Monday, October 26, 2009

Swine Flu

Well, my friends the flu has arrived in our home. My daughter has come down with the dreadful H1N1 Flu. The doctors are really not checking for it any longer, so they are treating each case as if you do have it. So as far as we are concerned our daughter has it. This morning I took her to the doctor and I will say that it was very strange walking into the doctors office and written on a large sign were, sit on the left side of the room if you have these symptoms and sit on the right if you have these symptoms. My daughter and I went to the left side of the room and soon after a nurse walks in with face masks. My daughter was a little embarrassed, but she put on the mask. She has heard enough of the resent conversations to know that the swine flu can be pretty serious. But, might point about this experience was that in all of my life I've never seen such an outbreak of sickness. Its a little unsettling.
I hope that everyone is taking care of themselves and using the necessary precautions to stay healthy. We are hoping for a quick recovery and hoping ourselves don't in fact catch the flu.
Take care everyone-

Namaste

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Free And Easy: A Spontaneous Song by Venerable Lama Gendun Rinpoche

Happiness cannot be found
through great effort and willpower,
but is already present, in open relaxation and letting go.

Don't strain yourself,
there is nothing to do or undo.
Whatever momentarily arises in the body-mind
has no real importance at all,
has little reality whatsoever.
Why identify with, and become attached to it,
passing judgment upon it and ourselves?

Far better to simply
let the entire game happen on its own,
springing up and falling back like waves-
withhout changing or manipulating anything-
and notice how everything vanishes and
reappears, magically, again and again,
time without end.

Only our searching for happiness
prevents us from seeing it.
It's like a vivid rainbow which you pursue without ever catching,
or a dog chasing its own tail.
Although peace and happiness do not exist
as an actual thing or place,
it is always available
and accompanies you every instant.

Don't believe in the reality
of good and bad experiences;
they are like today's ephemeral weather,
like rainbows in the sky.

Wanting to grasp the ungraspable,
you exhaust yourself in vain.
As soon as you open and relax this tight fist of grasping,
infinite space is there-open, inviting, and comfortable.

Make use of this spaciosness, this freedom and natural ease.
Don't search any further.
Don't go into the tangled jungle
looking for the great awakened elephant,
who is already resting quietly at home
in front of your own hearth.
Nothing to do or undo.
nothing to force,
nothing to want,
and nothing missing-

Emaho Marvelous!
Everything happens by itself.

-Translated at Dakpo Kagyu
Ling In Dordogne, France

Friday, June 26, 2009

A week in the country

The cabin in the woods. This cabin which is privately owned sits on 400 acres. This is where I went with my family for a little peace and quiet. We didn't have cell phone use or any kind of land line,computer, or T.V. But, we had all of the other comforts of life. I can't tell you how nice it was to have a break from all of the noise. I just wanted to sit on the covered porch and watch the deer cross the road in front of me. I put my cowboy hat on and never took it off until I got home.

It felt good to have some freedom and just roam the land. It was a very spiritual place. Very peaceful. My husband and I have decided we need to get a boat and bring out the side-by- side and use that to get around the property. Its nice to finally have a place to go for the week or weekend that is so close. I'm telling you, we will go back to this place for as long as they allow us. The jewel of the Midwest.

I hope everyone is staying out of the heat and keeping cool. I'm telling you this heat is unbearable. Stay cool and I will see you all very soon. Take care-

Namaste

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Cabin

Hello, I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I'm going to be gone for a couple of days so I won't be writing on the blog. We are going away to a cabin hear in Wichita. Its privately owned and it sits on 400 acres and has fishing, horseback riding and boating. I can't wait to get away for a couple of days. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and I will be sure and post pictures of the trip and tell you of our experience.

Namaste

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Fathers Day

Today I want to wish my husband and all other fathers a happy fathers day. My daughter is so blessed to have a wonderful man to be her father. I look at this picture and can see the power in my husbands hands as he holds and protects our daughter. Today in the paper there is an article written by President Barack Obama in the Parade magazine. Its titled "We need fathers to step up". He makes a statement that really stood out to me, and that is, that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one. When I read this sentence it made me stop and reflect. Its absolutely true. It takes courage and strength of character to step up and do whats right for your child. The importance of being there in your childs life and watching them grow and teaching them life skills so that when they leave the nest they can stand on there own two feet. I'm grateful that I had a father that was my biggest cheerleader. He passed along so many life lessons that even though he is not with me any longer I'm still learning from him. I hope that today everyone lets the father or father figure in there life know how much they appreciate all they have done for them. Today is a day of giving thanks to all fathers around the world and I want to say thank you and may your journey be peaceful.

Namaste

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Wisdom


Only when faced with the activity of enemies can you learn real inner strength. From this viewpoint, even enemies are teachers of inner strength, courage, and determination.
-The Dalai Lama

Monday, June 8, 2009


I took this picture a couple of months ago. We were sitting in our backyard when someone noticed this hot air balloon above our house. I had never seen one fly over our house so close, so I ran inside to get the camera. I just can't believe how beautiful the colors of the balloon are against the back drop of the blue sky. It was truly a wonderful sight. I'm so happy that the picture turned out so well. I have to tell you I am deathly afraid of heights and would never go up in one of these, but I do enjoy seeing them float through the sky.
I hope everyone enjoyed there weekend. We had a very busy weekend here in Wichita. My cousin was married on Saturday night, and my family was all in town. We also celebrated my grandfathers 90th birthday. I don't get to see my extended family very often so when we do get together I really appreciate being with all of my cousins. Well, I'm going to sign out, its quite late here and I have a full day tomorrow. Be peaceful and I will be back soon-
Namaste

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Happy Birthday Dad

Today would have been my fathers 66th birthday. My husband and I and my sister will be going out tonight to celebrate. We will order his favorite drink and have a toast to celebrate his life. It has become tradition every year since his passing. We go to his favorite hang-out and sit outside and talk about life and enjoy being together with all of our memories. Today we will celebrate his life and all that he accomplished.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful day and maybe tonight all of you can raise your glass to a man who was so special to me and to others. Be peaceful and I will be back tomorrow. Enjoy your evening-

Namaste

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

My boy Henry




This is a picture of my five year old weimaraner. He's about 120 lbs and one of the best looking dogs I've ever seen. He's a good boy and very protective of his family, especially me. I don't believe I have mentioned Henry before but I thought it was time to introduce our boy. I hope everyone has a fabulous day and we will speak soon-
Namaste

Monday, June 1, 2009

Coffee Talk



Good Morning, I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend. I was over at my sisters house on friday evening and I came across this quote that my father had written down, so I took a picture of it and thought it would be perfect to post on the blog. My father liked to do alot of writing. But, anyway I thought I would share this with everyone.
This morning has been very busy with all of the national news going on. Yesterday in Wichita Dr. Tiller was gunned down while at church and then the news of Air France practically falling off the face of the earth and finally the bankruptcy of GM. Alot of suffering is being felt across the globe this morning and I would just like to say that I hope that each person that is being affected in someway from any of these events that my heart goes out to you. Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers. Have a peaceful day and I will see you tomorrow-

Namaste

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Good Times



My girlfriends and I went to the lake this week to celebrate our friend Julies birthday. We had the greatest time. Theres nothing like going to the lake and just hanging out with your friends and just letting loose. I actually can't believe this picture turned out so well. We put the camera on a timer and this was the result. A perfect picture of all of us. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. The weather here in Kansas couldn't be nicer. I believe its suppose to be around 91 degrees today. I think we will hang out by the pool and enjoy the sun. Take care and we will talk soon.

Namaste

Thursday, May 28, 2009

A day of remembrance



Today is the two year anniversary of my fathers death. Its crazy that its the day after my husband and I's wedding anniversary. I have a day of happiness and a day of sadness. I can tell you that I have come along way since that dreadful day two years ago. When I recieved the news that morning I didn't think my heart could handle it. I have never felt that emotion in my life.Its as if life as you know it has changed in an instant. But, somehow you keep going and living and learning.

My father was a diabetic and had been one my whole life. He was diagnosed one year before I was born. So, for thirty-two years he dealt with the side affects of his illness. I will have to say that in all my years I never heard my father complain one time. He lived his life everyday as if it was his last. He made every encounter with anyone something special and memorable. I believe he knew his life wouldn't be long and there were many times when he had a diabetic reaction and he should of died. He came close to death many times and I think he was grateful for every moment he had. Im grateful that my father did not suffer in ways that many diabetics do. He was just living life and the day before he died he had visited the Keeper of the Plains down by the river, and then later that night in his sleep he passed away. Everytime I pass by the Keeper of the Plains I think of my father and picture him sitting there and taking in the sites and having a beautiful moment before he closed his eyes forever. I miss him all the time and will do so for as long as I live and will be grateful that such a wonderful man was my father. Today is a day of remembrance for a man that lived a life well lived and that made everyone around him feel that they mattered and that they were loved unconditionally. Thank you Dad for loving me and teaching me and coaching me through life. I will carry these tools with me as I continue my journey through life.

Theirs a saying about buddhist monks. It is said that before they go to bed at night that they turn there tea cup upside down on the saucer, because there is know gaurantee that they will wake in the morning. What I say to this is don't ever pass up the opportunity to say something to someone because you might not get the chance. Don't take life for granted and never assume you will get another chance because in a flash it could be gone and you never want to live with regrets or woulda shoulda couldas. Just something to think about when your in the hustle and bustle of life. I hope this finds you well and I hope your journey is a peaceful one-

Namaste

Anniversary



Today is my husband and I's nine year anniversary. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have him in my life. Every year our relationship evolves into something more and more sacred. Every year we learn new things about one another and the journey has been unbelievable. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with my best friend/soul mate. I feel so fortunate to have met a man who has been patient with me as I've grown over the years. I feel so much unconditional love from my husband that I remind myself everyday not to take him for granted. Today is a special day for our marriage and our family and I feel blessed to have them in my life and I will cherish them always. I hope everyone is well today and to make sure you let the people in your life know how much you love and appreciate them.

Namaste

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Buddha Nature


For my daughters spring break we went to Las Vegas. We go out there quite a bit to visit my mother-in-law and father-in-law. This year we took our nephew with us. My daughter and her cousin are great friends and they get along so wonderfully. One of the days that we were there we went to the Mirage to visit the dolphins and also to see the white tigers. While we walked through the jungle type setting we came across this Buddha sanctuary. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take the kids picture. It was really a beautiful moment to share with my daughter and nephew. In the picture you can see part of a tree trunk on the left side and what legend says is that this type of tree was used as the wishing tree. It was the most bizarre tree I had ever seen, so the three of us each rubbed the tree and made a wish.
Sorry that I have been absent for so long, Im really going to start getting back into my writting again. I hope all is well for each of you and that your journey has been peaceful. Talk to you very soon.
Namaste

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Feeling Content


My daughter took this picture of me and its one of my favorites. I hope everyone had a nice new year. We had a fabulous time in Las Vegas. Our friends Alberto and Bonita met us out there and they are wonderful. We had great dinners and went to a really great party at the Bellagio. They really go all out for the new years party. It was just really great to get away for a few days before the work week and school week began. Im still really enjoying the job. I've become quite busy and it feels really good. I somehow need to start working out . My husband suggested I run the stairs at work, since I work on the 18th and 19th floors. That sounds like a great idea, but I am a smoker. Im not sure if my lungs can handle the stress. But I would love to quit smoking so maybe I could kill two birds with one stone. Something to think about. Im actually going to call it a night. Im tired now after going to work. I use to stay up late at night but know bed sounds inviting. Goodnight all and I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. Sleep well-
Namaste