2014- Done. 2015- Day one...So here I am back at my blog. My last post was December 31, 2011...!!?? It doesn't seem that long ago... but time has that weird warping thing it does, especially the older you get. (Time flies when you're getting old!) But when I think about it that was my last entry for the Bluebird of Hope Project and that does feel like awhile ago.
Now, what do I have to say on Day One 2015...
So far so good!?
No really, what else can I say about 2015?
I hope that our landscape nationally
& internationally improves...?
I wish & pray & visualize it
so...but my cynical self throws up her hands, rolls her eyes and says
"Get real!! It's all so big! And so overwhelmingly out of control! Plah!" In order to cope with the many injustices I read & hear about, I have to get into solution. That brings it back home to my little universe and do what I
can here & now. Because when we boil it down, it is about each one of us separately that adds up collectively.
So my plan for 2015 is...
listen to more music... and less news radio
dance!
be open to possibilities
share more
read at least one book a month
journal & write more
create and express myself in whatever medium moves me
remember to lead by example through respect, understanding and compassion
contribute positively to the world around me in creative ways
I'm going to give it my best shot. So fasten your seat belts! 2015 here I come!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Bluebird #31!
Well I did it. I made 31 bluebirds, I placed them around town and I wrote about it everyday this month. It feels good to complete something even though I am melancholy that it is done.
Has this project made a difference? I believe that if this project kept me pointed in a positive direction then the people who followed and read the blog did too. Otherwise I don’t think they would have followed it.
It was said to me this month that hope was like the waves in the ocean… the waves that hit the shore gain momentum by many waves joining together: like energies attracting like. And I understood. The more we feel hopeful and positive, the people around us feel hopeful and positive.
Today I decided to take #31 back to where it started- to Surfers Point. Walking along the bike path I passed the labyrinth where I placed Bluebird #1. Thoughts of walking the circular path came back to me and the anticipation of the project. I kept going following my intuition. I thought of the huge cement circular wall past the river mouth. As I came to where Ventura River flows into the ocean there was a little bridge to cross the stream. It was built out of rocks and tree branches. There were a couple of tall sticks beside the bridge with shells decorating them. Bluebird #31 landed a top one of the sticks.
It seemed like a good idea to bring the project full circle. It also occurred to me that the stream of water was like the hope that we gathered and carried through this month. And the stream meeting the huge ocean was the Hope gathering momentum.
Has this project made a difference? I believe that if this project kept me pointed in a positive direction then the people who followed and read the blog did too. Otherwise I don’t think they would have followed it.
It was said to me this month that hope was like the waves in the ocean… the waves that hit the shore gain momentum by many waves joining together: like energies attracting like. And I understood. The more we feel hopeful and positive, the people around us feel hopeful and positive.
Today I decided to take #31 back to where it started- to Surfers Point. Walking along the bike path I passed the labyrinth where I placed Bluebird #1. Thoughts of walking the circular path came back to me and the anticipation of the project. I kept going following my intuition. I thought of the huge cement circular wall past the river mouth. As I came to where Ventura River flows into the ocean there was a little bridge to cross the stream. It was built out of rocks and tree branches. There were a couple of tall sticks beside the bridge with shells decorating them. Bluebird #31 landed a top one of the sticks.
It seemed like a good idea to bring the project full circle. It also occurred to me that the stream of water was like the hope that we gathered and carried through this month. And the stream meeting the huge ocean was the Hope gathering momentum. Happy New Year! Let 2012 be filled with hope, happiness and prosperity!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Bluebird #30
This is the 30th day of my Bluebird Project. I have one more bluebird to place tomorrow, New Years Eve. This has been an interesting journey. I am sad to see it coming to an end.
Today was the last day of pet sitting Sonny the Dog. I was sad that it was coming to an end. Funny though, half the time I spent sitting outside at 7am with the temperature at about 35 degrees just sitting quietly getting the dog to trust me. My time allotment was 40 minutes but I usually stayed an hour.
Today Sonny’s playmate, Cher came home and when I stopped by for my final visit the two were together in the kennel. They both came galloping out of the gate and ran around the yard. That was the happiest I have seen Sonny all week. I gave them lots of treats… I gave Sonny a couple more than Cher because he is my favorite. I was a little misty as I drove away. This was a last minute booking so I’m not sure I’ll see Sonny again but I hope so.
In honor of Sonny being a rescue dog, I took Bluebird #30 to the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai.
Today was the last day of pet sitting Sonny the Dog. I was sad that it was coming to an end. Funny though, half the time I spent sitting outside at 7am with the temperature at about 35 degrees just sitting quietly getting the dog to trust me. My time allotment was 40 minutes but I usually stayed an hour.
Today Sonny’s playmate, Cher came home and when I stopped by for my final visit the two were together in the kennel. They both came galloping out of the gate and ran around the yard. That was the happiest I have seen Sonny all week. I gave them lots of treats… I gave Sonny a couple more than Cher because he is my favorite. I was a little misty as I drove away. This was a last minute booking so I’m not sure I’ll see Sonny again but I hope so.
In honor of Sonny being a rescue dog, I took Bluebird #30 to the Humane Society of Ventura County in Ojai. Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bluebird #29
For two years I have watched the transformation of this rundown property on Thompson Blvd. It was City Center Motel. Now it is transitional living for homeless people.
The project was taken on by several churches of different faiths (I say different faiths even though they are all Christian based… ). They cleaned, painted and remodeled. I love the idea that these many churches pooled their resources and were able to coordinate with each other and get this facility up and running: people coming together for a common cause- to help someone else in dire need.
When I drove by today they replaced the chain link fence with a brand new stucco wall with wrought iron. That is what caught my eye. Then I saw the children playing inside the yard. I also noticed that they put in a jungle-gym in the back too. The whole place looks so much better than it did. I could feel the radiant hope.
Bluebird #29 landed on the new stucco wall outside of The Kingdom Center.
See their website:
http://www.thekingdomcenterventura.com/
The project was taken on by several churches of different faiths (I say different faiths even though they are all Christian based… ). They cleaned, painted and remodeled. I love the idea that these many churches pooled their resources and were able to coordinate with each other and get this facility up and running: people coming together for a common cause- to help someone else in dire need.
When I drove by today they replaced the chain link fence with a brand new stucco wall with wrought iron. That is what caught my eye. Then I saw the children playing inside the yard. I also noticed that they put in a jungle-gym in the back too. The whole place looks so much better than it did. I could feel the radiant hope.
Bluebird #29 landed on the new stucco wall outside of The Kingdom Center.
See their website:
http://www.thekingdomcenterventura.com/
Bluebird #28
There is a building on the corner of Laurel & Main Street in Ventura that use to be a church. Now it is a theater, a small theater but a very good theater. It is called The Rubicon. Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil founded the theater company in 1998 and brought the company into this building on Laurel & Main in 1999.
The first play I saw there was “Night of the Iguana”. I think it was 2004. I was blown away by the level of professionalism of the production. The story, the acting and the set design in such a small space is what amazed me. Since then I have seen several productions and never was I disappointed.
Now I have the privilege of working for the Rubicon as a costumer. Now I get to see the whole thing built from scratch and performed for weeks at a time. I see the heart that goes in to every single performance from backstage. I get to hear the audience respond before, during and after the performance. I see the hope come alive in our community through the magic of the theater. And for this I am very grateful.
Bluebird #27 landed on the front stoop of the Rubicon right next to a spider weaving its daily web.
http://rubicontheatre.org/
The first play I saw there was “Night of the Iguana”. I think it was 2004. I was blown away by the level of professionalism of the production. The story, the acting and the set design in such a small space is what amazed me. Since then I have seen several productions and never was I disappointed.
Now I have the privilege of working for the Rubicon as a costumer. Now I get to see the whole thing built from scratch and performed for weeks at a time. I see the heart that goes in to every single performance from backstage. I get to hear the audience respond before, during and after the performance. I see the hope come alive in our community through the magic of the theater. And for this I am very grateful.
Bluebird #27 landed on the front stoop of the Rubicon right next to a spider weaving its daily web.
http://rubicontheatre.org/
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Bluebird #27
One of my grandmothers was a fantastic knitter. She made sweaters, baby bonnets, booties and other items. She did a lot of hand work. I have taken up the tradition. I have been knitting for about a year now having taught myself out of a book. So I have been knitting at home or backstage in between quick changes & costume changes. Mostly I was making wash cloths. I was knitting squares… lots of squares.
I got to the point where I really wanted to be part of a knitting circle so I could expand my horizons beyond squares and meet new people. I mentioned in an earlier blog that in August I joined a group on meetup.com. It is a group of people who knit and crochet.
We meet every Tuesday evening at a Starbucks in Ventura. They are women from all walks of life. We sit and compare knitting projects and share patterns and techniques. There are beginners to advanced knitters. It has been fun getting to know these women.
Lately most of us have been working on gifts for family and friends. But a few of the ladies also knit items for charities and they get the group to participate on group projects. One of the projects was the Mother bear Project (http://www.motherbearproject.org/ ) a charity dedicated to providing hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa by giving them hand-knit bears. There have also been local charities they have donated knitted items. Tonight the host of the group was knitting an afghan to be given to some one on skid row.
This is another reason I joined the group- knitting for charities. Knitting is a way I can contribute to the world beyond my family and friends. This group of knitters gives me a lot of hope and these ladies have a lot of heart.
Right outside the window Bluebird #27 landed & watched happily while we sat and knitted our yarn into pieces of hope.
I got to the point where I really wanted to be part of a knitting circle so I could expand my horizons beyond squares and meet new people. I mentioned in an earlier blog that in August I joined a group on meetup.com. It is a group of people who knit and crochet.
We meet every Tuesday evening at a Starbucks in Ventura. They are women from all walks of life. We sit and compare knitting projects and share patterns and techniques. There are beginners to advanced knitters. It has been fun getting to know these women.
Lately most of us have been working on gifts for family and friends. But a few of the ladies also knit items for charities and they get the group to participate on group projects. One of the projects was the Mother bear Project (http://www.motherbearproject.org/ ) a charity dedicated to providing hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa by giving them hand-knit bears. There have also been local charities they have donated knitted items. Tonight the host of the group was knitting an afghan to be given to some one on skid row.
This is another reason I joined the group- knitting for charities. Knitting is a way I can contribute to the world beyond my family and friends. This group of knitters gives me a lot of hope and these ladies have a lot of heart.
Right outside the window Bluebird #27 landed & watched happily while we sat and knitted our yarn into pieces of hope.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Bluebird #26
I have noticed a new store front on Ventura Avenue... AA Grupo 12 y 12, right next to the bakery where I buy my Dia de los Muertos dead bread. I have even seen people gathered outside the door and at night I can see people sitting in chairs. My heart sang when I saw the sign in the window. Hope in my neighborhood!!
Pajaro de Azul numero vente seis!!
Pajaro de Azul numero vente seis!!
Update: Sonny the Dog
Follow up to Sonny the Dog… visit #6: When I arrived this morning Sonny barked & wagged his tail and appeared happy to see me. Over the past couple of visits (twice a day) gradually Sonny has come closer to me but not close enough to pet or hand him a treat.
But this morning he came up to me several times and ate the treats out of my hand. He even followed me in to the house. No petting yet but I am so happy.
But this morning he came up to me several times and ate the treats out of my hand. He even followed me in to the house. No petting yet but I am so happy.
Bluebird #25
There are many aspects of the state of our nation that bother me but one that worries me is the huge losses in the stock market. I don’t gamble and I haven’t been to Vegas since 1984 so I don’t really like the stock market because of the similar risks. But here we are with our whole financial well being wrapped up with those lunatics on Wall Street.
The part that makes me sad is that so many people lost big chunks of their retirement funds. They had planned ahead, did it the way it was suggested for success and BAM- the bottom drops. I had a 401k too and watched that thing shrink. I suppose this is a sad example of “there are no guarantees”. So now what? I’m not sure.
First thing that comes to mind is that we need to take care of each other. I suppose that pride needs to be set aside. Possibly asking for help when it’s needed and giving it in return. I’m thinking bartering with each other. The universe is abundant when we don’t hoard things or get greedy but share instead.
Most of the people I know have friends and family around them to help them out. There are a lot of people that don’t. What about them? I’m not talking about saving the world or maybe I am, just a baby step at a time. Just a little effort goes along way.
What can you do in your community to help others thrive? Donate food to the local food bank? Help distribute food? You might already do some volunteer work… yay for you!! Keep it up!
Bluebird #25 landed at the Senior Center in Ventura… spreading a vision of hope to the people who need a bit more for their retirement.
The part that makes me sad is that so many people lost big chunks of their retirement funds. They had planned ahead, did it the way it was suggested for success and BAM- the bottom drops. I had a 401k too and watched that thing shrink. I suppose this is a sad example of “there are no guarantees”. So now what? I’m not sure.
First thing that comes to mind is that we need to take care of each other. I suppose that pride needs to be set aside. Possibly asking for help when it’s needed and giving it in return. I’m thinking bartering with each other. The universe is abundant when we don’t hoard things or get greedy but share instead.
Most of the people I know have friends and family around them to help them out. There are a lot of people that don’t. What about them? I’m not talking about saving the world or maybe I am, just a baby step at a time. Just a little effort goes along way.
What can you do in your community to help others thrive? Donate food to the local food bank? Help distribute food? You might already do some volunteer work… yay for you!! Keep it up!
Bluebird #25 landed at the Senior Center in Ventura… spreading a vision of hope to the people who need a bit more for their retirement.
Bluebird #24
I drive up and down Ventura Ave several times a day. It is my neighborhood. There are several bus stops along this street and they are frequently occupied with people waiting for the bus.
This particular bus stop on the corner of Prospect & Ventura is often occupied by two men with market baskets filled with their belongings. Usually it’s in the afternoon that I see them. They seem to be engrossed in conversation… I think with each other. It must be warm there at that time of day because it faces west.
Bluebird #24 landed on the corner of Prospect & Ventura Ave at this bus stop.
This particular bus stop on the corner of Prospect & Ventura is often occupied by two men with market baskets filled with their belongings. Usually it’s in the afternoon that I see them. They seem to be engrossed in conversation… I think with each other. It must be warm there at that time of day because it faces west.
Bluebird #24 landed on the corner of Prospect & Ventura Ave at this bus stop.
Bluebird #23
For the in between times I took a job as a professional pet sitter with a local agency. It is a happy job. It is rewarding on many levels. I get exercise, the dogs get exercise, the cats get massages, every one gets love… It’s a win-win… win situation!!
My new doggy client is named Sonny. He’s a white malamute and is a beauty. His owner took him in a few years ago after he was rescued. I met him briefly before his owner left town and he was very timid… distrustful is a better word. He did take a treat from my hand and sniffed me a little but otherwise kept away
The first visit was at the end of the day. Sonny was so distrustful that he wouldn’t come within 10 feet of me. He stayed in his dog run, didn’t sit and growled quietly. He was very apprehensive and it makes me sad to see him unhappy. So I just sat quietly in the yard hoping he would get used to me.
There is a sweet little birdhouse in the yard where Sonny lives and Bluebird #23 landed there.
My new doggy client is named Sonny. He’s a white malamute and is a beauty. His owner took him in a few years ago after he was rescued. I met him briefly before his owner left town and he was very timid… distrustful is a better word. He did take a treat from my hand and sniffed me a little but otherwise kept away
The first visit was at the end of the day. Sonny was so distrustful that he wouldn’t come within 10 feet of me. He stayed in his dog run, didn’t sit and growled quietly. He was very apprehensive and it makes me sad to see him unhappy. So I just sat quietly in the yard hoping he would get used to me.
There is a sweet little birdhouse in the yard where Sonny lives and Bluebird #23 landed there.
Bluebird #22
One of my friends mentioned earlier this month is still in the hospital. He had a bicycle accident and got pretty banged up. It will take awhile for him to recover. It is hard to stay hopeful when you are lying in a hospital bed...
So bluebird #22 landed at the County Hospital in Ventura. Sending you well wishes friend!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Bluebird #19, 20, & 21
There are some of us walking this planet that have to create. We have to draw, paint, sculpt, sing, dance, make music, write. It is in our DNA. It’s something we must do or our spirits shrivel. I have also read in different spiritual books that self expression is an essential part of living and without it we will not find true happiness and wholeness.
I think this creative spark is in all of us but some ignore it or push it down or neglect it. Maybe they believe the judgments set upon them by others. They think that they can’t do any of it well and judge themselves. They don’t value it because they can’t make a living from it. Whatever the reason… they don’t believe in their creative self.
But the bluebird is here to tell you “Don’t give up on that creative spark!” It is part of your wholeness. Sing often and sing loud!! Get out those paints! Pastels! The camera! The guitar! The sewing machine! Turn up the music and dance with abandon! Who cares if anyone is looking! Maybe they’ll join you.
These 4 bluebirds flew out to places where creative self expression is nurtured and valued. Vita Art Center is located in Bell Arts Factory (a building that houses a group of art studios) on Ventura Ave & Harrison. The art center employs many local artists to teach their disciplines to anyone w
ho wants to learn. Students of all ages come through here and there are art exhibits and performances coordinated with some of the classes.
Stoneworks is just down the street on the corner of Park Row & Ventura Ave. Two of my friends live and work here. They dedicate their live to bringing the arts into our community. They teach stone carving to anyone who is interested as well as being working artists. They also promote local artists through events like First Fridays, exhibits and art fairs.
Art City is just off Ventura Ave on Dubbers. This property is tucked up against Hwy 33 and is a place that has been around a long time. This is a magical place that I recommend exploring any time you get the chance. Art City is made up of a group of some old time stone carvers. There are gigantic pieces of stones of all kinds around the property which is an outdoor studio. You could see pieces started and half done. There are also many finished pieces to see. These people are dedicated to their creative spirits.
These are places where hope lives… where hope is created and multiples. This is where you can expect something good to happen.
I think this creative spark is in all of us but some ignore it or push it down or neglect it. Maybe they believe the judgments set upon them by others. They think that they can’t do any of it well and judge themselves. They don’t value it because they can’t make a living from it. Whatever the reason… they don’t believe in their creative self.
But the bluebird is here to tell you “Don’t give up on that creative spark!” It is part of your wholeness. Sing often and sing loud!! Get out those paints! Pastels! The camera! The guitar! The sewing machine! Turn up the music and dance with abandon! Who cares if anyone is looking! Maybe they’ll join you.
These 4 bluebirds flew out to places where creative self expression is nurtured and valued. Vita Art Center is located in Bell Arts Factory (a building that houses a group of art studios) on Ventura Ave & Harrison. The art center employs many local artists to teach their disciplines to anyone w
ho wants to learn. Students of all ages come through here and there are art exhibits and performances coordinated with some of the classes.Stoneworks is just down the street on the corner of Park Row & Ventura Ave. Two of my friends live and work here. They dedicate their live to bringing the arts into our community. They teach stone carving to anyone who is interested as well as being working artists. They also promote local artists through events like First Fridays, exhibits and art fairs.
Art City is just off Ventura Ave on Dubbers. This property is tucked up against Hwy 33 and is a place that has been around a long time. This is a magical place that I recommend exploring any time you get the chance. Art City is made up of a group of some old time stone carvers. There are gigantic pieces of stones of all kinds around the property which is an outdoor studio. You could see pieces started and half done. There are also many finished pieces to see. These people are dedicated to their creative spirits.These are places where hope lives… where hope is created and multiples. This is where you can expect something good to happen.
Bluebird #18
This little bluebird didn’t make it threw the process. It broke before it could get fired in the kiln. This happens with ceramics. It’s a process that puts a lot of stress on the artwork… drying the clay without cracks, moving it into the kiln without breaking, firing up to 1600 – 1800 degrees for the bisque firing and a second firing that can be as high as 2200 degrees for the glaze…
It’s a metaphor for how life can be… We take it for granted that things won’t break when sometimes things do break and sometimes things don’t turn out the way we want it to… but in the end everything turns out just right… whether we like it or not.
Bluebird #18 may he rest in peace.
It’s a metaphor for how life can be… We take it for granted that things won’t break when sometimes things do break and sometimes things don’t turn out the way we want it to… but in the end everything turns out just right… whether we like it or not.
Bluebird #18 may he rest in peace.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Bluebird #17
There are places around town where people gather for one reason or another. They come together for a fellowship of hope. A lot of times the places are churches or temples and sometimes the people that meet there are not of that particular faith. This is not a religious posting today (and it would be wise not to expect one from me even though it is December, just sayin’).
Every Saturday I go to this place to meet my friends for an hour. I know of several 12 step meetings held at this location. This place has a banquet hall that is used often by their own parish. There is a school on the premises. I also know that this place has emergency funds for people in need and they are one of Food Shares Pantry Partners too. There is a lot of hope being generated in this location… and shared.
Bluebird #17 Landed at the Presbyterian Church on the corner where Poli & Lincoln meet.
Every Saturday I go to this place to meet my friends for an hour. I know of several 12 step meetings held at this location. This place has a banquet hall that is used often by their own parish. There is a school on the premises. I also know that this place has emergency funds for people in need and they are one of Food Shares Pantry Partners too. There is a lot of hope being generated in this location… and shared.
Bluebird #17 Landed at the Presbyterian Church on the corner where Poli & Lincoln meet.
Bluebird #16
Where is Bluebird #16? Where did 16 go? He was here in the flock... what? He flew the coop?! He went out on his own to find a place of hope himself?!! Well, there you go!
Bluebird 16 flew the coop... destination unknown!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Bluebird #15
Food, the topic is food, feeding people who can’t afford food… I just spent the last hour looking at statistics of poverty and housing expenses in Ventura County. It is a wonder that any of us can keep a roof over our heads with the housing cost… looking at the numbers I wondered how I do it.
Most of us can afford to buy food. We get to go to the grocery store and pick the food we like & want to eat. Others don’t have that luxury. There are places in town who feed people who are in need of a meal.
I just went to the Food Share website http://www.foodshare.com/ and found a plethora of information. Catholic Charities is listed as a Pantry Partner which provides free fresh food to people who can’t afford to buy their own. Catholic Charities also provide meals daily to people who find themselves homeless. There is a ton of information on the Food Share website including lists of shelters & other services. If you know of anyone in need of assistance, this website is a great resource.
Catholic Charities is located on the corner of Ventura Avenue & Park Row. And this is where Bluebird # 15 landed today.
Most of us can afford to buy food. We get to go to the grocery store and pick the food we like & want to eat. Others don’t have that luxury. There are places in town who feed people who are in need of a meal.
I just went to the Food Share website http://www.foodshare.com/ and found a plethora of information. Catholic Charities is listed as a Pantry Partner which provides free fresh food to people who can’t afford to buy their own. Catholic Charities also provide meals daily to people who find themselves homeless. There is a ton of information on the Food Share website including lists of shelters & other services. If you know of anyone in need of assistance, this website is a great resource.
Catholic Charities is located on the corner of Ventura Avenue & Park Row. And this is where Bluebird # 15 landed today. Bluebird #14
There is a building on Fir Street that I go to several times a week at noon to meet with some friends. It is a place where we talk about our experience, strength and hope on a daily basis. We share our successes and our defeats. Some of us live on the hill and some of us barely have a sleeping bag. There is always coffee. In this building I find hope.
Bluebird #14 landed on the brick wall just outside the door today as I was walking in.
Bluebird #14 landed on the brick wall just outside the door today as I was walking in.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
December 15
Where does hope live?
The Bluebirds of Hope have been quiet for a couple of days. This project has been a true exercise for me. I know I have said it in previous postings but the more days that pass the more interesting it gets. And when I say interesting I mean hard. Pulling the hope from within to share with you is easy some days and not so much on others. Sure I could write something everyday that sounded like a Hallmark card but that is not the point. I am doing this because it isn’t easy pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps everyday. Some days we just don’t feel like it. And if it goes to long then we get apathetic and the world becomes a bleak place.
Part of the reason I decided to do this project is that I have the time. I don’t have any work this month when I need to work this month. The idea of sharing hope with the world when I needed some myself seemed like a good exercise in faith. I still believe in the concept. But I have to walk the walk if I am going to talk the talk.
This week I hit a wall and what I realized was that with this project being daily I am counting the days and by counting the days I am focusing more and more that I don’t have work. And then the fear starts rolling in like high tide.
Now I am not complaining, I am explaining where I stand… because I don’t think I am standing alone here. And so I had to take a step back and breathe. Breathe out the fear and breathe in the faith. Already a solution has arrived and I can focus on the issues at hand: bluebirds.
Hope is wishing that something good will happen. Faith is knowing that it will. And Trust is total confidence that it will all be taken care of.
So stay tuned there could be a Bluebird landing somewhere near you…
The Bluebirds of Hope have been quiet for a couple of days. This project has been a true exercise for me. I know I have said it in previous postings but the more days that pass the more interesting it gets. And when I say interesting I mean hard. Pulling the hope from within to share with you is easy some days and not so much on others. Sure I could write something everyday that sounded like a Hallmark card but that is not the point. I am doing this because it isn’t easy pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps everyday. Some days we just don’t feel like it. And if it goes to long then we get apathetic and the world becomes a bleak place.
Part of the reason I decided to do this project is that I have the time. I don’t have any work this month when I need to work this month. The idea of sharing hope with the world when I needed some myself seemed like a good exercise in faith. I still believe in the concept. But I have to walk the walk if I am going to talk the talk.
This week I hit a wall and what I realized was that with this project being daily I am counting the days and by counting the days I am focusing more and more that I don’t have work. And then the fear starts rolling in like high tide.
Now I am not complaining, I am explaining where I stand… because I don’t think I am standing alone here. And so I had to take a step back and breathe. Breathe out the fear and breathe in the faith. Already a solution has arrived and I can focus on the issues at hand: bluebirds.
Hope is wishing that something good will happen. Faith is knowing that it will. And Trust is total confidence that it will all be taken care of.
So stay tuned there could be a Bluebird landing somewhere near you…
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Bluebird #13
Bluebird #13… Two birds in one day… yeee-ow!
After the doldrums of yesterday and figuring out where #12 was to go on the 13th, I was still in a quandary as to where to put #13!! Procrastination or constipation don’t work for this project at all. The days keep coming, day after day. Figuring out where hope lives is a full time job.
Libraries have been a place of inspiration for me. Curiosity is something that keeps me going. I hope that I am curious to the day I die. When I lived in Pasadena I would go to the main branch on Walnut. I would get lost in the books for hours. I caught up reading literature that I was supposed to have read in High School English… let’s just say I missed a couple of classes and Cliff Notes aren’t the same. I looked at art books with beautiful prints of paintings and sculpture. This curiosity got me back to college when it meant something to me.
Today when I went to both the Avenue Library and the E.P. Library I was happy to see both places in use by many: little ones with their grandmother, elementary students with tutors and teenagers doing homework. At the Avenue Library there were a couple of older women at the back table reading the newspaper, some fellas on the computers and a group of 4th or 5th graders with a tutor in the children’s section. There was even a young man just outside the door playing his guitar. And of course the two friendly ladies at the front desk who I love to chat with about books.
Well it seemed fitting that #13 be placed at my neighborhood library because there still is a library in my neighborhood. It is well used and well stocked for such a small place. Bluebird #13 landed in the Avenue Library right next to “Louise: The Adventures of a Chicken”.
After the doldrums of yesterday and figuring out where #12 was to go on the 13th, I was still in a quandary as to where to put #13!! Procrastination or constipation don’t work for this project at all. The days keep coming, day after day. Figuring out where hope lives is a full time job.
Libraries have been a place of inspiration for me. Curiosity is something that keeps me going. I hope that I am curious to the day I die. When I lived in Pasadena I would go to the main branch on Walnut. I would get lost in the books for hours. I caught up reading literature that I was supposed to have read in High School English… let’s just say I missed a couple of classes and Cliff Notes aren’t the same. I looked at art books with beautiful prints of paintings and sculpture. This curiosity got me back to college when it meant something to me.
Today when I went to both the Avenue Library and the E.P. Library I was happy to see both places in use by many: little ones with their grandmother, elementary students with tutors and teenagers doing homework. At the Avenue Library there were a couple of older women at the back table reading the newspaper, some fellas on the computers and a group of 4th or 5th graders with a tutor in the children’s section. There was even a young man just outside the door playing his guitar. And of course the two friendly ladies at the front desk who I love to chat with about books.
Well it seemed fitting that #13 be placed at my neighborhood library because there still is a library in my neighborhood. It is well used and well stocked for such a small place. Bluebird #13 landed in the Avenue Library right next to “Louise: The Adventures of a Chicken”.
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