...with humility and gratitude, she welcomed the dawn of a new day
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January 2009
January 19, 2009
January 08, 2009
here and now
Its late. The house is quiet. I'm having a hard time getting started. I love to write, but as usual, I struggle with where to begin? The thoughts and images running through my head could never be adequately expressed, which is a problem for one who so loves the written word. So I remain quiet lest I share too much.
I'd like to say I'm doing something, anything really, but the truth is I'm lying on the couch with the computer in my lap as I write. Every now and then our cat Grace bounds up to land squarely on my belly. I groan as her 24 pounds lands squarely on my diaphragm. Ugh! Its loud enough to wake the dogs, who sound the alarm and come running to be sure I'm alright. Satisfied, Jordy curls up on the floor beside me. Puppy, both blind and deaf, hops up onto the couch and plants herself on top of my feet. All is well, and Grace finally settles in on my chest, swishing her tail back and forth as she keeps vigilant watch over the canines. I get a mouthful of fur. And another.
By now I'm completely flat on my back. The pillow that was once behind my head is now beneath Jordy's chin. I can't bear to disturb him so I tilt my head and hold it up as if the pillow were still there. This can't last long. Grace is a sweet and beautiful cat, but her enormous girth has obscured the computer screen. Luckily there's a documentary about Dale Chihuly's Milennium installation in Jerusalem to keep me busy while I wait for Grace to slink off. Ben and I saw this very exhibit, and I'm flooded with sweet memories of the year we traveled.
Such a lovely thought as I begin drifting off to sleep.
I'd like to say I'm doing something, anything really, but the truth is I'm lying on the couch with the computer in my lap as I write. Every now and then our cat Grace bounds up to land squarely on my belly. I groan as her 24 pounds lands squarely on my diaphragm. Ugh! Its loud enough to wake the dogs, who sound the alarm and come running to be sure I'm alright. Satisfied, Jordy curls up on the floor beside me. Puppy, both blind and deaf, hops up onto the couch and plants herself on top of my feet. All is well, and Grace finally settles in on my chest, swishing her tail back and forth as she keeps vigilant watch over the canines. I get a mouthful of fur. And another.
By now I'm completely flat on my back. The pillow that was once behind my head is now beneath Jordy's chin. I can't bear to disturb him so I tilt my head and hold it up as if the pillow were still there. This can't last long. Grace is a sweet and beautiful cat, but her enormous girth has obscured the computer screen. Luckily there's a documentary about Dale Chihuly's Milennium installation in Jerusalem to keep me busy while I wait for Grace to slink off. Ben and I saw this very exhibit, and I'm flooded with sweet memories of the year we traveled.
Such a lovely thought as I begin drifting off to sleep.
January 01, 2009
across the threshold
There is nothing in this life as precious as this moment here and now. I'm sitting in my great aunt's chair - an "easy" chair in every sense of the word. I can hear the distinctive clink of a spoon scraping the bottom of an empty bowl as Lily finishes her lunch. "I'm all done!" she announces from the kitchen, her voice filled withwith pride. And she truly seems pleased at having eaten a bowl of soup. I'm filled with wonder at the sincere sense of happiness she seems to feel at this small feat. How rich life is for her, and for all who find joy in such simplicity. This year has been filled with countless moments of such beauty and grace. Their simple beauty defies description, so I'll allow them to speak for themsleves. It is with joy and gratitude that I honor the precious moments of the year past.
And now, it is with great hope that I open my arms and my heart to the year to come.Welcome!
