How can it be that this is the best time of my life?!
I am well aware that my doctors tell me I’m on the fast-track out. I’m well aware that this body of mine is struggling. I’m well aware that I can no longer do the physical activities that I love so much.
I am well aware.
Maybe that’s why this is the best time of my life!
For you see, I am well aware of life!
And love. And sacrifice. And suffering. And joy. And human kindness. And connection. And alone-ness. And hope. And hopelessness. And acceptance. And humbleness. And self-healing.
And human longing to be in this world!
For this world offers itself in many different ways:
Through:
Cousin Liz (God’s Art) and
Spiders (Man’s Art)
Through:
Tito: The Carrot Eating Dog
Through:
Bird Brains
Through:
Tony the Musician
Through nature:
Full Moon
And through the miraculous gift of laughter:
So True!
(My Talkative Husband)
This post could list a zillion things about what this world has to offer me, but I’m sure you’re anxious to turn your attention to those things it offers you.
If you care to share in the comment section, please do. For you see, YOU are one of the things this world has to offer.
You are what the world is waiting for.
Don’t delay.
For being aware of oneself is the secret to being aware.
Aware of life!
And who doesn’t want to live The Sweet Life: La Dolce Vita!
You are an inspiration, Gayle. God bless you even more 🙂
Thank you, Alex, although I didn’t know I could be blessed more than I already am. 🙂
Gayle,
Thank you for such an uplifting set of pictures. You made my day. Especially loved the one of you and the birds and Mike’s t shirt. 🙂
We have to count our blessings every day. Ron is struggling with loosing the vision in his left eye and after seeing the doc in Redding yesterday he wasn’t very optimistic it would come back. He doesn’t like the computer very well anyway and then trying to deal with the vision change has been a challenge but it is nothing compared to what ou are going through. You are in my thoughts and Prayers. Love You Gerry
Hi Gerry. Thank you for the update on Ron. I’ll keep him in my prayers. Bad news is always more difficult at first. It will get better, even if the eyesight doesn’t. But I’ve come to expect miracles. No reason why you shouldn’t too.
Thanks for including me. Love Mike’s t-shirt. Think of you often.
Loved your visit. Look forward to the next one!
You are my inspiration and gift, sweet sister. I love you for all these gifts you bring to the world and send you my heart as you transcend into the next. What can we do, but laugh and hope that everything is said that needs to be said, that all our good deeds mean something to someone else that is suffering, that our lives are given with the greatest integrity and love? I know yours is and that the blossom at the end of this highway is your heart bursting into flames as it finds its one true home again in God.
I love you so much, Kathy
Wow! Powerful words. Powerful heart! They are meant to be shared–thanks for sharing!
You are such an inspiration to so many Gayle, I love you for always being the most uplifting person I know. I love you~ and that precious hubby of yours as well!
You, my Sweet Friend, are the inspiration for love and support if I’ve ever seen it! I hope you are giving yourself as much as you gave to your beautiful Lloyd!
Beautifully said !! Everyday is a Blessing ! I truely seen positive into everyday now !!! Thank you for your positive support for all of us !
Thank you for your kind words. Lifting each other up is what keeps our world afloat! So let’s get a grip–ha ha!
Hi Gayle,
I’m aware that I missed your 61st Happy Birthday. Hope it was a good one. We’re the same age again.
What can I say about Michael’s T-shirt? Succinct? Looks like a perfect fit.
love, bd
I did buy a large. ha ha!
So beautifully written, as always. I love the way you find the sweetness and joy in everything that this life has to offer. You truly live your life to the fullest every day. What an inspiration to all of us!!!
Hi Deb, thank you once again for your sweet words. I enjoyed taking your collage class last week. Joyful!
Oh, dearest Gayle. I value you and your friendship so much…and Mr. Mikes. I burst into laughter upon viewing the t-shirt…and the proud look on his face to be wearing it!!
You are a blessed being, for sure. Much of what you said reminded me of the words of Pema Chodron…a female buddist monk. You may be familiar with her. She, too, like Big Bubba has much insight and mindfulness…and let me include you, as well. Take that as a sincere compliment and hold it in your heart.
I send you much love until we meet again XOXOXO Karen
Kisses for the boys!
Hi Karen. Thank you! Makes me wonder about Pama Chodron. The only thing I know about Buddhism (almost) is Big Baba!
sweet sis, still love you much… hoping to see you again soon
love ya
Hi Charlie. I’m still holding you and Jerry in my heart and prayers. Come visit soon.
My mom would say “YOU” are one of the great things that life has to offer, and for that I am forever grateful. Friends like you are a blessing from God. <3
Hmmm, she’s never said that to me–ha ha. Thank you, Jennifer, for your kind words.
You never cease to amaze me for many reasons. Your posts are so wise and inspiring….and well-written as well. Maybe in the “Great Beyond” you should write a book. If there is a Best Seller List you would be among the top ten. As none of us really know what to call that “other place”, I know it will be a wonderful, peaceful home for you. You are the “poster child” for “making lemonade out of lemons”…..an inspiration to all who know you. Ish xoxoxo
So good to hear from you again! Thank you for your encouraging words about my writing. I’ve decided to not wait until the Great Beyond, however, and have it well under way. Will let you know when it’s finished. In the meantime, I’m busy living the next chapter!
Enjoyed your comments. I am really enjoying life also. For one thing I am so happy that I met Walt. He makes every day wonderful for me. We wake up in the morning and he goes out and gets tha paper and makes coffee so we can read in bed. We look out our window and see the beautiful Sacramento River going by, and see lots of birds in the trees or flying in the sky. I am finding that the older I get the more I enjoy the beauty of nature. Walt and I go for rides to see mountains, fall trees, rivers and creeks, and everything else in nature. It is wonderful. Sandy
Oh, Sandy, I can feel the peacefulness as I read your words. I, also, am so happy you have met Walt and so happy you are finding the beauty in nature. Did you see that sunrise this morning? Heavenly!
Gayle, You remind us of the importance of being aware, and the many blessings we find each and every day. Thank you for being a true inspiration. I loved seeing you at Debbie’s class last week. That was a real treat! Lots of love to you, Canda
Hi Canda, I still can’t wait to see you do a self-portrait with that sassy “do” of yours. And that great big smile and heart!
Geez, I love you, Gayle! You are the example of how we should all live our lives. Thank you for always managing to help me put my life into perspective.
Keta, you do have your life in perspective–you teach kindergarteners! Love you, too!
Hi Gayle. I so look forward to your posts. They are so up lifting and positive. I wish they could be read by more people. I’m so glad you are doing so well. I admire your strength and courage. You are inspiring. Love Carol
Thanks, Carol. I wonder if you are still writing poetry? Hope you’re well. love, Gayle
My one daughter and myself share a ‘scrap book’ in which we each do a page and send it to each other. I have had ‘the book’ here and I haven’t thought of what my next page to her will be EXCEPT this morning it came to me that it would be pictures and words of ‘This Colorful, Blessed Life’. Then, this wonderful blog from you – to share the zillion things that this life has to offer. So here goes with a few of the zillions of this colorful, blessed life!
My husband who has stuck with me through thick and thin – amazing; our delightful two girls who were so easy on us – how could we be sooooooo lucky?; our wonderful son-in-laws – again how could we be sooooo lucky?; then we have 2 delightful, healthy grandchildren – blessings beyond!; the wonderful, beautiful colors outside right now during this fall; our beautiful weather; home, food, clothing, and now something I have a hard time appreciating — our colds!!!! I realize welcoming them is important BUT I’ve had enough so I decided to detest them all the way – and guess what – I laughed!!!! ;o) Yes, even they are delightful and no thing at all!
I so love you, Gayle. Your being is sacred beyond words. You ARE an angel! Thank you and I thank God for your presence.
My goodness, what good fortune I have to include you as a friend! I love your blessings–every single one of them, even your cold. For how else could you appreciate your body’s miraculous ability to take care of you! We are all blessed, you and I are just fortunate enough to realize it. 🙂
I’m aware that I am blessed to be related to such a wonderful, amazing woman who is one of the strongest human beings I know, and how you tend to keep giving and giving and giving. I love you auntie Gayle! Wink Wink
Wink, wink, yourself, little one! Thank you for your beautiful, loving words. They mean a lot to me. I love you, too.
And again, you give such perfect tune to your words of wisdom. Thank you for ‘the song’ of life, and helping us all to realize, enjoy and appreciate every moment. If we could only be ‘there’ and doing ‘that’ before we have cause that brings the awareness of how precious life’s moments are. ya know whatimean? xo
Yes, I know what you mean. I’m lucky enough to have been there doing that since I first met Dr. Ira Progoff in his Intensive Journal Writing Class 25 years ago. But the good news is, it is never too late!
Sound, light, happiness, anger, touch, love, hate,cold, heat, pain, comfort, struggle ,peace…wow …sounds like a daily activity for me, and I will try this with my students too! Thank you for continuing to share “love”
🙂 No escaping it: might as well enjoy it!
By the way…ready to paint!
Ohhhh, I would love to paint with you!!!! Are you up for a trip to a mountaintop?
Dearest Gayle, You inspiration will go on forever and I thank you so
much for sharing your courage and beautiful perspective of life. My prayers and love go out to you and Mike.
Thank you, Peggie. You have a large, comforting heart. We’re both happy to be in it!
I’m really loving the innocent discourse among children!
I love Makenzy’s tears ,for the children she is in charge of. (Their parents work on the navel base in S.D.and are leaving for the rescue effort, for months.) She is empathetic.
Journals and poetry…..Sadly, I never approached this with confidence, until my daughter had you as a teacher. She has saved them all!
Gayle, the list will be endless! I told Tom we need to ride a bike from Oregon to San Diego! He said, You’ll need to get in shape.” Yeah, that will do it! I’m not talking about a race.”
Time is limited for us all and we just have to realize it! I promise when I am biking to S.D , and I will, I will be picturing you for strength! Just got to get a bike….with a great seat! Ha ha and convince Tom.
I’m sure the coastal road will never be the same with you and Tom biking it! I’ll be your biggest cheerleader!
Glad to hear about Makenzy…she has such a gift to offer the world!
Blessings,
Gayle
Gayle, I once heard that good things were meant to be shared. I have been sharing you and your blog a lot lately! I have friends that have cancer that have listened as I read your inspirational words to them, and other friends I have told about you and your journey who are sharing you with their loved ones who are struggling with life and darkness. In spite of your prognosis, you are triumphant in so many ways! The scope of your loving, healing messages you have so generously shared with all who have had the blessing to have visited your blog is immeasurable. Thank you, from my heart to yours!
Such sweet things you are sharing, thank you, Sandi. I’m sure your weekly prayer sessions that include me have helped more than we will ever know! Thank you also for sharing my blog. I love having readers!