Saturday, August 23, 2014

Vacation Wonder

     I returned this week from a vacation in Pennsylvania and Ohio, visiting family and "my old stomping grounds." I'd like to share a few photos of the joy and wonder.

This is the view into State College (where Penn State University is) from the top of the mountain. If I had a dollar for every time I've driven or ridden over that mountain, I'd be LONG retired :)




This is in Alan Seeger Natural Area, a park, picnic and hiking area in central PA. It is hands-down my favorite spot on the planet. I walked around my favorite trail. The freshness of the air is tough to describe. I feel especially connected to the wonder and love of the planet there.






In Philadelphia (visiting my nephew's family), we went to a couple of awesome Italian markets. This is an 11-pound jar of Nutella. Fortunately, there was no room left in my suitcase. 



Darth Vader and two storm troopers were at the Phillies game to promote the upcoming Star Wars Night at the ballpark. Luckily he did not use the Force on me (at least I don't think so!). 




Ever the little kid (2nd childhood?), I got my great-niece Kerry to snap a shot of me with the fun and furry green mascot of the Phillies, the Phanatic. Icing on the cake to a great trip, so much fun!

SMILE!!!!  *  LIFE IS GOOD!!!!







Monday, August 11, 2014

This is Heaven NOW

     I had the awesome joy and honor to spend this weekend just past at Walk in Peace Ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas, northeast of Wichita. (http://www.walkinpeaceranch.com/)
     My own personal slice of heaven was the hilltop... a labyrinth, Starhenge, Spirit Stones and more. At sunset Friday and Saturday nights, I climbed the hill to watch the sun go down and the moon rise (bonus: a "super" moon), and to see the first visible stars. Conveniently placed atop the hill were several large polished stone slabs on which I could stretch out. The sky is SO big there, that, when lying down, it was only in my furthest peripheral vision that I could see land.
      This peaceful time that I spent on the hilltop embedded in my heart that heaven is within me, and I am within it, and it's all One, a powerful, comfortable, joyful knowing. I can hardly wait to get back there and be on that hilltop again.
      Practicing heaven now,
                Leta

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Another thought on the mustard seed

     Up until Thursday afternoon this past week, I was having the week from hell, with the "icing on the cake" being my car stranding me (see previous post re: car repairs) and needing not just one, but two tows. My sweet husband asked me Thursday morning how I was doing, and I just burst into tears and he scurried away, "sorry I asked!" I felt like I was hanging by a thread, a very frayed thread.
     I went swimming, which is always therapeutic for me. During the back and forth, I was reminded of the Bible verse, "If you have the faith of a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible." I figured that was about where I was with my faith--a very small mustard seed. So I took the "mustard seed" idea a bit further.
     A friend had turned me onto the Astronomy Picture of the Day (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html) which I find both beautiful and awe-inspiring. One day recently there was a photo that looked like a lot of stars, but many of those tiny pinpoints of light were WHOLE GALAXIES. So I decided that my tiny, wavering bit of faith was like that tiny pinpoint of light, but knowing that there was a WHOLE GALAXY behind it. That felt very calming and empowering.
     And, praise the Universe, by Thursday afternoon, the week from hell had turned into the week from heaven. Mostly, because my car is still in the shop with no verdict on its ills. "This, too, shall pass."
     Hanging in there,
             Leta