Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Love Letter No 22 - Empty Love

Dear Bond,
We find positives; "empty love" is no exception. In emptiness there is great blessing. The empty place is the place of preparation. No vessel is ready for use until it is empty, available once again to receive and shape its contents. There is wonderful attraction to the empty places. This emptiness is a soulful sister to silence and restraint. Like that special wind that is "at ease with with the depth of its own emptiness." This is indeed where beginning can be found in the rareness and newness of life.

Who can fathom the mystery of empty love; the fruitful heart has space within.
And as the filling and emptying takes place full renewal grows to mature release.

I offer empty love, and all the mystic possibilities.

With tender affection,
Larryg

PS: An inspiring poem by O'Donohue

Wind Artist
by John O'Donohue
(1955 - 2008)

For Ellen Wingard

Among the kingdom of the winds,
Perhaps, there is one of elegant mind
Who has no need to intrude
On the solitude of single things.

A wind at ease with the depth
Of its own emptiness, who knows
How it was in the beginning,
Before the silence became unbearable
And space rippled to dream things.

A wind who feels how an object strains
To be here, holding its darkness tight
Against the sever of air, ever eager
To enter, and with a swell of light
Dissolve the form in its breathing.

A wind from before memory
Whose patience will see things become
Passionate dust whorled into sighs
Of ghost-song on its wings.

~ from the book Conamara Blues published by Cliff Street Books Copyright 2001 by John O'Donohue


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Write a love letter and share it.

Love Letters are moving back to Thursday in 2009.

Share your love this season.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

releasing a star


fledgling perched upon nest's brink - newly hatched fingerling swimming to sea - butterfly emerging from cocoon - seed husk bursting within warm earth - ship gliding glorious from dry dock to bay - explosion of energy releasing a star

~"Follow beauty, beauty will lead you when nothing else will do."

Saturday, December 27, 2008

eternity observes

tender well the heart
what thought the soul may send
to spring forth as fresh blossom
how spells the heart each word
that tongue allows to stretch
the soul that works in time
while eternity observes

Thursday, December 25, 2008

the song of loves belonging


Choose a column, or a row, or just grab 5 words out of this matrix and see what you can do with 5 words.

Here's my wee effort:

knowing is a comfort to obtain
gives freedom needed for our gain
yesterday's kisses keep lips tingling
as today's peace has bells jingling
the song of loves belonging

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Love Letter No 21 - Christmas Love


Dear Bond,
We know, and believe in our hearts, that the greatest love ever was sent to earth from above at Christmas. And since then every message of grace and love has been for "Peace on earth and goodwill to all people everywhere".

And while often nations have gotten this all wrong by using this great love for political advantage. Individual by individual a deep and abiding trust and faith has been passed along, because of love.

So, here at Christmas I want to remind you of the love that is the greatest ever. And that blessing after blessing flows through us because of that love and grace. And I utterly depend on the love of Christmas to carry me every day. I know without this love I would not be here today.

If there is anything more to say of Christmas love I will say, "I will always attempt to share with you the greatest love ever first and foremost. For every possibility exists within the embrace of Christmas love."

And of course,
Peace on earth,
With most tender love and kind affection,
Larryg


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Write a love letter and share it.

Love Letters are moved from Thursday to Wednesday for the next few weeks due to the holidays.

Share your love this season.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

wordle before Wednesday - 25 words

Gifts Worth Celebrating


"Presents I don't know what is in you, Presents you're just a big surprise" ~my son. He sang this out during Christmas when he was about 6 years old. It has become a part of our seasonal tradition. The mystery of gifts.


Because all we have truly is one another.

This season and every day we must...


Celebrate your gifts

joy that challenges every sorrow,

acceptance dispelling complaints,

hospitality comforting the wandering,

kindness rising above cruelty,

reliability conquering procrastination,

tolerance deposing snobbishness,

upbeat chasing away pessimism,

honesty over deceit,

flexibility beyond compulsion,

freedom subverts domination,

contentment soaring past jealousy,

imagination free from forgetfulness

witty laughter over humorless silence

forgiveness healing inner hurts

loving gentleness trumping intolerance


What gifts have you, your family, your friends been given?Take time to acknowledge those gifts this season!

Monday, December 22, 2008

fresh words


wonderful sigh summing intense feeling
discovery great beauty near and revealing
respect, dignity, reverence's pure adulation
deeply moving for the journey's creation

innocent joy expression complete yet undone
threads of forgiveness binding all as one
the invisible body of thought and emotion
behind all the actions of love and devotion

Saturday, December 20, 2008

evocation of wonder



Ahhh laughter, a message evocation of wonder,
mention of friend is a synchronous blunder,
cards in the mail to share poems, blessings, and gift,
hand made and typed, from a smith-corona came swift

indeed tis a beautiful treasure, thankful to know Clara Nell
a reminder of the sharing of soul that sparkles, though hell
can break at the gate and bring its tough times with it
moments so holy create the space to live with it

even rules made must be broken once and for all
the method a visit, text message, email or a call
great wisdom pronounced "rule breaking needed" long ago
maybe that area is stunted - the wise man thought so.

Friday, December 19, 2008

listening for herald angels


listening for herald angels, brings reverence to pausing -
the story a child tells, watch a mother take a hand -
see children love each other, riding sitting in the cart

listening for herald angels, brings reverence to pausing -
a cancer victim's story, elicits prayerful response-
the newspaper's details, a prayer book of its own-

listening for herald angels, brings reverence to pausing -
reminds fragility of life, and hope springs eternal
sure and sublime laughter in the angel's voices

Thursday, December 18, 2008

best gift - going and coming


a crucial gift to share with those you love - - forgiveness - don't neglect the giving and receiving of this gift.

the hope, joy, peace, and love of the season all resonate out of this.

"PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO ALL PEOPLE"

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Love Letter No 20 - Overflow Love

Dear Bond,

When artistry and love join hands creativity releases the newness of the moment.


Love has taken up the pencil and begun to sketch the mosaic of our heart’s desire. Woven into this tapestry are colors of emotion. Green shades of growth, yellow tones of hope, azure blue of soaring, deep purples of passion, reds of heartsongs, colors shading the sketching. For love is the outline, not a rule, not forced, more a suggestion and an encouragement. Those lines of love are not there to constrain. The lines of love are there, like tiers of an overflowing fountain's cascades, love’s sketch is designed to overflow with the beauty of all the colors of life.


Share this brush. We will paint this town, this world, our lives and the lives of all around us with the breathtaking majestic colors of love.


And the colors of love live on,

I love you,

Larryg

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

Write a love letter and share it.

Love Letters are moved from Thursday to Wednesday for the next few weeks due to the holidays.

Share your love this season.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Wordle Before Wednesday, Bleak Midwinter Lyrics

Christmas Spirit AWARD

The wondrous mysterious Shadow at http://gsp-shadow.blogspot.com/ passed this on to me.
I got nominated by Momma Zen at http://thezenofmotherhood.blogspot.com/ too! I have the most wonderful friends! Thanks y'all!







anyway, here are the rules:
* you must be a true Christmas lover to receive this award
* the person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas
* you must link back to the person who gave you the award
* you must list 5 things that you love about Christmas. if you can’t limit it to 5 things, then keep going till you run out of space!
* pass the award along to as many people as you like. that can be 1 or 50. it’s up to you. but, you must pass it one to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going!
* let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment


5 things i love about christmas…


1. The Songs of the Season, especially "Silent Night" and "In the Bleak Midwinter"

2. Children's behavior - Many children are so extra open at this season. Santa came to our party Sunday evening and one little boy (age 5) ran and grabbed him by the leg. I wondered if he would let him go. Then he did the same thing when Santa had to leave. It was marvelous!

3. Santa Claus

4. Angels - Not only did they sing "Hallelujah!" I believed there was divine laughter at the announcement of the birth of Christ, a heavenly giddiness that could not restrain joyful laughing. This laughter continues to resonate during the Christmas season.

5. Attention to "Peace on Earth" - there are many phrases that go with the season, "Peace on earth" is one of (if not the) best!

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

I pass this along to these folks:

c.a. marks at http://www.southernsinfulbliss.com/

gia at http://gia-diary.blogspot.com/

Eric S. at http://smalltownmountainboy.blogspot.com/

Fence Postings at http://fencepostings.wordpress.com/

Kori at http://lifeasacferswife.blogspot.com/



Monday, December 15, 2008

connections

to shadow, with love...


microcosms explode
into universes

stars implode
into black holes

nothing escapes,
dearest connections

every moment filled,
all space surrounded

summation to infinity revealed

separation illusion
spirit fills all between



----------------------------------
this is a response post; see Shadow's Timeless
friends are angels that pick you up,
thanks angel!

sketches and dreams



Mature in thought, devoted to children,
Lovely in deed, active personal interests,
Healthy habits - lifestyle,

Fundamentals,
Spiritually open, growth in grace
Seeking to draw closer
wisdom
of the universe,
confident in the source
,
healing action and deed


Full of gentleness, kindness, free to love

passionately sexual, showing generosity

willing to receive acts of service
and give
also, and to greater causes.

Confident in belongings

Yet, longing for more, not willing

to settle for less than the journey
has to offer
, knowing how to relax
and enjoy the comforts
of home,
willing to push off
into
depths of unknown.


what invention awaits
for the coming new year

hopes, dreams and future
fulfillment begins
sketching the dream
allowing
the colors of life
to fill in the sketch


may the surroundings of life
release the sketches of dreams
filled
with colors of love
that make your heart cry!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

advent chorus

an advent song for those who wish to receive-------------------------------------
holy words, holy thoughts,

holy moments, at the altar
before the cross
holy days, that we are given
salvation for everyone
sent down from heaven

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

Saturday, December 13, 2008

why is it someone gets hurt

why is it someone gets hurt
why can't we love without doing that to each other
what does time apart mean
why is it someone gets hurt

how can time help
who gives answers when all seems lost

what about the depth of sharing
why is it someone gets hurt

why don't we see our own chains
what limits us, our personal barriers to love
why do people touch each other so deeply
why is it someone gets hurt

Friday, December 12, 2008

unfinished


there is myth, that informs our humanity -
and there are personal myths subscribed to individually -
the bite of the myth of completeness stings the heart
-
when perfection seeks to tie every loose end -
giving gets crushed in the grinder of completeness -
living with loose ends is a not an option -
there are always 'growing edges' in life -
awareness can be difficult but that completeness myth -
kills creativity - creativity is the jumping off place -
not the place where everything is placed carefully in order -
creativity thoughtful and replete instigates - snowballs - avalanches -
and the completeness of lava flow is esoteric -
the myth becomes accepted as an instruction not a law -
who hurts, who cries, who hopes...

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

this is unfinished, by design
inspiration thankfulness...

Friday Fill In #102 - Laugh and the world Laughs with you

Friends give a life more grace and hope.
Encouraging health; it's friend's love helps us cope.
I'm ready for holiday sharing, joy, carols, Christmas bells.
The ham at the feast is one of my favorite smells.
The oldest ornament I have is of glass.
Take some wine, song and friends, truly first class,
mix it all together and you have the best of the best.
And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to rest,
tomorrow my plans include reaching for the sky
and Sunday, I want to recreate and relax and watch people go by!

--------
My personal challenge to me is to think poetically each day.
This helped.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Love Letter No 19 - Light Love

Dear M,

Beginnings are simple, yet "the devil is in the details." When vulnerabilities are unmasked the light shines on the details of life. Plain beginnings are observed again with a new, loving, yet sometimes critical eye.


This begs the question, "What is the nature of the light of this love?"


Is this surrounded by the new light of dawn casting breath upon the details? Perhaps, there is the harsh light of noonday in the desert glaring. Imagine glorious moonlit beginnings with the sparkle of starlight. The gaze changing the face to joy at candlelit dinner. The glow of the nightlight that brings security. What sort of light shines on this wee corner of the universe?

Light and love,
Still I love you.

L

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

Write a love letter and share it...
See all the love letters on this blog by clicking on the words "love letters" below.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

loquacious friend


To the Future-
May you find immeasurable joy in the simplest of things,
May you experience an incomparable sense of inner peace in knowing that honesty and integrity have been your guide,
May you fill all your idle moments with fun and laughter,
And finally, may you always be thankful to the One who gave you life and is the Giver of all good things.

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

What a blessing a dear friend can be. I received this toast while being treated to dinner on my birthday (not long ago) -
A toast, is like a blessing-prayer-wish all rolled up together.

I am so thankful to have such a "loquacious" friend! Thank you dear friend!!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

echoes, hidden gifts


The morning dawn echoes the hidden gift of the stars.

The blossoming flower echoes the hope of the hidden bulb.


The joyous laughter echoes the hidden healing of the soul.

The thrilling encounter echoes the hidden tenderness of the approach.


The satisfying sigh echoes the hidden delight of the memory.


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


Share an echo with a friend.

Stampede


“Happiness is like a stampede,” ~ Nicholas Christakis

Find out more via Good News for Happy People: It’s Contagious: Discovery News.

This link uncovered to me by Fence Postings

Saturday, December 6, 2008

walls, brick walls


"The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough.They are there to stop the other people." ~Randy Pausch in "the Last Lecture"


Friday, December 5, 2008

very best dreams


the very best dreams are real, they glitter, they glow, they glimmer, they 'sparkle'

inspiration is fed by dreams, the kind that build up, life enhancing, sparkle

action moves from inspiration, i've spent life to arrive here, was it a bargain? , sparkle


fulfillment attained by action, the attempt, the leap, the dive, the climb, the sparkle


journey begins with fulfillment, questing, adventuring, traveling, flying, sparkling

dreams take shape through journey, rising horizons, dawnings, blessings, sparkle

the very best dreams... they sparkle

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Love Letter No 18 - Invisible Love


Dear Bond,
There must be a word I have not discovered. Or, I may need to invent a word, or I suppose I might learn another language or even all the languages and dialects used around this globe to discover the word. Yet, there is the possibility that even with all that language, thought, knowing, words may still fail.

I desire a word to describe an invisible feeling, Sparkle starts, including connecting moments, Serendipitous surprises, add in fundamental freedom, Simplicity scintillates, plus the health and joy of humor, Laughter leads on, multiplied with generosity, Giving spiritualizes, leading to fervent sharing, Passion personified, effortlessly transforming.

For now,
Chinese - 爱
Greman - Liebe
Greek - Αγάπη
Japanese - 愛
Portugese - Amor
Russian - Влюбленность
Portugese & Spanish - Amor
Dutch - Liefde
Italian - Amore
French - Amour
Korean - 사랑
English - Love

Each one releases love when evoked.
But then, why use a single word to describe something eternal!

Love to you in every language.

Larryg

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

Write a love letter and share it...

Or share your one special word...


Wednesday, December 3, 2008

distance between

within a breath, the distance between
only a gasp against the cheek


within a hair, the distance between

only a whisp, slides off anxious lips


within a blink, the distance between

only an eyelash, flutters on the neck


within a moment, the distance between

culmination of minds,
embracing

together
hold it

wait


ohhh-hhh-hhh-hh!, the distance between

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lovely photo "i-appropriated" from Ghettojack on flickr

Wordless Wednesday - Winter Winds



Tuesday, December 2, 2008

far from home




Sculling on waves, the open sea
,
currach and occupant one,
rise and fall from crest to swale,
He found himself far from home
-
He found himself far from home

Gazing at heights, mortar and brick,
midday shadows on streets of stone,

thousands on thousands that hurry by,
He found himself far from home -
He found himself far from home

Settling on sheets of cotton brushed,
a spool pattern quilt is thrown,
simple days longed and hoping the best,
He found himself far from home -
He found himself far from home


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

"may your home and life be blessed with all favors that make you happiest." ~Irish Proverb

I have had a house guest for a day or two, he has something of a modern vagabond lifestyle.
This poem and the proverb is for my good friend "Harry".

Monday, December 1, 2008

cloudy monday


feelings lie around, nondescript devoid after
wonderful days, gifts from the heart
now the quail within, giving up
to routine that cocoons the spirit
preparation for light - and reminder
sometimes within the dark cloud
the essence of life appears, presence
near to us giving hope, peace, joy, love


Then Solomon said, "The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud"
~1 Kings 8:13 (NIV)

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Love Letter No 17- Sparkle Love

Dear Bond,
There are many words of love in the wide wide world. But some words do not belong to us at all. Other words are mine for you; are yours for me; words we share.

Love goes far beyond our ability to verbalize.

Blessing
Simplicity
Laughter
Honesty
Funtabulous
Self-extending
Bond
Crackerjack
Silence
Sparkle
Gratitude
Wish
and love goes on.

Larryg
-----------------------
Write a love letter and share it.
Or make a list of your love words.

And have a joyful Thanksgiving Day.
And if you aren't having the official holiday today, don't wait go ahead and be thankful!!!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

"For a New House" - o'dOnohue
















May this house shelter your life.
When you come in home here,
May all the weight of the world
Fall from your shoulders.

May your heart be tranquil here,
Blessed by peace the world cannot give.

May this home be a lucky place,
Where the graces your life desires
Always find the pathway to your door.

May nothing destructive
Ever cross your threshold.

May this be a s safe place
Fulle of understanding and acceptance,
Where you can be as you are,
Without the need of any mask
Of pretense or image.

May this home be a place of discovery,
Where the possibilities that sleep
In the clay of your soul can emerge
To deepen and refine your vision
For all that is yet to come to birth.

May it be a house of courage,
Where healing and growth are love,
Where dignity and forgiveness prevail;
A home where patience of spirit is prized,

And the sight of the destination is never lost
Though the journey be difficult and slow.
May there be great delight around this hearth.
May it be a house of welcome
For the broken and diminished.

May you have the eyes to see
That no visitor arrives without a gift
And no guest leaves without a blessing.

nearby surprise


when the end of the day is a nearby surprise
affection begins to shelter the struggle
companionship rises, common mind's rhythm
deal with things left undone

hopeful perfect laughter
misfortune, injuries near or long past
finding perspective through intimacy
trampled dreams revealed
empathy, oh, compassion challenges
ideas of loss and renewal
did we have "that" talk...

somewhere nearby
the crane flails night air
rises from the creek
silently ascends the moonless night
two listening to their hearts
gasp as one

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Caledonia

Dougie's song sung by Delores!
Awesome stuff!

What Part are you!!!




You Are The Cranberry Sauce



A little sweet, a little sour - you've got the flava!

Though, you do tend to squish in people's mouths...

Wordle before Wednesday - Silence



See Love Letter No 15 - Tacit Love

Saturday, November 22, 2008

glimpsed, then touched



To discover great beauty is excitement mixed with purest joy.
------------------------

this face so kind to light's cooperative giving,
and then to find, light of beauty living,
ultimate grace between seen and viewed,
in day's brightness or evening shades subdued,
exchange takes place, charming interaction,
just glimpsing brings divine satisfaction,
confidence yields, budding expectation,
smiling invigorates, source of excitation,
beauty shared! purpose filled complete,
heart is touched, oh daring, extreme feat!
-------------
photo by Ghettojack

Friday, November 21, 2008

recently

seeing park bench, charmed reminder
not long ago, synchronous there
open, honest, "wish" words spoken
chilled at the wind, breezing in unbroken
warmly by arms enchantingly wrapped
yet time shed quickly, a pining tapped


open


open your door -
and your heart shows,
walk through pathways, grace
leads direction, wind of spirit
needs presented, kindness awakened
intimidation by challenges,
a world inspires

open your hands -
and your heart shows,
what is held is released,
touch awakens action
response leads the way
living confidence moves

open your mouth -
and your heart shows
for a word to reveal
extending our lives to others
loves mission in us
to stretch, grow the soul

open your spirit
and your heart shows
gentle truth alive
knowledge giving over and again
holy moments lived,
are moments shared and multiplied

Friday Fill In #99 - Pipes Rock!








1. The last band I saw live was Michael Buble (awesome times).
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is English Pea Salad, (well the food).
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is a "fig newton" of my imagination at this point.
4. Thoughts of the weekend plans fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear a Cowboys uniform and run on the field with with team one time!
6. Bagpipes ROCK!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a big party, tomorrow my plans include a dear friend, dinner, and a band and Sunday, I want to share the celebration!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Love Letter No 16 - Autumn Love


The idea is to write a brief love letter ...

This weeks theme – Autumn Love


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

Dear R,
Autumn has come with clear cool, dazzling colors, brisk winds, and cleansing rains. The brilliant energy of nature's display proclaims harvest. Affection is ready to be reaped. The gift of the season is the gift to be shared, colors of harvest and colors of love.

With the "clear cool" is the acceptance we share. We've learned gentle knowledge of renewal and transformation. P
alpable crispness is spiritual energy to share. Clear cool leads to sheltering of affection. We shelter together along the paths our hearts discover.

"Dazzling colors" tempt me to pour out my soul, when it would be safer to hold back. When every leaf cries forth with the joy of light, how can my heart withhold favor. I am found as needy as the leaves for sunshine. To be held a bit longer and transformed, fully aflame in this afflicted display. Obvious to even the most casual friend when I only mention your name, my face lights up like the maple, full of the joy of the season.

Then "cleansing rains" come to bare this season of its fruitful display. Gazing through the window, the leaves "aswirl", the rain "asplash", colors cast carelessly down, and my heart too, my heart is bare for you as the limbs of the oak. Unhidden, all coverage released, only the bark of emotion surrounding my being. We are proud in autumn's wind, being nakedly exposed in autumn honesty. Stripped to essentials by the nature of season, life and love.

I love you,
L

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

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008