Questioning words passing through my gates.

An old Sufi tradition advises to speak only after our words have managed to pass through four gates. At the first gate, we ask ourselves, "Are these words true?" If so, we let them pass on; if not, back they go. At the second gate we ask; "Are they necessary?" At the third gate we ask; "Are they beneficial?" and at the fourth gate, we ask, "Are they kind?" If the answer to any of these is no, then what you are about to say should be left unsaid. What words are you saying and what ones are you leaving unsaid?

Because I need it today.

One of my favorite songs and favorite movie trilogies. I need it today.

On my mind.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
~Anne Bradstreet

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.
~Proverb

If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the autumn.
~Irish Proverb

Love and the like.

I don't need a special day on the calendar to celebrate love. In my world, we do it all the time. But since the Hallmark world today is saying i love you, I will again, too.
Not just today, but every single day, I love you.

Sing it loud.

Me, too, Mr. Diamond. Me too.
Sing with me, won't you? Belt it out loud so even the dog looks at you funny. Mine did and you know what? It didn't matter to me. I did it anyways.
Forever in Blue Jeans

On my mind.

A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into.

A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.

~All quotes by the brilliant Ansel Adams

A journey.

Very late in 2011, we chose this as our new vehicle. It was time. There were a few that we debated but ultimately it was the Journey that was right. Ever since, I've become fascinated with everything that it means to me. I didn't know then just how all-encompassing this decision would become.
Having dabbled with the One Little Word project that I came across from Ali Edwards, I struggled to find one for 2012. Nothing seemed to fit quite right. The more I thought the more this word circled around me. It embraced me. It whispered that this is my word.
Journey.

Hazy days filled with heart.

This morning I woke to a city clouded in a misty fog. Rather fitting for me given that I was up much later than I had intended doing things that were less than enjoyable. Perhaps peculiar but sometimes, I see clearest amid the fog. It forces me to focus on the right here and now. I can wonder what is in the grey space beyond where my sight can see but can't do much more than prepare for what it will reveal once I reach that point.
A bit like life in general, I'd say. I can ready myself for any fathomable thought but it's only in the here and now that I can be. The past is filled with memories that soften around the edges as time goes on and then fade to grey in the mist. The future radiates hopes and dreams of what will be. It, too, is a bit grey and certainly unknown. But right now, in this this moment, in this tangible space where my eyes can focus, is where my heart drums its beat.
February, welcome. You knocked gently on my open door politely waiting for me to invite you in and I thank you for that.