friday quotation

"Life is short, very short, and what are we doing here if not trying to become more generous and loving?" ~ George Saunders

friday quotation

Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh'ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don't let someone steal your tenderness. Don't allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful to allow yourself to be affected by things. Whether it's a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep. Feel it all, look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love.
~Zooey Deschanel
(P.S. This picture of me with my two girl cousins before Gran's funeral seemed like an appropriate one to attach here as Gran was such a strong, beautiful woman.  We hope to continue to make you proud, Gran!)

friday quotation

 


"Each time of life has its own kind of love."
~ Leo Tolstoy

friday quotation

"Memories are simply moments that refuse to be ordinary."
~Diane Keaton

sunday reflections

It's been a wild month to say the least.  Not October (although that has not started quietly) but September.  I've missed friday quotations, days of work, rituals, routine.  And I've substituted them with travel, time with family to celebrate the life of Gran, dipping my toes back in the tri scene with a relay showing in Kerrville, conferences, and much, much more.  September was so full that there hasn't been much time to process all of it.  So I look to October with both hopefulness and a bit of trepidation.  What will happen when I have space for the light to come in?  What will I see?  What will I feel?   
Yoga saved me from all of those questions...and the emotions that they stir up by reminding me, once again, to be in the present.  Dean reminded us that we can choose each day to stay in the present or to get caught up in things from the past or worries about the future. With some lyrics from "Rent" I found myself both emotional and peaceful...grounded in today...focusing on what is here and now and currently at hand...and not feeling like I have to make amends with all that has happened or plans for all that is to come.  As Dean said, I could choose to struggle or I could choose to let go.  For today, I choose to let go. 

friday quotation

"Collect friends...in your life, you will need them."  ~Gran

Like a beautiful collection of wildflowers, Gran certainly gathered a variety of friends over the course of her life.  

There is so much more to say about Gran, about my relationship with her, about our final days with her...and I will do that in future posts.

But today, I'm struck by her wisdom about friends.  And I'm so very blessed to have a fine collection myself...amazingly generous, loving, supportive, compassionately fine...  Thank you for sticking with me these past few weeks especially. 

friday quotation