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Creatively Speaking

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

* The Scriptures, because they are how God speaks to me.

* The Giving Tree – because that tree gave everything it had because of the love it felt for one person. It reminds me of Christ. He gave all… because of the love He feels for each and every person who has ever lived or will live.

* My camera training manual, because it opened the first door to my love of photography becoming a beautiful creative outlet for me.

Speaking of creativity, this thought occurred to me today….

Humans were made to create. After all, we are made in God’s image. God created the world. And, He created us, humans… In His image. I never thought of it quite like this before. I have said before that we are made to create, but I just realized WHY. Because we are patterned after God, in His image, with the potential to become like Him… To create our own worlds and the inhabitants of those worlds.

That paragraph gives me goose bumps. 

Think about all of the things we humans like to create… other little humans, for example. We like to create stories or memoirs with our words on paper. We like to act, or sing, or photograph the perfect moment – freezing it in time. People create homes, buildings, cars, and trucks. We like to create gourmet food dishes and amazing art pieces. 

Children love to create! They start at a very young age. Think of the amount of money spent each year on Legos and activity sets, as well as blocks and puzzles. What about sports? You know, learning to create the perfect pitch or football move or to create the perfect layup in their own way with their developing creative talents.

I could write on and on about what we humans like to create. And, we do it with all of our senses. It is incredible when you think about it! Our brains were created to think of ways to create!! 

Do you know anyone (in their right mind) who doesn’t express creativity in one way or another? Every person that I know creates something. Every. Single. Person. 

Why is creativity so important? I think I answered that already. We are learning to become like God, our Supreme Creator.

Or like Lucifer, the Supreme manipulator. It is our choice. Creativity can be used for good or evil, just as anything else. It is all about agency and choosing how we want want to use our creative powers. Yes, agency. But, that is a topic for another day. 

Now, let’s go create something beautiful and amazing!  

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A Walk in the Park

Not every choice or experience in this life is as simple or easy as a walk in the park.

I wish it was, but it just isn’t.

However, with each difficult situation comes learning, deeper understanding, and meaning. Growth.

It’s true.

This life was never meant to be a walk in the park. Rather, it is a place of learning and growth, building human family connection, and developing patience… with self and others.

Overcoming loneliness, loving those who are most difficult to love, forgiving the unrepentant and undeserving are never easy. But, is it possible that with God, nothing is impossible?

These are some of the thoughts I was contemplating earlier on my walk in the park.

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Snapshots of Life

The sun was dropping, the air was cooling, and the shadows were lengthening as I briskly walked around the almost two-mile loop at our community park. Several snapshots of life jumped out at me as I progressed along the path.

There were groups of small children talking, laughing, and squealing as they ran from one gym equipment piece to another. Parents were loitering around the playground equipment, visiting with other parents or keeping their eyes on their cell phones and their ears glued to the sound of the ones they were responsible for.

Opposite of them were a group of older gradeschoolers running back and forth as directed by their soccer coaches. They were listening intently and working hard. Parents were seated nearby in camp chairs they had undoubtedly carried with them from their cars in the parking lot. I wondered how many of the parents were friends outside of this practice circle. How many of the girls were friends at school or in the neighborhood? 

There was a young couple sitting on a bench. He had his arm around her. She was looking up at him, talking flirtatiously and giggling as she pulled her feet up and tucked them in under her small frame. Ahhh… young love. How did they meet? How long had they been dating? Will they end up together?

Since I was walking the opposite direction of most people I saw friends walking and talking, a middle-aged couple walking their dog, a multi generational family, and a couple in their 30’s holding hands as they walked and talked deliberately, lost to the world around them.

There was a young couple with a cute toddler girl who was having a bit of a meltdown. They were lovingly trying to comfort and console her, but she was not having it. As I walked past them and her cries faded further in the distance, I remembered that stage of parenthood and felt connected to them for a moment. Then, the moment passed, and I was grateful my children were grown.

It felt as if I was walking into the setting sun, past nastalgic snapshots of my own life’s memories, grateful for every stage along the way and even grateful for where I am today, with most of those stages of life behind me.

Sigh….

Looking forward with gratitude…that I can look behind with fondness.

Posted on by ChatterLei

November Craziness

An unexpected joy

I love November! Halloween, probably my least favorite holiday, is over. It is a beautiful time of year with the lovely colors of the changed leaves against the background of an often bubblegum pink and blue sky as the sun sets in the west.

It is a wonderful time of year to reflect on all of the things, experiences, and people we have to be thankful for. The stores start filling up with Thanksgiving decor, and with Christmas fast approaching, the shelves begin to fill with Christmas trees, stocking, ornaments, dishes, and more. The cinnamon smell of pine cones permiates the air when walking through the entrance at several of the local markets and big box stores.

It is time to break out the sweaters and jackets when spending time outdoors. Indoors, the fireplace is lit and steaming hot chocolate in a large mug topped with marshmallows, warms my hands as I wrap my fingers as far around the mug as possible.

There is a chill in the air, but there is no snow on the ground in Idaho yet. So, my husband and I thought it would be a great weekend to deliver for Uber Eats and DoorDash. Actually, on Friday evening, we delivered for Amazon…in a small college town about a half-hour north of us. It was a relatively small order of 21 packages. It took a total of three hours, including drive time there and back.

Yesterday and today, we drove for Uber Eats and DoorDash, depending on how busy either one was. It was so much fun! We enjoy delivering because it gives us time to talk.

Also, my husband sees some crazy things sometimes when he is sitting in the car waiting for me while I  go into the various restaurants to pick up the orders. Today, the craziest thing he has ever seen happened.

We stopped at Big Bear Diner this morning to pick up a breakfast order for someone who ordered through DoorDash. The brown bag with skinny handles was a very convenient way for the store to package up the order for us gig drivers.

When I arrived back at my car with the bag in hand, my husband said, “You are not going to believe what just happened!” He said he was watching out his passenger side window at the busy four lane street the parking lot was next to. He said it was very busy and there were cars that were stopped at the stoplight. There was a white car with a middle-aged woman driver who wanted to make a right turn from the right turn lane. However, the line of cars was so long that they were stopped back far enough that she could not get past them to access the right turn lane.

She took matters into her own hands. With visible frustration on her face, she pulled her car up on the sidewalk and passed all of the cars until she could finally reach the open turn lane where she dropped back down off of the sidewalk! Good thing there were no pedestrians walking on that stretch of the sidewalk at that moment!

I’m so thankful no one got hurt. Next time, my husband will be ready with the video recorder on his phone. He said he was so astonished at this woman’s actions that he could hardly think of what to do except watch in disbelief that she was driving on the sidewalk.

Ahhhh… November. What a crazy, beautiful, wonderful time of year.

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Firsts, Fumbles, and Faith

This blogger’s thoughts hits home for me and gives me hope, as I, too, have a chronic illness. I look forward with great anticipation to the quality people President Trump will pull together for his cabinet while serving his second and final term.

I have some observations on the election. It’s neither celebratory nor mournful, as my preferred candidate was not on the ballot. I know some people are hurting, scared, and sad or feeling especially sensitive. Don’t feel obligated to read. This was simply my own personal exercise in processing my thoughts, which I’m only sharing only […]

Firsts, Fumbles, and Faith
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The Funeral

Jackson

My thoughts as the funeral is taking place today:

A snapshot of life….we all in this chapel share this moment in time at the funeral of my coworker’s teenage son. As we listen to the heartfelt tributes and memories, through tears and moments of laughter, together as friends, family, and even complete strangers, it is a bonding moment that will pass when we exit this room. But, for a moment, we are bonded together listening as the family tries to keep this young man’s memory alive.

I believe there is an amazing family reunion on the other side of heaven, just like there is on this side. The veil between heaven and earth seems thin when a family member passes from this life to the next.

A great story from one of this young man’s aunts is after Jackson’s passing, when her husband, Jackson’s uncle, asked through the air looking upward, “Jackson, if you are there, make it smell like skunk.” Unbeknownst to the aunt that this request took place several minutes earlier, she walked over to the part of the house where her husband was so she could tell him that there was a strong smell of skunk outside and she was worried there might be a skunk in the back yard. Her husband told her about the request. They embraced and cried together in that moment of reassurance.

It seems Jackson’s two brothers who are speaking today are on the autism spectrum. One is back briefly from his mission in Brazil. Their words are serious, enunciated clearly, and very loving. Jackson’s passing leaves a large hole in their lives.

Jackson’s parents are speaking. They have so much strength.  They talk of angels. Jackson’s heart had no boundaries. He was fun and adventurous. He loved the outdoors and his family. They know they will see him again. Families are forever.

A funeral is an interesting spiritual experience. It fosters connections, strengthens family bonds, increases knowledge and understanding of those who have passed, and stirs our own reflection of life and how we have lived so far. Jackson was a stranger to me but has a spirit I can relate to. I love the outdoors and wish I would have been able to explore and have more adventures camping and hiking like Jackson.

What a beautiful tribute from a family about a young life lived to the fullest.

It is raining now as the family heads to the cemetery, Jackson’s final resting place. The weather seems fitting for the feelings of sadness that accompany a day such as this. I hope his family will take comfort in the memory of seeing so many friends and loved ones who filled the chapel today in loving support.

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Blessed!

Describe a family member.

Our Colorful Corner of the World

This beautiful Sunday morning, as I look out the back door at this corner of our yard, my thoughts are drawn to the beauty of change, the clouds in the sky, the mostly empty flower pots, and the raised garden box, which contains one last 2-inch long zucchini that I was hoping would beat the first freeze of the year. It did not. We will be pulling that plant out today.

My husband built the raised garden box, so gardening would be more comfortable for us as we age. Every spring he helps me plant vegetables, usually two tomato plants – cherry tomatoes and an early girl or big boy plant, a sweet pepper, a zucchini, a cantaloupe, and a couple of herb plants. I like onions, carrots, radishes, peas, and beans, too. Over the years, we have planted these in the box or the ground if the garden box is too full for all of the veggies and fruits we want to plant.

He is the type to keep the garden and all of the flowers watered, dead-headed, and/or weeded, as necessary, yet gives me the credit for our garden and flowers. Isn’t that sweet of him?!

He is a hard worker – definitely not lazy. He is kind to me, never mean. He has a disability, but does not let that stop him from doing all he can within his limitations. He gets a little discouraged sometimes because he can’t do all that he wants to do, but he rarely shows bitterness or frustration. He just keeps pushing through, sacrificing time and energy for me and our family.

He has MS, has had several back and neck surgeries, has nearly died twice from necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) once in each leg, has had nine (yes nine!) knee replacements and removals due to MRSA infections (four surgeries in one knee and five in the other), not to mention bladder cancer and congestive heart failure. He has had other surgeries and has other health concerns, but you get the point.

It is amazing to me that he still functions at the level he does. Walking mostly with a walker now, he gets around pretty well. I think anyone else would be in a wheelchair or bed ridden by now.

When I was diagnosed with MS, thirteen years ago, ten years after my husband’s MS diagnosis, I was shocked and scared, but I had a wonderful example to follow. He learned to accept it and not let it stop him. I realized I could accept my diagnosis and learn to live with it, as well.

My favorite thing is when Joe walks out of the bathroom with my hairbrush in his hand, sits on the couch in the living room, and motions for me to sit on the floor in front of him so he can brush my hair while we talk. It is a very loving, kind gesture that I will never tire of and always feel gratitude for, especially after I have had a long day at work.

He shows me and our family unconditional love, kindness, generosity and sacrifice of time and energy, how to roll with the punches, and get back up every time he gets knocked down (or falls down). He loves the Lord and his family. I feel so blessed he is my husband and want to be like him when I grow up! 😉 ❤️

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So Much Love

Last night, I was making a delivery in a neighborhood I did not recognize. It seemed like several neighborhoods together covering one large area. My directions seemed to be unclear as I was driving. I pulled over to the right next to some houses and a one story small building so I could get a better idea of where I was in comparison to my destination. 

I pulled over next to a car that was parked at the end of an island. We were both perpendicular to this long island, which is located as a divider between two roads. (This was a fancy neighborhood.)

My attention was on the map on my phone when I noticed out of the corner of my eye two people exiting the building. I realized it was a hair salon and the two people walking to the car next to me were my parents!

I had gotten out of my car and walked up toward the building where I was standing in the shade talking with my mom. My dad slowly walked around the drivers side toward the back of their car and lifted the hatch so he could place his walker behind the back seat of their small SUV. He was smiling. I called out to him to be careful. I turned and smiled at my mom and noticed how nice her new haircut was. I looked back at my dad, who seemed so content.

Next thing I know, they are in their vehicle slowly driving away. I waved, still smiling, because it was so nice to see them unexpectedly.

Just then, my alarm went off. It was morning already. I hit snooze, lay back on my pillow and started thinking about my day. What day is it? Oh, yes, it is Tuesday. My husband needs me to wake him before I leave for work today. And, I need to leave a little early from work so that I have time to pick up my mom and take her… to get her hair cut.

Then, the realization washes over me. It was a dream. But, it was SO real. My dad was alive and smiling. But, it was just a dream. The reality is that he is gone. He has been gone since January. My eyes welled up with tears. I could not stop them. So much love was quietly spilling out and running down my cheeks. It happens frequently these days.

This is only the second time I have seen my dad in a dream. The first time did not leave such a feeling of longing for him to still be in my life. To be there to talk to whenever I want to. To see his smile. To feel my own smile and happiness.

There will be an underlying current of sadness as I go about my day today, but also a belief that I know my dad is in a better place. A happy place, which pulls the corners of my mouth upward. It’s ok to smile at the thought of him in a better place, free of pain and challenges.

Yes, it is OK to smile….

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Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice Saturday and Sunday

Autumn Reflections

This weekend is my favorite autumn weekend. My favorite weekend comes around only twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. We have the opportunity to listen to the voice of our prophet and apostles. Every time I listen to and/or watch the semi-annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I feel the truth of the words of our leaders. Faith is strengthened, the feeling of peace increases, and a renewed desire and commitment to be a better person fills my heart. I expect tomorrow will be no different.

As I listen to the words of our prophet and apostles this weekend, I will have a few thoughts/questions on my mind that I hope to find information and answers to. It is my belief that if one approaches conference prepared ahead of time with thoughts about particular concerns, or questions they have on their mind, the thoughts shared by the speakers at conference have more purpose and depth of meaning. My faith has really been tested this past year and I hope to find comfort and solace in the words that are spoken this weekend.

A few of the subjects on my mind are: Passing judgment; mercy; pure love of Christ; repentance; forgiveness; Christ’s Atonement; divine nature/potential; individual worth-the worth of my soul at my ripening age; service to others when my time is so scarce/limited, and how to become more like Christ. How do I show him I want to Come Unto Him? What are the values I want in my life? What do I value? I will have my journal out to write the impressions I receive to my heart and mind while being tuned in to the words of our leaders.

These and other self-reflective questions are good to ask ourselves twice a year to recommit to our life’s goals. Or to reset our goals to help us achieve the things we want or need to achieve.

I like to reset every couple of years. It brings my life purpose and meaning. Check out the link for the broadcast at: ChurchofJesusChrist.org and have a fabulous weekend!

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God Knows…

Her
Happy childhood innocence.

Her
Desire to live life to the fullest.

Her
Insatiable curiosity.

Her
Naivete.

Her
Regretful choices.

Her
Eyes, opened to the consequences.

Her
Heart, filled with love and grief.

Her
Hidden pain, so deep.

Her
Desire to sleep… forever.

Her
Determination to live.

Her
Willingness to align her will to His.

Her
Faith, deep down, is unbreakable.

God knows HER!
And He loves her! Mightily!

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Inspired by Bloggers

Before this blog was a reality, while still in the planning stages, someone asked me if I ever read blogs. That was a great question! My answer was no. I mean, I had read a few blogs but did not really follow any or read any blogs regularly other than news blogs. I remember asking myself if I am qualified to start a blog if I don’t really read them? Haha!

Now I read blogs regularly, follow several blogs, I am inspired by many, and I live vicariously through some of your stories and experiences. I appreciate the time and effort it takes for you to blog your thoughts and experiences.

Live, Love, Grow

Today was an interesting step in our aging process. My husband’s knee surgeon with whom my husband had a six-week follow-up appointment said that we are all dying. It is a part of life. We need to make the best of life at each stage. And, then he wrote a prescription for a jazzy scooter for my husband, along with a prescription for continued PT so he can keep what strength he does have and slow the process of weakening over time.

My husband’s numerous medical challenges have never stopped him from working hard to keep moving with as limited assistance as possible. He is an inspiration for never giving up or giving in. To him, a jazzy scooter feels like a step backward.

I do not see it that way. From my viewpoint, nothing has changed, except it will increase his level of safety when we are going to events, sightseeing, or on trips. It will expand the distance he can safely go and do things around the neighborhood and a greater opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors without someone necessarily needing to be there to push him in his wheelchair. 

Life is not without its difficulties, and it may not always be comfortable, but with adversity comes growth. Someone said once that there is no comfort in the growth zone and no growth in the comfort zone. So, if we, as adults, are all dying anyway, we might as well make the best of it!

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Sad Songs Make Me Cry

What would your life be like without music?

Sometimes, on sad days, I like to cry it out by listening to sad songs. One of my favorite sad songs is “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton.

When I’m cleaning, I like to listen to Miranda Lambert songs. “Little Red Wagon” is a fun one.

It is so cool how songs can take you right back to a place in time every time you hear certain songs. Madonna songs take me back to high school. Journey takes me back to dating years.  “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters was sung at my wedding.

Can you imagine weddings without music? Or funerals without music? Or Dancing With the Stars? Haha! Nope!

Music and lyrics speak to our hearts and souls like nothing else can!