SMELLING THE FLOWERS

Posted on April 11, 2014 by hafong

As always a death announcement always makes one do a retake of one’s own life. This is especially when the deceased had just resigned from a job three or so weeks ago – James Flaherty, our former finance minister, age 64.

It’s a reminder for me that life is not forever and we have to live each and every day. We don’t have to wait till…it’s the right time, till we have enough money, till we retire. The right time is now. There are so many wonderful sweet things in life to explore and enjoy. They are right here, if we can open our eyes and see. Sometimes I get wrapped up in the worries and cares and forget the joys of doing.

Even though spring is late, the sky is grey and the way strewn with many a thorn, let me leap forward with joy and anticipation of what the day can bring. I can choose my actions and sometimes that can bring the emotions. Fake it till you make it! We’re talking about putting one foot in front of the other and walking the talk. Darn! I do talk too much. It still happens even when I vowed to do otherwise. Well, I am doing the best I can. And that is all I can ask of myself.

It is the 11th day of the challenge. I’m still here, writing, doodling, filling my page with words and pictures. Eleven days feel like a very l-o-n-g time. Maybe I shouldn’t count.

A THOUSAND NAMES FOR JOY

Posted on November 14, 2013 by hafong

I am reading Byron Katie’s A Thousand Names for Joy. I am always in perpetual pursuit of happiness. Perhaps it is the ultimate book for me because it is about living in harmony with the way things are.

I love the word joy. The very letters seem to jump up from the page, dancing with life. No doubt the way I see things has a lot to do with my Chinese background. Some of the Chinese characters are pictures of the objects they denote.

Sheba is one of the thousand names for joy. She is joy whether she is leaping off the page, or laying contently with her stuffed toys. She needs no reason. She is just joyful with what is. She is my teacher in life. Be with what is. It is not easy but I am learning to sit with that, too. I am sitting and staying, Sheba. Thanks for being in my life.

COME SEPTEMBER

Posted on September 1, 2013 by hafong

Come September the mornings are a little cooler. The air is a little crisper and sharper. There’s a hint of anticipation in the air. The birds are circling and singing in the yard. Joy is all around.

The leaves are still ever green and the days are warm and golden. Here and there there are hints of the gold and orange to come but for now, we can enjoy summer days. We can wander down the path to the river, run on beach, sit on a rock and dangle our feet above the waters. We can run and splash our feet in the river and fetch sticks to our hearts’ content. Come and join us if you will.

GOD’S GIFT

Posted on February 16, 2013 by hafong

It is Saturday, the 4th day of Lent. Sheba is graceful enough to let me sleep in till 7:30. Hallelujah! I am tired and achy still. So what else is new? If not for Sheba, sometimes I don’t think I can get out of bed or the house. That is the reason she is in my life. There’s a purpose unto everything.

She is sent from God to give me some getup and go. I am the least likely person to get a dog and everyone was surprised. Why are you having a baby at your age? God only knows! But she does get me out of the house and into life. She is fulfilling her purpose and earning her keep.

We’ve been together now for six and a half years. The early years were tough. She was a handful and we fought constantly. I wrestled with her at home, in back alleys on our walks. I listened to everyone’s advice on how to raise her – my biggest mistake. We tried this collar, that collar. We tried all the ‘good’ collars. None of them worked. She chewed the gentle guider three times and laid in the snow, refusing to get up. I was embarrassed. I looked like a very bad mom. In the end, she objected the least to the ‘bad’ collar – the pinch collar. By then I was almost crippled and had no choice.

While some of our dog park friends have parted with their canine companions for one reason or another, Sheba and I are still together – the least likely couple to make it. And how could we not make it? We are blessed by God. Sheba is such a gift, always so loving and full of joy. And she is a talker, just like her mom. We’re trying to be quieter through Lent.

ATTENTION, INTENTION, GENEROSITY, GRATITUDE

Posted on January 4, 2013 by hafong

I have come to the conclusion that Sheba has a divine purpose in my life. She is here to show me how to live….that is that I must start each day with attention, intention and joy. I must leap forward each morning with generosity of spirit and gratitude in my heart for all that I am and all that I have.

Every once in awhile, I catch glimpses of how perfect and wonderful our universe and my life are. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces falling into place. I feel a stillness in the air and I know that I feel God’s presence. He comes to me every once in awhile, in those magic moments and I am awed and gratified.

THANK YOU for all that there is and all that I am.

onethousandandtwo

Looking at Infinity

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