It's late, I should be going

to bed, but I am enjoying the quiet. Quiet is not something I have ever had a lot of, and sometimes it is hard to get accustomed to it, but I find I am enjoying it more and more. It might even be quieter if I closed the windows and the neighbors turned down the music, but that is not the quiet I am seeking.

I am looking for the inside quiet, in my heart and mind. The peacefulness that comes from sitting with oneself and listening. The quiet that comes from not having to fill my life with sound, music, busy-ness, television.

It's easy to get caught up in all the noise as I have been most of my life. With an active household of 6+ children, neighborhood kids, jobs, beads, art, music, the rythym of life was very noisy. It is an adjustment to not have to raise my voice above it all to be heard, rather, to listen quietly to the whisper of my soul and hear it speaking to me.

What is it telling me? I think to simply be. And to create beauty. And to love.

Gees, not to complain

But it sure is hot here today. I am in Phoenix for a couple of days this week, and boy oh boy, let's leave it at that.

Yesterday was Sunday, what a great day for a hike. Bob and I hiked the Kachina Trail, near Snowbowl. It was perfect, coolish, green and just a little challenging. Good thing I brought my trusty walking stick, which, as it turns out, is the perfect way to start a conversation.

My walking stick has a face carved into it, and people frequently comment on it. Because of it, we met some very nice folks who were considering moving to the Flagstaff area. It's always good to meet new friends, I hope it works out for them. And it's always great to have an ice-breaker, a way to start a conversation.

I think many opportunities are missed just because we are not sure how to greet people, or just what to say. A very wise woman once told me that I should try and find something nice to say or a compliment to make to every person I meet, because that may be the only nice thing the other person hears all day. I do try to take this to heart.

I have been working or should I say playing very hard with my beads, making new jewelry and getting very creative. I have posted new items in my Etsy store, take a look if you are so inclined.