Be Here Now

The house is quiet.  The hustle and bustle of the past week is over.  Everyone is off in their different directions.  Alexandra, my first born, left yesterday for school.  "My new apartment's great Mom!  I'm so excited!"  Stevie is already in the thick of things on his campus.  He forgot his favorite pillow.  "Momma, can you send it to me?"    Victoria, my "littlest", sophomore in high school has a tennis match this evening.  "Mom, I'm not sure if I want you to come.  I will text you.  Love you!  Bye!"

The old days are gone.   The present is soft and embracing like the misty fog that is rising on our pond this morning.  Warm days of summer  mingling with the crisp "almost" autumn mornings.  September has always been the beginning of my year.  September is when I take stock and set my course for the future.  Not January.

                                                        

     The Master observes the world
                                                           but trusts her inner vision.
                                                           She allows things to come and go.
                                                           Her heart is open as the sky.
                                                                                                                        Tao Te Ching, Stephen Mitchell

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Comments

[Kim aka Cloudmama]

Kathleen,
You were the first post on my four day old blog that wasn't related! I think that makes us best friends! LOL
Your blog is gorgeous, but your family is even more luminescent.
I am curious what Soul Collage is? Sounds like something I would love! I am just entering the phase of children being in school full-time. And like you beginning to discover what fills ME with joy. I look forward to getting to know you and wish you the best of luck in our class.
Best, Kim

[Debbie W]

Such a beautiful post, dear heart. I am feeling the same way. My two oldest begin college classes today, and my youngest girls will start High School next week. I am the beach right now, taking in the quiet stillness of being alone. Where do we go from here?

Love,
Debbie

[Mayberry Magpie]

Such a calming post and so welcome in the hustle and bustle of "back to school."

I've taped Mitchell's sentiment to my computer, but "She allows things to come and go" shall be my new mantra.

By the way, I love your reflections and affirmations, but I would also enjoy hearing a bit more in your posts about your collages. For example, what inspired the one above and what was your process?

P.S. We had an "almost" autumn morning in Mayberry this morning -- 60 degrees when I stepped outside to fetch the newspaper. It was brilliant!

[rivergardenstudio]

Beautiful, beautiful post, the art, the poem and your banner. You have inspired me today! Roxanne

[Karen Maezen Miller]

Here's what I see: Inconsistently Scarred to Preserve True Vintage Character.

Don't we know that's true!

[Janet]

Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for your comments on my blog. I see you are feeling the same as I. It is funny how we as mothers have to adjust in our role, as our families grow and change. I never realized it until this year. Love your blog too, I will be back to visit.
Take Care,
Janet :)

[Jennifer Boire]

Dear Kathleen
thanks for your comment on my blog. Looking at yours is very peaceful. Love the images. Just spent the morning doing soul collage - what a wonderful soothing practice. I make little retreats for just me, even if the kids are home (asleep, like teens do in the morning). School has started this week for us too, and it feels too soon. Hot sun, the pool shining and inviting me in, but I'm too busy indoors.....
best
jenn

[Seth]

The words and the journal page in this post are both so wonderful.

[nikki hardin]

I love this page!