Its a New Year!

I would have never thought the year would end on the note it is ending on...A new man in my life...lots of fun...family likes him...life is good...who would have thought when I started this blogging journey this is how it would come to a close in 2011?!  I can't wait to see where 2012 leads me...and I am anxious and ready for the journey!
As the year closes...let me share with you...as a woman who continues to seek the answers...make the journey fun and be open to all you can learn! Love you all Happy New Year!

PS:  My New Year's resolution...get back to blogging!  I miss it and the new stories I have to tell...who knew you could learn so much at 55!!!

Enjoy the following poem...adapted and rewritten and the original...

Ithaka
Pray that your journey be long,
Full of many summer mornings
When with much pleasure and much joy
You anchor in harbors never seen before;
Browse through Phoenician markets,
To purchase exquisite treasures-
Mother-of-pearl and coral, ebony and amber
And sensual perfumes of all kinds-
As much as you desire.
Visit many Egyptian cities, content
To sit at the feet of sages, eager
And open to receive learning.
Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival there is your destiny.
But do not hurry the journey at all; be patient.
Better that it lasts for many years-
Longer than you can even imagine.
So that finally, when you reach this
Sacred isle, you will be a wise woman,
Abundantly fulfilled by all you have gained along the way;
No longer expecting Ithaka to make you wealthy,
No longer needing Ithaka to make you rich.
Ithaka offered you the profound journey,
The chance to discover the woman you have always been.
Without Ithaka as your inspiration, you
Never would have set out in search of Wholeness.
And should you find her poor, Ithaka did not deceive you.
Authentic as you have become, full of wisdom,
Beauty and grace, enriched and enlightened by all you have experienced
You will finally understand what all of life’s Ithakas truly mean.
 “Ithaka” by Constantine Peter Cavafy
Personal translation by: Susan Ban Breathnach

Ithaca

  When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon - do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare
emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon - you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.
Ask that your way be long.
At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy -
ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centres,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.
Have Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival there is what you are destined for.
But don't in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn't anything else to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn't deceived you.
So wise you have become, of such experience,
that already you'll have understood what these Ithakas mean.

Constantine P Cavafy

high tech vs low tech

Last night I got a great surprise!  Via Skype I got to attend Zack's Christmas play.  Just to remind you...he is in the state of Washington and I am in West Virginia.  I got to hear his class sing one of my favorite Christmas gospel songs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uViv_teAGpY&feature=related
This isn't them singing but this is the song.  I could actually see him, rocking out.  I missed part of it as our connection died but I got to see most of it.  All the while, every time our connection was lost I would text my son Nick and we would re-connect.  Oh, the wonders of technology!

To be a part of their life, while so far away made me sad last night but also made me think about God.  We are so far from him.  Sometimes farther than others...like during good times...it is hard to remember to start my day with him or to pray every morning.   Sometimes closer, especially during hardships...when I fall to my knees several times a day.

Without all of the high tech he wants to be connected.  Just like I want to stay connected to my kids.  He (like me) I am sure, loves those unexpected prayers when we say...just checking in, let me catch you up on my life.   Like me, a smile will spread across his face...I am sure!  Today, I encourage each of you to STOP...take a minute and reconnect with your God...he is the parent that is waiting to hear from you...the parent that wants to talk and hear about your life..the parent that wants to smile, laugh and cry with you...in all stages of your life.  Skype with God...give God a shout out. 
Today...do it!

it comes along

I haven't blogged for awhile...
You know when you least expect it...when you don't have a clue....when you aren't looking...someone can come along and just sweep you off your feet.  I am still in shock...I think because it was so unexpected...you know I've been out there looking and through it all that little God voice in my head has always said "He will come to you..." That didn't make me slow down! I was hunting because you know I know better than God...when will I learn...someone along the way shared with me the following prayer, which I prayed daily.

Dear God
Fill me with your sacred presence
I ask for your love and guidance
and for your blessings
as I explore the deep reaches of my heart
I ask for your assistance
In releasing whatever stands in the way of true love.
My heart is pure and my intentions are clear.
Please bring me my perfect partner
Whoever it may be...bring him to me.
I want someone who enhances me just by being
who brings love, joy, peace and prosperity to me
who I can love fully and will receive my love
who loves, honors and cherishes me completely and always
May my heart be open and my head clear
may my life be ready to welcome true love
may i be embraced in your love
and uplifted by your grace
Amen

 I feel like God has walked with me throughout this entire journey...he has been right there with me through the tears and the fears...those first tentative steps into dating and now he has given me the greatest gift.  He has put this wonderful man in my life and said "It is good!"  I feel like he has laid a gift in my lap.

I am blessed!