August 31, 2005

Today is my birthday but overshadowing the day are the remnants of hurricane Katrina emphasizing and reminding me once again of the pain and suffering that this storm has left in her wake. It seems that this time of year often brings a disaster. Nothing to do with my birth of course. Perhaps these losses/disasters occur because of the transition of the seasons at this time of year, I don't know. I remember sitting in my house in North Carolina as hurricane Dennis hit us for the second time on August 31st, 1998. I was alone, isolated and unable to use my eyes at the time. My house was on pilings and as the brunt of the storm shook the house, I opened the door to the lower level to see the water laping at the 3rd step. The stuff I had down there was floating around, mostly momentos, photos and christmas decorations that had been with me for years. I started to creep down the stairs when I slipped and fell to the bottom. I lay there in the water for awhile trying to determine if something was broken. My little dog, Duffy, was alarmed as was my cat, Perceval. They came down the steps - Duffy jumped in the water, Percy jumped on the floating boxes. Dragged myself back upstairs weeping tears of pain, frustration and lonliness. Turned out I was bruised but not broken. I leave you with this quote:
"It is the reaching out with love to help another that is important. Not the results. Reach out with Love! That is all you have to do."

August 30, 2005

I've been writing a little about Hartford, NY describing it as an agricultural area. Cows are everywhere, barns, silos and cornfields dot and dress the land in all directions. I have attached a couple of photos taken on a walk nearby where Bearfoot is parked. I hope you can see the long vistas off to the adirondack mts. Too bad it is so cold here in the next few weeks and months. I would stay longer. It is a lovely place for me to touch others, nearby and further away. God has blessed me with many souls who need assistance in this life. The mission I received in '92 was to devote my life to "teaching others how to live in the 21st century". The mission has evolved as all things do, to encompass many levels. A quote I like and share with ya'll: "So every bondsman in his own hand bears the power to cancel his captivity".

August 29, 2005

I've been watching Katrina advance on the Gulf Coast. Brings back memories of several personal hurricane experiences while I was living close to Pamlico Sound in NC. Intense time of fear, grief and feelings of loss. These storms create transitional experiences in our lives as well as cleansing and rejuvenating the planet. But they are very frightening to go through especially alone. I felt like I was experiencing a rite of passage since I was newly divorced after a long term marriage. I pray for all the people who are now feeling the effects of this storm. I am attaching a great shot of my grandson in Namaskar (Sanscrit translation albiet loosely, I celebrate and honor the God in all creatures.) I don't know if you can see the photo as clearly as I can but the milfoil weed in the Lake is visible esp in the right foreground. I like this shot and now have it as wallpaper on my computer. Wednesday night we are going to the Lake George Dinner Theater for my actual birthday. I feel very detached from this birthday year since I don't feel my age. This birthday celebration just goes on though with a picnic on the 4th. Don't get me wrong, I love every minute of it. I am feeling the nostalgia of leaving on the 7th. Please continue to pray for all those affected by the storm in the Gulf.

Add'l Pics

Sebastian who was a non-boater seems to be very happy touring around on the water. Yours truly, the birthday gal, with Cornicus who represented the Light and me. Rather than a cake, we had delicious pies. Sebastian, a non-swimmer, wading in Lake Bomoseen.

Pics

Right: Church spire, East Poultney, VT
Left: gorge in East Poultney, VT
Right: Kayaking Lake Bomoseen, VT
Route 30 in Pawlet looking to Haystack Mt.