hope

Not Achieving the Goal

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Well, I did not get everything done as I had hoped.  I did get rid of almost everything that is not in progress or does not fit my vision or still hold interest for me.

I will claim the rainy weather as part of the problem.  Hard to paint furniture out on the carport when it is raining.

The small box of fabric is still here.  I have not been willing to let it go.  When I went through it, the projects I want to do are still viable and I am still interested.

The ceramic mermaid is still on the counter getting additional layers of paint whenever I get a chance.  She is almost finished.

I am going to “blame” him for not cutting the hooks from the fishing lures, yet.  My cutters and my hands are not strong enough.  I plan to hang them from cord on the porch or maybe in the living room.

I did succeed in editing things.  I have let go of a few things.  I am still trying to make time and room for what I want to expend energy doing.

The main thing for me is that I have not given up.  Never give up.  Never give in.  That saying about increasing your success rate by increasing your failure rate.  Fall down seven times, get up eight.

I am closer to my final goal than before.  I am allowing a mess to be present on my kitchen counter while I experience creative expression.  I am still trying.  I have not boxed it all up and stuffed it all back in the closet and retreated to the veil of sadness.

Maybe the goal is the problem.  Maybe I haven’t set the goal clearly or properly.  Maybe what I think I want is not what I really want.  Perhaps tomorrow things will be clearer.

At least I am a few limbs higher on the magnolia tree.  I’m not sure if I have clearly explained what the reference to the magnolia tree means in previous posts.   Next week, I may try to tell it.

Meanwhile, I will continue to collect orchids as they rain down in my life.  Supper last Friday with my daughter and him, many phone calls from my son sharing his and her experiences in paradise, time in the beautiful woods, keeping company with that man of mine, tons of birthday wishes received.  Simple things.  Beautiful life.  Orchids raining.

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Raining Orchids

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What does “Raining Orchids” mean?

I love orchids.  I haven’t been successful growing orchids, yet.  But, I love them none the less. 

In my mind, the orchid is the true queen of flowers.  Delicate, long lasting, fragrant, exotic.  Less common than roses.  Very desirable and lovely. 

The idea of orchids relating to life was inspired by Marjorie Hillis’ 1937 book:  Orchids On Your Budget.  She explains the balance of budgeting for the happier things in life such as hosting parties and enjoying entertainments among other things.  She also touches on the idea of making do and being truly happy about it. 

If you are familiar with the phrase “raining cats and dogs”, translate that image to “raining orchids”.  Orchids rain onto my life.  Not in the sense of endless loveliness and happiness, but of blessings sometimes outright and sometimes disguised by difficulty. 

This past weekend, I got to visit with my loved ones.  I was able to cook copious amounts of food to serve them.  I had some time with friends.  We remembered the Easter promises.  Yet, I thought about my mother, gone 16 years, yesterday.  How much I miss her in so many ways. My heart aches for her and so many others gone. 

But, my heart rejoices in the company of my great nieces!  Age three and age 2 months, they bring a kind of joy only little ones can.  And yes, I still get a thrill to see my adult children.  Three of the most wonderful people on the planet.  Period.  And then there is him.  He guards me, supports me, brings orchids into my life every day.

So many orchids in my life!  People and circumstances that create endless love, happiness, and blessings, both outright and disguised. 

Despite the books on growing them, I have lost the live orchids I had.  These silk orchids on one of my treasure tables will have to do until I figure out how to grow the real things.  Meanwhile, I will revel in the symbolic orchids raining throughout my life.  Him, family, friends, a table of plenty, a Risen Savior. 

 

 

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P.S.  65 is the year I was born.  I am too glad to be alive to worry about anyone knowing my true age!