Things that Matter

Dear readers, how are you?  It's so nice to see you, you look marvelous.  I've missed you, even when I'm away I think of you often.  Thank you so much to those readers who sent emails asking how I was. I apologize for being a very bad blogger.  I took an unscheduled hiatus due to illness.  After spending a week with my family, I am feeling recharged.  Nothing like love to make you feel better.

During my month of laying low, I spent a lot of time in meditation and deep introspection.  I'd like to send a shout out to the brave people taking part in the various Occupy movements.  It's of great concern to me that the country is in so much trouble, and yet I don't know how to help.  I began to question my little blog - does it seem frivolous to blog about pretty things when people are in so much trouble?  How much politics and personal business should be posted on a blog?  I prefer blogs where I feel as if I get to know the blogger.  I maintain, that art is political and politics is art.  Art is extremely important as it elevates the consciousness of a people.  We are all connected.  Those of us who are struggling right now are not engaged in class war.  We would simply like to remind the wealthy that  poverty should be eradicated.  Simply because it's the right thing to do.  The poverty of even one individual encroaches on the comfort of us all.  There is enough to go around, let's spread it around a little more fairly.  That's all.  It's that simple.

I've been accused of being naive at times.  But things don't need to be overly complex.  I have been out of work for almost two years, and there have been many gifts and lessons during this time period.  Many things that used to matter to me do not matter any more.  I am not attached to things, and I no longer worry what people think of me.  I also move at a slower pace.  I'm not sure what all the hurrying is about.  

The greatest thing in my life  is that I notice simple pleasures and experience them deeply.  I had the pleasure of staying with my family last week.  This experience has brought me even closer to my family and I am grateful.  These are people who love me without condition.  I'd like to share an experience I had the other night.

Self portrait by my nephew

My nephew wasn't feeling well Monday night.  We sat in the love chair together, he put his head on my shoulder and fell asleep.

 Oliver, world's cutest kitten

This baby was snuggled under my chin asleep, purring loudly.  The love in my heart swelled up, caught in my throat and brought a tear to my eye.  As I held my two babies, I thought, "This is one of the best moments of my life."  Recognizing this as such, I emptied my mind to everything except that moment.  I was completely present and so grateful.  I savored that moment.  I know it sounds trite, but there is nothing more important than love.

How often do we actually pause and say to ourselves, this is a really good moment?  We should do that more often.  Why don't we take a pledge to love each other more fully and to be more present?  To slow down and to contemplate the things that matter and stop chasing the things that don't.  I have found that the more I embrace simplicity, the happier I am.  It might work for you too.  I'd love to hear your thoughts, dear readers.

Stay tuned for more color obsession and more discussions of simplicity.  Thanks for reading, it means the world to me.  xxoo