Ann of the Left Coast - January 2, 2009
Our bodies ache from so many nights of lying on a cot or sleeping in a chair as we wait and listen for increasing signs of the impending event - an event that we are so very, very blessed to witness. My heart dances between wishing she could stay for a while longer and knowing that I must let go. But, she is here now, in this moment that is truly a lifetime until the next moment. And when she ceases to be here now, all I have to do is look and she'll be there - always.
Bless every precious moment.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 5, 2009
The sun rises and sets, rises and sets as we continue our vigil with complete presence of mind, body and soul. Love unbounded - love the answer.
God bless the elders and children of the world.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 11, 2009
My Eulogy to Mom...
My mother was of the earth to which she will now return.
She was a constant gardener, toiling and unraveling this life that she found so enchanting.
Her will to live, and her will to die, were equally strong, firm and immovable, like sterling silver.
Her soul, so easily visible, was as precious as gold.
Her tears, which rarely appeared, fell gently upon the earth like a raindrop upon a rose petal after an early morning rain.
Her smile was as bright as the morning sun rise, and the blazing colors of sunset.
Her vision was clear and aware, a shining star in the nighttime sky.
Her voice, thunderous and mighty, rumbled with pure truth sent from the heavens above.
Her compassion ran as deep as the deepest river, far-reaching and consistent.
Her mind was a constant ebb and flow, an ocean of thoughts that never ceased to find their way to shore.
Her feet tread lightly upon our mother earth and always moved in the right direction.
Her footsteps were bold yet easily followed by anyone who chose to walk beside her.
Her body was tall and lean, a giant among us, stately and deep-rooted.
Her family tree full and blossoming and eternal, evident with the new sprouts that continue to bud, ready to take their place among us.
Her physical life has returned to the earth, but now, in her death, she will be everywhere with me.
Today, as the sun dips behind our beloved West Virginia Mountains, I will find her in the sunset.
Upon awakening, I will find her in the rising sun.
I will feel her kiss in the gentle wind that blows across my cheek.
I will hear her voice in the bird songs.
I will find her beside me as I walk within the natural world.
I will see her in the faces of my children and grandchildren, my brothers, my aunt, my nieces and nephews, and my cousins.
I will find her in the faces of all of you who walked beside her through her journey and are here now with us.
I will find her EVERYWHERE because she will be everywhere with me.
And, you too can find her, because all you have to do is look and she will be everywhere with you.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 12, 2009
Morning is wrapped within a blanket of fresh snow, comforting as I go back in time to my childhood living in this blessed little town. A town that struggles to survive, yet a place where everyone pulls together and few are left behind. Peaceful memories for one who has lived away for so long and especially for my children and grandchildren who dont get to experience this type of community in the Bay Area. Small town America in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains a place that people love to joke about but would re-tool their entire value system after one weekend of experiencing what my West Coast family now sees for what it truly is. Before the families gathered from the West and East to celebrate the life of my mother, the house was already filling up with food and drinks and support. Every morning the doorbell rang with people delivering breakfast casseroles, sweet breads, hot buns and fruit bowls. Each day at lunch time, the same experience - sandwich and vegetable trays, more fruit and pies and cookies and nuts and chips and dips and again at dinner, more home baked meals arriving right-on-schedule. For three days without a blink of an eye, through snow storms and rain, blue skies and gray the community continued to feed a family of 30-plus. For some of you who read this, it is the norm for those of you who have not experienced a community like this, I can only pray that you may be so blessed to experience it at some point in your life. In the stillness of morning, I ponder how all of us will survive without our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who taught us so much about living, even in her death. The eulogies spoken, the funeral completed, the celebration celebrated, the family now scattered across the country, but she will always be in the forefront of our existence as we walk upon this beautiful place called earth.
Peace to all of you.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 13, 2009
The night prior presented a wonderful evening with family friends for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before gathering at a local restaurant. Another moment to peruse my past as I joked with Mike who was my childhood dentist and always exhibited a pet skunk to calm the nerves of all the children who came for dental exams, and with Bob and Sarah who always joined us on our family vacations each summer to the Outer Banks or South Carolina beaches, or ski trips to the mountains. Commentary, politics, laughter and joking coincided with my internal thought waves reminiscing and honoring my past as I looked around the table at all the smiling faces. Too much food and wine added to a night full of dreams that have yet to be unraveled as I sip my morning coffee. One more day before I depart to the West and get back to the reality of job searching in an economy that continues to falter as services, education and infrastructure remain on the chopping block and still no one remains accountable for creating the mess we are in. As our government ponders a movement of troops out of Iraq and into Afghanistan, remember those who suffer across our world as bombs made of "incendiary agent white phosphorous" drop upon the suburbs of Gaza burning innocent women and children and families who have no role in the madness. Can you imagine the agony? Stop the bombing, stop the wars.
Peace be with you today and always.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 14, 2009
Another afternoon and evening visiting with friends as we sat around the table reminiscing and laughing and celebrating life. The simple pleasures of life are many when you take the time to enjoy them. We are so fortunate to have these moments as so many suffer across our country and the world. I've said it before and I'll say it again - if one of us suffers, all of us suffer. We must remain aware and begin to work much harder to stop the suffering of innocent people due to war and inhumane treatment. Guantanamo Bay; our American prisons that are full of young men, mostly African American, who are imprisoned for petty crimes in order to feed the corporate machine; our services and infrastructure that suffer as money continues to fund religious wars across the globe; bombs full of chemicals that produce suffering beyond explanation; human trafficking in the West African Nations; victims of the drug trade in Latin America; the impending turmoil that is inevitable as the worlds oil reserves diminish. On and on it goes until we take a stand. How far down the rabbit hole are you willing to go? I am my mother's daughter - this much I know is true as I continue to read her stories and hear the voice that I now echo. I am proud to have shared a life with one so vocal, whose concerns reached beyond this sleepy town and into the great big world. Never forget and never stop trying.
God bless the elders and children of the world.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 15, 2009
An exciting adventure yesterday as I drove from my hometown in West Virginia to Pittsburgh in the wind and ice and snow - a journey that took three and a half hours but comforting just the same as it allowed time to ponder the last few weeks. I suppose driving in ice and snow is like learning to ride a bicycle - you never forget how to do it. The past weeks presented a mix bag of extreme happiness and sadness, gain and loss, but will always remain a very special time and one that I will always cherish from the deepest depths of my heart and soul. Reality bites as I read todays news - shots fired from within the compounds of the United Nations (?!?), jobless rates rising, home foreclosures continuing to rise ACK! But, there is always kindness to be shared. See you on the West Coast!
Peace.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 16, 2009
The half moon bright in the morning sky as the sun reflects the colors of this beautiful world.I watch the gentle flapping of the seagulls wings as he passes by the moon to find his way to the river that will eventually relinquish the bounties of the sea - breakfast at 10:00 a.m. perhaps for the errant one. The early morning is comforting as I continue to reflect the past months events.The tears will continue to fall at the most unexpected moments as with yesterday when my first thought was to call mom and let her know Im safely home.Unexpected yet revered as these moments will provide moment upon moment of memories as I walk through this life. Kudos to the pilot who saved so many lives yesterday; boo to George W. for leaving a legacy of death and destruction. This too shall pass.
Eyes wide open!
Ann of the Left Coast - January 20, 2009
Welcome President Obama - good night Bush!
Peace.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 21, 2009
A new day filled with hope and forward-thinking ideals from the previous day's events as words delivered from the heart echo across the world and raise the bar for the presidential office. Today, words become actions as the Gitmo trial is put on hold, discussions continue on the timing for closing the facility, troop withdrawal moves to the top of the priority list, insane regulations of the outgoing president are thwarted, and new executive orders are initiated. Of course, threats and actions of a few will always find their way into our life, but today we must continue to look forward. Our challenges remain and will be many as our economy continues to suffer and more and more American workers lose their jobs to assure profits, albeit, at the expense of people's lives. "Don't let it bring you down - it's only castles burning..."
Peace be with you and yours.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 22, 2009
The morning rain allowed a moment of simply being alive as I stood at the sliding glass door and watched the raindrops create beautiful, concentric patterns in the backyard. Ahhhh, the simple pleasures of life! Much more comforting than the alternative as I glance at the morning headlines full of economic doom and gloom. But isn't it refreshing to know that the news we hear will share more information than the past presidency and his cabinet allowed. Their fear-based leadership of greed and secrecy now buried in the past, yet the truth will be told - eventually. Our job now is to serve one another and work to re-build our nation - it won't be easy but it sure feels good to have a common goal for "we the people." And of course, we cannot forget to consider all life on this planet, especially as we witness the disappearing Antarctic ice shelf that will destroy the eco-system and resonate across the globe. We are all connected. Off the soapbox and into the day I go.
May your day be blessed with conscious being.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 25, 2009
A beautiful morning as the sun's rays refract and reflect the colors of the world, providing warmth and comfort to the start of a new week on planet Earth. Our earth that struggles to find balance within its naturally changing state, yet senses the need to correct the damage done from the footprints of a million millenniums. All is good on the Western front except for those who await the yearly Mavericks contest that continues to be postponed because Mother Nature doesn't want to come out and play. Indeed a good day to get things done or to just simply be in every moment that comes and goes - and somewhere in-between. Sounds like a plan!
May the light surround and comfort you!
Ann of the Left Coast - January 26, 2009
The sun quickly finds its spot above the western mountain range and paints a morning of light and warmth for all of the earth's inhabitants. How blessed are we today and every day to awaken to the glory of the light and the freedom to choose our paths. Not the false freedoms granted by the world's nations, but the freedom to walk a sacred path that presents endless opportunities for giving and building relationships with all living things. It is actually an easier way to live, for sure, and there are no consequences or judgments or expectations - how free and comforting that feels! My heart aches for those who continue to lose their jobs, their livelihood, and their sense of security in our so-called tumbling economy. I also pray each person will find peace and loss of self in the simple act of reaching out and paying forward and simply living. It's working for me, but I must admit I am truly blessed to have a family that loves me and provides support and time for me to search for the perfect job in a perfect world that has no boundaries. That is not true for so many across the world is it?
May your hearts be open and your hands far-reaching this day!
Ann of the Left Coast - January 27, 2009
The morning light was barely shining above the Western coast when the pitter-patter of little feet caught me pouring a cup of coffee midstream to insist that I find Monster Truck videos for his viewing pleasure on my laptop. Thank goodness for Windows software (I never thought I would say that!). Now he sits completely satisfied as Gravedigger jumps over pieces of toast while taking time to watch the world through two-year-old eyes with lens that are unobstructed and clear and innocent. How special are the children of the world. How similar are the news reports as war, a failing economy and global warming fill the white spaces of the web forms created to drive profits in the game of “Truth or Dare.” But peace is always just a moment away, now evident as I turn to view the bare branches silhouetted by the early sterling sky, the sun resting peacefully above the world, light shining within and around me as I witness the incredible lightness of being.
May you find peace in every moment.
An Evening View - 01/28/09
The crescent moon haloed by its full self hangs majestically above the world with Venus by her side. Venus, the Goddess of Love who never ventures far from the light, be it the Sun or the Moon. I realize that exactly one month ago, I stood outside on the Florida coast praying to the same nighttime sky as Mother lay inside Hospice waiting to transition from life to everlasting life. How quickly time passes yet so near she remains in my heart and soul. My Mother’s love shining across the universe as a reminder that she is truly and always everywhere with me. One month gone, a lifetime ahead to remember until I, too, will be with her and everywhere with you.
Have you seen the stars tonight?
Would you like to go up on a deck and look at them with me?
Have you seen the stars tonight?
Would you like to go up for a stroll and keep me company?
Do you know, we could go?
We are free!
Any place you could think of, you could be.
Have you seen the stars tonight?
Have you looked at all?
A canopy of stars....
- Jefferson Starship, "Blows Against the Empire"
Ann of the Left Coast - January 28, 2009
The night prior consumed by playtime where couches became tall and wooded mountains, white blankets created snow and ice caps, and polar bears slept in hidden caverns as Gravedigger and Thrasher found their way to distant lands. It was indeed a cherished moment for both of us to experience as I became the “Imagineer” and he the “Experiencer” in a world of make believe. It is amazing what the mind's eye can create. Images of beauty that become treasured works of art. Books full of interesting characters with stories of achievement and grief, or sadness and joy that deeply touch our hearts. Fairy tales of far away worlds where animals talk, people can fly and giants and goblins exist. Every moment is an interpretation of our reality. Can you imagine peace on earth? Can you imagine a world where hunger does not exist? Can you imagine a world without suffering? Can you imagine the possibilities? It's only a perception away!
May your heart always lead the way.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 29, 2009
The early morning and sterling sky reflects the first light of sunrise where blue skies and warm temperatures will soon rule over the western coast. A good day to walk the dog, play outside and simply be in the natural world. A world that is very different from the East where many are without power and will be for a few weeks. But more of the same from the Republicans who guard the process of bipartisanship, and from the news reports that remind us that the economy continues to reel, average Americans continue to lose their homes, unemployment benefits continue to hit record numbers, and two of OUR wars continue across the globe. “Much ado” about a whole lot of things from the so-called “doomsayers” who continue to map their diasporic routes and horde the commodities that may truly matter after the collapse of the United States of America. Interesting reading and possibly not that far-fetched, but definitely not where I want to spend my time. There is a full day ahead of life and living, family and friendships, community and giving, and all things good as we experience another precious moment in time on this beautiful Planet Earth.
Peace to all of you.
Ann of the Left Coast - January 30, 2009
Deja-vu all over again as I look across the beautiful morning and the comfort that it brings after a good night's sleep. A night full of dreams that need to be quickly unraveled or will be lost into the ether. Dreams are the window to our unconscious, so a dream forgotten here or there will always find its way back in one form or another. Its just like opening your eyes - there is always a new creation to behold. Sometimes those creations are outside of our control, negative and fear-based, but within them, you can still find Truth. She isn't very good at the game of hide and seek so she's typically right there under your nose, or arm and arm with Honor - they seem to be quite close. Sometimes she likes to hide behind the Looking Glass. But so many times she appears at the most inconvenient times! Like, right smack dab in the middle of an economic upswing, someone starts whining about our environment. I think she tries to be sneaky, but perhaps her game is to assure you know her when you find her. So, today as you read the news and see that Exxon broke records for oil profits, that our economy continues to shrink, that people are losing their homes, and the body count of our dead soldiers never makes it to the forefront of the news, please look really hard to find Truth. She's always just a thought away.
Peace be with you!
Ann of the Left Coast - January 31, 2009
Another month torn away from the pages of life, a month of extreme sadness and loss yet faith in knowing that she is everywhere with us who carry her torch inside our hearts and remember her beautiful life. It was indeed a beautiful life, evident to all of us who witnessed it and continue to hold it close. Here, now, morning has broken, light fills the world and all is good on the Western front as Dora the Explorer mesmerizes Little Boogie who is now full with breakfast and extreme joy at having morning time with Papa. Yes, the weekend is upon us time to go, go, go! Walk gently upon our Mother Earth this day and don't forget to keep her clean as you go!
Peace.