Category Archives: Dreams & Hopes

Discovering a New Path

July 5, 2016….it was a long time coming but back in September of 2015, I decided I could no longer travel the dark and rocky path with deep crevices and danger at every turn. I knew there had to be another road but the direction wasn’t clear. I made the decision to step off this path that led no where and make my own way. It wasn’t easy, yet I knew there must be a road to take me to safety.  Sunlight appeared and at last I found my new home and felt the peace of security.

I’ve been smiling for the past six months, just a comfortable, happy smile that feels warm and safe. My little home is just the right size for Cindy and me. We have everything we need and feel love here.

The support and love from my family and friends made my transition smooth. I don’t know what I’d do without them. And now I’m meeting new friends and enjoying creative time in my large art studio. Teaching watercolor to Dana, Sarah and Chase is fun. I also teach my Book Club friends how to paint. Then there’s my art Journaling group where we have lunch and paint or write in our art journals. Several times a month I meet with a group of women here in Laguna Woods called The Memory Makers to sort photos or scrapbook and share ideas of creative ways to share the precious memories of our family.

My life is on the right track and I’m doing what is right for me. In fact, I’m “free to be me,” my new words I live by. I feel alive and no longer bound by the negativity of the past.

Footnote:
2/9/19…..It’s been 3 years and Cindy and I couldn’t be happier. I feel I’m called to encourage my family and friends and create and write. I hope these memoir entries will inspire and be meaningful to all who read them. My legacy to you.

Serendipity

2014….A year to observe the beauty of the moment and capture it in pictures and words.
S E R E N D I P I T Y…….
In the past I’ve always picked a word or phrase for the year, that made me feel I have a lot of work to do to achieve it. No, I don’t want to do that. I am who I am and I want to live my life, discovering serendipity, observing the miracles.

Serendipity, noun, the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
“a fortunate stroke of serendipity”
synonyms:    (happy) chance, (happy) accident, fluke; luck, good luck, good fortune, fortuity, providence; happy coincidence
“the consequence of serendipity is sometimes a brilliant discovery”

Yes, SERENDIPITY will be my word for 2014. I’ve always loved that word. It sounds fun and spills off the tongue in a melodious way. I’ll be looking for those serendipity type of occurrences that bring a smile to my heart.

Spirituality….
Year of Living in Spirit. Open to serendipity, creating in Flow, listening for guidance, walking hand in hand with Divine Spirit.

Mission Statement….
I see myself growing even stronger with even more energy to accomplish what I was put on earth to do.

Creativity….
Ii see myself making great strides with my artwork, traveling, learning new processes, meeting new people. Looking for serendipity in my artwork like the painting above. I had nothing in mind but color and then I found a bird. More birds appeared and then the trees. How fun! Such an example of serendipity!

Quietly observing a moment of serendipity…
My kitty
Sun warming her body
Rolling from side to side
Absorbing
Savoring
Living in the moment

Me
Relaxing in my chair
Listening
Feeling free
Observing
Looking out at the trees and grass and feeling peace

What a delightful time
Together in the now
It may only last a minute or two
But I can take it with me
All day.

Why Edelweiss Memories?

edelweissEdelweiss is a rare Austrian flower that only grows at high altitudes in the Alps. When a person picks a bouquet and gives it to loved ones, it brings great joy.  And that is my desire with this blog; to bring you joy with a bouquet of memories. creativity and encouraging thoughts.

On this blog I’ll post my artwork, favorite quotes, poetry; all the things I want you to know about me, our interesting ancestors, and our family. I encourage each of you to read it, comment, ask questions and share your stories, so it will become an ongoing revelation of who we are.

The Trip that Changed My Life

In 1989 I flew to Europe by myself. (Note: I spent 2 weeks with my new friend Keith, in London, one week with Jodi and her family in Germany, and then 2 weeks with Mark on a bus tour of Europe. Mark and I spent our last week on our own and drove from Paris to the Normandy coast.) I had been divorced for 5 years but was still struggling with my identity and purpose in life. I was working in accounting and hating it. This excerpt from my journal will give you an idea of my thinking at that time.

The Trip that Changed My Life
June 10 – July 22, 1989
Europe

June 10 – I’m on the plane alone, and reading The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach and loving it.  This will be a journal about my feelings and where I am in life. 

Right now I’m loving having 10 marvelous hours alone to read, to think, to dream.  This is the greatest adventure of my life!!  I feel such freedom!  It’s a new sensation!  I never knew I would enjoy it so much!  In the past I’ve been afraid of freedom, afraid to be adventurous, afraid to be alone.  But what a wonderful revelation to discover, that freedom is Continue reading