Saturday, 30 October 2010
Friday, 29 October 2010
Dreams
Last weekend we went on a team retreat to reconnect with each other and more importantly with ourselves. We went to stay in our bosses Swedish cabin house up in the peaceful and idyllic mountains.
Surrounded by Autumn colours, falling leaves, crisp air and bright blue skies. Sunlight. Moonlight. Good friends. Laughter and tears. I felt at peace and in the 24 hrs we were there found an understanding of just how much life can ask of you take from you and give to you all at the same time.
Two wonderful gentle and very wise women were holding this weekend for us giving guidance and encouragement on what it means to be a volunteer overseas and what it often means when you return to your 'homeland'. Their advice and encouragement was amazing and I think exactly what some of us needed.
We heard their life stories and shared a little of ours. Although one of these stories was devastating and so close to my heart it was extremely important to hear about - I can not tell more but it inspired the poem a couple of posts down. We also talked about our hopes and our dreams.
The ladies gave us an exercise: a half hour silent walk to wander and look for signs or symbols of your dreams. I didn't manage the silent part because I walked with a friend (completely worthwhile as I felt a new connection to her) but I did find some symbols.
I felt I wanted to share these with you purely because it was a great exercise. It was lovely to walk and have something different to be looking out for and even though I have to admit I was dubious when I first walked out the door - I actually did find some meaning in the nature around me. I did not have a camera with me so you'll have to imagine what I describe - and I hope I can do it justice.
So walking up the small hill from the house I came to a crossroads. One road led up. An open free space toward the dazzling Autumn sun in a cloudless sky. The route my best friend was taking. Bright. Safe. The second road led down. Into the forest. Closed. Dim. I don't really like forests. They make me uneasy. I wanted to go with Court but I also wanted to find some symbols. Be a good student. (Besides I did have someone with me.) Then I realised this was my first symbol. I need to take that road sometimes we all do. That road that scares us a little. That maybe separates us (even if only for a short time) from the safest things/people we know. That road that challenges us. That road that makes us say yes I'm taking it even if I want to run screaming in the other direction. I want to or I should say I DREAM that I will challenge myself and not be afraid to walk down these paths because as I found out they can lead to real amazing beauty!
After crunching through the leaves for some time I saw my 2nd symbol poking through the forest floor of Autumn changed leaves. A lone Autumn crocus. It made me smile and think of my boy. It made me think of our Sunday mornings together. Our time. To make pancakes and play games to be just us and to watch a movie. One of his favourites for a long time was Disneys' Mulan. We watched it over and over again probably for over a month and one line in it has always grabbed me.
"the flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful flower of all"
That's my boy. He has had a whole lot of crap thrown his way in his first years of life. However he keeps on growing and blooming pushing his way up through those layers and layers of leaves trying to stunt his growth. Leaves that carry on falling on top of him. But he is blooming and showing me just how rare and beautiful he is. I DREAM that whatever more he has to take, and all the stuff he has already been through and needs to process at such a young age - I just DREAM and HOPE that he carries on growing and blooming and fighting through it all. Because he will always be in my eyes the most beautiful of all.
Walking further we came to a clearing in the forest. A breathtaking view. Mountains and sky and WOW I cant even describe it. It was beautiful. That's when I was thankful I had taken the road I had. I had come through the forest (the thing that scared me) and I had come upon this amazing sight that took my breath away and gave me a new thought on what it means to "keep a weathered eye on the horizon". Plus I had learned and shared things with a friend with whom I don't normally have the opportunity to do so. So special. So worthwhile to take those roads sometimes - because you really don't know where they'll lead and what you will take from them.
On the walk back we passed a field. It was full with i guess weeds. They were a bit like the dandelion clocks you blow on to tell the time as kids (or as adults if your name is Court or Katie!) Anyway they were being buffeted and blown every which way with the breeze which had picked up and was whistling around the fields and trees. They made me think. Think of resilience. They take that wind that comes their way. They deal with all kinds of weather on that mountain field. Still they hold onto their seedlings. They don't let go until they're ready. They say no we can withstand this wind this rain these hard times in our life because we have each other and we are strong! And well there you go I DREAM that Kiki and I will withstand all that is thrown at us we will hold onto to each other and just take the hits because at the end of the day I will be able to let him blow off into the world to make his own roots and he will blossom and bloom and be well grounded from what he has learned and experienced from me and from the winds that we stand through.
When we got back and shared what we had seen and what our dreams were one thing someone said really hit me "I don't stop dreaming but, I know what it can mean if I do dream." This made me sad. Because it is true. Our dreams sometimes may not be realised. We may get hurt or damaged on the route of our dreams. However, like this person said don't stop dreaming. Yes our dreams were simpler and more fun when we were younger and yes we should enjoy the things we already have but dreams keep hope alive in us and without that life would be hard and it would be really sad.
So be encouraged. DREAM!!!!
Surrounded by Autumn colours, falling leaves, crisp air and bright blue skies. Sunlight. Moonlight. Good friends. Laughter and tears. I felt at peace and in the 24 hrs we were there found an understanding of just how much life can ask of you take from you and give to you all at the same time.
Two wonderful gentle and very wise women were holding this weekend for us giving guidance and encouragement on what it means to be a volunteer overseas and what it often means when you return to your 'homeland'. Their advice and encouragement was amazing and I think exactly what some of us needed.
We heard their life stories and shared a little of ours. Although one of these stories was devastating and so close to my heart it was extremely important to hear about - I can not tell more but it inspired the poem a couple of posts down. We also talked about our hopes and our dreams.
The ladies gave us an exercise: a half hour silent walk to wander and look for signs or symbols of your dreams. I didn't manage the silent part because I walked with a friend (completely worthwhile as I felt a new connection to her) but I did find some symbols.
I felt I wanted to share these with you purely because it was a great exercise. It was lovely to walk and have something different to be looking out for and even though I have to admit I was dubious when I first walked out the door - I actually did find some meaning in the nature around me. I did not have a camera with me so you'll have to imagine what I describe - and I hope I can do it justice.
So walking up the small hill from the house I came to a crossroads. One road led up. An open free space toward the dazzling Autumn sun in a cloudless sky. The route my best friend was taking. Bright. Safe. The second road led down. Into the forest. Closed. Dim. I don't really like forests. They make me uneasy. I wanted to go with Court but I also wanted to find some symbols. Be a good student. (Besides I did have someone with me.) Then I realised this was my first symbol. I need to take that road sometimes we all do. That road that scares us a little. That maybe separates us (even if only for a short time) from the safest things/people we know. That road that challenges us. That road that makes us say yes I'm taking it even if I want to run screaming in the other direction. I want to or I should say I DREAM that I will challenge myself and not be afraid to walk down these paths because as I found out they can lead to real amazing beauty!
After crunching through the leaves for some time I saw my 2nd symbol poking through the forest floor of Autumn changed leaves. A lone Autumn crocus. It made me smile and think of my boy. It made me think of our Sunday mornings together. Our time. To make pancakes and play games to be just us and to watch a movie. One of his favourites for a long time was Disneys' Mulan. We watched it over and over again probably for over a month and one line in it has always grabbed me.
"the flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful flower of all"
That's my boy. He has had a whole lot of crap thrown his way in his first years of life. However he keeps on growing and blooming pushing his way up through those layers and layers of leaves trying to stunt his growth. Leaves that carry on falling on top of him. But he is blooming and showing me just how rare and beautiful he is. I DREAM that whatever more he has to take, and all the stuff he has already been through and needs to process at such a young age - I just DREAM and HOPE that he carries on growing and blooming and fighting through it all. Because he will always be in my eyes the most beautiful of all.
Walking further we came to a clearing in the forest. A breathtaking view. Mountains and sky and WOW I cant even describe it. It was beautiful. That's when I was thankful I had taken the road I had. I had come through the forest (the thing that scared me) and I had come upon this amazing sight that took my breath away and gave me a new thought on what it means to "keep a weathered eye on the horizon". Plus I had learned and shared things with a friend with whom I don't normally have the opportunity to do so. So special. So worthwhile to take those roads sometimes - because you really don't know where they'll lead and what you will take from them.
On the walk back we passed a field. It was full with i guess weeds. They were a bit like the dandelion clocks you blow on to tell the time as kids (or as adults if your name is Court or Katie!) Anyway they were being buffeted and blown every which way with the breeze which had picked up and was whistling around the fields and trees. They made me think. Think of resilience. They take that wind that comes their way. They deal with all kinds of weather on that mountain field. Still they hold onto their seedlings. They don't let go until they're ready. They say no we can withstand this wind this rain these hard times in our life because we have each other and we are strong! And well there you go I DREAM that Kiki and I will withstand all that is thrown at us we will hold onto to each other and just take the hits because at the end of the day I will be able to let him blow off into the world to make his own roots and he will blossom and bloom and be well grounded from what he has learned and experienced from me and from the winds that we stand through.
When we got back and shared what we had seen and what our dreams were one thing someone said really hit me "I don't stop dreaming but, I know what it can mean if I do dream." This made me sad. Because it is true. Our dreams sometimes may not be realised. We may get hurt or damaged on the route of our dreams. However, like this person said don't stop dreaming. Yes our dreams were simpler and more fun when we were younger and yes we should enjoy the things we already have but dreams keep hope alive in us and without that life would be hard and it would be really sad.
So be encouraged. DREAM!!!!
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Dedicated
You filled our hearts with sorrow today
as you told of a love torn away
a stolen dream, a broken heart
how did you find the strength to start
to live again? To laugh? To Love?
Forced to leave behind your fragile dove.
Your eyes hold pain and longing still
they filled my own with tears.
A tale of love rejected
despite all your appeals.
Your strength and your resilience
amazed as you retold
your tale of life filled with love
but interlaced with woe.
I hope that you have peace.
as you told of a love torn away
a stolen dream, a broken heart
how did you find the strength to start
to live again? To laugh? To Love?
Forced to leave behind your fragile dove.
Your eyes hold pain and longing still
they filled my own with tears.
A tale of love rejected
despite all your appeals.
Your strength and your resilience
amazed as you retold
your tale of life filled with love
but interlaced with woe.
I hope that you have peace.
Friday, 22 October 2010
How could I forget?
So I forgot to add that when Buni came to visit we also celebrated her birthday so here's a few of that fun packed party! (and no it wasn't me who dressed them that way, that was all them before anyone asks! but it sure ain't a party if you don't got your frock on!)
Good luck and a white rabbit too.....
So yesterday Kiki got his first FB the best grade you can get at school his face was lit up with happiness when he showed me his worksheet I wish I'd had a camera to snap that moment and share it with you all.
Today he tied his shoelaces all on his own no help what so ever he was so proud of himself (but a little sad his Buni wasn't here to see how he'd remembered all the steps she'd taught him - "oh if only Buni was here right now she would be so proud of me" he exclaimed.) We miss you Buni!!
This afternoon while playing in the front yard I looked up and there was a little white bunny just popping its head out from under the boys play fort! It had obviously escaped from somewhere because it was easily caught and sat so calmly in our arms. Cristi was so excited though a little sad we weren't going to keep it. I think keeping the last two animals we found has given him the idea we're running some kind of menagerie in our apartment! OOPS! Well what to do the animal misfits of this town keep seeking me out.
Court managed to capture a few shots so here's a peek at our new (but not living with us) find.
Today he tied his shoelaces all on his own no help what so ever he was so proud of himself (but a little sad his Buni wasn't here to see how he'd remembered all the steps she'd taught him - "oh if only Buni was here right now she would be so proud of me" he exclaimed.) We miss you Buni!!
This afternoon while playing in the front yard I looked up and there was a little white bunny just popping its head out from under the boys play fort! It had obviously escaped from somewhere because it was easily caught and sat so calmly in our arms. Cristi was so excited though a little sad we weren't going to keep it. I think keeping the last two animals we found has given him the idea we're running some kind of menagerie in our apartment! OOPS! Well what to do the animal misfits of this town keep seeking me out.
Court managed to capture a few shots so here's a peek at our new (but not living with us) find.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
When Buni came to visit......
We went to watch the sunset over the train station while doing tricks on our bikes.We had the girls for an afternoon walk up the Apple Hill.
We took a trip to the forest.
And we took a weekend trip away click here.
Happy Birthday
So, today we celebrated the 1st birthday of Domino - our cat. Granted to us adults maybe this seems a little silly but it meant the world to Cristi and Laz so I wanted to share it with you. To view video click here.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Hide & Seek with Buni
Here's a clip (click here) from a game of hide and seek - unfortunately i didn't catch the hiding place before this (as my hiding trumped Kiki's) but mum did get a fright when trying to follow the voice of the child hiding perched on top of the hall door frames. I almost gave away where I was due to giggling!! Oh it's not fair playing with a child who can climb and squeeze into any available space is it Buni?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)