Tonight was so very special! Here are me and Frank. His friends Lore and Peter had us over for dinner - a typical German ending of kuchen with or 7 different cookies - all very special and beautiful! I should have photographed the kuchen platter!Lore is lighting the REAL CANDLES on her Christmas tree for me and Frank. Never before have I seen real candles on a tree. What a joy! How lovely our evening with them was!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
German Christmas Celebration
Friday, December 26, 2014
Family Time
Must share with you photo from son Tate's 50th birthday party last week. Sydney, Wendy, Tate, Me, Luke, Susan, and Kelsey. From the center - Me, Two Sons, Their wives, and Tate's two daughters. A truly fun party with a HUGE crowd of Tate's friends. What a ball! Then, Christmas celebration on the 21st while everyone was still together. Here's me with all my grandchildren: Jack, Kelsey, Sydney, Walker, and Sam in front. What a joy to be with them all for these very special times. Now, I'm in North Carolina with Frank and Gus, Luke and Susan's bullterrier. What fun he is - just wish he could be with me more often!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Christmas Tree and Sax-playing Santa
Here is my Christmas Tree. It was decorated by my grandchildren during Thanksgiving of 2009 and is still my favorite decoration for this season. On the table beside it is my Nativity scene in ceramic made by my mother years before - another essential piece of Christmas in my Cottage. …..This morning is a morning at home alone to reminisce and the most fruitful piece is my notebook of annual Christmastime letters I sent out - beginning with 1973, jumping to 1982 and nearly every year since then. What a wonderful way to remember family. Each year I enjoy reading the letters again. This year's letter is kind of summary of 2012, 13, and 14. Why did I miss years? Who knows? Somehow this year it seems very important again to connect with friends and family members I've neglected, so I have written. And, the tree is in place along with a few other artifacts, notably the saxophone playing Santa.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Landfill Expedition in Transylvania Co., NC
Friday, December 5, 2014
Lakota Stories - Humility
Here I am back in NC for a short visit. It is truly amazing how relaxing it is to change one's location. Does everyone feel that - the letting go of all responsibilities - when going away from home? This morning I'm reading The Lakota Way: Stories and lessons for living by Joseph M. Marshall III. Surely I must have been part of a Native American tribe in a past life. The stories truly appeal to me at a deep level. He writes about values: humility, perseverance, respect, honor, love……and many more. The order of his essays is interesting to me. For me at this moment in my life, humility is uppermost in my mind and his words struck home. So many powerful blessings are being bestowed on me - particularly in my cry for help. I now have two wonderful yoga teachers available to substitute for me so that I can have more time for my own spiritual seeking and other pursuits that have been neglected. For them, Chris and Joanne, I am so very grateful. I am also very grateful and humbled by the many new students who are attending classes and giving me the opportunity to "begin again" with the basics of yoga at almost every class! Look around the next time you are in class and see the new faces that join us. One last week came FIVE years ago and has returned. That is the power of yoga. Once you feel its power in your own body, you never forget it! ………The story of "No Moccasins" Marshall tells is a beautiful tale of one woman's humble, courageous act to save her husband by leaving her moccasins beside a creek "laying a false trail" for the enemies. And, never telling anyone. Not until her husband was dying was the act revealed by him as a tribute to her humility.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Pay Attention
Well, the 4-Runner cured itself. The service manager says that happens often. So, no tape needed. The lights went off by themselves………..Thanksgiving was wonderful with all ten of us and Frank and Todd all sitting around one long table - actually two pushed together end to end. Turkey (2 of them Luke fried), ham, dressing and gravy, sweet potato pie, cranberry salad (which only two of us ate), macaroni and cheese (which everyone ate), collards, and so forth. Now everyone is at home. Clemson beat Carolina so my whole family is elated! Well, Susan may be a bit disappointed - she and I both went to Carolina so there's a bit of empathy there………And finally this morning I'm back to my morning reading. Now, Frederick Buechner's Whistling in the Dark. This is fast becoming one of my favorite books. This morning's read included a haiku that really fits my situation: An old silent pond. Into the pond a frog jumps. Splash! Silence again. He writes that this is perhaps the best known of all Japanese haiku. This is my first time reading it. I am sitting now overlooking the pond, as I do so many times during my days. Hundreds of times I have heard the frog jump and silence returning. Buechner is writing about paying attention: literature, painting, music all are asking us to pay attention. Pay attention to the world and all that dwells therein and thereby learn at last to pay attention to yourself and all that dwells therein……learn to listen to the music of your own lengths of time, your own silences.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Family and Friends and Sensors

We had a fun time eating out at Chick Filet, shopping at Hobby Lobby, and just being together for a bit. Quick trip over to Wendy and Tate's home, so now Frank has met my family except for Sydney and Kelsey. They will meet Thanksgiving when everyone gathers here. And, Todd will be back from Albuquerque so the gang will all be here. How blessed I am to have such beautiful family and friends to share this upcoming holiday. It is my favorite time of the year - especially if the weather is nice. Most often, it has been, so we'll count on it again this year. …..My car is talking to me about something called VSC - Toyota visit this morning and then - probably put another piece of black tape over the little signal light on the dash, but we'll see. After all, the vehicle is a 2005 so it's understandable some of her sensors may be oversensitive by now? 144 thousand miles must take some kind of toll. It seems the sensors are the first to go. Who needs them anyway?
Friday, November 14, 2014
Thanksgiving and Family
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Schedule Changes and Grandsons
Schedule Changes - November 13, 2014
1) No class Saturday, Nov. 15. Chris and I will both be out of town.
2) Following week, classes as usual except NO CLASS THURSDAY, the 20th.
3) Thanksgiving Week: No classes Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. SATURDAY class will meet.
I hope you all have a delightful Thanksgiving celebration, as I will - all ten of my family will be here at the Pond for that time period - grandkids sleeping in The Yogatorium! A family tradition for the past 7 years.
Happy Holidays to all of you.
Namaste,
Jaquie
P.S. Feel free to call and double-check on times and other questions any time - 864-506-4063 cell.
My out-of-town right now is being spent with my two grandsons, Jack and Sam, Luke and Susan's sons, who are both capable of caring for themselves but I am so glad I'm still invited to be with them when the parents are going out of town! Won't get many more chances like this. What a joy! The days go by so fast - it's hard to believe these two beautiful guys have been around fourteen and eleven years already!
1) No class Saturday, Nov. 15. Chris and I will both be out of town.
2) Following week, classes as usual except NO CLASS THURSDAY, the 20th.
3) Thanksgiving Week: No classes Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. SATURDAY class will meet.
I hope you all have a delightful Thanksgiving celebration, as I will - all ten of my family will be here at the Pond for that time period - grandkids sleeping in The Yogatorium! A family tradition for the past 7 years.
Happy Holidays to all of you.
Namaste,
Jaquie
P.S. Feel free to call and double-check on times and other questions any time - 864-506-4063 cell.

Sunday, November 9, 2014
Me and the Vets Administration
Some of you may be aware of the difficulties veterans are facing with health issues and the VA. Here's a personal success story. My friend, Frank, has been trying to get replacement hearing aids for more than 6 months. Finally, yesterday, his hearing was re-tested and he is scheduled to have aids selected on December 9 with expected fitting date about 4 weeks later. What is so interesting about all of this is: His appointment was yesterday, SATURDAY. His doctor is a woman in private practice from Charlotte who is now working weekends in Asheville at the VA facility in an effort to provide services since they are so backed up. The huge facility was absolutely empty except for the audiology department. This department alone served over 10,000 vets last year. The problem Frank faced was in part due to the necessity of navigating telephone menus. He can't hear well enough to do that. After several attempts at helping by his personal physicians (one with the VA and the other in private practice) he finally had an appointment but was told he couldn't be fitted because his ears were not clean enough - even though his personal physician had cleaned them just prior to the appointment. Was this a stalling mechanism? Yesterday, when I asked if the cleanliness was an issue, we were told "They are fine." ……..This is my first personal exposure to problems faced by vets and it has been an eye-opener. It is truly amazing how we blindly go through our lives unaware of the problems faced by others. What a joy it has been to play a small part in this escapade! (All I really did was make a few phone calls.) In the new year of 2015, Frank will hear birds sing again!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Cleaning and Clearing the Carport Shed
Today has been one of cleaning and clearing out the carport shed. It is truly amazing how totally disarrayed things can get in an out-of-the-way spot when I find it so easy to keep my tiny cottage pretty well in order. At any rate, now the pressure washer has its spot, the paint is all in one spot on a shelf along with the paint equipment. The recycling materials are all in one container. The beach sand is in one container instead of three or four plastic bags all in different corners of the room. The beach sand is used to fill sandbags for yoga and/or luminarias in brown paper bags with candles. Or at least, for the last ten years or so I've "planned" to set some up at Christmas time. Maybe this will be the year? The empty gallon water plastic bottles from the beach trips are waiting for those who like to get well water occasionally. The odd pillows of all descriptions that seemed to be perfect in their spot at one time are all now hiding in one big box - still can't quite part with those even though I've removed all the pillows except sleeping ones from all the beds. Why do we do that? Then we end up throwing them on the floor in order to get to bed! So now all mine are sleeping in the shed in their own box. Enough. You get the idea of what my day was like. What a joy to see a CLEAN floor!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Snow Day at The Yogatorium
Here's the view from my meditation spot in The Yogatorium. Wonderful walking in the snow as it fell early this morning to get the heat turned on and ready for class at 10. BUT, no one showed up so now I'm enjoying a "snow day." What fun!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Red Bush?
Back in NC mountains for a couple of days. The colors are brighter each week but I think this must be peak time. Where I am (near Brevard) is just north of the Continental Divide so about 2,000 feet. And with the sun shining on the trees, yellows, reds, oranges, and browns and greens cover the hillsides. But, one of the brightest colors comes from the red bush (don't know the name yet) here in Frank's yard. On the median at one point on I-26 I saw a beautiful collection of these same shrubs. If anyone knows the proper name, please let me know. They are truly beautiful - and even redder now, a week or so after this photo. I'll try for a close-up today and see if that makes it easier to identify. Keep on enjoying the beautiful October weather!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
October Energy
Yoga class last evening was perfect! Chris led and I assisted making adjustments for each student as I noticed a need. We make a great team. We won't always be working together this semester, but many times we will be now that my arm is healing and my stamina is returning. For weeks all my reserves were going to the arm; now it seems there is some left over for the rest of life. It is truly amazing to me watching and experiencing how energy works. ….Yesterday I took the short walk at Star Fort and it was lovely - perfect days now for walks we might not be inclined to take after the weather turns cold. Why is it I find myself denying myself these simple joys to take care of some trivial chore? More often than not now, at last I'm saying "Yes" to these suggestions Spirit sends that pop into my mind rather than closing down. October is such a beautiful month to watch the changes that occur in nature. I hope you are giving yourself this gift too. It is an energy-building time. Winter will come and that is time enough for hibernating.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Challenges and Changes

Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Broken Arm is Healing!


Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Porch Sitting

I'm just being. I removed my sling to allow a breather for my right elbow which still has a few scabs on it from the fall. Amazing how long healing takes at this age. But also amazing that I am healing so well. Porch sitting is such a great place to heal in so many ways.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Healing Slowly
Here we are at the end of September. I am ready for the delightful weather change with cooler mornings. Unfortunately, for now I'm restricted to button-up-the-front clothes since I can't extend my right arm up, only down. But, Oct. 7 I'll get out of the sling and begin some exercises to strengthen my shoulder muscles again. I'm now in NC visiting with Frank at his home. Wonderful break to be away from home for a few days where no chores are staring me in the face. Will return by Wednesday evening. Fun to be in the mountains for a few days. ……Here I am smiling - it was the first morning I'd been able to put on sleeves! Before everything had to be pulled up from my feet - tank tops serving as under and outer wear! I'll be so happy when I can pull a sweater over my head and arms!!! Amazing how one learns to appreciate our bodies when they don't quite work the way we're used to. Thank God for the beautifully designed, working bodies we have!
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Angels Paying Attention
Today I must express gratitude (even if still only able to type with left hand). My caretakers have all been absolutely diligent, loving, available, and capable. From the beginning with Todd taking me to the ER and total care for all the days he was here before going to training in Albuquerque; Donna, my loving niece taking over and even finding time to build a beautiful wreath for my door, in addition to spending many days cleaning the Guest House and shopping for groceries, braiding my hair, etc.; then came brother Jim joining Donna in all those activities and more, and now friend Frank is here doing it all. How can I even begin to thank Chris Fisher who has taken over the yoga classes from the day I fell, September 3, and continues to do so with great skill and devotion. And many others have offered to help and made loving gifts and attention. …… That is the key word. Attention. Those who pay attention are angels.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Good news on bones
Good news from doc. Healing in place. Keep wearing sling and avoid using right shoulder muscles until Oct 7. Then we begin working them. I am thrilled and ready to live this way to let my body heal itself. I think I'll be able to drive any time I need to but haven't tried yet. And will learn to lead yoga classes without using my right arm or my CD of instructions as soon as stamina returns. Thanks be to God! And to my wonderful caretakers to date: Todd, Donna, and Jim.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Update
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Recovering Slowly

Saturday, September 6, 2014
Broke Right Humerus

Tuesday, September 2, 2014
She Plants
A beautiful quiet morning. First on the deck at The Yogatorium meditating as the sun came up. Fun starting in the dark. Geese are flying daily now. Are they going south? Doesn't seem even remotely cool enough, but the days are shortening. Surely they know more than I do. Watering all the plants this morning one by one I felt a good connection to each one as I let the hose pour over the leaves and onto the soil around the stems. By afternoon, all the leaves will be curled to conserve what water remains. That plants are nourished by human attention appears to be true even in my case. This summer I have felt closer to my plants and devoted more thought to each one. No, I haven't given them individual names, but I am remembering their common names! One of my favorites is a beautiful vine now about 4 or 5 feet long from a chunk of sweet potato I started in a glass of water on the kitchen window sill. It now lives on the porch and seems to grow a few new leaves each day. I almost drowned my little philodendron vine but she seems to be recovering. I forgot the pot was sitting in another pot which was holding water. The spider plant is much healthier looking since I moved her to a larger pot giving her impacted roots room to spread. I wonder why I refer to them as feminine? Do I do animals the same or just plants? Are all of God's creatures feminine in my eyes until proven otherwise?
Monday, September 1, 2014
Yoga is a Tool for Becoming Whole
Why do we practice yoga? It is a way of becoming more healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. Yoga includes not only physical poses, but meditation, breathing, chanting, all of which contribute to a wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. Why does it bring your body into harmony with your mind and spirit? Why be a Christian? Why not be a Christian? Why am I believer in another faith? Why deal with who am I? What am I doing here? What is the meaning of my life? What am I supposed to do with it? …... What are you looking for? Is there a conflict between Yoga and Christianity? What is it? How do they fit together? Why did I seek out Christianity? Why did I leave the church? What is it the church doesn't offer me? We are here to answer the questions with the truth as you and I know it. (There are no wrong answers or questions)……. Why am I here at this retreat? Why did you say "Yes" when Aunt Tilly told you to come? Take what you want and leave the rest. This retreat offers an opportunity to share truths and ideas in a safe, friendly group setting. You will also have plenty of time to be in your own space here meditating, journaling, or just being. October 17-18 at The Yogatorium. A $10 deposit will hold your space. Friday evening session is open to all who wish to attend. Saturday program is limited to 10 participants.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Family Weekend

Friday, August 22, 2014
Christianity and Yoga

Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Guest House and Grounds Work
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Namaloha
What a great couple of days! Brother Jim has been here working very hard on the guest house washing windows, cleaning carpet, and many other chores! What a blessing to have this time with him working side by side much of the time. He is the first to have slept in the guest house. We also did some shopping for mattresses and box springs. Soon we will have three single beds and a queen one so that all four bedrooms will be ready for sleepers. This project is such fun! It's almost like playing house when we were children except this time - it really is a house. One bedroom is all blue ("Summer Breeze"), one is off-white with one wall blue, one is off-white with a yellow wall and the master bedroom is all off-white ("Coconut Milk"). Finally, the utility room is all of those colors in some place or another. The kitchen cupboards have all been cleaned inside and shelf paper put in place. It is truly amazing how much fun I'm having with this project! I can only imagine how much pleasure my guests will have staying there. Did I tell you the fleas are gone? At least for now. Stay tuned for more on the creation of Namaloha (combination of Namaste and Aloha - sort of a hello/goodbye greeting). Not set in stone yet so if you have a better suggestion for a name for our guest house, spit it out!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Pond Project
The dam decisions have been made. In February the dam will be broken and drained so it can dry. By March or April, depending on the drying process - that is how much rain we get - the work will be done rebuilding the dam and clearing all the surrounding area so that we can have access to the entire perimeter. A major undertaking, but what a lovely view I am envisioning! We are accepting donations to assist in this project - estimated to cost $13,000. I know there are those of you out there who would like to contribute. Please make checks payable to Mayland Farm or to Jaquie Haymond, whichever you prefer, and write on your check "Pond Project."…….AND, please come fish and don't throw them back! We may have a fish netting party when the dam is broken, but it would be great for you to come catch all you can before that! Todd, Jim, and I ate 9 delicious bream last night for supper. You truly should take advantage of this opportunity!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Dam Renovation
is done and renewal is left in the hands of God!
Friday, August 8, 2014
Listen to Your Life
A partial quote from Frederick Buechner (Beekner) friend John sent. Comes from Ariana Huffington's "Thrive." Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden part of it, because in the last analysis, all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace. WOW! Listen. How rare are the times when I manage to do that. Even here in this paradise of quiet where listening is so easy. Where noise is at a minimum and all sounds are from God. At this moment a mourning dove is calling. An entire day is ahead of me with no demands. What a blessing it is to be ….. to just be. To be still and listen. To my life. …..all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace…….
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Faith
Goodness! Where do the days go? This morning I have a delightful read for you from Frederick Buechner's "Wishful Thinking". Faith is better understood as a verb than as a noun, as a process than as a possession. It is on-again-off-again rather than once-and-for-all. Faith is not being sure where you're going, but going anyway. A journey without maps. Tillich said that doubt isn't the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith…..Amy introduced us to this man's writing Sunday at our "Finding Spirit Here Now" meeting. It is absolutely delightful! If you haven't sampled it, please do! I love that "faith is not being sure where you're going, but going anyway." That's me.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Guest House Painting
Again, I'm on the porch, with a light sweater on, relishing the absolutely beautiful morning. The sun is breaking over the trees and making long shadows on the Pond and the Labyrinth. Last evening, two does and a fawn jumped the fence into the pasture and danced over to the water for their evening cocktail. And, hundreds of blackbirds (grackles, I think) perched in two maple trees at the edge of the dam and then all at once flew west together in a beautiful mass of black that seemed endless. This morning it is quiet. Only the coffee maker is sounding. Since I have my hearing aids in, I can hear lots of tiny high-pitched sounds of insects and small birds. What a happy place this is! ……Soon, we will be able to share it with anyone who wishes to enjoy The Pond. The guest house is being painted inside and so far all rooms have Kilz at least and we are closing in on paint - only two rooms left to get their new coats of paint. Fortunately both the bathrooms are done - the really time-consuming ones. Probably the last two will get done today. At any rate, September 1, if not before, we will open it to guests. Several years ago we had weekend guests who enjoyed the entire facility for two or three days and we look forward to doing that again. The photo is Todd painting the primer. Notice how very dark the room is--the whole house was that same dark paneling. Soooooo, now the light will shine. In many ways. We hope to increase the numbers of people who come for yoga, energy healing, spiritual companioning, and JUST BEING. It is a great place for personal retreats and even groups of friends. The guest house has four bedrooms and two baths and, of course, a full kitchen.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
The Happy Place
Good morning! What a lovely morning - it is actually cool. I even went into the winter clothes for a light jacket! We are so very fortunate living here in the Southeast. Have you ever thought about the fact that here we get almost four seasons almost equal in length? That is one of the facts that makes this a delightful part of the country in which to live. When I left South Carolina in 1954 to begin my life away from home as a new bride, we swore we would never come back to South Carolina. Amazing what maturity can do to a person - and to the State of South Carolina. Now we are a nesting place for a wide diversity of transplants from all over the country who also know what a delightful place we live in. Thanks be to God for them and for this happy place where I live. Does the "happy place" remind you of Brer Rabbit? I've got to google and find out if I'm remembering correctly. Or, perhaps you can tell me?
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Guest House improvements
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Meanwhile, Back at the Pond
I know you must think I've fallen off the edge of the world! Life has been so very busy lately I've lost my routine but am determined now to recover those lovely parts of it - like writing my posts. The fleas are still my biggest problem but there has been some improvement. Now we get ready for the next onslaught . We understand there needs to be 3 generations fought to win the war. So it may still be a couple more weeks of battles. I'm finding it hard to understand how the renters could have lived with the many fleas that appear to have been here. Every day one still appears on someone's body. BUT, we will win this war. Meanwhile, the interior of the guest house is beginning to look truly beautiful! We are covering all of the walls and ceilings with fresh paint (Kilz first, of course to block out the old wallpaper - no point in trying to remove it). The walls of the master bedroom and the kitchen cupboards are now sporting a beautiful paint called "Coconut Milk." How's that for New Age health nuts! Kitchen report tomorrow. Also, some photos.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Litchfield Inn
Frank and I have taken a break from the flea eradication project and are spending a weekend at the Litchfield Inn in Pawleys Island. No photos yet, but will get some today - particularly as we tour Brookgreen Gardens. Already a morning walk on the beach following breakfast. More beach stuff this afternoon as the sun lowers a bit. It is already very hot out there. I have spent many pleasant weeks here - a month last December. Long before that I spent a week with U.S. Forest Service foresters here each fall as facilitator of their training Clemson University offered. So, a short time off and back to the routine on Monday. Nothing like a quick break - and of course, those of you who know me well - I'm a great believer in breaks - both short and long!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Fleas and Such
Goodness - I've been home since Saturday (Day 15 of Hilton Head trip) and no posts? Well, things have been busy getting back into the routine, but today was a brand new experience. Donna discovered yesterday that the empty guest house next door is infested with fleas - she came out with several bites. So, Frank and I went into Lowe's, bought bomb/foggers and came back and set them up throughout - 9 of them. So, in a couple hours we can go over and open up the windows and air things out. Presumably the fleas will all be dead! Is that dreaming? We'll see. Anyway, dogs are not welcome here! Tomorrow Susan returns. Thursday Todd returns. And then, Reid and Michael on Thursday or Friday. So, the guest house is really needed! Will be working on cleaning everything as soon as we get rid of the fleas - hopefully tonight! One of the fun things of managing rental property! More about the new guest house soon.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Luke's New Shoes - Day 13 at HH
Last night at Salty Dog there were thousands of people! Luke stood at the bar waiting forever for our drinks. Here's a view of his brand new crazy shoes - yellow soles, grey suede tops!!! Great fun with pizza at Fat Baby Pizza and blue ice cream at Hilton Head Ice Cream - really fun night out.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Day 12 at Hilton Head Island


Day 10 at Hilton Head Island
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Day 8 at Hilton Head
Here is Luke's family the night of fireworks on the 18th green at Harbor Town, Hilton Head Island. Luke, Jack, Susan and Sam in front. What a fun evening that was! Beautiful fireworks. Great tradition being here together.
Day 9 at Hilton Head


Thursday, July 3, 2014
Day Six at Hilton Head
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Kelsey and GJ |
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Day 4 at Hilton Head (Tuesday)


d so does he.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Day Two at Hilton Head Island (Sunday)

Day Two at Hilton Head Island at our time share in Shipyard Plantation where we have vacationed for more than a decade. I began the morning with my usual meditation and rituals and then a nice long walk on the beach. Here are a couple photos. First time I've seen a jellyfish with her stalk extended so clearly. This is a Cannonball common on our beaches. Looked it up in "Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast."
Friday, June 27, 2014
Family is Forever
Monday, June 23, 2014
Free-writes
Great morning meditation. Now on the porch watching fish jump and just being. A good day to just be. The dog next door is still barking - now 90% of the time. She is very old. Wonder if she is lonely or angry or scared of dying? I'm finally learning that "dying is a part of living" is a good way of looking at it. That's what my mother's long-time African-American friend (70 years) always said. And it is consoling. My goal is to LIVE until I die rather than getting there and having regrets. My bucket list is getting shorter every week. As a matter of fact, I can't think of anything at all on it this morning. How's that for a way to start a day! For an "achiever" (Enneagram type 3) I'd say I've come a long way, baby. Actually, I think I've grown into an "Adventurer" (type 7) and happy where I am. Seeking to avoid pain as a "Happiness Specialist." And, actually doing very well at it, if I do say so! But then, I've always been looking for the next great space! (How in the world did this post evolve into this?) Nothing like free-writes to open the heart.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Mistress Mary, How does your garden grow?
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Beauty of the Pond

Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Creativity - Frank's Pens

Sunday, June 15, 2014
Quiet Time Interrupted
It has been six days since I last wrote. Unbelievably busy time in my life. The major reason I have been writing posts for the blog less often is I have a delightful pen pal I am communicating with daily and much of my writing has been going into that process. It is not truly satisfying the yearning I have to write these posts, so I am back at it this morning. One of the most emotionally disturbing things that has been going on is barking dogs at the neighbors. So annoying I have asked them to move and so eventually, hopefully by the end of this month, that annoyance will disappear. It has really tested my patience particularly early in the mornings when I do my meditation on the deck. They start the moment I leave my cottage and are still at it this morning now an hour later while I sit on my back porch. The quiet here is its most precious quality and I will protect it. For several years now I have known that to find Me, to find my real Self, I must find quiet. Not only me, but those who come here for release…..Sara (a Pod Sister) and I had a delightful two days together. Yesterday we had lunch at Fusion and a Happy Feet foot massage afterwards. What a delightful excursion! Mostly, though, we have shared our lives since our last visit. What a joy to have a friend with whom all can be shared! She is waking now and will be leaving within the hour, so I'll end for this morning.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Doing Unrequired Things
Birds are really busy singing this morning. Many different voices, few of which I recognize - but did hear the owl. Always a nice voice to hear. Yesterday was a lovely one - so much so I feel energized this morning and yet totally relaxed and eager to continue this feeling of "I'm OK" just as I am. So often I'm DOING something to accomplish something - today I'll do some more of just being. And do the little unrequired things - like repotting the lovely fern Pam gave me which has overgrown its surroundings. Like pulling a few weeds. Perhaps studying a bit more of "Infinite Self" which Frank recommended to me and kept me absorbed all day long yesterday. This morning I did a recommended practice of moving rocks from one place to another and then moving them back!!!! Ask and I'll tell you what that is designed to do for me….Right now I'm enjoying the beauty of the stillness of he Pond, the sound of birds chirping, a turtle jumping into the Pond with a big plopping sound, a fish jumping on the other side, the sun rising, almost over the trees, but not yet. My tea. The joy of knowing I am not required to do or be until 2:00 pm when a man comes to look at the dam leak - almost six hours of freedom. How blessed I am!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Being with What is
Living with what is occurs when there is no comparison. To live with what is, is to be peaceful. Why is it I find myself comparing so often? If I can recognize when I'm comparing and end it, peace will come is the promise of Krishnamurti in Freedom From the Known. What is for me this morning is a freedom to be and do whatever. There are no scheduled activities. How I relish such times. Today I shall attempt to recognize when I'm comparing and stop. I shall be with what is.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Paradise

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