SOMEWHERE BETWEEN ASCETICISM AND HEDONISM IS ONE FINE MONK

A MARRIAGE BY R.S.THOMAS

We met
under a shower
of bird-notes.
Fifty years passed,
love’s moment
in a world in
servitude to time.
She was young;
I kissed with my eyes
closed and opened
them on her wrinkles.
‘Come,’ said death,
choosing her as his
partner for
the last dance. And she,
who in life
had done everything
with a bird’s grace,
opened her bill now
for the shedding
of one sigh no
heavier than a feather.


—R. S. Thomas

BEFORE YOU WERE A FAIRY GODMOTHER

Since children have 8 halloweens these days I needed to find another costume for Betty. She is going to be a butterfly this weekend and refused to wear any of her princess outfits because "those are dress up clothes. not costumes." So we headed down to Poppy's to go through her costume basket. And what did our little eyes spy? This little floral number circa 1988. And, of course, my little girlie girl was set on it from second one. I pleaded.

Me: What are you going to be in that dress?
Betty: A flower princess.
Me: You have 18 princess dresses at home.
Mom: Not floral ones...
Betty: I'm going to be a floral princess.
Me: No. No you're not. You're going to be a Menonite.
Mom: Bun, white socks, white tennis shoes. Perfect.
Me: Perfect. Menonite it is.

NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE PLAYLIST. PLAY ON.

FROM BAPTISM GOWN TO 'WEDDING DRESS' IN A HURRY

WHERE THE RED WINE AGES

I am 31. Another year has passed. Another incredible 365 days. I started an entry many days ago regarding the lessons I have learned this year. So many. So many lessons. So much change and growth. So many things I KNOW God had a hand in. He was in my heart. He has been swirling all around me this year.

Have faith. Know there is a plan for you. I have learned more about myself and life in general this year than all of my years combined. And I hope I can say that every year. A new depth. A new perception. A new life. A new layer. Faith. Trust.

Have forgiveness. I stood at the Trevi Fountain in Rome in January and tossed in two coins. One for my return to Rome and one for my heart's own wish: forgiveness. And throughout this year, I have finally realized, you are already forgiven. Before you even ask, you are granted mercy and compassion.

Let go. As I sit in wine country and gaze upon rows of ripe ready-to-be-harvested grapes, I am reminded of how much life will change. The course of our lives is never clear. You must experience the lows of the valleys to appreicate the highs of mountaintop. Life is such an amazing blessing. With each curvy turn, there is always a great surprise in store. There is always light, guidance, love.

Love yourself. Love yourself often and remember the gifts you give each and every day. Believe in the difference you make.

I am not perfect. Just another year older with a bit more wisdom and a true appreciation for renewal and knowing sometimes in order for gold to emerge brighter, stronger and more precious, it must go through fire.

BE KIND.
Recognize your worth.

Forgive others.

Do what makes you happy because you deserve it.

Never ever ever ever ever give up. And always always stop to smell the wine barrel.