I've been gone, now I'm back, for a little while anyway

I've been away from here for a year, flirted with Facebook...found it to be fickle friend and realized today that I missed writing here. And there have been some remarkable things lately that need to be shared. Grace in small things that needed to be recorded...so I'm back for a while any way.

Grace in small things 05/31/2012
1. A white peacock at sunset
2. Tiny, sweet, amazing home grown strawberries that spoiled me for store bought
3. Seeing raccoon tracks...in town!
4. A black dragonfly like I have never seen before
5. The sound of hand bells by an unlikely chorus

I've been so many places in my life and time...

Here is a song for you...For Allegra, Andy, Stephanie, Sue and so many others who have asked...I'm fine. Don't know why I quit blogging, just did. But I'm fine...having lots of adventures... I've seen my beloved Leon twice in the course of 2 weeks! There have been trips in planes, trains and automobiles, tea parties and birthday parties. Memorials and celebrations, letting go and grabbing hold of friendships...been to the Roller Derby, saw a Neon Boneyard, hiked up to the mountain top, been to a desert very different than the one I claim as home. It's a fine life and it's my life and I'm sorry I have been remiss in sharing with you. I appreciate your concerns and checking up on me. Truly, I'm fine and did I mention that I've seen Leon twice since I've been here? Standing in front of that tour bus...I was 19 again...he is still the sexiest man alive...after 40 years and seeing tons of his concerts...I remain devoted. So see, I'm better than fine! Oh and I turned another year older and deeper in debt...wait, that's a whole other song!

Grace in small things...01-05-2011

It's been a really sucky day so it seemed important to find these:
A small fingernail sliver of a moon shining outside my window
Amazing shadows everywhere I looked this morning
Knowing that a life well lived, in a small and simple way, will always be celebrated by those that love her
There is comfort in routine and pleasure in breaking those routines
and
Knowing I am loved makes sucky days less miserable

Grace in small things...01-04-2011 as the year begins...

click on the pictures to see them in more detail...

in a freak snow storm today,
we had blue skies and snow flakes...
I am grateful I got to see it!

we all raced around trying to capture the magic of this weird snow...
that was melting as it fell, I am grateful for co-workers who get it

the sun came out and the snowflakes danced in front of it...for a little while...
I am grateful for the warmth!

The day started out really cold...
in fact it's been really cold for days now and believe it or not...
I am grateful for socks

and most of all this week, I am grateful I came across Brene Brown and this remarkable video...
I'd seen the link a few times before but now is when I needed it so this is when it came to me and I am thinking that my word for 2011 just might have to be...
connection

Grace in small things...12-31-10 as the year ends...

there are more exciting adventures just ahead...today it was the Bodies Exhibit!

things are not always as they seem

those crows! even more come every day...my neighborhood must have that mark because they are every where...I feel so fortunate they let me close enough to photograph them

amazing sunrises...unbelievable light

flaming desserts in the company of good friends - and no, I did not eat any of those bananas... they were quickly moved to the other side of the plate!

It's been a year of extremes...
the death of one of the best people I know...the birth of a darling baby boy
really good times with my family...really bad time in the hospital
learning to appreciate an old friend in a new way...and finding out someone I thought didn't have a mean bone in their body could be incredibly cruel

I look forward to the new year as a time of
healing,
growing,
adventure,
connections,
interesting times with old friends,
enjoying new friends and
learning to live my small but deep life to the best of my ability

I wish for you
kindness,
joy,
compassion,
balance,
everything you want the year to be and
even some surprises to keep it interesting!

smooches my friends...smooches!

"Luna"tics need to come together for Allegra

For my dear Allegra...http://corazon.typepad.com/recuerda_mi_corazon/2010/12/a-wing-and-a-prayer.html

Grace in small things...12-24-10

1. Atomic baby Jesus in a pulsating bed.

2. Time to reflect

3. A still amazing moon

4. Sharing the Christmas Eve tradition with new friends and seeing it through their eyes...New Mexico really is a cool, kitschy place to live!

5. Time spent in the company of people who care about the same things I do...and getting and giving prezzies!!