I see the world through rose colored glasses. Always have. Always will. In my world there is always a way. Always a possibility. Always a dream to come true. Yes, there are those who doubt my intentions. Those who say nay. Days and moments where I become haunted by others truths or negativity… temporarily. I am naive. But inherent in my naivety is my own truth. That all things are possible. That good always wins. That bad passes after leaving a path of destruction. That the sun will rise every day and the moon will rise every night.
There is a story about a market. In the market, a man left his ox in the middle of the road. The ox caused anxiety and frustration because it blocked the street. Then the Zen Master appeared and everyone was happy for surely the Zen Master would solve the problem. Just as quickly the Zen Master disappeared. Everyone was dissapointed. Soon he appeared again down the street. He chose to move past the obstacle by going around it. The ox did not stop him. He did not engage with the ox or the owner. He simply chose another path. Sometimes in life, you just have to move past the drama without creating more drama.
I am not smart but I have earned a little wisdom along the way. I care about others. I want to help make the world a better place. My day today led me out of my comfort zone of naive bliss and the wonder of possibilities into drama. As I write, I am centered again.
Life happens. Life is Good.
This is how it started out. “Gosh darn it, I have to go out and rake leaves. What a thankless job and complete waste of time”. Grabbed my new rake, and got to work. This is boring and my arms hurt. When all of sudden, I stopped and listened. The wind was blowing gently. The leaves were rustling. The sun was shining. It was warm, breezy and absolutely the most gorgeous of days. The word GRATITUDE permeated my whole being. And suddenly I got it. Be thankful Cathy. You have a home and yard with trees, without which, you would not be raking. The leaves provide jobs (yes, believe it or not in Grosse Pointe we have
city employees who drive a leaf vacuum truck that literally sucks up leaves off the street). The leaves make the fall the most beautiful time of the year…the colors are amazing. Leaves provide shade in the summer. Photosynthesis. Life. I am healthy and able to work. What a blessing to be out raking leaves on a gorgeous day. When I finished the front yard I decided to reward myself with a photo session 
and then it was time to tackle the waves of leaves in the back yard. But this time I went out with a smile. Leaves are my friend. Leaves are my friend.
The next time I feel burdened by a “thankless” chore, I’m going to turn it into a time of gratitude. It’s amazing how feeling deeply grateful and thankful for and keenly aware of all the blessings I have makes all the difference in the world. Life is a blessing, and even the most mundane of chores have their charm.
As always…have a great day and feel the ATTITUDE of GRATITIDE!!!!!
Hi. Today I’m Dorothy. Well, figuratively and perhaps even literally. The Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie. The wonder of creativity, the paradox. Characters that nestle into your heart and live on forever. The journey to truth that never ends yet always ends in your own back yard.
What is it about the yellow brick road that captivates audiences both young and old? Is it the naivety of Dorothy? The truth seeker in the Scarecrow? The passion and insecurity of the Lion? The vulnerability of the Tin Man? The ego-maniacal wicked witch? The shadows within the truth and the joy of the ride? The intoxication of the poppies? Every single moment has found expression through me at one time or another in my life. Toto, ever loving, ever faithful, ever loyal. Is that a dog or what?
Today when I reflect on this movie I know I have found my truth. I have travelled the long spiritual journey seeking truth when all the while the truth I sought was inside my own heart…in my own backyard. And it’s so simple, so not complicated, at least my truth that is. What is my truth? That there is something, an energy, a spirit, a God, greater than me yet is me at the same time. A paradox that took a long time to know, realize, accept. All I ever have is the current moment, which through personal responsibility I must use wisely. My choices now are my future. Live with a pure heart, extend kindness, and refrain from judgement. Forgive. Believe. Do. Find and live my passion. And that’s really all it is. And all those things I have inside, in my own back yard.
And now, I’m off to follow my yellow brick road, wherever it leads me today. The land of Oz? Sure.
Peace.
1962. Bob Dylan. I was five. I really believed that you could hear answers blowin’ in the wind. Born a flower child, my affinity with the 60’s was quite natural. When I was five, my best friends were the willow and maple trees in our yard. The wind blowing gently through their leaves spoke to me. When I was five it never occurred to me that my imagination, aka my reality, was not everyone’s reality. That my imaginary friends were not “real”. But then again, that was the 60’s, and anything seemed possible in the 60’s. In the 60’s we had hope. We believed in miracles. I mean, I remember vividly July 20, 1969. John Glenn walked on the moon for God sakes. Amazing stuff happened in the 60’s. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AugEwVn24tM When I was in 6th grade I got a guitar for Christmas. I taught myself how to play. When I was in 7th grade I started teaching guitar lessons to 7 and 8 years olds, and this was the first song they learned to play. There I was, a budding 13 year old entrepreneur making $30.00/hour back in the 60’s no less. “Those were the days, my friend, I thought they’d never end” - what ever happened to Mary Hopkin? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KODZtjOIPg Take a second to wander down memory lane and meet me in the tavern cuz oh my friends we’re older but no wiser for in our hearts our dreams are still the same!! Sorry, I get side-tracked reliving the 60’s.
Back in the day we all lived in a yellow submarine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFWlD5M9f_k and believed in utopia with child-like wonder. Then came Woodstock and everyone got high and bonded under the notion of anything is possible. Get by with a little help from our friends and the fortunate son http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ4QF45Vygw As I lamented earlier…those were the days.
And now my friends, we’re older, and I think wiser. Maybe a big group hug and spreading the love like we did back then would help this crazy tired world we’re living in. There’s an energy blowin’ in the wind (wind-power my friends??) could this be one of the answers to creating a more sustainable future??
Peace and love to all. I’m just feeling silly and high on life, cuz really, LIFE IS GOOD!! The answers, my friends, are blowin’ in the wind…the answers are blowin’ in the wind. Amen.
And I will leave you with an all time woodstock classic – There is ONLY ONE JOE COCKER!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQYDvQ1HH-E
A rose is a rose. A fragrant bouquet. A symbol of love and friendship. Timeless. Ageless. Beautiful from bud to bloom, from thorny stem to opulent petals. Elegant. Refined. Strong. Her armour of thorns so sharp as to draw blood if you dare to get too close. A juxtaposition in dominance and botanical splendor. The emperor and empress in one stem. Endurance. 150 plus species surviving 35 million years. A treasure.
I have always loved roses. I love the scent of roses in perfume and in the air from a bouquet. When I was out photographing some late fall blooms last evening, I became mesmerized with the thorns on the stems. Some were bright red, some glaringly unapproachable, like this one. I got as close as I could while conceding several snares in my sweater to get the right angle. I guess what strikes me most about roses is the balance of yin and yang. Masculine and feminine. Poise. Confidence. An inner beauty that 
goes beyond the tactile to nestle into the most intimate of memories in the mind and live on forever.
Every day seems to hold within it an endless stream of juxtaposition. Morning sun, evening moonlight and darkness. Sleep and waking activity. Joy and frustration from one moment to the next. You’re listening to your favorite song in the car and then someone cuts you off. Really, it’s just a matter of finding balance in the opposing energies. Taking a moment to breathe in the peace and let go of the thorns. A moment 
to “smell the roses”. I find peace when I get up close to a flower and it lets me peer into it’s soul. And that one moment, captured on film, becomes ageless. The sensual curve of the petals then witnessed again and again in the curves and folds in draperies, the soft drape in the cowel neck of a favorite cashmere sweater, fresh clean sheets out of the dryer before they are folded. Or consider this. The juxtaposition of the thorns against the softness of the petals as a table setting of fork, knife and spoon awaiting a fine meal. Sometimes I wonder if there would be a world to live in without opposing energies to create opportunities to grow. As I learn to find inner peace and happiness in a world of recession and depression, I know better times will come. History repeats itself.
And so has the rose in it’s journey of 35 million years. It has seen everything, literally. The beauty of the rose is ageless. Isn’t it kind of cool to think that our ancestors enjoyed the same fragrance, the same tactile appeal, the same respect, the same degree of joy upon experiencing a rose?
In closing, I’d like to share one last photo of a rose. The following photo is one of my favorite photos so far, and it is also one of my Dad’s favorites. Dad named this photo “The Last Waltz”. She waltzes alone, but she is not alone. I would like to think she is waltzing with her Creator who holds dear her dreams and wishes. The one greater than she, but “one” with her at the same time. Another juxtaposition beyond physical comprehension as it exists on faith alone. The greatest juxtapostion of all.
“Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right.” Henry Ford
I was at a luncheon today and had the pleasure of hearing Dan Mulhern speak. Dan is our First Gentleman in Michigan. This quote hit home for me, and I realized how true it is. Doubt and fear are our enemies in life, and contain within them the seeds for inertia and missed opportunities. I only know this because I have experienced it. Dan talked about opportunity in adversity. How to lead through example. He was very inspiring. And although I don’t agree with Jennifer on every issue, it was endearing to hear about their relationship and how they communicate. I was also intrigued about an observation he described that went like this. When we come into contact with someone, our energy either lifts, or dips afterwards. And ya know, it’s true. Some people naturally raise energy by their positive inner nature, and others leave us drained. For me, it’s the “can do” folks that energize me, and the “can’t do” I can do without. It’s easier to smile than frown. And a little laughter each day goes a long way towards ultimate health and happiness. Don’t get me wrong here. I have moments and days where I’d rather hide under my covers. And I’m guessing my passion and enthusiasm can be draining on folks at times. But in the long run, I know “I can do” what I’m called to do. Cuz if I don’t, I get that nagging sense that I can do more.
Keep it simple. Laugh each day. Wake up with a “can do” smile and get it done. Thanks Dan for inspiring me with your wit and great attitude.
The older I get, the more I want to scale back and simplify. I want to be free. Maintain a clear mind. De-clutter my clutter. Let go of what no longer serves my highest good. Being mindful. Every time I go down to Eastern Market, I stop to look at this rusty scale. It has such character. Such charm. Let it carry the weight I no longer need to carry. Actually, literally gotta let go of those extra 20 pounds. I find that consciously keeping my mind focussed on positive things or on nothing at all keeps me balanced. Music is always a great way to stay light, and has such a soothing effect on my soul. Drums. The heartbeat. Tones that resonate deeply. Melodies that make you sing in the car and tap your feet on the pedal. I am Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl!!
When I let go I let in light. When I laugh out load I breathe in joy. When I hug a friend I feel alive. When I scale back I feel lighter. It’s so simple really when you get it.
Let go. Let life in. Live.
This little cyclamen jumped into my basket at the market and insisted on coming home with me. How could I resist the tenderness inherent throughout this little plant? I took quite a few shots of this precious little pot of flowers, and fell in love with this one. The long curve of the stem reminds me of a baby giraffe or swan staying close to its mother. A newborn chincoteague pony. Or even a little cobra with its tongue out rising to the sound of a flute in a foreign market. The more I look at this picture, the more I see. And although my left brain knows that the white ball on the left is most likely a reflection on the lens, my right brain jumps to the conclusion that it is spirit orb or angel floating closeby infusing good vibrations. And then anytime I think of good vibrations I go back in time to the legendary Beach Boys and want to stand up and clap to their ageless song. Sounds, songs, images are so powerful in their ability to lift a spirit to a higher state when circumstances are otherwise. I wish there was a way I could attach sound or a song to my blogs…you’d be listening to the likes of “New York New York” “Good Vibrations” “Old Time Rock ‘n Roll” or “Walkin’ on the sun” “China Grove” – more than mood lifters for me – downright get up and dance songs!!
Today is a new day. A day of hope. A day of something great waiting to happen. Maybe my car radio will greet me with one of these songs. Who knows. Something great is on the horizon!! Happy day to all.
I immediately revert to childhood when I stumble upon a kaleidoscope. Not only do they mesmerize me, they fill me with wonder and delight. The colors continually forming infinite combinations of delightful patterns. Infinite possibilities. And really, life is like a kaleidoscope full of wonder, dreams, hopes and endless possibilities. It’s so easy to get caught up in the mire of responsibility, relationships, the mundane, the chores. Photography is my kaleidoscope. When I look throught the lens on the camera, I see things in a more colorful way. Endless compositions. The ability to tell a story in a single frame. I could not survive without creativity and art in my life. It’s my lifeline. My joy. My expression. My escape.
When I saw this flower, I saw a kaleidoscope. A rainbow. Comfort. A hand reaching out. The warmth of the sun. A lush green jungle. Hope. Inspiration. Rejuvination. A smile.
Rainbows. Kaleidoscopes. Crayola crayons (all 120 colors) and a blank piece of white paper. What do they have in common? Infinite possibilities. Let your creativity soar. Life is a journey of creative moments. With light and color, the world is a canvas, ready to explore. Enjoy!!
I am a firm believer that my destiny is both predetermined and influenced by my choices and the personal responsibilty I either assume or ignore. That said, I still believe in wishes coming true and that child-like wonder is a path to bliss. I revert to childhood everytime I see a fluffy dandelion. Blow on it, make a wish, and my wish will come true. Just looking at a picture of dandelion makes me wish. The older I get the more I crave simplicity. Peace. Good will. Those are some of my wishes. I choose not to waste my wishes on things because things come and go. They do not bring true happines. Maybe temporary pleasure. But in the end, all I truly wish for is health, peace and happiness for my family, my friends, the whole universe.
With Love,
Cathy
