defining religion

I ran into a really striking bulletin board for a church recently -
had to take a snapshot. In case you don't have your bi-focals on, it says:


Religion is GOODNESS with its sleeves rolled up.



It made me think of another quote on religion I like:

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." The Dalai Lama

re·li·gion
1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
3. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
4. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
5. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Having zeal or devotion to kindness...or goodness...nuff said.

wild & wonder*full West Virginia

I went chasing the sun and kissin' the wind this past wkend on a BMLM [Bare Minimum Last Minute] **trip to W. Virginia. Some wishfull observations:

1. Ohio doesn't have any Biscuit World restaraunts...pity...miss the sweet tea and honey biscuits already.

2. Cicadas provide natural musical serenading as you drive -roll down the windows -turn OFF your stereo and give it a listen...before they're gone.

3. Lop-sided-abandoned-weather-beaten-old-barns are now my new curiosity...maybe...obsession.

4. Queen size sheets spray painted with messages make fantastic community message boards!

5. Listening to live banjo pickin' bluegrass music & eating fresh home cooked organic food is really "almost heaven"...

I wishweaved all the way from Charleston to the New River Gorge Bridge -- evidence by the pics!

**BMLM -Bare Minimum, Last Minute -pronounced - Bim-Lim, -definition- the best way to have a party, live life, take out the fussiness and hassle of ' IT ' -concept invented by SARK
http://www.planetsark.com/

2 yr old wisdom

Out of the mouths of babes always comes wisdom. this weekend, my little grandman, Ryan, watered all the plants. "Come on!" he said...with the utmost enthusiasm. AND off we went. Filling up, pouring out and nourishing every single plant. Over and over and over again.

His smile never went away. His joyed overflowed. His childlike wonder always teaches and amazes me. I am so thankful for his lessons.

Especially at this time, where water is scare, can be destructive and taken for granted, may the simple act of nourishing with one our most basic life's chemicals, water, bring you thankfulness too.

Canadian cuppa tea

After my art-fest at the hotel, I was ready to get out and explore. Terry had business in Canada so I tagged along. Once we made it past the 40 mile detour, Bridge to Canada, and found our destination. I got the Ford Edge to explore Ontario for about 4 hours. I found extraordinary wineries everywhere I drove. HUGE greenhouses with lush plants just inviting the guests in. In Kingsville, the southern most part of Canada, http://www.town.kingsville.on.ca/

I had a blast discovering why this Victorian town is so charming. At Annabell's' I had a delicious cuppa Iron Goddess green tea with a vanilla scone, Devon cream, strawberry preserves and luscious service! OF course, some wish tickets were left at Annabell's for someone, someday...

After that I went to 'once upon a time' a thrift-estate-garage-sale-kinda store [IE: heaven] and rummaged through their moving sale. I found two vintage Canadian postcards of little girls from the early 1900's and lots of things every mixed media artist would love.

mi-shi-gən wishcrafting

I had my surgery this week and have learned to use and appreciate my left hand. My right hand has been 'ordered to light duty' until my stitches come out next week, so I'm being a good patient and paying attention to all the "actual" duties our poor hands must endure. Since I'm right hand dominant, this has been a lesson in appreciation for lefties living in a right-handed world. Since I'm officially recuperating and off work, Terry decided to take me on-the-road with her to N.Michigan and Canada for a business trip for a few days. Yippee-- unexpected wishcrafting!

First, let me say, how nice and cozy the rental car Ford Edge is for arting while driving. I have NO idea how the gas mileage, engine size, etc...BUT, I was super impressed w/ how all my supplies fit nicely in the passenger door compartment so I could quickly grab it while I worked on my Sacred Gathering Journal. I had everything I needed for the 4 hour drive. Quite lovely!

Once at the hotel --- after dinner and unpacking. I had the whole next day to catch up on some wandmaking. AND did I. The suite we stayed in had a beautiful sky light that had a desk that became my work space for the few days. For the entire day, I had peace and qiute and nothing but the Michigan sunlight to keep me company as I wanded away. With my right finger all bandaged, I was very careful not to let in any art supplies sneak its way into my stiches - didn't want to have to explain -glitter to my surgeon!

wishcovering

During the past few days I've been exploring wishcovery. The random act of leaving wish tickets for people to find them just at the right place & time that they are needed. Some interesting places this week.

1. hidden in grocery ailse for someone to find while hunting for rice
   


2. tucked in the $3 tip after dinner the other night in Milford



3. hidden amongst the flora at the garden center...lookey ->

I never know who finds them but somehow I know they get 'found'.