Sink or Swim

Life is continual change.  That has been my sermon for years.  I've tried to embrace it.  But sometimes change happens when you least expect it.  When you aren't prepared for it.  Then what do you do?  You change with it.  If the boat you're on springs a leak, you hop on the rescue boat or risk going down with the sinking ship.  Simple isn't it?  But what if you hesistate too long and the savior ship leaves without you?  Then plunge in those murky depths and swim.  Will it be scary? Yes.  Will there be sharks in the water? Probably.  But just keep swimming and when you're too tired to swim then drift. Don't worry about your destination just focus on keeping your head above water.  You'll get there eventually. Survival is in your blood.  And about those sharks?  Name them, then they aren't so scary anymore. 
Until next time.....Kristi.

Don't You Wish the World Was In Sync With You Sometimes?

Oldie but goodie. Hope you enjoy!

I Hear You Knocking

What do we do when what's outside the door wants inside? We live in small town America and in the last two decades I can see the change. Gangs have filtered out of the big cities and found their way to our quiet cove. But even so we've grown accustomed to the fact. Our state is one of the leading states in meth production but again we've learned to over look it. It's become so common in the papers it isn't shocking anymore. Not so many years ago in our small community our neighbor was attacked inside her home while she slept. We were on edge for awhile but in the lull we relaxed in our contentment again. Just this past week in the next neighboring town a young woman was abducted from her own property while walking to her car. Once again everyone gasps and holds their breath, shake their heads in wonder over something this horrible happening in our serene surroundings. So what do you do when the outside is knocking? In the south we throw the doors open wide and keep the welcome mats out , swept and ready for company. Do we now crack the door , peek out, look in all directions and when and only when we are sure it's safe draw the mat inside and bar and bolt the door? I don't see us doing that. For one we are too comfortable in our easy way of life. I don't think it's denial as much as reluctance to hand over our security; to just give in and surrender isn't our style. I see us being more careful, a little more cautious but I still see us with the same welcome mats out. And we'll answer the door but this time we'll say "Sure come on in but wipe your feet first!"

Until next time........Kristi.

Please Release Me

A neighbor mentioned the other day that it seemed the red oaks were dying out. It was puzzling to him. I thought it must be because they never rest. While the other trees shed their leaves in fall, the red oak clings to the leaves of a year gone by. Though brown and brittle they hold on to the carcass of a memory all through the winter months finally releasing their hold when new buds begin and force them to relax their grip. They exhaust themselves hanging on to the past instead of shedding it and embracing 'what will be, will be'.  There's a lesson in there about hanging on to the useless. Be it bitterness or disappointment. Be it resentment or anger. Be it fear or guilt. Whatever it is , what peace we could feel if by releasing them and letting the winds take them off out from under foot. Then a good long slumber snug against the cold of winter to awaken in the spring refreshed and ready to embrace the birth of the new. Until next time......Kristi.

My Year in Awareness

Acknowledging someone's good deed.  Making them aware of the courage they just displayed.  That felt good. 

2011 Be More Aware

Until next time....Kristi.

Ahem........Attention Every One!!

There was a stout wind yesterday where we live. It felt as if it could pick you up and carry you away at any moment. Later in the day we took to the woods, my favorite place to be. I was standing on the top of a ridge when once again the wind began to blow. It surged through the trees, getting dissected and divided by tree tops and limbs. The roar was deafening at first; so much so i stopped what i working on. As i watched the trees dancing, the sound that had startled me no longer seemed eerie but melodious. I watched and listened as long as I could before it dissipated. I love those moments that cause us to stop and take notice. Mother nature will not be ignored. She has ways of getting our attention. Until next time.....Kristi.