Haymonds at the Pond

Sunday after Thanksgiving. Missed yesterday - too many things going on since Sam and Jack spent the night with me and were eager to get things happening! Tate's family left late Friday but we did get our family photo in and later Luke's family and I went to the Hwy 25 Drive-in for "the best cheeseburger you'll ever eat" (and I agreed) then the new Harry Potter show. We all snuggled together in the back of Luke's truck with many blankets, gloves, hats, etc. and were relatively comfortable - so much so that I was shocked when the movie was over! It drizzled rain much of the night, but not nearly enough to stop us! They don't have the speakers on the posts any more - you listen to the car radio for the sound - so we opened the window between the cab and the back and could hear just fine. Luke remembered as a child going to the same drive-in to watch the John Wayne classic "The Cowboys" during the 70s. -----After Luke's famiy left yesterday morning, I spent much of the rest of the day packing leftovers into individual servings into the freezer. And, of course, watching the Clemson-Carolina game. In my case, it doesn't really matter who wins - I attended both schools! Of course, it matters to sons and their families - except for Susan - she, too, attended Carolina.

Day After Thanksgiving

Good morning! What a beautiful day we had yesterday! We didn't quite get to eveything we'd planned - lke toasting marshmallows, but we did have a busy, busy day - ending last night with our tradition of watching slides. With Tate's diligence, we managed to get the old projector to perform one more time. And what great laughs we got at the ridiculous pictures of Tate and Luke as babies and kids. Their children always get a kick out of them. Before that, we each painted our own t-shirts and that, too, was a hoot! Such works of art!!! Today we'll try to get a group photo, but some of the globs of paint will still probably be wet. Oh well, what's a little paint scattered here and there! Two fried turkeys, two chunks of lamb, sweet potatoes, etc, etc, finished off with some antacids! Lots of beer, champagne,and fishing, canoeing, pedal boating, and even a yoga class where the grandkids - all 5 of them performed like serious students. Well, Sam did get the giggles when we finished up with chanting OM, but that's forgiveable. It is pretty funny the first time around. Haven't yet transferred any photos to the laptop, but will soon. Tate got my new wireless connection working - it is better, Jim, and taught me a couple of well-known to everybody else, but not to me, things to make my computing work easier. All in all, it was a glorious day - and we still have one more all together before Tate's crew goes to Clemson and the rest of us head out to Harry Potter at the Drive-in.

Thanksgiving Day

The boys are fishing already - Walker has caught three little bream in the first 15 minutes! So, the boys are happy - as long as the fish keep biting. This won't be long. Everyone else is beginning to wake - except Luke, Susan and Gus (the dog) who are sleeping in the "love shack" - better known as the cabin. We all were busy preparing food last evening getting ready for the big cooking day today. What a blessing - Happy Thanksgiving all!

Hooded Mergansers Visit

Wow! What a thrill. Noticed two new ducks fly in -very small ones - with lots of white showing - finally with the field glasses I could identify them! They are migrating south and just stopped in to say Hello. Fun to watch them go under and pop up again ten or twelve feet away - they stuck close to each other as they fed along the other side of the Pond. The two resident male mallards kept a very careful eye on them and attempted to run them off at one point. For now, all four have disappeared over in the little cove, I think. Hope they show up again when the grandchildren arive. What first grabbed my attention was all the white showing and then the diving under and swimming quite a ways before popping up again! Beautiful birds!!! What a great Thanksgiving gift! --------Got the graham cracker crumb crusts put together and baked (best kind) and they are ready for the kids to make the fillings tonight. Next I'll work on the blue cheese potatoes - won't be quite the same without CLEMSON blue cheese, but couldn't find it here this year. Hope EVERY ONE OF YOU enjoys a familly filled Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Memories from Last Year

Here it is - only two more days till the family arrives for Thanksgiving holiday together. What a cause for celebration! I am so blessed to have this opportunity to be with both sons and their beautiful families. These days always come with great joy and wonderful memories. I remember from last year, for example, Tate tending the turkey fryer - major problem, leaves from the oak tree falling all around the cooker! I don't know whether any leaves actually made it into the oil, but I doubt it. He's a VERY good tender! And, another highlight - Luke fell out of the canoe into the Pond while protecting all the grandchildren from doing that!!! And, of course, little Sam woke early and the bigger kids shooed him out of the Yogatorium where they all sleep and locked the door so he couldn't disturb their sleep any more! Or, at least, that's the story I got. Tate managed to purchase an upgrade on the TV so he could get football from ESPN. The Cottage is just the right size for all ten of us to find a spot to sit down while we stuff ourselves with turkey, lamb, cherry o'cheese pie, and the other traditional foods that have become a part of our stuffing day. This year, I've brought two more tables into the living area to hold some of the many trays of food a little more conveniently. We watched the slides - probably for the last time since the old projector had to be manually operated - the grandchildren love seeing all the baby pictures of their Dads. Somehow I never got around to doing something else with the slides - maybe next year? This year, the plan is to each paint our own t-shirts. We'll see how that plan works out. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

You don't make friends

Some of you know that one of my aims in recent years has been to make more women friends. When I read something about how to do this a few minutes ago, I felt compelled to share it. From The Golden Present, Satchidananda, you don't make friends, you become a friend. How true that is! I recall while in Santa Fe attending a four-day yoga teacher training at Prajna Temple - during lunch breaks I walked over to a woman and began visiting with her. In every case, she approached me the next day! And we still email each other! ----- Why do I try to make life so complex when in fact, it is really simple. Many of us are beginning to learn this - simplifying has become a popular thing to at least think about. Doing it has been one of the most fruitful steps I've taken toward happiness. It has become a game for me now. Almost every day I find something and set it aside to give away. I learned yesterday that the Literacy Council has a used books store near Piedmont Tech - that's where I'll take my used books now. ------Today is laundry day - haven't washed towels in three weeks or so and I need to pick up a few things in 96 anyway, so I'll run a load while I do.---then it's time to sweep and wash down the porch and clean out the planters of their weeds - many little oak seedlings - and clear our clutter in the yard. How wonderful it is to have guests (family especially) coming on Wednesday - gives me the obvious shove to clean up a bit! Don't want my daughters-in-law to see my place in a mess!

Culling Books

It's a bit overcast this morning, but the sun is doing it's best to light up the sky. The trees are sort of dull looking now - perhaps as the clouds move away their leaves will brighten a bit. But, I think the brightest colors are fading now as the days go by. More browns are showing up. ---- In a sort of totally unexpected urge I spent much of yesterday going through my bookshelves removing those that I don't really expect to ever open again. I have books on two sets of shelves in the Yogatorium I still haven't gone through. But I did pretty well clear out the four sets here in the Cottage. The incentive came from now owning a Kindle after recognizing it would allow for much simplification by eliminating the need for many actual books. (That is, when I figure out how to use it!) How nice it would be to have my library of real books whittled down to those I truly enjoy holding in my hands. I still have, but will eliminate, a thesaurus, 14,000 Quotes, Synonyms, and several other very large reference books that I haven't opened in years. I'll take them to the library and see if they have any use or them. Invariably I google what I am curious about. So, I'm recognizing that all these electronic gadgets can, at least in my case, simplify things. Of course, living on the fringe makes them a bit unreliable, but I can live with that. Aren't we all a bit unreliable at times? Certainly I am.

Hi-Tech Stuff - Living on the Fringe

My Kindle arrived yesterday. I meticulously followed the start-up instructions and had no trouble reading all the instructions on the Kindle, but can't get a way to order books. The little bars are all blank - not even the two tiniest ones are filled - as are filled when I'm using my Broadband internet connection to do this blog write. All the techie people check my location and report that I'm living on the fringe. I LOVE THAT. All my life I've tried to live on the fringe and now they tell me I am!!! Except in this case, it's going to be a bit inconvenient. Do you suppose I'll have to go to Greenwood (10 miles away) to get my Kindle to function? Or maybe even Atlanta? Do you suppose I'll be able to read them once I get them in the thing? Oh well, Luke or Tate will be able to straighten everything out for me when they get here on Wednesday. They also will have to help me figure out what to do with my new internet access goodie that fits into the usb port. It's a replacement for the one that goes into a slot with the idea that maybe a newer one will give me better access. We'll see. In the meantime, life goes on. --------Got lentil soup and cranberry molded salad made yesterday and got in a good yoga session with Maureen last evening. Got my flu shot and had lunch with Lori at Kickers - we'd been quite a few weeks without our lunch together so especially nice to connect again. -------This afternoon our group of Spiritual Sisters meets at Susan Tucker's to celebrate completing the Lovingkindness book and to get organized to begin the Insight Meditation workbook and CD's for the next several months. How fortunate we are to have this group to keep us all on track! And, even if I am living on the fringe, I still intend staying on my pathway! I may wander a bit and even come close to losing it, but I will remember my mantra - currently "I give my presence and love."

Thanksgiving shopping

It's afternooon - busy morning - grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. Found two turkeys the right size. Leg of lamb to be in tomorrow. Sweet potato souffle, macaroni and cheese, cherry o' cheese pie, cornbread dressing, blue cheese potatoes, ambrosia, pecan pie, ingredients now spread all over the kitchen! Got the Chex snack mix made and will work on one thing at a time till they're all ready. Still need whipping cream and no doubt several more trips to the store will occur before it's all together. What a fun thing to anticipate everyone being here - some of the fun is in the anticipation and preparation. The big anticipation this year is to go to the drive-in theater. It reopened a year ago and I'm sure the kids will enjoy that experience. My boys used to enjoy going in the pick-up truck and sitting in the back in butterfly chairs! Don't know how we'll work it out this year. -----Just walked out to the mailbox and once again, the leaves are so very beautful this year, don't you think? I don't recall the bright color hanging around so long before.

What synchronicity! Last night, for the very first time in 5 years, not one single student showed up for Yoga for Any Body at the church! I was thrilled! Jim and I had an extra hour or so together by the Cabin fire with Bella, his dog. -----It poured rain last night. Everything looks clean this morning - the surface of the Pond is bright with fall colors reflected. Jim will be leaving this morning to return to Hilton Head. He likes the All by Myself story third draft. I'll have it reworked and polished a bit after Thanksgiving. For now, I'll enjoy prepping for Thanksgiving - the one time each year my whole family, all ten of us (and Bob's Spirit, too) gather here at the Pond! What a blessing for me!

Maples in the Fall

I have another couple of photos that you might enjoy. Have you ever viewed a lovelier carpet? Or a lovelier forest maple? How can anyone be unhappy in a world like we have to view this fall? Smiles keep popping onto my face as I glance out the windows this morning. It is raining and promises to keep raining all day. I truly love these rainy days that allow, no, insist I stop doing and just be. Drops are falling in long streaks from the edge of the roof into the Pond. I wish it were warmer so I could open the door and hear them plop into the water. Maybe when the fridge motor stops, I can hear them.------Jim is cooking supper tonight and we'll share a fire in the fireplace in the cabin. This will be a first fire of the fall for me. There's something special about fires----and water, too. I'll hurry home from yoga this evening so we can enjoy our last evening here together.

ROSE Circle Yoga

Change of plans - Jim came yesterday! So, worked feverishly to get the ms in shape for him to take a look at it. This is No. 3 draft. I'm predicting there will be perhaps a dozen drafts before this project is over. My plan is to have a readable draft before Christmas so that we can pass it on to some readers for help. Any volunteers? -----I finished painting bedroom furniture - to keep my sanity, I must do something active in between sessions of writing----and just moved it all back into place. Still have two more small pieces of white furniture I'll work on next. Seems like long ago when white furniture in bedrooms was popular. Usually by the time I get around to changing, the old fashion is back in! -------- The Pond is quiet this morning, hardly a ripple anywhere - many leaves float on the surface. I'm eager to get back over to the labyrinth. Greg mowed the large area behind it and Randy has cleaned up the labyrinth borders. Perhaps I can get another photo today. ----Last evening eight young women, members of the ROSE circle at ILC came out for a yoga session. What fun it was! I absolutely love working with students who are eager - and all of them were eager. At times like this, I know I'm on the right path!--By the way, did I tell you I will begin Monday at 10:30 am Yoga for Any Body at the Greenwood Y? First session on Monday following Thanksgiving. -----Jim's showed up for breakfast together. ----- May your Monday be magnificent!----Namaste.

The Celtic Tree at Springbank

Just a quick note today - much more writing work needed before Jim comes on Monday - I've put this photo of the Celtic Tree on my desktop and thought some of you might enjoy seeing it, too. Those of us who find the number three significant will appreciate it, I'm sure. --- Have a great weekend!

Cold and Y Yoga

Just opened the curtains enough to peek out at the Pond. Lots of fog or mist of some kind now. I'm finally accepting these cold mornings and putting on wool sweaters. Being cold is just not my thing - I hate it! Maybe one day I'll find a way to spend the winter months in a warmer climate, but for now, I wear wool. ------ Yesterday I filled out an application for employment at the Y in Greenwood. The last time I filled out such a form was in 1975 - 35 years ago! What fun! Some yoga student recommended me - Thanks to whoever did so - and I will be doing a trial run teaching on Monday mornings at 10:30 for a few weeks after Thanksgiving. If it works out to my satisfaction and theirs, I'll begin a regular class on January 10. It is my hope that this exposure will increase the number of students who come to the Yogatorium. My main interest is continuing my mission both at the Yogatorium and at ILC. ----- If you decide to try the Y class, dress warmly! The room is cold. ----- Now it's time to move into my rewriting work before I use up all my creativity! ---- Have a GREAT day!

Writing, Studying, Cooking and a Pedicure

Good morning! What a great day yesterday! I had the entire day alone to do as I chose. Ended up writing and reading what I've written in my journals for the last 5 years or so and other stuff I've written just for fun. What a revelation! I've been at my spiritual journey much longer than I realized - at least eleven years! I had forgotten how early in my personal growth work it entered my considerations. I also had forgotten much of the material I prepared for speaking and workshops on finding happiness. Surprisingly, some relevant messages came to the forefront again. ----- When all that studying got tiresome, I cooked! Cooking is a wonderful release mechanism for me - especially making soup - and cooking veggies I've never cooked before - like beets. I love beets but until yesterday had never cooked them. Soups I make up without a recipe always astound me when they taste really good! Yesterday's soup contained quinoa and lentils. If I had found the barley in my pantry, I would have included that, too. But, didn't find it until late last evening. Used broths from former vegetable cooking that I stored in the fridge. ------ Oh, I almost forgot - the highlight of the day was a pedicure at a salon in Greenwood. What a joy! I've only had two before in my life - one in Jamaica and another in Santa Fe. I pride myself on being able to reach my own toes, but I certainly can't perform the ritual the salon offers! Jenny even exfoliated my lower legs and feet with a kind of salt? rub! What a great feeling! ---- Don't forget to indulge occasionally-- or even more often, if you feel like it!

Celtic Tree on Vision Quest at Springbank

I'm back with you. Left on Thursday and returned Sunday from an Elder Vision Quest at Springbank Retreat Center near Kingstree. I had been there several times before but never on a vision quest. Pam and Marcy did an excellent job of facilitating. The 5-hour solo in the forest was a memorable experience - the photo is of my site at the Celtic Tree - so named because of the three prongs. The Celts placed emphasis on triplicity in many ways - one reason Christianity (one God in three forms) was so readily incorporated. Except for the extreme cold (36 degrees) early in the morning, or maybe because of it, the time was well spent! Next time I go on a vision quest, however, I'll do it when it's warmer. Perhaps the best part was the camaraderie that developed among the women. I knew two others, but the rest were new friends. We spent several sessions in "council" sharing and one session around a bonfire surrendering attachments which was especially rewarding. ----- The mist over the Pond this morning seems to accentuate the bright red leaves of the maple trees - I love this time of year. I've brought in two heaters for the cottage and they are handling the cold very well. The price of propane gas to heat was very high last winter and I expect it to be even higher this year, so I'm converting to electricity as my primary source of heat. ---- Wow! The red maples are so ALIVE! I'll include a photo.

Brush your heart before you go to sleep.

What a beautiful morning. It's raining - I woke to the rain and have been sitting by the window watching it for two hours now - writing, eating my oatmeal, and watching the rain. How could anyone envision a more beautiful time? ----- Last evening's yoga session was a bit different. We did several of the asanas holding them for 5 breaths. It worked well so we'll continue doing some of this as the sessions continue. -----The photo was taken recently and shows a few red maple leaves floating on the Pond with their backsides showing. I love the symbolism of the triune. Yesterday I picked a red sassafras three-lobed leaf. Fall is definitely here. In the triune, I see my ordinary self, my authentic self, and my God, all as a unit. ------ I just read a practical suggestion from Satchidananda I'll share: Before you go to sleep, you brush your teeth. Also brush your heart. Clean out all the negative feelings by talking with the person. I love that "Brush your heart." Wouldn't it be great if we could always sweep out or brush off the negative feelings! I remember my Mother saying, "Don't go to bed mad." Which I sometimes did then. But not now! I'll remember to brush my heart.

Sorry I've been neglecting the blog, but having lots of good times! The photo is of 3 Pod sisters: Ann, Sara, and JacqueB after a visit to the labyrinth. The other photo is Paula and Jimmy. We met Kathy at the Hampton Inn in Clinton and the 5 of us headed for Carlisle and Nanette's home for the beautiful wedding. First, we stopped in Greewood at Miss Ann's to pick up fried chicken for the lunch following the wedding. What a memorable experience for us. We gather four times a year but nothing like this has been a part of our gatherings before. ------- It's early. When I began this post, there was some light in the sky but I couldn't see the Pond. Now I can. Looks a bit overcast. Perhaps we'll have rain. I love rainy days here - hearing the rain on the tin roof of the porch I always open the door so I can hear it better, What is it about rain on a tin roof? I think it might be some sense of abundance