Catnip is all about life. The excitement. The wonder. The tranquility. Most of all, it is awareness of knowing that all three abound in conspicuous, as well as inconspicuous, places. Some glare you right in the face but go unnoticed, yet await your personal discovery.
The cat chases the mouse
The frog catches the fly
The dice keep rollin’
As tunes rock on by
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Such are happenin’s That daily life brings With chases and captures Come emotional stings
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Within ties that bind Bumps and knots along the way Thoughts of sights ahead Bring smiles at close of day
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Perhaps it’s ocean waves Stars twinkling in the night sky The hugs, the tender kisses The dance you can’t deny
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Maybe it’s none of these Perhaps they’re all rolled into one Within each day that passes It’s life. It’s love. It’s fun.
From the first heartbeat to the last, there’s a rhythm to life known to us all in the form of music. . . slow beats, rapid beats, beats out of sync, skipped beats, irregular beats, beats that make the heart flutter. The pulse of life changes as moods swing and bodies sway in accordance with the sequence of stressed and unstressed beats until the final beat falls silent.
Remain on-beat thwarting those off-beat moments that attempt to set you off balance. Keep upbeat with a pep in your step as you reach out for the sun or walk in the rain. It’s all in the music…the music called life!
And, what better way to enjoy life than hand in hand with Mother Nature. That is the Catnip of life. . . reel with excitement or relax in tranquility! Just like the music, ride the waves like dancing the Jitterbug or flow along with a mountain stream like the Vienna Waltz.
Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties,
Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!
Today has been exploding with energy! On my early morning walk, I encountered Lily, a little girl about 5 or 6 years old, standing at the corner sobbing. I stopped and asked if she needed help. Was she hurt?
No, not physically. Her brother was on his bike peddling up the sidewalk and had left her standing at the corner. She said her father told her she could go no farther than the corner where I found her. So, there she stood with tears streaming down her face all alone.
I reached out with open arms and offered that we quieten her tears with a big hug. We stood there embracing as time seemed to stand still. I explained to her that her father was only trying to protect her.
I took her by the hand and we walked to her house where her dad was vacuuming the car. I asked if it would be okay for me to walk Lily to where her brother had stopped. He recognized me so I was no stranger and he said yes.
I told Lily we were going on a short journey and she needed to hold my hand tight. When we crossed the road leading to where I lived, I explained that was a river flowing with energy. Then, when we came to a bicycle bar along the sidewalk, I told her that was the bridge to a beautiful garden and for her to picture her favorite flowers.
We met her brother and then, turned around and headed back to the house. Along the way, we stopped, gathered and gave energy to a large tree. With both our arms, we could reach all the way around the tree’s trunk. When her brother passed by, he asked why we were hugging the tree. I explained that the tree is life that thrives on love, giving and receiving energy throughout the day and night.
We continued on our way and had I had a rearview mirror, it would have been interesting to see if the brother stopped to hug the tree.
I left her with her dad smiling, instead of sobbing feeling left out and alone. I continued on my walk knowing I had encountered the two kids that would be instrumental in listening as I write and complete my most challenging writing. . . a children’s book connecting a child with nature.
Dreams . . . fantasies, awakenings of hidden memories, desires. . . occur only once REM is achieved. This usually happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep. That’s an hour and a half!
Question is “What happens in that time of pre-REM? or What do I do before falling asleep?” Is there a key or magic dust, which allows me to fall asleep calmly, enhancing the possibility of an oncoming dream and restful sleep? Wish I could provide THE answer but of course, I can’t. What I can do is think about what I actually do perhaps finding the trigger to falling asleep without counting sheep (or in my case, cats!). Um-m-m-m?
Let’s see…
Do I have a glass of warm milk?NO! (I don’t even like milk, let alone warm.)
Do I have a nice warm bath?NO! (Not sure I could get out of the tub. LOL)
Do I watch television?NO! (I hate TV these days. Same-o, same-o. Mostly bad news and as for movies, I know what is going to happen before it happens. Get some NEW material, producers!)
What do I do?
I thank my body for carrying me through the day.
I listen to meditative music 10 to 15 mins. Thank you, Alexa.
I read 10 pages in a book of empowerment and inspiration.
I close my eyes in prayerful gratitude for all the daily blessings.
Of course, the flip side is I am a writer. Usually after having fallen asleep at the computer, I decide to shut it down and head to bed. Once nighty-night preparations are in order, I wiggle my body under the covers and complete my 4-step ritual. Foxie, my calico cat, pounces into bed landing either on my chest or abdomen. (Glad I recently had her claws clipped!) Foxie kneads and kneads and kneads, then gives herself a bath and finally snuggles against my side. I give her a usual love pat and she purr-r-r-r-rs softly while settling down for the night.
I turn out the light, sighing softly to myself how grateful I am for my nice warm bed and I am ready to go to sleep. . . or so I think!
My brain won’t stop! I barely close my eyes when “words of wisdom” begin fleeting in and out of my mind like a swarm of bees flitting from flower to flower seeking pollen. I grab the ever-ready pad and pencil (or my cellphone) readily available on the night table sometimes turning back on the light, other times not. In earnest haste, I jot down as many thoughts as I possibly can but inevitably miss many in the process of writing them down or getting them into my notes on my cellphone. At least some are saved! But, now I am wide awake!
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
What is your secret to a good night’s sleep?
How do you turn off the mental noise at the end of the day?
On one of my morning walks, I glanced upon the sidewalk and noticed a clump of bird feathers. The vision captured in my mind produced. . .The Last Flight. With today being the anniversary of 9/11/2001, timing seemed appropriate for sharing.
Think about your plans for the day. Is Mother Nature part of the mental picture? If you are in a area of sunshine, take a brisk walk. Observe. Listen. Breathe. No sunshine? No worries. Stand in your doorway or look out a window. Marvel at what you see for behind every cloud or within each raindrop is a degree of sunshine.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Life is too short to let a day go by without a smile and saying, “I love you!”. . . out loud! To yourself!! Love yourself so that love will be spread to others!
Sometimes we ponder and ponder in hopes of eventually mustering the right words to tender an emotion, offer inspiration or purpose newfound knowledge. That is exactly where I found myself today with thoughts enveloped in the “spiritual essence of Easter” as my Foxie and I celebrated the resurrection in the quietness of our home.
Ah! The wonders of the Internet directed my fingers toward exploring its limitless boundaries in search of something overpowering. Webcrawlers fetched page after page delivering data, information, pictures, videos, etc. At the end of the day, a plethora of windows had opened stroking my heartstrings with sights and sounds of wonder and passion. For every time a window opened a new window was discovered that led to another window and . . . Oh, my! Sounds like something venomous caught in a silky web waiting to be a tasty appetizer while life begins to ebb! Doesn’t it?
Needless to say, my efforts were not in vain. The words of my heart had already been written and laid to rest upon the sands of time to be revisited and never forgotten. Now, I share with you, my readers and followers, what thoughts I discovered on this day regarding the Easter Lily. . .
“Rightly the lily is the flower of Easter. It lies buried in the ooze of pond or stream. There is the grave of the dead lily that appeals to nostril or eye. But silently the forces of life are dark and the damp to prepare a glorious resurrection. A shaft of green shoots upward toward the sun. This is followed by a cluster of tiny buds. One day the sun smiles with special warmth upon the dank, black ooze, and there leaps into the light a creature of light and beauty; it is the lily, an angel of the earth, whose look is light.”
How did the lily come to grace the fields of America? The cultivation of lilies did not originate in the United States for the lily is a native of Japan. History reveals the account of a WW I soldier, Luis Houghton, bringing a suitcase full of hybrid lily bulbs to the South coast of Oregon in 1919. Houghton freely distributed bulbs to his friends and neighbors. Because of the events of war, the Japanese source of bulbs was abruptly cut off. Therefore, those growing lilies as a hobby noted the value of lily bulbs sky-rocketing and many decided to go into business on their own. At that time, Easter lily bulbs were known as “White Gold,” resulting in cultivators attempting to cash in on the crop. By 1945, there were about 1,200 growers producing bulbs up and down the Pacific coast, from Vancouver, Canada to Long Beach, California.
Of course, this post cannot end without my own personal atonement to. . .
The Lily. . .
Sounding of trumpets Extol the most high Rallying a crowd No one should deny
Calls to drill and battle Resound a time nigh Echoing surrender Or a battle cry
No white, just crimson Adorn the fields Beds of blood and bone A battle yields
Within times’ passing Ghastly signs disappear Blades of bright green Awaken thoughts held dear
Slender stalks emerge Rising from earthy graves Flaunting scaly bulbs Pompous as ocean waves
Milky-white trumpets Surge with praises toward the sky Spiritual essence of Easter Extols the most high
To all my friends and family – past, present & future – I am back where I belong, in the writing world! After three years since its completion, I have pulled to the forefront and removed the dust from the pages of Catnip of Life. The manuscript is complete, 200+ pages of poetry, times for reflection, musings on life and famous quotes that make a personal connection to each poem.
catnipoflife blog is ready to reawaken your senses to the world around you! Today, more than ever, we need to remain thankful for the beauty of this earth that brings abundant gratefulness for simply being alive. Whether you followed me in the past or are new to catnip, welcome to my world that offers insight to help you “keep a smile on your face, joy in your heart and optimism on your tongue” (Lou Vickery, former New York Yankees, Author & Radio Show Host)
It is time to take Catnip of Life manuscript off the shelf, remove the dust from its pages and share its presence with all who desire to examine life through a personal lens and ponder what is or has been missing or gone unnoticed. The essence of Catnip of Life is 200+ pages of poetry, time for personal reflection, musings on life, and quotes that make a connection of the verses to real life.
I know no subject more elevating, more amazing, more ready to the poetical enthusiasm, the philosophical reflection, and the moral sentiment than the works of nature. Where can we meet such variety, such beauty, such magnificence?
—James Thomson (Scottish Poet, 1700–1748)
Note about catnip: Catnip targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain.
To inevitably understand the catnip of life requires opening your senses to the world around you: Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest! The sky, the hills, the sea, the birds, the blossoms—each takes you to its own unique world. Captivating moments are right before your eyes, music to your ears, within your very grasp, under your nose waiting to be enjoyed.
Catnip of Life exposes nature as a diamond in the rough with its power to heal, outwardly in addition to inwardly. The verses reveal openness to the world, how simple everyday observances make a difference in your life, furthermore allowing you to touch the lives of others. From reflections where happiness is found in the darkest of times to sunshine easing innermost fears to experiencing life being given a second chance, there exists lightheartedness, along with heaviness of heart.
Keys to the catnip of life: beauty, imagination, nature, reflection, wonder!
First up is Diamond in the Rough. You have the option to read or listen to the audio (see below).
Diamond in the Rough
Awaken to the raw power of nature When crashing waves, lightning cavort Embark on a journey of pure imagery Where the mind’s eye is the transport
Blend the defiant power of nature With wonderment amid fascination Draw on the earth’s primordial spirit Charisma amongst imagination
Succumb to nature’s wilder places Mysticism within self-awareness Become lost in nature’s miracles Healing, transforming consciousness
Evoke visions of pure impulses Those of unbridled natural power Peaceful before quite overwhelming Surpassing any meditative hour
Observe nature untouched, unpolished Like finding a diamond in the rough Leave with a better understanding Of yourself interestingly enough
Proclaim the exhilaration A freedom deep within your soul It’s observing life at its best Totally under mind’s control
Quote of the Moment:
The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear. —Daniel Defoe (Journalist, 1660–1731)
AUDIO is for your Listening Pleasure! Close your eyes and enter the visionary mind.
Don’t leave yet! Time for observation and reflection…
As you go through the days ahead, focus on observing life at its best.
Observations—
On a scale of 1 to 10, right now in the moment, leave a comment rating your catnip level in observing life at its best. With the mindset of observance in the next few days, elevate your awareness of the world around you. Remain alert to capture something new or become more deeply acquainted with something familiar. Then, return to this post, leave a smile and add comment upon something you feel you never truly noticed…until your observance through the lens of the catnip of life.
To all my wonderful blogger friends, visitors, followers and acquaintances. Posting has been very slim due to the illness of my husband, James (Jim) Lee Shults. Friday morning, May 12, 2017 after nearly 33 years of marriage which began on July 10, 1984, Jim’s time in his temporary home on this Earth ended with a new beginning commencing in his eternal home. The pain and suffering is over as he rests in peace in the comfort of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your cards, letters, prayers, comforting thoughts and so much more. Jim will be remembered for his compassion, humor, endless stories & jokes, love of country and family. For him, to go though the day without making someone smile or laugh, was wasted time, time without purpose or meaning. He was a joke waiting to be told and never missed an opportunity to lift someone’s spirits.
To my soulmate…
Treasures in Jars of Clay
(2 Corinthians 4:7-18)
7Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.8We are pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal bodies. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
13And in keeping with what is written: “I believed, therefore I have spoken,”c we who have the same spirit of faith also believe and therefore speak, 14knowing that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is extending to more and more people may overflow in thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17For our light and temporary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles.18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
‘Til we meet again …
At Heaven’s Door
The doors of Heaven opened
The day you came into my life
At our eyes’ first meeting,
Divine intervention touched my soul
What once were dreams and aspirations
Transpired into fearless reality
Conscious reasoning gave way to inner feelings
Our encounter ensured destiny unfold
Love initiated in Heaven
Unconditional, without envy or self-pity
Free from illusion, secure in faith
Lays eternal in the mist
Two hands merged as one
One heart, one body, one spirit
Truly blessed to share life’s daily happenings
Until only memories exist
Our love spans the sands of time
Through the years, happiness and tears,
‘Til one day we’re hand-in-hand
Standing quietly at Heaven’s Door
The Christmas season is filled with times of joyful gathering…family, friends, colleagues, co-workers, acquaintances from many different backgrounds. The main question is…why do you join others in celebration at this time of year? Is it simply feasting and partying, dressing in fancy attire, for camaraderie, perhaps time to catch up on happenin’s throughout the year? What makes it different from any other gathering? There is only one reason for this season which should remain at the top of the list, the star of the Christmas tree, the most wondrous gift of them all…
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May we never be so focused on getting gifts & PRESENTS
that we forget to receive…
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…the gift of HIS PRESENCE!
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Spread the pure joy!
There is magic in Christmas A time for joy, a time of peace Sharing, caring, preparing As cascading snowflakes increase
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A star tops the Christmas tree Presents of love beneath
All in the joy of giving
Encircling like a wreath
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People come, people go All in the name of good cheer
Wishing Merry Christmas
And the happiest New Year
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Coziness of a fireplace
A warm hug, tender kiss
Christmas Eve closes in prayer
No one dares not miss
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While saying Merry Christmas With wishes for a Happy New Year How many celebrate birth The real reason behind all the cheer? ***** Wining, dining, feeling fine Feasting on the best When asked why YOU celebrate What do you attest?
***** Hope in Christmastime The message of the season Birth of our Savior Truly the blessed reason
Today Sunday, June 19, 2016 is Father’s Day…a day of honor and celebration for our dads and fathers. Not all fathers are dads nor are all dads fathers. Each holds a special place in a child’s, teen’s or adult’s heart. Regardless of the role—dad, father or both—not any one of us could be here without having been fathered. With fatherhood comes a tremendous responsibility encompassing tasks of sharing, caring and preparing for life’s journey.
May this Father’s Day be filled with wondrous blessings that continue through each day of the year! To each of you…A Father’s Day Salute!
A father’s day is every day
Not just one day of the year
Holding a wee little hand (day time and nighttime)
Wiping away a tear
It’s faith, hope, love
All rolled into one Encouragement, patience (never giving up) ‘Til a task is done
It’s being thankful Gratitude of heart Knowing what you need (when you need it) Right from the start
It’s together time
The thrill of hearty laughter
Seeing what you’re going through
(even if it doesn’t show)
The morning of the day after
It’s helping with decisions Staying taut through outs or ins Teaching life’s not easy (taking the right road) Supporting losses and wins
It’s hurting and being hurt Holding discipline’s place
Leaving behind a legacy (not of material ‘things’) Rewards of saving grace
* It’s compassion and comfort
When a hug is all that’s needed
Priceless moments in time (Teddy Bear hugs)
Quickly and tenderly heeded
It’s shaping, molding Each life that has begun Making an investment (often without return)
‘Til the full course is run
It’s when having to leave Looking back with pride Releasing all the tears (happiness and heartache) Bottled up inside
My brain won’t stop! I barely close my eyes when “words of wisdom” begin fleeting in and out of my mind like a swarm of bees flitting from flower to flower seeking pollen. I grab the ever-ready pad and pencil (or my cellphone) readily available on the night table sometimes turning back on the light, other times not. In earnest haste, I jot down as many thoughts as I possibly can but inevitably miss many in the process of writing them down or getting them into my notes on my cellphone. At least some are saved! But, now I am wide awake!
catnipoflife 