mother nature is a man and other observations..

Everyone thinks of  celebrations in their own way. When my sons were little, every holiday was a major celebration and it was sheer joy. At the time I was volunteering in a mental health hospital doing occupational therapy, so every holiday there were things to make with  patients. I remember one Easter actually making cement, searching with the patients for a perfect tree branch, container, and there appeared…the branch for the Easter Egg Tree. Of course the idea was then brought home and we then made the eggs and hung them on the tree. As the boys got older, the celebrations were a bit more private, not having the big birthday parties,  but small intimate family dinners, out. When the boys left and the empty nest arrived, my husband and I enjoyed celebrating with each other.

So in April  I had a milestone birthday and in New York, my son and “daughter” asked if I wanted a luncheon, dinner, cocktail party, whatever. Immediately I said I would love nothing like that. The joy would be my East Coast children and granddaughter, together with my West Coast son,  daughter in law and grandsons. My daughter in law was terrific in welcoming us literally taking over their home and making us feel welcome, not like invaders. Of course she did go away for a few days, and ummmmmmm was that planned? I don’t blame her. We weren’t intrusive but still a change in routine. I feel it was the very best celebration. Everyone got along and love was in the air. My sons enjoyed their time together  as I did and with my grandchildren all being together.  Now a bonus celebration. I am taking my New York daughter in law to Spain for a week , and she is taking me. Easy one to figure out. We will be staying in one room and my son wanted to know if we made  any rules. Not necessary since we both love and respect each other and both know how special this trip is. I am so grateful for my California celebration and now this. My husband’s love and energy are never far away. Always working on myself by myself to be forever grateful for all I have in my life and not just focus on him not being here in the physical sense. Someone once told me “he’s only in the next room.” I said I looked and he wasn’t there. It took me many years to understand he is always with me.  Jane took the photo of the Sunflower and the Butterfly, and tried to tell me the same thing years ago. I now understand. Never too late to embrace the comfort of spirituality.

Next week Hello Spain. Time to once again Celebrate……..

I would like to take this opportunity to thank followers of my blog. First for taking the time to read. Your comments are  a bonus. Writing is what pours out of our hearts and souls. I have never done journalistic, political, or intellectual writing. Mine is reflective and emotional and comes from truth. When some of you say my words inspire, and you can relate to what I am saying,  my purpose has been realized. Thank you all kindly. Paulette

A brilliant Buddhist  I met many years ago at a party told me something  I never forgot. He said “life is really quite simple and we complicate it.” Not talking of course about unforeseen events that can change everything. But, everyday life challenges and how we accept the good , the bad, and the fantastic. It’s quite easy when everything is going your way, but what about when your emotional strength must come to  surface? I  had a most interesting conversation with a bus driver yesterday. A woman who had the attitude of a yogi. Positive sharp, kind, and a joy to talk to. She mentioned  people can be mean-spirited and  she can usually tell immediately by their expression when they board the bus. Unhappiness and fretting over the smallest things can cause harmful  stress . The more I think about it, attitude and your own emotional tools and resources can very often change the outcome of most situations. Many people cause their own problems. Think of the people you really enjoy being with. The family and friends who nourish. The older I become, the more selective I am about who I let in my life. A positive attitude and the ability to feel joy.  Having a therapist 24/7 helps. ME….

Maybe life is simple……..as long as we don’t watch the news.

Today was one of the happiest days of my life. September 15, 1958. A most beautiful full head of blond hair, perfectly wonderful baby born was born. Our first son. Of course little did I know 18 months later, another beautiful baby boy arrived. Just as beautiful and just as loved. But today I celebrate John. In good times and sad times, he was a terrific little boy, and grew up to be a terrific man. Still a devoted son, but now the best husband and father. I wrote on his card how proud I am of him, and how much I appreciate all he does for me and how forever grateful I am that he is always there. On the back of the card, I wrote “but you could call more.”…he thought that was humorous. I do talk to him once a week, but as a mom is it ever enough? Not my style to be a nag because the word smother is mother with an s. I love how our weird sense of humor melds into one that most would not understand, but we do. So today  I am so happy to wish you all  that you wish for yourself John, and I love you forever, heart and soul….

These are words that I read on Facebook and there was no author to give credit …..I  love the words…

Don’t regret knowing the people who come into your life.

Good people give you happiness.

The worst ones give you lessons.

And the best ones give you memories…….

Personally I believe all regrets and guilt…..a complete waste of time and energy. On a personal note, I have had happiness, I have had many lessons, but more importantly I have the very best wonderful memories.