A walking meditation

It is a lovely day in early spring with the promise of warmer days to come. I went walking, the same two mile stretch I've walked dozens of times over the years.

In 1994 when my oldest was home from college for the summer, we got up at 6 a.m. each morning and walked together. We continued our walks until her wedding in 1996.

By then second daughter had joined us, and walking wasn't enough. She wanted to run, training for field hockey. We walked and jogged those early summer mornings until her wedding day in 2000.

Now if I walk I am usually alone. But I like the silence. Sometimes I'm lost in thought, sometimes I see my surroundings. I always notice my favorite tree, standing regally, alone against the sky.





One year for Christmas my daughter gave me a framed collage of this tree in the four seasons.

Today I paused at the entrance of my neighbor's driveway. Gretchen, 63, lived many years with Parkinsons disease. She, too, used to walk in the early mornings and we often passed one another in the darkness just before dawn. Later, when she could no longer manage those walks, I would see her in her flower garden, watering, tending each bed with loving care.

Today I stood before a dead winter wreath hanging on the fence. It seems to speak of the recent experience within those gates, for Gretchen died the end of February.





Who will tend your gardens now?

The hint of new life is all around. Snow drops and crocuses are blooming, daffodils are budding and tulips are growing. The pussy willow bush is covered in luxurious fur. Robins and bluebirds are here in abundance, and the goldfinch is getting it's bright yellow coat.

Death and life, always present.

Something new

I downloaded a program to blog and post pictures from my phone. This is my first try. If it works I'll have the option of blogging while on the road.

I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not!

Last week when the weather brought hopes of spring, Larry got out the barrel "train". It is a favorite activity for the grandkids. And we think Larry enjoys it as much as they do!



The engineer . . .




Lily




Jade




Colby




Logan

Saturday morning project

Larry and Levi ran the wood splitter.

Reuben and Judah moved the wood.

Everyone helped to stack. This is Max.

The finished project! We'll be warm next winter.

Little treasures on earth

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21



The children were all home on Saturday. Four children + four spouses + thirteen little ones = delightful chaos. We are blessed beyond measure.

There's something about the Tao . . .

I've been reading from the Tao te Ching again lately (by Lao-Tzu, Stephen Mitchell translation.) There is something about this text that inspires me, draws me, resonates deep within me.

I'll include one of my favorite quotes:

"Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue."

Perhaps it speaks so clearly because I can ponder it without hearing other voices from my past telling me what it means. That's what makes Bible reading so difficult for me . . . I still have trouble reading it without playing re-runs of all those harsh and authoritative interpretations that caused me such inner turmoil the first half of my life.

The Tao (the Way) is not a religion, but a way of being, a way of living in the world. And it doesn't seem so far removed from the way of the Wisdom Jesus, (which is the title of another great book, by Cynthia Bourgeault).

One of my friends referred me to the Tao-based writing by Dr. Wayne W. Dwyer. Though a lovely book, some reviewers were critical of his posh lifestyle which seemed a bit contrary to the way of the Tao. So, instead, I picked up The Tao of Willie, by Willie Nelson with Turk Pipkin.

What a great find! It's the Tao-like wisdom and philosophy of Willie, delivered in crusty, earthy language, peppered with humor and jokes and personal experiences. It's a not-too-thick paperback, very short chapters, easy and entertaining reading. Who would have thought that a book containing so much wisdom and common sense could be so much fun?

Where have I been?

Oh, my! Nearly a year has gone by since last I spent any time here. A full work schedule has seen me traveling to and fro across the state. Our growing family fills my at-home time. Three new grand babies since Thanksgiving!


Twin boys, Ori and Gideon, were born by emergency c-section Thanksgiving night. That they and their mama are alive and well, we are more grateful than words can tell.

Tyler joined the family just before Christmas. His mama has begun a professional photography business. Her work with infants, children and families can be seen on her web site.


This is the design of my mass greeting sent in January. The greeting read as follows:

To friends and family scattered near and far
Since last we wrote, how quickly time has passed!
You’re in our thoughts, we wonder how you are
And what’s transpired since we heard from you last.
‘Most everyone we know was glad to see
The end of year two thousand eight, a time
Of tumult, crisis and uncertainty.
We hope for change, new rhythm and new rhyme
The whole world ‘round. Now turning closer home,
We want to send a note, an update brief.
Our days are oft routine, and miles we roam
With ET work. It’s presently our chief
Means of support, but goals and interests change.
New plans emerge for life “home on the range.”


We’ve ordered grapes to plant, a tractor’s bought.
Springtime will bring a vineyard to the hill.
We’ll see if all that Larry has been taught
Can transform hobby into a new skill.
Besides our work we took a trip or two.
We went to Wichita for family fun,
A happy gathering of the Headings crew.
Then back in Kansas e’er the year was done,
To play with friends in the AETA,
While getting needed credits for CE.
Two weddings gave us chance to get away
To Texas and New York, more friends to see.
Our family grows and changes. Can it be
That by year-end we numbered twenty-three?

First Fran and Steve: one project for the year
Was finishing their basement, quite a feat
Enabling them to spread some Christmas cheer
By hosting family dinners. That was neat.
Another goal was reached when Steve obtained
A car wash which he tends with obvious care.
Her ER work plus parenting remained
The focus of Fran’s days. No time to spare!
The news from Reuben’s family came in twos
Yes, twins, two precious baby boys arrived.
Emergency C-section we’d not choose
But with thanksgiving we say all have thrived
And are adjusting to a house of boys.
The days are filled with active, joyful noise!

There’s baby news from Scott and Sarah, too.
A son was born December twenty-one.
This little fellow, name of Tyler Drew,
Came just in time to join the Christmas fun.
The economic madness came too near.
Scott lost his job, an unexpected blow.
We pray that new direction becomes clear
For him and several other folks we know.
Son Nathan and his family have returned
To Lancaster. They readily will tell
About their sojourn and the lessons learned.
It’s good to have them back and doing well.

This greeting ends with wishes most sincere
That love, good health and peace will grace your year.

Up next: Comments about books I've read recently . . .