The Garden
Enter the garden and close your eyes. Smell the freshly cut grass and scent from the flower blossoms. The air is filled with the sweet and pungent.
Hear the gentle rustle of leaves.
Don't you feel a little different when you are in a garden? Life slows down a bit. You feel good and feel serenity and joy.
Gardens are heaven.
Hear the gentle rustle of leaves.
Don't you feel a little different when you are in a garden? Life slows down a bit. You feel good and feel serenity and joy.
Gardens are heaven.
A Mystery of Place and Spirit
Looking Glass Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway
What makes this place special is the sense -
when we head down mountain roads -
that we are returning.
That hidden in the mist that surrounds the Appalachians
is a mystery far older than we are -
a mystery of place and spirit.
when we head down mountain roads -
that we are returning.
That hidden in the mist that surrounds the Appalachians
is a mystery far older than we are -
a mystery of place and spirit.
A Native American Prayer
View from our back deck
We give away our thanks to the earth, which gives us our home. We give away our thanks to the river and lakes and oceans, which give away their water. We give away our thanks to the trees, which give away fruit and nuts. We give away our thanks to the wind, which brings rain to water the plants. We give away our thanks to the sun, which gives away warmth and light.
All beings on earth - the trees, the animals, the wind and the rivers - give away to one another - So all is in balance. We give away our promise to begin to learn how to stay in balance - with all the earth.
Wag more
Bark less
And always wear a smile
Stepping out of the wings and letting your light shine is actually a way to serve the planet. We each have a responsibility to contribute to our community, and we do this when we let ourselves be seen. It doesn't do anyone any good when we try to hide. We are all beings of light and we are here to light the way for each other. When we let ourselves shine, we become a bright mirror that others can see their own reflected brilliance through, and they can't help but want to shine also. Shine your light out into the world, bless those around you by sharing your gifts, and watch the universe glow. By the way, remember to smile. Sequoia - The Teaching Dog
Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders. Henry David Thoreau
Do the best that you can in the place where you are and be kind. Scott Nearing
Life is fragile, like the dew hanging delicately on the grass, crystal drops that will be carried away on the first morning breeze. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Beauty without vanity, Strength without ferocity, Loyalty without predjudice. Author Unknown ca. 1800
Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders. Henry David Thoreau
Do the best that you can in the place where you are and be kind. Scott Nearing
Life is fragile, like the dew hanging delicately on the grass, crystal drops that will be carried away on the first morning breeze. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Beauty without vanity, Strength without ferocity, Loyalty without predjudice. Author Unknown ca. 1800
The Tao of Chester
Chester
Inhale love
Exhale peace
At the end of the day, we must come to terms with changing what we can and accepting what we cannot change. Trusting in our ability to get back on track when the time is right, we gracefully accept our life, letting go and embracing life as it is.
Exhale peace
At the end of the day, we must come to terms with changing what we can and accepting what we cannot change. Trusting in our ability to get back on track when the time is right, we gracefully accept our life, letting go and embracing life as it is.
In Memory of sequoia's grandpa "Sonny"
Look up - feel the sunshine
Grandma, Grandpa (Sonny), Sequoia
Look up. Feel the sunshine, close your eyes, and feel the breeze. My dad is here right now. In honor of his life and the lessons he taught me, let me share a few that you can practice too.
When someone you love is home and sick in bed, bring them a toy when you come home from work. My dad did this for me.
When someone you love tells you about their favorite music, go out and buy it and play it for them. My dad did this for me.
Even if you are a beauty supply salesman, if your daughter doesn’t want to color her hair or wear make-up, love her any way. My dad did.
When you meet a cashier or waiter, read their name tag. Address them by name and tell them something special. My dad did this for others.
Sing songs when you’re driving on a road trip. Be the first on the golf course in the early morning. Buy your daughter new clothes when you are tired of seeing her wear the same thing. Give your children money anytime and show your grandchildren you love them - call them everyday. My dad did all of these things.
When someone’s actions disappoint you, or when you’re watching a sad movie – when your dog dies or at times of mourning and great loss, it’s okay to cry. My dad did this too.
Cindy