On a  recent sunny mid winter day I ventured outside to twist, leap, smile , and dance with my shadow. I visited one of my alma maters where I studied journalism and slipped into the massive library and nestled among the students and books. I inhaled the fragrances of histories, romances, wisdom and mysteries.

I found me a comfortable seat and starting reading. Later as I prepared to leave I met a lovely salt and pepper haired woman who had recently started to work at the library. We struck up a conversation about writing and getting works published. It is difficult to get good info that doesn't cost the price of your first born. I promised that I would send her some of my stories, its always good to have another unbiased opinion of your works in progress. A couple of days later I received an email from her with this message "Thanks for sending the sea-shells kicked-up from what is no doubt a constant current of writing in your life." Immediately I imagined  our lives as vast as the  sometimes turbulent, or sometimes calm ocean, warmed by the sun, our tears as wind blown spray from the salt tinged ocean. 

It is my sincere desire to try to positively influence others lives, in word or deed. I know that it is not all about me , that if I am to love my neighbor as myself,  I will have to put my faith in action. 
" If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18 NIV

Fresh

Fresh flowers, freshly showered, rain fresh air, fresh vegetables and fruits, and freshly prepared foods-all enjoyable to me. In our world of immediate gratification, we often forget that good things comes to those who wait. We grab fast food, live fast lives, and seek fast solutions. We miss the enjoyment of picking a plump tomato off of the vine, washing it off and biting into it; its sweet juicy goodness sliding down our throats, leaving traces on our chins. Or grabbing a firm green one, slicing it and seasoning it and in minutes watching it sizzle in its puddle of hot olive oil, dusted with a little flour or cornmeal. Fried green tomatoes are so much more than a popular movie. I had a close cousin, Eric who loved the way that I prepared them. All I had to say was that I was about to fry tomatoes and he would rush over to my house. Even after many years I still get requests from friends far away as South Korea wanting to know if when they come back to Georgia, would I fry them some green tomatoes.

Early in life I learned about enjoying the fruits of the earth and my labor when helping my family in our gardens. Nothing was sweeter or tastier than going in the backyard and retrieving the selection of the day: squash, cabbage, cucumbers, fresh spring onions, garlic, broccoli, and sometimes even sweet corn. Fresh picked was the very best. We had apple and pear trees in our yards, grape vines, mulberry bushes, and wild strawberries that we raced against the squirrels and birds to enjoy. Nowadays, you just don't see many of the fruit trees, grape vines, and vegetable gardens like there used to be. No one takes the time. Instead, they rush to the store or market; instant gratification, but not nearly as satisfying as home grown. There are many days that I gathered fresh vegetables and herbs to prepare like crisp and curly kale, bold garlic, radiant red and golden peppers, and fragrant rosemary. After the harvest, ripe purple eggplant, tender asparagus, baby portabellas, sweet vidalia onions, and crunchy carrots were washed and spritzed with olive oil and laid upon the grill to roast. Delightful. I suppose I just love being fresh.

Are you an absorber or exuder?

Are you an absorber or exuder?

Some times we are so self absorbed and self centered that we are unable to see past our own nose or reach beyond our own grasp. We grow mentally and spiritually when you give the gift of self.


It is my sincere desire to try to positively influence others lives, in word or deed. 
I know that it is not all about me , that if I am to love my neighbor as myself,  I will have to put my faith in action. 
" If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18 NIV