My Butterfly...

OK it's just weird, but in a great way.  Remember how I had an experience with a butterfly several weeks ago?  I had another today.
 

I parked my car in the lot, at work, and noticed the same type of butterfly just hanging out, on a rusty pole.  It opened and closed its wings several times.  I greeted it with a happy hello and wondered if it was yet another sign.
 

About two hours later, I went to my car, and it was still there, in the same spot.  I asked it, "Are you a sign of positivity and good things for me?"
It fluttered its wings again.
 

I took it as a "yes."  :)

Escape the World for Five Minutes.....

This is awesome to behold!  It gave me chills as more and more members joined in.  I hope you enjoy this nice distraction from the 'real world' for five minutes  :)

Try This! Something New.....

Let's try something new, interesting, and fun...I'll post a picture, and you can post me  3-4 sentences based on what you see.   Pretend you're a character in a novel and see where it goes...I can guarantee each one of you will have a different POV (point of view), which makes it even better...before you know it, you'll be writing a story! I'll start you off with mine.

John cast his fishing pole for the fifth time and blew out a breath.  Would he ever get the hang of this?  He was glad no one else was here to see his failings.

YOUR turn......  :)

A Beautiful Sign........

I found some inspiration.  At least I think I did.   This afternoon, I spied a butterfly outside my office building, on the ground.  I gently moved it out of the path of cars that park in the lot.  I watched it for a while, wings mostly black with stunning orange arcs on each side.  Brighter than a ripe pumpkin.  Speckles of white also dotted the feathers.

It let me stroke and feel its wings.  The antennae would move, but its body would fall to the side. Each time I placed my finger gently along one wing to help 'right' it, it would lean over again.   My only hope was that it wasn't suffering.  Several minutes later, it was gone, no longer moving. 

I decided to honor it by taking it home as a sign and muse.  It was some cosmic message from the universe that it was meant to be with me.  It was meant for me to walk out that door,  at that very moment, to come upon it.  Mother Nature knew I would hold it most sacred.  Indeed, it's a treasured gift.

Big Ben Loses His Name....England Disappointed Me Today

I love all things British. It may be partly my heritage - half English/half Italian, that explains the visceral reaction I felt this afternoon when I read that Big Ben was losing its name.

The Italian side of me was angry, and the English half felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I want to know - did they ask the citizens? Did Parliament just make this decision unilaterally? I'm a fan of tradition, which includes KEEPING THE NAME AS IT IS! I've also been in favor of keeping the monarchy, which has been an ongoing, spirited debate among Brits.

I'm an audiobook addict, and I've had an insatiable interest in British royalty. I've listened to every book out there from William I to Henry VIII to our current Queen Elizabeth. I never grow tired of hearing a British narrator read to me about all of the lives of the Kings and Queens of this beloved country. I've had the absolute pleasure of visiting England and long to return someday.

It wouldn't be the same without Big Ben. I know he'll still be there, standing tall and strong, but without the same connotation. It's a symbol. A symbol of history, and it should be preserved. Europeans are better with preserving history than the US, as we're still a younger country in comparison, but it's part of the allure that brings tourists far and wide. Ben's name has been steeped in this history for generations, so why was it tinkered with?

I remember standing in awe at the enormity of that gorgeously crafted tower clock. I strolled the quaint streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, where the masterful wordsmith Shakespeare was born. I was mesmerized by the stories behind the Roman baths in the town of Bath. My mouth was agape with the pomp and circumstance of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I was greeted by the beefeaters that 'guard' the Tower of London as the ravens pierced me with their glares. I stood on the very spot where most of Henry VIII's doomed wives met their gruesome ends.

My husband tells me people will still call it Big Ben, but I'm not so convinced. It breaks my heart. Since it's a done deal, I can only hope my husband is right. I know I will ALWAYS refer to it by its given name.

Pure.....

I always seem to find a richness of material at the lakehouse.  It's an incredible source of inspiration. Even though I'm only here for an overnight visit, I was blessed to have a gorgeous day.  The sun was out, there was a soft breeze on the dock, and the lake was relatively still.  

The minute we arrived, the deafening sound of pure silence hit.  It is so intoxicating and peaceful.  Perfect for a writer who finds comfort and bliss in quietude.  I crave it and appreciate it in my own home; however, the lakehouse is completely different.  The atmosphere and surroundings are my idea of paradise.

The view from the deck fills me with a sense of calm.  There are tall, slim pine trees surrounding a larger oak.  Stone pathways lead you down to the lake, with a large deck and sitting area.  This afternoon, I was able to spy two mallard ducks floating across my path in the water. A serenade of tinkling windchimes provided soft background music.

Standing at another side of the deck, I got to feel the buddings of pine cones...just now starting to form.  It's a magical place that, much like Howling Woods Farm (from a previous blog), reminds me I can still find venues where I can feel 'at home.'

Heaven DOES Exist on Earth...I've Just Been There...

Time stopped...the world around me disappeared...I walked through a gate and entered heaven...it's right here on earth, folks.  It's a place called Howling Woods Farm.   Wolves and wolf-hybrids surrounded me, and the rest of the universe melted away. 

They greeted me with loving kisses, allowed me to give belly rubs, played with me in their midst.....literally...several of them began a romp, and I wound up in the middle, right underneath one as they continued their session.  It was bliss.

There was nothing but trees and acres of woodland.  The weather was perfect, and they welcomed me in their space without reservation.  I felt like part of the pack.  Even though the farm is a rescue haven, they are still afforded their natural environment to live out their lives in joy and comfort.

Then came the sadness...having to return to the 'real world' when the visit was over.  Everything else then paled in comparison.  No longer in the sanctuary where I felt more comfortable among wolves than people.  I'm a deep animal lover.  They offer unconditional love and everlasting affection.  No human relationship is unconditional, regardless of  how great it may be. 

A dog is faithful through thick and thin.  Animal lovers will know exactly where I'm coming from.

Howling Woods.......

As you all may know, my Facebook friend (Kelly) is coming to meet me in person, after knowing each other online for nearly a year.  She lives in Indiana & I'm in New Jersey (figures we've become best friends yet we live so far away).  She arrives tomorrow, and we have a wonderful activity planned for Sunday! 

We're both such crazy animal lovers, that I found a place that is literally the next town over from me.  It's a wolf and wolf-hybrid farm/shelter.  We can interact with them - pet them, feed them, etc.  We can't WAIT!!  My husband is also a fan, so he's looking forward to it as well. 

Just the thought of being close to wolves and petting them fills me with such joy and anticipation.  Apparently, they like fig newtons! lol   We're ready to buy those along with chicken thighs.  They have a website below, where they listed "things the wolves like."  Check it out - there are videos of past visitors with the wolves...it's incredible!

http://www.howlingwoods.org/

Thanksgiving Sign....

So, I was up in PA, at my parents' lakehouse for the annual Thanksgiving visit.  It's mid-afternoon, right before dinner, and I took a stroll down to the lake.  I was standing with my eyes closed, looking for some "writing" inspiration to come to me.  I felt the sun on my face, the breeze in my hair...heard the geese in the distance.  The lake was a tad less still than it usually is, so I could hear the water lapping against the rocks beneath me.  It was peaceful...quiet...surrounded by my favorite things...silence, the sound of babbling water...alone with my thoughts & nature.

I opened my eyes and sat down on the deck, with my legs dangling from the dock.  I looked over the water, started thinking of my dearly departed Aunt Joyce...an aunt I was close to and loved very much.  We had many good times together, and I always looked up to her, because I'm so much like her.  I started to talk to her...thanking her for re-awakening my talent for writing...because of her (and other friends pushing me along), I seem to have opened that gate, which had been long closed and locked.  Now that it's open, it wants to stay open & floods me with inspiration, almost everywhere I look.

The water continued to gurgle against the rocks, louder at some times than others, and I could see a small frothing beginning to form from it.  As I spoke to her softly, I closed my eyes again for a bit,  the water started to lap more quietly.  When I opened them, amidst a lake that was devoid of debris, I spied one small, red leaf, floating toward me...not close, but in my direction.  I'm not one who believes in "higher powers" these days, but I do believe in signs sometimes.  When I asked..."is this you, Joyce?"  the babbling water grew a tad louder, only a smidgen, but enough to "speak" to me.  Then it grew quiet...the water got flat...and the leaf gently started to move away.I stood up, with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye, and walked back up to the house.  I was apparently just in time for dinner.

We don't usually say grace, but I was ready...I told everyone I had something to say was along the lines.  I told them the story, and not a dry eye was at the table; however, we all knew it meant that Joyce was still with us on this first Thanksgiving without her.  Her daughter (my cousin) was there, and I knew she'd appreciate hearing that.  My mother did as well, since it was her sister, and they had grown closer over the last few years.That, my friends, is a true Thanksgiving blessing...I don't believe I've ever had one or experienced one that I can recall.  So "Joycee"...wherever you are, I know you are on my shoulder sometimes, and I'm very grateful for that honor :)

A Wondrous site, and I DO mean site....

Everyone who knows me will tell you I love animals...a friend of mine recommended this link to me, several months ago, and I've been touting it ever since.  If you want to feel peaceful and in awe, please visit this site.  It's a bald eagle nest in Iowa.  They just had three babies, almost a month ago.  My husband & I were able to witness the hatchings and continue to watch and marvel at their daily growth.  I can see why they are the nation's proud symbol.  ENJOY!

http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles