Song of Thanks..

 Photo by:  Harvey Doerksen/US Fish and Wildlife Service

After gathering material for almost three years, today I gave my first workshop on "Coming Home to Mother Earth". We were a small group which blessed us with a deeper intimacy then we would have had with a larger group.  Folks were very open to all that we did and it was gratifying and deeply touching to hear their stories as they expanded their sense of family and received the love and wisdom of our sisters and brothers in the natural world.

For myself, I am glad that I finally took the risk of doing a workshop and look forward to sharing the experience with others.  Workshop isn't really the word I want to use to describe the experience, but it will do for now until a more explicit word is found.

Thank you Cardinal for choosing me today, and helping me see your many gifts. I loved getting to know you better!

ps: I was reminded by a friend's post on fb that this days experience was considered a "day of reflection" and that resonates with me much more than workshop.. So now I will speak in terms of offering a "Day of Reflection on Coming Home to Mother Earth!"

Warmth and nourishment..

image:A-ZAnimals.com

Thank you dear sheep for giving us the warmth of your wool and the nourishment of your body.  I want to keep your gifts in mind as we hear more about you in our Christmas Stories.  Often you and your gifts go unnoticed.

If I were you...how willing would I be to give so much to those who may not even notice or appreciate my gift..??  Yet.. you remind me that we can become more aware of you and your gifts to us.. and in being aware also more grateful. 

Your family members gather in flocks in order to protect the more fragile from predators and to protect the flock as a whole because you are stronger as a group than when you are separate.

During this Christmas Season may we find small and large ways to offer warmth and nourishment to all of our sisters and brothers..and as we gather with friends and family to pray and celebrate may we be renewed in our love and support for one another.

Today and each day.. Let's find ways to reach out to the more fragile and vulnerable of our family members and give them that same warmth,  nourishment and  support of  "the flock".

Thanksgiving continues....

image:beautifulfreepictures.com

I had a wonderful week with my sister as we shared Thanksgiving together.  We have so much to be Thankful for and we tried to make Giving Thanks a part of each wonderful day.  Thanksgiving was very relaxed as we didn't do a big meal this year. We had a "ribs" dinner from the Texas Rhode House that we brought home the night before Thanksgiving.   We relaxed, talked, watched the Macy's parade and took a nap in the afternoon!
With the Christmas Season upon us we want to have a Christmas that truly reflects the meaning of the Season and once again take the time to give Thanks for our many blessings and enjoy being with one another.  We're going to limit our gift giving and try to help a family in need.

 I truly want to enjoy each day and do simple things that can put a smile on someones face without breaking the budget.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could hear folks saying.. they are enjoying this wonderful time again, rather than "can't wait for it to be over" because of stress and fatigue.

Let's see just how powerful giving simple gifts can be in lifting someones spirits and bringing peace and joy to one another..!!! 

Some of the simple gifts for me include, holding doors open for each other, being patient in a long line, looking into the eyes of someone and smiling, saying thank you with a warm grateful heart, and telling those we love.. just how much we love and appreciate them.  Taking time to be with... for a cup of coffee or an ice cream sundae with friends and family. 

Playing games together!!  My sis bought an updated version of Monopoly and we are going to play when I go back for Christmas.

Thank you for the gift of you.. and enjoy giving the simple priceless gifts to one another!!