“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
William Shakespeare
Shine On
Category Archives: LOVE
My Little Piece of Heaven
Aerial view of Portuguese Bend looking out on the Pacific Ocean.
There’s a very special place that is not well-known among Angelenos. I always felt extremely fortunate to have been part of this very special place. The beautiful flowers, trees and vegetation encompassing this place made it my secret garden.
The aromas from fresh hay, flora and fauna were always intoxicating. The 1920s Spanish architecture of the home and stables so breathtakingly dreamlike, that it was often used as a film location.
For over eight wonderful years I would visit this place daily, rain or shine. The reason for my visits was because my best friend Jimmy lived there. He and I would explore the surrounding hills and valleys. Every spring we hiked and then we relaxed on the rich green grassy knolls.
It was my church, my sanctuary, my favorite place to be. It made me feel needed, wanted, and safe. It gave me purpose. It kept me happy and sane.
I miss this place more than I ever thought possible.
Now, it is forever in my daily thoughts as well as my nightly dreams. I would like to return someday, but it is much too painful to return. For to return to this place, where Jimmy once lived, would not be the same without him.
So, for now, I look at old photos and videos and reminisce about a time when I was the happiest I’ve been in my life. Those years seem as if they were all a glorious and magical dream. A time when I was the closest to heaven as I’ll ever know.
This wondrous place was and always will be, my little piece of heaven.
Shine On
From the Heart
“The best and most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched
– they must be felt with the heart.”
Helen Keller
Daisy 1985 to 2005
There’ve been dozens of dogs that I have known throughout my life. All of these dogs were not merely pets, but all were considered family members. All these dogs had unique personalities as unique as their breeds. But, there was one dog of mine that stood out from all the rest. She was a Golden Retriever from the pound and her name was Daisy.
Daisy arrived unexpectedly one day. A friend had obtained Daisy from the pound and because of this friends recent hip surgery she was finding it difficult to care for Daisy.
I was hesitant to adopt a dog. Mostly because I worked at a demanding full-time job, had a young son, and my boyfriend and husband to be was recovering from a massive heart attack. Also, Daisy had a bad reputation for getting into the trash, digging her way out of yards and running away, and was extremely unruly. But, there was something I saw in this dog’s eyes. Something that showed me we were kindred spirits.
One of Daisy’s worst habits was jumping on anyone that entered our home. To my surprise, Daisy was a quick learn. After her first week with us, she stopped getting into the trash, never jumped on anyone ever again, and never ever dug one hole in the yard. In fact, you could leave every door open in the house and she wouldn’t step one paw over the threshold.
I had lots of experience over the year’s training difficult dogs, but Daisy wasn’t difficult by any means. On the contrary, she was the smartest dog I had ever encountered. She was so well-mannered, that one night my husband left a half-eaten roast beef sandwich on the coffee table and Daisy didn’t eat or even lay a paw on the sandwich.
Why was Daisy such a good dog? It was simple. She had the best food, the best care, was taken for daily walks, and she was loved and groomed like a princess. She was always made to feel secure. Basically, Daisy knew how much we loved her. A love that we both felt, from the heart.
Shine On
Sunflower Farm
“To live is so startling
it leaves but little room
for other occupations.”
Emily Dickinson
There’s a YouTube channel I follow and enjoy watching, the Sunflower Farm Creamery. The farm is located in Cumberland, Maine and broadcast on YouTube since January 2012. The farm is owned by husband and wife school teachers that raise Nigerian Dwarf Goats. The couple also make and sell goat cheese, fudge and caramel.
I began following them because I found it extremely relaxing to watch their beautiful old farm and the playful goats.
Recently, with the Coronavirus impacting even this farm, the owner began daily videos showing all her pregnant goats and has included some yoga and meditation to follow along. The 30+ momma goats are due to foal their kids in less than 2 weeks, so I watch daily to see not only their progress but look forward to the arrival of all the kids.
If you want to relax and enjoy a good daily laugh, I’d suggest watching Sunflower Farm.
Shine On
Tug at my Heartstrings
“Music is a piece of art
that goes in the ears
straight to the heart.”
that goes in the ears
straight to the heart.”
Music to me has always evoked a time and a place. Often, when I’m listening to a song, I’ll reminisce about where I was when first listening to that particular song.
A large number of my favorite songs and music bring up the feeling of love. Either the desire for or my current feeling of love for someone or something.
Songs are all just an expression of our deepest wants and desires. Joy, pain, heartbreak, yearning, forgiveness, revenge. Good music can make me feel things I can’t express in words. Sometimes, a really good song will just tug at my heartstrings.
Shine On
Chronicles of a Blogaholic 