… is my one front tooth! I chipped my #8 tooth in my Girl Scout days (40+ years ago) and eventually landed up with a crown. Last fall, I was eating ice cream and – surprise! – I bit into a piece of Heath bar, jarring my crown. The crown not only came off, but the actual tooth came with it! The permanent solution is a 9+ month, expensive process. The temporary solution is cosmetic only, with my dentist using some kind of super glue to anchor it as best as possible. This lasts for 4 – 12 weeks at a time; and, the crown falls out with little or no advanced notice. As you might imagine, this situation can be angst-producing. Last night without notice, my tooth came out again, only a few weeks after having it super-glued in for the 3rd time. Once again, my world stopped. As I was engaged in this morning’s practice (it’s too early to call the dentist), my anguish came up again, mainly about how my mouth and smile look. After all, it’s right in front! Then the thought crossed my mind that this is just my tooth. I still have the use … Continue reading →

Today we received a gift check from an OA ‘family member’ from my Big Apple days to help us move forward in our life. The amount took my breath away, as did the love and generosity it reflected. Rog said, and I of course concurred, that we look forward to when we can write such checks out again. Individually and as a couple, we’ve been able to do so in the past. We sure know how great it feels to be on both ends, as a giver and a receiver. These days we have been holding the space open to receiving so that we can make a fresh start in our life. And, we have been manifesting God’s blessings. In the same vein, we open our hearts to give to others in whatever way we can… Right now it may not be in the form of money, but I know that the greatest power and the greatest gift is love. I can offer that always.

I am swimming in the sea of God. That came to me during my morning practice. God is all around me and I am submerged in Godness. As far as the naked eye can see, there is only Godness. How about I’m ‘treading’ in the sea of God? I’m taking action, doing the work, but staying in one place, getting nowhere. Well, how about I’m ‘floating’ in the sea of God? I’m letting God carry me. I’ve surrendered and I’m relaxing in peace. In the sea of God. Ah…

I was at Rog’s mom’s (known as ‘G’) apartment most of yesterday morning as the movers packed up her belongings for the long distance run to Spokane. When I departed there about noon, the movers still at it, I implored her to not hesitate to call if she needed any help whatsoever. She assured me she would, but I had my doubts. G’s the kind of person that says she wants to live close to family in case of an emergency, and then drives herself to the ER without letting anyone know until afterwards! G also is a very neat and dedicated housekeeper and wanted to leave her apartment in at least as good a condition as when she first moved in and as clean as possible. She called Rog about an hour after my departure, saying that her vacuum cleaner had pooped out when she went to use it in her bedroom. Actually asking for help, Rog went over there with our vacuum. It too did not work in that room – but it worked in all the other ones! Rog vacuumed the remainder of the apartment while G took a much needed sit down break. He spent two … Continue reading →

Rog’s mom is moving back to Washington State on Saturday. Sometime next month we’ll be leaving the cozy house I’ve called home for the last 5+ years. Tuesday I gave notice to the folks I’ve been doing some volunteer work for. And, tonight I told my yoga teacher that next week would be my last time in class. Endings. That’s what life is about: endings – and beginnings. Each carries a gift and paves the way for the next gift, the next adventure. And, God is with me through it all, moving me forward in my spiritual maturity with love and grace.