Mind Fully Alert

Sometimes my soul will sail to places far away from the desert wilderness that surrounds, in search of big water.

Today my thoughts bobbed and drifted along glassy smooth ocean currents, tucked amidst tiny islands around Alert Bay, BC.  

Here, layers of cloud and mist curl between land and water, while colours blend softly mirrored on the sea’s reflective surface. 

Occasionally, the whispering ‘whoosh, whoosh’ of a raven’s wings sing overhead like a lullaby lilting through the quiet stillness cradled in these straits.

With barely a ripple, a dorsal fin emerges from the ocean depths as a great orca whale exhales and inhales before descending once again.  A large pod swims by while I inhale and exhale in rhythm…we are all one.   

“Mind Fully Alert”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel. ♥

Return To Me

Thinking about MartAnne’s Burrito Palace in Flagstaff and my fave breakfast dish there -- “The Emmett” (best vegan chilaquiles) – and wishing them a hugely successful re-opening today in their new location, just around the corner at 112 W. Route 66!  I look forward to checking out the new space soon.

The last time I was there, this gigantic puppy was waiting expectantly by the door.  His radar-like ears and wolf-sized paws would take him months to grow into, making him completely irresistible and adorable. 

I tried to engage him in some friendly conversation; however, he would have none of that distraction. 

He was on a mission, eyes focused on the door.  I hope “his human” realizes what a treasure s/he has in this four-legged friend. 

“Return To Me”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

Re-membering

Remembrance Day / Veterans Day…red poppies and yellow ribbon to honor those who served and continue to serve, acknowledging far-reaching casualties seen and unseen. 

 Remembering and re-membering (as in pulling together those scattered parts of our souls to make whole again).  With his permission, I wanted to share a thoughtful Facebook post from October 13, 2012 by Garnet Rogers:

“Was talking with a couple of friends last night in Roanoke VA.  Both did hard time in the federal penitentiary system as conscientious objectors during the Viet Nam war.

They, along with tens of thousands of other young men, were placed in an untenable position...either to serve in what they felt (and history has proven to be) an illegal and unfair war, or flee the country and be labeled cowards, or to get tossed into the prison system and be labeled a coward AND a criminal. 

Those who went over served their country as best they could in their own way, and we have come in time, to properly honour their service to their country.  One of my veteran friends said to me he was overcome with emotion and gratitude the first time someone (another veteran) said "welcome home". 

I wonder if it isn't time to say publicly as well to these other men, the objectors, "welcome home"...and publicly honour the service and sacrifice they made, at such great cost.  They too are part of the cost of that war, and are also among the hidden victims.  Anyway...to my friends Gary and Tom...welcome home....and thank you for your service."   ~ Garnet Rogers

“Re-membering”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥

It Takes Brains, Heart and Courage To Be Devoted

November 6, 2012:  Election Day.  The polls are about to close, here in the west. 

It may be days before we know who has won the election.  Thank you, to all who exercised their right to vote. 

An especially big ‘hurrah’ to those who used their Brains to look at the issues and see through the games and manipulation to make their decisions based on facts, rather than slanderous campaign ads. 

For each woman and man with the Heart to vote out of Love for their chosen candidate, rather than out of hatred for the opposition – you get a standing ovation. 

To those who had the Courage to vote outside of their ‘normal party affiliation’ because they were disgusted by the outright lies and hateful messages being perpetrated…a big “Bravo!” 

Patriotism has nothing to do with who makes the biggest noise. 

“It Takes Brains, Heart and Courage To Be Devoted”,
© 2012 Cathy Gazda, 5” x 7”, Acrylic on canvas panel.  ♥

Fall Back

Spring ahead, Fall back…Daylight Savings Time comes to an end. 

The phrase ‘fall back’ brought to mind ‘group trust’ exercises we used to do as part of a theatre troupe, or amongst staff at any number of Crisis Centers I worked at decades ago.  One person would stand in the center of the circle and fall back, trusting s/he would be caught by one of the surrounding co-workers and compatriots. 

Today, even without listening to the news, it’s impossible to avoid the myriad of things beyond my control – Hurricane Sandy devastating parts of the east coast, the incessant hate-messages one of the most mean-spirited political campaigns I’ve ever witnessed. 

Only a couple of days away from ‘The Election’, I need to let it all go. 

I need to fall back into a place of peace and centeredness that will sustain, regardless of the outcome. 

“Fall Back”, © 2012 Cathy Gazda, 7” x 5”, Acrylic on canvas panel.   ♥