A Path to Adventure

While I took this photo of a steep, rocky path in Provence, it could be a path to adventure anywhere. It beckons me to follow, to see what's around the next bend or over the next rise. There are times when my wanderlust and love of adventure are overwhelming; this is one of those times! And to send me on my journey to 'wherever,' I've found the perfect blessing from John O'Donohue:

For New Beginnings

"...Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you."

Find the entire blessing in O'Donohue's book, To Bless the Space Between Us.

One of Those Days...

Maybe you don't have them, but I do. And it seems like they're getting more frequent. You know...one of those days when everything gets on your last nerve. When you almost hate to open an email or answer the phone because you know it's going to be something or someone irritating. I thought about this a lot driving home; how unproductive and unsatisfying it is to have days like this. I thought about what I should do to one: not have any more wasted, irritable days and two: what to do now to change this negative energy. Finding an answer to number two proved to be the easier one to figure out. Simply looking at this photo that I swiped from Mr. Google immediately soothed my soul. There is something about moving water that speaks to me. I can almost hear the swishing sound the river makes as it passes under the bridge. In the distance it appears to flow over a little drop-off. Can you hear it splash? Feel the spray in the breeze? This is a picture from Vers, a small village just east of Cahors. Now that this beautiful photo has worked its magic, I remember that I'll be working my own magic here in the Lot in the not-too-distant future. Maybe I'll have my very own photo from Vers!

Melange-ing Magic

Does this photo speak to your soul? Does it whisper tales of long ago in your ear and lead your mind into dreams of mystery, magic, and romance? It does all those things to me...and more. The smaller building is Chatette; its big brother on the hill, the Chateau. They sit beside the Lot River on the outskirts of Cadrieu, France. Chatette is where I'll be spending the month of September this year, thanks to an opportunity offered me by Laury Bourgeois. I swiped this photo from her blog, Soar-Dream-France. Please click over to check it out. I decided spending time here is an opportunity I simply can't turn down. I've never been to southwest France, but I'm busily reading up on its history and culture. I love that I'll have enough time to just 'be,' to see if living in France is something that would actually work for me. Of course, I've got a couple of little trips I want to do, but I plan to spend the majority of my time exploring the Lot and enjoying French life. If spending time here appeals to you, please read Laury's comments in my blog sidebar. See you in the Lot?

Sunday Activities

Here they are...the MeloDivas! Not the most glamorous gig they've played with the rain and cold and flooding, but the music was perfect. Their repertoire included gospel, mountain music, and old standards. Seeing that zither made me itch to drag out my old autoharp and have it re-strung!

We listened to music until early afternoon, then left the Arb for late lunch at Luciano's in Mulvane. This was our second meal there; we enjoyed dinner Friday evening at this restaurant as well. If you like authentic Italian...think "The Splendid Table," not Olive Garden, you must eat here if you are ever anywhere close. We loved visiting with Nancy and seeing her husband, Luciano, cooking in the open kitchen. Tres European! After lunch we dashed into Wichita to visit Botanica, the Wichita botanical gardens, then toured the neighborhood where Edith's family lived when she was born.

Celtic worship at St. James Episcopal Church completed our activities for the day. It was very special to visit this church with Edith; it's where her late father was the priest when she was born. We wandered back by the offices and found a foyer lined with portraits of the priests who served this parish. Edith had me pick out her father; we were both moved. The Celtic harp music during the service left me feeling grounded and peaceful...a fitting way to end our weekend.

And the Heavens Opened Up...

The gray cool day gave way to tremendous storms on Saturday night. We had lightning, we had thunder, and we had rain, lots and lots of rain. When Edith and I arrived at the Arb on Sunday morning, this is the sight that greeted us. Euphrates Creek was completely running wild! What had been a pleasant stroll thru the grass, up over the bridge, and into the formal gardens on Saturday was on Sunday only navigable by boat. Robin, the artists and the musicians held a quick conference in the bandstand and decided that at least the artist's booths and church would be canceled. Everyone pitched in to help folks load up, pull vehicles out of the muddy field, and put away a hundred or more folding chairs. As the old Shaker saying goes..."Many hands make light work," and soon everyone was ready to go. That's when the MeloDivas showed up. With everyone in colorful boots, it just screamed for a picture.

Lots of laughs and giggles later everyone had memorable pictures of boots in a puddle and the Divas holding hands and leaping into the air. What fun! We all drove around to the front of the Arb, the Divas pulled out their instruments and the singing began.

Musical Memories

Here's the line up of musicians that we heard last weekend at the Arboretum. I think the music was my favorite part of our time there. It ran the gamut of bluegrass, country, old standards, gospel, and Cajun. Robin and her band kicked off the schedule and played over an hour. That's Robin in the big hat; to her left is Kentucky, her new husband! They were married at the Arb on Easter Sunday. Even though it poured rain that day, Robin was determined to have an 'outdoor' wedding and literally brought the outside into her house. As she toured us through her adorable cottage, she apologized for it looking like a 'Harry Potter' house...there were flowers and vines and branches from shrubs and trees everywhere festooning the stairway, tangling from a tiny chandelier and in every kind of vase. The other singer is Jennifer Petterson. She lives at the Arb and helps Robin with gardening and event planning. Both women have CD's which I purchased to keep the musical memory of my weekend alive.

Robin's CD, Songs from the Garden, can be purchased on her website and proceeds go to help restore the Arb.

Robin, her Soil Sisters, and Angels keep Barlett Arboretum alive and lively, full of warm, welcoming fun, and melodies from the gardens.

Birds of a Feather....

One of the artisan vendors at the 'Art at the Arb' event created the most delightful birdhouses. I especially liked them beccause they were hardy enough to actually sit outside and perhaps attract a bird. Perfect for house wrens! Other artisans included jewelry makers, a stone cutter, a potter and a man who made blown glass vases and bowls...very lovely.

You can see by this picture of Edith showing her cards to a potential customer that it was a cool, dreary day on Saturday. I love Edith's boots and wished I had a pair on Sunday after the big rains. That's another story...

Tip Toe Through the Tulips

While the trees weren't leafed out yet at the Arboretum, the tulips were in full bloom and absolutely breathtaking. The pink ones are called French Mix and border the walkways in front of Robin's house. The red ones fill raised beds in the formal garden. The stone cross overlooks the stream the flows through the property. It's a very tranquil spot. Saturday was cool and windy, so everyone was bundled up as they walked the garden paths. The weather didn't dampen anyone's spirits, though. Other things in bloom included the dogwood trees and a few azaleas; irises will be next in line to pop.

A Weekend Away

I'm just back from a lovely weekend away to visit my friend, Edith. She's been living in Wichita, KS this winter caring for her godmother, Barbara. The reason I picked this particular weekend to visit was to help Edith sell her beautiful cards at an art fair at the Bartlett Arboretum. Located in Belle Plaine, KS, the Arb as it's affectionately known, is the passion of Robin Macy, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks and gardener extraordinaire. Art at the Arb kicks off a summer season of fund-raising events in support of Robin's continued restoration of this magical place. I'll spend the next few days blogging about adventures from the weekend and sharing some beautiful images of the Arb in its springtime glory. I'll also tell you a bit more about Robin and her mission, her 'Soil Sisters,' her new husband, Kentucky, and a whole host of fun people I met this weekend. I love having Edith for my friend; time spent with her is always fun, lively, and full of warm memories.

This is one of the pink flowering dogwood trees at the Arb. There are several white ones as well. Are you anxious to see more???

More Marley and Family....

Meet Marley!

I received email piccs from Becky and just have to share our beautiful baby with you! Isn't she just too sweet? Love her little hat...and no, I didn't make it. I don't do anything that requires holding 'sticks' and making them work.

This is a picture that the hospital took of the whole family. I'll share more photos tomorrow.

A Blessing for Courage

Montbrun...upriver along the Lot
















Cajarc....downriver along the Lot

"May we have the courage to take the step
Into the unknown that beckons us;
Trust that a richer life awaits us there,
That we will lose nothing
But what has already died;
Feel the deeper knowing in us sure
Of all that is about to be born beyond
The pale frames where we stayed confined,
Not realizing how such vacant endurance
Was bleaching our soul's desire."

John O'Donohue from "Bless the Space Between Us"

Thanks to Google for the lovely images.

Where The Dream Has Led

This is a Google photo of Pont Valentre spanning the Lot River at Cahors, France. Cahors (pronounced Kay-Oar) is the capital of the department of the Lot in southwest France. My dream has led me to the river valley of the Lot upstream from this city. Through a cyber-friendship with Laury at Soar-Dream-France, I have an opportunity to spend a month exploring this lovely region of France. I'm going; the only thing in question right now is the exact dates. If you click here, you'll be whisked over to Laury's blog where you can read all about Melange-ing Magic at her home, Chatette.

Painted Caves

The area of southwest France that includes the Lot and the Dordogne has been inhabited by man for thousands of years. Evidence of this appears in the many prehistoric paintings found in numerous caves throughout the area. This is one such painting from Pech Merle, a cave found in the Lot along the River Cele. All of the plateau that the river runs through is included in the French regional park, parc naturel regional des Causses du Quercy.This is one of the few prehistoric caves in France that is still open to the public. There are several other smaller caves in the vicinity of Pech Merle which also contain wall paintings done by prehistoric man. If you click here, you can see a map with their general location. Since they are closed to the public, the map is intentionally vague to preserve their secrets.

I'm fascinated by the image of a prehistoric man...or maybe woman?...holding their hand on this rock wall and tracing around it with some sort of paint. Why did they do this? Did they have any idea that people thousands of years later would marvel over their art? If I touched this rock, would I be able to discern their ancient energy and life force?

The Lot

I've become intrigued with a part of France that I've never visited...the Lot in southwest France. Its part of the Midi Pyrennes region and takes its name from the Lot River that flows through it. According to my blogger friend, Laury of Soar-Dream-France, it's one of the poorest departments in France mainly because it doesn't have any industry and relies mostly on agriculture for its income. The Lot River defines this area. Downstream towards Bordeaux, the river is lined with vineyards and wineries that produce the famous Cahors wine. Upstream the river is lined with natural areas and national parks that provide recreational opportunites in the form of hiking and boating. North of the river lie several caves that boast evidence of prehistoric habitation. Most famous of these is the cave at Lascaux. South towards Toulouse the region is filled with medieval history. I plan to explore this fascinating part of France in my upcoming blog entries. There's a reason for this that I'll share with you later.

"Houston, We Have a Baby"

Marley has arrived! This old picture of her will have to do until her folks have time to email me a new one. She was born yesterday, April 4th at 4:46pm in Livingston, Montana. She weighed in at 8 lbs. 11 oz and was 20 inches long. Becky's labor started at 11am, but Travis said once it got real, it only took about 20 minutes for Marley to make her debut. Everyone is fine! When I talked with Travis, little bro, Parker, hadn't seen the new arrival yet...I think his world just got turned upside-down! More later...

Be Careful What You Wish For....

You know that saying..'be careful what you wish for because you may just get it?' Just like Jiminy Cricket here, I've wished on many a star in my day. Big stars, little stars, shooting stars, and even stars that were really planets ( I never could learn to tell them apart). Today, one of my wishes actually came true, kind of. I was offered an opportunity to do something I've longed to do by a very generous person whom I don't really even know. I'm mulling it over right now. Of course, every fiber in my being is shouting "Go for it!" And of course, my brain is shouting "How can you ever make this happen?" I've read all those books that advise you to take the leap of faith and say YES! to opportunity. I know I should let God take care of the 'how to do' this. I know in my heart this is a chance that I can't let pass me by. I know those things; now I just need to make my brain know them. Which will win....heart or head?

Click here for a hint about my dream. It's not Paris, but close....

A Blog Award from a Friend

Look over there to the left...that's a blog award I received today from dear Jientje. Please visit her blog, Heaven is in Belgium. It's one I read every day. I think she and I will meet someday...in Goult...and share a glass of pastis.

A Friday Afternoon in Spring

I envy all of you who live where things are blooming already. As you can see by the picture I took this afternoon while sitting on my south deck, things aren't blooming here. While the grass is beginning to green up, the leaf buds on the trees are still tightly closed. It doesn't matter, tho. I took advantage of a lull in problem-solving to leave work early and get some things done...like having my oil changed. When you drive a vehicle with 200,000+ miles on it, these routine maintenance things become critical, and I was 'way overdue for new oil. Picked up a few groceries while I waited for the service to be completed and still arrived home in time to drag out a lawn chair and sit outside in the sun for awhile. It felt so good! While I can't describe any beautiful flowers for you, I can tell you how spring on a mild Iowa afternoon sounds. I was seranaded by red-wing blackbirds and the rat-a-tat-tat of at least two different woodpeckers. A pheasant squawked from the brush along the creek and mourning doves coo'ed along each side of the road. And from the hilltop to the east, the laughing voices of the three children who live there drifted across my little valley. I saw them get off the school bus earlier as I drove home; now their exuberant squeals announced to the world that they were thrilled that school was out and it was finally warm enough to play outside. A glass of merlot and my new France Today magazine made my afternoon complete.

Thursday Update

Just a quick entry to let you know that I should be back to blogging a little more regularly. I've been in the midst of a very big and very painful project at work that has totally consumed my brain...no room left over to be very creative or thoughtful about writing when I get home. Yesterday was the 'go live' date; no big problems or insurmountable issues, but several 'ya gotta laugh' moments as the day unfolded. We'll continue to have little bumps in the road, but overall, it went okay. As much as I hate to blog about work, I think it's important for you to know that the horrible economy is mostly responsible for this past month of pain. I was directed to eliminate part of the department that I manage which meant telling 9 people that after April 1st they would no longer have jobs. If that wasn't painful enough (and trust me, I hope to NEVER have to do that again!), I then had to re-distribute all the myriad of tasks and duties that they do. A big piece was outsourced to a centralized dispatch center in Omaha, NE...long distance radio and phone communications with my flight crew and the aircraft. Not my area of expertise..thank goodness it's theirs! Various departments in the hospital got the rest of the work...a gazillion things. Are you surprised that those departments and their management were less than enthusiastic about assuming more work with less resources??? It's been a month that I hope I never have to live through again!