12.14.16 The neighborhood

The neighborhood awakening

https://www.facebook.com/GwenMcClellanWordsandPictures/videos/1164004066969709/

12.14.16 Slate blue

The river early this morning
slate blue and shining

12.13. FB video

https://www.facebook.com/gwen.mcclellan/videos/10208451084858172/



There is a fine craft in life, to move out of fear or avoidance or denial long enough to face something tough... just long enough for the reality we are given to sink in. 

But not long enough or intensely enough to harm us, to singe our feathers too close to the sun. 


Each of us benefits from different amounts of real, and if we can breathe through the stirred up distress, and digest it enough to let it settle on back down, we end up within and without us new realizations and understandings, woven into the thick of us. 

Even new agility and resilience, a greater capacity to live with that which is not easy.

Sometimes I end up feeling like Goldilocks, trying things out. 

Search search searching for the fit that is just right.

12.13.16 The small oasis

The small oasis of trees 
in the midst of the broad fields 
with the gallant lights and colors shifting fast 
as the sun set out of sight

12.13.16 Snowswept

Down by the farmers fields 
it was cold and dark and snow swept

12.13.16 In early winter

The Old Food Bank Farm

in early winter repose

12.12.16 The Cow in the Kitchen Fable

The Cow In The Kitchen Fable

If I want choosing stories that held a great lesson for life, this would be one. Every one of us has the experience of the cow in the kitchen.

Once upon a time there were two people who lived in a little house, and it was crowded, and they were so miserable about it.

So they went to their Rabbi and they said to her "Our house is so small. We are so crowded. We are miserable. Please, help us."

She turned to them, and said "Go outside, and get one of your chickens, and bring them into the house." And so they did.

In a few days, they returned to the Rabbi , and they said to her "We did as you suggested, and the chicken is flying here and there, dropping feathers and getting into the food and making noises early in the morning."

And so the Rabbi suggested that they bring in more chickens. And the people went home, did as she suggested, and kept returning, over and over again, each time the Rabbi suggesting they bring in more and more relatives, and homeless people, and neighbors, until finally, the two people went back to see the Rabbi.

And she suggested that they bring the cow into the kitchen.

So they did.

They returned home, went outside to get the family cow, and carefully brought them into the kitchen.

The following day they returned to the Rabbi, wringing their hands, in great great distress.

They said to her "we have done everything that you suggested, Rabbi, and our small home is filled to the brim with so many people and neighbors and visitors and animals.

There is chaos and noise everywhere, and we cannot sleep or clean a table to prepare a meal. Please, please help us."

And so, she did.

The Rabbi told the people "Return all of the animals back out to the yard, to their own homes.

Bid leave of all of the individuals you invited to come visit and stay in your home."

And so they returned to their small home, and did as the Rabbi suggested.

The following day, they rushed back to the Rabbi, filled with gratitude and relief.

"Our home is so spacious, and beautiful, and quiet.

There is room for everything, and we sleep well at night.

Please accept our deepest gratitude for your assistance, Rabbi."

And so, smiling, she did.