Momentary Pause

This is my one full day in Amsterdam and I have to say that it is good to be home. I missed the city, friends and even the brisk cold.

I have about 48 total hours and a long to-do list to work through, but I decided to take a moment to breathe. Some time to sit for a while, to soak a bit. know it is a quick turn-around, but it is good to stand still for a moment in the midst of the blur that is my life. Like Ferris said, “Life moves pretty fast,you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Lynne In Her Element

Today, I completed a week long art academy. Pictured above is Lynne, Reckoning’s artistic guru. It was such a pleasure to work by her side and witness Lynne functioning in expertise. She has such a wonderful way of inviting people into exploring while carefully providing a balance of instruction and support.

She also worked with Lee Hodges (left with coffee) and Sharron Luft (on right) to facilitate an create an autobiographical journal for a central event of our choosing. I have to admit that it is a lot harder than it sounds. You explore in ways that may be unfamiliar in addition to writing and creating imagery. Each day the participants would arrive a little more frayed than the last - revealing the toll of the previous day’s activities. As the day progressed we became energised as through the discovery of new techniques, skills and insights.

As stories and projects unfolded, a bond formed between the women present. A collaborative sisterhood was formed as we combined our tears, laughter and frustrations to form something beautiful from the ashes of the past and our hopes for the future. I am grateful to these women for sharing so much of themselves. Lynne, Lee and Sharron lead the group with a kindness and grace that afforded everyone a chance to bask in her own glory.

Fun Day

Today we went to Magic Mountain, all 14 of us!

It was a day of first in many ways. The five Snow children were together for the first time in years. First time at Magic Mountain for Naos Wilbrink, Annie Bergin, and Shea Snow. For one of my friends it was the first time back on a roller coaster after an accident. For me, it was the first time in over a decade I introduced first timers to some of the world’s best roller coasters.

We had a great time, even those who were weak of heart. The only hitch was that our shortest member not able to ride on many of the great coasters. But her entire face lit up when she was able to ride on Ninja. Her entire being lit up. It was a great way to end our day together.

Reckoning Kick-Off in Cali

In terms of numbers, we were a hit! About 100 people came to enjoy Dutch cheese, taste fine wine, and converse about Reckoning. I have to say that I was surprised by the number of people that showed up, but I greatly appreciated seeing friends who travelled many miles to be a part of this historic event.

We hope to develop a core group to start the works of Reckoning in California. Several people expressed interest but I believe in time a group will form. We have an opportunity to partner in a project in Oxnard and a professional fund raiser decided to help us develop. I look forward to watching things unfold over time.

Thank you to everyone who came.

With A Little Help From My Friend

This is my dear friend John Bergin and his “son” Hooch. We have known each other a lot of years (man I am getting old!) and shared ring-side seats to each others trials and triumphs in life. John is on of those great friends in life you can ALWAYS count on, as I did when I needed some assistance picking out wines for the Reckoning event tomorrow night. It was not just about shopping (I could have done that myself), it was about engaging in actions of true friendship.

People like John are tangible expressions of “Love thy neighbour.” Without action, the aforementioned phrase is meaningless; just words on a page. Love is a verb, not a word solely to elicit fuzzy feelings. Love implies, patience, sacrifice, courage, care, joy and endurance to name a few; it is not a one-time decision - it must be tended to regularly and often.

I hope that you, my readers, also have dear neighbours who love you well and are loved well by you. It is this kind of love that makes living worthwhile. Live Well!

There is something about Nature that just speaks to my heart and soul.

Earlier today, I was on my way to meet my dear friend, Deanne Rollins for one of our energetic walks as we caught up with each other’s lives. The drive is familiar, one taken repeatedly over my many years on the planet - but today as I caught my first glimpse of the water peaking through the mountain tops it took my breathe away.

I had to pullover on Kanan, just to sit and be for a moment. I wanted to inhale the magnitude of what I saw in front of me, while I exhaled awe, praise and thankfulness. I took in the multitude flora while expressing my love for its beauty. In moments like this, I am reaffirmed in my faith in the Creator. We can all argue over how this all came to be, but sometimes just to be still and let it wash over and surround like oxygen, I feel I catch a glimpse of the Creator’s smile. The knowing smile of joy, that an artist experiences when someone appreciated their work.

Before I drove away, I snapped a quick picture; even though I knew that it would never do Nature justice. I just wanted to have a little remembrance of this place of inspiration. A reminder to be still at times, but to also walk with my eyes fully open to the beauty, while constantly taking a stance of gratitude.

Synergy

Some times in life you are blessed to meet someone with whom you just click! Instantly the energy of the connection moves you a little closer to greatness. Today I had the fortune of meeting two such people and we formed an instant kinship!

Rich Brimer (on the Left) introduced the Reckoning Core team to Café On A (http://cafeona.org). Armando Vazquez and Debbie De Vries (left to right in picture) take commitment and creativity to the next level. They are the co-founders and overseers of an innovative community centre. Café On A is a hub for activism, empowerment and generosity towards the marginalised and at-risk community in Oxnard.

I have a deep respect for their work, as they create art interventions that address trying issues like incest and racial profiling. They offer workshops to help people voice their experiences and channel their energies towards positive solutions, rather than destructive behaviours or crime.

Well, once we were all in the same room the ideas started to flow on the basis of our mutual understanding that art transforms perspectives and can be a great tool for personal and community transformation. Who knows in the near future there might be wonderful collaboration.

Thanks Rich for the connection!