Ramblings by Dawn

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Feathers

i've made mistakes

taken wrong paths

said the wrong thing

done things i regret

but i don't sweat it

they are just feathers

that make me unique

each one was a lesson

each one is a part

of the person i am

they're a piece of my heart

i carry these feathers

for awhile

to grow and change

i wear them with style

when the lesson is learned

they float through the air

taking my troubles

and the wisdom i share

should you see my feather

go floating by

i don't need it back

for i've learned to fly

Why is it that we choose to see our mistakes as weights and chains? We drag them around and allow them to hinder our spirits. Although there are some mistakes I wish I hadn't made, I am thankful for the person I am today as a result of those mistakes. I am who I am today. And I am a delight, a little odd, a colorful individual with deep understanding. Most of who I am is a result of the lessons learned in the life I have lived. I will be a better person tomorrow because of the feathers of today. And my troubles and my mistakes, they will float away. I am free to fly. Are you?

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Ode To The Monkeys

monkey see

monkey do

makes you wonder

what inspired the first monkey

a monkey wrench

in the works

causes us to see differently

a new perspective

a creative solution

nit picking

monkeys

teaches us to care

to reach out to others

to pick the nits

that can't be reached

hear no evil

see no evil

speak no evil

wise little monkeys

climbs like a monkey

fearless

determined

reaching new heights

ten little monkeys

jumping on the bed

taking a risk

having some fun

one falls off

the others keep jumping

wisdom of the monkeys

in a nutshell

take a chance

have some fun

be brave

change your approach

help a brother out

keep climbing

and avoid evil

smart little monkeys

Ever since Alexandra was a baby, we have called her monkey. Why it started I couldn't say. It does seem to be an appropriate term for my adventurous granddaughter. She climbs everything without fear, she mimics everything she sees and hears, and she has an incredible curiosity. She know no fear, she looks for alternative ways to accomplish whatever her goals are and she is very kind hearted. She is quick to help and often wants to do things her own way. I hope that she never loses these characteristics. In fact, I hope to learn to be more of a monkey myself. How about you?

Monday, January 2, 2012

Be Picasso

be creative

i know you can

simply start

try your hand

be creative

find your spark

go ahead

make your mark

be creative

make your move

just begin

and find your groove

be creative

follow your heart

it knows the way

to the land of art

We all have to ability to create art. Now I know that you are saying I can't draw, I can't paint, I just don't have an eye for it. I would disagree. We all went to kindergarten. We were all taught how to use scissors, glue, crayons and a variety of other things.

I can hear you saying something about it not looking like others or not being, as good as, someone else's. Did you know that Monet was shunned by the art community because his paintings lacked detail? The art community assumed it was a lack of skill. He painted anyway. He is responsible for the birth of Impressionism. Consider Picasso, his art is far from the accepted "art" techniques of his time. He painted anyway, thus the birth of Cubism.

Now I understand that not all of us are destined to be great artists. And I understand that not all of us like the feel of a brush, the smell of the paint or the excitement of a blank canvas. I know that a blank page with a pen in your hand can be daunting to some. I am aware that a sewing machine and needle and thread may put fear in your heart. However, art should not be limited in definition. What do you do well? What do you enjoy doing? What comes naturally?

Can you organize, can you clean, can you fix cars, can you fix computers, can you comfort others, can you lift peoples spirits, can you spread joy?

Are you funny, are you good with numbers, can you cook, can you lead, can you follow, can you support a friend?

Art comes in many forms. Whatever your skills are, whatever gifts you have, therein, lies your art.

Find your love and you will find your art.

The world needs more art. Be Picasso.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Casting On

casting on

making a start

setting the foundation

beginning a project

making a commitment

starting something new

creating a masterpiece

learning new things

casting on

A brand new year with so much potential. The challenge to take the remnants of what has gone before and create a beautiful masterpiece. I am looking forward to this year with an excitement that I have not felt in years. My heart and soul are overflowing with potential.

Today I started to learn to knit, something that I have struggled with for years. Now I am finally making progress. It makes me curious about what lies ahead in this new year. What new lessons will I learn? What new skills will I acquire? With an open mind and an open heart I eagerly welcome the new year. Bring it on!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Letting Go

drowning in sorrow

living in the past

wallowing in the heartache

reliving the mistakes

repeating the failures

weighed down by judgements

limited by shortcomings

covering the pain

mourning lost love

time to let go

or life will not change

The past will define us. It will limit our existence to mediocrity. Or it will be the foundation of our character and resilience. Hang on to the past and go no where. Or let go and soar beyond all obstacles. The choice is yours.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Adversity

who would i be

what would i believe

would i understand patience

would i know strength

would i comprehend compassion

would i recognize kindness

would i appreciate victory

would i perceive reality

would i realize my potential

could i fathom love

would i be me

if not for adversity

Adversity is something we work hard to avoid. Funny thing is, sometimes by trying to avoid it, we walk right into it. Perhaps we should be thankful for adversity. After all, it gives you character, encourages growth and expands our hearts and minds. I am not saying we should seek it out. There is no need. It will find us. However, let's give credit where credit is due. Adversity lets us know of what we are made. And when we accept the fact that adversity enhances our lives, we tend to move through it more quickly. Adversity...wallow in it or embrace it.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Imagine

IMAGINE

a life

filled with magic

a life

overflowing with wonder

a life

erupting with possibilities

a life

packed with purpose

a life

bursting with love

a life

bubbling with joy

a life

wrapped in contentment

a life

touched by the stars

a life

kissed by the moon

a life

you can live

you need only...

BELIEVE

Far too often, we allow the trials of our life to cloud our imagination, cripple our dreams and crush our ability to believe. Time to find a child's ability to imagine. Time to rediscover a child's strength to believe. Time to grasp firmly our dreams. Time to live the life that burns within our hearts.

Anything is possible. Imagine...Believe...