tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41778002718731125642024-03-13T13:49:55.259-07:00Laima's DreamA Multi-Genre Approach to the Consciousness of a Dreamer....Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-48917944935261683332013-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:002013-12-11T17:46:47.534-08:00The Force....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7rSaSs2xfo/UqkA0dmkmTI/AAAAAAAAAW0/TVUxvaFU-4s/s1600/DSC_1109+%25282%2529+copy+%2528640x434%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7rSaSs2xfo/UqkA0dmkmTI/AAAAAAAAAW0/TVUxvaFU-4s/s400/DSC_1109+%25282%2529+copy+%2528640x434%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a
flow to the universe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A river of
energy<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That
connects us all</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One mind</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the
tiniest atom<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To the
grandest star<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some call it
spirit<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some call it
God<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Others Chi<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In reality
it is simply<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the force
that drives the place<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">where dreams
dwell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and
creativity originates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
A flow within each of us</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and we within it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A single consciousness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A single life...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in Multiples</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Connected as one</span></div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-55881617792118345282013-12-11T16:25:00.001-08:002013-12-11T16:25:35.853-08:00Musings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the
stillness of the morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Thoughts begin
to flow<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Words begin
to form...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
A day<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
A world</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
begins to
take shape<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Nurtured and
fed in the warmth <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Of the
rising sun<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Cool air
breaths life<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
In gentle
kisses of hope<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
A new day<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
A new
beginning<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
A new chance
to live<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-10450615890463443872013-12-05T19:42:00.002-08:002017-06-20T09:04:49.904-07:00The Dream Weaver<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Bernhard-Fashion; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"></span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Weaver
of Stories<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Weaver
of People<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Weaver
of Hope <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Weaver
of Dreams</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Goddess
of Fates<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Wheel Spinning</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Threads
of time<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Patterns
old and new</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Each thread<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> Each hope<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> Each future</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Each tale</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Woven
together in<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The
tapestry of life…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span></span></div>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-84496818472550193572013-12-04T16:56:00.001-08:002013-12-04T19:10:37.158-08:00Message to My Charges...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the
moment<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sun on
your face<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The color of
air...<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Learn to
forgive<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Hate and
anger<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Only cripple
your soul...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Focus on the
good<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
No matter
how small<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
See the
beauty in all things<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Even in the
most difficult<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
It will keep
things <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
in
perspective...<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Stay true to
yourself<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Follow that inner
voice<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
And find your
‘Bliss’...<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Do what is
right<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Though hard,<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Is easier to
live with<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
In the long
run...<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Keep the
child in your heart<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
The wind in
your hair<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Wisdom in
your soul<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Take your
time<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
And don’t
rush life<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Or it will
be over<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
Before you
have lived…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwbEp9U7fH8/Up_LucNXOdI/AAAAAAAAAWc/7R6sFLCMewc/s1600/DSC_0084+%25283%2529+copy+%2528441x640%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwbEp9U7fH8/Up_LucNXOdI/AAAAAAAAAWc/7R6sFLCMewc/s640/DSC_0084+%25283%2529+copy+%2528441x640%2529.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-3129827619744868062013-12-02T22:59:00.000-08:002013-12-02T23:10:30.727-08:00My Fall Hummingbird<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcdWeF0uWcw/Up2AsDdSYZI/AAAAAAAAAWI/IgM2Fc2jirY/s1600/DSC_0402+(2b)+copy+(498x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcdWeF0uWcw/Up2AsDdSYZI/AAAAAAAAAWI/IgM2Fc2jirY/s400/DSC_0402+(2b)+copy+(498x640).jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-40088693163562428912013-12-01T02:26:00.001-08:002013-12-01T07:02:27.533-08:00Angels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was gently prodded by a very special someone that I needed
to start writing again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so true,
from the mouth of babes great truth flows, a student suddenly the teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I am humbled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Messengers come in all forms if you are
willing to listen, willing to see, willing to believe. More often than not, the
message is what you need at the precise time it is needed to be heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trick is to separate what you need to
hear from the chaotic noise that all too often invades our lives, our minds,
our beings, causing us to forget, lost in the darkness and shadows of Plato’s
cave…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so I hear, or rather see a gentle post from a gentle
soul, an angel really, reminding me to not lose sight of the gift I have been
blessed with. A gift that keeps me rooted in who, and what, I really am. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a part of me, perhaps the better part of
me, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that all too often gets drowned out
by life’s responsibilities and desires, needs and expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a part of me lost for decades under a
sea of turmoil and neglect, drowning, a castaway waiting for a moment of calm
to reemerge and be seen, recognized and nurtured. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once a refugee lost in a wilderness of loneliness self –doubt,
I have found sanctuary among like beings and friends who feed and nurture a
once impoverished soul with hope and possibilities and love. Wrapped in the arms
of like minds and kindred souls, I know life outside the cave is full of possibilities
and light. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truly seen and accepted, I no
longer have a need to hide. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am finally
free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is these special someones, angels really, who continue to
remind me who I need to be… </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">just me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-46368047960745285932013-11-30T07:31:00.000-08:002013-11-30T10:12:55.470-08:00Seasonal Thoughts...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 28pt;">Indian Summer…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
like the
seasons <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
has its
place<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
its periods of dreams<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
of sowing, of reaping <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
and rest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A season for decompression<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
a period for reflection,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
a space for
tranquility <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
somewhere in
the liminal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Such are the
Indian Summers <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
of our lives
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Bound in
fall hues <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
of rusts and
golds and sunset oranges, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
ruminations <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
of whispered
thought <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
rustling
through the leaves </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
shimmering on
still water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A season to
reflect <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
assess a
life, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
find peace,
regroup,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
before winter
closes in <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
blanketing the
world <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
in deep <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
dreamless <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
slumber…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlFc0xIJz7Y/UpoCQXVlsZI/AAAAAAAAAV4/eiQTUMhveNs/s1600/Indian+summer)+(640x428)_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlFc0xIJz7Y/UpoCQXVlsZI/AAAAAAAAAV4/eiQTUMhveNs/s400/Indian+summer)+(640x428)_edited-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4>
</h4>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-54327399606227787152013-10-20T09:46:00.001-07:002013-10-20T10:12:14.321-07:00Time to Be...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGLoWVS1W3c/UmQOX3D4vCI/AAAAAAAAAVo/OGUDf-9euKE/s1600/mytime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGLoWVS1W3c/UmQOX3D4vCI/AAAAAAAAAVo/OGUDf-9euKE/s320/mytime.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A time to grow<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A time to know<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">my Self<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unencumbered
by debris<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And baggage <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">not of my
own making<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To be<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A soul set
free<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unencumbered
flight<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The
breathless joy<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Of just
being….</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Me<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-84057528849603948512013-08-03T11:38:00.002-07:002013-08-03T11:38:22.082-07:00You See Me...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">You see me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Behind the veils</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Of multiple masks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Layer upon layer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Built upon expectations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> And caricatured roles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Hidden</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> And yet you </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> See me</span></div>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-46786220131141548272013-08-02T03:23:00.001-07:002013-11-30T07:39:18.638-08:00Heart Whisperer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gentle caresses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supportive words<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And calming voice<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Patience and compassion<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toward a heart<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afraid to believe<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Afraid to trust<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once a proud<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And romantic soul<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Broken and Battered<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A dreamer<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jaded and scarred<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abused<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now skittish and scared<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guarded defenses up <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A soft step <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And gentle pace <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gingerly taken<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dance begins<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A gentle hand<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And kind heart<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soothing a ravaged soul<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Healing balm<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On untended wounds<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Promise the rebirth<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of a wounded spirit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To run<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To fly<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To soar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be free…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QDlUaDt0Ig/UfuQ2sRW3pI/AAAAAAAAAVA/gRdppOz-uDI/s1600/DSC_0018+(640x428).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QDlUaDt0Ig/UfuQ2sRW3pI/AAAAAAAAAVA/gRdppOz-uDI/s400/DSC_0018+(640x428).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-91622463055435359442013-07-04T01:24:00.001-07:002013-07-04T01:30:16.490-07:00Tandem...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A heart beat<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">in tandem with my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> A sign my life</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">would never be the same. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A being yet unseen,</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Formed in an instant </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a heartbeat in sync</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With my own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amazed how</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the tiny collection of cells</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once fluttering in my belly </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">is the man </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">who stands before me </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">now grown </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a life in tandem with my own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">a complete human being.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once nothing more </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">than a beating heart </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">in tandem with my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A heart beat, </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That will forever be </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">in tandem with my own…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-30151031501173312032013-07-03T00:47:00.000-07:002013-07-03T07:44:59.815-07:00The Hummingbird Effect...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hummingbirds are magical little birds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jetting energetically back and forth, up and
down, effortlessly hovering in thin air, it is hard not to be captivated by
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cousin loved them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed to speak to her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so
many ways, she was like the little birds, always moving forward to savor each
moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I keep feeders in memory of her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching them makes me think not only of her,
but my mother and grandmother as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
the birds come so close, I can hear the hum of their wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally, if I am not paying attention, one
will ‘buzz’ me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite is a little
female who always calls to me announcing her presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reminds me of my cousin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, I actually reached out for her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">When my mother and grandmother passed, it was my cousin who
reached out for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reached for me
and anchored me when I was floundering in darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that she is gone too, I can’t help but
reflect on how much my life has changed... is changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part
of me wants to run forward and embrace the future like a child with all its
possibilities, the other part is looking back afraid of going too far, losing my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been hard for me
to let go of the past and what was familiar and ‘safe’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
some reason, I have this weird nostalgic angst about moving forward. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like feeling adrift, without anchor,
floundering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These women
were my anchors. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They kept me grounded in a sense of continuity,
and now they are all gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The future requires a leap of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never been good with uncertainty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I have trust issues. </span><br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so, I reached for the little bird. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my amazement, she hovered an inch above my
hand in a bubble of vibrating air, so subtle, so brief, and yet so very
timeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As tiny strands of swirling
air brush my fingers, I was suddenly caught in a stream of consciousness,
without beginning, without end, only of infinite possibilities, continuity and
connectedness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fearlessly, the little
hummingbird turned and squarely faced me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our eyes met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cannot begin to describe the joy that filled my soul. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the
briefest of moments, we connected and just like that, she darted away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was Overwhelmed and unsure what it all meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took another to point It out. “Don’t you
get it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about putting your hand
out,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You won’t experience
anything like that unless you put your hand out and reach for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
telling you to open your heart and take a chance.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some say the spirits of relatives reside in the tiny
birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like very much to believe my cousin
is still reaching out for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally understand what my cousin had been
trying to tell me all along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had wanted me to tenaciously pursue
happiness, be persistent and to never give up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her message was clear, to heal and move
forward, life must be approached with an open heart and without fear . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to realize the beauty of my own
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only then is it possible to fully reap life’s
joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxu-wPmq_oE/UdPWbq67A8I/AAAAAAAAAUM/QKs9wUc9xl0/s1600/DSC_0353+(3)blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxu-wPmq_oE/UdPWbq67A8I/AAAAAAAAAUM/QKs9wUc9xl0/s400/DSC_0353+(3)blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Spinner weaves<br />The Weaver spins<br />and Laima dreams.....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-68107224866025193522013-06-12T19:09:00.002-07:002013-06-12T19:37:15.473-07:00Awakening...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Eternal<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Timeless winds<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Blowing ever flowing,<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Swirling consciousness in<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Rivers of energy<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>And Chi flows. <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Remnants of Lives, <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Thoughts, memories<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Quantum realities<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Flow past carried in bits and pieces<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Shimmering in the sun<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Power in the unseen<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Beyond thought<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Beyond the mundane<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Beyond the cars<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>That fills the parking lot below<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>And People moving to and fro. <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>How small we are<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Oblivious to the forest<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Lost in the trees of daily life…<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In awe, <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>I watch currents move <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Like the mind of God<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Star dust remnants<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>And echoed dreams<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Above and around and through<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Swirling, curling<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Moving life along<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>I look around<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>No one else seems to see<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Overwhelmed <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>I am lost, Insignificant<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Yet part of it<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Connected to something greater<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Awareness of something greater<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>For a moment I can see <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>“Life”<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Now and forever humbled,<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>I join the people moving to and fro<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Awakened<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br /></div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-59988470196624237032013-06-11T07:42:00.003-07:002013-06-11T07:46:49.803-07:00For Judith…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The Goddess Made Manifest</span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She is timeless<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever present<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All knowing<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gentle guide</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">of </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Infinite Wisdom...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mother figure<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maiden<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crone<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Connected in time <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stream of Consciousness<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warrior<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hair wild and flowing<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Infinite strands<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Binding together <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Swirling patterns in currents<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of cosmic dreams<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In purple mists <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And Silver mirrored realities<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pointing the way<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To universal mysteries<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> And self- discovery<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A tiny frame<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Larger than life<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ancient and Ageless<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My guide<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My mentor<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Goddess<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Made manifest<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Judith…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-8092353208035725102013-04-28T01:01:00.002-07:002013-04-28T01:17:10.306-07:00The Art of Shoe Shopping…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have been contemplating my life a
lot lately and I have come to the conclusion love and relationships are a lot
like buying shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many
styles, so many considerations when deciding which shoe will be the best fit
not just for your feet, but also for your lifestyle and personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More often than not, we are seduced by the
sexy red stilettos of Hollywood image makers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sleek and flashy, they turn heads promising a fantasy life of glamor and
glitz and excitement, intrigue and romance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, fantasy is what they usually are, in the end, the reality
being more like sore feet, twisted ankles and life –long back problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More often than not, such shoes are mostly
image without substance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sold as the
feminine ideal, they often limit a woman’s ability to express her full
potential by locking her into a patriarchal definition of is feminine. They
limit her ability to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And yet, I
still envied those that made it look so effortless and graceful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wanted so
much to be like them, but alas, awkward and clumsy, I understood how
Cinderella’s step sisters must have felt trying to stuff their feet into a shoe
that just didn’t fit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a good
portion of my life trying to force my feet into something they were not meant
to be, to fit a relationship that was not meant to be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know all too well the disappointment,
feelings of failure and inadequacy eroding self-esteem because I could not
master the ‘image’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drowning in disapproval; never enough… not
good enough… not woman enough… never enough…so much to live up to, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all the time thinking there was something
wrong with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never considered maybe
the problem was always the shoe itself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Still… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought perhaps if I tried a lower heel, something
a little closer to the ground, a little more professional, a little closer to
reality, a little closer to me, maybe I could make it work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I could still live up to
expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve worked with women
that glided through the work day, the essence of power an authority and grace,
a feminine mystique. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s not that
hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just take them off when you get
home. You have to have other shoes to wear.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do have my girlie side after all, and I am a product of pervasive
social expectations of what is properly feminine. With that, I would try the
next pair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, perhaps if I tried
really hard, a lower heal would work… then again, maybe not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though less painful, my toes still
pinched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still couldn’t run or even
walk thru soft grass without my heel getting stuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God forbid, I had to walk thru some
rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such shoes are only made for
smooth surfaces, not for the uneven surfaces life often provides. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Desperate, I even tried those cute little
sandals everyone wears in the summer time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not well made, they don’t last long, more often not, paying for looks
not quality. They blistered my feet and my heels were always dry, cracked and
dirty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tried and
tried to make it work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must have
bought a lifetime of shoes trying to fit another’s expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My closet was full of shoes taking up space,
many barely even worn, and yet I couldn’t quite let them go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would mean admitting defeat, admitting I
was a failure. I kept thinking one day, I will be able to wear them, make it
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, they simply became a
constant reminder, a testament to the ill fitted expectations I would never
meet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end, the only thing I knew
for sure was that my feet hurt, aching from the neglect that comes from being
unappreciated, under-valued, unrecognized.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I now know,
the key to buying a pair of shoes is knowing something about yourself. I began
to realize each pair taught me something, my likes and dislikes, what made me happiest
and most content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each experience taught
me something about myself and the type of relationship I really wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
ill-fitted shoes of the world and the discomfort they caused me were invaluable.
They taught me to appreciate quality and a proper fit, and for that I am
grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Relationships are a lot like shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The pain some relationships inflict, like shoes, demand a person to be
true to themselves and not the artificially created expectations of others or
even one’s own self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you realize
what type of relationship is best for you, it’s easier to let go, self-actualize
and begin enjoying and truly living life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It is easier to find the partner that is right for you.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It took a
long time, but in the end, I found the best fit for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a boots, hiking boots kind of girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are sturdy and keep me grounded on the
rockiest of paths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need heels to
reach great heights because I now am able to climb mountains. I can wiggle my
toes at will and my feet are never cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can explore beyond the confines of smooth surfaces and artificially constructed
non-realities that so often denied my own truth and left me broken hearted and
shattered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now have a shoe that loves, accepts and nurtures me as I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And thus is
the Art of Shoe Shopping… always listen to your feet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you do, you will find the right shoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
</div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-72707286221583676072012-01-30T20:21:00.001-08:002012-02-01T17:59:14.065-08:00I am…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am how I see the world</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In terms of little things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blades of grass dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">As wind-chimes play</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Particles on sunbeams…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am deep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Deep as the ocean…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">full of unseen mysteries </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">moving just below the surface. .. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hidden from view</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am dancing pools of light and being</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Floating in total consciousness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In eyes of depth and grace and mystery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">lost in a way of seeing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">unfettered joys…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am as infinite as space </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">and just as complex</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wanting to be discovered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Waiting to be explored… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A universe within</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a world born of ideas </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">from swirling Technicolor dust clouds </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">of inordinate design… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">lost in the array of infinite possibilities….</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">And bliss</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I simply am….</span></span></div>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-49667647283937222002011-10-18T20:50:00.000-07:002011-10-18T20:50:47.395-07:00Moments in the Mundane...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here I sit<br />
So much to do<br />
So much<br />
yet undone...<br />
Slathered in sticky sweat<br />
Air thick and humid<br />
Craving<br />
the slightest breeze...<br />
Yet,<br />
a moment<br />
to sit<br />
disengage<br />
still<br />
the day...<br />
still<br />
the mind...<br />
a Temporal reprieve<br />
from frenzied<br />
hyper-drive<br />
sipping iced latte<br />
thru moments<br />
caught in between<br />
liminally cast<br />
waiting...<br />
waiting...<br />
to begin again<br />
midst the chaos<br />
of traffic flows<br />
and programed lives<br />
so much<br />
more to do...<br />
but,<br />
for now<br />
treasuring odd moments<br />
in the mundane...</span></div></div></div>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-77620831948788152442011-08-19T20:55:00.000-07:002011-08-19T21:21:12.965-07:00I Think I Will Write Today...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I think I will write today. I don't know what about, but I feel the need for words. There is something cathartic in putting pen to paper and just letting it flow, the sweet release in digital rain of what has been held in, held on to for far too long. It is time to let go. It is time to clean house of thoughts and ideas collected and hoarded in useless abundance and no longer needed. It is time to cleanse, flush the mind, flush the soul of unnecessary debris and toxic thought that clouds and hinders judgement and the ability to live and be truly authentic. Mental clutter fueled by fear and expectations of self and others. Pieces of the past, hurts bygone, insecurities, obligations, should and 'ought to be's' snagged one upon the other like the hands of hell, tug and pull at the edges of consciousness, weighing me down...<br />
<br />
So much there, but where to begin...<br />
<br />
And yet, it is so hard to let go. There is odd comfort in their presence, something familiar, safe and comfortable. They are anchors to those things that shape identity, make us who we are. Connections, roads taken (or not), mementos and markers, hopes and dreams deferred, souvenirs collected over a lifetime to become dust imbued emotional clutter, a hoarder's hell physically manifested in the things I cannot bear to throw away. Symbols of great significance in the lives of those around me. My grandmother's dishes, important to her, but not to me; reminants of my mother's life, a set of glasses I never use, clothing I never wear and generations of accumulated physical connections to a past that no longer exists and I never knew. Haunted by their ghosts, if I let go, do I betray them? Bound to the baggage of other's, now made my own. The weight is crushing. I need to be free.<br />
<br />
So much there, but where to begin...<br />
<br />
In the free flow of words I start to sort through years worth of accumulation, layer by layer. In the end, memories and lessons learned are all I need... The rest is just 'stuff' left to burden and decay. So time has come to let go of the past and all its burdens and let flow a river of consciouseness and a life dammed far too long... Yes, I think I will write today...<br />
<br />
So much there, where to begin...</div>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-50632362386197355862011-07-07T12:32:00.001-07:002011-07-10T16:00:17.488-07:00Dichoto-Me…<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Earthy</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Spirit</span></strong><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Down and Dirty In the mud</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Intuitive Visions</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rough around the Edges</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Soothing variations of light</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Momma in combat boots</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everywhere and Nowhere…</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Warm dark richness</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time-lapsed skies</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nurtured hope</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dimensional Rivers</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Healing Rain</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everywhere and Nowhere…</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Warrior</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just Feel</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Peacemaker</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just Flow</span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Goddess</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just Be</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
One Heartbeat</span></span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">…. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One </span><span style="font-size: large;">Breath…</span></span> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Together in me…. <strong> </strong></span></span></span>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-28383141526111822422011-07-03T15:55:00.001-07:002011-07-03T18:18:36.129-07:00Escape…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Anger and fear<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Fear and hate<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Imprisoned </span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Within<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Cowered i</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">n the corner<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">No hope of escape<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">No trust<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">So much anger<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">So much fear <br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">A family drowning<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">In its pain<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Slave mentality<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">In generational sorrow<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Chained to the past</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Hope lies i</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">n another vision<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;"> The window<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">In Plato's cave<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Possibilities<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">In light</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Hands reaching </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">lifting up</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;">The way out</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">In new beginnings<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">True faith lies<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">In the goodness<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Of others...<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: 12pt;">Escape…<br />
</span></span></div>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-89248955894646703352011-06-25T23:00:00.001-07:002013-08-02T09:08:52.697-07:00Sunday Mornings….<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">I love Sunday mornings. I can't quite put my finger on why, but to me, they are more special than any other. As a child, Sunday mornings were just different. Maybe it's because I was born on a Sunday morning. Maybe it's because my dad was home and the family was whole. Things just seemed calmer, less chaotic. The world just seemed to stop. <br />
<br />
Sunday mornings were about sleeping in with fresh coffee percolating, its aroma wafting thru the house to rouse my sleeping parents from their beds. Sunday mornings were sizzling bacon, the sweet smell of pancakes and the sound of football announcers droning in the background. When I was really little, I would snuggle up with my dad in his recliner as he perused the Sunday paper. When I was older, I would make proudly make him a cup of coffee and lay on the floor at his feet perusing the funnies. I always got the funnies. The Peanuts were my favorite. It was our time together. I had always been a 'Daddy's' girl. Of course, I was also born on Father's Day. Maybe that was part of it. Whatever the reason, I always felt blissfully content on Sunday mornings.<br />
<br />
As I grew up, things changed, as they are apt to do. Nothing lasts forever. My parents divorced. No more Sunday brunches, time with my dad. I was no longer a child. I started working. My Sunday mornings were now spent serving other people coffee. The only Sunday papers I saw were those I threw away when I cleared the tables. <br />
<br />
I married, had a child, started teaching and Sunday mornings were mine again. Coffee now hissed through an expresso machine, turkey bacon sizzled and the sweet smell of pancakes wafted through the air as the TV droned on in the background. When my son was little we cuddled on the couch and watched Crocadile Hunter and anime. As he grew older, he lay on the floor drawing. We went to breakfast at Ihop and played tic-tac-toe as we waited for our order. It was time spent with my son. It was our time together. I was again content. <br />
<br />
Things again changed as they are apt to do. Nothing lasts forever. I got divorced. My son grew up and moved out on his own. Sunday mornings now belong to me alone. They are still about sleeping in, the aroma of coffee, sizzling bacon, the sweet smell of pancakes, but now, it's time to myself. I am content. I have always loved Sunday mornings. I still can't quite put my finger on why, but they are more special than any other. Sundays were always different. Maybe it's because I was born on a Sunday morning. Maybe it's because I am home, I am whole.<br />
</span></div>
Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-71218681070003064242011-06-24T19:32:00.001-07:002011-06-24T19:45:01.078-07:00for Berenice...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span xmlns=""> </span><span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><div class="Publishwithline" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 20pt; text-shadow: auto;"><strong>Floating on Forever</strong></span></div></span><br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">She lies<br />
In the liminal</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Between Life</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">and Death ...</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
Final breaths</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Flowing to places</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Unseen<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Beyond all existence<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Beyond our knowing<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">And so she passes<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Into time<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Swirling<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Kisses floating<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">On breezes<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Caress those<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Left behind<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">A gentle passing<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Of a gentle soul<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">The child reborn<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;">Dances once more<br />
On sunbeams...</span></div><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span></div>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-75342865996323400812011-05-21T14:18:00.000-07:002011-07-03T19:42:45.145-07:00Rising Storm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 180%;">Storm clouds<br />
forming<br />
slowly raging</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 180%;">thunder...<br />
boiling<br />
turbulence of wind<br />
threatening<br />
to rip apart<br />
a fragile calm<br />
into chaos<br />
of emotional<br />
turmoil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 180%;">lightning<br />
and uncertainty<br />
building<br />
building<br />
until explodes<br />
in sweet release<br />
of gentle rain<br />
and tears....</span></div>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-26520201434862050022011-05-21T13:37:00.000-07:002011-06-24T19:46:42.821-07:00To Live in the Moment...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div><div><div><div><div><div>To simply exist</div><div>Apart from the noise that fills my brain</div><div>Mesmerized</div><div>Watching dust particles</div><div>dance on sunbeams</div><div>like fireflies</div><div>on a beautiful afternoon. </div><div>Totally at peace</div><div>Wrapped in the warmth of the sun,</div><div>fall breezes caressing...</div><div>pulling fingers through my hair,<br />
a gentle lover... </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4177800271873112564.post-5732156739515732122011-04-22T10:44:00.001-07:002017-06-20T08:54:36.246-07:00More than ABC’s<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Why I Teach….<br />
<br />
As of late, Education had become a major political football and the yelling so loud that all sense and reason is lost in the noise of angry finger pointing and blame. It really is quite disheartening. As the debate turns on test scores, standards, accountability and failure, budget cuts, unions, and attacks on already low pay, I am often asked why I teach. My reasons are expressed in oft handed notes left in my mailbox or on my desk. Sometimes they come randomly in emails, sometimes a Facebook post years later. <br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span xmlns="">"Thank you for all the help and advice you have given me. Even though I was hard headed and never really did anything in your class (sorry!) You still tried to help and didn't give up on me. You are the only teacher who tried to help me no matter how dumb I would act." </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span xmlns="">"Most teachers would have just kicked me out of class or wrote me up if I did something wrong, but you were different. That's why I am so much different now. You taught me how to show respect…."</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span xmlns="">"You have made me realize so much stuff!! First, I would like to thank you for having so much faith in me. I knew I could do it. I just had to try. Second, I thank you for telling me I am a leader. You made me think and now I know I am a leader. I love to lead, not follow and I know you are the same way too. You lead me in the right path and I thank you so much for that. "</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span xmlns="">"I just wanted to thank you for encouraging me and my poetry. Because of the non-stop essays, I passed proficiency. Your advice and pushing me forward has gotten me far and gave me strength to believe in myself."</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span></div>
<span xmlns="">They are the lessons that will be remembered long after all others are forgotten. Amidst all the noise, it is these 'voices' that keep me grounded. While the focus is on content and test scores, these notes focus on what really matters. I don't catch them all, but I catch the ones I am supposed to. Whenever I start to lose my way, get caught up in all the negativity and begin to question myself, it is the kids who bring me back, years even decades later. The following student explained it so much more eloquently than I ever could.<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span xmlns="">"I pray this letter finds you and your family doing well. I want you to know there is not one day that I do not remember your compassion and beauty. I have written several papers that encompass your depth, warmth, and intelligence. All of which existed as my saving grace in 1993. That (your) effect, has permeated into not only every part of my soul but also my ambitions. I can say, with sincere intention, that everyone who knows me, Jackie, also knows a wonderful portion of you because you helped me discover myself and my worth. </span></div>
<span xmlns="">
</span>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
<span xmlns="">Well where do I begin? I graduated w/honors with my Bachelors in English Language Arts. Currently, I am student teaching at a rural area 3A high school. I have worked in several school districts over the last four years- some very low socio-economic areal – others very affluent. I have learned- with no real surprise- that teenagers are the same all over. They all exist in a state of mind that is so sensitive and perceptive- they watch, they listen, they learn, they love, and the morals and characteristics I exemplify become their foundation. I have the blessing of exerting influence on these fresh, wonderfully made minds, hearts and souls – and I know in a nonverbal or verbal "second" I can make or break their prescious spirits. I will and do choose to keep it real (like you used to say) so these young adults can see that life is more than what a TV commercial says you should have or what 'they' consider 'right'.</span></div>
<span xmlns="">
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
My experiences in life, good and bad were all valuable – and teachers helped me know and believe this. Teachers like you and my dad and my maker took/take time for me and my development – as a 'human being, not a human doing" (quote from my self-esteem folder –your class-) I pray I can touch lives like you touched mine!" </div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt;">
Sincerely, Jackie<br />
<br /></div>
I knew this young woman in 1993 as a sixth grader, my first year teaching. We just sat and talked about life and poetry. She gave me a book of her poetry, which I still have. Out of nowhere, I received this letter in 2008 when I was having a hard time and questioning. You never know, who or how you touch someone, it's just nice to know that you do. Sometimes, they touch you back. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Author’s Note:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>Last year (2016) I was again questioning why
anyone would do this job. That night, out
of the blue, this same young woman forwarded me a letter her student had sent
her. It was almost identical to the one she had sent me years before...<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hello! This is Jackie. I wanted to share a letter with you. When I read it, I was immediately taken back
to the 6<sup>th</sup> grade with you. I
did for her what you did for me and the beat goes on and the circle is not
broken…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She’d paid it forward…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Despite the all district directives, legislative mandates
and political discourse, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>what we do really does matter</i></b>.
It is our <span style="font-family: "brush script mt italic"; font-size: 18.0pt;">‘Legacy’…</span>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "brush script mt italic"; font-size: 24.0pt;">Have
a great summer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Laima's Daughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08827870654587939165noreply@blogger.com3