Time

Time...

moves on

cannot be held

is meaningful in the moment and in remembrance

is all we have, yet~ how much we never know

valuable, appreciated, important

Time

Head on over to read this old post first.

Okay, you're back?

Here we go...

One week ago today,

my sister and I again went to the cemetery 

for the Kever Avot service. 

Only the second time.

How had so much time gone by between visits?

Yet, the prayers and prose remain the same.

We again participated in the call and response of We Remember Them, among others.

The sound of the Shofar

echos through our history.

The cantor's voice still rings true.

The rabbi shared her story of life. love, passing and time.

A deeply touching story that tells us that time never remains the same.

However, this time it was just the two of us, 

as our elder family friend, now 7 years older,

doesn't travel as well.

This time, while We Remember Them toucheed me, especially the line:

"When we have decisions that are difficult to make,

We remember them"

Other messages seem to come through again and again,

especially the message held within  

"Affirming Our Love", by Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

"When we lose one who is dear, we mourn but we must not mourn excessively.  We must be grateful for what we have had and find comfort in our memories".

This lack of excess, not dwelling in the loss and sadness 

seemed to catch my ear again and again this time around.

This time around, when so many more have passed on...

when others are in need of healing.

For this time, I thought of those that have passed since (Jewish or not).

I thought of those in need of healing (Jewish or not).

While I still had many thoughts of my mom, 

who will have her Yahrzeit on October 3rd,

my view had expanded to include all of those others and their loved ones.

I reflected on where I come from, where I've been and how that has shaped me.

I considered where we may be headed, 

this time around.

May you find meaningful and fulfilling 

ways to spend your time.

xoSage

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2018

Winter Lights & Gifts

The past few weeks have been filled with light and goodness.

I was fortunate to spend Hanukkah with my family, where 3 lit menorahs symbolized the coming together of far-flung family members.  Where these family members shared food, laughter and gifts.

I completed this Christmas stocking for a young man, newly married to a gal I have known since she was a young girl.  I made her stocking 14 years ago and was happy to make one for him as well.   I still had some of the fabric I used on hers, so it was easy to make special connections for the two of them.  He is a firefighter...can you tell?!!  Haha

Each stocking is unique, individualized to the particular person.  Even when they share certain fabrics etc. ... they are one of a kind!  Her stocking has a snowperson too (but no fire hat!!)  and her footwear is pointe shoes, instead of the mini-stocking, as she is a dancer.  Little differences, yet connections...while still unique!

One of the stockings I made back then has hockey sticks because the young boy it was created for loved hockey!

He now plays on a pro team!

If you are interested you can read about him here.

There is a link to a video interview as well.   This all amazes me since I haven't seen him since he was in grade school!

Plus, I just found out that one of his classmates plays for the New England Patriots!

Shane Vereen...the two Shanes, playing on the school blacktop of after-school childcare!!

Sorry, I digress...but, this has been fun news for me to learn recently!

Back in the 1990's I made many many of these folk-art looking stockings.  All specialized, all lovingly & deeply, thoughtfully created for that One particular person.  There are over 100 of them floating around the United States, helping to bring joy on Christmas morning! 

If I can find my photo book, I'll post a few more stocking pictures soon :)

These days, I usually only make for repeat customers.  But I do have several stocking bodies cut out and ready to go.  

Email me if you are interested in learning more.

 

Last week started of with gifts and celebration!

My dear friend sent me two Mary Oliver books.  I will treasure them not only for my love of Mary Oliver's work, but for the deep friendship they stand for.  I recently turned her on to Mary Oliver's poetry, which it seems she likes as well!  Ha!

Thank you Judy!

My dear elder family friend sent us a fruit gift basket, with a 'golden pear'.  What a surprise this was.  I have never received a food basket in the mail!  

It's from Harry & David.

Thank you Helen!

I also received a package of fabric treats from Sandy over at Discovery Cloth, thanks to Jude's alert sharing her give-away.  Silks and velvets...Yummy!

Thank you so much Sandy!

The last 'gift' in the photo is the corner of my new name badge for my new job!

this gift comes with a lot of hard work and deep appreciation.  

As I move through my days, with all of the bounty coming forth, I will continue to notice nature...and patterns...and light.

I will embrace family and friends and new opportunities.  I will relax and soften into 'change'.

I will touch cloth and books and healthy fruity foods...and loved ones.

I will keep an open heart and open eyes.

I will remember, but I will not dwell.

I will walk with gusto, with reflection...with energy and with patience...and with gratitude through my days.

For whatever season it is, be it natural or our own personal season...

growth happens, things shift.  There is darkness and there is light.  

Embracing it all...living it all...appreciating it all...this is a way to move forward.

I am ready for 2013 and all that it may bring.

Random sunflowers out back.

I wish these same things for each of you. 

May the new year bring you many blessings, large and small, important and touching...and everything that you need right now.

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2012

Two Days

 Two days

Today and again tomorrow

 I remember and honor my mother

Today, for the first time, I attend the Kever Avot Memorial Service.

It is a day to remember loved ones 

and recognize their impact in our lives.

I think of my mother and father.  I think of other family members
and close family friends.

We listen to the sound of the Shofar, reflect on the rabbi's words, 

and hear the cantor's beautiful singing.

Tears are shed. 

We Remember Them

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,

We remember them.

 In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,

We remember them.

 In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring,

We remember them. 

In the blueness of the sky and the warmth of summer,

We remember them.

In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn,

We remember them.

In the beginning of the year and when it ends,

We remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength,

We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart,

We remember them. 

When we have decisions that are difficult to make,

We remember them. 

When we have achievements that are based on theirs,

We remember them. 

So long as we live, they too shall live,

For they are now a part of us.

As we remember them. 

-RABBI SYLVAN KAMEN AND RABBI JACK RIEMER

Then our small group of four visits the gravesites of our loved ones.

It is a beautiful day, blue skies, cloud wisps and a warm breeze.

My sister brings chairs and so we sit and share memories.

We laugh.  We are quiet.  We listen to each other and other visitors with a need to share.

We brush off our loved one's markers and leave small white pebbles from Jerusalem.

We bring flowers.

We relish the beauty of the day, the meaningful service, spending time at each gravesite.

Spending time with loved ones.

It's a good day.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of my mother's passing.

At sundown I light a candle for her.
I will spend more time reflecting on and learning from our lives together.

You can learn more about the Yahrzeit candle here.

Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2011