New Beginnings

New Beginnings

How to be more aware when doing a chore,

Especially one that's repetitive, really a bore,

Get into that place of wonder, more like a child,

Do what needs doing, but at least with a smile.

Be a little more curious, kinda like the cat,

Be a little more investigative when it comes down to that,

Break down the old patterns, try something new,

A different way of doing things instead of feeling blue.

Doing the laundry or scrubbing the dishes,

Being more present instead of lost in my wishes,

That these endless tasks would magically go away,

When these are the details, the minutiae of my day,

All this and more is what I find,

When I remember to practice beginner's mind.

A Moment of Sweetness

Today we had a very lunch late lunch at the Mission Ranch in Carmel Valley. We sat at one of the little teak tables and played Flux, a very challenging card game where the rules change every single draw. 

Chip had the most amazing ribs while I enjoyed the goat cheese with sesame crackers. As I looked past the grazing sheep, the ocean much beyond, I noticed a gray hair gentleman who was clearly enjoying his just desserts as he spread the whipped frosting over the little bun and popped it into his mouth with so much relish. 

A moment later he glanced over and we made eye contact. I smiled deeply, grateful to have masks on, it was a sweet moment. I glanced back down at the ocean to give him his space. 

Time went on, we paid the waitress and tipped the server with the tiger's eye bracelets. As I walked past the gentleman's table, I said I noticed you've savoring your dish. He perked right up, blue eyes twinkling and had so much to share, more with Chip than I. That's when I realized that he was eating baked potato skins with bacon which he was smothering in sour cream, so what I thought was a sweet delicacy was actually a savory dish.

   

Book Review: Grandma's Got Tattoos

 

Grandma's Got Tattoos

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Love from the elders

Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2021

Wonderful absolutely wonderful. Historically time and patterns repeat like the ancient art of story telling , sitting around the campfire or the evening fireplace with full bellies and listening to the story teller ( the elders ), it’s a love message of I believe in you and I unconditionally love you too.. The receding pandemic has highlighted these truths of connection. This delightful book should be read to not only children, teens and young adults but also middle aged adults too who want to remember dear love ones or want find a heart grandmother or grandfather, remember seek and you shall receive ... Mother Earth is plentiful.. thank you Kayla Nona

How To Love This World

It's easy to get caught up in the news

Easy to feel those Covid-19 Blues 

Too easy to keep scrolling down

Just two muscles needed to frown

When it takes forty-three to actually smile

But who wants to go that extra mile?

So remember to turn off the phone,

Computer, and TV, really just be alone

Notice the wind rustling spring green

Smell the ocean salt in the breeze

Feel the sun on your cheek, be aware of the shade

Squirrels in the shadows, wren eggs are laid 

And explosion of lilac by the Thai lime tree

Orange crocosmia, weeds struggle to be free

The friendly neighbor, chatting over the fence

Succulents packed together, lush and dense 

Having the time to simply unwind and unfurl

The fern's fronds come out of hibernation's curl

Across the street young folks it on the porch

The next generation to hopefully carry the torch

So smile and wave, be a part of the solution

Come on and join in the kindness revolution

Starting with yourself, forgive and forget

Hold on to the sweetness, let go of regret

Remember to be present, to simply be here

Fill your body with hope, dispel the fear

If there's food in the fridge, share your table 

Help your elders when you are able

By paying Scotty to mow Anita's lawn

Pulling back the curtains everyday to greet the dawn

Petting the black cat, give her whiskers a twirl

These are some ways to simply love the world.

Grandma's Got Tattoos

  

Yay! My new book Grandma's Got Tattoos is now available! 

Ernesto has been bullied for having a large birthmark on his face. He goes to Grandma for some comfort and words of calm advice.

 

Grandma tells him a story of her own adventures about being different. She sets off on an adventure one day, with her faithful companion, June E. Purr. 

They overcome storms, blockages, and unusual encounters. Along the way she meets a helpful pant, a special animal, and personal guide who all help to build feelings of confidence, resourcefulness, and self-esteem.

Day 23 - Crossroads

Here I am, at the crossroads again,

Wondering if I should go left or go right?

Maybe go forward, see what's just  around the bend,

The road behind me is already out of sight.

I can consult a map, turn on my GPS,

Ask at the gas station for direction,

Acknowledge my mistake, take responsibility for the mess,

But sometimes getting lost leads to introspection.

So I sit on a bench and watch traffic fly by,

The lights twinkling red, yellow, and green.

No need to wonder how and when will I die,

Just feeling alive in the moment and quite serene.

Down to the ocean, or up to the redwood trees?

All roads lead to Rome, at least that's what they say.

I'll follow the sunset, the sounds in the spring breeze,

Because I know there's always a roundabout way...