CHANGE

Change is all around us and for the most part I think it is good. Some days change frustrates me, and yesterday was such a day. I had a few spare minutes and thought I would come and blog, I am trying to be more consistent. When I came to my page I was informed that I need to choose Goggle Chrome as my web browser, very annoying. It took time for it to load, and I had others things to do and never did get to post. 


I don't object to change when it really improve things, and maybe this will I haven't had time to check it out yet. I find, however too often these days, the reason for change is simply to change. To keep people checking for something new, or to force people to use programs, and items they wouldn't otherwise use. So when I have time I look forward to discovering how the "new look" improves and aids me in my blogging.


I have been trying without success, to be more consistent in my blogging. I have a lot of ideas I would like to share with my readers, and I would like to expand my readers so that I can have some interaction with them on some of my reflections. It seems as if the "reason for change" might be one of them.


I work every day with the elderly and their families and I realize the many questions and decisions that need to be made by all of us as we progress toward that stage of life. From the best way to invest money for retirement, choose a retirement community, and how to accept the decisions our elderly parents make for their life, health and death issues. Then there is the matter of downsizing, reducing clutter, and living simply that others might simply live.


I have my own issues as I move into the "wise woman" category. What does it mean to embrace this new stage in life, what emphasis do I place on the outer and the inner manifestations of this stage?


If that is not sufficient, I continue my research and am trying to gather into a whole my work on people, communities and institutions that reinvent themselves. As you can tell my mind doesn't slow down much, and add to that my work and family time and like everyone else on this planet twenty four hours whirls by! 


I didn't mean to gripe in this blog but I seems to have done so, and so I apologize, but my mind is a little clearer now that it is out there. Amazing how a simple change can send a person into orbit. So much for my daily "mindfulness" approach to life - peace of mind, and living in the moment are hard to maintain. Shalom friends, thanks for listening.  

Easter Transformation Cheer

Is there such a thing as “blogblock” if so I think I must have been going through it! I have been busy, but not really so busy that I could not have put my thoughts on paper. During the last few weeks I have avoided both my paper journal and my blog, not for any conscious reason, simply because when I have been before them I have gone blank. I’m not going to over think this, but find it curious!

One thing I was challenged to do for an upcoming event was a “Cheer”; the theme "Transformation." Since this is Easter weekend it seemed fitting to share it here.
Easter is indeed about the hope of transformation. We are reminded that at any moment in any day the circumstances and conversations can be a catalyst for change. To allow transformation to occur we must willingly open up to the moment. Resurrection reminds us that even the most tragic events can become powerful agents for change in us and the world. May this Easter event bring hopeful change to our world.

Transformation

At any age transformation begins in us and spreads to others.

            Turns life around

          Renews the spirit

          Awakens the heart

          Names truth

          Seeks options

          Forgives freely

          Opens community

          Respects others

          Maintains hope

          Advances peace

          Trusts God

          Inspires action

          One in Christ

          Now we begin!

May we have the courage to allow transformation in ourselves, our planet and the universe that we may see a new day of peace and sustainability.

AUTUMN

My window frames the leaves

Orange, red and gold

Swirling from the trees

They embrace death with beauty

- 2009

It has been so long since I blogged I can't believe it. We had a wonderful trip East visiting family and sights along the way. The fall colors were beautiful, in fact seemed much brighter and more varied than I ever remembered. I have never been a fan of fall color but age must be changing me because I have thoroughly enjoyed the subtle changes day by day.

The photo is from my balcony, the very spot that inspired the title of my blog. I spend as much time as possible observing and absorbing this view, it is a constant reminder of the fragility and complexities of our planet and the need to protect and nourish everything in our daily life.

Thursday I celebrated my 69th birthday, and am now officially beginning the Blog for my seventieth year. It seems important to me that I take stock of my life as I prepare to enter the next decade. I am choosing the discipline of reflection and contemplation during this year in hopes that I will live into the wisdom of my years. Too quickly they pass without mining all that is there of truth and blessing.

Fall can be a melancholy time, in fact it has never been my favorite season, but this year it has been rich and fruitful. Change is all around and I am trying to embrace it.