Trails of Greener Grasses

Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence?  Sometimes, I wonder...

Have you ever noticed the cows and horses as you drive along the road, leaning hard over the fence to eat the green grass on the outside edge of the fence - most times when that same green grass covers their expansive pastures...inside their fences?

Through my younger years, I thought the reasons might include foul-tasting sub-irrigation in the pastures or inappropriate crops, etc.  But, with aging, it occurred to me that we mammals on planet earth have numerous similarities, one being that the grass sometimes does seem to taste a bit better...on the far side of the fence. Looking inside my heart, I realized I too, overlook my many blessings.

-Family that travel 2 hours to visit me when I can't go the whole distance
-Friends that meet me to not only share their lives but to delve into my journey and it's travails and high spots of the week
-Children that smile and share hugs and warmth of heart and mind
-A little house that consistently cocoons me from storms and wind and the eyes of the world
-A little red car that still purrs down the road -even with 360,000 long and weary miles under her cute little hood
-A spouse whose halo continually and Lovingly absorbs and understands my north wind personality that sometimes, forgets to respect sunshine, seasons, and the differences within human nature
-Possessions that allow for abundant crafting and clothing and filling of my unending myriad of daily hungers, needs and desires
-Living in a country that - though far from perfect, still allows my free travel within its boundaries, provides mostly good roads on which to move about, still provides a fairly safe environment within which I can walk my neighborhood at night with minimum fear, and within which there are any number and types of public parks and conservation areas to enjoy Nature's unlimited wonder and soul-filling beauty. The list, given adequate thought and intent, is more fit for a book-series than a small blog post.

We don't often bump into this notion of blessings until life gives us a slap and we are then forced into the moment.  Maybe your partner, family member or friend is hospitalized or facing a deadly or life-altering disease.  Maybe your job or spouse leave you alone. Maybe the water heater died; maybe you're having one of those moany-groany days when life seems skewed and foggy, your aches and pains kept you awake last night and -of all the possible things that could happen to you, the mail is late!

No matter the cause, standing still enough to face our blessings, feeds us in a manner nothing else can.  It costs nothing - yet fills our emotional bank account to overflowing. It energizes our heart and mind as no caffeinated drink ever hoped.  Blessings fill us with gratitude, warm our hearts and soul, work the smile muscles instead of the frown ones, lower our blood pressure and pulse rate, connect with endorphins and just plain make us satisfied...at least for a little while.

My thoughtful and profound friend mentioned today that..."Moments are forever!"  That said, spend a few moments today to tally your inventory; spend those moments embracing the positives in your world.

-Watch a bird sing its song on a fencepost - and be grateful for your vision and hearing
-Listen to the wind in the trees - and be grateful for your home
-Watch the evening news - and be grateful your address doesn't include Afghanistan
-Walk the perimeter of your property - and be grateful that walk isn't occurring under a cold and lonely bridge
-Call your child, your friend, your neighbor...and be grateful you are still alive.
 -Look up at the stars later this evening, consider the awesome wonder that is our universe

Nature prevails..all over and around our lives.

Butterfly Trails; 11 Years and Counting

My mother died 11 years ago today. Among the many things which occurred during those few horrendous weeks following this trauma, was the purchase of a tall candle; my intent was to light it each Oct 18, to commemorate, remember, forgive...heal.

Each year, I remembered as October approached...and remembered again...at the end of the month. By the 3rd or so year of this nonsense, it occurred to me that I wasn't fond of the game my mind was playing, so I tried harder - to be more 'punctual'.

By the 6th year, I caught on; my subconscious was just not ready to face the unpleasant reality it had endured.

Last year, I reunited with my sister, following an 11 year hiatus, birthed from the turmoil of pain and anger during those ensuing months, 11 years ago. She and I have shared a growing year, filled with learning and forgiveness and the rearranging of a few of my memories. Interesting...how memories sometimes have the convenient power to arrange themselves in the most 'comfortable' places. Stress...may not be the forte of the human subconscious.

So, here it is - today, the 18th of October. 11 years ago, our Mommy said her goodbyes to her children in the 'comfort' of her living room. We all were there, around her bed, comforting her; holding her hands, wiping her forehead, carefully marking the clock for pain meds, attempting to deal with the horribly painful human trauma of death and separation.

Today...is a 'different' year. Today, my sister and I spoke about butterflies instead of separation; Love instead of anger; memories, instead of loss. Today, during the numerous passes by her candle with it's 'eternal' flame, Mommy and I shared words, feelings, memories...healing.

I'm not sure I understand the 'meaning' of life or what pre or pro-cedes our physical time spent here. But my Love and attention to 50 some years of Nature, assures me that life always pre and pro-cedes as it should. Fierce and sometimes lethal thunderstorms bring new growth to the Earth and life-giving water. The sometimes dangerous Sun, gives warmth and light. Death is a part of life, a part of the natural cycle of the planet we call home.

Today I commemorate Mommy. I salute Nature and life...and Love...and healing. This 11th year, I remember...and hug my memories, instead of my pain.

As always, Nature prevails.

Little Lamb Trails

What is it about babies that conjure up the human need to aide and assist? It is not always narrow-focused toward humans either, as anyone knows who has held a little kitten or goat or helped a new-born foal to its feet.

I’d like to continue believing, in my heart of hearts, that this ‘help’ gene we possess, is bigger than all of us combined, and surpasses all understanding. Nature is indeed bigger than all of us, while being part and parcel of not only who we are, but more importantly…who we can all become.

Ruth Schwinn, a novelist with more than her share of this ‘gene’, has a new book to offer, Henry the Lamb. A true story, Henry the Lamb is but one of many critter stories that make up life on their farm in New Jersey.

Picture by Justin Flores



“Every person should have a Henry come into their life and experience the joy of giving from the heart – giving more than you ever thought you could – and the reward that can never be matched,” says Ruth, on her website.




Don’t miss this heart-warming story of Love and life and yet- another time when Nature shines, bringing out the specialness in both man and beast.

Drop in on Henry’s website and enjoy a story…from the heart.

As always…Nature prevails.

Graduation Trails

A family member graduated recently. We shared these words.

"Good strengths and energy along your journey. Remember that you are the only person you will/can ever be. So be your best in your own unique way.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone! Always be open to learn from others, but never compare yourself; it will distress you and sap your energy. Each and every person – even identical twins, are separately unique.

You will discover your strengths and your limitations as you progress down your road. Build on your strengths and use them with humility, because nothing and no one lasts forever, that wonderfulness might disappear tomorrow. Strengthen your limitations, when and where you can; but mostly - embrace and respect them. That respect and acceptance of yourself – of all and everything that is you, will energize and sustain you, and keep you strong.

Be ever so particular about the person you choose for your life partner. Make sure they can be your best and life-long friend. Chemistry can sometimes wane as you age, but friendship won’t. Friends hold you when you cry, stand by you when everyone else is gone, understand you in your anger, support you with your dreams, and respect and take care of you as age plays its horrid game.

A solid work ethic is a good and necessary precursor to any success as very little that is worthwhile, comes easily. But do schedule in some healthy fun and play into your days. It will energize you, keep you young and keep you smiling.

Work hard at holding hands with Nature. She affords us unlimited avenues of beauty and constant opportunity for learning and humility. Revere and respect her, and use stewardship with the Earth she provides.

Search your heart and spirit for a Creator of some sort, be it a higher power within you, Nature, or some other form of spirituality. It will sustain you in your hopeless moments when no human can; it will teach you a respect and understanding of the universe, a universe that can give and take life in the same breath, and seem unduly cruel at times. A spiritual belief system can engender your inner peace; it may be your leaning post, your inner strength when sometimes…life just doesn’t make good sense.

Love and care for yourself, your family and your friends, no matter how intolerable or unbearable they may seem at times. Love is not easy; contrary to modern culture, you do not fall in Love. Rather - you choose Love. And Love - real Love in any of it's myriad of forms, takes work, respect, energy, patience and perseverance. As elusive and beautiful as the hummingbird, Love is the glue of life. For the times when your human nature will abandon Love in favor of ego, always keep a hug and sincere I’m sorry available. Pride never won a war, but I’m sorry and a hug…are always a sure victory! You can’t buy these two treasures any where in the universe; but they are yours for the taking – anytime, anywhere. Don’t lose them. You will lose your way without them.

All creatures, no matter how small, are part of Nature and deserving of basic care and respect. How we choose to care for entities smaller/weaker than us is a direct statement about our capacity for Love, respect and understanding of the Universe.

Learn all the lessons afforded you along your journey, bar none! For it is only you and yourself that must ultimately dance to the music of life.

Take good care. Congratulations on your graduation, one of your first major accomplishments!"

As always, in youth and in age, Nature prevails.

Healing Trails

I have to confess; I copied this saying from Jan Verhoeff's blog this am, a friend who wrote a profound article yesterday on changing hurt...into healing.


“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.”

Stephan Hoeller

If you harbor pain in your heart, or stress in your soul, go over and take in the words of healing and Love available on Jan's site.

Nature feeds us in surprising ways and angels take many forms. Maybe your rainbow's end lies in a few simple words today that will give your soul the wings it needs to take you through this day, week, year.

Nature prevails.

BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE

According to The World Wildlife Fund, "Of all migrations by small creatures, few are as astonishing as the one performed by the Monarch butterfly. The embodiment of fragility, these insects travel between 1,200 and 2,800 miles or more between their starting and ending points -- a feat without parallel. ...dangers including bad weather, predation by birds during hibernation, and big losses in the population due to winter storms,” are endured and overcome by this delicate creature. It seems that Monarchs are a marriage of 'delicate' strength, with the ability to fly away...and return.

Following my mother’s death, I sat on my porch where she and I had sat for many evenings, several months before. Through my tears I looked up; several Monarch butterflies were hanging around the area near me. I had seen some before, on our farm, but not this many. They stayed for several minutes...until my tears were dry.

My mother was a strong, yet compassionate woman. She raised her five children alone, refusing any outside help. We well knew her toolbox was off limits to any childish endeavors, just as many kitchens are the charge and territory of other mothers. She built houses, fixed wiring, sweated pipes, as well as accomplishing all the household duties that kept us healthy and cared for. I recall her soft, beautiful voice as a young child when she would sing my favorite song – in French. She made a pea, pickle and celery salad to die for! We struggled financially though not for her lack of long hours and extra jobs to keep us afloat. My sister recalls the time we could only afford one chocolate candy bar – a rare treat! She carefully cut it into five equal pieces, making sure the division was a fair one. I recall a conversation we shared when I was a young teenager: “Go out each day and find three people to which you can give an honest compliment.” Her Love for us was strong and instinctual, yet delicate, when needed.

A few years after her death, my husband and I built a barn. We noticed a lone Monarch wandering through every afternoon for several months, spending her few moments of rest amongst the tools and building paraphernalia lying about. For whatever reasons, my mother came to mind and I recalled her love and expertise with building things. I smiled as I imagined her inspecting our project, making sure it was strong enough, that she approved.

The following year our 22 year old Arabian, Gabby, whose old and injured legs finally gave out, was lying in her corral for the last time as we waited the vet’s arrival. Sitting on the ground with her, I watched as a Monarch slowly came to rest on her neck. It stayed a few seconds, then continued on her way. My mother had been an avid horsewoman, with a particular affinity for Arabians. “It’s okay, I’m waiting for Gabby, I’ll take good care of her,” was the thought that ran through my mind. It assuaged my grief just a little, helped me cope. My Love and understanding of "butterflies", was deepening.

Last year as I walked toward the car to take our old, dying German Shorthair for her last ride to the vet, a large Monarch butterfly flew quickly towards me from around the corner of our house. It flew in place about 5 feet in front of me for several seconds, then slowly went on its way. Understanding that my mother supplemented her income when we were young by raising Shelties - that she Loved her dogs, I again rested in the understanding that my mother had a special place waiting for our tired puppy, whose time here was over. I thanked her in my heart and I went on to finish my nightmarish task.

My sister and I reunited this year following a long separation that began when our mother died. During the initial phone call to my sister, as I recounted my series of butterfly events, she told me one of her own. A few days before our call, her daughter had called her from Germany to say a Monarch butterfly had sat for several seconds on her young son’s hand while he stood in the back yard. My mother dearly Loved children; they were an important purpose in her life.

We visited this past weekend. Within the first hour together, as she came into her living room where I was standing, Elton John was singing Someone Saved My Life Tonight. Butterflies are free is the chorus. My sister and I looked at each other; at that moment we instinctively recognized that sometimes, other forces are at work in our lives, that life is a bit more complex than what might initially meet the eye. We warmly realized that we just might have a special butterfly in our lives that occasionally wears a protective pair of angel wings.

This weekend was warm and Loving and filled with ‘Mommy’ stories, laced with butterflies. We shared gifts with each other. One of these gifts will continue to remind us of the family gift we share. It will help us in our healing, it will remind us that some things in life may transcend our physical reality. My sister now wears a delicate, gold and silver butterfly necklace; I wear the matching earrings. The silver is strong; the gold is delicate.

Butterflies really are free – free to fly away...and free to return.



Nature prevails.

Are there "butterflies" or another special part of Nature in your Life?