A.M.

I’ve been longing for silence, freedom from feeling, peace and quiet.  When I do find myself alone with the freedom to do as I please, I shut down and can’t seem to function.  I find no excitement or joy in doing those things I’ve dreamed about doing. Noises hurt my head, even music I’d normally enjoy seems harsh, like an intrusion.

My physical well-being, or lack thereof lately, has only exacerbated the pickle I find myself in.  The pollen count must be out of this world because my seasonal allergies have definitely taken over.  Added to all my other allergies, it makes for one tired messed-up woman with a headache.

I would love to be sitting outdoors, looking out at the mountains, desert, or ocean, wrapped in a luxurious terry-cloth robe, my hair saturated with nourishing oil, its light spicy scent captured by the soft, warm breeze.  The sun warms my skin and serenity fills me.  Oh, how I’d love to spend time being nourished and pampered at a spa or retreat…

P.M.

It’s funny how when you wish for something, you just might receive it but not in the manner you expect.   My son was invited to visit a friend he hadn’t seen in over a year, and this friend does not live close by.  They would only have a three hour window and I’d be required to drive him to his friend’s house, then pick him up after their visit.  I never relish the idea of driving to a location I’m not familiar with, however, I wanted my son to see his friend again and enjoy his day, so, we made the trip.

After driving for what seemed like an eternity, I dropped off my son and realized by the time I got home, it would almost be time to turn around and come back.  I opted to stick around and explore the area.   I didn’t want to stray too far and not remember how to get back so I found an intersection with a few department stores and a bank, and set up camp.

Here’s where the wish comes in.  There were three hours to kill and luckily I had left a book in my purse, Storycatcher by Christina Baldwin, so I lowered the car’s front windows, opened the sunroof, and just sat in my car, enjoying my book and the breeze.  The only sound was the movement of nearby traffic, which, thankfully, was light.

Did I really want to spend three hours in my car?  Of course not, but it was lovely to sit in relative silence, reading about something I love, and enjoying a teaser of the beautiful Autumn weather I always look forward to.  It might not have been a beach or mountaintop, but it was my own little crazy spa retreat.  Even walking through WalMart (a store I rarely visit), became an exercise in settling in to me again.  I sniffed so many candles, I thought for sure I’d get a headache.  I looked at and touched one skein of yarn after another and dreamed of all the beautiful scarves, gloves and sweaters I’d make (yeah, right), and took my time browsing books and blankets, baubles and beads.  Heaven!!

My three-hour getaway was just what I needed to enjoy the silence and find myself again.  I felt more relaxed and acquired a much better outlook.  It was not quite a week at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa but it was a wish fulfilled.  Thank you!!

Today, Jamie Ridler, our inspiring wishcasting guru, asks:

What do you wish to begin?

Goodness, Jamie, I could create a very long list answering this question! 

I wrote last Wednesday about my dream of opening a cafe/creative space for my community.  This dream feels so right, it just has to come true!!  To get the ball rolling, I will begin to draft a business plan.  We can’t start off all willy-nilly now, can we?  I will write down every idea that comes to my head related to this dream and will make lists of tasks and possible contacts.  If you have any ideas for me regarding starting a business, I’d love to hear them!

I have begun something else I’m quite excited about and can see positive results already.  I’ve started a Story Circle group with five of my co-workers and we meet once a week during our lunch hour.  I believe I’ve posted about it once or twice now and plan to write updates at least once a month.  We’re a new group and still trying to find our groove but I feel good about where I think we’re headed.

One wish that’s been sitting on the backburner for a while now, is to try Chinese brush painting.  I love the simple beauty of each line and curve in this art and would love to master the techniques used to achieve them.  It’s also fun to read up on its history and immerse yourself in another culture.  Look for an article or two on this in the future as I try my hand at this ancient art.

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What do you wish to begin?  Why not join my fellow Wishcasters and me by sending your wishes into the universe?  Who knows what you might begin!

I’ve found nature to be an excellent teacher if only I stop to watch and listen.  I’ve witnessed strength and perseverance by watching the poor lily plant I left in its original pot, rather than planting it in the ground, return each spring, glossy green leaves reaching for the sun, determined to grow despite my neglect.

Standing alone in wide open spaces gazing at the bright blue heavens above reminds me of how small I am in the scheme of things and how if I’m going to leave my own mark, I’d better get on with it.  The divine Director has given us all a role in life’s big picture and no matter how large or small, it’s certainly a significant one.

More obvious is nature’s lesson of the cycle of life.  Birth and death and the growth and beauty that exists between the two.  We must continue to grow and learn and discover, care for and nurture each other; and as we do, our inner beauty cannot help but be seen and reflect the beauty we find in nature.

Rippling water flows outward and multiplies, just as our actions affect those around us.  The peace and wonder we find in a forest can be cultivated in our hearts and become our sanctuary.

While I find excitement in the city and a comfort in my suburban home, it is in nature that I find God.