Hitting Send

I fumbled my football analogy twice this week, which serves me right since I do not watch the sport. I tried to use it as encouragement, you see? I wanted to remind dear ones in my life that they are so close to the finish line, that it was not much further now, and express how very proud of them I am. There are times in life when we are Blessed to share in cherished moments with those we Love, the kind of Beautiful occasions which we know will stay in our memory banks for a lifetime. I have been graced this week to watch a few beLoveds in my life arrive at benchmark stages in their life with courage and grace. Two women in my life are coming to the end of creational processes each spanning the past two decades! Amazing! Another girlfriend makes her way towards an important birthday, while also moving towards her dreams. And, a sweet friend and I both pack our belongings this week, saying goodbye to our homes, and preparing for new ones to arrive. All of us are leaping through fears of a substantial magnitude at the same time. How great is that? It feels like quite the synchronistic gift.

While in a free fall of trust, I find it important to remind myself to stay in the present moment, which is the true point of power where intuition and guidance arrives just as needed if we’re willing to listen. It was from this place that I was guided to visit my mother a couple of mornings ago. Upon my arrival I discovered that she was editing her book, Plant Whatever Brings You Joy, and needed an extra set of eyes to assist in the process. Sitting down at the table to read her Beautifully written book together, sharing in her Amazing birthing, which I promise is an incredible gift to the World, will always be etched in my memory as one of the dearest I’ve known. I was honoured to share in the completion of the momentous occasion, and am so proud of her, there are no words. Thank you. Thank you, for such a precious moment.

There are always those times in life when we must surrender and let go of something in our lives in order to allow ourselves to embrace the new. It is such an interesting yoga, isn’t it? With a Loving heart, we trust that we have done our best in the process, allowing chapters to come to a close, releasing it into the Universe. For each of us these dear times are allowing for different types of releases, but the completion allows for Beautiful new gifts to unfold as we move into a different stage. These touchstones mark important work done, and serve as the chapters which weave together the stories of our lives. I am thankful to bear witness to these poignant moments in the lives of those I Love, whom I remind that it really is not much further now, we are so close, and I am so appreciative to share in your magnificent achievements. Congratulations, and many Blessings upon the next.

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

About her poem Oriah Mountain Dreamer wrote, ” “The Invitation” is about finding what we need-the inspiration, the intimacy, the courage and the commitment to live fully, every day.” I am Grateful that she generously granted me permission to share her Beautiful piece. Many thanks, and Blessings.

The Invitation

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dreams
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon…
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your
fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.

If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand on the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after a night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

by Oriah from her book THE INVITATION (c) 1999. Published by HarperONE,
San Francisco. All rights reserved. Presented with permission of the
author. www.oriah.org

With Love & Gratitude,
Antonia

As the rare collection of Iris plants residing on the property began bursting forth into spectacular blossom, I grabbed my camera in an attempt to capture their Beauty. There are about three hundred species of Iris in the World, many of which are natural hybrids. They take their name from the Greek word for a rainbow, due to the vast variety of colours in which they bloom. Most of those I was fortunate enough to capture blend creams and purples, though there was also a Lovely yellow variety, and the white “Ring Around the Rosie’ flowers were sharing their remarkable grace.

Ring Around the Rosie

I’m told they need to dry out very thoroughly between waterings, as they do not do well sitting in moist dirt. Unlike the rich dirt in which one would Loving place their tomato plants, the Iris plants prefer to be in sandy dirt which can dry quickly. They also need regular pruning, as the paper-like covering around the blossoms can be peeled back to reveal a second bud waiting beneath. They flower twice yearly, but the blooms tend to be fleeting Beauties. Another reason I was Grateful to capture their elegant charm to share with you, Dear Reader.

Tahitian Dream

The shape of the Iris allows for a special relationship with pollinating insects, its outer petals forming a perfect landing pad for flying insects. This also allows an opening for access to the nectar, showing the mutually helpful exchange between bug and flower. It also makes the Iris a Gorgeous addition to one’s garden and home.

Drama Queen

Secret Service

Panama Hattie

Love and Beauty Blessings,
Antonia