tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30550502234935268462024-03-12T19:36:06.462-07:00Paper And PonderSharing creative, contemplative perspectives...Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-20549663556216793342020-10-01T20:34:00.000-07:002020-10-01T20:34:06.540-07:00Waking Up and Beginning Again<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">A warm hello! Paper and Ponder began what I thought would be a brief nap in February 2016, and now, after an unintentionally long slumber of 4 1/2 years, my blog is finally waking up!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I’ve continued my “papering” and “pondering” (creating, contemplating and writing) all along, while my blog has been snoozing away. Although an increasingly busy family, work and volunteer schedule as well as some other challenges kept me away from blogging, my inner critic also tightened her grip and pulled me away. As months turned into years, it became more and more difficult to begin again. I wanted to update the design of this blog, but when could I make time? I was unsure if I should take this blog in a more focused direction or continue to post random “ponderings" as I had done in the past. My inner critic chimed in - “Is it worth making time? What can you share that’s compelling? Who will care?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Well, the redesign is still to be done, obviously, and I remain undecided about heading a new direction with content, but I’ve decided to stop holding back and to start taking a step at a time. Today’s post is the first step, and Paper and Ponder is waking up and beginning again.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Today also happens to be the 9-year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. Nine years later, receiving that life-altering phone call at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2011, is still a vivid memory, although the sharp intensity of shock, fear and stress has gradually softened. I feel very grateful for ongoing remission, while maintaining deep awareness and respect for life’s preciousness. I’d like to think my fear of relapse is completely tamed, but in truth, managing a balanced perspective requires open-ended inner work. My body and mind both exhale with every 6-month “all clear.” I have come to realize that the question of “what if” can work both ways. I can choose to embrace the “What If Muse" who believes in the possibility of lasting remission, while keeping at bay the “What If Monster" who tries to convince me to believe otherwise.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Of course, in the early years, much of my personal exploration was focused on survivorship, strength and healing in body, mind and spirit. As each year passes, I have broadened my horizons to explore many other facets of self and life. As I continue my journey as a survivor, I know that survivorship defines only a portion of who I am. I also journey through life as a seeker, artist and maker, nature lover, facilitator and guide, striving contributor to the greater good and ambassador of love. Perhaps this journey of discovery, growth and transformation is a “good enough” direction for content to share here on Paper and Ponder? It's something for me to consider.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">In the meantime, here’s my little feathered friend who visited this past summer, reminded me of my sleepy blog and inspired me to reawaken Paper and Ponder. I hope you will join me as I begin again…</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3YaiB6hv3qBRdrpSgXw2b3Zycd2x-W1NuLww4Li8HHNWf-Bhmr3s6U363x4TXVB4g0E-hAfKHW1bhH8BTfS7FxqjSSYCCJezfVBZFPwGnRok9rLlgBbYwjV8NT8MjqGdRTO-teHV804/s2048/P1140617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3YaiB6hv3qBRdrpSgXw2b3Zycd2x-W1NuLww4Li8HHNWf-Bhmr3s6U363x4TXVB4g0E-hAfKHW1bhH8BTfS7FxqjSSYCCJezfVBZFPwGnRok9rLlgBbYwjV8NT8MjqGdRTO-teHV804/s320/P1140617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiVvUPn-EFsATKC1JhGEeqOeQBXrIcO6ldFlcmZL2i_E4AeJAeCaXSge1_7KFFSTvnzSBk2oDT147wgsLkRwpVDpQmEYqWBlE54iRxdtISWixQgq6hgN5Z0cKhePn6FnDcrw_fm8v5Ss/s2048/P1140642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiVvUPn-EFsATKC1JhGEeqOeQBXrIcO6ldFlcmZL2i_E4AeJAeCaXSge1_7KFFSTvnzSBk2oDT147wgsLkRwpVDpQmEYqWBlE54iRxdtISWixQgq6hgN5Z0cKhePn6FnDcrw_fm8v5Ss/s320/P1140642.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-5341207387224551872016-02-19T23:30:00.001-08:002016-02-19T23:38:55.258-08:00Munching The Weeds<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nature and metaphor…this pairing is a constant source of insight for me and inspiration for my writing. Sometimes nature’s wisdom “speaks” while I’m out in the wild. Other times its wise voice can be heard right in our own backyard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The (much needed) rains here in California have fueled a backyard explosion of unwelcome weeds - oxalis, mallow and stinging nettle. There are also other plants, ones we welcome, popping up in large bursts across our yard - poppy, miner’s lettuce, nasturtium, feverfew and arugula. As I attempted to make a small dent in weeding last weekend, I noticed that along with the influx of gargantuan weeds, there was an army of mighty little ladybugs (or lady beetles to be more accurate) scattered throughout our yard, munching their way across the mallow leaves and either nibbling or tucked, as if napping, in the miner’s lettuce. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of many lady beetles nibbling on miner's lettuce in our backyard</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Meanwhile, on a family hike we enjoyed earlier this week, several caterpillars, congregated on a single plant, caught my eye, and they too appeared to be either munching or resting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These observations are helping me feel more hopeful about a nagging challenge. I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with clutter and disorganization and have felt as though paperwork, memorabilia and “stuff” have taken root as stubbornly as some of those weeds in our backyard! In my own defense, I’m dividing my time and attention between parenting and family life, the expanding branches of my work as an artist, notecard designer and maker, after-school instructor and SoulCollage® facilitator (plus the accompanying facets of being a “solopreneur” and doing it all yourself) and each step, big and small, on my ongoing journey of healing and self-care. This leaves time for decluttering and reorganizing efforts only in fits and spurts. I take a few steps forward, then falter a few steps back, never advancing far enough to make what I would consider meaningful progress. My frustration has been increasing to gargantuan proportions similar to the weeds! To add a level of complication, as I’ve become more conscientious about reusing and repurposing, and creative ideas have become more prolific, I’ve admittedly had a harder time letting go of things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This week’s sightings of lady beetles and caterpillars have reminded me that although I may not have the time or energy to completely “pull up the roots” all at once, I can (and will!) make measurable progress if I keep “munching” away at the clutter and disorganization while also allowing space for rest and rejuvenation. In fact, even in bite size pieces, I’ve already made progress. The plants we’re happy to see thriving in our backyard are pleasant reminders to pay attention to the positives that surface amidst the challenges, offering perspective and balance. Little did I know that the “evil mallow” (as it is called by our family) and the lady beetle would teach me these lessons!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How have nature’s metaphors shared their wisdom with you? (What are some of your favorite organizational tips to share?!)</span></div>
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-87401055629753383162016-02-04T14:08:00.001-08:002016-02-04T14:12:58.692-08:00Beginnings, Endings, Beginnings And "Betweens"<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Beginnings and endings...endings and beginnings...and the spaces in between. This concept has surfaced in my mind repeatedly across the past several months. In an online SoulCollage® group to which I belong, a fellow member shared this quote a few days ago, and the idea of writing a post about beginnings, endings, beginnings and "betweens" solidified for me.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>"And the end and the beginning were always there</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><i>Before the beginning and after the end</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><i>And all is always now."</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b><i>- T.S. Eliot</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you may already know, nature is one of my greatest muses, and although it's still officially winter, and while we're still in one of those between spaces, nature is offering simple wisdom on this complex concept of endings and beginnings. There are already early hints of spring here, of the new beginnings we can always expect as spring approaches and arrives...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the lushness of rain-nourished flora along trails and new, unfurling growth, </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">plump buds on buckeye trees and perky blossoms on our almond tree, </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">colorful calendula and feverfew blooms beautifying our otherwise disheveled winter garden and volunteer lettuce seedlings muscling their way through the soil in our now derelict vegetable patch, </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and wild "fairy sculpture" mushrooms emerging from the carpet of a nearby pine forest.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl4mopEmRlxUPDY_AO_6d3ID9GQ7rIexY3Ngd4D_lg7243AREbNPGRoUag1T1YPPrUF7Ov9QTReHLGFANMoWSKJGGhmMrrRn49UZp7pT7QoqVyduzBTaE9e5s7hEhe4Ni8ty1R1qxxBU/s1600/P1000050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl4mopEmRlxUPDY_AO_6d3ID9GQ7rIexY3Ngd4D_lg7243AREbNPGRoUag1T1YPPrUF7Ov9QTReHLGFANMoWSKJGGhmMrrRn49UZp7pT7QoqVyduzBTaE9e5s7hEhe4Ni8ty1R1qxxBU/s320/P1000050.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been thinking about the cycle of a seed sprouting, a plant growing, thriving, then fading, drying and shedding new seeds to be scattered into the soil, laying dormant until the cycle begins anew. In simplistic terms, it's easy to compare this cycle to that of one's life - being born, growing, thriving, fading, dying, scattering "seeds" of love, memories, inspirations, influences and the essence of one's soul. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While I continue to <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2016/01/mending.html">mend my heart</a> (broken open yet again with another passing of a loved one just last week), and as I gain an increasingly stronger awareness of my spirituality, I find comfort in having faith that although each of our lives inevitably ends at some point here in this physical world, a new beginning opens up for us in the spiritual realm. With respect to different beliefs, I believe in our souls being eternal, and this belief helps me navigate, with a more centered perspective, through the unavoidable emotions faced with the death of a loved one. This belief gives me hope for his or her soul's journey as well as my own soul's journey. As I comtemplate T.S. Eliot's quote, "all is always now," I begin to realize that with <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2016/01/awareness.html">awareness</a> of this eternal cycle, I can start to better understand how all is always now.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I share this post, admittedly on the weightier side of concepts (and one I'll be continuing to ponder), in the hope that perhaps it will inspire you to consider your own beliefs and perspectives on the soul's journey... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-43483802921361037912016-01-16T17:21:00.001-08:002016-01-16T17:21:19.726-08:00Mending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBlrGDpvdBdqBq0FX2f8ZWQOVPaJDWK0XUAWdxSamsRDftK2SGn-8bQvWlrrL0vlq7R-cNJLRAXo1jTqQPTARJR0fDqAAmcyULxVz0k13V7R9X7smp5smp6H-Jl5QJg0ABfvZrKOamrw/s1600/DSCN0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBlrGDpvdBdqBq0FX2f8ZWQOVPaJDWK0XUAWdxSamsRDftK2SGn-8bQvWlrrL0vlq7R-cNJLRAXo1jTqQPTARJR0fDqAAmcyULxVz0k13V7R9X7smp5smp6H-Jl5QJg0ABfvZrKOamrw/s400/DSCN0739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What would you see if the inner me was a transparency? This was one of the directives for creating an expressive art piece during this week's <a href="http://www.chomp.org/your-health/classes-events/event-results/?topicId=50#.VprqIIRH2Rv"><span id="goog_889123168"></span>Healing Art retreat at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula<span id="goog_889123169"></span></a> (of which I've been a regular participant for the past four years.) My immediate vision was of a broken heart mending with love. With the recent and imminent losses I mentioned in <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2016/01/crystal-ball.html">my last post</a> and this week's loss of <a href="http://www.soulcollage.com/">SoulCollage®</a>'s (I'm a trained facilitator in this process) "birth mother," <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoulCollage/videos/10153316892639071/">Seena Frost</a>, my heart has been in an ongoing pattern of breaking and mending. In the past couple days since the retreat, I've contemplated my "transparency" and written this accompanying poem...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Mending </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Love weaves its way </i></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Through the broken pieces of my heart</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And as they come back together</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I glimpse the light shining from the cracks in between</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Reminded</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>There's always enough</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Love</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>To heal me </i></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am mending, although rearranged</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Still vulnerable, yet becoming stronger</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Centering, but also</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Reaching out</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Knowing </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There’s always enough</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>To share with other hearts</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>- Lisa Handley</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What helps to mend your heart when it's broken?</span><br />
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<br />Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-37720665605216321102016-01-12T13:03:00.001-08:002016-01-12T13:09:41.136-08:00Crystal Ball<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHTIxOOGN30sZQYQGNj2LdWYJS3V-tQJxei6_8iky5PdNsrjxhFpNLir1Jsi5r-afUbFJKUSWthFG_kUQaFXFps13p9Tv5GpomzihMvqhZYfzGZZnB_2NjCVZEVTdsd2i1c5Qn7Oy4UE/s1600/DSCN0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHTIxOOGN30sZQYQGNj2LdWYJS3V-tQJxei6_8iky5PdNsrjxhFpNLir1Jsi5r-afUbFJKUSWthFG_kUQaFXFps13p9Tv5GpomzihMvqhZYfzGZZnB_2NjCVZEVTdsd2i1c5Qn7Oy4UE/s400/DSCN0714.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This "crystal ball" formed in our fountain during a recent cold spell</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My daughter's wish for a "real crystal ball" on her Santa list this past Christmas inspired me to ponder this question... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do you ever wish you could gaze into a crystal ball and see the future - the answer to a question, the outcome of a situation, the resolution for a challenge, the reality of a dream come true, smoother sailing ahead after the going gets rough? Admittedly, sometimes I do, but of course, I realize it's best to concentrate our gaze on the here and now, being present in the moment, feeling confident that the plans we're currently making or actions we're currently taking will lead to the fruition of our desires, believing our aspirations and intentions will be fulfilled, our contributions will leave a positive imprint and rough seas will eventually settle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I reflect on how last year unfolded, its highs and unexpectedly deep lows (with the losses of three of my closest friends and my husband's longtime colleague and dear friend), its twists and turns, brightness and shadows, I also wonder what awaits in this new year and wish for a gentler, simpler journey through 2016. Having already encountered turbulence in the last couple weeks of 2015 and first couple weeks of this new year (caring for our older cat Franki after a recent health crisis, losing a relative for whom I had great fondness and just finding out the loss of another loved one is imminent), an easier year seems highly questionable. Who knows what a crystal ball, if there was one, would reveal in the months ahead, but I still hold hope that beyond these current waves of heartbreak, there will be opportunities to sail calmer seas for a while. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps our hearts are the closest version of a real crystal ball? We can truly "see" what is constant in our lives and within our view and our reach at any time, even through the difficult times. We need only focus within our hearts, and if we look carefully, our "crystal balls" will reveal glimmers of love and friendship, gratitude, beauty, peace and hope. These glimmers can comfort, support and center us and possibly enable us to surrender more freely to the mysteries of not knowing. With the clarity of these blessings, we can perhaps have greater faith that we'll be okay as we traverse the unknown.</span><br />
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-14768716796055387802016-01-10T18:20:00.004-08:002016-01-10T18:33:24.874-08:00Awareness<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Awareness...my word for 2016.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rather than compile a lofty list of New Year's resolutions, I began assigning a single word to be my universal New Year's mantra a couple years ago. I've since discovered how the simplicity of one word can deliver a strong, steady influence on my thoughts and perspectives throughout the year, how it can weave a thread of continuity and connectivity through a variety of goals and desires. Flourish was my word in 2014. Expanding in 2015. Both of those words came to mind intuitively and easily as intentions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As this new year drew near, I decided to take a different approach and randomly selected one of my SoulCollage® cards to lead me to a new single word mantra. The card that surfaced from my deck of nearly 100 was my "Observant" card. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudozLPvb58_hhZKMPxzPFRpUj4fRYGM8k-6DXd1WZXZz1SAZ0o1eqhmkBk5RCwxPMRt42-3TpbrAM1Ii9JwEj7z67czctCoYud7O2SJynccfgtP_8ezbKh-Os1-cLk8Lhex9YdKN-jjk/s1600/Mt+SJ+U+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudozLPvb58_hhZKMPxzPFRpUj4fRYGM8k-6DXd1WZXZz1SAZ0o1eqhmkBk5RCwxPMRt42-3TpbrAM1Ii9JwEj7z67czctCoYud7O2SJynccfgtP_8ezbKh-Os1-cLk8Lhex9YdKN-jjk/s320/Mt+SJ+U+%25281%2529.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Most SoulCollage® cards are created with images from magazines and other sources, as was the case with "Observant," so I'm refraining from posting a photo of this card out of respect for copyright. I am, however, sharing a photo taken in the midst of making this card. My daughter and I collaged together after we finished a shorter hike and waited for my husband to return from a lengthier hike before riding the aerial tram back down to the desert floor. We enjoyed this creative moment outdoors at the Mountain Station in California's Mount San Jacinto State Park, a wonderfully unique card making and mother-daughter experience during our family vacation in Fall 2014!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The word "awareness" surfaced as I reflected on and journaled with my "Observant" card. Using the SoulCollage® prompt of "I am the one who," this chosen card expressed "I am the one who is observant, observing with my </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, \Times New Roman\, serif;">eyes, my heart. my soul." The input this card provided me on my word for this year was "to be fully present, to observe, to sense, to be aware." </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've since been contemplating how awareness will accompany and guide me through 2016. Some initial thoughts...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Awareness</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In nature</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In creativity</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In contemplation</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am aware</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In deep breath</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In repose</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In peace</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am aware</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In moments of pure joy</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In bliss</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In love</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am aware</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In awareness</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am insightful</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In awareness</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am inspired and energized</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In awareness</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I experience the fullness of life</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Lisa Handley</span></i><br />
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<br />Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-50721029168044840102016-01-01T16:33:00.000-08:002016-01-01T16:49:10.056-08:00Awakening<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After Paper And Ponder's unintentionally lengthy slumber, it is finally time to awaken and begin anew! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday as we said goodbye to 2015, our family enjoyed a hike with friends along one of our favorite trail loops that gradually climbs up to a lookout point, then meanders down through redwoods and winds along a seasonal creek. I found myself quietly reflecting on slumbering and awakening, on endings and new beginnings, seasons and cycles in nature and in life. Our family hikes this same loop throughout the year, and regardless of the season, it is always a beautiful, magical place, even now in the dormancy of winter. Although many trees already shed their leaves in autumn, and we won't see the pretty faces of wildflowers until springtime, there are still countless wonders to behold, signs of nature beginning anew, each little miracle emerging and unfurling as the creek flows again with its cheerful serenade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello 2016! Hello to awakening and beginning anew! Warm, bright and happy New Year's wishes to each of you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Garzas Creek In Winter</b></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Air crisp</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Colors muted </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Except for vivid greens</i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of moss and fern</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRJ8EA5V0Zh-7yKNllhHG5iRvre7chwz_PKNJu53hjPmphuY-VOWesCA6I3jjQaN3EXGvjfpLrpLzwQ9xdwlyxUpJdAibInldf06R0kWs0kATPhuI_ugJbjbOu6W5q-7dcrqgj2bnIDw/s1600/DSCN0735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRJ8EA5V0Zh-7yKNllhHG5iRvre7chwz_PKNJu53hjPmphuY-VOWesCA6I3jjQaN3EXGvjfpLrpLzwQ9xdwlyxUpJdAibInldf06R0kWs0kATPhuI_ugJbjbOu6W5q-7dcrqgj2bnIDw/s320/DSCN0735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Carpets of fallen leaves</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Cushion softly underfoot </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Along each stretch</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Around each turn</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmT0T96KhXuk5k3X9PEaoNAqrXX9m-g1Ly_AUhyphenhyphen6XXQw2POYsFcIccS6bC9YJFfLJJHKwIqsk0bbWL3FT7ri0LV5Cm0sJ4pJW35sJ7yzowKEZKg_hILv9-XvHHzrDeCdovY59H00yIKE/s1600/IMG_4574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmT0T96KhXuk5k3X9PEaoNAqrXX9m-g1Ly_AUhyphenhyphen6XXQw2POYsFcIccS6bC9YJFfLJJHKwIqsk0bbWL3FT7ri0LV5Cm0sJ4pJW35sJ7yzowKEZKg_hILv9-XvHHzrDeCdovY59H00yIKE/s320/IMG_4574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>In the absence of wildflowers</i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>Shapely mushrooms emerge </i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>Displays of fairy art</i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>Sprinkled here and there</i></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquoy9p4BuheFIuwS2RI_pbMJyQOPkbZZzy0ESMJzACc2-O4S8Cg-5zYxNWsJ_zgGZjahih5lveG76mhyH51avc6a2YFIpTavR0YBq0DIYEJTE_L9VvKLjWQN3d3-7ZK4D2pHxOWhYS4M/s1600/IMG_4580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquoy9p4BuheFIuwS2RI_pbMJyQOPkbZZzy0ESMJzACc2-O4S8Cg-5zYxNWsJ_zgGZjahih5lveG76mhyH51avc6a2YFIpTavR0YBq0DIYEJTE_L9VvKLjWQN3d3-7ZK4D2pHxOWhYS4M/s320/IMG_4580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Can you see the tree goblin?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Amidst the woodland shadows </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The tree goblin</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Sprouts a perky new head </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Of thick, lush hair</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSazuQDW3y9BYKNTqlsOC8e775yJVFgfupF3baYp2w2Px-Ee9wENuHrzma7OaBnl3-c9cgUkj4Ige2B7PloVQ7nWqG2ptVi2OaiIu0hU6TCh7cfDUVGjK9LCtxRl-i14mRFIIlX8TWT1g/s1600/IMG_4577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSazuQDW3y9BYKNTqlsOC8e775yJVFgfupF3baYp2w2Px-Ee9wENuHrzma7OaBnl3-c9cgUkj4Ige2B7PloVQ7nWqG2ptVi2OaiIu0hU6TCh7cfDUVGjK9LCtxRl-i14mRFIIlX8TWT1g/s320/IMG_4577.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i></i></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>Contrasting the solemn quiet </i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>Of Winter's repose</i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>The creek flows freely</i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><i>Singing its joyous song</i></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpS7G3nKUVRA5zEYCwbXIw3UDNSUAK4icdOfe12z8GkBgJfz9prqgkejjSgg7fUeV2BCqQvdT490d3SLdYK-84J0NIBjbQ4tnBZgC6Wsu8WTgpYCRAU3mkCg2MJC2vbdOgXIx1hEipcU/s1600/DSCN0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpS7G3nKUVRA5zEYCwbXIw3UDNSUAK4icdOfe12z8GkBgJfz9prqgkejjSgg7fUeV2BCqQvdT490d3SLdYK-84J0NIBjbQ4tnBZgC6Wsu8WTgpYCRAU3mkCg2MJC2vbdOgXIx1hEipcU/s320/DSCN0716.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Heart-shaped miracle</span></td></tr>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The magic of nature</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Each season unfurling in miracles</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This is my contemplation, my celebration</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As I walk along</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>- Lisa Handley</i></span></div>
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-2109553025374080412015-05-31T19:46:00.001-07:002015-05-31T19:48:07.517-07:00You Can Find Her In Your Heart<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl-tfu8y0B7xe-30vJROQSXe7xXv9kx9RugrM8g5La-9NCsUizIsHsjbvyWU5n7pigQkeYyMItXsv-wjZKOeB5fElpvp5WYc-jw_sYP4ACRTDRufupvtG3_bCsMtmsMC1JIeB68t1ZrU/s1600/Seaside+Beach+10-2-11+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl-tfu8y0B7xe-30vJROQSXe7xXv9kx9RugrM8g5La-9NCsUizIsHsjbvyWU5n7pigQkeYyMItXsv-wjZKOeB5fElpvp5WYc-jw_sYP4ACRTDRufupvtG3_bCsMtmsMC1JIeB68t1ZrU/s400/Seaside+Beach+10-2-11+D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favorite local beach photos, <br />and a favorite exclamation of gratitude Joni and I shared - "We live here!"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How do you navigate through your grief when one of your best friends has passed away? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You allow yourself to experience the range of emotions you encounter with the sense that her enduring spirit will shine a bright light through your sadness and illuminate your path. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You draw strength from your admiration for the valiant warrior she proved to be during her 10-plus year battle with <a href="http://www.amyloidosis.org/">amyloidosis</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You continue to find inspiration and encouragement in her witty, determined, courageous, passionate, caring, loving qualities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You are uplifted by gratitude for your 20-year friendship and find solace in the many fond memories you shared together, the carefree and humorous ones along with those which were deeply poignant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You connect with mutual loved ones in a comforting circle of support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You reminisce, cry, reflect, cry, smile, laugh, cry...remembering all the while that releasing your tears is healing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You learn how to feel peace knowing she is at peace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You realize that just as she has always been there for you, she is and will always be here. Although you have lost her in this physical world, love is everlasting, and you can find her in your heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is what I tell myself as I miss my dear friend Joni who passed away ten days ago...I can find her in my heart. </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please join me in healing wishes for Joni's husband, family and friends. When making your donations to worthy causes and charities, perhaps you'll consider the <a href="http://www.amyloidosis.org/Support/index.html">Amyloidosis Foundation.</a></i><br />
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<br />Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-27369833730282665012015-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:002015-05-06T14:15:33.513-07:00When A Rose Is More Than A Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtizIxlUVhEVK-wtxpTNZXY0V7MeYZzHS5IctfNIDCxxJ3m2wezrkguNYIpS7_-QJhOyk4jBVNJI3HoS1ACKKQoi_oNo_9VWgZXG_7cyUPlfuDAhIDp-ADVzV13j_PsXB1NcBHE1YIUGE/s1600/RSCN9613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtizIxlUVhEVK-wtxpTNZXY0V7MeYZzHS5IctfNIDCxxJ3m2wezrkguNYIpS7_-QJhOyk4jBVNJI3HoS1ACKKQoi_oNo_9VWgZXG_7cyUPlfuDAhIDp-ADVzV13j_PsXB1NcBHE1YIUGE/s1600/RSCN9613.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/08/when-last-weeks-zig-went-zag.html">our cat Misty's close call with a toxic lily last summer</a>, I had nearly broken the habit entirely of bringing fresh flowers into our home except for makeshift bouquets of calendula, feverfew, borage and chive blossoms and rosemary and lavender sprigs plucked from our own garden, tucked into a small vase on our kitchen window sill, out of reach from our young prowling feline. Although I realized I could still allow the pleasure of posies deemed safe for cats, like Gerbera daisies (a longtime favorite of mine) or roses (for which I developed a more recent appreciation in the past couple years), it wasn't until last week that I finally brought a bouquet home, spurred by spontaneity when rosebuds in the most luminous and gorgeous shade of pink caught my eye. My purchase would have been, admittedly, far more admirable if it came from one of our local farmers markets, but this particular moment of beauty and grace happened to make its appearance as I entered Trader Joe's to shop for groceries!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4GM-tzonuUKctgfzQo_PccxtpJY6jATOU8nlqU09LyYdP1NbSUBygkez9zL6pwNmXZ_m4B7zOWShh8J9QBDjJHV7wSm7uMUr9QPCmJLjvy17J4CGmpbW0EIzIO2AvxzOJoHnw4A0D3c/s1600/DSCN9611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4GM-tzonuUKctgfzQo_PccxtpJY6jATOU8nlqU09LyYdP1NbSUBygkez9zL6pwNmXZ_m4B7zOWShh8J9QBDjJHV7wSm7uMUr9QPCmJLjvy17J4CGmpbW0EIzIO2AvxzOJoHnw4A0D3c/s1600/DSCN9611.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Regardless of when and where they arise, whether in the midst of nature's magnificence during an outdoor adventure or while merely on a mundane errand of grocery shopping, moments of observing and appreciating the beauty and grace of simple things in our daily lives, like the loveliness of roses, are opportunities to hit the pause button and become fully present and centered. When we take notice and treat ourselves to savoring life's sweet little treasures, an immensity of enjoyment and gratitude can be experienced in something so brief or seemingly inconsequential. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh688DShmi_xTvos5g8vaQLJ47mcvlzS_q_VRJ_ZuJJBLvhZzsGmKi58AzjNqeWs0W4sSb1JZpqZN7u7LJrL6zyMrOeXWE6j15VHn3WSQsriCcSAInToqJQYuDHCPTUxhoCTW-ve6RzbME/s1600/RSCN9618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh688DShmi_xTvos5g8vaQLJ47mcvlzS_q_VRJ_ZuJJBLvhZzsGmKi58AzjNqeWs0W4sSb1JZpqZN7u7LJrL6zyMrOeXWE6j15VHn3WSQsriCcSAInToqJQYuDHCPTUxhoCTW-ve6RzbME/s1600/RSCN9618.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As shared in <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2015/04/significance-in-smallest-of-things.html">a recent post</a>, my concern for several friends and relatives with serious health situations has created much heaviness in my heart. Some of that heaviness has eased as feelings of calm and centeredness have been restored in moments of becoming fully aware and appreciative of daily beauty and grace, so simple, subtle, perhaps easily overlooked or missed, yet always having the potential to be very powerful and positive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the same day the pink roses accompanied the groceries home, our daughter gifted me with a small pale pink rose from her class visit to <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/07/simply-best-day.html">Bobcat Garden</a>, their elementary school garden. What a wonderful bit of synchronicity! Perhaps as I am cultivating a growing awareness of the loveliness in simple things, our daughter is learning to do the same?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCMG4a95b_MTA7LxVL0ETSM0WLLUC6yZHDK10cVRsrzApaQrhyphenhyphengjtZMWgjpv_O_heAutUFoH3JTDt2EvZuTIumVWlAqHgCYXkWCvK1WYcGLKbz-QGZMWpr57JwbsiMGDekRVygl8_EZU/s1600/DSCN9615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCMG4a95b_MTA7LxVL0ETSM0WLLUC6yZHDK10cVRsrzApaQrhyphenhyphengjtZMWgjpv_O_heAutUFoH3JTDt2EvZuTIumVWlAqHgCYXkWCvK1WYcGLKbz-QGZMWpr57JwbsiMGDekRVygl8_EZU/s1600/DSCN9615.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A couple days later, I met a dear friend to enjoy the Monterey Museum of Art's "Art In Bloom" exhibit at La Mirada, and afterward, as we strolled through the rose garden there (shared in <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-newfound-appreciation.html">a past post</a>), I felt truly present in that moment, and a wave of calm and serenity washed over me. It was one of those experiences of sensing when a rose is more than a rose, when it becomes an "ambassador" of something greater, a reminder that beauty, grace and strength are always in bloom around us and within us. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How are you inspired and uplifted by moments of beauty, grace and simplicity in your daily life?</span></i><br />
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<br />Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-29680040575705258522015-04-27T10:18:00.001-07:002015-04-27T10:18:12.522-07:00Within The Flaws, Cracks And Breaks<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I consider myself a recovering perfectionist and will likely continue on this "road to recovery" indefinitely. The tendency toward perfectionism is a stubborn streak within, and although I've made progress in learning how to temper this streak, it periodically regains its power, sometimes as a speed bump that slows me down, other times as a road block that halts me in my tracks. I take a deep mental breath and figure out my way around, over or through...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am working very hard to make peace with imperfection - within myself, in my art and in my life. The reality, of course, is that nothing is ever perfect! With this obvious truth, embracing imperfection should be simple work, shouldn't it? Why, then, is it far from simple for many of us and typically most difficult to embrace within ourselves? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've discovered that admiring what is<a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/07/perfectly-imperfect.html"> "perfectly imperfect" </a>is often most easily accomplished in nature where grace exists in a broken or misshapen seashell, a wilted flower or fallen tree. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_S7FXI_Wh4ZNBBvm8LHqKyCwynM9FEjqJtG7PAGJFpBwkPQee4dvNf3rze8d_n7HlCDe41cuh7E-355GADu8VX-g9bTQgmbnJQqcOYLjlGSKipnJa5XDYK0gjn3l8_R8PfD-v8NNYagg/s1600/RSCN9370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_S7FXI_Wh4ZNBBvm8LHqKyCwynM9FEjqJtG7PAGJFpBwkPQee4dvNf3rze8d_n7HlCDe41cuh7E-355GADu8VX-g9bTQgmbnJQqcOYLjlGSKipnJa5XDYK0gjn3l8_R8PfD-v8NNYagg/s1600/RSCN9370.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite the Leafy Thorn Purpura aka Leafy Hornmouth's misshapen appearance, <br />this lovely shell is one of my favorite, although infrequent, beach finds! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This Fairy Lantern aka Globe Lily lost one of its petals, but still caught my husband's eye on a recent hike,<br />and I, too, paused to admire and capture its beauty.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also value the worn, subtle beauty in old, vintage and well-loved items - a soft, faded handkerchief, a scruffy childhood stuffed animal, the tattered pages of a favorite book, the rusty patina of aged metal, the wabi-sabi aesthetic of earthy pottery. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interesting shapes and textures at the site of an old barrel mill <br />in the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we observe our surroundings, our awareness of the beauty, grace and inherent value in what is flawed, cracked, broken or otherwise less than pristine can inspire us to appreciate our own inevitable imperfections. They are tangible reminders of the less tangible, yet very valuable flaws, cracks and breaks within ourselves and our lives. By reaching a comfort level with our perfectly imperfect selves, we achieve a level of self-acceptance that liberates, empowers, centers and completes us. The connection to our true essence becomes much stronger. The <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/07/perfectly-imperfect.html">lyrics from a Leonard Cohen song</a> shared in an older post enter my mind again...the cracks allow the light to get in.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May you celebrate all that is perfectly imperfect around you and within you!</span></i><br />
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-34805339961436170602015-04-24T13:24:00.003-07:002015-04-24T13:24:23.601-07:00Significance In The Smallest Of Things<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am feeling a sense of current overwhelm with heartfelt concern for several very dear friends facing serious health challenges, a constantly busy schedule, the ongoing need to catch up on what's fallen behind, an intensifying urge to hasten the slow progress made in attempting to banish accumulated clutter and disorganization, a few minor health issues of my own as well as developing health issues with our elder cat. When overwhelm mounts, it can become increasingly difficult for us to maintain perspective and balance. I've discovered, however, the most powerful antidotes are often in the subtlest moment, the simplest experience or the tiniest bit of wonder or spot of grace. There can be great significance in the smallest of things, calming, healing power in the <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-little-things.html">"little things."</a> Recent "little things" that have dissipated some of my overwhelm...delightful tiny nuggets of sea glass and shells found along the shore and sweet little Spring blossoms of forget-me-not and borage spotted along a trail and in our backyard...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What small things have you noticed uplifting you lately?</i></span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-91532218919314475752015-04-07T11:00:00.000-07:002015-04-07T11:00:24.324-07:00Seeing And Seen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a continuation of <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2015/04/lushness-of-possibility.html">yesterday’s post</a>, I created a second mixed media collage during last Thursday’s <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/08/renewal.html">Healing Art</a> retreat which ended up blending two prompts together. The first prompt I randomly selected was to depict being truly seen by a person (or persons.) Initially, I was unsure how to depict this experience., so I was encouraged to select another prompt instead, and the second prompt I randomly chose was to depict one’s vibrant self. I felt undecided between the two, but instead of thinking too long and hard about either one, I stepped over to a bin of materials and began to rummage through the odds and ends within. This particular bin contained a hodge podge of fabric scraps, card stock, old calendars, old greeting cards and a solitary Audubon magazine. As I flipped through the magazine, the eyes of different birds immediately captured my attention, then I picked up a notecard with a simple window design which felt synchronistic with the window image in the first mixed media collage, "Lushness Of Possibility," I had made earlier that day. Soon, I was again immersed in an effortless flow of creating. After assembling the bird and window images, I added abstract flowers I found in an old calendar and several soft pastel rubbings of a simple flower template. As I finished this second piece, its meaning suddenly became very clear. The birds were a loose interpretation of our Healing Art group, of being, indeed, truly seen, heard and understood by our facilitator and fellow participants with whom I’ve formed an undeniably strong bond. It was actually a fellow participant who shared her perspective that the window in my collage reminded her that we can view in both directions, within ourselves and outward to others, and her perspective fit my depiction perfectly and inspired me to write yet another poem. I then realized that the soft pastel rubbings of blossoms represented me and my soul, healing, growing, blooming and shining brighter, and this is how “Seeing And Seen” became a blended depiction of both prompts, my vibrant self being truly seen by my Healing Art friends while truly seeing them in return. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SEEING AND SEEN</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Through an open window,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am seeing and</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am seen.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5EQ89c18G6LSh-WS4_VF-3STtAWL7rw0kZ3YzQa4X-OMdsW1Ea77IDoIBN9vEimM_VEd2JSXHCFK4IBW06ES5J8EGhK-G7ZaqrUK2n_pA9rtz3s6tp0msOBgOjUWQsrpXmifhNg5H1U/s1600/DSCN9401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5EQ89c18G6LSh-WS4_VF-3STtAWL7rw0kZ3YzQa4X-OMdsW1Ea77IDoIBN9vEimM_VEd2JSXHCFK4IBW06ES5J8EGhK-G7ZaqrUK2n_pA9rtz3s6tp0msOBgOjUWQsrpXmifhNg5H1U/s1600/DSCN9401.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Glimpses of</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and soul </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and the stories </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">in between.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking inward… </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a vibrant spirit </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">glowing.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An unfolding</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">of deep </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and true </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">knowing.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking outward…</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">many wings </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">uplifted, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">revealing.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aloft</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">on a migration</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">toward </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by Lisa Handley</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I hope you'll share your inspiring experiences of feeling</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> truly seen or </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">truly seeing others...</span></i></span></div>
Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-5940580094378820212015-04-06T17:44:00.000-07:002015-04-06T18:57:24.884-07:00Lushness Of Possibility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22sMLzFau7MOGMxnDdq3gXlWNbPZE8iDX0Vl9tnZACqSWXvzvRIdhyphenhypheniFNyesYPpHSm3WXcYb15beNVKlK6cHQZdzQqc5RbQka11olBWMIvAbnoJAE0QePTzkpsCGIAUWRC0UdMU1QEno/s1600/DSCN9397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22sMLzFau7MOGMxnDdq3gXlWNbPZE8iDX0Vl9tnZACqSWXvzvRIdhyphenhypheniFNyesYPpHSm3WXcYb15beNVKlK6cHQZdzQqc5RbQka11olBWMIvAbnoJAE0QePTzkpsCGIAUWRC0UdMU1QEno/s1600/DSCN9397.JPG" height="400" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The time I spend creating, contemplating and connecting with others during <span id="goog_893660314"></span><a href="http://www.chomp.org/your-health/classes-events/event-search-results-detail/?eventId=2be53466-a56e-e411-b7e9-005056a462a1#.VSMmJIfFuRs">Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s monthly Healing Art retreats</a><span id="goog_893660315"></span> is most precious. Regardless of a lengthy to do list or full calendar, I always try to reserve this time, to allow a few hours to become fully immersed in the intuitive flow of creating expressive art, to follow where it leads and find out what personal significance is revealed in the process. I’ve been a regular participant in these retreats for over 3 years, and the experience has been tremendously beneficial to my healing and well-being as a <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/05/emergence.html">lymphoma survivor</a>, mentally, emotionally and physically, too. I discovered, while receiving treatment, that focusing energy on creativity has a powerfully calming effect on the body. My blood pressure is normally at lower levels, but it would often rise much higher at the beginning of treatments, then when I turned my attention to tracing and cutting images for notecards, collaging or painting, it would drop back down to a lower level. Even now, I still bring along art supplies to occupy extra time in the waiting room when appointments are running late at the doctor’s office. This creative activity helps ease any anxiety I may be experiencing as I wait for test results. Tapping into creativity and art in all forms can be calming, uplifting, enlightening and healing for any of us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During the past couple <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/08/renewal.html">Healing Art</a> retreats (prior to last Thursday’s most recent retreat), I encountered some unexpected and perplexing difficulty in flowing freely with creative energy. I found myself frustrated and disheartened as my self-critic picked apart my creative process and the end result of the art itself. My head was getting in the way of my heart! When we follow our hearts and intuitively create, that’s when our inner wisdom can be heard and the “magic” of deep meaning and insight can occur. These experiences always have the potential to be very profound and powerful. Our heads can step in later to contemplate how the resulting art feels and what it may be expressing. My stated intention for last Thursday (we always share our intentions for the day with the entire group) was to “go wherever the flow was taking me.” I welcomed last Thursday's intuitive wave, and riding it was very liberating. Creating seemed effortless and indeed in the flow which led to meaningful insights and an overall sense of gaining more healing inner wisdom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the first directive, we selected an image or two to incorporate into a mixed media piece. I selected images of a circular window and dainty flowers which I collaged onto a background of <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/07/warming-up-to-pastels.html">soft pastel</a> rubbings. In my interpretation of this piece after it was completed, what surfaced were “blossoms” of opportunity visible through an "open window." The following morning, I felt inspired to write this short poem to accompany this piece...</span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>LUSHNESS OF POSSIBILITY</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Through an open window,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>I can see the lushness of possibility,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>growing, </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>blossoming, </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>thriving. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>by Lisa Handley</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are, of course, two sides to possibility, the negative, worst case scenario and the positive, favorable outcome. I've been focused over the past few years on the ongoing inner work of shifting my perspective, more often, to the positive "lushness of possibility." In doing so, I've discovered that "open windows" always exist if we believe in them, take time to see them and open our hearts to what comes into view. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you immerse yourself in intuitive, creative flow, what "lushness of possibility" blooms for you?</span></i></div>
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-49417454953996161192015-03-21T12:47:00.001-07:002015-03-21T12:47:42.799-07:00Renewing And Unfurling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It feels good to awaken Paper And Ponder from its "Winter slumber!" Over the past (unintentional) 4-month blogging hiatus, I never stopped "writing" posts, but the words weren't making it out of my mind and taking concrete shape. Ideas were flowing in the shower, behind the steering wheel or as my head was hitting the pillow before I drifted off to sleep, not exactly opportune times to start typing, but then, it seemed as though opportune times halted altogether. In November and December, I was immersed in my other identities as artist/maker and instructor/facilitator, but intended to get my writer/blogger identity rolling again when the New Year arrived. Then, almost three months later...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been wondering why I allowed my blog to "sleep" for such a long stretch. There's the immediate explanation of increasing challenges with my schedule. I'm so grateful my small business is expanding, and I am very passionate about my work, <a href="http://www.plumeriapapercraft.com/">designing and handcrafting notecards and other paper art and goods</a>, instructing elementary students in collage art as part of an after-school enrichment program and <a href="http://www.soulcollage.com/">facilitating SoulCollage(R) workshops</a>. I should, however, also feel grateful for and take advantage of the more flexible schedule self-employment can offer, but instead, I have a tendency to fill every nook and cranny with other business work, volunteer work, commitments, errands and chores. As my business picks up, I haven't pulled back to create any space in those nooks and crannies, and as a result, I frequently find myself caught in a frenzy of "to do's." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I now question why there's been little to no breathing room in my schedule. How about room for the project that takes longer than planned or room for the unexpected challenge, room for creative endeavors beyond business (like blogging here on Paper And Ponder), room to simply relax and refuel? My husband, our daughter and I enjoy family time together, our outings and vacations, hiking, beachcombing or hanging out with a game or movie. The space I deny myself, however, is "me time," quiet solo time for peace, reflection and inspiration. A random hour or two on any given weekday should be achievable, but happens only on rare occasions. Why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some habits apparently die hard! As a former A student, corporate workaholic and (recovering!) perfectionist, my sense of worth was often connected to being "responsible" and "productive" at a breakneck, results driven pace. I still struggle at times with letting go of these expectations. Of course, there's reality...there are responsibilities to earn income, pay bills, be the best parent I can be and so on, but I must also remember that we have a responsibility to ourselves for self-care, for maintaining peace of mind, health and happiness. By granting ourselves a respite, we refresh our spirit, recharge our energy and end up becoming more productive in the process. Our red bud and almond trees reminded me of this truth as they've been awakening from their own Winter slumbers, renewing, blooming and unfurling their leaves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for how this all relates to my conclusion of why Paper And Ponder's silence lasted so long, it was indeed due to an extremely full work and holiday schedule initially, but then, I think it became due to me subconsciously shifting this blog lower on my priority list. I write purely for the love of doing so and the hope that perhaps what I share will resonate with, inspire or encourage others. The old voices surfaced with their admonishments of "Not responsible or productive! Frivolous and self-indulgent!" and overshadowed this passion. As I now refocus on my belief that out of all our responsibilities, living from our heart is most important, those admonishments are receding, and like our red bud and almond trees, my writing (yes, I'm counting this as "me time!") is renewing and unfurling... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>How are you renewing and unfurling now that Spring is here? </i> </span><br />
<br />Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-6643807902810740732015-03-20T08:48:00.000-07:002015-03-20T08:48:27.064-07:00Spring Awakening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Spring wishes to all and a Spring awakening here on Paper And Ponder! After an unplanned "hibernation" over the past four months, I'm finally ready to wake up the snoozing blogger in me and resume sharing inspiration, contemplation, experiences and observations on living a creative, grateful, mindful life. I hope this post finds each of you enjoying Spring's arrival! I'm enjoying signs of Spring around our garden and welcoming an abundance of self-seeding blooms - </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> calendula, borage, feverfew, nasturtium, poppy, erigeron and thrift. They are a welcome sight, enhancing our otherwise unkempt garden in its post-winter state and reminding me of renewal and an opportunity to begin again...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How is Spring saying hello to you?</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-78039555702522652492014-10-27T08:49:00.001-07:002014-10-27T08:49:42.639-07:00Spines, Shadows And Sunsets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A simple post today, still inspired by the desert (with its lasting impressions)...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“Sss!" The only snakes we saw during
our desert vacation were docile ones at The Living Desert including a beautiful
rosy boa we were allowed to gently pet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Meanwhile, “sss” stands for all the spines, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">shadows and </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaER2jQFJTk3OSOSv4rmTET6CEZzkPD8TLE-PxpEZN_5EMUxbD3qeECM19B8sfv5wjtJRx9LEN4_ZzKHb1Kg_xd3-b47JTvlpQ0-j-k1BLDKvHb3eJQB_oZPMClnQc9GokLhjAJi2mYso/s1600/Mt+SJ+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaER2jQFJTk3OSOSv4rmTET6CEZzkPD8TLE-PxpEZN_5EMUxbD3qeECM19B8sfv5wjtJRx9LEN4_ZzKHb1Kg_xd3-b47JTvlpQ0-j-k1BLDKvHb3eJQB_oZPMClnQc9GokLhjAJi2mYso/s1600/Mt+SJ+C.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tram's shadow as we rode the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway <br />
from the desert floor to Mt. San Jacinto State Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">sunsets that
captured my attention.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG0jrVaz2zAp1xZF8wXpLtfqghYXG0y_V15ohxpSx49QR7em9brwbmxPDCVgXk2BIYKgEDGaVGKWmgqQKG0btbyp_CY42Ad6gcm1VpRyO8MWwmWJ8cD48VP-HFiQuMn17AKSQNoGomEk/s1600/Joshua+Tree+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG0jrVaz2zAp1xZF8wXpLtfqghYXG0y_V15ohxpSx49QR7em9brwbmxPDCVgXk2BIYKgEDGaVGKWmgqQKG0btbyp_CY42Ad6gcm1VpRyO8MWwmWJ8cD48VP-HFiQuMn17AKSQNoGomEk/s1600/Joshua+Tree+I.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAojfcFtDws4BUO1vQimY8hy8V0bD6mUuCkwkRfmVllway6UrWE-rLB07Fzp28q6UjH1s5lpiNjiJoCQ4LRW_dffWPcvZCweIVRdbQfjWyL5krEjfQl7lCxePKQetp29HQimDkzILoFQ/s1600/Joshua+Tree+K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAojfcFtDws4BUO1vQimY8hy8V0bD6mUuCkwkRfmVllway6UrWE-rLB07Fzp28q6UjH1s5lpiNjiJoCQ4LRW_dffWPcvZCweIVRdbQfjWyL5krEjfQl7lCxePKQetp29HQimDkzILoFQ/s1600/Joshua+Tree+K.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-84274587060331049902014-10-25T11:17:00.000-07:002014-10-25T11:17:20.522-07:00Desert Succulence<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW8TnlINqBmkQmTu2WTpRLhjByQTwbxlPinrcBxp97zRCvbApa5mcXK6vcNoTGScdzc5XB9YOYdpHpC_O1mQffbWn44Hk-80drNTOAeuVFynLegvwOchj7Lg_YsmJkAvBLoENv41PmnA/s1600/Split+Rock+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW8TnlINqBmkQmTu2WTpRLhjByQTwbxlPinrcBxp97zRCvbApa5mcXK6vcNoTGScdzc5XB9YOYdpHpC_O1mQffbWn44Hk-80drNTOAeuVFynLegvwOchj7Lg_YsmJkAvBLoENv41PmnA/s1600/Split+Rock+D.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What I appreciate most about
spending time in our California desert region is its countless examples of
surviving and thriving in less than optimum or desirable conditions and how
these examples of <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/07/determination-in-desert.html">determination</a> can inspire us to survive and thrive within our own lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life in the desert is a reminder that strength
and beauty can always persist despite adverse conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be patient and observant, remain hopeful and
determined, and you will find “succulence” where you least expect!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I admired many strong and
beautiful succulents while hiking in Joshua Tree National Park during <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/10/hello-yellow.html">last week’s vacation</a>. Here are just a few...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK9dobvaZvcvECtAv5pt2QEDhOjB5MZ-EkyQlmrCFExGnX-ROnBTpdcCJdq3ePQCEDoCuT_vpUkuEKjmKKQwi8P-l4ionFmj8O8QVm95YeKJzqy4nsMb_SQKeJ6tZNT-dy8GuibRdnjg/s1600/Split+Rock+U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK9dobvaZvcvECtAv5pt2QEDhOjB5MZ-EkyQlmrCFExGnX-ROnBTpdcCJdq3ePQCEDoCuT_vpUkuEKjmKKQwi8P-l4ionFmj8O8QVm95YeKJzqy4nsMb_SQKeJ6tZNT-dy8GuibRdnjg/s1600/Split+Rock+U.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf4yT8uT865GERCKZQOQb30Wp5DTBdLV071xsrUxDmQfCVu-i7TKh6ximNaGTUm6UUOYEe6-vmmIqH2PqEVrJ2ToBDLIlf0c150yjKJ9G4BVgpQ12r0lcY3nxt8dEMjMIn0uhfSHCT3U/s1600/Hidden+Valley+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf4yT8uT865GERCKZQOQb30Wp5DTBdLV071xsrUxDmQfCVu-i7TKh6ximNaGTUm6UUOYEe6-vmmIqH2PqEVrJ2ToBDLIlf0c150yjKJ9G4BVgpQ12r0lcY3nxt8dEMjMIn0uhfSHCT3U/s1600/Hidden+Valley+G.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH5VVUS5nHbpMuAQ8aLOrdBDq-guKhXJAkk61ZmIuBTA7-ZAGOvmqtWTz5YAlr9UQd_FYurQEKwVqXGOXsZjzyKmLK4PZ7WvSSflEfrL0wfHPzN3Bx-7-RlX7weVOCPCbSzSTJ-9VIas/s1600/Split+Rock+V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH5VVUS5nHbpMuAQ8aLOrdBDq-guKhXJAkk61ZmIuBTA7-ZAGOvmqtWTz5YAlr9UQd_FYurQEKwVqXGOXsZjzyKmLK4PZ7WvSSflEfrL0wfHPzN3Bx-7-RlX7weVOCPCbSzSTJ-9VIas/s1600/Split+Rock+V.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-38248316917166347612014-10-24T08:15:00.001-07:002014-10-24T08:15:07.847-07:00Hello Yellow<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YnAevsHpsbl0GLrKQ7D1G47j4sp_LxS2PqQFY5ildZdwQtAqqCQa7Uzurl-nY9s2_CneC3Z5ztQRw9mGaha3KgY384U_mEN80JSgnWQgk1YeTjgAGtznX-1GrdUtrPpF_tSTABh5CiU/s1600/Hidden+Valley+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YnAevsHpsbl0GLrKQ7D1G47j4sp_LxS2PqQFY5ildZdwQtAqqCQa7Uzurl-nY9s2_CneC3Z5ztQRw9mGaha3KgY384U_mEN80JSgnWQgk1YeTjgAGtznX-1GrdUtrPpF_tSTABh5CiU/s1600/Hidden+Valley+I.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cooper's Goldenbush, Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello yellow! Pops and splashes of yellow…this
is the color that kept catching my eye during <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/10/color-pattern-texture-shape-in-desert.html">our California desert vacation last week</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my ongoing mantras of
late has been “make lemonade out of lemons” as I’ve recently handled a string
of (minor) inconveniences and challenges, so perhaps it was this mantra that brought
the color yellow to the forefront of my attention?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were riding the Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway from Mt. San Jacinto back down to the desert valley floor, I was stung
by a bee or wasp (which, unbeknownst to me, had tucked itself into the sleeve
of my fleece jacket and stung me as I was tying the sleeves around my waist…go
figure!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More “lemonade,” please! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been feeling inclined to create a <a href="http://www.soulcollage.com/">SoulCollage®</a>
card for myself titled “The Lemonade Maker” and will likely do so soon, but with
yellow showing up just about everywhere lately (the other night I even dreamt I
was drawing a pen and ink sun mandala), I’m thinking yellow should be the
springboard for my next mixed media collage (or sun mandala?!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How are you inspired by color?</span></em></span></div>
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-2148622867118991742014-10-23T12:03:00.002-07:002014-10-23T13:14:02.825-07:00Color, Pattern, Texture, Shape In The Desert<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Color, pattern, texture, shape…I’m
drawn to each and all of these elements as I create my <a href="http://www.plumeriapapercraft.com/">Plumeria Papercraft</a> designs
or work on my personal mixed media art and as I appreciate and enjoy the
artwork of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even find myself
noticing color, pattern, texture and shape as I explore the outdoors and admire
nature’s artistry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was definitely
the case last week as <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/10/an-active-imagination-in-desert.html">our family enjoyed vacationing in the California desert</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A colorful California fan palm
frond in Andreas Canyon at Indian Canyons, Palm Springs…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A warm shade of burnt sienna in dried blossoms at Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree National Park...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Patterns and textures in tree
bark, another California fan palm in Andreas Canyon at Indian Canyons...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And a Jeffrey pine and "mystery" tree in Mt. San Jacinto State Park (a scenic
aerial tram ride up from the desert floor to the mountain)…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeTeJX3VDu-upXyBne_SFf8X3GTPPRKqpH2hVv2uvXZIJO5qwkQerPXiMfn8EsXIx24y81aU9znvnlw6T-n4EHh9k5bXZbOPANOIm2DWT2oJMIR0GbVr0Dwt8n-__XeIn3xsmkO00zoE/s1600/Mt+SJ+Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeTeJX3VDu-upXyBne_SFf8X3GTPPRKqpH2hVv2uvXZIJO5qwkQerPXiMfn8EsXIx24y81aU9znvnlw6T-n4EHh9k5bXZbOPANOIm2DWT2oJMIR0GbVr0Dwt8n-__XeIn3xsmkO00zoE/s1600/Mt+SJ+Q.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjr8IWJEm4GFqkhaICeTPEw8V5PCpTH-vNDRjR7lE_hc7X72_ygxH55EwZlgdjpxoK1LaYWcxFAMhzNiSYxqoHuTQV-UJ4FiXfhwYWwdhxKVLZaxSnsA2v8a4pqGP-bHrNN4beERTAaM/s1600/Mt+SJ+P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjr8IWJEm4GFqkhaICeTPEw8V5PCpTH-vNDRjR7lE_hc7X72_ygxH55EwZlgdjpxoK1LaYWcxFAMhzNiSYxqoHuTQV-UJ4FiXfhwYWwdhxKVLZaxSnsA2v8a4pqGP-bHrNN4beERTAaM/s1600/Mt+SJ+P.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Spiky pom poms along the Split Rock trail in Joshua Tree...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sculptural rock formations, also in
Joshua Tree National Park and always a major attraction…</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EgxXg74Bru7nJgU8e9JLN_WT3wafTIjTIO4j2wn6WsRLPeZ9BusxNJXeB6k2jiXhIbc-mHYx9DI1PjExqx3nZfUAwTAlNbWlgUdVPfQmZ7dyPjJ2oja_AOL_55rUnC1vQqaRTYEg4dQ/s1600/Split+Rock+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EgxXg74Bru7nJgU8e9JLN_WT3wafTIjTIO4j2wn6WsRLPeZ9BusxNJXeB6k2jiXhIbc-mHYx9DI1PjExqx3nZfUAwTAlNbWlgUdVPfQmZ7dyPjJ2oja_AOL_55rUnC1vQqaRTYEg4dQ/s1600/Split+Rock+B.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEcstijJ_DA9C-3gdyvPZlbUHxj32kPpPKNvyAUuynfGqD_bIfJdY3BCTZtICBCIPgMRHacsQsnI4JdOxhezJFKzbIJu1Zo7l_NHk6fglFVzWTpoKnwIYZbF-wFfBvuAAhit_48AC9G4/s1600/Split+Rock+J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEcstijJ_DA9C-3gdyvPZlbUHxj32kPpPKNvyAUuynfGqD_bIfJdY3BCTZtICBCIPgMRHacsQsnI4JdOxhezJFKzbIJu1Zo7l_NHk6fglFVzWTpoKnwIYZbF-wFfBvuAAhit_48AC9G4/s1600/Split+Rock+J.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As are the shapely Joshua trees
themselves…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6iiKxfZ8g4XNH4gLCcQd8vzWfM9eG0WyP__0DUEFCz4hqHo84_RW_7KvuPn0QPpryWT04X-CWT-X09HVq69nGN1K0OTs6Mtvf5asrVzRBnz6yikrarCKgfC7aTrJwmTb9cxFOxp12D8/s1600/Joshua+Tree+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6iiKxfZ8g4XNH4gLCcQd8vzWfM9eG0WyP__0DUEFCz4hqHo84_RW_7KvuPn0QPpryWT04X-CWT-X09HVq69nGN1K0OTs6Mtvf5asrVzRBnz6yikrarCKgfC7aTrJwmTb9cxFOxp12D8/s1600/Joshua+Tree+C.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My daughter likened Joshua
Tree sunsets to watercolor paintings in her writing homework earlier this
week;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>indeed, the most amazing displays
of color…</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyDHqinz_rWSnzWPyUM3q8WWNGtEfC0YaBCNRKmExdg1w2ewDuLlVoJYcA9yWc8mXmdeZ2hH-gnKeMgwAwjWeKqZxMVQzayxLxC4EBhyphenhyphenrLb5mXQhL0IQcmUuRtQ46wpWmLkT6bFwj-hk/s1600/Joshua+Tree+H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyDHqinz_rWSnzWPyUM3q8WWNGtEfC0YaBCNRKmExdg1w2ewDuLlVoJYcA9yWc8mXmdeZ2hH-gnKeMgwAwjWeKqZxMVQzayxLxC4EBhyphenhyphenrLb5mXQhL0IQcmUuRtQ46wpWmLkT6bFwj-hk/s1600/Joshua+Tree+H.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>How do color, pattern, texture
and shape enhance your experiences in nature?<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
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</span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-53404208584466865362014-10-22T11:39:00.002-07:002014-10-24T09:22:48.727-07:00An Active Imagination In The Desert<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">During October break last week, our family enjoyed
vacationing in the Palm Springs area and Joshua Tree National Park here in
California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was our 6<sup>th</sup>
family vacation there, and over the years, we’ve grown quite fond of this
desert region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first glance, the
landscape may seem dry and barren, but upon closer views, as you explore and
experience the desert, there are many wonders waiting to be discovered and much
that thrives there despite a harsh environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/07/desert-heat-or-just-my-imagination.html">Even an active imagination thrives in the desert!</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope, no hallucinatory mirages in sight, but here’s
what we spotted…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A cow<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A voodoo doll</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A hungry ghost</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A lion’s mane</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Face Rock<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mickey?!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tulip Rock </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNli0F3ueXbmb0JZMTPqPjaIdkobgbMk8vWI7uITEpIbT0mh7IfYyAv6L3vkake7qo9NmwD-dXCnDangYrYNFbq0ZiwETqCo8GltlKwFj4KJkYzExtiA2hHaiQwPpeNCZ8q-Azn51n3M/s1600/Split+Rock+N2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNli0F3ueXbmb0JZMTPqPjaIdkobgbMk8vWI7uITEpIbT0mh7IfYyAv6L3vkake7qo9NmwD-dXCnDangYrYNFbq0ZiwETqCo8GltlKwFj4KJkYzExtiA2hHaiQwPpeNCZ8q-Azn51n3M/s1600/Split+Rock+N2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A heart</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIgHY3SXYxhbq5ooJAEBBreWroIZFcCx5SZu3lM31Vq1QqeXrR1fe9k1kY-6cY6Ane5APAGi4b8Qdwy4xDr41DGG0zUm8RMSOqYAERwb9aWDqMxkqAsgATfnkgvrIHrCJlU4bFAEeCdE/s1600/Hidden+Valley+J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIgHY3SXYxhbq5ooJAEBBreWroIZFcCx5SZu3lM31Vq1QqeXrR1fe9k1kY-6cY6Ane5APAGi4b8Qdwy4xDr41DGG0zUm8RMSOqYAERwb9aWDqMxkqAsgATfnkgvrIHrCJlU4bFAEeCdE/s1600/Hidden+Valley+J.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another heart<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X3Usc97erJrsiC6d-6JvB1vVEJrwH92Qt5WOGoBW0sMbCCwotOkGJtAKqpueRjE8Yag_GBCLagHpK71PZoKLz1DxpKlu_nnnqNvYrYbFz5IIDSKZR_Mys-FVe4wdTDNhQgTy4a709m4/s1600/Split+Rock+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X3Usc97erJrsiC6d-6JvB1vVEJrwH92Qt5WOGoBW0sMbCCwotOkGJtAKqpueRjE8Yag_GBCLagHpK71PZoKLz1DxpKlu_nnnqNvYrYbFz5IIDSKZR_Mys-FVe4wdTDNhQgTy4a709m4/s1600/Split+Rock+F.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">X marks the spot</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYhfZPJVcwBcqZddhXdOL6xjyiHXCLnEleEIMBazDkT-DLC7B55BBIjUa3CfmNQkWz7LqKWMjcbO2gtaBNy4eIfXfpu5nEjRxg4-31VorFDyeCqY_eGtpVVl986Vru1OxXibd-8Amk3M/s1600/Split+Rock+H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYhfZPJVcwBcqZddhXdOL6xjyiHXCLnEleEIMBazDkT-DLC7B55BBIjUa3CfmNQkWz7LqKWMjcbO2gtaBNy4eIfXfpu5nEjRxg4-31VorFDyeCqY_eGtpVVl986Vru1OxXibd-8Amk3M/s1600/Split+Rock+H.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>What are some of your favorite places for activating your imagination?</em></span></o:p></span></div>
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Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-3049180346371483002014-10-01T11:17:00.000-07:002014-10-01T11:17:14.983-07:00Thoughts On This 3-Year Anniversary<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXQcZR6sstNMHg4T8NOY50syg25iAKhCZJgAHY7-ILlXW_x3VTW6wQg7VlwcnVFNdB8i5yVxUHSAOUiyrf7Ej2LLy281aYJT6a6FSNPkXljeNPIroBodhqO6GOQEK_96W4MJy6KG6Bf4/s1600/Wave+of+Exhilaration+E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXQcZR6sstNMHg4T8NOY50syg25iAKhCZJgAHY7-ILlXW_x3VTW6wQg7VlwcnVFNdB8i5yVxUHSAOUiyrf7Ej2LLy281aYJT6a6FSNPkXljeNPIroBodhqO6GOQEK_96W4MJy6KG6Bf4/s1600/Wave+of+Exhilaration+E.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wave of Exhilaration," Summer 2014, origami & tissue paper collage<br />
Feeling such a wave today for life...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/05/emergence.html">emerge</a> changed after encountering moments in
life when we feel like the ground has opened up underneath us, and we’re
falling without knowing how we will land...a break-up, a layoff, a death, a
diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today marks the 3-year
anniversary of facing <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/06/detour.html">one of my own life-altering moments</a>, receiving my
lymphoma diagnosis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That moment will remain
deeply etched in my memory, but as time passes, and as I continue to find my
way and journey forward as a survivor, October 1<sup>st</sup> will hopefully seem
less ominous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today as I reflect back on
the past three years, I feel gratitude not only for being alive in the physical
sense, but also for becoming truly alive within my heart and soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still fine tuning my navigation skills
which will undoubtedly be an ongoing process, and I am learning how to focus
less on the “what if” of my disease and more on the “what if” of opportunities
to live with passion, creativity and purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although this is not the path I envisioned myself traveling, I’ve
discovered that despite its unavoidable twists and turns and inevitable ups and
downs, there is much to explore, enjoy and embrace along this journey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I stand at this 3-year mark and contemplate what’s
fueled my spirit to move forward, the greatest motivators have been love,
inspiration and gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Beatles’
“All You Need Is Love” frequently plays on the soundtrack in my head, so
simple, yet so profound and true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Regardless of the course we’re on, when we focus on giving and receiving
love, love is indeed just about all we need to steer us in the best
direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I practice immersing
myself in the moment, observing and listening more closely and carefully,
inspiration pops up everywhere and enhances my daily life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, the practice of gratitude offers
an energizing, uplifting perspective on life and uncovers bright spots where
there are shadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, my inner
demons still lurk under the surface - the fear monster, the self-critic and the
recovering perfectionist - but I’ve gained strength and courage to push them
aside, pursue dreams and believe in being able to make a (small, hopefully mighty!)
difference.</span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are many moments, today being one of them,
when I am overcome with such intensity of emotion for being alive, for loved
and dear ones, for the beauty and wonder surrounding us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart feels as though it is so full it
will burst, and I cry tears of release.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While life may seem more complicated, disorganized and unpredictable at
times, it is in these moments that what matters most shines through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's also in these moments that I shrug off nagging
concerns for coming across as overly sentimental or idealistic and remind
myself that this type of dialogue heals and sustains me. I'd rather risk being sappy than stifle
heartfelt expression (which I was sometimes apt to do in the past.) My intent in sharing my experiences and insights is to create resonance in some way that may be helpful and encouraging to others. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">May each of us love and be loved, inspire and be
inspired, be blessed with much gratitude, believe we can make a difference
(because we can!), share our stories and live life fully...and whenever the ground opens up, may we land solidly on our feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I pause and appreciate all the goodness in life today, I wish you the
same. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-52818756678139126382014-09-06T12:38:00.000-07:002014-09-06T12:38:21.991-07:00Summer Excitement<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In continuing to reflect back on
which summer memories to preserve, what comes to mind are some of the experiences
that offered the most excitement...</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl80x8dnBBMUYNb1Zw6jEF-RFEYcoESSjYJ6UZE6AulPXYLiYmHCJdJrRCBL5PSRgdaR2eJcAvSVfWbpmeKGvbDAQ_OIw1Xgb9Q-0OjBuCUehcGnH_kaRY17wkEBikXy0ddzfnkQp2F0/s1600/Big+Baldy+-+Bear+Cub+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl80x8dnBBMUYNb1Zw6jEF-RFEYcoESSjYJ6UZE6AulPXYLiYmHCJdJrRCBL5PSRgdaR2eJcAvSVfWbpmeKGvbDAQ_OIw1Xgb9Q-0OjBuCUehcGnH_kaRY17wkEBikXy0ddzfnkQp2F0/s1600/Big+Baldy+-+Bear+Cub+3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(The best shot I could capture between zooming in with my point & shoot & remaining at a safe distance!)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Safely sighting three bears, including a cub,
during our visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, (without
encountering the cub's mother, thank goodness!)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzU_6Bas4NTEbWWb60uxJPxCFzL4ilfO-ppwO7lA_ZqKSXeC_W1lHiRNMHbi6W1s5WOvJY6CBks49JkaFhyphenhyphenV8-mxOwhPxZrcnSDpo8hC73_YbCt59CV8GZq-_cN_tlV34f4Veajtl-Kw/s1600/Tokopah+Falls+-+Marmot+E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzU_6Bas4NTEbWWb60uxJPxCFzL4ilfO-ppwO7lA_ZqKSXeC_W1lHiRNMHbi6W1s5WOvJY6CBks49JkaFhyphenhyphenV8-mxOwhPxZrcnSDpo8hC73_YbCt59CV8GZq-_cN_tlV34f4Veajtl-Kw/s1600/Tokopah+Falls+-+Marmot+E.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hiking the Tokopah Falls trail in
the company of beautiful wildflowers and curious marmots.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cMFQ-KD0KNBaBRd-0b2vDgSa-I4Z14K691YoYpjYDUtIy1MTNZ2-wnDP9bCb5xvJ1OuLR-uGIGfvByFeMS10iR3wBfj-4iUMX2QCx6pDu3mhioAHJUoBsXBJYTP0YIP6RTwnDm9R8CQ/s1600/Tokopah+Falls+-+Marmot+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cMFQ-KD0KNBaBRd-0b2vDgSa-I4Z14K691YoYpjYDUtIy1MTNZ2-wnDP9bCb5xvJ1OuLR-uGIGfvByFeMS10iR3wBfj-4iUMX2QCx6pDu3mhioAHJUoBsXBJYTP0YIP6RTwnDm9R8CQ/s1600/Tokopah+Falls+-+Marmot+C.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Observing humpback whales from
shore and from a whale watching tour boat and feeling in awe of these
magnificent creatures.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvsg-8mKF2CjA9jxAOOrkXc6aG8uDWwjAg7wZW-NDh-CFTE33kxBalMSzNsmm8gpQYmcMUAaypH8o5AGR9cszFKwmqp9nEP_npxyi2gKzmJeVEOEU0U3FH2dANWcX3Msdr0wunt-flqE/s1600/Chiton+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvsg-8mKF2CjA9jxAOOrkXc6aG8uDWwjAg7wZW-NDh-CFTE33kxBalMSzNsmm8gpQYmcMUAaypH8o5AGR9cszFKwmqp9nEP_npxyi2gKzmJeVEOEU0U3FH2dANWcX3Msdr0wunt-flqE/s1600/Chiton+B.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqtRmU7C8pudVOyWj7WboYvRail9qTV7kkJpWpTXQMi105PH8KcUF7q-XZC0gBgMCsnT3CTcTQ_spCRIS2Tq8t49vuVp_Ol5zHjAhiEPRSFiaZ8xhEmuuSwOdsX0B6tYnip2QwKHRcEY/s1600/Chiton+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqtRmU7C8pudVOyWj7WboYvRail9qTV7kkJpWpTXQMi105PH8KcUF7q-XZC0gBgMCsnT3CTcTQ_spCRIS2Tq8t49vuVp_Ol5zHjAhiEPRSFiaZ8xhEmuuSwOdsX0B6tYnip2QwKHRcEY/s1600/Chiton+C.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finding my first intact chiton (instead
of its <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/11/press-pause-button.html">individual “fairy wing” plates</a>)…yep, I’m proud to be a
beachcombing geek!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0uRuHn6wrpq_iE3cT9aprqPMdiOy_uztrD7m6sDlxjf6oMsIxNG2t7J7vFD8G5LIEMxR9P7LOS-qr4fUQWPEUtEOXj_7TiBPkn_VzUFKvI4Z0xxEKpZje0qmX-jz_G51pgYG3w0qT8A/s1600/Casa+Munras+Bougainvillea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0uRuHn6wrpq_iE3cT9aprqPMdiOy_uztrD7m6sDlxjf6oMsIxNG2t7J7vFD8G5LIEMxR9P7LOS-qr4fUQWPEUtEOXj_7TiBPkn_VzUFKvI4Z0xxEKpZje0qmX-jz_G51pgYG3w0qT8A/s1600/Casa+Munras+Bougainvillea.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beautifully bright bougainvillea at Casa Munras, my party venue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Celebrating <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/07/entering-new-decade.html">a milestone birthday</a>
by hosting <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-to-host-dream-party.html">a once-in-a-lifetime party</a> with family and friends, an event
bursting with love, joy and gratitude and a memory I will treasure always.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Which memories of summer excitement will you
treasure? <o:p></o:p></em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>
<o:p></o:p></em></span></span> </span> </div>
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</span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-79464493732372929352014-09-04T22:15:00.000-07:002014-09-05T08:33:22.628-07:00Summer Simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since back-to-school for us was
back in early August, we had already begun saying our goodbyes to summer, but
for many, summer’s end just hit this week with the passing of Labor Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past few weeks, I’ve also been
creating fresh notecards and workshop samples based on autumnal inspiration, so
I suppose I’m fairly well prepared to welcome Fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before doing so, however, I’m reflecting back
on summer highlights and feeling inclined to find, no change that to <u>make</u>,
time to preserve some of these highlights not only in my memory and in writing,
but in my favorite medium of collage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please hold me accountable to sharing this to-be-collaged memento sometime
soon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, I’ll devote a few posts to sharing some of my summer snapshots and
experiences. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This year’s summer was somewhat low
key for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the memories I’m anticipating
will leave lasting impressions are those that emerged from the simplest moments of
discovery and observation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">During our June visit to Sequoia
and Kings Canyon National Park, I observed several bumblebees resting atop
wildflowers, the first time I’d ever seen bees in such a relaxed state of repose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found these napping bumblebees quite fascinating,
and after researching online, I learned that this behavior can occur when
bumblebees become cold, and they wait until the sun warms them before they fly
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This behavior may also occur when
a bumblebee is dying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In July, I spotted
another sleepy bumblebee in our own front yard, hugging a leaf on one of our
Mayten trees.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another Sequoia and Kings Canyon
highlight was the eye-catching display of mountain wildflowers blooming prolifically
and beautifully, including some varieties we’d never seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3WR0s2977ksZkpntnr4nHfPnpN_Pm4C45v5hRQWTkwHs7N2HyKGLNsemij0Czcwak2gV1nxYQgEuYdr9it6-bTzqQhqTu4MqcFs4w1TkvGCXVnrdP_fe8twpSng5ks9DZKDcvcJfxcI/s1600/Big+Baldy+Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3WR0s2977ksZkpntnr4nHfPnpN_Pm4C45v5hRQWTkwHs7N2HyKGLNsemij0Czcwak2gV1nxYQgEuYdr9it6-bTzqQhqTu4MqcFs4w1TkvGCXVnrdP_fe8twpSng5ks9DZKDcvcJfxcI/s1600/Big+Baldy+Y.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZIhSaQbPCbAarx1LNPSbl_CzRShb6PkwmYPmm9bdCy0e2l-gbtABwYauKNrkb_5qs2A_nWTRVSvfNto_ZHsxkOdOrJBZ4PgdYDmkZbFILSfDHsYTd6poSD1H_GOP9vFkN6dI41DNdYs/s1600/Tokopah+Falls+S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZIhSaQbPCbAarx1LNPSbl_CzRShb6PkwmYPmm9bdCy0e2l-gbtABwYauKNrkb_5qs2A_nWTRVSvfNto_ZHsxkOdOrJBZ4PgdYDmkZbFILSfDHsYTd6poSD1H_GOP9vFkN6dI41DNdYs/s1600/Tokopah+Falls+S.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This summer’s beach walks
revealed a few new and unusual sights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We happened upon this strange and odoriferous mystery which a friend (in
the know) guessed to be a whale’s throat and tongue…whoa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With warmer than average
temperatures in our local bay, sea lettuce, a green algae, was washing
ashore in heaps and mounds on Seaside Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On shore, the sea lettuce created what looked like a gigantic serving of
seaweed salad and off shore, a “spinach sea” was in view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ob-UpZgKlUBdPaFy63wnZ-niibOXdYt5TAva1UhMxkvmKX2TX8mCBAqKdHz0Cy2yZDo_4iutEDOW_OHH7ZxC9vsOnH62ZD5Jcbt-_43K84ePubCeO46bfumumNmVb4yWMg6M3Hy7Stc/s1600/Spinach+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ob-UpZgKlUBdPaFy63wnZ-niibOXdYt5TAva1UhMxkvmKX2TX8mCBAqKdHz0Cy2yZDo_4iutEDOW_OHH7ZxC9vsOnH62ZD5Jcbt-_43K84ePubCeO46bfumumNmVb4yWMg6M3Hy7Stc/s1600/Spinach+Sea.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvuJUXrJI__yg_9y3s_8TXn6EvM7woBXMsYd3HaZgQMXFejHLLDUDH8TpcLxEpq6pKFkr9oHwRfB4LVSALhqKhSDqrkOXnct45jYaxsfRTFBQEnQFh8F0emnuG1gTwFyGwajhajpDfPM/s1600/Seaweed+Beach+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvuJUXrJI__yg_9y3s_8TXn6EvM7woBXMsYd3HaZgQMXFejHLLDUDH8TpcLxEpq6pKFkr9oHwRfB4LVSALhqKhSDqrkOXnct45jYaxsfRTFBQEnQFh8F0emnuG1gTwFyGwajhajpDfPM/s1600/Seaweed+Beach+B.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I didn’t snap a photo, but on a
couple occasions, scattered along this same beach were velella vellalas
(stinging nettles), no longer alive, but resembling mini Chihuly glass
sculptures. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N2Ca_xIkthUKyMxLKbsnvLqetqoUyCTLuuhCGGZvi4zx1YHJVu8houLiS3gUpdLkhC5ONHtMnW3QA71it-Niez56chPSvBVxCF7p2VqdQjPIXoZcuAtIPWbWC96pv7ZefuDdZoRcCh4/s1600/Mount+Madonna+8-14+L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N2Ca_xIkthUKyMxLKbsnvLqetqoUyCTLuuhCGGZvi4zx1YHJVu8houLiS3gUpdLkhC5ONHtMnW3QA71it-Niez56chPSvBVxCF7p2VqdQjPIXoZcuAtIPWbWC96pv7ZefuDdZoRcCh4/s1600/Mount+Madonna+8-14+L.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We explored hiking trails new to
us on two summer visits to Mt. Madonna County Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within the park resides a confined herd of
white fallow deer, descendants of exotic gifts given to the cattle baron who
settled there in the early 1900’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we
admired the handsome antlers on one of the bucks, he seemed rather intrigued by
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also explored the ruins of the
same cattle baron’s former estate where the forest has gradually been reclaiming the land over
the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were pleasantly surprised
by these new discoveries less than an hour’s drive from home.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzMO8n_sc2u3Ac4YiBktILE1NN0gwFwUgwEnqU8eZFOhfqFGA0pBxe8_0eRwQxifA8M68EGWWmfnAZWFqmxkc8qpczTMnd7WEff157Mtoq1Tmwa6lEkq6S4oht3co0tyE5QDBxC-baDs/s1600/Mount+Madonna+8-14+K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzMO8n_sc2u3Ac4YiBktILE1NN0gwFwUgwEnqU8eZFOhfqFGA0pBxe8_0eRwQxifA8M68EGWWmfnAZWFqmxkc8qpczTMnd7WEff157Mtoq1Tmwa6lEkq6S4oht3co0tyE5QDBxC-baDs/s1600/Mount+Madonna+8-14+K.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Without leaving home, we also enjoyed a cast of airborne characters visiting our backyard, violet green swallows with their swift and graceful performance in the late morning and the flitter fluttery dance of bats at dusk. Doves, starlings, juncos, sparrows, finches, flycatchers and other birds, dragonflies, butterflies, honeybees and bumblebees and a yearly visit from the June bugs for a couple weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">These summer experiences were low
key and simple, yet will likely be some of my favorite memories of all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Which enjoyable memories of summer simplicity will linger with you? <o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-9340049909956017602014-09-02T14:00:00.000-07:002014-09-03T11:31:42.067-07:00Contemplating The Calendula<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyem_Kh1vcz8Xo-m0OYRqPJ4rj9N9aj_UciZ8hKNop8Er5aZEaAyJcmXx7ctY8zWgGMzADmQinK1ofLGni4RF34MzZYBwNjpenDbUEIU6Fs0ileZ6aXEYhSi5YCLuMWr08QSsqi0ue50/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyem_Kh1vcz8Xo-m0OYRqPJ4rj9N9aj_UciZ8hKNop8Er5aZEaAyJcmXx7ctY8zWgGMzADmQinK1ofLGni4RF34MzZYBwNjpenDbUEIU6Fs0ileZ6aXEYhSi5YCLuMWr08QSsqi0ue50/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+A.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I love gleaning life lessons, insights and
inspiration from what’s growing in our garden, and one of my most recent insights was inspired by the calendula flower.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6w61E3oZqo5EaJqO4m3u126dUxcsPrcNNu72sM6H2cTybLiUg_qtQHWG64BEV-kZsqjO_oijN8yakFDAP8sf9csCnTE2JZ5fp4Mqvt-zzUn1FdIgzOtzJy8h3m38lsLDB0rPqgHwlYs/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6w61E3oZqo5EaJqO4m3u126dUxcsPrcNNu72sM6H2cTybLiUg_qtQHWG64BEV-kZsqjO_oijN8yakFDAP8sf9csCnTE2JZ5fp4Mqvt-zzUn1FdIgzOtzJy8h3m38lsLDB0rPqgHwlYs/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+C.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ever since <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/07/simply-best-day.html">one of last year’s summer work days in Bobcat Garden</a>, my
daughter’s elementary school garden, I’ve developed a growing fondness for the
bright, edible <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/11/abundance-in-single-blossom.html">calendula</a> flower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
older plants (originating from Bobcat Garden) have withered, so a few weeks
ago, I started new ones from seed (of the same origin) and just planted <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/08/from-seed-to-seedling.html">a young batch of seedlings</a> a couple days ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also scattered additional seeds collected from the faded blooms in the hopes of encouraging a
few “volunteers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P5FNyqFmhKCRPSVYUeBvieiA0KkY_y0BIP2TMTNhGqSBWba3YT5kS8qPKozZCkRJ85YzeIFNDwo40MXJOu00HDp8r9XAOA2xpC5J9R5tyNC2kGPjVXHxB1AFqvPhVHFxEBVREI8fZB8/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P5FNyqFmhKCRPSVYUeBvieiA0KkY_y0BIP2TMTNhGqSBWba3YT5kS8qPKozZCkRJ85YzeIFNDwo40MXJOu00HDp8r9XAOA2xpC5J9R5tyNC2kGPjVXHxB1AFqvPhVHFxEBVREI8fZB8/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+D.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">While our
older calendulas were in their prime, I snapped these photos, appreciating each stage of a calendula blossom and recognizing the beauty and
value existing throughout its life cycle, beginning with the anticipation of a fresh, new blossom and ending with each faded bloom offering its lasting gift of seeds and an opportunity to start anew. This cycle can be ongoing then, never really ending. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy-erC6_8A2H0TMKuo8av6k5h2Nl_bbV9zLfJ5X0e7J2hwvACAVBTTLMGqC4p3KF5Q9L6pOyx2aEQafwZ-Hx6vLi0FiYJN__FVNxnpKVteKw3jG6d-82H4dJCxmfLm12GmD5oDvVRiio/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy-erC6_8A2H0TMKuo8av6k5h2Nl_bbV9zLfJ5X0e7J2hwvACAVBTTLMGqC4p3KF5Q9L6pOyx2aEQafwZ-Hx6vLi0FiYJN__FVNxnpKVteKw3jG6d-82H4dJCxmfLm12GmD5oDvVRiio/s1600/Calendula+Lifecycle+F.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Similarly, recognizing
the beauty and value found in each phase of any life cycle, plant, animal or
person, even the "life cycle" of an endeavor or experience, can be a simple, yet profound exercise in awareness and gratitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><em>What examples of cycles have been "blooming" in your daily life?</em></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055050223493526846.post-45157125609000318402014-08-29T16:10:00.001-07:002014-08-29T16:10:45.218-07:00Fresh Inspiration<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sorting, discarding, reorganizing…I’m plodding
along, continuing <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2012/10/just-little-bit-more-buttoned-up.html">my efforts to declutter</a> and simplify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last weekend I decided to tackle cookbooks
and a bulging folder haphazardly filled with to-be-filed recipe clippings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized I couldn’t keep putting off this
task after the folder was bumped and fell from its precarious perch on a shelf,
scattering its contents across the floor and into <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2013/08/smitten-with-kitten.html">Misty’s</a> water bowl!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What dawned on me as I was working on this project
was how our cooking preferences and habits have changed over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before our daughter was born, my husband and
I devoted a greater portion of our leisure time to culinary exploration, but
nowadays, there is far less time (and money) for elaborate experimentation in
cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our free time has also shifted
focus to some of our other interests and pursuits outside of the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because our cookbooks and recipe clippings reflected
our old lifestyle, our collection was in definite need of updating. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I edited the number of complicated multi-step
recipes and those with obscure ingredients that had not been part of our menu
rotation for several years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
cookbooks now fit neatly on one set of bookshelves instead of on bookshelves,
under the microwave and atop the refrigerator!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Editing and updating our recipe binders also opened up space for the loose
recipe clippings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although my husband and I still enjoy cooking, and
on occasional weekends or for a holiday or special event, we may even still dabble
in a recipe with more complexity, focusing on “what is” instead of “what isn’t” happening in our kitchen
(<a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/08/much-more-than-simple-provisions.html">similar to my last post about the garden</a>) helped me rein in our cookbook and
recipe clutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In simplifying our meals, we haven’t skimped on
fresh ingredients and have actually gained fresh inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I enjoy creating my own dishes and improvising meals much more than I
ever did in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier this week,
I harvested a second round Pattypan squash from our garden, and along with some
chicken sausage and Swiss chard already on hand, I assembled a simple stew with
onion, garlic and cannellini beans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkqnWBJRAePSvMyVYHGPykhWnKl1B-WnQ6puTckm_HUXK37BJwr_4rMSt9yQuo1i14OrpJ_zAE4QIOCu_IpOfF-YnpsCrfVp9QQrFMBY10SekXBJjyo9F4g0vyD3xxhIZP3mTfEV-Mso/s1600/Pineapple+Tomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkqnWBJRAePSvMyVYHGPykhWnKl1B-WnQ6puTckm_HUXK37BJwr_4rMSt9yQuo1i14OrpJ_zAE4QIOCu_IpOfF-YnpsCrfVp9QQrFMBY10SekXBJjyo9F4g0vyD3xxhIZP3mTfEV-Mso/s1600/Pineapple+Tomato.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>This
morning, I picked our first ripe pineapple heirloom tomato, and my mouth has
been watering as I’ve been contemplating how to enjoy such a flavorful tomato
this evening, perhaps in a Caprese salad or simply on its own?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We gave my dad an assortment of tomato seeds
from one of my favorite suppliers, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGiftedTomato">The Gifted Tomato on Etsy</a>, a local farmer
and fellow “mompreneur,” and my dad, in turn, gave us some of the seedlings he
grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <a href="http://paperandponder.blogspot.com/2014/08/much-more-than-simple-provisions.html">delightful Black Cherry tomatoes I featured in my last post</a> were also grown from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGiftedTomato">The Gifted Tomato</a>’s
seeds.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This “what is” perspective is proving to be helpful
in many different situations, including decluttering in the kitchen! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>How do you incorporate a "what is" perspective into your daily life?</em></span></span></div>
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</span>Paper And Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12266292234930844859noreply@blogger.com0