My trip to Branson for Thanksgiving was good. We arrived after a long day flying, a layover in Denver, a drive from Springfield to Branson, finally at about 4:30 Dinner was waiting, and greetings, smiles, lots of warm hugs from faces I had not seen in a long time, and searching out faces to see what can be learned from them. Daph was tired. Karen, mischievous, I gave her a shirt that said, " I am definitely up to something." I spent time with my family, kids. Jeremy was always an eager greeter, waiting for us to arrive. He was so sweet with his big pretty smile. He read to me, The Polar Express, he is a really good reader! Karen also read with us, she reads to him a lot, What a good big sister she is! John offered drinks and hugs, and John T offered a lot of hugs.
I haven't downloaded photos yet.
It is always good to see Daphne, my Sugarbear. She is a fun person to be with. We always have fun together. I miss her already. She took time off to relax, and I was glad she could. I was hoping we'd have a little time together, just her and me, and there were moments, but we didn't get to just hang out together. I always enjoy doing that.
Daisy is my little cozy posey in her pink robe, with a smile that brightens any day, when she smiles. We stayed with her, and it kept her company that she said she needed because it was lonely all alone, and made it possible to see her a little more than I usually get to see her. She made breakfast sandwiches for us, and the day we left she cooked dinner for her neighbors downstairs who look out for her and she them. I met them, such good people. I am glad she has them nearby. They said she is family. She has so many friends that visit her. Young and beautiful. Wow, if they only knew!
John made spaghetti, and meatballs Sunday. His parents came over, Carolyn and Luther, and they told stories that were great to hear. John is very hospitable, and we enjoyed his company. John and Karen were home too, and we enjoyed our visit with them a lot, too. John was very affectionate, and Karen mostly on the computer chatting, but always there to give and receive hugs.
Thanksgiving Day, we were all together, including Mary, John's sister. It was a good day. That was the day we arrived.
Monday we drove to Arkansas along the Buffalo River, and through a canyon. I was very tired that day.
Returning home we had 2 flight delays. United Airlines. Out of Chicago we spent 2 hours on a 747 sandwiched in like sardines before even taking off, so we were on the plane a total of 7 hours to get from Chicago to Seattle. That was after a 25 minute delay in Springfield. But we finally arrived home, and last night it snowed.
Oh and Kitty was fat and ready to go outside when I got back, he has been putting on a winter coat. He is snuggly at night when it's bedtime, but he takes up too much of the bed, but I love awakening to find my cozy kitty nearby, all soft and furry. What a love!
Today..... I am a bit sad today. My friend Linda is leaving to move to Philadelphia, so far away. I was with her yesterday, and she leaves this day. I will miss her company, she is special. We hugged and stood in the falling snow, and it seemed appropriate to want to be children again, and hold out for snow play, but night falls, and the future calls, and we have parted ways. Philadelphia will be the better for it. She drives a southern route to avoid snow and mountains. A big adventure, she seems to be up for it. Old friends there are calling for her to return. I hope for her a safe and happy trip. She travels there alone.
I have to add that I am struggling with a family issue that is very difficult, and intrudes on my peace of mind that I believe must be cultivated above all else. While it reminds me that peace is my treasure, I begin to question many things, yet have found no answer other than treasuring peace, yet I feel sad for the person and situation, but don't know if there is anything more that I can do. I begin to worry about her and others associated. I know worry is a complete mistake spiritually, but I haven't broken that habit completely...obviously.
Feeling helpless is always very difficult. It is hard to remember to have faith in love's completeness, and that transforming of persons is not of my doing. Peace of mind, which is precarious now is my most important contribution because peace is non dual and complete. Yet living in a world still of seeming duality is painful, and when these painful events happen, instead of reminding me so much of my love of peace of mind, I can still get entrenched in feelings and thoughts that are unpleasant. I am ready for the final enlightenment, but that requires diligence in realizing it is not me who does it, and forgiveness of everything that seems to be wrong in the world.
My true thoughts are hidden it seems. Maybe it is time just to grieve a bit. The fading snow is bleak, cold looking in the early morning darkness; overcast, and foggy. The terrain expresses my mood better than I can. Many emotions are swirling like last night's snow; missing my kids, the warmth of togetherness, love, the gloom of a problem I perceive that is really just that person's life to live, and me alone with my soft kitty. But I don't want to be alone just now.
I have many Om friends, and blog friends. I wish they lived nearby. Smiles, love and greetings to everyone!
Spiritual Thought for the day;
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
