Starting Over

Lately, I've been spending more time in prayer, and I feel like maybe God's trying to tell me something, but I couldn't quite place what that something was - until this morning. I awoke for no reason at 5; finding myself unable to sleep, I pulled back one of the curtains in my bedroom and watched the sunrise over the treetops in the front yard. That's when it hit me. Endings can be happy and great, but sometimes it's the beginning that's beautiful. Think about the word "beginning" and what comes to mind? For me, the word brings thoughts of hope, new life, and the chance for something wonderful.

Throughout the day, it's as if God flipped the lightswitch on. The Weather Channel predicted "the start of a beautiful spring." I had the chance to pic out fabric for "the beginning of a fun summer project." My dad officially "began his role" on the local jury (sure, that's not amazing but it helped to get the point across to me.) I am sure I heard the words "beginning" "start" and "new" a thousand times today. But maybe it's not the world that's suddenly different - maybe it's God trying to change my perspective to a more hopeful outlook. Either way, I've made up my mind that the past is behind. I'm starting over for the last time,and I don't know how it will turn out, but I have the feeling that this beautiful beginningmight finally reach a happy end.

Here's to Peace, Love, & Starting Over,
~Lola

This dying world, You brought it back to life...

As predicted, my sore throat has indeed turned into a flu. I can't breathe very well, I definitely can't speak, and any glimpse of food makes me immensely thankful for my little trash bucket tucked behind my bed. I'm wandering around the house in a state relative to being a ghost.

And yet -

I feel the need to escape the house for a few kartwheels. Why? Because yesterday began a trend of absolutely perfect days. The sun is blanketing our little pocket of earth with a blissful 73 degrees, the last patches of snow hidden from it's rays. The grass is slowly returning to it's green state. There's even a slight breeze dancing through the leaves still scattered from fall.

It's interesting to note the contrast of the perfection outside and the dullness inside. As long as I'm trapped in gloomy dimness, I'd much rather curl up and stare at the wall; but one glance outside reminds me that it's far too beautiful to not smile. So, I think I might sneak out to the porch after lunch. Who knows - maybe my sunburn from yesterday will turn out in a nice tan after today.

Here's to Peace, Love, & Not Letting The Doldrums Get You Down,
~ Lola

Ahh, Tea.

I woke up this morning with one of those premonitions that the dull ache in my throat is bound to turn into something worse. But the show must go on, nonetheless. So here I sit, a cup of peppermint chamomile next to me, watching the snow drift down outside my bedroom window. The heavy clouds have turned the world outside to grey. It's 39 degrees today; the snow is less like snow and more like little packets of slush tossing themselves to the earth in swirling circles.

I'm so ready for spring. Ready for the flowers and the sunshine. Ready for the rabbits and the robins to come back. Ready for that feeling of another year waking up from its dormant sleep. Soon enough, I suppose, it will be here again.

Until then I'll just sip at my tea.

In the words of Wordsworth:
"For oft, when on my couch I lie in vacant or in pensive mood, they flash upon that inward eye which is the bliss of solitude; and then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils." (from 'I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud' - a very lovely poem which I suggest reading)

Here's to Peace, Love, & Hopeful Thinking
~Lola