Thinking Out Loud

A new dawn, a new beginning… for the Netherlands and also for me and you!

The Netherlands and my Aruba heritage.  I was born and raised in Aruba. On April 30, 2013, the Netherlands will have its first king in many years. I am going to borrow the words of a former Lagoite, Susanne Gravendijk Wirth, in regard to the royal history:

“Wilhelmina was queen. She had been queen most of my grandparents’ lives, as well. She abdicated for her daughter in 1948. Juliana abdicated for her daughter in 1980. And, now, Beatrix will abdicate, tomorrow, for her son, the first king since 1890. It will seem so very strange, to me…koning, instead of koningin.”

There are only princesses on board for the next generation.. we shall see. I remember seeing Queen Juliana when I was a Brownie Scout standing in formation when her plane landed… I remember when Beatrix married and how I wrote a poem in her honor, but never sent it. Growing up in Aruba was a special privilege. The Aruban people and the Dutch,  are a friendly people. Very down to earth. I remember reading that as Queen, Juliana did not hesitate to ride her bicycle into town.  Here is the Facebook page of the Netherlands. Explore and enjoy!

This was the beginning of the new year. Dark clouds at first, but you can see the sun rising behind.

Acceptance of Life There are a number of people who exist in my arena of life, who have to deal with great difficulties and they do it so very well! We have one student, Shern, who is in a wheelchair, and has many difficulties because of a history of seizures. I asked her today if she has pain. She said she is always has pain!  I was astounded as she is the most up-beat individual I know. I asked how she manages it and her answer was, “you have to adjust to it.” Well, I have been having pain and evidently I have not been able to adjust to it very well at all!  I better get my thoughts in order as of right now, as I have too much I want to accomplish, so many things to do! The main thing I must learn to do is do deep breathing. That makes things bearable.

Then there is a photographer I know only through the web. Her name is Cindy. She spoke today on Facebook how her hubby has to help her up once she gets down on the ground to capture some of her beautiful photographs. She stated she was not above crawling if needed. She has a beautiful dog, Phoebe, and the two of them need surgery now, but they both have to get better in order for it to take place.  Thinking of you both.  Your efforts keep me going!

The Calming Motion of Waves….

I know what I must do and that is to go with the flow. I need to pace myself. This stiff body is not up to sitting hours behind the computer!  I love my writing for BlogMutt, but must realize that to do my best, my body and mind must be in sync. The mind wants to race ahead, but the body starts to stumble as it tries so hard to keep up. Going to use my Chime timer to remind me to stop and do a few yoga moves in the middle of it all. The waves keep going, but they are recharging all the time. Their motion seems endless, there is much back and forth motion… this individual must follow their example. I have to stop and recharge. It is the sound and the motion of the waves that help me recharge. I have an mp3 that I love to listen to when sleep does not want to come. I also have one of gentle rain….

Patiently seeking its prey as I must seek knowledge and patience!!

I will seek knowledge for my posts, looking here and searching there. Then I will find it and take it back to the word processor to be put into the latest and greatest of my posts.  I love research and can often get lost doing it. Must learn to cut it short!  Gather what I need, make notes as to where I can go to find more and just move on.  [edited.. several times!] I also promise myself never to write a blog post again… when I have gotten up out of bed because I cannot sleep! I keep finding typos!!  That is a no-no!

Me with my kayak

This will  be my other form of survival. My muscles have turned into a marshmallow consistency that does not do well when one tries to be active. I have been holding back because of pain and slow mindset that I have in this area. I have been resisting exercise as I have to enjoy what I do and plain old exercises just don’t cut it. Kayaking is fun and when done right, can give you a full body workout.  There is also the asanas of yoga. They are going to become my computer break time activity. I will set my mat up in the living room and get on it every 30 minutes. Whenever I go though a door-frame, I will try to take a moment to do a shoulder stretch for both sides. Have to stay balanced, you know!!

Elliot is making a skeg to put on my kayak. He made a super one for his. It looks like it came from an Erector set, but it sure does what it needs to do!  Elliot and I are partners. We are ready to help each other though this difficult age of being  senior citizens. The strange thing is… it is only our bodies that are senior-aged. Our minds are young and full of laughter and love. We will continue our journey as we have done since 2001…. Side by Side

Side by Side We Can Face the World

I am ready Elliot… is my skeg done yet!!! It is supposed to rain this afternoon so we better get our butts in those kayaks now!!

Thinking Cap is on… also, taking care of me!

Morning Prayer with Nature

Breathing deeply, stepping back, and looking inward… all this is being done for two reasons. One, I need to get this blog going in the right direction. I still believe in the title “Restoring Your Inner Self” but it is the direction it will go in the future that is changing.

Stepping Back, Looking Forward

My time that has been spent on the A-List Blogging Bootcamp has been great. I check the forum almost daily and see many good points to ponder when approaching the creation or recreation of a blog. My title is OK, as I mentioned. Now I need to study in depth the specifics that I will include. What areas will I link out to? Who will I seek for guest posts? I need to pinpoint my niche when it comes to self restoration. There are many directions, both traditional and alternative. I have studied and do use both.  I hope to include the traditional and alternative so that my blog will have information that many will find informative and helpful. There is also an ebook in there somewhere.

Layout and Content

From CopyBlogger I have received many informative articles. Here is a link to a guest article written by Pamela Wilson. She covers 8 good points and I will just list the headings here. Some may seem obvious, but do follow the link to learn more in depth information about each one.

1. Embrace the line break
2. Break up your content with compelling subheads
3. Use bulleted list
4. Use deep captions
5. Add highly relevant links
6. Use strategic formatting
7. Harness the power of numbers
8. Check your dual readership path

Do Your Research, Know Your Subject

That relative link paragraph means both internal and external. It is most important that your content is worth reading. People search to find information they feel is of value to them. You cannot post just any old topic. Your external links must also go out to sources that you have researched and feel will add to the topic.

Care of Self

Breathing: Back to the breathing, stepping back and looking inward. These are also needed when you are trying to restore your inner self. Yep, that is where I am right now. Why do we always seem to wait until we are almost down and out before we take the action we should have been taking all along? The deep breathing I have down fairly well. I just need to bring it to the forefront more often. A few deep breaths periodically throughout the day can break up the stress that is gathering in your neck and shoulders.. speeding up your mind unnecessarily.

Exercise: I know that the regular gym is not for me. I am lucky in that I can be a member of Silver Sneakers. There are some advantages to getting older besides the senior coffee at various places! I was able to locate a wellness center that is close to me that not only has the Silver Sneaker Program, but also has a pool! To be able to move freely without resistance that the machines like the treadmill have, is what I need. I do use some of the upper body machines because I do not need to stand to use them.

One with Nature

Breakfast at the ocean, lunch along the river, stepping outside at night to view the stars… with a quiet mind so you can hear the sounds of the crickets, the waves, the birds… whatever may be present at that time. Yes, be quiet, watch and listen while taking nice slow and deep breaths.

Brilliant Sun on the River

Taking a Detour in Life

New Growth Amid the Old

Life does not stop when obstacles get thrown in our path. Somehow we have to find a way to keep on moving forward. As I look at the old growth of this mangrove above. I see two images. One is the tangled web of my life that has developed over time. Now I am trying to start a new journey and that is the green sprout… the new skills, the new dreams and growth that is happening in my life at this time. I find it absolutely amazing. The second image (I love anatomy) is that of the neurons in my brain… with that spark of new development.

Our brains do not stop in their growth at a certain age. They do slow down and under certain circumstances some growth is lost or damaged by trauma, illness and substance abuse. There are new studies out there, that say to keep a brain young… exercise it! Exercising the brain can help hold off the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. Brains that have been damaged because of stroke or trauma can relearn skills that were lost.

Well, I have not suffered trauma, stroke or any other such condition. I have just had obstacles tossed in my path. I am having to learn new skills and make decisions. Just where do I want to go with this blog. It has been wandering around in blogsville now for quite a while. Because my mind loves to be distracted, I am making a renewed effort to practice mindful meditation via Jon Kabat-Zinn as well as through the book written by “the Jolly Fellow” from Google, Chade-Meng Tan.

Now if you want to get a totally different take on meditation, then this is the book for you. ‘Meng’ is an engineer that started with Google in its early years. He was not too happy with the changes in his life and sought means to change it. He discovered Jon Kabat-Zinn, Daniel Goleman, among others, whom he invited to lecture at Google. His approach to meditation is not a ‘high in the clouds’ approach, but backed by science.

The Calming Motion of Waves….

I sleep with the sounds of waves to bring a sense of calmness. It also disguises the ringing that is present (tinnitus) I love to go to the beach to watch the waves. I decided long ago, I would have a problem if I did not have access to the ocean. I remember climbing to the tree top in Aruba so I could see the ocean in the distance. There is a gentle rhythm to the waves… most of the time.

These waves are gentle compared to those produced by a hurricane or any other strong storm… but then, those are the times I stay away from the beach!

Those of you who just happen to stop by… explore and leave a comment or two. Some of you know what is going on in my life. I am not daunted, but just finding my way. Life is good, it is definitely a challenge. It would be most boring if it were any other way. I want to share with you the website of a nature photographer who has had to overcome obstacles that would probably have made me stop in my tracks long ago. Her work is amazing. She is also an authority on moths. I never knew they were such beautiful creatures. Here are her sites. Woodsongphoto.com and within this one you will find Moth Magic. Thank you, Cindy… in more ways than one!

Sunrise Over the Ocean: a learning process going on here!

View this document on Scribd

OK, I can get it in as a slide show, but not as a PowerPoint with the fading in and all that… Darn! Click on the arrows just under the image on the right side to see all the images.

Quotes from the Hurricane Island School of Outward Bound book of Readings

The rain is moving toward the shore...

In 1998, I went on an Outward Bound. It was an experience like no other in my life. I have a book of  quotes collected by the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. Some are by well-know people and others by those who went  through the whole experience of Outward Bound.  There are many Outward Bound excursions that take place on water. I love to look out across the vast open area to the horizon and watch the rain coming inland.

The following quotes are from my little book.

“Do you know a cure for me?”
“Why yes,” he said, “I know a cure for everything. Salt water.”
“salt water?” I asked him.
“Yes,” he said, “In one form or another; sweat, tears or the salt sea.”   Isak Dinesen

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Outward Bound” signifies the moment when a ship leaves its moorings and commits itself to the open sea, with all of its unknowns, hazards, and adventures. It is a reoccurring demonstration of human nobility — out of desire to seek and determine our own destiny, no matter what the challenge.            Anonymous

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have learned the depths of strength and trust that are present in me and my fellow man. I shall try to remember that any of my neighbors or fellow workers could have belayed the climbing rope for me or given me his hand when I was slipping off a steep slope. I may forget, but I will try to remember.  Outward Bound Student

 

There had to be trust and a sense of sharing the load for each other. I know that there were several who helped me by accepting a part of my load as their own. This Florida gal had never really climbed a mountain before. I faced inclines I did not even know existed, except in books or movies!  Without the helping hand of others in so many ways… I would not have made it.  Thank you, guys and gals. Because of you, I have more trust in my fellow human beings. It is not as obvious in everyday life as it was on that mountain side with that heavy pack on my back.

What then is the essence of Outward Bound? I believe the answer lies in a phrase with which map makers of long ago filled in the blank spaces of unexplored regions. The scholarly wrote “terra incognita,’ and those with a fanciful mind “there be dragons,” but the real optimists among them used the  words “more beyond.”  Outward Bound gives us the opportunity to explore the unchartered regions of our body and our spirit; it is for all of us who are sure that there is more beyond.   Renate Wilson

What am I doing up at this hour?

I have thoughts, ideas and the need to put them together in some form. During this time that I have been writing for Helium, I have been introduced to many new subjects and ideas by way of the rating program. It has made me aware of how little I know when I thought I knew quite a bit! There are new worlds of thought out there to explore, ideas to learn, and ways for communicating them to master.

I have discovered: a typist I am not. I am amazed at the dyslexic stumbling of my fingers on the keyboard. My brain is spelling the words as they are to be, but my fingers seem to have a mind of their own. Thank heaven for ‘undo’ and backspace!

Helium has been an experiment on my part, a period of learning and discovery for me. I happily find that I am able to use my photos when I do my How-tos. Here is the link to my last on How to grow Bougainvillea. There are links on that page to some of my others.

Is this the direction I am supposed to be going? I am not sure. I will give it more time. Just wished it brought in more in the money department. The goal is to write those articles that people want to click on over and over. I have used some key-word search engines to see just how my interests would rate in the world of internet search engines. That is the key to bringing in $$.

In the meantime… I am there and I am here. Elliot and I go out to catch the dawn, watch the waves and pelicans flying on the level of the waves with their wings touching. Then there are the osprey out for a meal with their high from the sky dives.

When not catching the sun coming through the clouds at dawn, I love to catch the sun coming through the leaves. It is like a beam of life   shining through. The sun is life for all of nature. Nature is a source of life for me as it nourishes my soul, my inner being.

The leaves glow under the morning sun

The waves are still my favorite. They start in the distance and raise up and then the peak of the wave tumbles over the front and the foam, breaks into millions of frothy white bubbles that flow up on the beach. You can see the power of this wave.

Power of the Wave

Then there are the quiet days, when the waves come gently in on the beach. I am totally amazed at the varying colors of the ocean, the waves and the skies. Here the sun caught the tops of the waves and illuminated them like a green stained glass.

The Calming Motion of Waves....

Of course, the skies of dawn are my true interest. The dark and mysterious clouds off in the distance over the horizon. The rain is there, coming down on the open sea… making it way to land or maybe not. It may release it all before it reaches where I stand.

Stormy Sunrise

Well, my thoughts have played out. My mind is ready to hopefully glide smoothly into a deep restful sleep… so I will be ready to see another day,  experience another exploration in life. There may be some joy, I would hope, some pain, the need to use patience… with myself and with others. Most of all, I will seek Peace in the midst of it all. The joy and the pain with come together in Peace.  This I know will be a reality. It is called acceptance. Acceptance of what comes your way. Looking at the glass as half full and not half empty.

In signing off for the night. I will post an image of nature, that shows the full cycle of a blossom… a magnolia blossom. Beneath the glorious blossom recently touched by the rain, there is a new bud waiting its turn and down on the lower left, a spent blossom. It will produce the seeds so the whole cycle may start again.

Dawn on the Treasure Coast of Florida

Click on it to see the slides on full screen.

Early Dawn Beach Patrol

We made it!  Arrived at the beach before the sun came up. It has been a while… Was not sure how it would be as we saw rain clouds as we got closer to the beach.  All was fine when we got there. There is something special about witnessing the start of a new day. For me, the sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, and the gradual appearance of the sun against the dark sky is a special time. It sets the mood of my whole day…

Pre-Dawn Patrol, Flying Overhead

The pelicans were at it. They were all flying north. It was a bit dark for a good shot with my 400mm lens. Tried anyway as they flew overhead.

Another group... against the morning sun

Dawn was here, and another pelican patrol came on by, this time silhouetted against the brilliant sky.

Many come to enjoy the Peace and Beauty of Dawn

We were not alone. A small group of people were there, waiting in the predawn darkness. This was taken as we were leaving. The rain had decided to return, lightly.  It was the perfect start for a good day. Hope all who drop by here are enjoying a good day also, wherever they are.

Time for a Quiet Moment

A quiet spot for reflection

I have been on a break, but it has not been a break in the real sense, as my mind and actions have been going full speed ahead. I am still writing at Helium. I was accepted to the How-to group. Here is a link to my How to grow a croton, Now I am adding my latest also: How to grow bonsai. Not sure where this is all going, but I enjoy trying new things and this is definitely new.

Going so fast this week reminded me that I am getting to the end of my time off… and that I have not really taken any time off. Sitting back is necessary now and then. To keep going at full speed wears a person down, both mentally and physically. I went to Heathcote Botanical Gardens to get photos for my ‘How to grow a bonsai’. I stopped at the familiar gate and saw the Reflection Pond. Seeing that quiet, restful spot made me realize how badly I needed to stop and reflect. In a few days I will be headed back into the rush of the fall semester and classes.

Hope all who visit here, will find a moment to search out that special place where they can sit back and just relax. No worries intruding, no rushed feeling, just peace and quiet all around. If you already have such a place… Good for You!

Overcoming Difficulties

There are times when you get to put into practice all those things you have learned about how to succeed against obstacles that come your way.  This is where I am right now.  I don’t mind, as it has given me an opportunity to learn more about myself.  One would think that at my age, I would know through and through, who I was and what my strengths and weaknesses were, but when we enter different phases of our lives, we meet new challenges we never had to deal with before.

In this image below, there are stormy clouds in the sky. It is raining off on the horizon… there is also the lighter sky on the horizon, as well as a glimmer of light streaking over the water to the shore. The stormy clouds are the obstacles in my life, that glimmer of light is hope, the rain is nourishment.  I know if I stand there long enough, the storm clouds will move and dissipate, just like my obstacles. That lighter sky on the horizon will spread.

The rain, well, I love rain. It feeds the earth, the sea and yes, it feeds me.  There is the sound of rain, even during a storm. It creates a rhythm to listen to as it hits various surfaces. Each surface it hits gives off a different sound. The sun is doing its best to shine through all that darkness, telling me… better times are coming. This I truly believe. I am not just sitting here waiting, but I am planning, making decisions and moving forward.

A glimmer of light breaks through. Rain is in the distance out at sea

I have positioned myself on the ground, on several occasions, camera in hand… trying to catch the action of a rain drop when it hits water already on the ground.  That is a funny scene and not a particularly easy posture to get into! The action of the rain drop as it hits the puddle, creates what looks like a crown. It is beautiful.