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I Wanna Go Back….

May 8, 2018 by Mary J

If you could go back in time for just one day with the knowledge you have today, would you? I would, without any hesitation, go back to a specific time in my life and revel, live joyously in that moment. I would hold on tightly, as hard as I could to that day in my life. I would appreciate the feeling of my young self again, to live in my young skin and love with my young heart. Perhaps, it would be difficult to return to my older self after a day in my life, and perhaps, I would regret it…. but, that thought would not prevent me from going back. Not one bit.

Time travel – a concept movies are made of, but not real life. Can’t go back. Moving forward is a necessity but memories of my young, extremely fun years and the people I loved are always going to be part of my life and what a precious gift those memories are.

These Are The Days….

March 20, 2018 by Mary J

This past weekend I flew out to California. My daughter and her family drove over to Newport Beach the day before to begin the birthday celebration weekend for my son-in-law and I was invited to join them to watch the kiddos while they went to see my son-in-law’s favorite band.

My excitement about being near the ocean was quite elevated. As most people know, the ocean is healing. The sound, the smell, the power…it is beautiful. What a gift! And I took it in each time I could. But, more than the ocean, spending a few days with my grandchildren fed my soul even more!

It was St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday and the inn we were staying at was near an Irish bar which meant lots of drunken people. I would estimate the average age of the folks I witnessed coming and going was about 25. My guard-dog, don’t-even-look-at-my-grandkids, instincts were on high alert. It is entertaining and a bit disturbing to watch young drunk people. Walking with my grandchildren, I did my best to avoid the areas that were crowded with loud, tipsy people.

My granddaughter is a good human. She is compassionate, kind, funny, and beautiful. I love being in her presence. Her little brother is your typical toddler; he is very curious about all things new, he loves trucks, motorcycles. He had several bouts of the giggles which, watching a toddler laugh hysterically is yummy food for the soul.

My daughter has a precious family. You hope that when your kids grow and find love that they mold together in a way that makes them grow and become their best self. She has done that.

It was a fun weekend with memories I will cherish.

Let it Go.

February 11, 2018 by Mary J

I participated in the Lantern Fest last night. I had seen a video a friend had posted and it looked like a fun experience so when I was invited I was excited to go!

Upon arrival we were given our lanterns, some crayons to draw on the lantern with, a lighter, and then it was time to find a spot to place our “camp”.

We arrived about an hour before sunset and there was already a large crowd set up with fire pits scattered about. They give you a s’mores kit and if you don’t have a fire pit to melt your marshmellows at your camp, you simply use one nearby.

The vibe of the crowd was amazing. It is a family-friendly environment and people were chill. I loved the feel of the crowd. The music was ideal; a solo artist playing an acoustic mixed set of his original music and some familiar tunes.

The lanterns were to be decorated with what was important to you. I put my biggest regret, a few personal thoughts, and my hope for my days to come. Then the time came to let it go – symbolic.

There is no actual description that I can give that would allow anyone to understand the magnitude of seeing thousands of lanterns floating up in the dark sky, mingling with the stars like fireflies. It was breathtaking and my tears began as I watched my lantern float up among the other lanterns. You could feel the emotion in the air. We all felt it. This was when I realized that as a whole, people are good. This is real life. It’s not the nastiness that the media feeds us, it’s this – this beautiful moment with thousands of other people, that was real.

Given another opportunity, I will do this over and over again. It was cathartic….healing.

Photo Feb 10, 7 05 02 PM

Tell Me a Story

February 3, 2018 by Mary J

Back when the majority of my favorite songs were written and recorded the purpose was expressing art, the poets and the musicians telling their stories. Fame and fortune were a bi-product of their mission; but for most, it wasn’t the initial goal.

In today’s world, it seems to be the opposite. To be famous, revered by ones peers, wealth and the power that brings, takes the forefront.

Fortunately, there still are the poets, the beautiful dreamers with words that touch the soul, sharing their gifts with us and I delight when I find them.

I don’t actually know this bands story but I was moved the first time I heard this song. Poetry mixed with a lovely melody.