There's Always Time For Thanksgiving & Wild Animals

It may seem odd that in May, I'm posting about Thanksgiving, but in my heart, I'd like every day to be a day of giving thanksgiving. So perhaps this will remind me in May, to continue being grateful for all our blessings.

Our Thanksgiving in November was celebritory but wintery. A grey sky encouraged us to cultivate inner thinkings and activities. I'd signed up as a volunteer to help serve the Thanksgiving meal to the homeless at a nearby Gospel Mission in Medford. It was a nearly new facility and quite upscale and pleasant for the surroundings. I was chosen to help bus the tables and was kept pretty busy. I have to admit, there were so many volunteers, that when asked if I'd want to leave early, I did so. They gave me an invite to come back and volunteer again and I've kept it here. I've invented this fun way to cut paper things in half and have them placed so they bridge across the center of my journal page.

Next day was Thanksgiving and here on this journal entry, you've caught my "Amazing Chef in the House", Roland's hands stuffing the November turkey. We'd invited one special guest and she arrived with lovely turkey feathers to grace our home with and a smile with lively conversation. Because of the extreme rain conditions, she left early, while there was still light, incase she had to walk up her driveway. And we nestled by the fire gratefully . . .

Several days later we finally decided to take in the annual event offered out at Wildlife Images (a rescue and rehabilitation facility for wildlife) where they tour you thru the facilitiy. The diversity of the animals was fascinating. They had docents to tell us about the various birds, wolves, bears, cougars and otters.

I have to say the animal that touched my heart the most deeply was Clark, the Cougar. He's so elegantly beautiful, strong and majestic. His story of having not only his talons removed (by a vet at the request of his owner), but also having the front tendons cut so he could not climb ~ ~ just broke my heart. How could any veteranarian do that to any wild animal, maiming Clark for life. And now he resides here at the facility, for his remaining days. Most "cute" I have to award to the fox . . . her chubby tail and crafty face made me smile. Two more creatures that I wanted to remember are the one legged Barn Owl and the Grizzly, popping up out of her cozy den in the ground. It was a day stirring many feelings, but most prevalent was my gratitude for this place that allows these animals a chance to continue living . . . in somewhat natural conditions of wild open space.

I wanted to save the colorful business card from the sanctuary and so, punched a hole in one corner, then tieing it into another hole I punched into my journal page.

This completes this journal and I like to end with some kind of quote that epitomizes where I am in my life at the close of each journal. This one is the one I've chosen: "Jumping off the cliff with open hands" byWumen Huaikai.

Where are you in your life, what quote would you choose?

Approaching Thanksgiving & Beyond . . . via Journal Pages

These days illustrate a sort of "becoming acquainted and comfortable" in our new Mexico area. One must, of course, take trips and tours and wanderings thru many and various neighborhoods. Early on we toured the city of Lake Chapala. To me this felt much bigger, more "citified" than most of the village-like towns we'd seen before. The main street, wide with giant trees lining the median and all the government buildings standing tall, firm up next to the substantial church in the square was impressive. After our walk along the concrete walkway bordering the lake we passed by the church where a wedding was finalizing and I caught this sweet girl playing amongst the pigeons. But I also noticed the strong familial trio standing prideful and protective very nearby.

Another town we visited more frequently (and personally more to my tastes) was Ajijic. It was a long but do-able walk along the Boulevard (called the "Caraterra") but usually we chose to drive. We'd heard most expats closed up their doors and stayed home night but, we didn't pick up anything to feel fearful of. So we'd walk Cody most nights right along the arterial road heading to downtown Ajijic and one brave night, we heard the patron saint of Ajijic was being celebrated. And we braved the darkness of night to discover a lovely atmosphere there. Wandering to the square, where the streets were blocked off to set up the children's carnival rides and street vendors for the adults, the wall murals and magically lite streets were compelling. We viewed the early preparations and then stopped at our favorite coffee shop, listening to mass being held just across the street. We learned the Ajijic streets were fascinating, safe (well, save for one wacky cowboy on horseback) and alluring ~ no more stayin' in once evening approached!

The adjacent image comes from our Thanksgiving celebration. When we'd discovered La Nueva Posada, an old historic hotel/restaurant for a previous lunch, we saw advertised their traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. We had no particular plans, so got reservations. The lovely part of Mexico is that they allow dogs to accompany you dining, usually out on the patio. Well, look at the divine patio area ~ lounging under a huge rubber tree with a view of the lake before us. And we have to add ~ that the turkey was THE very best we've ever had from a restaurant!!

We took walks before our Thanksgiving dinner and again after (of necessity!) and eventually settled back home at the RV. We'd both written out "gratitude lists" to share with one another (that's whats in the envelope showing off the hand made table placard) and nestled in to read them aloud. Smiles and laughter came with some of the entries . . . but, the overview? How VERY much we have to be grateful for. Humbly we turn . . . to the next journal page . . .

Triptych Delivered, New Gallery Begun!

Well, ok, I have a few minutes here and want you
all to know the conclusion of the triptych. I DID finish all three sections and feel pretty happy with all three.

My Patron and I had planned on a place just between the two of our residences, a big lodge right on the Rogue River. When I left home in Jacksonville, the sky was chilly and grey, but when I reached the Applegate Valley, the sun was beaming. I was early and poked about the grounds of the fairly deserted lodge. In the patio area I found a table and carried it out to an appropriate sunny spot. By the time my patron arrived, Cody, my sweet golden retriever, and I were basking in the afternoon sun. I asked her to sit on the rock flower bed and lifted the cover sheet - holding my breath, waiting for her reaction. I was pleased to hear compliments and mention of parts she especially liked (like the big bamboo fence in the middle frame). There was one area that had presented some confusion for her, the reflection in the far right panel where the sand was dark from moisture yet reflected some of the water. I'd fussed with it for awhile, lightening it and exaggerating the reflections before I delivered it. For now, she said she would 'live with it' to see how it settles in. Yet, overall, she seemed pleased and I, relieved. It was a big undertaking - nice to know I can meet the challenge.

One big project done - now - you won't believe this - I've taken on a BIGGER challenge. I was honored to be invited to "sample partnership" in a small gallery in Ashland. The wonderful lady artist, had had her original partner bow out and wanted to continue the gallery. To test out new partners, she inquired with two of us to come try being "guest artists" for October through December.

In the ensuing months, we have ALL decided with a big "yes" for the partnership and have begun paying rent and "all the accompanying accoutrements". We have added another lady, who wanted to rent the small space across from us for her studio, and we have renamed the gallery. After much discussion we are working on the name change to become, (are you ready?), drum roll, "Concetti Fine Arts"! Our tag line will be "Contemporary to Classic" and here's a shot of the new foursome.

And this being Thanksgiving Day ... how can I express the depth of gratitude I have when I look back and the wide spectrum of adventures I have in my life and how I get to struggle with some of them and dance through others ... and that I am "me" enough that I can share them with you all. I know how deeply I value others sharing with me their experiences, so I'm hoping opening up to who I am will help someone too. If I can remember, we are all human, working with and growing through our life processes the best we can.

Today, I am grateful and recommit to focusing on honestly, and loving expressing who I am while honoring who you are too. Namaste'