Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Ain't It Good To Know.., & thus

2012-02-02T11:16:00.010-05:00

Aruf, or I suppose it's woof, woof, woof! A very deep ? baritone woof I must truly add, as I know Dolly's a gal, but her bark is strong & deep. I guess I'd call her a modern day suffragette.

Now where's that Pankhurst era hat I've got stashed away, that would look perfect on my Dolly.., oh yeah it's right over there..

I too am a fortunate pup, as when I rescued Dolly several years ago, ultimately in many respects she also rescued me. What ever would I need rescuing from, I could & have asked myself, over & over.. Well let me put it this way, we've all got our cares & ... , some seemingly more than others, but ultimately what it seems to me is what most of us want & need, is to be connected, & to have a life of purpose. Also at the end of a very hectic or busy day that may have been filled with stress, what's not to love about a warm furry friend, who no matter what, thinks of you as the apple of their eye. I'm sure you've noted I said apple here, & not bone.

Yeah, woof to you, dear Dolly!

******************************

We got word the other day from my mother's doctor's office, that she has made wonderful progress, & she's been ok'd to travel back to the northeast, so she can be nearer to her family once again. It's getting through all the logistics, that is taking up a lot of time, the various details of how to engineer the daily living a life. Where she's to live now, & the arrangements to be made on her behalf. All the finer behind the scenes details, one step at a time.

In the meantime, I've been trying my best to stay on target with a program of staying healthy in body, mind & spirit. Yesterday I attended our writer's group, a little jaunt from our neck of the woods, as our group meets outside of Boston, & the trip in is a chunk of travel time. Well worth it, but I need to keep working on becoming more disciplined in order to get myself clicking along with the manuscript I've begun. That is the key, if I am to fully benefit from all that I can learn. Also being the weather here in Ct. was on the balmy-side, a bit of a spring-tease, I made sure I did my walk on the track just before it was to get dark, & road my stationary bike last night too. For doing all the right things yesterday I rewarded myself with a few additional house plants, to spark up our indoor environment, with some living greenery. Spring is still several months away, & here in New England, February & March can become a grueling ordeal, if we let it. So yes, I guess it's that ole Girl Scout in me, trying the best that I can, by being prepared of which I must admit to having to always be certain to be stocked up with coffee. And why not I so conclude, as for now anyway coffee's the one, it puts the fuel in my tank, & it's legal.

Before leaving yesterday morning, as I was mulling over getting ready to travel in with my friend & teacher Tima, to be on time for our writing group,~ my Muse appeared, sooo.. do I, don't I... , & just had to jot this down, & here it is today~

Caffeinated

caffeinated, a cup or two,

or three or more

that is my cue

to get me readied,

out the door~

I brew it hot

I brew it thick

I brew

[no chew]

this does the trick

will sit and read

and write a note

will jot this poem

relay a joke

from deep within

a muddled mind

will spin it out

just jot a line-

and read my mail

on e-mail's screen

to feel connected

off to preen

as my hair's wild

needs to be tamed

at least to start

this break of day

for caffeination

gets me through

and up and out

What's nue by you...?

******************************************

Throughout this recent family crisis, I've been reaching out, & have been in touch with extended family & friends, close by, & across the miles. It gives me a wonderful feeling to know, that the individuals who have always been near & dear to me, have continued to be in touch reaffirming my true love~ of the compassion of the human spirit, being we're ultimately~ all in this together, & it is during times such as these that continue to test us, & test us too to appreciate, & enjoy the beauty of this world, & one another in our very fleeting time.

amen

******************************

To my dear friends, & fam*, near & far away, I will be in touch again soon, as I dedicate this posting to, as my father was known to say to myself, & all of the fam*,~ "to all of yaz".~

& thus the newest of my Muse's rhyming lines completes today's addition to our ongoing~

~Poetry A Muse In Motion, project~

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

The Peace Abbey Newsletter February 2012

2012-02-01T19:45:00.003-05:00

The Peace Abbey Newsletter

February 2012

IMPORTANT NEWS

Bioenergetics Analysis Workshop February 18th and 19th

Women's Sacred Circle February 14th 1PM

Sunday Meditation Service 10-11AM

Space for Private Gatherings and Meetings

Esther Brandon, Brandeis Intern Sends a Message

Life/Soul Readings Wednesdays 10-12 noon

Yoga and Peace by Dr. Pat Daniel

The Peace Abbey update

As you know the two Peace Abbey buildings are for sale, either together or separately. Nothing has changed as of this newsletter.

The Peace Abbey, like many other aspects of our lives, is going through change. Change is the single element we can count on, and with all change there is closure which naturally creates the opening for rebirth.

We have been both chosen and blessed to have had The Peace Abbey in our community. It has brought much to our consciousness and hearts throughout the years, from Mother Teresa's visit in 1988 to the present day.

As in all living things there are cycles and at this time of change we are experiencing both mourning and celebrating what we have all grown to know and love. We use what we have learned along the way and we create anew from our hearts service that can benefit all.

At some point there will be a time to call everyone together to honor the Peace Abbey and its visionary founder.

For now we areSTILLoffering programs in both buildings and registering guests in the retreat center.

Please join us for one or more of these outstanding offerings for body, mind, and spirit!

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

Return to Joy
Thursdays 6:30-8PM

Marcia Reddington-Lawton, RN, will help you learn the power of your emotions.

E-Motions are the creative force within. When we struggle and suffer we create imbalance and dis-ease.

Learn how to empower those feelings that inspire your A game, your greatest moments when you knew endless possibility. Now is the time, you are the answer and Joy is the path back to Self.

The ongoing group meets weekly. $33. per session.

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

Oneness Blessing
Thursdays 7-8:30 PM with Danielle LaMarre.

For those who desire to know the science for offering this blessing please google "deeksha medical research."

All those who desire sacred time to lighten the heart and enlighten the mind are welcome.

Marcia Reddington-Lawton has been a nurse for four decades focusing on empowerment through Natural Healing Arts. She has practiced energy medicine in the operating rooms of leading hospitals including Boston's Children's Hospital.

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

Free Yoga classes at the Peace Abbey!
Tuesdays at 10:30AM

Come to the Peace Abbey on Tuesdays at 10:30AM for a class in yoga and meditation. All levels are welcome!

Led by our wonderful Harvard Divinity School student intern and veteran yoga teacher, Rachel Bairstow, these classes will focus on connection to the body and breath, deep relaxation, and self-reflection.

Quick Links...

Grandmother Love

more information

STONEWALK 1999-2007

pictures and information

Quick Links

A Wonderful NEW video about Emily and Vegan lifestyle

Quick Links

The Life Experience School

For contact useabbeypeace@aol.comordwalsh@peaceabbey.org

Quick Links...

Our Website

Day By Day~

2012-01-30T23:26:00.009-05:00

Every day's a new beginning, & with that said I just need to add~

Through life there has always been the good, the bad, & the ugly, it's how we take it in, & what we do with it, is what makes each & every human beings experience unique unto them. Yours & mine, there is no difference. If I were to say, of which I am sure billions have already~

what ever did I do

to deserve

this...

what ever was I thinking...

who am I

to think

that

am exempt

ever

from some of the

rather

unpleasant

aspects

our

collective

human

experience

never

ever

can

that

ever

*************************

Thus this concludes today's long awaited addition to the Peace Garden's ongoing~

Poetry A Muse In Motion project.

Our 76th country visited the Peace Garden today~ "Welcome Bangladesh", w/ eternal thanks to Billy Preston.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Deliberate Quiet Thoughts~

2012-01-30T19:16:00.017-05:00

Above is the newest addition to our kitchen. We saw a grouping of jasmine plants last week when my friend Tima & I stopped to do a little light shopping at the Trader Joe's along our way home from the writers group session of which Tima our very talented teacher runs & facilities. This gorgeous plant is getting ready to bloom any day now, & if this lovely jasmine remains happy, the show I've been told is to be so worth the wait.

The oil painting above which was just done today is titled,~

Mother Love

which of course has a lot of deep meaning.

The piece below, is a collage of~ oil on linen with pistachio nut shells,

nothing too yummy, but an experiment of materials, color & texture...

Note the developing talent & skill of our friend Sima in an example of only her second still life displayed below, take the tea cup for example..

Sima, our friend Sharon & I are taking these wonderful oil painting classes taught by our friend & artist~

Laureen Hylka

who is most accomplished in all sorts of art media. Laureen has been recently working with pastels, & her talent & passion are most apparent in her still life compositions & all sorts of landscapes. Experiencing art together among friends has been a source of pure joy, & deep revelation.

Well here it is Monday, Monday~

My mother remains in a rehab-nursing home situation down in Florida after being rescued from her dire situation on 12/30/11 . Since then her extended family has been working ever so hard to have her return to New England so we can all be with her on a more regular basis. In the meantime, my husband & I have been back from Florida after spending a week with my mother for a little over a week now. Time will tell just how soon it will be before we can have her back here with us, as there are quite a few medical details to arrange on her behalf.

On this end every day's a new beginning as this situation blankets my mind, & can be the source of real anxiety if we don't take proper care of ourselves. Writing & experimenting with art, have always been my true means of channeling my energy in a positive way. Whatever works.

For today I finally returned to my painting class, & though I'm no Klee, or Picasso by any means,~ just a gal who's trying ever so hard to breathe, enjoy the colors of the day, & taking it, one stroke at a time.

This entire ongoing situation that my extended family is going through in trying ever so hard to do what's best for our mother is about as complex & delicate as a snowflake. We'll need those snowshoes for certain to walk the walk.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Our Visit to Infinity Music Hall & Bill Frizell's Beautiful Dreamers

2012-01-28T18:28:00.025-05:00

Just one of many still life's & settings at the Mountain View Inn.

We were getting ready to return to our neck of the woods, after a wonderful birthday breakfast.

Our fam's Birthday guy, who is the music man of this family.

Our gracious hosts Dean & Jean Marie Johnson.

On my husband's birthday eve 1/26/12 awaiting the performance with true excitement.

The headliners for our special evening~

Bill Frisell's Beautiful Dreamers

It was all so worth the wait, & the 2 1/2 hour trip across the state up to the Berkshires.

At the box office just before the performance, of which every aspect of the evening was handled with true TLC by all the staff involved, making us feel most welcomed.

This sweet gal one of Infinity Hall's staff was a pure joy to encounter & most helpful too.

Just one of many beautiful rooms at the Mountain View Inn of where we stayed. All the oil paintings placed so perfectly were done by Dean Johnson host of the Mountain View Inn.

The artist & his work along side his sunflower which brings so much beauty & joy into the space that Dean & Jean Marie so lovingly share with their guests in their beautiful Victorian home.

It's been nonstop for us & only now do we have some time to stay put & to pause. In honor of my husband's birthday we were off this past Thursday for an out of town jaunt to Norfolk, Ct. to attend a Bill Frisell's Beautiful Dreamers Concert at Infinity Music Hall. It was of course a wonderful get away. We stayed overnight at the Mountain View Inn, right there in Norfolk, & were treated like royalty by Dean & Jean Marie Johnson. Every aspect of our stay was wonderful, including the gourmet breakfast of fresh made granola, yogurt, quiche, sausage, pumpkin bread, & apple strudel. The Happy Birthday breakfast dessert of a wonderful fresh baked cake, candle & whipped cream really did top the chart!

Bill Frisell, Eyvind Kang, & Rudy Roystan truly played the music of beautiful dreamers. The music at times was truly other worldly, as I would close my eyes, to listen to the beautifully blended jazz of electric guitar, viola, & drums, to be transported to where one goes when they are experiencing being one with the music. When they transitioned into their own original version of~ In My Life & then later Strawberry Fields, it was as if the sensation of a personal birthday gift was being given to my husband Steve amongst all the heavenly notes.

We will certainly return to both locals, as it was a wonderful jaunt, that filled all the senses, of a much welcomed get away into the mountains, with culture & style.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

In The Sunshine It All Seems Right

2012-01-22T10:42:00.016-05:00

Just glanced at the thermometer & the outside temp is 31 degrees, quite a contrast from the balmy mid 70's we were experiencing down in Florida. Yes the world does turn, & often upside down with the various news of the day. My family is no exception to the traumas & dramas that go on in any given family here in our neck of the woods & all over the globe. As we go forward I will continue to count my blessings, & view my glass, yes my coffee cup as half full. For sure.

As you can see we're in the throws of brrrr winter up here, & even for the few moments when I went out on our deck to capture a few scenes of this Sunday morning I needed to don my boots with cleats, & put on the heaviest of coats. There that said & done, here we are experiencing Sunday morning in the northern hemisphere. We'll make it work, we've always had, & my husband & I will continue to do what it is to keep ourselves healthy & well, for at this stage of our lives we've become our own full time jobs. Doing the walks, riding the bike, going to the gym, & or the pool. It certainly is true what they taught some 40+ years ago in good ole nursing school, you loose what you don't use. So today a bit of northern sunshine before it fades is certainly in the cards, along with a little determination of organizing my art supplies, as I've been looking forward to our painting class tomorrow, & also keeping up with what our writing group has been doing, as it was necessary for me to miss several sessions. But I'm all good with it as life does happen while we're making other plans, & to go down to Florida to be with my mother, & to continue to intervene as necessary is for us the right thing to do. As the one & only daughter, in a family out of a baby boom era when the role of ones function to the unit as a whole was pinked at birth, no matter how many sons were born. For in that era they were supported, raised & conditioned much differently than the daughters, so many decades before The Feminine Mystic was published & a woman's liberation era was born. True some families though few & far between were already liberating their daughters, but not back in our hometown which existed under the ugh shadow of a giant military industrial complex. True it gets frustrating, going round & round sometimes like a puppy chasing it's tail in an arena of trying to make attempts to get all our family members together, but ultimately love is & will always be the key. So with that being said I will continue to count my blessings, & take in the good advice of the Torah based faith I was raised in, along with the simple yet inspirational teachings of the Dali Lama, & continue to go forward, with prayer in my heart, & doing the best that I can do to help our mother as we all continue in our circles of life,~ the welcoming of the intertwining~ of one life, & the sharing in another. For these life lessons as we know are invaluable, & stay with us a lifetime. As we all help others to heal, we too are healed. None of us will ever be perfect, or leave this earth alive, so we must continue to continue~ listening to our own hearts, & knowing this is what we are meant to do.

~Amen~

Have a wonderful winter one & all, & will be in touch again as this week unflolds.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Even When Life's Not A Beach, Life's A Beach~

2012-01-19T23:06:00.007-05:00

I have decided to take in the recommendations of the Dali Lama, my own personal faith & teachings of the various faiths I have learned about & studied over the years. My husband & I have a true sense that the professionals who are taking care of my mother are very good at what they do, & will do their best to provide the best care for her that they can, in what professionally can be a very challenging situation depending on the events of any given day.

Well we've returned to Connecticut from Florida just in time for snow, but for the time being I will leave you with a relaxing scene, that is cool, not cold, as that is what it is right now, right outside our door. And just at freezing too, a present 32 degrees, & yes snowing~

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Family Ties~

2012-01-19T10:14:00.015-05:00

The doodle displayed above is entitled~

The Things We Do For Love

Which is basically what we were doing as we left Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, Ct. on 1/11/12 destination being the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport. This light, but rather serious series of lines & hearts were done during takeoff in route to see my mother.

My mother has been wintering in Florida for some seven years now. She's 84 & we all can honestly say her experience of being a snowbird these past seven years have really been some of the best years for her since she's become a senior. Getting out of the cold New England winters have been her main goal, which also gave her the ability to get out & be with interesting people, of which she is certainly one, & to make new friends, a lot of what we all need to be pretty much well balanced.

She is a highly individualist personality, & the Florida treks have of course been excellent for her, until most recently for on 12/30/11 her neighbor from down the hall noticed three issues of The New York Times in front of her door, along with the blaring opera music that my mother lives & breathes on. I will not paint the details too closely of what her neighbor found after my mother who had to crawl to the door in order to let her in discovered only to say, it was horrific. This good hearted neighbor found my mother in the most dire of physical conditions, & also without any operating telephone in order to call for help, food or any other stables. Her neighbor tried repeatedly to get my mother to agree to be taken to the hospital, but my mother refused. Eventually she found some telephone numbers, & when she got back to her apartment, she started to give my mother's New England family a call. Being my brother was the first name listed she called him, but he was not home, & then found my name & thankfully we connected. For the rest of the day several neighbors brought food & other essentials to my mother, who we were told was going in & out of alert thinking awareness. Finally a member of the complex of where my mother lives called the state operated rescue services for at risk elderly. David who I have since spoken to, the social worker assigned to my mother's case told me it took quite a while for my mother to consent to be taken to the hospital. Since then my mother has had surgery on her back for two compressed fractures of her vertebrae. This is the reason she was crawling to get around, & screaming out in pain.

To say this has been upsetting is stating it mildly, as my husband, brothers & I have tried repeatedly to offer her help & support, but she had continued to refuse insisting on being~

"The captain of her ship, the master of her fate... "

************

The following work is entitled so suitably-

Conflicting Messages

The doodles included in today's posting beginning with the date of 1/11/12 were begun during take off, as my husband & I embarked on our journey to locate & visit with my mother. A rather emotional & traumatic sojourn on this end, which of course is tempered by the fact that the person we love, who is at the receiving end of all this horrific suffering, is the person who gave me life & brought me into the world.

*****************************

The next work is appropriately given the name,

Across The Miles Sky High i Think of U~

The next three sketches were begun during take off again, this time on our way home 1/18/12, which also happens to be our son Mike's 26th Birthday

This doodle is entitled~

The Eyes Have It

Below what is going on is basically what is stated in the title~

Tides of Time

****************************

None of us know how this situation is going to work out. My mother is now in a rehab/nursing facility in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. She knows she is very ill, as she has chosen to participate in the treatment that her doctor has put forth which consists of radiation & chemo. We last visited with her yesterday just before she was to be transported back to the hospital as an outpatient for her final radiation treatment. She looks tired, very tired, but has benefited by the surgery to her back & is presently able once again to stand, & walk just a little, but not with strong stability as her balance overall these past few years has been rather iffy.

****************************

The final work in this series is titled~

Untitled

of the unknown

as that's where we're at pretty much, all of it,

yes all of it, all those listed titles, of trying to make sense of the in explainable of~

Who are we, why are we here, where are we going....

of which I do believe, no matter how painful, or sad that it is~

no matter a person's faith or non, that we are all in this together, & that we are intended to be there for one another to help to comfort & to heal each & every heart.

Please help us God, I do believe,

~Amen~

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

To Return Sooner Rather Than Later~

2012-01-18T22:12:00.002-05:00

Hi dear friends, have been off the Peace Garden grid for awhile as we've been way out of town as my mother has been very ill. I am of course due to add a posting or two in reguards to my thoughts & concerns on this matter so please stay tuned as I'll be back.

Thank you, & In Peace Always,

Mother Lightning

Tis' The Weekend, Have A Good One~

2012-01-08T00:40:00.003-05:00

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

So Comes The Morning

2012-01-03T01:57:00.007-05:00

The plate of cookies above are made from our Grandma Anna's Newly Twisted Ruggula Dough, the beautiful Ginger Snaps you see next are a speciality of my sister-in-law who aparently has inherited her mom's wonderful talent for baking.

The Sara Bernhardts displayed in our final pic from Athan's bakery & coffee shop in Brookline, Ma., seemed an appropriate photo to take, not only does this pastry look beautiful & elegant, but the name reminds me of a relative of ours, who's temperament has been compared to Ms. Bernhart.

Well I'm done. I completed a good amount of baking for the season, can't say it's of the most healthy variety, but nonetheless taste bud good!

As we ended 2011 slipping into 2012 a relative in our extended family was in the midst of an epic crisis. This heath crisis finally stabilized on New Year's Eve, of this we are most thankful, but in all honesty these are still serious times & a challenging road we are upon. So for now, every day I call the hospital, & make calls to my siblings, & am gauging myself & making preparations to be on the ready for a vast out of town sky miles trip if necessary. In the meantime we've been visiting with extended family & friends, exchanging greetings & good wishes for 2012, which is always very meaningful & marks the start of the New Year in a joyous & positive way. Doing a double batch of cookies from my grandmother's dough recipe has been another good way of ringing in the new, as we honor the old.

So tomorrow it's off to the Post Office, to snail mail this newer variation of cookies from our Grandma Anna's dough, & also to do the various errands that are necessary to coordinate for this new year. It will be a long long time, before I bake again, that much I know is certain, as my will power has been weak. In the past I have always stuck to painting & crafts for getting through this time of year, it is a method that has proved successful time & time again for me in avoiding o-d-ing on sugary carb treats. Today my husband & I took a two mile walk on our Audubon Trail, that is certainly the way to go. One step at a time, without the cookies, which are way too good.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

A Wonderous New Year To All~

2011-12-31T17:05:00.006-05:00

Mother Lightning's Peace Garden, was launched four years ago this evening.

Truly time does fly... At this juncture of our universal connection~

Wishing everyone true peace in one's inner life of dealing with the daily challenges of what encompasses a life here on earth, & our planetary connectedness, of what brings forth this whole, our shared extraordinary experience here as Tigger would say on, Good ole Tera Fer Ma!

A prayer for peace, we wish you peace.

~Amen~

***********************************************

It is now New Year's Day 2012, & this morning I checked out my news feeds on my facebook page, where I often find some outstanding information, & am including a recent prayer that was posted by Frank Lipman, MD which is a true gift & joy!

A sincere heartfelt thank you to the sharer of this simple yet meaningful prayer.

Frank Lipman MD
For the New Year, I offer you all the Buddhist Metta Meditation/Prayer
“May all beings be happy, content and fulfilled.
May all beings be healed and whole.
May all have whatever they want and need.
May all be protected from harm and free from fear.
May all beings enjoy inner peace and ease.
May all be awakened, liberated and free.
May there be peace in this world, and throughout the entire universe.”

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Grandma Anna's Phase II of These Wonderful Rugullas~

2011-12-30T13:11:00.012-05:00

Phase II of Grandma Anna's Newly Twisted Coney Island Rugullas 2011 edition are now prepared, & ready, so very ready to be shared. My husband, our son, & moi', have all been enjoying this fantastic treat which is so very hard to put down, as it's not too easy to stop. But I'll stop here, & just say, it is always a pleasure to put together these creations, no matter the time, the prep & the mess that it makes, for it brings forth some really pristine memories of our grandmother who truly to us was really, a great person. It's the little people in the world, one by one, that continue to inspire & bring us comfort during all the seasons of our lives, not just those lazy hazy days, be it the sunshine & the fun, but also the vortex of any black hole that can be lurking behind the facade that it's all right, as sometimes it's not, but situations do change, nothing is permanent, & we are not born into a world to have our stories be written in stone. Not in the beginning that is, & none of us are of any dynasty anyway. Just regular people, just trying ever so very hard to make it in this rather hectic, & at times very crazy world, one step at a time.

***************************

I'll come back sometime later, to post our grandmother's recipe, until then Bon Appetite!

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Grandma Anna's Newly Twisted Coney Island Rugullas, Phase I

2011-12-29T23:04:00.005-05:00

After thinking, about it, & talking about it, phase one is finally here~

Our Grandmother Anna who was born & raised in Yonkers, New York was the best of the best. As a little child I always felt there was never enough time for us to spend together, & I was right of course. She was always a light hearted woman when she was spending time with any of her grandchildren, & I've been told by my cousin Burt that I'm a lot like her. When I think about it that way it certainly lightens my heart. She would often tell me the funniest stories about my grandfather, she was not only a great cook, but also could be very funny, in action & deed. But tonight I'll tuck some of those stories away momentarily, just to say tomorrow is the day I'll be baking a few batches of her rugullas, some newly twisted ones of course, but nevertheless, good as good can be.

"Oh Dolly", that's my rescue pup of course, "oh Dolly, we'll have to stay with the program & be sure to log on some more walking miles tomorrow, Grandma Anna's Rugullas are a-coming, & we all know what too much of a good thing can do."

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Tis' The Season How Ya Doing...

2011-12-28T22:02:00.008-05:00

The season has been moving fast, & with that the winter chill is blowing in. As per usual an over the top indulgence of holiday foods, of which it's now time for me to stop, please I must stop, of which I will, as I'm far too bloated now to think of anything other than~ yes, enough already!

It's been fun, but pay, oh do some of us pay, & it's not quite as easy as a snowman's life, for it never seems to melt off all too easily. So tomorrow my pup Dolly & I will have to brave the elements, & walk off some of those way too delectable holiday goodies.

Sooo, how are you doing... ?

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Christmas & Chanukah The Morning After~

2011-12-26T12:01:00.017-05:00

A season of good will as the week progressed...

The pan for the latkas was set up outside on the deck as my husband wanted all the smoke from the frying process outside for overall air quality. This was our first year cooking them this way, & it worked out just fine.

Both my husband & our grandson were exploring & enjoying some new technology that Santa had shared...

The Festival of Lights continues...

Of all the merries for our small fam*, this past Christmas was just about the best. My husband & I are of course empty nesters, & are always very thankful for all the times each & everyone of our adult sons is able to come back to our neck of the woods. The element that is adding to this season's specialness is the respectful & giving attitude of pitching in & helping out whenever a project is needed to be done. For me it has always been the element of the domestic scene, the cooking & the cleaning, that could be problematic, & would run me ragged with all the prep time, & the aftermath of cleaning up afterwards. This year it was a new & most wonderful planet~ of everyone pitching in with a hands on attitude, from standing at the pan, for several hours of cooking latkas, to peeling & cutting apples for our apple crisp pie. All of it done together with so much efficiency that in the old days I would have been alone in the kitchen for hours on end, just working at it, & getting it done.

Voila~ a new generation has grown up, & arrived, here in my kitchen, which is an important aspect in any one's garden of life. A kitchen~ the creative, nutritious heart that is needed for the growth of any family's well being. I am truly a most thankful mom to be alive & to now have reached this exciting aspect of life, the sharing, & the continued learning & growing that we gain from one another is by far the very best of the best in any satchel of gifts. It will always be the simple things that bring forth a deep richness in the quality of living & celebrating in this season of~

~Peace On Earth Good Will Towards Men~

Amen, Amen, Amen

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Our Visit To~ Cirque Dreams Holidaze

2011-12-23T17:55:00.007-05:00

From the beginning of time, we human beings have done our creative best to cope with the darkness of our days~

& during the Winter Solstice of December 21st of each year we are the furthest away from the sun. Yes it can be cold. Yes it is dark longer, but do not fear; light & color await to transport us to an artistically creative place in the imagination of the mind.

Our daughter in law, & son gifted to us tickets to see Cirque Dreams this past Tuesday at the Bushnell in Hartford, Ct. What a lovely gift indeed. The show began at 6:30pm which was a good time to accommodate folks with young children too. This was our very first time taking in an acrobatic show of this dimension. It was way cool, with costumes, staging, lights music & yes action. The overall presentation was quite excellent, as there was always something interesting to focus on, along with the unique costumes.

No matter what, a kid lives inside each & every one of us, so as we continue onward into this season of winter, & the dark, let us all take in a bit of color, enjoying the song, & festival of lights!

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Winter Soltice Time, & Chanukah/Hanukkah Is Here~

2011-12-21T20:28:00.014-05:00

I would so love to have a giant draidle, but instead~

I have a little draidle I made it out of clay...

Not really, in all actuality, mine are made out of, wood, plastic, & I even have a silver one that was given to me, too.

Above is an assortment of our family's menorahs which still need cleaning up,

my fave is the one pictured below that our friend Sue designed mostly made out of marshmallows, & pretzels. What's not to love, but you'll have to wait eight days, as Chanukah is an eight day festival, enjoy~

My friend & children's book co author, Peg & I taking a quick pause after an additional episode for our BeadforLife fund raising event.

Here I am doing a little bead talk with one of our supporting shoppers Marge. Marge took the photo above, as we all love the colors & aray of the mix of this vibrant display.

I needed to go out of town for one of those end of the year medical appointments, of which all of us women of a certain age must do, in order to maintain our health. Lets put it this way, they put a certain body part in a flat vice-like apparatus that feels like you're in the midst of the iron crusher. It wasn't a terribly horrible experience, but prior to the exam you are instructed "no powder & no deodorant", goodness gracious, going without deodorant, can feel like a day without sunshine. So afterward I did a dab or two, there that was more like it, & then it was off to the mall for a visual pick me up. And don't you agree that the Ice Palace and her Royal Highness the Snow Princess, are a vision to behold~

Tonight is the second night of Chanukah/Hanukkah, & though it's been a bit rainy & gray, nonetheless it's been a wonderful day, of just plain taking my time, & getting things done. Being we are an Interfaith family, we try our best to touch upon the aspects of the season that have given us enjoyment from way back when my husband & I were kids growing up, to the days when we were raising our own family, & to now, sharing with the newest generation, our grandchildren. We make certain that we are able to share with those who are less fortunate, as these are hard economic times across our land. Our local food pantry, & fuel assistance programs in our neck of the woods are finding it ever more challenging to meet the needs of our community. Just a few weeks ago, the chapter of the Sisterhood, of which I have been a member now for a little over 4 years, was still raising funds for the BeadforLife program all the way in Uganda. The very same evening we collected & made Care Packages for our local women's shelter.

With all that as a backdrop, I find it is still possible to just simply take it all in, do what it is one person at a time, can do, & appreciate & enjoy the richness of simply~ living a life.

For as the Dali Lama has taught,~

"If there is something that is worrying you, & you can do something about it, then do it, & don't worry. If there is something that is worrying you & you can't do anything, don't worry about that either."

I find that statement, very freeing, though it takes a cetain amount of effort in retraining my thinking, but it is workable, & small steps along the way do help in retaining the energy needed to do something effective in reguards to maintaing personal peace, in order to continue to work each & every day towards world peace. So truly all I can say, is a most simple statement, that is both honest & true, for me & for you~

Please help us God

Amen

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Life Doesn't Have To Be Perfect To Be Wonderful

2011-12-17T10:14:00.017-05:00

This little critter is from our local Stop & Shop & I just couldn't help myself the other evening; I was sitting on a bench enjoying a pause in time, & the luxuary & convience of checking, on-the-go, for emails of the day after getting a few essentials such as coffee, & herabal tea. I had a little over an hour to spare before needing to be at our Sisterhood meeting, which hosts our usual end of the year activity of preparing gift bags for our local women's shelter, but as figures right in the middle of responding to an email, I noticed her again & knew I had to take the above photo. So bong, up I bounced, silly shopper I can be, & here she is, such a cute member of Frosty's fam~

I also had two boxes of our BeadforLife shipment already loaded in my car which needed to be brought to our meeting that night so our membership would have an opportunity for some last minute BeadforLife holiday shopping.

In the photo above is our new computer friend-to-be,

Paige M. Gutenborg

Paige, is operated by Lyden of the Harvard Book Store, in Cambridge, Ma.

My co author friend Peg & I , have been trying ever so hard, for several years now to figure out a way to get our children's book published. Our friend Janet, a very talented artist, last year so wonderfully agreed to be our illustrator, but it has been most challenging for us newbies to the book publishing world to find a way to have our work published without being taken to town on expenses, but voila~ Peg, the attention to detail partner of this book writing venture has persisted, & has truly come upon a most doable way, & 2012 , God willing, will be the year that our sweet, wise, funny & most adorable characters will be released to the world.

Here's Peg, sitting with some of her most fav, garden critters, at one of the oldest & beautiful public spaces in the U.S., the Boston Common.

Getting there is always a textured, sometimes windy, but rhythmically beautiful...

From the inners of the city, to the underground stellar transportation of the T,

to the quaint New England street scapes...

to the welcoming message,

of peace, love & creative hospitality..

It's never really ever has to be prefect, as it will never be so, that much is true, but this much I do know, no matter what realm we travel in from, that

peace, love & understanding

never, ever gets old, never..

I borrowed today's title from a mini sign from a gift shop in Boston yesterday, of which I so agree,.. & how about you...

A good rhythm of busy has settled on these shores. We've been able to go out of town on various days, & much is getting done. Certainly in the way of what we are preparing for our family & friends, but most important for us anyway, staying with the message & our own personal rhythms of the season, in keeping of the harmony we know is necessary to get through not only a busy holiday time, but each & every day. Amen

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

A Holiday Task, of Lists & Things~

2011-12-13T08:19:00.013-05:00

The display above is from the counter at Claire's Corner Copia, New Haven, Ct. & the array just below are some of the cards that have come in recently over the past few days, sitting on our stack of cards to be mailed. I thought perhaps this year I wouldn't do the snail mail thing, but just couldn't resist sending a card, & dropping a note. When it comes to receiving holiday cards, it's just one of those things that are always welcomed~

A BeadforLife, guy just above, trying to stay active this time of year. I guess jumping rope could do it. Who's game...

And a rough draft of what's to come...

A List of Checking More Than Twice

doubled dared

to be or not

risk taken

to not

too

revealing

or am

sharing

doubts

joys

fears

for

what purpose

I ask

you

pray,

do tell

please,

or not

I whisper

thoughts~

recesses

mindful

mindless

mindfulness

which is mine

how's yours

to hum endless tunes

nonsense

this

and not,

not knowing

ever know

these waves

of curdled thoughts

doubts,

never doubt

my love

always,

always

from a pocket

of my heart

deep within

what's

*************************

It's been a bit of time since composing a poem, but once again, I needed to get aspects of the season rounded up, in my own mind that is, to make it through what has become a rather needlessly stressful time of year. I say needlessly, as we tend to put so very much of theses stresses upon ourselves. My brother in law in my opinion is doing the very best thing to deal with all this materialism, consumerism stuff, & yes I do mean stuff. He spent a good part of his day on Sunday, tracking down & calling family members, & telling everyone that due to the economic situation this year, & with so many individuals being without some of the essential basics, such as shelter, heat, & food, that he would be donating to these causes in our family's name. That Santa gifts would still be given on his behalf to the young children on his list, but that is now his method & way, to make for a saneness to what has become a season of over indulgence of far too much stuff. I agree, & will teach myself to also take his cue.

One need not be rich to do this, & it was true when we all were taught, that it is better to give than to receive not only during this season, but throughout the seasons of a lifetime.

And so concludes today's addition to the ongoing~ Poetry A Muse In Motion, project.

We wish you all,~ All that is good, & truly worldwide inner peace.

Amen, Amen, Amen

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

A Cornacopia of Culture, Beauty & Carrot Cake Too~

2011-12-12T20:32:00.020-05:00

Claire's Corner Copia always a destination point for us at least once a year. This time we we would be off to the Yale Repertory Theatre which as you can see had their lights, all a glow for one & all~

Claire's is a vegeterian restaurant, but even non vegetarians find every morcle a pure

culinary delight~

It seems we never can leave without a slice of carrot cake, but we've wised up, & now share it~

The first of this season's Christmas Trees was glowing bright on the New Haven Green this past Saturday night~

And another tree, not quite as tall in the center of the state, at Hartford's Bushnell Park, alongside the pond which is all set up for community ice skating~

Just a few more city street scapes before reaching our destination...

The Veterans Memorial Arch alongside Bushnell Park, & the Connecticut State Capitol is always a favorite, no matter the season.

It seems like not much is new, yet I've made a discovery or two..

Am listening to 60's oldies on PBS as I click along the keyboard. So what's new in these here hills, hmmm..., let me think... Well for starters my husband & I have branched out in our theatre repertoire, in the audience that is. We went into New Haven, which is a rather small city in southern Ct., but with much history & immense culture. We love theatre & are committed to the extensive travels it sometimes entails, the draw was New Haven, as it is a little lighter as far as road time goes. We were pleasantly surprised during our very first visit to Yale Repertory Theatre, their high caliber of performance, & ability to make us all feel relaxed, welcomed & enthralled with all that it takes to engage an audience.

We saw, A Doctor in Spite of Himself by Moliere a modern day version of this 1666 play was a co-production with Berkeley Repertory. The version of this play made it's premiere in 2010 by the Intiman Theatre, in Seattle, Washington.

This farce of 1600 France, with modern day hip language hits the nail right on the head. When you see this play, so much is still true in regards to navigating the medical world, both as a doctor & as a patient. For the doctor so promises since Hippocrates~ First do no harm, & for the patient & his/hers family, to this day~ get an advocate, really it is often necessary. We loved the play, & are now big fans of Yale Rep, & are already planing our return.

After dinner at Claire's Corner Copia, which is a breath away from the Historic New Haven Green, we went home by the way of Hartford, & stopped in at Real Art Ways to see Melancholia produced & directed by Lars von Trier. Melancholia a beautiful artful film, filled with so much allegory that more than one viewing [if one can take it] would be necessary if one were to get it all. And even if you see it only once, as we did, it is one of those movies that won't let you take your eyes away from the screen. This movie is no uplift, by any means, but nonetheless there's a beauty. I'll say no more.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Kepler 22b of Which~ Much Is Revealed With The Stroke of A Brush

2011-12-08T23:15:00.016-05:00

My newest painting above which is still in phase one, has been given the title Kepler~22b as inspired by the newest discovered potentially earthling habitable friendly planet. This painting certainly shows me that there has been a lot on my mind lately.. & am in hopes that come next week, some of the issues that have been on my mind will be on the way to being resolved. There's a whole universe out there, & with that comes the potential of beautiful & colorful possibilities.

This very sweet emerging still life painted by our friend Sima, is really beginning to take shape & form. I just love the free flowing technique, style & color which is certainly a prelude to what will be a most charming painting once complete.

If your interested in contacting Sharon about her very unique ideas in cloth, she can be reached by emailing her at~

Creative Cloth Designs

chloeg@charter.net

& also by veiewing some of her recent work at this past summer's Peace Garden link~

http://thepeacegarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/tying-one-on-in-garden.html

This bright & energetic still life being worked on by our friend Sharon, is truly the work of another emerging artist. This painting too, still in it's early stages, gives me a feeling of positive energy every time I glance over. Sharon is already a fabric artist, & now she is transforming her artistic gift to that of a painter.

We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to be working with our art teacher-artist, & dear friend, Laureen in her very charming corner of the world. Her studio has such wonderful northern light, & the environment created by everyone, is positive, & very real. What a great way to explore the possibilities that playing around with paint can create. Each of us so very different, & with that our unique journeys inspiring~ universal thought.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

An Artist & His Work, Mission Impossible, "not"~

2011-12-05T09:51:00.011-05:00

I must have had a years worth of toilet, & paper towel cardboard cylindars that I had been saving for so long, that my husband was beginning to put them in our recycling, & I would take them out, & find a place that was out of view to stash them.

Yesterday was finally the day, I thought I had enough, & also, I thought I had the where with all to kind of, sort of explain the Mission Impossible theme & message to my grandchildren, how the tape would self destruct into smoke after the instructions were heard, & if my grandchildren were to decide to take on the mission?

Mission being~

to make something really cool with all these cardboard cylinders, if they decided to take on the assignment,

& voila,~

my grandchildren did, & even after it got a bit tricky, but my grandson hung in there, he took a suggestion form his sister on one aspect, & accepted my curly pipe cleaner Dr. Seuss flourish on the top, & there it was compete, & what wasn't to love,

especially his dedication & devotion to taking on this project most seriously & creatively, but he of course couldn't do any less, as he's that kind of a kid, & growing up to be a truly wonderful person. Yes this Nana is one of his biggest, best & most loyal fans!

**************************************************************

My husband & I began our artsy weekend early, & saw a play titled, The Mother F@^*#er With The Hat, at Theatre Works in Hartford. A very tough sounding title, for a one act play, in the episode of four individuals lives, which was portrayed in a very "real" & most compelling, as the titled hinted, of a holding nothing back, sort of way. It didn't do well on Broadway, but perhaps it was cast wrong back then. Theatre Works cast it just right, & when we saw it on Thursday December 1st, it was superb. Perhaps they'll bring it back to Broadway, this time with the present cast, as it certainly deservies a second run, for as a theatre goer all I can say is they certainly got it, just right!

On Saturday we finally got to see the Documentary, Being Elmo, which was superb, & of which I strongly recommend it to be shown in every Junior High & High School in the U.S., for it's compelling story of possibality & hope, for every child.

Later that evening we saw another good movie, this one rather artsy, & much better than I expected it to be, My Week With Marilyn, based on the diary of the young man who plays opposite Marilyn Monroe. This movie too, another interesting story of a snippet in the lives of a few individuals.

Viva la Arts!

That's what I say, for with the arts, we are able to bridge the gaps, & create better understanding, & isn't that what it's all about~

Peace, Love & Understanding,~

such very hard work, but oh, so very much worth the price, as we really have no other choice.

Am about to get ready for our weekly oil painting class, it really takes a bit of discipline & organization to get out of the house & on the road, but am focused & dedicated, so with that being said, I'm soon to be off~

Enjoy the included Mission Impossible theme if you get a chance, it's of a somewhat different arrangement, but colorful, passionate, & peaceful, as to what is fitting here at the Peace Garden.

{ 1:15pm~ Have just gotten off the phone with our art teacher Laureen, we will be rescheduling our oil painting class for this Thursday 12/8. We're a flexable group, & this will work out just fine. I have a Conservation Commission meeting that evening, but it will all still be doable. So for now, it's time I guess to not only take advantage of the sunshine, but to edit the short story that I wrote the other day, & is due for our writing class on Wednesday. Displine, with flexability, & am making it work, slow & steady,~ am doing it, one step at a time. Turtle power!}

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

The Spectrums That Color Us

2011-11-28T19:09:00.013-05:00

A beautiful day, as it came to an end, Monday, Monday...

My friends & I attend a very innovating oil painting class, most Mondays, & today we were all in attendance in post turkey form. Our teacher Laureen who is a most gifted artist takes time out of her busy life to work with us novices in the exciting medium of oil. Each, & every time we have the chance to paint together we always come away with a renewed desire to give it our best strokes ever.

On leaving Loreen's yard after packing up the car with our easels, paints, canvases, & other miscellaneous supplies the buzz was to take a look up at the western sky, which we did, as the landscape was changing fast. There it was nothing quite like a sunset, each one an entirely new experience, a reflection of the colors that serenade the very soul.

Thank you Laureen, it really was oh, so much fun!

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Talking The Talk.. & a "Woof"

2011-11-26T23:50:00.017-05:00

Dolly my faithful companion, home on the range here, has enjoyed her fair share of Thanksgiving treats, which is really good, as she'll need all the strength she can muster, as she's about to continue with her embarkment in her literary career.

Wrote an essay today, which for some reason won't allow me to cut & paste to transfer it, & now that several hours have gone by, since I've gotten started here, I'll be sure to include it another time.

Two small views of this late November~

Above is a bit of the old with a bit of the new, green from summer, & the brown which is now autumn.

Below is one of the tragedies of the recent 10/30/11, snowtober snow & ice storm. Our magnolia tree took a severe hit, & a main branch running from the central part of the tree, a continuum of the main trunk, the upper spine of this tree has been in recovery since that eventful night. Today with the weather being so very perfect, & my time truly my own, I pushed myself, finally to get out there, & use the black messy tarry substance which is one of the best ways to seal a tree's open wounds, but not without having to further clip back some branches, as winter is coming, & it would really be quite thoughtless, to just patch, & not to prune. So I did it, & got it all done within an hour, but it was sad, & this sweet magnolia will never be the same again. But it would never be so any way, as it, as us, we're all constantly changing, nothing, truly is ever permanent. And no matter how perfect something may seem, it is never, ever totally, what it appears to be.

There is beauty in everything, & we must remain forever open to change,

and I'm only human, & therefore, continuing to work on it.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

On Thanksgiving A Reconnecting of The Tribe

2011-11-25T10:06:00.022-05:00

That's my brother Dave, he gladly gave his permission to be included in this Peace Garden episode. He's the sibling of whom I had shared a very heartfelt poem, reguarding a plight which I'm sure is not totaly unique, regarding families growing up, & sometimes apart not only due to miles, but also due to the childhood histories & personal narratives.

My brother David came by for desert last night, which was a sweet delight, as he arrived at the precise moment when I was on the phone with our youngest sibling. It was truly the first time ever that all three of us had the opportunity to discuss an ongoing situation concerning our elderly mother.

Above we have my first every Smoky Pumpkin Pie, the little coal-like face in the left hand corner below the pies, are the charred remains of whatever it was that went up in voracious flames in the oven when it was in it's preheating phase of 425 degrees, making it necessary to use up what ever salt I had left in it's cardboard cylinder in order to put out the, yes fire, as it just kept burning, & burning,.. & burning,... smoking up the kitchen, & then the whole house.

Oye, I thought, & then of course yelled, I need some help here, there's a fire in the oven, & I can't get it to go out, but I did get it to go out, eventually, & afterward getting the fan going, & a window or two open, my husband cleaning up the oven, & the sweeping, & dust busting, to get all the salt off the floor, then only then, we were finally, back in business!

This recent episode sort of reminded me of when a dear friend of mine was preparing to enter a local baking contest. She had gotten all of her ingredients together to make her outstanding Blueberry Cake, which is of course a true favorite of all her fam, & friends alike. So there she was, in the midst of gathering everything so her ingredients would be of the finest quality~

"I always use fresh ingredients whenever possible, that gives you the best flavor.", she would often say, & then

a major aspect of her water system failed. Water, most essential, to run not only a kitchen, but an entire household right in the midst of entering her first ever, cooking contest, & she is an exacting gourmet cook, I must add, of cooking, baking, all sorts of food prep. It is her passion, & now right in the middle of all this she had to bring in bottled water to wash everything.

She's right of course, in her pursuit of the finest & freshest ingredients, & sticking to her standards, & would you believe, she was one of the winners in this, her first contest ever!

On the way home from our drive back from Philly to attend the beautiful Memorial Concert in our friend Glen Douglas' memory last weekend, we stoped for a light lunch in the town of Old Greenwich, Ct.

We've lived in Connecticut a good part of our lives, but my husband & I have never been to Greenwich, never, ever, until...

we finally did make the stop, which really was quite nice, just outside of NYC. I can see why Meryl, Letterman, & does Martha live there too...?

For us it was just right, we stopped at a well established deli right on Sound Beach Ave., walked arround just a little before heading back to the highway, for the last leg of our trek, but not without giving into a very prominent crave for the very best chocolate chip icecream I ever had in my entire life, at~

Darlene's Heavenly Desires

185 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwhich, Ct. 06870

203-698-9441 & also on facebook

It was at Darlene's, in the photo above, where I got the two foil colored chocolate turkeys for our grand kids, as this Nana was now living in the sugared moment!

A new tradition, our Apple Crisp Pies..

and of course the main dish, which really did come out of our cleaned up oven perfect, a few minutes after my husband had set our table, awaiting the last of our traveling family members to arrive.

Beyond the 18 hours compilation of food gathering, & prep, & the much lesser amount of time spent in the actual consumption mode, it truly was priceless...

Our extended family traveled in from the various directional points of~ north, south & east, we're the west. Not being a foodie the menu this year was pretty much traditional, yet quite good; and this time making a true effort to not go overboard with the extended baking projects I usually set my mind on doing. I made a couple of traditional pumpkins, but tweaked the apple, & on my husbands request, I gave the apple a crumb topping instead of my traditional top crust, but this time I elevated the crumb topping to the best part of an apple crisp & voila my apple crisp pie, which I was told by far, is the best I ever made! Who ever would have figured, the simplest of all, turned out to be the best of the best. I never would have guessed.

We're still in the cleaning up mode, as we speak, we're running the second batch of dishes through the dishwasher, & the family china & crystal are still sitting patiently on the counter, awaiting a one on one hand washing, which has kept everything pristine over these numerous decades.

As far back as my teenage years I've had conflicting thoughts, & feelings regarding Thanksgiving; but have worked most of the issues through, as for several decades now our feast has become a compilation of everyone pitching in, preparing, & contributing helping hands, in a much more helpful & enduring way, then it had been in the first few decades of my life from the embedded role of childhood. Voila~ again as time does heal, & can be it's own reward, practice does make better, in our attempts to be real with ourselves, & therefor enabling us to be so with one another,~ moment by moment, one day at a time.

Enjoy the left overs, for it's true that this part is, the best of the best, & a continuation of a wonderful season, even though at times, it is a lot of work; speak up communicate, for in the long run, by helping one another we ultimately help ourselves, as this too helps to create a more peaceful world, one realization, & one encounter at a time. So with that said, I'll be sure to navigate myself most judicially around the deserts that continue to present the greatest of temptations for me, a realization of knowing will power is often my only way, away from the various sweet treats that still lurk in the fridge.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

An Interfaith Thanksgiving~

2011-11-24T00:25:00.035-05:00

I would be amiss if I didn't share some quick highlights of this past evening's wonderful Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner & Service, as we all did~ "gather together to ask the lord's blessings..."

The Interfaith event, we returned home from several hours ago was sponsored by~

the

Putnam Science Academy

the

Greater Putnam Interfaith Council

The Interfaith Prayers

shared this evening were~

Islamic

Jewish

Unitarian Universalist

Christian

Baha'i

We were all welcomed by the very outgoing Putnam Science Academy Board President. Our GPIC Program Director, Pam Rosenlund gave this evening's Thanksgiving Invocation.

John Etheridge shared a work entitled The Meaning of Thanksgiving, & also accompanied some of our singing with the talent of his guitar. Our most special musical talent for this evening's

event, Joy Richman sang ever so beautifully, Johnnie Mathis' song~

One God, of which she did amidst a few teared eyed individuals, in the audience, [of who I won't let on].

The service concluded with us all singing our favorite~

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Our annual Thanksgiving Eve Service, has been a mainstay of our community for over 25 years. This year's event was most special & unique, as the Putnam Science Academy graciously invited the people of the community to a most delectable, & fun filled dinner, prepared by their most talented chef, of whom we say~ Thank you, thank you, thank you, with wishes & prayers,

for a wonderful Thanksgiving to all~

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

An Artful Day With Pallet, Brush, & Thoughts

2011-11-21T23:07:00.013-05:00

We all learned it when we were kids, first Sunday, & then comes Monday, & in all actuality it's almost Tuesday, oh my~

What can I say, some days it seems it takes forever, just to leave the house, thinking of this, & thinking of that, not that it really makes any difference, they're just thoughts, of this & that, & the getting on the phone, making appointments, add that to a Thanksgiving Week's ongoing To Do List, & what we end up with, well I guess there's never quite enough time. Just the true nature of what is.

This morning I was talking to a friend who is with our Conservation Commission, she reminded me of a report I had heard on the news about an hour earlier, of how it's been documented that this year had the highest level of environmentally warming global gasses that have been emitted, & recorded, since the time of the Industrial Revolution.

No, definitely not the best of thoughts, but true, yes true.

We all do what it is we can, it's the land, air & water, of which we need to rescue, & protect, of which I must ask this question, "Are we doing our best?" Probably not. Sad but true.

It is a fine, & delicate balance every human being juggles with, taking in the snippets of happiness & contentment along the way on life's path, knowing that in the background Rome continues to burn, as it creeps closer, & closer, & because of this many an upstanding individual refuses to sleepwalk their way through life. How does one do that, the sleepwalking through life thing?

What continues to baffle me, many of us wonder, is it just plain & simple selfishness,.. perhaps they'll find a selfish gene.

So today I did make it to our Oil Painting Lesson, & all I can say~

It was one of those snippets of fun, fun, fun, with renewed self discovery too I must add, as my thoughts, & contemplations, never go away, they just come out in different, & more colorful form!

Today is Birthday Season in our family for my brother & brother-in-law,

Happy Birthday, Bros

Wishing you both a season of,~

Health, & Happiness, of whom you have our love!

************************************************************

Post Script to this posting~ It's 12:35 AM, & I just read an essay which totally relates to the above Peace Garden entry. The essay is a little long, but in all honesty I just couldn't pull myself away, as it rang so true, & thought you'd enjoy it too~

http://www.healyourlife.com/author-don-miguel-ruiz-and-don-jose-ruiz/2011/11/wisdom/inspiration/the-story-of-you&utm_id=HYLFB

Thank you Don Miguel Ruiz & Don Jose Ruiz, what a wonderful essay!

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Our Friends of Which We Are Forever Thankful~

2011-11-21T20:35:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we just got back from a whirlwind trip to Philadelphia, as our dear friend Glen had passed away one year ago today, & on Saturday 11/19/11, his loving family hosted a beautiful Memorial Concert, which featured works by, Beethoven, Mozart, & Brahms.

One needs only to experience the beauty of autumn to be reminded of just how fleeting our time here is. It is often said that life is short, & yet, though autumn, this delicately beautiful season, is also strong & cold, yes we love her, we love her, still.

To all of us, as it truly is, all of us, who continue to go on, after a loved one, or a dear friend has passed, what better way is there to honor their memory, then to share the very best of what that person has meant to us with others, to help to make this world, truly, a better place.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

A Birdhouse, Some Rag Dolls & The Color of Glass~ Staying on Message

2011-11-18T14:12:00.010-05:00

We'll be heading down to Philly tomorrow, as our dear friend, who passed away last year at this time, his family is hosting a memorial concert. As I click away to even mention this, I can't help but to feel the goose bumps that come over me, as this is such a bittersweet time, of having lost a dear friend, ever too soon, but knowing so very well that he was a true good friend, who was admired & loved by everyone who ever had the opportunity to get to know him.

So on this note, I will leave behind, a different message of sorts, though natural, yet contrived of the eclectic photos chosen, in regards to the things we do here on planet earth, to express, & to amuse the mindfulness of the heart. No matter how silly, artfully executed, & no matter the age or stage of life that the individual is or was that created it, it's all worth it, for, for many of us, it gets us through,~ one day at time.

Have a good weekend, one & all, & enjoy this season of Thanksgiving, for no matter how transient our time is here, we are, all humankind, most blessed to be upon this earth.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Peace & Harmony Flags At The Pomfret Public Library

2011-11-17T20:20:00.012-05:00

Rain, rain rain, that's been pretty much it for today, but on the inside, though it gets dark outside early, it was most definitely~

sunny, bright & warm~

Today I was booked for a Peace & Harmony Flag Making Project, at the Pomfret Public Library, & truly what wasn't to love! We had approximately twenty school children on this rainy afternoon, from third grade on. So after the kids arrived at the library directly from school, our Children's Librarian Kristin had a cheery snack awaiting of; popcorn, cookies, raisins, & a juice drink. The mix of kids was just perfect for the project at hand, but not before being read two books, by Kristin; a most gifted & talented Children's Librarian who so kindly invited this Peace Garden turtle, as I wore the turtle hat, that my grandchildren had given me for today's project, as it suited the day, & helped to set the theme, & what was not to love~ a tasty snack, good books, & a craft project that I really must say~ who enjoys more, the participants, or the facilitators, yes us!

It truly was a great time, of which I will return to the Peace Garden with some additional photos of the event, as the flags are still drying, but in a day or so, when I go back to the library, I'll most definitely take some more photos to share with you all!

Thank you Kristen, & everyone at the~ Pomfret Public Library, as it was certainly a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon, no doubt about that!

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

A Stitch In Time of Peaceful Thoughts~

2011-11-14T21:39:00.012-05:00

Am so very thankful for the trees that were spared injury, during the recent storm.

The magnolia in the photo below received a devastating amputation of a major limb. We're hopeful that by patching it tomorrow, it will somehow become fortified, & strong, so we can all enjoy it's majestic blossoms once again come springtime.

Just a few simple still life's at the end of a relatively quiet & satisfying day...

& am taking it all in~

The beauty this time of year, before all the leaves come down is an eyeful to behold. This week has begun with a pace more suited to my nature, no rushing off logging on miles, just a jaunt up to our Historical Society's Old Town House to do a few stitches in time with our community's quilters.

An important project this week is to do a bit of first aid to our magnolia tree, which took a pretty heavy hit during the recent snow-tober storm. A main artery of a branch was lopped off due to the heaviness of the snow upon the leaves, & that's all this precious tree needed, but to experience an extreme hit, right at it's aorta. We're hopeful that the repair we'll be doing will help to fortify this beautiful tree. Other than that, am taking it slow & easy,~ our oil painting lesson has been postponed, & am presently on target for the trek into the Boston area on Wednesday to be with our fella writers. This would be a good week to go through our BeadforLife inventory so we can continue to sell some of the various items, by getting the story out, & making these beautiful beads, available as best as we can to who ever would be interested.

So for now I'll say,~ good day, & good evening & hope you enjoyed these few simple views, from the simplicity of a day well spent, with wishes of such, going near & far, as these thoughts remain most honest, peaceful & true.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

The Colors of A Week, & In Celebration of BeadforLife~

2011-11-13T19:57:00.020-05:00

We had a wonderful BeadforLife Party, sponsored by the~

Sisterhood of B'nai Shalom

In the photo above, is our Co-President Sue, having just made a shopper's choice or two, with our friend Tina.

So many beautiful items to choose from, be it bracelets, necklaces, earrings,

shea butter lip balm & soaps, all of it a true bazaar for the senses...

The gift bag above was given to our member Marge who introduced Beadforlife to us, & was the co hostesses with me for this recent event. Marge was home that night as she was not feeling well, & we missed her not being with us, so very much.

Hi again, Dear Friends, of the Peace Garden,

Have been on a little bit of an "e- break", if you know what I mean... It really was quite a busy time last week, with trips out of town, several days in a row, & all the aftermath of the recent

snow-tober storm, that & all the previous made commitments, it was really good to slow down, & help out where I was needed. It was all very satisfying indeed, especially being able to take care of our grandchildren, as their school was closed up until this past Wednesday November 9th, so on Monday we spent the day together, having brunch out, doing a few little errands, & then dedicating the remainder of the day working with my grandson on his Social Studies project. Also, once a week, when ever the schedule works well for all of us, our friend Loreen an accomplished artist, gives my friends & I an afternoon of very instructive & relaxing oil painting lessons. On Wednesday our Sisterhood hosted our BeadforLife fundraising party, so with all that, as I was buzzing along with also being able to visit a sick friend on Thursday, & trying to get the dust eliminated & under control here at home, for I was so looking forward to having some friends in on Friday for a light luncheon; because of all that had been going on, it was necessary for me to opt out of the weekly trip into the Boston area for our Writers Group, of which is so challenging, & enjoyable, a true gift of creative joy, to this writing life of mine. I am trying so very hard to become disciplined & productive. Our friend T *, is a most gifted teacher & facilator, & all the women in our group, are very talented & supportive of one another. In my mind's eye it is a "think I can, I know I can..." my very own, Littlest Engine That Could, ~ the life & soul of who I am, which of course takes decipline, pure & simple.

So as we head closer, chugging along on this track, I call my life, & learning, always it seems, the hard & slow way... I embrace it, no matter how hard, & know very deeply & authentically, that I am doing what it is that I need to get done, & along the way, continue to learn to cast off, to shed, all that is negative, & move steadily & constantly towards the light, of my creative, & emotive self, the person I am, of who I am, by purely being & doing what it is I am ment for... this,~ a writer, the life, of an artist.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Tonights The Night For Our BeadforLife Party~

2011-11-09T11:46:00.008-05:00

A few worthwhile hours spent this morning putting together this poster, it was so simple as the materials in the packet that were sent had everything I could have wanted, & all it took from me was a poster board, some colored paper, a glue stick & just a tad of tape, & there we go~

a colorful visual which not only adds to the texture of our party, but educates, & displays all of the BeadforLife handcrafted products~

Well the date has arrived, & I'm now, pretty much checking off items on my

to do list, & here's the list~

Copies with pictures of all items being offered listed, checked out portable CD player yeah it works!, so we'll be able to listen to the beautiful music done by the BeadforLife gals, will bring a computer & if someone knows how to run a DVD from my laptop we'll be viewing that too, 2 boxes of counted inventory all set to go, & last but not least;

refreshments of~ baked goods, preferably donuts, cider crackers & cheese, coffee & tea. Will scout out some colorful disposable tablecloths to perk up the room, & show off the beads, & also a basket of flowers for our table.

That's pretty much it, so now, its just my list of my own personal things to do, shower, the hair bit, & all of that, dress, ect..

Our Sisterhood Co-President of B'nai Shalom, Putnam, Ct., Sue, will be meeting me at our building at 5pm, which will give me a good two hours for us to set things up, & get in the flow, our member Peg, who is my co author friend, will be meeting us at around 6pm, which is excellent. Marge, our Public Relations Chair, is home not feeling well, she's the gal who has been turning everyone on to BeadforLife, through her daughter's long standing involvement of helping to promote the story, so I'll be visiting Marge tomorrow, to update her as to how the event went. She said her daughter would like to also sell some of the beads, which is lovely, as her daughter works at Assumption College in Worcester, Ma. where this project has in the past been very well received.

Well I'm off, pretty soon that is, for the food gathering aspect of our event. This part is also easy, as the items on my list, are simple to obtain, & will have been freshly gathered. I'll keep you all posted of course, but truly, doing this is the best of the best!

http://www.beadforlife.org/indexOR.html

Eradicating poverty one bead at a time.

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Our Heroes The Mounties From Quebec, Canada, & A George Harrison Song~ We Thank You!

2011-11-07T20:53:00.022-05:00

Here in Connecticut we've just come off of a real hard road, in regards to what happens in a society when it's basic needs of warmth & power is depended upon a utility company.

We're fortunate that the people we know, love & care about were able to deal with the cold nights by either bundling up, staying with friends & relatives, or running generators; but in a society & in a community, individuals will, from time to time fall through the cracks, who really is the watch dog on any of this... We can certainly inquire about the people we know, near & far, but those we don't know of, the individual who may be elderly, or ill, who may not have any active contact, outside their own little nest, who's watching out for these people?

Certainly not a utility company that really puts profits before the saftey & well being of the citizens they are supposed to serve.

What can I say? Not a whole lot more reguarding any of this. We need better laws to protect citizens from the selfish greed of utility companies as we go foward, as this is the 21st Century after all, or as George Harrison sang~ "Isn't it a pity, how we break each other's heart...

At the end of the day, it's the little things, like this snowtober stew, made with the meat our son needed to remove from his freezer due to the long upcoming days of no power. Our son, daughter-in-law, & grandkids, hold the family record, of no utility company power of

9 days total. We're all very fortunate that it's not truly wintertime, yet!

And now this enduring song from my favorite singer, songwriter, poet of all time, the man who gave The Beatles pure heart. George Harrison, we honor, & we miss you~

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

Enjoying The BeadforLife Experience

2011-11-05T09:44:00.015-04:00

Yesterday I did the unpacking of the two BeadforLife boxes, & I must say it was easier than I had ever expected. Every pack was in an environmentally safe package, & all items were in groups of ten; which made the counting, especially for a number phobic person such as myself who looses it, as the numbers mount of fast, making this kind of person very happy indeed.

No muss, no fuss, all items matched up on the invoice sheet, perfecto!

Thank you so very much women of Uganda, & all the BeadforLife behind the scenes individuals who work so very hard with love & devotion~

http://www.beadforlife.org/indexOR.html

Eradicating poverty one bead at a time.

**************************************************

Additional thoughts regarding our BeadforLife Party~

Being I was brought up in the Judaic tradition, from a very early age on, we were all taught through our religious training, that we are all to do something good, in order to help to~

Repair the world.

To do this is a blessing or a mitzvah as it has been known to be called from our long ago, Talmudic days.

Several years ago on the encouragement, & the invitation of a dear friend, I joined for the very first time a religious group of women of my early roots faith Judaism. I did this as a gift to myself, as our family was dealing with immense loss, & a year of ongoing illnesses. Joining a new group, as always can present challenges for anyone who is the lone newcomer to the group, & has a deep side of believe it or not shyness, from a childhood of having had been the new girl in the classroom, more times than is comfortable to recall, but I did it, primarily to share with other gals, in the positive aspects of a heritage that goes very far, & deep, & due to this connects us to one another. It was one of the best things I was able to do for myself, as all the women I have gotten to know, in a sense, we kind of, sort of, all, together know, what it is we are required to do, which is to continue to help to~ heal the world.

Thank you so, fella Sisters, Members of~ Sisterhood B'nai Shalom. It is an ongoing honor, & pleasure to share in such a fine organization of which we have a common mission & bond, to continue to do our very best, to help to heal the world.

True we may have been commanded to do so, & even so, it sure feels so right, & very good indeed.

And thus our latest update, states so plain & simply~

Sisterhood B'nai Shalom

of Putnam, Ct.

will be hosting for our first time ever~

BeadforLife Party

Wednesday November 9th, 2011

7 pm

& of this, I will certainly keep you posted, as it has certainly been shaping up to be a most heartfelt event, for all involved~

~Shalom, Shalom~

Shalom

*********************************

Chapter One of our BeadforLife experience can be found at~

http://thepeacegarden.blogspot.com/2011/11/beadforlife-im-so-excited.html

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden

BeadforLife, I'm So Excited~

2011-11-03T15:27:00.013-04:00

I was a bit nerrvous wondering if the UPS delivery person would be able to leave my expected packages today, due to my dog Dolly, as I know how she can bark & bark, & bark; when a stranger arrives, but I guess this person was pretty secure on how to manage, so here they are, two boxes of joyful suprizes, of which "Yes~ I'm so excited..."~

http://www.beadforlife.org/indexOR.html

If you're in any way interested in also hosting a BeadforLife party, don't hesitate to get in touch with this awesome organization. We could definitely share some of our beaded-stories with one another here at the Peace Garden.

So for now, once I delve into the packages at hand, I will be sure to count, & compare what's inside, with the invoice sent my way. I was told there's an excellent CD enclosed of Ugandan music, along with a DVD about BeadforLife, & the global organization that has been created around~ "eradicating poverty one bead at a time."

Our next Chapter for this forward moving project is~

http://thepeacegarden.blogspot.com/2011/11/enjoying-beadforlife-experience.html

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© Mother Lightning of Mother Lightning's Peace Garden