Ponderings #24

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for your constant support.

We have just returned from our trip to Cape Cod. It was a wonderful time.

Beautiful quaint towns and friendly people. Magnificently landscaped small Cape Cod shingled houses, much wild life, cascades of flowers, and water, water everywhere.

I have been fortunate to have traveled to many places by plane and ship and experienced all that goes with long distance travel. (the down side is the jet lag and luggage checks), But I have also seen many spectacular places and different cultures.

But when I really think about it, there is so much to see in my own backyard.

I always find it interesting that many people don't seem to visit the museums or areas of interest in their own towns, but will go great distances to visit other sites, me included. I guess the saying "the grass is greener on the other side" is true in this situation also.

When I studied the "Artist Way", one of the assignments was to once a week do something I hadn't done before. If this was only going into a different store or eating at a different restaurant.

Expand my horizons. See and do something  different. Get out of the same old routine-- Expand.

I know when I drive a different route to get to a familiar place, I am quite often amazed at what is i hadnt noticed before,  what was  just so close.

I once read a statement "Bloom where you are planted." I know this can be read on my different levels, but for now, I'm just choosing to focus on enjoying where I am living.

Lets investigate all the nooks and corners in our own backyards.

Andrew Wyeth painted for about 70 years in a small area around his home, and his pictures are viewed and admired by millions.

What is in your backyard, or within a few blocks that you haven't taken the time to really SEE? This goes for me also.

Lets make this a new exciting day! Life is for living, not existing.

Lets Do, see and learn something new today! and then tomorrow also.

Enjoy Today !!, lets be aware of where we live today! and take time to look! at the splendor in our own backyards.

Now, I didn't say I would never go  long distance again but for now, this

moment. I am content to enjoy my surroundings.

There is much beauty and wonder at my finger tips.
The birds, the flowers, the streams, the sun and rain, the deer and rabbits, and yes those bugs! all here to create the beauty that surrounds me.

Just Pondering on my surroundings.

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #23

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you, thank you, for being here on this wonderful journey with me-- called life.

Everyone of us, everyone-- has a history, a past, a story, and everyone is here to learn from their experiences, from their past-- Conscious changing lessons.

One of these stories began a little over 21 years ago. A beautiful baby boy was born. This first baby of the family, was of course the adoration of his parents and grandparents. He was a precious little one, he quickly sat up and then immediately began crawling, showing great curiosity with everything he saw.

Then one evening this little one was bouncing on his mothers knees and she held up a metal coffee can filled with pop corn kernels and behind his head, shook it with all her energy and when he just kept bouncing and didn't turn around, she asked the grandmother if she thought there was a problem.

In that instant the grandmothers stomach turned over and over. Frozen, while pushing away the Yes, thoughts. But saying " Not in my family, to this child, to this family".

After going from denial, a trip to the audiologist happened. And the tests results were "Profound" in one ear and " Severe" in the other,  a jet plane going overhead could not be heard.

No one in this family had any experience with "deafness". What does this mean?

"Deaf" all the old stereotypes of deaf people played over and over in the

grandmothers head. and the daughter blamed herself for his "problem"; she had been sick for a brief time while she was pregnant.

Then the work began. The daughter, being a tenacious, proactive person, started studying everything she could find out about deafness, the deaf community, the disabilities act, what resources were available. She also taught herself American Sign Language (ASL). The grandmother also researched and came to terms with her own sense of shame about her previous held opinions.

The school for the deaf was visited, along with Gallaudet, where only sign is approved. Total Communication was the decision that was agreed on. Which means communication by every means possible.

The first hearing aid at the age of two was put in the profound ear, with the order "Don't put it in on the way home, any sound will probably scare him."

Language lessons began, association of a loud sound, like a door closing with the sound of a door closing. and on and on.

This beautiful boy during his early years, lived in silence, There was no closed captioned TV, or Texting, but if you couldn't read, it didn't matter anyway.

The daughter signed every word that was said.

She home schooled for years and then the high school days approached. Would he be accepted at a highly racked charter school?, The days went by. And Yes, he was accepted and an interpreter needed to be hired by the school district. That happened a few days before school began, It had been a long summer.

When he was 16, and time for his drivers license, again the grandmother went to fear! What if he couldn't hear another car or a horn blowing? Would he be safe?? She had to learn to let that fear go! and turn it over.

He graduated from high school and the college days approached. The state university was the accepted one, since they would provide the funding for an interpreter.

A few days before the first semester began, a court stenographer was hired. He went to every class and typed and somewhere in the world, it was translated into readable English and appeared on the boys laptop. YES!

The college years went by.

In 20 years, much had advanced with technology, not all perfect but better.

The grandmothers own consciousness had changed.

She marvels at her daughter and her drive and of course this now beautiful man. Who even learned Latin and is a precocious reader.

On Saturday the 26th of May 2012, he graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Of course if you were reading between what was written, you know I am the grandmother, and the mother is my wonderful daughter and the boy is my marvelous grandson.

YES, Everything is possible!!! Don't ever believe the old tapes, BELIEVE, and have Faith, it isn't always easy. BUT everything is always possible.

Everyone and everything is a gift for learning, a chance to expand, a chance to have Faith,

Life happens, and we are here to learn and to share.

Is there an experience we need to embrace?

Is there a hidden race thought we need to reveal and erase?

Just pondering on a story from my life,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #22

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for your continue support, and in being your gift to me.

I am writing Part 2 of the The Very First Angel, Part 1 was in the last Pondering.

Thank you so much for taking your time to read it. It was my pleasure to write it.

The Very First Angel --Part 2

Grandmother beamed, "What is an angel? Well, some may prefer to call you a

'Spirit or Guide' but I choose to call you an ' Angel'.

You will soon discover what an Angel is. For now, you can choose to be

whatever you would like to be."

The tiny light blinked, "My, my, I have choice?" "Yes, you have choice.'

The little Angel closed those curious eyes, and thought and thought.

And as the tiny Angel thought, the warmth of the Sun surrounded the Angel.

and the little Angel KNEW."

The Angel's eyes opened WIDE and blinked, "Grandmother, I KNOW

exactly what I choose to BE, and to DO, also!!!"

"I desire to be like you !!!" I desire to be bright and warm.

I choose to bring warmth, love and joy and peace to all, as you have to me!!!

And I choose to live with the clouds in the sky, to watch over all, like you do,

and to guide and to help others as you do. And also to have wings like the birds,

so when I am needed, I can fly and be anywhere in a blink>"

Grandmother beamed, "Yes, my tiny light, I know and knew all that about you.

You are to be a guide and a comfort for all who ask, And that is what an Angel is, exactly what you have chosen to be." The tiny Angel blinked,

"You already knew all that about me?" "Yes, my Angle, it was up to you,

to discover and know for yourself, who and what you are."

The little Angle blinked, "OH, my, my. And said, "I am so happy, but I do have

one more request. All the beautiful plants and animals here seem to have

their very own names. I was wondering if I could have my very own name.

But I don't know what it would be."

Grandmother radiated, "That my little one, is a very easy request."

How would you like the name MY-MY, my little light? I think it its perfect."

the tiny Angel twinkled, "Oh, my my, YES of course, MY-MY !! I shall be

named 'MY-MY' THE VERY FIRST ANGEL!!!!!!!!!!! and it was very good.

And as days flowed into nights and nights into days, and then into years,

the years turned into centuries. And with the passing of time more and more

Angels arrived. And even now, every day and every night, Angels are still

arriving. In this moment surrounding you are MY-MY and thousands of Angels,

ready to guide you and support you. WHEN YOU ASK.

The Angels, some as tiny as a dot, are as MY-MY is, loving, caring, and watching

over all that is. Ready to help when needed.

When you feel alone, afraid or need help,

JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES-TAKE A BREATH- AND SAY, ",MY-MY".

And in a blink, MY-MY and the Angels will give you guidance, and bring

you comfort and peace.

AND IT IS GOOD, VERY GOOD. and so it was and is!!! the end

To all you earth angels, be good to yourself! you deserve it! when we have a choice, and we almost always do,

choose

LOVE.!!

Is life exciting and an adventure, or a routine and boredom?

We have choice! Choose wisely!!

Just Pondering on past creativity,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com.

Ponderings #21

   Several years ago I wrote a book called "The Very First Angel". I have rewritten the story content as my Ponderings. and would love to share it with you. Trust you enjoy it.

The Very First Angel--Part 1

A very, very, very long time ago when the Earth was young,

mighty mountains and oceans and rivers were being formed.

Trees and wild flowers had begun to grow, and gently swayed with the breath

of the wind.

Flocks of birds soared high, gliding through the skies, schools of brightly colored fish zigged and zagged, and swam deep down in the clear waters,

Wild animals romped with great zeal over the hills and in the fields.

And all were happy and peaceful. And it was good.

Way up high-stretching across the horizon was a golden glow,

which watched over all, and guided all that was, and knew with great knowing,

how magnificent it was.

And when evening came, the golden glow, whish had wrapped the earth in warmth during the day, slowly descended behind the mighty mountains,

and the day blended into the darkness of night,

And darkness descended on the hills and valleys,

All became very quiet, resting and becoming renewed for the next day.

As the days passed into nights and nights into days,

Every day and every night followed the same rhythm as the day and night

before it.

Except for one very special night...

While the earth was dark and still, a tiny, tiny, white light blinked across the

darkness, so silently not even the sky stirred.

And the tiny blinking white light came to rest on a billowy cloud,

so softly not even the cloud stirred.

When the darkness of night was fading into morning, the tiny white light

saw the golden glow peering over the mountain tops, and saw the beauty

everywhere.

The golden glow immediately saw the tiny light and her inner core beat faster

and faster and she became brighter..

The glow knew this was 'light' she had been waiting for

The glow beamed, "How are you, my little one?"

The tiny light blinked, "Oh, my my, I don't know! I opened my eyes, and

I don't know where I am.

Am I alone? And who are you?"

The golden glow radiated, "I certainly will answer all your questions. Yes, my

little light, you are the very first tiny light here. Yes, the very first one.

But you don't need to feel alone. If you choose, I am willing to be your friend,

and I am willing to guide you and help you."

The tiny light blinked, "Oh my my, thank you for helping me, and I am so curious.

Please, could you tell me where I am?"

The golden glow beamed and beamed, "You ,my little one are at a place

called Earth and a most wonderous place it is!

You will soon know how marvelous and magical it is,

how with just your thoughts and ideas, you can create everything you desire."

The golden glow now stretching across the horizon radiated, "To answer your

questions, I am called the 'Sun" but if you choose, you may call me

"Grandmother', because I have been here a very, very, long time.

and I watch over all and guide all.

I change night into day and I keep the Earth warm. I knew you were coming,

I have waited for you. You, my little light are the "The Very First Angel".

The little light blinked, "Angel? Oh, my my, what is an Angel?"

Grandmother beamed, "What is an Angel?" Well, some may prefer to call

you a 'Spirit or Guide' but I choose to call you an 'Angel' You will soon

discover what an Angel is. For now, you can choose to be whatever you

would like to be."

To be continued.....Please save Part 1 and if you choose, we have choice,

forward it on. Have a wonderful sunny day!!

Just Pondering on past creativity

Linda Patton, RScP ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #20

Dear fellow travelers,

Spring is here! and the trees and plants have sprung to life again. I trust you are taking a few moments, if not more, to enjoy this array of beauty.

But what if we are having some of those not so beautiful moments of enjoying the abundance of nature, and our thoughts are  more centered on

" Why is this happening?, or What? what is this about?, those thoughts that take us away from the beauty that surrounds us.

When I have those moments, one thing I do is to go back to one of my favorite books "The Hiding Place"' (a must read), and remember several of my most special episodes from this remarkable true story.

A short recap: Corrie and her sister Betsy (who was the more spiritual and steadfast religious of the two) lived a very everyday, routine life in a small town in Holland. That was until WW 11 happened.

Then, their home became a halfway house for hiding Jews and Corrie became a large part of the Holland underground.

They were captured and imprisoned in a concentration camp: in an urine and flea infested straw covered floor cell with fifty plus women.

Betsy insisted on holding religious meetings in their cell for all the women, a real NO against the rules of the camp, but their meetings became more and more open. Corrie was in awe of this blessing.

One night when Betsy and Corrie were saying their prayers. Betsy said, "Thank you God for the Fleas", Corrie said " WHAT??". and Betsy with her sweet voice, responded, "Yes, God, say be grateful for everything!!" and that includes the fleas, and Corrie reluctantly prayed, "Thank you God for the Fleas!"

A few days later one of the women from their cell told them she had overhead two of their guards talking, one said to the other, "Do you ever check that last cell?, I never do" the other guard said, " NO! I never go near it BECAUSE OF THE FLEAS!"

BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING

We may never know or see the larger view or higher meaning.

Betsy had died while in the camp, but after the war, Corrie spoke to many groups about her experiences during the War years and after. She was a radiant presences at these meetings and Forgiveness was high on her priority list on how to reestablish the many fractured war torn lives.

At one event she came face to face with one of the hostile, cruel guards from her camp.

It was now time for her to practice what she preached.

FORGIVENESS!!

It isn't always easy to practice what one preaches, but necessary, to embrace a peaceful and joyful life.

and to truly see the array of beauty that surrounds us.

My life is so blessed and you are one of the reasons.

What are you grateful for?

Is there still someone you need to forgive??

Just Pondering,

and enjoying the beauty of spring,

Linda Patton RScP, ENTC

Blog, http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality-blogspot.com.

Ponderings #19

Dear fellow travelers,
Thank you for your constant support.

I have heard lately from so many people who seem to be going thru great challenges, that I was called to share an old Pondering that I wrote many years ago. It still seems appropriate for many of us today.

I have written about life's path, to me, being similar to hills and valleys. I know when we fine ourselves in some valleys, they may seem to be far deeper and longer than others, and since we are all one, we all at one time or another experience both the hills and valleys. But sometimes when we are in the valleys, for what ever our challenge may be, it may seem that we may never get out.. but have faith....There is a promise....

From my old Pondering:

I had the 23th Psalm repeating thru my mind all week.

Part of one verse says,

Yea, though I WALK THROUGH the valley ----

I had never before focused on the word WALK. It doesn't say lay down, stay , sit down, or even run.
 It simple says, WALK, take time.

I'm sure we can also while walking, meditate,  think, and learn, so there may be no need to repeat the same valley again, but we do need to....

MOVE and take ACTION. WALK is an action word. 
Do what ever the appropriate action is for us to do.

And the next word is THROUGH--it doesn't say circle around, or stay in the valley, it says WALK THROUGHT it.

And as we are walking, we are moving thru the valley to the hill.

Honest!! we are!!    I didn't say it was easy, and sometimes the hill may not easily be seen, but it is there, waiting for us.

We must have the faith.
We are the ones to learn and to teach others.

We are here to learn and to teach, and we are each others teachers.

And thank you for being mine.

I am always learning. and always grateful for what I learn. I didn't say it was easy.

Some lessons are more difficult than others for me. But necessary.

Just Pondering,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

Blog address, http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #18

Dear fellow travelers,

I am grateful for your continued support, suggestions, and comments. You are a blessing to me.

The words "Appreciation" and "Gratitude" seem to be coming to me in waves, from you, my readings, and from many other sources.

Appreciation is, yes, to me another word for approval and approval from others is a risky business, because no one is always going to approve of you or me all the time (self-approval is optimal)....... but I admit, to hear, or to read, from someone else,  that I am appreciated does make my heart dance and it does feel good!

I believe everyone likes to know from others that they matter and that they are appreciated.

I overheard a store staff meeting the other day. It was filled with appreciative, upbeat, supportive comments. I didn't hear any phases like "you should", or "you must". There was much focus placed on how to appreciate the customer. I had a great feeling about how good the employees probably feel working with such supportive management.

Another great memory I have is of a women who founded an organization of which I was a founding member. To me she was one of the greatest visionaries I have personally known. She was amazing. After speaking to someone for a few minutes, she could direct them to their perfect position, empower them, shower them with constant accolades, appreciation and respect. She also walked her talk, before computers, she stayed up late at night, writing grants and talking to people around the country. Needless to say this is now an acclaimed, sought after internationally respected organization. This, to me, has much to do with the people thriving on being noticed and appreciated, thus willing to go that extra mile to accomplish the vision.

She transitioned a few years ago, but her vision remains. I am in great gratitude for knowing her.

I know what I have written so far is not everyone's experience at this moment. And for that I am saddened.

I hear from many people, who tell me that they are not in a fulfilling or satisfying work and or personal relationship and how difficult it is and how diminished they feel.

In the valleys along my path, I have been in similar situations. Fortunately I have managed to change the situation and me--, or just changed me and stayed--, or changed me and moved on. ---I didn't say it was easy. Just possible.

My spiritual and emotional health is my top priority. If I am depleted in these areas, I don't have the energy to give to others, and my own physical health also suffers.

One thing I don't want to ever do is to move out of a situation without evaluating all aspects of it known to me, and change within me what I need to change...because not to engage in that process means I most likely will fine myself again in a similar situation just under a different name.. I didn't say it was easy, but important!!

I also need to be clear within myself about what I do want ( or something better), do the action steps and the work involved, and then let go and allow what I want to evolve and manifest...... It happens, and it has happened....Honest!!

I also need to remember that sometimes an unhappy or unhealthy situation can provide clarity and contrast for what I really want.

And for that I am grateful. There is always something to be grateful for.

Never give up!!! There is always a solution. There are a multitude of fulfilling careers, jobs and relationships. The universe is unlimited potential and abundant in all areas. Anything and everything is possible. Believe it!!!

And if you think you didn't success, as the saying goes, Try again!!

And always claim your power.

We are all powerful, sometimes we just allow our light to get a little dusty. So lets shake off that dust and lets always let our lights shine!!!!!

Life is for living and having fun. Let's make the most of it!!

What do you appreciate?

What are you grateful for?

Just pondering on appreciation and gratitude,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com