...one still frame...

...texture tuesday...

2012-01-31T17:46:00.002-05:00

kim klassen-simplicity texture.

it's Texture Tuesday

awareness that focuses entirely inward,

into the mind,

the spirit,

and the self,

while failing to give due attention

to the wonders of nature and the universe,

is merely a partial experience.

to travel onward we need to go joyfully

out into the world

as well as deep in the

recesses of our being.

1,001 ways to live in the moment

just BE.

robin.

...the music...

2012-01-30T22:11:00.002-05:00

kim klassen: annabelle texture

august rush

close my eyes.

every time.

every time.

i get lost in this music.

i am listening.

my heart is soaring.

i am listening.

just BE.

robin.

...1.29.12...

2012-01-29T11:52:00.002-05:00

“those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”
~Bernard Baruch

for paula s.

“we're so quick to cut away pieces of ourselves

to suit a particular relationship,

a job, a circle of friends,

incessantly editing who we are until we fit in.”

― Charles de Lint

i think fitting in is highly overrated.

i’d rather just fit out...

fitting out means being who you are,

even when people insist that you have to change.

fitting out means taking up space,

not apologizing for yourself,

and not agreeing with those who seek to label you with stereotypes.”
― Golda Poretsky

i had.

much typed here.

that i let the delete button remove.

what i will say.

is.

when the layers of family and friends.

peel away.

the true layers stay.

so stay true to yourself.

enjoy who you are.

enjoy life.

this is it.

this is all we got.

i choose to make the most of the ride.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...leaves you all the parts you enjoy...

2012-01-28T10:38:00.001-05:00

this is a machine that takes your life

& does all the hard parts

& leaves you all the parts you enjoy

& almost everyone discovers they're not the parts

you'd think they were at first glance

~storypeople

it's a very, snowy

blowy day today.

i believe it may be

a creative juices flowing day.

a day of

my hands wrapped around my cup

of coffee day.

while i am wearing my

warm pj 's day.

enjoying the talents of the people on this

screen in front of me day.

i will be heading to shadow land.

for yummy sun and shandows.

then to my fellow participants

in beyond layers.

later...

as the snow settles.

i will take a walk outside.

and witness it's beauty

through.

my.

lens.

enjoy your day.

just BE.

robin.

beyond layers-week two

2012-01-26T19:41:00.001-05:00

texture by kim: just stitched

this week's challenge.

week two.

'beyond layers'

think of a single word .

mood.

or thought.

and then seek out to create a photo around your theme.

those of you.

who have sat with me here.

know.

that my word is.

BE.

i am a broken record.

but i will BE.

despite how hard the world tries to knock that out of me.

i wear this necklace every day.

at times.

it requires.

taking this necklace.

into my grasp.

i close my eyes.

i take that next breath in.

i find that space.

where i am true to myself.

and then.

the next breath.

out.

leads to.

breathing in the clean air of possibilities.

just BE.

robin.

...texture tuesday...

2012-01-24T08:42:00.001-05:00

for a bigger photo you can see it here

today is texture tuesday.

you can see more lovelies

at kim klassen

the texture included in this photo

was cracker jack.

i love old mirrors.

especially ones that come from

medicine cabinets.

this one hangs on it's side.

in my dining room.

it has it's own

cracker jack effect.

i love working with texture.

please visit kim's site.

and enjoy all it's dreaminess.

and as always...

just BE.

robin.

...i am, i said...

2012-01-23T18:12:00.003-05:00

i am, i said. and smiled

SMITH is the home of Six-Word Memoirs^© and a vibrant community of storytellers.
Explore story projects, write your story & share it with friends.

Share a story with us

today our wonderful, soul expander,

kim klassen

'beyond layers' ecourse

shared with us the

six-word memoirs at

smith magazine.

originally, she was taking us

in a different direction.

but she saw something,

that caught her eye...

on the O magazine.

kim believes...

"things don't just happen by accident".

(oh how i love this girl.)

i love this.

i just wanted to share.

so.

check out the website.

share a story with us-just takes you to the smith magazine site.

what is your six-word memoirs?

leave it in a comment here if you'd like.

but, just write it down.

what do you have to lose?

here is another one from me.

may the music inside never stop.

just BE.

robin.

...1.22.12...

2012-01-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

Is there a dividing line between right and wrong?

If so, where is it at, and how can I find it?

Because it seems to be so subjective

Many are confused and argue where it lies

But whenever a choice arises between

Right and wrong, what we should and should not do

We intuitively know the choice we should make

Because it has to do with the signals we see

There’s a light always shining from everyone’s eyes

Always available if we choose to look

Providing us info to their current needs

Letting us know how we may be of service

Here is the fundamental question at hand—

Do we serve them or do we serve ourselves?

This is the difference between right and wrong

Self-aggrandizement versus love towards others

Do we do it for praise, reward, or glory

Or is it for the benefit of others?

Do we do it to feel better about ourselves

Or does it serve a purpose in society?

Could it be for self-justification?

Do we do it to ease our own burdens?

What about for self-gratification?

Could it be to appease our own egos?

Do we like ourselves in doing the task

Or do we enjoy the task for its purpose?

Because if our choices do not serve others

We can be sure we’re serving ourselves

Remember that people are always the ends

And should never be employed for the means

Because if people are utilized that way

We’re using them as pawns for own purposes

The key isn’t always to do the right thing

But to have the right motive behind the action

Any time justification pops up

We can be sure our hearts are not right

Any time a wrong decision we make

We feel that gnawing sensation in our soul

We then have to lie to ourselves to feel OK

To prove to ourselves our decision is right

Because in our own minds we would never choose

A wrong decision knowing we’re at fault

Self-deception and lies always accompany

Those choices so we can put our conscience at ease

These are the indicators between right and wrong

Do we live in tension and discomfort

Or do we feel free with a clear mind and pure heart?

One path leads to remorse, the other to joy

If right decisions we consistently make

We will trust ourselves and others will too

Because the worst feeling to have inside

Is when we can’t even trust the choices we make

–Jason Westlake

i am glad .

that i found this poem.

today.

i breathe in the word choices.

and let it resonate.

and breathe out the word.

wrong.

and i choose.

to let go and let God.

for His grace will provide the outcome.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...special balancing trick...

2012-01-21T09:52:00.002-05:00

this is a special balancing trick that requires a small child to stay completely still (so it's still only theoretical)

~storypeople

the temp is currently a balmy 6 degrees.

but at least there is beautiful sun for today.

this shot is taken from one of my

kitchen windows.

it started snowing...

and it really hasn't stopped.

we got a new snow blower in december...

i enjoy using it so much

i think i could clear out a path

the size of a football field.

ah winter.

i will find some way to enjoy you...

even if only

through my camera lens.

let's go find some more shadow shots.

shadow shot Sunday 2

have a wonderful day.

just BE.

robin.

...simplicity...week one

2012-01-19T18:54:00.003-05:00

week one...beyond layers.

"keep it simple"...she said.

i knew that i liked her.

kim klassen.

the texture.

she named 'awaken'.

my composition.

...enough time...

enough time to.

be creative.

daydream.

breathe in the clean air of possibilities.

smile.

week one.

i think.

i am .

in love already.

just BE.

robin.

...1.15.12...

2012-01-15T10:39:00.000-05:00

Of course I hang on tight, she said.

You can't believe the kind of stuff that happens when you let go.

~storypeople

i am so excited!!

tomorrow i start a 52 week journey.

a creative journey with kim klassen.

the last two photos today

have texture added to them.

compliments of kim's talent.

i tend to prefer my photos

straight out of the camera.

but.

i am.

stepping outside of the box.

my tight grip is lessening.

just imagine the possibilities that lie ahead.

just because of letting go.

breathe in.

open the door.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...and the snowman smiles...

2012-01-14T09:21:00.001-05:00

Snowmen fall from Heaven, Some assembly required

Beautiful feathery flakes of snow

Over the woodland and field they go

Making a blanket so warm and deep

Over the flowers that lie asleep

the time of snow has arrived.

the area schools called a snow day yesterday.

mainly so they could have a four day weekend?

or maybe because it was jan.13th

in michigan

and we just now had a snowfall that amounted

to something.

at this stage in the game...

i , dare say, it's pretty.

but...at this stage in the game...

it's january

spring is right around the corner!!!

yah!!

so for now...

let's go bask in some sun.

shadow shot Sunday 2

just BE.

robin.

...lighting a match in a dark room...

2012-01-11T18:02:00.000-05:00

Dwelling on the unimportant, stressing on the unintended, and freaking over the unknown,

simply doesn't work... and is a bit like lighting a match in a dark room to make sure no one accidentally

sprinkled any gunpowder on your bicycle, which is kept under the stairs, near the back porch.

Actually, some of that wasn't really important, but hopefully it distracted from any stigma you

may have attached to freaking over the unknown.

~Notes from the Universe

live for the moment.

because you don't know about tomorrow.

fifty-two degrees and sunshine today.

tomorrow...

winter storm warning.

ya just never know.

just BE.

robin.

...1.8.12...

2012-01-08T10:18:00.000-05:00

a snippet from

ordinary sparkling moments

by christine mason miller

"when you are standing

at the bottom of a mountain

that you have no choice but to climb,

taking one day at a time is

the only thing that matters.

it is the only way you will reach

the top of that mountain,

the only way you will find your

way through the darkness.

it is solid.

it is reliable.

it is like the rising of the sun everyday-

it is something you might not take

much time to notice,

but it is always there,

a reminder that each new day

holds endless possibility."

oh, i know.

excuses are many.

we all have them...

and play that card often.

that's what baby steps are for.

forget that it's eight days into the new already.

today is the first day.

i have had many "first days of the rest of my life"

let go and let God.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...just in case...

2012-01-07T09:35:00.001-05:00

i was never good at hide

& seek because i'd always

make enough noise so my

friends would be sure to

find me. i don't have

anyone to play those games

with any more, but now &

then i make enough noise

just in case some one is

still looking & hasn't

found me yet.

~storypeople

how freeing

to make a snow angel.

this is a photo from

a couple years back.

but i do remember

i enjoyed making it.

laughing from the depths of your soul is cleansing.

try it.

maybe today.

and when you are done.

let's go find some more shadows.

shadow shot Sunday 2

i don't have enough snow today

for an angel.

but i bet i can go outside and kick up my heels

in delight that there is no snow.

and laugh.

a really good.

laugh.

just BE.

robin.

...ordinary...

2012-01-02T18:50:00.001-05:00

seeing things in the ordinary.

getting down to its level.

studying it.

pulling the camera to my eye.

looking through the lens.

taking a leap of faith.

and shooting.

it is that simple to me.

i am that simple.

i don't need big and flashy.

that has never been me.

i am a warm soft breeze that carries the dandelion wisp.

i am the robin that comes in december and sings it's song as beautifully

as it does in the spring.

i am a stream that gently flows over the rocks making its

rough edges smooth.

i am the butterfly floating to the vibrant flower petal.

i am the note that lingers in the air after a powerful song.

i am.

i will always...

just BE.

robin.

...1.1.12...

2012-01-01T09:48:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

"This is your LIFE.

Do what you love.

and do it often.

If you don't like something.

Change it.

If you don't like your job. Quit.

If you don't have enough time. Stop watching TV.

If you are looking for the love of your life. Stop.

They will be waiting for

you when you start doing things you love.

Stop over analyzing.

All emotions are beautiful.

When you eat.

Appreciate. Every last bite. Life is Simple.

Open your mind. Arms and heart to new things and people.

We are united in our differences

. Ask the next person you see what their passion is

and share your inspiring dream with them.

Travel often; Getting lost will help you find yourself.

Some opportunities only come once. Seize them.

Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them

so go out and start creating.

Life is short.

Live your dream and wear your passion."

-The Holstee Manifesto

on the last day of 2011.

the robins came.

i can't even begin to

describe how happy this made me.

i stood out in the field

listening.

taking their chorus in.

breathing in their sound.

to keep it with me.

til spring.

it was exactly what i needed for the last day of 2011.

i welcome 2012

with open arms.

it does not matter what 2012 brings.

all that matters is that i live each day to the fullest.

bringing my A game everyday.

celebrating the moments.

the rest will be as it should be.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...auld lang syne...

2011-12-31T09:27:00.000-05:00

The Anglicized version of 'auld lang syne', which means old long-since or old long-ago.

Origin

The phrase has been a commonplace in Scots for centuries and isn't far removed from the English 'once upon a time'. Of course, the best-known use of the phrase is Robert Burns' poem Auld lang syne, the words of which are sung in English-speaking countries around the world each New Year's Eve, to a tune that Burns said he transcribed from an old man's singing of it.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin’ auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin’ auld lang syne.
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gies a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie-waught,
for auld lang syne.
Burns' version builds on earlier works. Poems and songs with somewhat similar text have been found dating back as far as anonymous ballad in the Bannatyne Manuscript of 1568. Another version, the first that contains a form of the 'auld lang syne' phrase, is attributed to the courtly poet Sir Robert Ayton (1570-1638).
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never thought upon,
The flames of love extinguished,
And freely past and gone?
Is thy kind heart now grown so cold
In that loving breast of thine,
That thou canst never once reflect
On old-long-syne

Shadow Shot Sunday 2

another year

will soon be rolling in.

can't help but

be happy.

we've been blessed with another year.

remember when the year 2000

seems so far away.

and we danced in 1983 to

party like it's 1999.

welcome 2012.

i've been waiting for you.

just BE.

robin.

...and above all...

2011-12-26T20:39:00.001-05:00

wallpaper.

you may use.

if you so choose.

for the up coming year.

blessings.

just BE.

robin.

...after glow...

2011-12-26T10:06:00.001-05:00

our Christmas snow...

basking in the warmth

that is family.

just BE.

robin.

...12.25.11...

2011-12-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

Out in the fields,

an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds

who were tending their flocks of sheep by night.

The angel announced that the Savior

had been born in the town of David.

Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings

appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God.

As the angelic beings departed,

the shepherds decided to travel to

Bethlehem and see the Christ-child.

Merry Christmas.

may the promise of Christmas

find it's way.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...frees you to be wonderful...

2011-12-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

rising above our emotions

helps us to keep our hearts pure,

so that we can spread love and compassion more generously,

without compromise or complication.

love is usually associated with warmth,

and selfishness with coldness,

so this may seem surprising.

but relishing your own emotions

keeps your warmth to yourself,

whereas observing them with detachment

frees you to be wonderful.

~1,001 way to live in the moment

Shadow Shot Sunday 2

wishing you all the blessings of the season.

just BE.

robin.

...12.18.11...

2011-12-18T11:20:00.001-05:00

perhaps a little chatty today... ;-)

as my birthday draws nearer...

from simple abundance:

a daybook of comfort and joy

by sarah ban breathnach

..."i've reached a point where i'm not really

big on major birthday gatherings,

but i do need to distinguish the

birth day of my life in special ways from the rest

of the calendar."...

..."so i have created by own birthday ritual

to help me commemorate the year

just past while invoking illumination

for the year to come."

(she talks of the rituals she goes through...

a bath, lighting candles, looking at photographs)

..."next i ask for a birthday gift that

only the Giver of Good can bestow:

to conceive a wonderful new dream or plan:

to realize a dream delayed;

to overcome an old fear

or be released from an old pain;

to experience a new freedom;

to discover a new strength;

to find a new friend;

to achieve a long-sought goal;

to reach toward a new aspiration;

to overcome a new challenge.

i sip a glass of champagne, then slowly open a beautifully wrapped

gift from my authentic self.

and of course,

it's the perfect present."...

..."many people who love you will try,

but no one can celebrate your birthday exactly

the way you need for it

to be observed.

that's because no one really knows the

year you've just completed;

no one else lived it."...

(there are so many wonderful words of wisdom...

but i will leave you with this...)

..."every birthday, not just the ones marking

a new decade, is a significant milestone.

every age brings with it three hundred sixty-five

REAL LIFE lessons.

"we turn, not older with years, but newer every day,"

emily dickinson reassures the birthday girl in all of us.

and that's certainly something

worth celebrating in grand style.

so: happy birthday! happy birthday to you!

i've got a good feeling that this coming year

is going to be your best yet.

Heaven knows you deserve it."

soon.

i will be celebrating forty-seven years.

thanks for spending coffee hour with me.

i look forward,

not to the year to come...

but to day by day.

and to be blessed with moments.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...the stuff you believe in...

2011-12-17T09:40:00.000-05:00

can you prove any of the stuff you believe in?

my son asked me

& when i said that's not how belief works,

he nodded

& said that's what he thought

but he was just checking to make sure

he hadn't missed a key point.

~storypeople

storypeople.

they did it to me again.

i love the key point for this time of year!!

the leaf was

creating a pattern as it

floated across the deck snow

this morning.

just had to capture it's

tiny shadow.

HEY HARRIET

tracy is hosting for her last weekend.

come on over and check it out.

hoping for a lovely, stress-free-

people being kind and considerate,

kind of shopping day with my husband.

"never underestimate the power

and potential

of the human spirit"

just BE.

robin.

...12.11.11...

2011-12-11T10:16:00.001-05:00

God bless the world!!!

today.

i was thinking of this...

"they were all so happy they could hardly speak at first.

they just looked with shining eyes at those

lovely Christmas presents.

but laura was happiest of all.

laura had a rag doll.

she was a beautiful doll.

she had a face of white cloth with

black button eyes.

a black pencil had made her eyebrows,

and her cheeks and her mouth were

red with ink made from pokeberries.

her hair was black yarn

that been knit and raveled

so that it was curly.

she has little red flannel stockings

and little black cloth gaiters for shoes,

and her dress was pretty pink and blue calico.

she was so beautiful that laura could not say a word."

"laura sat down on the edge of her bed

and held her doll.

she loved her red mittens and she loved the candy,

but she loved her doll best of all.

she named her charlotte."

from little house in the big woods

~laura ingalls wilder

my grandpa arden.

is in one of the photos.

my grandpa herman and

my grandma byers

are represented by the bird ornaments.

as they were from my grandma.

i loved reading the laura ingalls wilder books

when i was growing up.

how simple life was back then.

how grateful they were for

the small things in life.

we decorated the tree

and the house this weekend.

i couldn't help but think back to my

seasons of Christmas

as a child.

with my family around.

what treasured memories they are.

thank you ms. wilder.

for warming the depths of my soul.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...gifts...

2011-12-10T09:53:00.000-05:00

unconditional love.

selflessness.

trust.

faith.

forgiveness.

wholeness.

second chances.

comfort.

joy.

peace.

reassurance..

rejoicing.

generosity.

compassion.

charity.

wonder.

acceptance.

courage.

gifts of the season.

light + objects = shadows.

HEY HARRIET

what is your gift?

just BE.

robin

...12.4.11...

2011-12-04T11:20:00.001-05:00

it is december.

i may have shared this before.

but i want to share it again.

on the first day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of my undivided attention

on the second day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of enthusiasm

on the third day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of creative energy

on the forth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of simple seasonal pleasures

on the fifth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of tenderness

on the sixth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of good cheer

on the seventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of beauty

on the eighth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of communication

on the ninth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of surprise

on the tenth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of wonder

on the eleventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of peaceful surroundings

on the twelth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:

the gift of joy

~simple abundance

a daybook of comfort and joy

sarah ban breathnach

this plant.

a pansy.

has been around since may.

may!

it survived the frost.

i brought it up on the porch.

it has survived.

temps of 24 degrees.

today.

i brought it in.

it is possible.

it may not like the heat of the house.

but for today.

this pansy.

is my gift of surprise.

my gift of wonder.

my gift of peaceful surroundings.

my gift of joy.

what a wonderful way to start out decemeber.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...little scraps of magic...

2011-12-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

these are little scraps of magic

& when you paste them together

you get a memory of something

fine & strong, she said.

sometimes it takes till you're 40 to see it though.

~storypeople

nope.

not even close yet.

just going through the achieves

this morning.

grey.

rain.snow.mix.

the wood stove is purring.

coffee cup.

is embraced by both hands.

time to head for some sun.

and shadows.

HEY HARRIET

happy december.

just BE.

robin.

...to weep is to make less the depth of grief...

2011-11-30T06:30:00.000-05:00

she said she usually cried

at least once each day not because she was sad,

but because the world was so beautiful & life was so short.

~storypeople

crying.

restores order.

and hopefully.

if you are lucky.

brings color back to the world.

just BE.

robin.

...11.27.11...

2011-11-27T12:11:00.005-05:00

Christmas photo shoot of a couple of cuties...

"those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music."

~angela monet

coffee.

from mickey d's.

somewhere near bay city.

went to see.

brent james and the contraband.

they were awesome.

as usual.

his lyrics.

resonate with me.

i can't imagine not dancing.

because i can't imagine.

not hearing the music.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...from stillness and silence...

2011-11-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

an illusion

to which human beings commonly fall prey

is the idea that because we have choices,

we are free.

as the great teacher Krishnamurti said,

"truth is a pathless land."

choices are not the same as discoveries,

for discoveries come from stillness and silence,

not from an exertion of the will.

so long as we choose,

we're still trapped behind the veil of illusion.

rusty.

spider web.

past it's time.

love it.

casting it's shadow proudly.

stating...

i am still here.

HEY HARRIET

for more wonderful shadows.

just BE.

robin.

...give thanks with a grateful heart...

2011-11-24T11:17:00.001-05:00

Blessings to you and your loved ones...

Early in the morning I sing a song of thanks to you:

For the fresh day,

For the new opportunities that lie ahead.

... In the midst of the day I stop and ask for strength;
For strength to keep on keeping on,
For wisdom to overcome the obstacles yet to be conquered.
At the close of the day I ask for our blessings;
On all my endeavors,
On all I love and care about.
I am grateful, Lord, for the hope at the beginning,
The strength when the road has been long,
And patience when the path has been all uphill.
And blessings to numerous to mention.

just BE.

robin.

...11.20.11...

2011-11-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

They came to sit

& dangle their feet off the edge of the world

& after awhile they forgot everything

but the good

& true things they would do someday.

~storypeople

i used to wait for a sign, she said, before I did anything.

then one night I had a dream

& an angel in black tights came to me

& said, you can start any time now,

& then i asked is this a sign?

& the angel started laughing

& i woke up.

now, i think the whole world is filled with signs,

but if there's no laughter,

i know they're not for me.

~storypeople

random.

i believe it continues today.

i believe also.

when something,

like storypeople,

messages, or any

quote that speaks to me.

was exactly what i was thinking

and was exactly what was to go with my photo.

"the whole world is filled with signs,

but if there's no laughter,

i know they're not for me."

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...it may be the real reason...

2011-11-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

i thought,

i'll remove my head for a while

& it went fine except most people

didn't know where to look when we were having a conversation.

~storypeople

there are things you do because they feel right

& they may make no sense

& they may make no money

& it may be the real reason we are here:

to love each other &

to eat each other's cooking

& say it was good.

~storypeople

storypeople

are my kind of people.

love them.

not really sure of my mood today.

what i've added to my photo

is an eclectic mix.

of thoughts.

must be a random day.

HEY HARRIET

*****

the top of his head was open up to the sky

& when he walked down the street

he'd end up with strange things

in there like the number of dogs in China,

or the time it takes to cook a pig.

It's not really useful,

he said, but I'd miss this stuff if it ever closed up.

~storypeople

just BE.

robin.

...11.13.11...

2011-11-13T11:28:00.001-05:00

blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace.

if you refuse to be hurried and pressed,

if you stay your soul on God,

nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace.

in that stillness you will know what His will is.

Amy Carmichael

if you live the life you love,

you will receive shelter and blessings.

sometimes the great famine of blessings

in and around us derives from the fact

that we are not living the life we love;

rather, we are living the life that is expected of us.

we have fallen out of rhythm with the secret signature

and light of our own nature.

John O’Donohue

When you get into a tight place

and everything goes against you,

never give up then,

for that is just the time

when the tide will turn.
Harriet Beecher Stowe

*****

we had a tide turning blessing

this weekend.

if you wait long enough.

if you practice paitence.

if you are grateful for the bad times,

as well as the good.

in His time.

blessings will find their way to you.

it should not surprise me.

but sometimes...

He catches me off guard.

praise be to God.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...silence is full of music...

2011-11-12T08:52:00.003-05:00

...11.6.11...

2011-11-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

november

silently sneaks up on us,

catching our senses by surprise.

suddenly,

as the english poet thomas hood sullenly

observed two centuries ago, there's

"no shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits,

no flowers, no leaves, no birds."

outside, silvery gray shafts reveal a

familiar landscape stripped of pretense.

behind closed doors,

glowing amber fires shed light upon the real.

like a women who has found

her authenticity,

november's beauty radiates from within.

~simple abundance:

a daybook of comfort and joy

sarah ban breathnach

i have used that before.

it comes round yet again.

today, tho sunny, breezy,

overall a pleasant november day.

i need to take down my summer yard.

much like my pictures today.

gone will be the color.

coming is the time of quiet.

which i don't necessarily think

is a bad thing.

quiet the rushing.

quiet the have to's.

quiet our hearts.

before the holidays flood in.

Everything has its wonders,

even darkness and silence,

and I learn,

whatever state I may be in,

therein to be content. ~helen keller

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...be still long enough...

2011-11-05T09:09:00.000-04:00

Think Like a Tree

by Karen I. Shragg

soak up the sun
affirm life's magic
be graceful in the wind
stand tall after a storm
feel refreshed after it rains
grow strong without notice
be prepared for each season
provide shelter to strangers
hang tough through a cold spell
emerge renewed at the first signs of spring
stay deeply rooted while reaching for the sky
be still long enough to
hear your own leaves rustling.

this shadow was barely visible in the

last evening sun.

but i found it.

i do so love trees.

found this poem...

which speaks to me also.

light + objects = shadows

HEY HARRIET

hope to catch your shadows later.

i have an open house at my new job

from 11-2 today.

then off to take some senior pictures.

it is going to be a gorgeous

november weekend.

may you hear the rustling of your leaves.

be still.

just BE.

robin.

...10.30.11...

2011-10-30T11:11:00.000-04:00

By Carl Jessee

Jack Frost took his paintbrush
as he sailed across the sky
so every morning as the sun comes up
his artwork greets the eye
there's reds and gold's and yellows
all of a breath taking view
but no matter how hard he tries
he can never make leaves turn blue
so when you're in bed sleeping
and outside everything seems faint
just remember at midnight
Jack Frost begins to paint

the hours of folly are

measured by the clock.

but of wisdom

no clock can measure.

~william blake

*********

the morning sun

has given way to grey.

precious are the moments

that we take the time to witness.

breathe in.

be apart of.

blue sitting on my lap.

purring.

drinking my second cup of coffee.

as i look over my shoulder,

out the window.

watching the last of the fall leaves.

fall.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...an awakened person...

2011-10-29T10:43:00.000-04:00

living in awakened awareness

is a little like being in love,

when boundaries between self and loved one disappear.

awareness removes the boundaries between all of us

yet our sense of self is enhanced.

an awakened person is deeply tranquil,

but has a zestful appreciation for life's wonders.

~1,001 ways to live in the moment

a zestful appreciation.

for life's wonders.

this speaks to my being today.

it seems to echo around me.

HEY HARRIET

is where you can appreciate shadows

from around the world.

may something speak to your being today.

just BE.

robin.

...10.23.11

2011-10-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

The Word
Tony Hoagland

Down near the bottom
of the crossed-out list
of things you have to do today,

between “green thread”
and “broccoli” you find
that you have penciled “sunlight.”

Resting on the page, the word
is as beautiful, it touches you
as if you had a friend

and sunlight were a present
he had sent you from some place distant
as this morning—to cheer you up,

and to remind you that,
among your duties, pleasure
is a thing,

that also needs accomplishing
Do you remember?
that time and light are kinds

of love, and love
is no less practical
than a coffee grinder

or a safe spare tire?
Tomorrow you may be utterly
without a clue

but today you get a telegram,
from the heart in exile
proclaiming that the kingdom

still exists,
the king and queen alive,
still speaking to their children,

—to any one among them
who can find the time,
to sit out in the sun and listen.

yesterday.

three robins came to visit.

if you know me.

you know.

how happy that makes me.

it's those simple things.

like...

...a single berry on an asparagus plant.

...a clothespin with a web on it.

...a black-eyed susan-still beautiful, past it's time.

...an oak leaf as art.

...that i cherish.

stop.

take the time.

to sit out in the sun and listen.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...darkness and light...

2011-10-22T10:18:00.000-04:00

battling against darkness

is of little use to the seeker.

taking arms against the negative

brings the negative into your heart.

what you must do instead is let in the light.

~1,001 ways to live in the moment

today we find ourselves

wrapped in a soft blanket of mist.

with the sun patiently waiting.

to slip through the folds.

frost heavy.

leaves that can no longer hang on.

falling gently to the ground.

light + objects = shadows

join us down under for SSS.

HEY HARRIET

have you caught your wish leaf yet?

just BE.

robin.

...10.16.11...

2011-10-16T10:06:00.001-04:00

matthew catching a Wish Leaf

it's said that each time

you catch a fall leaf

as it drops from a tree,

you win a wish for the coming year.

and there are few

more hilarious,

live-in-the-moment activities

than chasing leaves around

on a golden autumn afternoon.

catching them is harder

than you think,

but each time you succeed,

close your eyes,

and make your wish.

~1,001 ways to live in the moment

where the fallen...

and the newly blossomed

meet.

the time between.

the color starting.

to it's fullest glory.

to an empty tree.

was about eight days.

and now.

many more have followed suit.

the color.

is fading to grey.

once again.

sleep is coming.

once again.

sound will be taken over.

by silence.

God gave us memories so we might have roses in december. ~ J.M. Barrie

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...seeing beauty in a multiplicity of patches...

2011-10-15T08:48:00.002-04:00

"young lovers seek perfection.

old lovers learn the art of sewing shreds together

and of seeing beauty in a multiplicity of patches."

from the movie

How to Make an American Quilt 1995

today fall

is presenting it's ugly side.

cold, wet, windy.

the leaves.

are void of their.

vibrant color.

it is a good day to spend.

with a quilt.

it's a good day to check out shadows.

from around the world.

HEY HARRIET

a quilt will warm your body and comfort your soul.

~author unknown

just BE.

robin.

...dreaming on milkweed fluff...

2011-10-10T08:09:00.000-04:00

"you cannot tread the path

until you become the path yourself"

zen saying

i did gather.

milkweed fluff.

i did put them in my pillow.

i believe that my dreams.

last night.

took me along on the wind.

softly.

effortlessly.

peacefully.

just BE.

robin.

...10.9.11...

2011-10-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

Be Mindful of the Moment

Neil Harding McAlister

The here and now is all we hold through times of joy and sorrow.

We may watch fulsome years unfold -- or may not see tomorrow.

Be mindful of the moment. Pay attention to each one.

The past has fled beyond our grasp, the future’s yet to come.

There is no way to measure what ensuing days might bring,

So seize the utmost pleasure found in every daily thing.

The road of life is far too short: no need to travel fast.

Investigate the wonders that lie strewn along the path.

The tender leaves on springtime trees, rough pebbles on the ground,

The snowflakes drifting on the breeze that fall without a sound,

Are all unique and precious, if we take the time to see.

No two have been identical in all eternity.

Is this not true of people too? Be mindful, then, of each.

Both strangers and those close to you have useful things to teach.

The two of us part richer if we pass the time of day,

And don’t just brush each other off, then hurry on our way.

Preoccupied by urgent schemes of business, love or power,

By gambling on our future dreams, we lose the present hour.

A life is forged of moments linked together like a chain.

Live each in full -- for down this road we shall not pass again.

many great moments.

were shared yesterday.

a beautiful october day.

spending time with sarah.

football.

family time.

laughter.

hugs.

i love you(s).

it is the moments.

that add up.

to the memories.

it is the moments.

for which we are blessed with.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...useful wild greens to learn...

2011-10-08T08:49:00.000-04:00

Most people know milkweed simply as food for the monarch butterfly's caterpillar, or as a tenacious, pesky weed of hayfields. If those butterflies weren't so beautiful, and if their annual migration to Mexico weren't so amazing, few people would care what happened to this herb. But milkweed isn't your average weed.

*****

In World War II, schoolchildren across the Midwest collected thousands of pounds of milkweed fluff to stuff life preservers for the armed forces in the Pacific, because kapok, the normal material used for this purpose, came from Japanese-occupied Indonesia and was unavailable. Today, you can buy pillows, jackets, and comforters stuffed with this material, which is wonderfully soft and has a higher insulative value than goose down, from a company called Ogallala Down, in Ogallala, Nebraska. Some people believe that milkweed will become an important fiber crop, as one of its attributes is that it is perennial and therefore does not need to be replanted every year. Milkweed stalks also produce a coarse, sisal-like fiber that can be used for twine, which varies in strength from one plant to the next. This possibility has been little explored commercially, but it was well known to Native Americans.

*****

The milkweed that we are talking about here is the common milkweed Asclepias syriaca. There are numerous other species of milkweed in North America, but common milkweed is by far the best known. It is abundant in the whole area east of the shortgrass prairies, north of the Deep South, and south of the boreal forests of Canada. It is a common sight of roadsides, fencerows, meadows, sunny woods, and abandoned fields. Common milkweed produces pairs of large, oblong, thick leaves all along its unbranching stem, which is typically three to six feet tall. Both the flowers and the okra-like pods are quite distinctive, as is this herb's growth form. When broken, all parts of the plant produce a white latex, but there are many other plants with this characteristic. Overall, milkweed is a beautiful and very distinctive plant.
I am amazed that, as much attention as milkweed has received as a fiber crop and a butterfly planting, so little has been said about its use as food. Ethnographic records show that common milkweed was eaten as a vegetable by tribes throughout its range. It provides edible shoots (like asparagus), flower bud clusters (like broccoli), and immature pods (like okra). The soft silk inside the immature pods is a unique food, and the flowers are also edible. Milkweed conveniently provides one or more edible parts from late spring until late summer, making it one of the most useful wild greens to learn.

Forager's Harvest 2003

and learn i just did.

i LOVE milkweeds.

they grow happily around the back of the house.

and in the fields.

i love when the caterpillar comes

and stay awhile on the leaves.

and i am always a fan of

watching the monarchs flutter around.

i think i might go gather milkweed fluff

for a pillow!!

you can go see more shadows.

HEY HARRIET

it is going to be a gorgeous fall day

in northern michigan.

lower 80's.

definitely a good day to gather fluff.

just BE.

robin.

...10.2.11...

2011-10-02T10:22:00.000-04:00

"i'm breathing the clean air

of possibilities"

~brent james

cloud of dust

off the Moment of Silence album

summer caught a cold.

fall is settling in her chest.

sunshine is attempting to keep

a warm grip on the day.

as the leaves gently

cascade down

as a result of a

heavy frost.

and still.

the birds are singing.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...true gratitude...

2011-10-01T10:07:00.000-04:00

..."fortunately, gratitude involves much more than feeling

good about something you own or saying,

"thank you," for someone's kind act.

true gratitude involves understanding there is something

beautiful and marvelous

in almost everything around you."...

the velveteen principles

a guide to becoming real

~toni raiten-d'antonio

it is not easy.

but if you embrace it long enough.

it will become a habit.

just like chasing shadows is a habit.

HEY HARRIET

may you find true gratitude today.

just BE.

robin.

...9.25.11...

2011-09-25T10:56:00.000-04:00

“and you would accept the seasons of your heart

just as you have always accepted

that seasons pass over your fields and you would watch with serenity

through the winters of your grief.”

~kahlil gibran

accept it.

or be crippled with nonacceptance.

embrace the moments.

be ever present.

be.

here.

now.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

ps.

no sign of the robin.

but also no sign of

anything getting it before it flew away.

i am going with the fact that it is

on it's journey south.

i am blessed with the fact that i was able to spend

the day watching over it.

...we interupt sss...

2011-09-24T21:13:00.001-04:00

to bring you this update...

after about 6 hours.

it moved from near the window

that it hit.

to the railing edge.

after about 8 hours...

it flew to the fence rail.

and there it sat for a while longer.

until it flew a few branches up.

into the covering of the tree leaves.

i will stop worrying about it for now.

and hopefully i won't see it.

but hear it again tomorrow.

and my heart will smile.

just BE.

robin.

...be present...

2011-09-24T09:41:00.002-04:00

how does a part of the world leave the world?
how does wetness leave water?

don't try to put out fire by throwing on more fire!

don't wash a wound with blood.

no matter how fast you run, your shadow keeps up.

sometimes it's in front!

only full overhead sun diminishes your shadow.
but that shadow has been serving you.

what hurts you, blesses you.

darkness is your candle.

your boundaries are your quest.

i could explain this, but it will break the
glass cover on your heart, and there's no
fixing that.

you must have shadow and light source both.
listen, and lay your head under the tree of awe.

when from that tree feathers and wings sprout on you,
be quieter than a dove.

don't even open your mouth for
even a coo.

~Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi

shadows are present on all surfaces.

vibrant colors are present on the trees.

coolness is present in the air.

heavy dew is present on the grass.

happy singing is present in the hearts of the birds.

a softer blue is present in the sky.

fall is present.

i am present.

be.

here.

now.

******

light + objects = shadows

HEY HARRIET

may you be present today.

just BE.

robin.

ps.

one of the birds i heard singing

this morning was a robin.

they have been gone since the middle of august.

i was thrilled to hear it.

but.

as i was finishing this post there was a thud

on my livingroom picture window.

it was a very loud thud.

it is usually a morning dove.

but to my sadness.

it was a robin.

this makes me very sad.

...inward, outward...

2011-09-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

either i will find a way,

or i will make one.

~philip sidney

playing with macro and manual focus.

must. learn. more!!!

just BE.

robin.

...9.18.11...

2011-09-18T11:45:00.000-04:00

matthew goodenow - number 24 - for the bucks

the kind of tackles that make a momma cringe

final score-didn't win, but it was a great game

power of gold

western michigan university

vs.

central michigan university

destinee-marching band

western wins!!!

learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself,

and know that everything in life has purpose.

there are no mistakes,

no coincidences,

all events are blessings given to us to learn from.
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

gratitude, like faith, is a muscle.

the more you use it,

the stronger it grows,

and the more power you have to use it on your behalf.

if you do not practice gratefulness,

its benefaction will go unnoticed,

and your capacity to draw on its gifts will be diminished.

to be grateful is to find blessings in everything,

this is the most powerful attitude to adopt,

for there are blessings in everything.
Alan Cohen

fall season is underway.

and our blessings are many.

beginning with our three children.

...find your blessings in everything...

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...mums the word...

2011-09-17T08:06:00.001-04:00

The Origin of the expression "Mum's the word"

This expression dates from about 1700, but mum, meaning "silence," is much older. In 2 Henry VI (1:2) Shakespeare wrote, "Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum."

**********

When fall arrives, it's hard not to regret the passing of all the summer blooms we love so much: pompon dahlias, Shasta daisies, African daisies, little zinnias, asters, coreopsis, and calendulas.

But take heart, for the fall garden offers all these flower shapes from just one plant, the chrysanthemum. Hundreds of hardy cultivars provide an array of colors and bloom shapes, making mums the divas of the autumn garden. The blooms last for weeks, not days, and the sheer number of flowers per plant will convince anyone that this flower really likes to show off. Add the mum's impressionistic abilities to its longevity, and you have a plant that pulls its weight in the garden.

Because of their tight, mounded habit and stunning bloom cover, garden mums are perfect for mass plantings. To get the maximum effect from far away, stick to only one or two colors. Another possibility is to arrange a gradual transition of related colors. Look around your yard to see what colors would best complement the existing landscape. If you decorate for fall with pumpkins and gourds, choose orange, bronze, yellow, and creamy white mums. If you have a lot of evergreen plants that provide a backdrop of varying shades of green foliage, try bright pinks, lavenders, pure whites, or reds. With such bold colors, a large grouping of mums can excite even the most drab of fall landscapes.
~better homes and garden

headed to a football game.

in kalamazoo.

western vs. central.

what a wonderful.

fall time activity.

so is chasing shadows.

HEY HARRIET

have a great day.

just BE.

robin.

...9.11.11...

2011-09-11T11:22:00.001-04:00

just watched 102 minutes.

ten years.

seems like yesterday.

may the healing continue.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...as we journey towards it...

2011-09-10T10:08:00.001-04:00

hope is like the sun,

which, as we journey toward it,

casts the shadow of our burden behind us.

samuel smiles

love, love, LOVE the shadow on this spider web!!!

clay pot broken by the gale force winds.

sweet face of a pansy.

Poetry is an echo,

asking a shadow to dance.

carl sandburg

join us for more shadows.

HEY HARRIET

may there be sun,

somewhere,

in your life today.

just BE.

robin.

...as the moments come...

2011-09-09T09:57:00.000-04:00

"if it should turn out that we have
mishandled our own lives as several
civilizations before us have done,
it seems a pity that we should
involve the violet and the
tree frog in our departure."

~loren eiseley

as i walked out.

to water this mum plant.

i discovered two little delights.

the moments.

just keep coming.

just BE.

robin.

...suspended in the chamber of consciousness...

2011-09-08T18:12:00.000-04:00

experience is never limited,

and it is never complete;

it is an immense sensibility,

a kind of huge spider-web of the finest silken threads

suspended in the chamber of consciousness,

and catching every air-borne particle in its tissue.

~henry james

i saw this beauty.

when i was putting

the bird feeder out.

i just love it.

when these moments.

happen.

just BE.

robin.

...flowering of the spirit...

2011-09-07T09:10:00.007-04:00

“like a man travelling in foggy weather,

those at some distance before him on the road

he sees wrapped up in the fog,

as well as those behind him,

and also the people in the fields on each side,

but near him all appears clear,

though in truth he is as much in the fog as any of them.”

~benjamin franklin

“Never allow gradually the traffic to smother with noise and fog the flowering of the spirit”

~stephen spender

just BE.

robin.

...live, laugh, love...

2011-09-06T20:15:00.001-04:00

getting to know my

18-55mm nikon lens again.

i forgot how close i could get to things.

just inches from these mushrooms...

on my belly of course,

how else?

live.

laugh.

love.

enjoy.

every moment.

of every day.

just BE.

robin.

...9.4.11...

2011-09-04T16:12:00.002-04:00

enjoy life.

it is too short.

embrace a moment of silence.

embrace the moments.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday afternoon.

just BE.

robin.

...delicate, elusive...

2011-09-03T10:44:00.002-04:00

Definition of SUBTLE

a : delicate, elusive subtle fragrance

subtle

thought

that

error

may

yet

give

rise

fruitful

inquiry

that

can

establish

truths

great

value.

~issac asimov

a subtle shadow for today.

For more...
HEY HARRIET.

please join our shadow chasing fun!!

just BE.

robin.

...photo shoot with Mikayla...

2011-09-01T22:54:00.001-04:00

and God took a handful of southerly wind,

blew his breath upon it,

and created the horse.

~ Bedouin legend

if one induces the horse to assume that carriage which it would adopt of its own accord when displaying its beauty,

then, one directs the horse to appear joyous and magnificent,

proud and remarkable for having been ridden.

~ Xenophon

In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.

~ Helen Thompson

what an awesomely

wonderful time.

we had.

just BE.

robin.

...8.28.11...

2011-08-28T10:56:00.001-04:00

each blade of grass has its spot on earth whence it draws its life,

its strength;

and so is man rooted to the land from which he draws his faith together with his life.
~joseph conrad

earth and sky,

woods and fields,

lakes and rivers,

the mountain and the sea,

are excellent schoolmasters,

and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

~john lubbock

small delights in my yard today.

that caught my eye when i was looking the other way.

and made my heart smile.

and this,

our life,

exempt from public haunt,

finds tongues in trees,

books in the running brooks,

sermons in stones,

and good in everything.
~william shakespears

perfect 4 part harmony

of the crickets,

of the water fountain,

of the chickadee,

of the sandhill cranes

flying in sync,

as their voices trumpet

and echo through the hardwoods.

and at that moment.

all is well.

with my soul.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...in silent cascades...

2011-08-27T09:32:00.000-04:00

The sun disappears under a blanket of clouded hues
Stars begin to shine, like scattered fireflies,
Against the deep blanket of night
All is calm...

Nestled safe in your arms
A sense of quiet peace surrounds us
The moon rises and glows in silent cascades
Gently the breeze sweeps us away, to thoughts of serenity

Warm and safe, we linger in thought
Smell the sweet scent of dew
Back and forth we still sway
Through the creaking of boards, I drift off to dreams

Reminiscing...
That moment is transfixed in my mind
Untarnished by the changing years
The chair worn, but still here

Feeling your spirit surround me
Brings back memories...
You and I in the open air,
On the rocking chair that outlasted time

~susie e

i love my

rocking chair.

the years it has seen.

the calm,

it has provided.

it is very patient.

waiting for me to come sit awhile.

and it always feels like

i never left.

HEY HARRIET

just BE.

robin.

...8.21.11...

2011-08-21T11:53:00.001-04:00

"With a few flowers in my garden,

half a dozen pictures and some books,

I live without envy."
- Lope de Vega

"gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

it turns what we have into enough, and more.

it turns denial into acceptance,

chaos to order,

confusion to clarity.

it can turn a meal into a feast,

a house into a home,

a stranger into a friend.

gratitude makes sense of our past,

brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow."
- melody beattie

stepping around the yard.

to capture this season of life.

as raindrops started to fall.

could i be happier?

probably not.

take your moment.

may your blessings flow.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...everybody's gotta start at nothing...

2011-08-20T11:13:00.002-04:00

...sometimes nothing is everything...

~brent james -album: moment of silence

infinite riches

are all around you

if you will open up your mental eyes

and behold the treasure house of infinity within you.

there is a gold mine within you

from which you can extract everything

you need to live life

gloriously,

joyously,

and abundantly.

~joseph murphy

had an awesome night

at the union street station in traverse city.

with hubby.

for our anniversary.

26th on the 17th.

went to hear brent james.

amazingly talented young man.

i can't say enough great things about him.

we also met up with his folks.

it was a great night...

but i might be a bit old...

to be out until 3:00 am.
nahhhh!!

thanks for beautiful memories brian.

love you much!!
head to
HEY HARRIET
for more light and shadows.

just BE.

robin.

...8.14.11...

2011-08-14T11:44:00.000-04:00

edkhart tolle has described,

in the power of now,

how women tend to be closer

to enlightenment than men.

that's why the Tao is described by lao tzu in female terms,

as "infinite, eternally present,

the mother of the universe."

masculine "mind energy" is hard and focused;

feminine "being energy" is soft and inclusive.

men who find their hidden reserves

of being energy will find that new pathways

open up inside themselves.

women who let their "being energy"

pour forth unhindered,

without trying to emulate male focus,

will blossom into their true,

questing selves.

~1,001 ways to live in the moment

"being energy"

"be" ing energy.

just focusing on the "being".

"being" happy.

"being" content with a simple life.

my life.

is my spirituality.

my life.

is my family.

my life.

is my work.

that is my life.

my "being"

i am here.

to enjoy my "being"

don't try to complicate any of those areas.

you will try.

but i will stand firmly.

because my focus is simply.

just "being"

i control me.

i control how i react.

i choose.

being.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...bursts forth from the soul...

2011-08-13T09:23:00.000-04:00

"laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life"

"a smile starts on the lips,

a grin spreads to the eyes,

a chuckle comes from the belly;

but a good laugh

bursts forth from the soul,

overflows,

and bubbles all around"

Carolyn Birmingham

rainy day in michigan.

thank goodness for past photos.

light + objects = shadows

HEY HARRIET

meet here for more.

may you have a

'burst forth from the soul' laugh today.

just BE.

robin.

...happy anniversary...

2011-08-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

"May you live all the days of your life."

- Jonathan Swift

Happy Anniversay Mom and Dad

just BE.

robin.

...8.7.11...

2011-08-07T10:45:00.000-04:00

" I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve."

from Stand By Me

Matthew's thirteenth birthday. Air soft with his buddies. Off on an adventure.

my point is,

there are a lot of people in the world.

no one ever sees everything the same
way you do;

it just doesn't happen.

so when you find one person who gets a couple of things,
especially if they're important ones...

you might as well hold on to them.

you know?"
— Sarah Dessen

treasuring these times.

soaking in these moments.

one moment at a time.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

..."a wave that rolls you over as you're ready to drown"...

2011-08-06T09:23:00.002-04:00

from this bench.

lichened and worn.

it has seen much life.

it has heard much laughter.

it has seen much sadness.

it hears whispers of healing.

it waits for someone to sit upon.

it's curved weathered boards.

to sit.

and dream.

to smile.

and remember.

evening shadows.

are probably my favorite.

HEY HARRIET

you can choose your favorite there.

just BE.

robin.

...art?...

2011-08-02T09:45:00.000-04:00

wine.

as.

art.

i like that.

"the less

routine.

the more

life."

~amos bronson alcott

just BE.

robin.

...7.31.11...

2011-07-31T07:39:00.001-04:00

After a while, you learn the subtle difference between

holding a hand and changing a soul.
You begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts

and presents aren’t promises.

And you start to accept your defeats

with your head up and your eyes open.

You learn to build all your roads
on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain.

After a while, you learn that even
sunshine burns if you get too much.

So plant your own garden

and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

You learn that you really can endure,
that you really are strong,

and you really do have worth.

You learn that with every goodbye,
there’s a hello.

Take chances. Tell the truth.

Date someone totally wrong for you. Say no.
Spend all your cash.

Fall in love. Be random.

Say I love you. Cry. Apologize.

Tell someone how much they mean to you.

Drink until the bottle’s empty.

Sing out loud.

Tell an idiot how you feel.

Let someone know what they’re missing.

Laugh until your stomach hurts.

Live Life.

~Veronica A. Shoffstall

breathing in the moments

today.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.

...sometimes nothing is everything...

2011-07-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

found this on my camera today. matthew's contribution to sss.

moment of silence

"what we do for ourselves dies with us.

what we do for others and the world

remains and is immortal"

~albert pine

sun and shadows.

HEY HARRIET

moment of silence.

click on it under the photo.

great music.

great lyrics.

we all need a

moment.

of silence.

to regroup.

to catch our breath.

to bring the smile back to our face.

brent and his band.

are trying to make it into the tough world of music.

his sound is real.

not a 'produced' sound.

he is genuine.

please listen.

and if you would...pass it on.

moment.

of.

silence.

that is what we can do for someone today.

just BE.

robin.

...footsteps...

2011-07-26T23:08:00.000-04:00

just BE.

robin.

...7.24.11...

2011-07-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

her white tree
“ a tree of life.
a tree of knowledge.
a tree of soul.
a tree of goodness.
a tree of her.
it was her core.
burnt.
scarred.
hacked.
cut.
chopped
and carved in.
it was still there.
pushing the ashes out of the way,
making room for sunlight
and water -
she nurtured it back to fullness,
she nurtured it back to life.
and she and her tree
held the sky and its moon
and together, they danced
and together, they grew. ”

~terri st. cloud

and she danced.

like no one was watching.

welcome to coffee hour.

welcome to this Sunday morning.

just BE.

robin.