to bless a caregiver

As need increases may the task be lightened with assurances and affirmations.

May nurturing intuition guide your choices and deeds yielding fruitful days of interaction with and on behalf of the one receiving care.

With wisdom and trust, may you record the gifts of each day as reminders of personal blessings shared and received through caregiving.

May "gracious thankfulness" for mutual life be your watchword, enjoying the special quality of each days passing and sharing life's stories with one another.

And as the tension builds and heartaches strain, may your physical presence during daily struggles express with eloquent understatement the mystery of divine omnipresence.

May the depth of relationship be always reminding to care for yourself, for in being there is responsibility first to self and secondly for the other.

Without anticipation, but in confident knowledge that new phases of life will come, may existence beyond the impending struggles gather gentleness around your own needy heart.

May the breezes of new days speak your name with the spirit voice of your loved one reminding you that for a time your name was called and you were chosen to be that special someone in the fragility of life.

And finally, may this bring the hope and promise needed to sustain you now and in the days of warmest remembrances.

Not a problem to Conquer - Remix #6

seek, seek, seek
find, find, find
mystery, mystery, mystery
all the mystery we live in
revealed in a moment of life

work, work, work
solve, solve, solve
problem, problem, problem
all the problem we live in
resolution in times of life

do i want to discover,
uncover, revel in unveiling
do i want exertion,
question, dissolve in purpose

graciousness grabs the gentle engagement
till work becomes play
and solution leads to truth and beauty
the mystery, expose'

-------------------
This remix based on

Saturday - Not a problem to Conquer

Hard truth vs Acceptance

How will hard truth come into lives between?

Not knowing when, only that it soon would.
Places, heart's hope, emotion is unseen,
Unkind to speak and give insight that could
Tell all, candor, deceit has been so rude.
Confront stone wall that's built cannot be done,
Though pain is caused by this I now ought run.

"the mystic mind never intended for truth to stand alone, for it must always be balanced with beauty." -o'hOgain

-----------
This response poem for Elle -
based on her poem Goodbye posted yesterday.

Have I?

Have I dreamed? Have I jaded? Have I doubted?

Have I tried? Have I hurt?
Have I accepted?

Have I healed? Have I lived?
Have I questioned? Have I died?

Have you?

Love Letter No 27 - Overwhelming Love

Dear Bond,

A poet once asked, "How do I love thee?" and arrived at a lovely moment of repose. Love allows loss of order; counting is useless. Love surpasses the heights men have soared; it is unlimited. Life may have an immense enormity of depth and width. Yet, love's spirit fills all space that is not physically the beloved. Imagine how that mingles with all and in all.

There is a complete peace in the beauty and truth sustained through consummate love. This permanent climate is perfected for the satisfaction of love's embrace and release, involvement and disengagement. To fill love's deepest wounds with healing light, be it sun, twilight's gleam or midnight moon is desire's ancient ache. Add to this fluidity pouring over every ill, hurt, right or wrong. The freshness of chilled breeze to sing brand new life each day. The fire of love born instinctual, breeding fervor that comes oozing from each pore. The light playfulness of trust blooming beautifully through youth's remembrances.

Love's gracious encounter meets each moment of the day in the breath that flows in and out. There is love that encompasses not just "a life", but all of life. That is how this love proclaims itself beyond the ability to express. So if the power that makes life's energy selects heaven on behalf of the lover, even in death there must prove to be something more, greater love, perhaps even more than mortal life affords.

With most tender love and deep abiding affection,

LarryG

-------------------------------
This is inpired by Sonnet XLIII by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
-------------------------

Write a love letter and share it with someone special in your life.

Love Letters are a Thursday feature.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

potential, tangle

happens all the time,
unsuspecting or not
surprise with emotion,
do you know what you've got?

it can hit in a moment,
swoop in after days
could be potential
those are its ways

the mind in a tangle
the face in a flush
symptoms too classic
it's a great big crush!

to bless snow

~For Michael~
(be sure to see the video)

May the glisten of moonlight
remind every gaze,
freshness has arrived
on the breath of mystery.

When the natural protection of snow
descends silently in the night,
may the clean cool refresh the ground
of its arriving.

May the lightness of each dazzling form
bring it's unique weight to bear
on flake upon flake,
then the earth supports you
graciously, allowing form
to mimic shape, yet hide nature.

And as the day drifts along
may your friendly character
bring laughter, fun and joy
to all that welcome
your sparkling presence.


--------------------------------------

Picture credit: I took this picture in Germany, it snowed overnight our first evening in country.

Through the Day - Remix #5

instinctual faction
embedded circuit
defining action

prayerful pursuit
healing lotion
divine duet

shared emotion
friendly attraction
true devotion




LarryG's note says "Read through aloud two or three times for effect"

Moving Through the Day

Which came from comments to this post by a dear friend. ;)

imprint

Earth - Person
Soil - Body
Plow - Link
Plant - Charm
Harvest - Connect
Imprint

Love Letter No 26 - Question Love

Dear Bond,
Legend and myth , today there are only questions in my heart. All I can do is lay them out there. Not because I need answers, but because I must ask.

Is embrace's warmth enough for the moment? Are you touched by holding a living soul near? Is there something inside allowing that to be released? Is a kiss just a kiss, a smile just a smile? What can it then mean to anyone?

Is there room for love within the heart that longs only for that touch?
Can a smile change a person's day, month, year, life? Can a kiss do the same?
Do we hold the other's life in sway when we give self away? Is life worth all that?
Is it 'life or death' or is it not?
When we hold someone near to the heart is it "the desire to love and bless" that overtakes us, or are we only hoping "to be loved and blessed"?

Is there something else we must do? Does chemistry remain the eternal mystery?
Can we say "I love you" or will that be ever elusive?
With tender affection,
LarryG

a day like that

Have you had a day
When the losses piled up,
It seemed overwhelming
Felt like giving up,
Have you had a day
like that,
I have.

Have you had a day
When your lover died,
Life came to an end
Can't get back if they tried,
Have you had a day
like that,
I have.

Have you had a day
When nothing's left but a thought,
Your throat tightens up
All your feelings get caught,
Have you had a day
like that,
I have.

Have you had a day
When hurts multiplied,
One times another
When you cried and cried,
Have you had a day
like that,
I have.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

the interview LarryG interviewed by Danielle of White Hot Truth

Danielle the remarkable writer at White Hot Truth offered me this interview.

I am honored.
I love the flow of her questions.

Thanks Danielle for sharing the love and joy of life with me.
Larryg

Here are 5 Q's from White Hot Truth for Larry:
1. Why do you write poetry?
A verse of poem or a sentence of prose is a great tool for letting out the emotion of life. I wrote a couple of poems and lyrics in high school, then off and on over the years. It was always expressive, brought healing and felt right for me. The more I read the more I am drawn in to the images that yield the moment. I love this about a poem, it takes me places. It is sowing, slow growth and harvest all bundled together.

2. What do you envy?
Certain people, I have a friend that is a modern mystic. This person has wonderful attitudes and life skills. I envy the mystics of days gone by from Augustine to Mother Teresa. Contemporaries like Henri Nouwen, John O'Donohue and Brennan Manning. I love the understanding and approachability of these people. Lately I have been reading Meister Eckhart, "we should always be preparing ourselves, always renewing ourselves to receive (greater) gifts."

3. Where are you right this minute?
Lots of ways to answer this, but I am in a pretty good place over all. I have seen life struggles play out. I am patiently awaiting the arrival of my soul's best friend. My faith is fresh. My hope is strong.

4. What are you setting out to do?
To live a life acknowledging every blessing, and having acknowledged, to transfer (or multiply) that blessing to others. I believe this takes significant focus inward and outward.

5. What's your continuous wish?
Be in harmony within and without in this world of the visible and the invisible.
To exchange this harmony with other kindred spirits.

--------------------
Thanks again Danielle for being attentive with your questions.
Larryg

a verse for each word

My list of 5:

What can you do with these?


1. solitude
2. growth
3. wisdom
4. imagination
5. transformation

--------
here goes... a verse for each word...

---------------

to look up and feel lost, alone or undone
drives home solitude making a difference
for the kindness within solitude reminds
that absence is full of sweet presence
to look up and feel lost, alone or undone

to winter the season of despair or great loss
allows dormant juices to gather for flow
where leaves once blew away growth arrives
with leaves, buds, flowers, fruit that thrives
to winter the season of despair or great loss

to watch as a child makes a mess of a chance
prompts recollection of self made circumstance
choices in hindsight show wisdom at play
look back and determine if wisdom came each day
to watch as a child makes a mess of a chance

concrete ideas seem a permanent barrier
thoughts overcome concentration gathers
then blocks are moved in imagination's wake
step back and let the mind work for your sake
concrete ideas seem a permanent barrier

stuck in a posture bringing cramp and pain
beginning with grace to uncover change
we are promised transformation as heirs
of faith in the Transformer that cares
stuck in a posture bringing cramp and pain

------------------------------

---------------------------------

to bless depature

May the days express pleasures and dignity,

May the harvest be an abundant measure of success,

May difficulties faced bring surprises,

May surprises become sources of encouragement,

May answers found bring revelations of grace,

May closeness be enjoyed as a means of peace,

May the folds of life giving love become all embracing,

May knowledge of tender absence bear gifts complete,

May the presence of self dawn lightly at each sunrise.

critical activity - remix #4

yield to your own - best interest and theirs
loves soft expression - how gentle it wears
on the ear it lights - beautiful touching and fresh
soaks in with loveliness - good feelings mesh

a soulmate or partner - a friend or a child
the stout and strong - the meek and mild
intuition speaks volumes - pass it along
saying "I love you" - never goes wrong

just free the expression - allow words to bless
tends to connection - cures small or big mess
make this a beginning - trust loves saturation
let a sharing contagion - bring a new revelation

-----------------------------------------------------------

I have challenged myself to refine, rewrite, and rework something I have done in the past once a week. This is a Monday feature for this year.

See the original post "Critical Activity"

set a heart free

first thought best
hear truth speak your name
let it into your head
love does as it will
set a heart free

second thought best
take simplicity by the hand
let it feel your grip
love does as it will
set a heart free

third thought best
strong laughter, soul talk
let it heal frozen hurt
love does as it will
set a heart free

fourth thought best
gentle honesty spills onto table
let the gift remain intact
love does as it will
set a heart free

fifth thought best
romantic fun tingles all over
let's soar on wings unfurled
love does as it will
set a heart free

sixth thought best
gracious thankfulness fills the cup
let generosities fruit ripen fully
love does as it will
set a heart free

seventh thought best
encounter love's expression
let freedom yield peace within
love does as it will
set a heart free

Winter Day Lunch Break Walk

Only the crow's quarrelsome railing
proclaimed the warm blue
winter afternoon. Yet, stoic pines
worship the azure tint of sky,
while lazy clouds huddle in stalls
unseen in their quietness.

Meanwhile,
the warm dampness
in soil nags the life
in barren wasteland,
"Come out!
Come out and play!
Don't wait
for March, April or May!
Come out!
And Play!"

Love Letter No 25 - Mythic Love

Dear Bond,
Somehow this love has transcended time, space or place. Transformed is one word that describes it, elevated is a second and mythic is the ultimate descriptor. That our love becomes legendary will amaze those that hear our story.

How first we discovered, second we gave in to one another, third loved deeply, fourth expanded beyond love to wish the very best for one another. And finally it is mythic because we have a story that when shared will teach fundamental truths of love to all who hear.

So was it myth? Was it a dream? Was it just a grand idea? Have I been deceived?

Oh dear Bond, how could we love so passionately and not make the leap to hero and heroine? The one who loved with devotion beyond self centered passion, the one who accepted that love. The one who learned to live and exist in hope of flying together, yet now we fly aloft, apart in soul, though our hearts still mingle and our minds still affirm. The one who taught so well to live well and trust the better nature of the heart.

Words fail, but in time this story of "love and Bond" will become the great love story of a generation. How love conquered; love flew to heights, yes, soared on very wings of eagles. We did, we did, we gave all for mythic love.

What is the wish we've made?
I love you.

Larryg

PS: What have we created?
A story that relates to a myth is mythic...

a. A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society: the myth of Eros and Psyche; a creation myth.

-------------------------

Write a love letter and share it with someone special in your life.

Love Letters are a Thursday feature.

Share your love in written form.

divine conspiracy

Life is a
transcendental
experience
allowing each
person to fully
engage as a
participant in
divine conspiracy.
~o'hOgain

The Interview with Danielle of Whitehot Truth

I got this email from Danielle in response to the questions she did for the interview.
I was told it was okay to post it here!
Great insights, from a free soul!
Thanks Danielle...
I added the "cozy picture" :)

Here tis...

-----------------------------



this was fun.
when do you want to run it?
cheers,
Danielle

--------------

1. What are three parts of your daily routine that have been in place the longest? or what three things do you do for yourself every day?


I used to abhor the very thought of routine. And now, my "routine" feels like a ritual and I adore it. Snuggles: Morning snuggles with my little boy is essential. If we skip that love-rooting, than the whole day can feels a bit wonky, like one of the tires on our wagon is loose.

Breathing: I do some yoga "breaths of fire" every morning, either when I walk the dog (as long as no one is watching,) or in the kitchen. Whatever works. Fire breathing is defined as "a cleansing and energizing breath, powered by abdominal contractions." I love it. Just a few fiery exhales can make the past go bye-bye and bring you right to where you are. The very best instructional resource I've found is from Kundalini yoga master Gurumuhk. Here's a snippet from her awesome yoga DVD.

Perfume and mascara: even if I'm writing all day and won't see a soul other than my hubby and kid, I'm rarely without my amber oil and black/brown mascara. A girl's gotta feel good in everyway.



2. When did you begin blogging? Has it changed the way you write?


Firstly, can I say that I really loathe the word "blog" or "blogging"? It sounds like "snot" or "blah." I avoid referring to myself as a blogger - I am a writer who happens to publish my work online. And I think that even more fundamentally, I'm a philosopher who happens to write. And…I don't consider myself a diarist (I'm too private) so the weblog terminology is even less fitting. Rant complete.

So, no, the medium of Internet publishing hasn't changed the way I write. I'm fortunate that as a communications vehicle, the web is a great ride for my natural style of communicating, which tends to be pithy, quick, and direct.


3. If i wanted to get you in a really good, peaceful mood, what should i do, say and plan.


Well, we would not be meeting at an outdoor café in the cold. (I have the metabolism of a reptile, if I'm not warm and cozy I'm distracted and cranky.) You should probably be incredibly honest. And you should probably bring some high-grade organic milk chocolate.


4. You can meet your favorite writer anywhere you like? Who and where do you meet?


I think Anne Lamott is a ruby gem of a human being. And we'd meet somewhere warm to laugh our butts off, philosophize, and eat milk chocolate. If she had to cancel, I'd meet with Leonard Cohen just about anywhere – even in an igloo.



5. What do you feel is the connection between longing and belonging (a la O'Donohue)?

Great question. I think it's a really precious dualism that you can't escape if you want to be wide awake. We want to go home…we are home. We seek approval…we seek to be free. We want to be independent and truly self-referencing but the truth is that we do need each other – because we are each other. I think it's just what Ken Wilber means when he refers to holarchy.

I think longing and belonging is the "interesting times" of our consciousness. It's damn hard euphoria.






--
www.whitehottruth.com
Danielle LaPorte
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