Today is the first day of sunshine and above freezing temperatures that we've had since the technical first day of spring on March 21. I should be thrilled to bits that I can open my windows and doors to the fresh air for a change....
Cocooning by Cecile Veilhan
Unfortunately, I don't entirely trust Mother Nature's moodswings this year - she can be such a tease. There is still so much snow on the ground that I feel more inclined to continue cocooning than I do to go outside and watch my garden re-emerge from under its slushy wet blanket, as the snow melts in the much-missed warm warm sunshine.
huh - whose feeling melancholy today???
OK then, I officially resolve that today will be my last day of seasonal coccooning, and S.A.D. moodiness this winter (oops, I mean spring). To mark the occasion, first I'm going to post some pretty girls in spring paintaings by French artist, Cecile Veilhan, then I'm going to get out of my pjs, make myself a big pot of tea and a leafy green salad for lunch, then I'm going to wrap myself up in a cozy warm sweater (and maybe a blanket), tune into the Kate Bush playlist on my ipod and force myself to go outside to sit in the sunshine, while it lasts...
Easter 1981, when I was 10 years old, my family moved from Ottawa to a tiny village in Northern Ontario (population 300), to take over my grandparents cottage resort. Needless to say, it was a pretty sad and scary time for me, having had to say goodbye to all of my friends and finish grade 4 in a temporary new school, in a new town, and in a new language (Although English is my mother tongue, until then, I had been enrolled in an early french immersion program, and this was the first time I would study in English full time - but that's beside the point to my story)
One of the only things I think I remember from that spring is my music class. In particular, I remember learning the song "Candle on the Water" from the Disney movie Pete's Dragon. At the time, the lyrics carried a special significance to me, as I struggled to overcome my homesickness and fit into my new life.... over the years as I grew up, the song has remained with me with changing significance. Sometimes I wished it were being sung to me, and other times, I have wished it out to loved ones - both friends and family.
Currently, there are some people who are very dear to me, struggling through challenging times in their lives. Without naming them, I wish them to know how much I love and care for them, and wish them continued strength on their life's journeys.
If there is one thing I have learned in my life so far, it's that everything changes and nothing stays the same - both the good stuff and the bad stuff. So dear loved ones, please try to trust that this too shall pass. I believe in you.
I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn
I'll be your candle on the water
'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light
A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air
Lighted by a prayer
I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go
My husband Ken is an Outdoorsman with a capital O. Years ago, when we first moved in together, I made a deal with him that I would not "feminize" our home with lots of flowers and pink stuff, in exchange for him not putting up hunting trophies in our living room. Now, being as I've never been a particularly girly girl when it comes to interior design preferences, I probably got the better end of that arrangement - today our home decor has a cozy rustic feel inspired by log-cabiny antiques and found objects from nature.
So far, I have successfully avoided having to display any real animal heads in my living room; however after coming across the wonderful and whimsical work of artist Rachel Denny, (thanks to a recent posting that showed up in my Facebook newsfeed) I think I could be swayed to a compromise.....
Am I old enough to blame my eccentricities on age yet??
I can't really explain why this appeals to me, other than it makes me smile.... OK, I totally can explain because I love Star Wars... not to mention all the other sci-fi references in the song.
Talk about creativity!
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
- Lee Ann Womack
