9. Day 20: Joy Is Freedom
Prison does things to a person. Even if it is pretend. Today we visited Lancaster Castle which was a prison up until 2011. It is am imposing building; sturdy, solid, resonating with history, grief and ordinary boredom. There are still operational courts in the castle complete with carved stone, huge paintings of various dukes and princes and crests of everyone from the most recent High Sheriff to Queen Elizabeth II. We had one of the most interesting tours we have had in all of the places we visited. Our docent was a part time actor who had recently published a play based on the true...
Read More9. Day 19: Surprised By Joy
Today dawns slowly and I am brushing up on my Wordsworth in preparation for our visit to Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, two beloved homes of the great romantic poet William Wordsworth. Wordsworth knew joy. And grief, and longing, sadness and utter delight. He lived and felt and expressed the emotions and circumstances of his own life. I was struck by his working definition of poetry; “the spontaneous overflow of emotion recollected in tranquility”. This could be the very definition of my journaling. My journaling, indeed began with poetry. The poetry was my first inkling of...
Read More9. Day 18: Joy Really Is Light
The days are getting shorter and shorter here, as they are all over the northern hemisphere. However, we are farther north than we normally are and we are experiencing a mild form of PTSD with the daily gathering darkness. It is nye on 8am as I write and it is still pitch dark. I never realized just how connected to the light my body is. I literally crave the sunshine and light. (oh, reminder to self, take some vitamin D) We are sluggish to start the day and want to curl up in a nappy rug and 3:30 when the sun starts to leave again. We truly are wired for light and sunshine. I guess...
Read More9. Day 17: The Office Is Leaking……Joy?
Another call in the middle of the night gave us a renewed opportunity to be present, admit powerlessness on the one hand and all joy, peace, and trust on the other hand. California has been experiencing drought conditions for the past nearly two years. Our rainfall has been scant, we have been on segregated watering days and even the Mercedes Benz service department has ceased offering a car-washing service for owners due to water restrictions. We don’t get served water at restaurants unless requested and though old trees are being watered, the grass around our Capitol is being...
Read More9. Day 16: Joy Is Four Ducks In A Row
We have had the most wonderful time on this trip traveling all over England, visiting friends, seeing ancient and sacred sites, experiencing history and many new perspectives. Still, the highlight of our trip begins as our beautiful daughters finally join us to celebrate Christmas together as a family. We have been blessed with children who grew up to be wonderful adults, full of love, peace and adventure. That they choose to spend the holidays with us is still one of my greatest joys. I know the times will come that it might not always be possible and I want to treasure each time that...
Read More9. Day 15: How Mighty Is His Love
It is with great tears of joy I share the following news. My dear cousin’s son was diagnosed suddenly, with a life threatening cancer just days after I began my Twelvemonth of Self Love blog. Somehow these two journeys are connected in my mind and heart. The path of trust, commitment, the unknown and the unending extending of love on a minute by minute basis have melded into one. So many times the texts would come for more prayer, firm willingness, and unwavering trust. My cousin gathered as many as possible to stand with her and the family in faith to pray for her son. Today I...
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