Miles Away

On August 2, 2023 By Piano girl12 Comments

It could be the one-hundred-plus-excessive-heat-warning temperatures.

It could be because I’m missing Dad.

It’s most likely an all-of-the-above answer to any multiple-choice question you might ask.

Whatever the question or the answer, my thoughts keep drifting.

What would I give?
To rest in
The Wisdom
Of your shade
To sit beneath 
Limbs-curved
And crooked from
Over a century 
Of growing
Reaching 
Learning to be-
Witness to 
Stories unseen
Standing vigil
Thru seasons of
Darkness 
And light
Firmly holding
In your arms
All those seeking rest-
What would I give?
To rest in
The Wisdom
Of your shade-
Listening 
As the tide rolls in
Wondering 
If you can hear it, too

Lahaina Banyan Court Park-Maui, HI photo credit Gart Morris ❤️

Sweet Reminders

On July 8, 2023July 8, 2023 By Piano girl6 Comments

Today was our last day in Maui. Sad to leave but ready to be home. I will miss the slower pace of life here. It is refreshing.

A few things I take with me.

The constant rhythm of ocean waves- A reminder to listen thoughtfully.

The colorful contrasts between land, sea, and sky-A reminder to look curiously.

The ever-changing view from one day to the next from the same spot-A reminder to expect surprises.

That there is such a thing as terrifyingly beautiful views. Terrifying if only due to the path required to witness them.

And the knowledge that calm is only a breath away-maybe two. 😉

The love felt in celebrating thirty years of marriage in this beautiful place-Reminding me to be graciously grateful.

Little Lessons

On July 6, 2023July 6, 2023 By Piano girlLeave a comment

My bare feet squished in the sand as we walked along the shore. I smiled as my husband’s footprints disappeared within seconds. It occurred to me that not getting a pedicure before our trip was not a big deal after all.

I picked up a tiny piece of coral, obviously aged by the sand and waves. We talked about how it once was alive. I left it there to wash back out to its home. This one little thing represents an entire way of life? Now that is a big deal! 💙

White foam
Rolls in
Rolls out
As tides shift
And sandy shores
Silently wait-
Motion on the
Surface is
Endless-
One quick
Glance below
Reveals
Surprising
Stillness
Colorful
Creatures
Gracefully
Traversing
Their home
A peaceful
Contrast with
The waves
Overhead-
My heart could
Learn a lesson
From the wisdom
Below the waters

From the Shore

On July 4, 2023 By Piano girl2 Comments

Endless shades
My favorite color
Clear, bright
Dark, deep
Each hue
Weightlessly
Effortlessly
Drifting, one
Into another
Providing
Few clues
As to where
The waters end
And the heavens begin

Waves

On September 14, 2020 By Piano girlLeave a comment

Although I prefer to spend time in the mountains, the ocean also fascinates me. Waves come in many forms, each with its own purpose and level of intensity. We can learn so much just from observing.

Sometimes the waves are gentle, barely lapping at the sand on the beach. With little force, this wave flows over my feet, body unwavering. Sometimes the swells are playful. Just strong enough to cause the body to sway back and forth.

Other times, the waves are fierce. Swells so high, they knock over everything in their path. No point in resisting. An impossible fight.

Life feels that way sometimes.

Maybe it is a wave of emotions brought on by exhaustion. The kind of tired that knocks me off my feet. Such was the case last Friday. After finishing the third week of school, I had nothing left. I felt like waves were overtaking me. No choice but to give in to the tears already flowing, and then sleep.

Saturday morning was different. The storm had passed. Moments to relax and enjoy my morning cup of coffee were like gentle waves ushering in the day. Later, there was time for reflection to reveal the positives from the previous week.

Both waves were necessary. Sometimes rest does not come until I stop fighting and give in. Only then will I experience peaceful, renewing rest. The kind of rest that prepares me for whatever is in store.

Here’s to a new week! And all the waves it may bring-fierce, fun, or gentle.

Dreaming of…

On July 27, 2019 By Piano girlLeave a comment

Dreams are fascinating. I don’t often remember mine. When I do, they are usually crazy. Last night I had two vivid dreams. This morning I felt compelled to write them down.

In dream number one, I stood in the middle of an auditorium, possibly a church. A stage with rising levels in front of me. People stood all around me and on varying levels.

I noticed water seeping in around the edge. It rose quickly, but no one else seemed concerned. I began to panic. Looking up, I saw Gart standing on one of the higher levels in front of me.

I frantically made my way up to him. Despite the now chest-high water, Gart was calm and collected. I was terrified. He pointed towards an open door to our right side and said, “Look. We can get out right over there.”

Dream number two involved our youngest, Ryan. Gart, Ryan, and I were driving near the ocean. Once again surrounded by people. Once again surrounded by water. Huge waves lapped at both sides of the road as if driving through the middle of the ocean.

Needless to say, I felt anxious, ready to turn around. But Ryan said, “Let’s drive a little further. There’s a sinkhole up ahead I really want to see.” We drove forward, and sure enough there it was; a huge sinkhole, spreading and quickly filling with water. We finally decided to turn around, but the car just spun around in circles.

Back to reality. After describing my dreams this morning, Gart said “Well, that makes sense. You’re under a lot of stress and worrying about things you can’t control.” Hmmm…he’s probably right. Shhh…do not tell him I said that. 😉

As I type, the house is full of moving boxes. No longer neat and clean like it has been for the past month. Until now, my summer days have been filled with making sure the house was ready for showings. There was routine. I knew what needed to be done each day.

Now we have a contract on our house. Yay! The past two days involved signing papers for selling our current home and buying our new home. Closing dates are set, tentative moving dates established, and moving boxes everywhere. Definitely cluttered, the house and my thoughts.

But what about the second dream? Why the addition of Ryan? Well, he is our youngest. He just graduated from high school, is working every day, and begins classes at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in September. My baby…making his way in the world. Saying I’m emotional is an understatement.

Today I may be swimming in a sea of moving boxes, but there is no rising water. I may be figuring out how to let go of my youngest, but there is no engulfing sinkhole. Those scary images came from my dreams. Dreams which brought laughter and a reminder that I need to let go.

Next week we are heading to Colorado for a much-needed vacation. Time to unwind and relax, enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The mountains are calling my name! As are the peaceful, flowing streams. Not the mighty ocean waves. Not this trip, anyway.