Time to Listen

Lately, I've been very quiet, at home, work, in the car, while traveling, just silent. Listening to the world instead of cluttering it up with my sounds. I like it, I like it a lot.

Every now and then we need to remember to be still and give back.

It's funny, I actually have the urge to lay down on the earth and hug her. Thank her for all she's given to me and my family. The only thing holding me back is the mud. I just do not like mud. *shiver*

I know there is a reason for all the contemplative silence, but I know I really like it. I'm doing a lot of traveling while I'm here. I'm considering just staying within Ireland, Scotland and England for the remainder of my trips. I want to go to Greece, Spain and Italy, but the Queen's land is where my heart lies.

I'm going to Scotland in a few weeks. It is something I've wanted to do since I can remember. I've been to Ireland where one Grandpa was from, now I'm going to the land where my name is from, this is such a special trip to me. I have secret hopes and dreams, but I know that I'll be happy no matter what happens.

I hope to go back and just sit on a hill in the Highlands and listen. Spend a day with my ancestors, listening to them - maybe that's what I'm doing - preparing my soul. For now, I'll enjoy Edinburgh for this short trip. Next time it's time it's to see the rest!

Have a blessed day!

Looking into the Secret Garden

On the morning of December 26th 2010 I went for a walk. A bit of reflection on my 44th year of life. Since I was about to become 45 I just wanted to see the world, and think about where I've come in life.

For 28 years I wanted nothing more than to come back to Germany. When I got her on 17 January 2010 I was in heaven. I came to realize that Heidelberg is one of the most unfriendly cities in Germany. I found this out on my own, but also from talking with many Germans that also stated Heidelberg was very cold, snobby and conservative. Now, know that I have found some very kind and wonderful people here as well, but they are not from here.

So, on the 26th I took a reflective walk. I gave thanks to getting me back to the land I so longed to be in again, dispite the changes it's under gone. (Good grief after 28 years I would hope it changed a bit.) I gave thanks for my health, and my daughters. I gave thanks for the wonderful man that my daughter has met. I gave thanks for my job - I have the best job in the world - for me!

That's when I walked up to this little garden spot. I looked in through the hedges and saw the tire swing. I quickly thought of my beautiful home in Texas and remembered my parents and all they've done for me. All of the good years I've had in life. I remembered what a blessed childhood I had, and how grateful I am to still have both of my parents in my life. I stopped for a moment and gave thanks for them, and ask for their continued good health and safe being.

I looked around and realized what a beautiful spot on earth I was standing in. I smiled, raised my camera to my eye, and captured a moment in a very magical moment for me.

I had two days before I became 45 years old, and I knew it was going to be my best year yet.

I give thanks to the Gods and Goddesses for my life, without one, I do not have the other. Blessed be!