we go, where we end nobody knows.  Will there be surprises, will there be frustrations, heck yeh!  But now I will be watching and noticing, for life is a delightful journey and sometimes I have to learn to "let it go".

Do you find there are days where you just have to "let it go"?

My Day

I rise

I dream

I grieve

I notice

I smile

Some days are just like that.

Then to this place of safety,

of dreaming,

of warmth,

and enchantment

I return

Gratitude

This Day, Right Now!

Look into the faces of those around you.

In this precious moment,

Open your heart and connect with your life.

Smile

Touch

Be Present

Overflow with Gratitude.

Give Thanks!

Happy Friday Friends!
Enjoy the weekend with Gratitude.
Today I was inspired by a video online,
so the words have been translated into mine to share.

Rose, Violet, & Scamp of Swain Woods

A continuation of the story of Swain Woods and the Fairies.

Rose bloomed brightly, the youngest fairy, she had a glow all her own.  Her cheeks were pink like they had been pinched by the morning dew or a blush from the sun.  She was the artist of the three fairies, an artist in her soul.  Creating beauty wherever she went, her hands just danced with delight.  Rose could turn a piece of bark or a twig into something of beauty.  Her baskets were used for storing their food and for capturing rainbows at the end of a rain storm.  Those honored to receive a gift from Rose treasured each gift with great appreciation.

You have met Violet earlier in my story.  Violet loved to dance in the woods, she would sway to the music coming from above for the birds sang a song just for her.  She cared deeply for the woods, her sisters, and for Scamp.  You could say she watched over them, just as big sisters do.  She had a voice like honey poured from a pitcher warmed by the sun.  She shared stories she remembered of their family long ago.  She treasured the memories and being the oldest shared them most freely.

Scamp was the Wood Nymph living nearby.  They say his name suited him well.  His eyes twinkled with delight and laughter was often on his lips.  He didn't miss a cup of tea or a song to dance by, for his heart was that of a happy soul.  He learned the sounds of the birds nearby and sometimes when a human passed by they thought there were birds nearby.  In some ways he was a trickster and those that knew him just delighted in being in his presence.  His laughter was infectious and made each fairies heart to sing.

These are the stories of my fairy friends of Swain Woods.
There is one more episode to come next week as we travel with the fairies and dream.

Send Me a Letter

 

Send me a letter.
Mail received here amongst the roses.
I will be waiting and
watching Autumn rolling in.
The days are getting shorter.
Soon we will be tucking into our warm bundles.
Lanterns will be lite.
We will be dancing by the moon and under the stars.
Remember the colors of Spring time and Summer.
Sing songs of laughter.
Remember this day.
Send a letter to a friend.
Wish them happy Autumn days.
Tuck a rose petal between the pages to remember the beautiful days of Summer.
Send them love and a sonnet true.

A Day to Notice

Green Tea Chai - spiced and warm to delight.

Sitting just the other day
A teashop warm and cozy
I felt surrounded with soft voices
Not descernible and yet
Soft voices
Music
Shared stories
A soothing softness envelops me
Friends huddled head to head
Younger faces smiling here.
Sitting in this teashop
Alone
Yet surrounded in a quiet softness
I could almost reach out and touch
Life's little noticings bring a smile to my face
and peacefulness is settling here
Surrounded in the land of Ahhhh's

A Day like no Other

The Magpie's Fancy had a 5 minute writing assignment this week and I decided to participate.
We were suppose to pick a picture from 2 years ago, study it a few minutes, then write for 5 minutes.
I love writing free of any constraints and focusing on a picture.
The following is what came from my pen.

It was a day much like today, sunshine, clouds and a little rain.
Not a particularly cold day, but a day like no other.
I was beginning to think spring might come.
The sign was guiding me forward and showing me where I came from.
It was taking me to something new, a celebration of longevity, a celebration of love,
and a celebration of what was yet to come.

Signs like these always cause me to smile as they head us in a direction and give the miles.
Oh how long those miles can seem some days, and yet before you know it you are there.
Sometimes it is the traveling there that brings us JOY as much as the arriving;
the arriving and the smiles.  The warm hugs at the other end.
How special and treasured they are.
We travel far, we travel near, we travel most anywhere for that special smile
and that special hug.

Up over the hills and down through the valleys life takes us on that journey.
A journey of greetings and goodbyes, a journey of love and sorrow.
The journey and following signs is all more special because there are smiles and hugs,
sunshine and rain and clouds - yes, that is a day like no other.
A hope is glimmering, a future is here.
Take JOY in the moment - savor, dance, smile, and hug.

Tea with my Mom

 Steph at Steph's Cup of Tea is hosting Tea and Truth

this month.  It is a weekly writing that involves tea.

What you will read below is my writing last week.

I hope you enjoy it.  Yes, that little bird did fly by my

window just as I was finishing this wonderful assignment.

Visit Steph to learn more HERE.

My mom has been invited to tea and soon she will be here.  The tea is ready.  I hear a knock on the door.  Welcome Mom, come into tea.  I wanted you to join me today because I want to tell you I love you and share a cup of tea.  It has been so long since we shared tea together.  Do you remember the times?  There was a time when I was going into 6th grade and the little ladies that owned the house we would rent served us tea.  It was a special time, just you and me.

No, I didn't fill your cup very full, but it is full to the brim with love for you.

I am so happy you like it.  I made a special oolong brought home from Taiwan earlier this year.  I know how much you love flowers and this tea tastes like a cup full of flowers.  Do you agree?  Oh yes, it is beautiful and filled with light and sweetness.

Do you remember after we moved into that little house on Bird Street and times would be hard, you would bring out the teapot and Lipton teabags, maybe even toast strips and we would sip, laugh, and raise our pinkies pretending to be rich ladies?  It is a fond memory I have of tea with you.

I am so happy you came for tea today.  I so wanted to tell you I love you and I wanted to share this ritual that means so much to me.  Yes, it is my morning pot of tea.

Aren't the pink roses pretty on the cups?  I always felt your color was pink, so I wanted you to have pink roses this morning.  They do make my heart sing too, as I knew they would for you.  Winter is coming and there are crystals on the ground.  The candle is burning to give us more light on this cold fall morning.

Just one more cup you say.  Is it getting cold?  Let's sit for just a while longer, sip our tea, and enjoy the silence of the morning.

Did you see my red necked hummingbird flutter by the window?  Did you fly away with him?  I love you, Mom.  May your spirit fly free on the wings of the little one.  Come anytime for tea, you are always welcome.

Don't forget the give away I mentioned on Monday.  Leave a comment on that post for the opportunity to win one of my sewing patterns.

Spirit Whispers

Several years ago I took a 6 week class at the local hospital on Women's Spirituality.

This is what originally inspired me to write Spirit Whispers.
One of the first lessons was to keep a journal.
As you see I have more than one journal.
Each one is for a different purpose.

Journals can be for writing randomly, recording thoughts, struggling through a difficult time, or
just a record of events.  There is no right way to journal.  It is writing and maybe sketching from your heart.
Once you have entered something into your journal, read it and notice.
Going back and reading what you have written will open your eyes to things
  you may have not seen before or help you to take the next steps in your life.
Try to listen as though you were another person, perhaps a wise spiritual guide.
Then make note of this wise counselor's response.
Consider this as a map or tool for self-growth and spiritual progress.

A great way to get started is by making lists, such as:
1. List your dream room
2. List places you would like to visit
3. List things you are afraid of and avoid
4. List things you would like to have done before you die
5. List things you hate and things you love
6. List fantasies you have
7. List aspects of yourself you would like to work on
8. List books you would like to read or those you have enjoyed
9. Record your dreams
10. List significant memories

A Journal is a wonderful way of listening and making more clear the Spirit Whispers and Growing.

Vacation with Tea

Vacation with Tea

Holding a warm cup of tea brings great delight

It sings to my heart with all of its might.

I treasure the moments of sweet meditation

It feels like I have taken a small vacation.

Treasure those moments and

Let your heart sing.

Return to the day

Be ready to play.

Heart to Heart by Earlene Grey

What a perfect thing to do on a very rainy Sunday afternoon.
A book launch for Heart to Heart by Earlene Grey.
Earlene read several poems from her new book.
There were many words about tea, but other special
thoughts too. I thought you might like to read a few here today.

Invitation to Tea

I have dust in the corner
And on top of the table
And under the sideboard too.

There are dishes that need washing,
Clothes that need mending,
And my Mother is sick with the flu.

My hair is mussed and fallen.
My face is red and swollen.
And the cat has missed her box.

I've no treats to share,
There's no money to spare
Our chickens were lost to the fox.

But in spite of all this,
Come have tea at my house.
You'll find rest, though all is amiss.

For we'll sit and be clever,
Drink Nilgiri tea and
Ignore the God-awful mess.

Then there were short teaisms throughout the book:

Take tea. Take a nap. Then conquer the world.

Tea is not the answer to life's problems,
it just helps you cope with them better.

Visit www.earlenegrey.com to learn more about her new book.