Winter Ballet Recital

Hubby and I had the pure pleasure 

of attending our sweet girlies' ballet recital this afternoon.

The class posing for us.

Our beauties are on the bottom row,

first and fourth.

Their teacher was making some opening remarks.

Showing us the steps they've learned.

All done!

Their surprise,

handmade with love.

.          *              .

Auntie Joy

Joy has been calling to me, offering her hand out to me for a good while now.

She's been showing up in unexpected places like winking at me from book pages, waving 

to me via song lyrics, and shimmering at me through photo prompts.

Charmed by being so whimsically wooed, a few weeks back I delightedly curtsied and 

accepted her warm invitation to be dance partners in 2018.

Grinning big because I stopped in a store yesterday on a whim and found her twinkling 

at me... again. 

So, of course, this will be my next journal.

Ok, Joy, you lead and I'll follow. 

💕💕

#AuntieJoy2018

.           *           .

Splendid Sunflowers

Sunflowers have been capturing my heart lately 

and it's been my absolute pleasure 

to accept their invitations to dance. 

I am coming to especially appreciate 

their patient encouragement 

to keep my face turned towards Grace, 

just like they do. 

🌻  ❤️  🌻  ❤️  🌻  ❤️  🌻  

.         *          .

June's Tree

A new month brings a new tree friend. 

I'm already smitten with 

this one's graceful invitation to dance. 

🌳      🌿     💚

.             *             .

Spring Ballet Recital

All ready for our sweet girls' spring ballet recital! 

💕

They did such a great job! 

💕

See their pretty flowers?

.         *         .

April Love :: Day 15 :: Dear Shadow

Dear Shadow,

We're dancing a lot these days, you and I, aren't we?

When reaching for my hand and pulling me to my feet, I can't help but notice that rather than the welcomed waltzes of my childhood with the soothing 1-2-3, 1-2-3 melodies, inviting whirls and twirls across the polished hardwood floor, and sweeping elegance, this music is foreign to me.

I'm not nearly as sure of myself or comfortable with the push/pull rhythm and staccato movements this new genre seems to require. 

While deeply painful at times, and sometimes I fear it's merely a hustle in disguise, when I get quiet and listen, I know in my heart of hearts that these dance lessons are important, too.

And so, as best I can, I stay with it.... I stay with you, a very real part of me with something crucial to teach me, both about myself and about life.

Some days the reality is that I'm just not up to your invitations to tango, preferring familiarity and comfort and I know that's ok. 

You are a wise, and fair teacher, willing to sit with me on the side for a while, offering me a cup of refreshing strawberry punch in a clear, crystal-cut glass while I catch my breath, patiently waiting until I am ready and willing to try 'er again, knowing that in truth? 

This is part of the dance of life as well.

While not always easy to be sure, I am grateful for your faithful partnering.

Blessed be.

❤️

#aprillove2016

#timetotellit

.             *            .

April Love :: Day 3 :: Dear Feet

I'm a 38-year bone cancer survivor 

and, because of the difference in length of my femurs, 

my dear feet haven't met the ground in the same way for 30+ years.

This photo captures and honors my unique standing position. 

Resting my left foot just so on my right foot, for balance

 I depend on my crutches and Grace.

Always Grace 

❤️

#aprillove2016

.           *            .

Dancin' Bunnies

This sweet pair danced their way into my heart years ago. 

Let you in on a little secret? 

It always brings a warm, joy-filled smile 

to think of them as darlin' hubby and me 

in bunny form.

.            *           .

Epiphany Blessings :: Abiding in a Moma's Love

Taking an intentional moment to bask 

(and Abide) 

(and trust) 

in my Moma's love on this Epiphany morning. 

❤️ 

She died 19 years ago today 

and, as my aunt commented then, 

it still brings me Peace 

to picture her dancing along behind the wise men 

(and women)

as they followed the star.

.            *              .

Our Sweet Ballerina

We both took the day off 

so we could watch our sweet ballerina's first ballet recital

Posing afterwards

We're so proud of her and love her very much.

.               *              .

Everyday Beauty :: Movement

Picnic vigil as the sun gracefully, slow dances her way to bed.

.            *            .

Thankful Tuesday

Today I am thankful for:

1.  This little lovely, a delightful surprise just waiting for me to come get the mail.

2.  Conversation with a wise, dear friend this morning, big-sister heart to big-sister heart.

3.  Room, permission, and kind support affirming me exactly where I am.  

4.  Mild, beautifully sunny spring day.

5.  Reaching out to ask for something I wanted and happily receiving a yes.

6.  Enjoyed watching "Dancing With the Stars" 10th anniversary show.

7.  Remembering how deeply inspired I've been by some of the contestants.  (Amy Purdy)

8.  Resting and relaxing in a picked up house.

9.  Being able to support and love a dear sister in a time of a health concern.

10.  Quiet day at work to piddle and putter when it was hard to concentrate.

11.  Reaching out for help again and leaving it be while I sleep tonight.

12.  While uncomfy, tears so close to the surface .... 

        ....there was a time when tears didn't come at all.    

13.  Simple supper made with leftovers and pantry ingredients.

14.  Soreness in neck and shoulders from new crutches has greatly subsided.

15.  Feeling sleepy before heading for bed.

16.  Rediscovering a cd on mothering at just the right time.

.            *            .

InstaAdvent 16 :: Winter Sport

Sunday we went to see a friend's daughter

dance as the Snow Queen in 

The Nutcracker.

She did a beautiful job and I felt so very proud of her.

The same day there was a hockey game

in another area of the venue.

(I'm glad we did what we did instead!  :) )

.        *         .

August Break 2014 - Day 9 - In my bag

Two friends tucked in my coin purse 

so that I see them 

every time I need change.  

The dancing lady is a gift 

from a wise one 

and the "angel" key 

reminds me to look 

for Grace's presence 

all around me.

.            *             .

Summer Picnic Dress Mandala

This mandala is my new favorite!

The daisy in the middle

Blue gingham - always a favorite!

Cheerful pink with white polka dots

and a country eyelet edging. . . 

all remind me of a something playful 

I might

make for myself.

Perhaps a lovely, flowing dress 

(the best kind!)

that could be worn 

to a picnic on a summer's day.

.               *               .

I am Perfectly Enough

Isn't she beautiful?!

A very dear friend and

cherished big-sister-of-my-heart

writes about how this lovely 

"climbed out of her pen"

here.

Smiling because 

she's just too wonderful 

not to share, 

don't you think?

<wink>

(If you do pass her along, 

please help me to 

honor Cate's request by linking

back to her post, ok?

Thank you!)

.           *             .

Thankful Tuesday

1.  Simple sunset patio supper on a lovely spring evening.

2.  Treat of having hubby home early.

3.  New-founded joy of working on poetry.

4.  A calm day at work.

5.  Some unexpected, very welcomed, timely insights at book group last night.

6.  Sweet little neighbor twins showing and sharing their artwork.

7.  Reading a wise book that resonates (Healing Through The Dark Emotions)

8.  Joyful seat-dancing to a song from the past, "Elvira" by the Oak Ridge Boys

9.  A new wave from Trust Tending called Centering, starting with a well, reminding me that my inner resources are deep.

10. Beautiful spring blooms popping out everywhere!

.      *      .

Practicing Hope-Dance Turns

Stunned

surprised

 ~ and hurt! ~

by just-noticed 

unfriending.

A quiet boundary?

No, probably more a wall.

I can certainly bang 

both head and hands

demanding entrance

night and day

or 

I can simply notice,

feel and honor my feelings

then gently turn towards faces

of sincere warmth 

and welcome.

What would be most nourishing?

While not easy,

yes, I already know.

(And already started practicing 

these tricky True-Hope dance turns)

Please help me?

Yes, dear girl, 

we see you,

we love you,

and

we are here.

Remember, our love, 

that you are Enough

~ exactly as you are ~

in. this. moment.

.     *     .

Let it Be

It's not a matter of letting go -

you would if you could.

Instead of 'Let it go,'

we should probably say

'Let it be'.

~John Kabot-Zinn

I love this quote so much.  It feels affirming and like supportive nourishment.

So rather than letting go of false hopes, perhaps I can focus on letting them be as I join in the dance with authentic and real Hope.

Yes,

.      *      .

An Ode to the Fellas

Faithful crutch friends,

Ernie and Bert,

always there, 

ever alert.

Trusted companions,

lifelong support.

Devoted foundation,

securely escort.

Dancing our own

the fellas and me.

If it weren't for them

where on earth would I be?

.