How to Paint Peace

Some things can only be said in pictures and metaphors. They are the language of the unconscious, transmitting preverbal wisdom directly into our hearts and souls.

The Lightness of Life is our Chance

Some will be familiar with Milan Kundera’s book, “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”. It’s a great novel, an international bestseller. The author made me think.

About Dying and Living

I met her when she was in her late 80’s and fell instantly in love with the fragile-looking, stubborn, old Lady, who happened to be our new neighbor.

One of our dogs started barking at her through the fence, just a few days after we had moved in. I was ready to scold the dog when I heard the old lady talk to it. “It’s nice meeting you too. You are just saying hello to me, aren’t you.” Our dog, a shepherd-chow mix, stopped barking, sat down and the two had a conversation. One talked about her flowers, and the weather, our dog listened. From that day on they always met on the fence line.

No Chocolate in Heaven?

We are supposed to be back to normal, but I don’t feel normal. Do I ever?

I sleep like a rock, wake up tired and feel congested, but other than that it seems we are ready to move on. I haven’t dressed in two weeks. I mean, yes, I have covered my body with clothes, but pretty much jumped from one pajama to the next. “Leopard is the new black” is my favorite one, it’s so cozy and soft, I want to be buried in it if I would want to be buried to begin with.

One Chance

 

“We are surrounded every day by the wonders of life, wonders beyond comprehension that we simply take for granted. I decided that day that I would live my life—not simply exist. If I died and discovered heaven on the other side, well, that’d be just fine and dandy. But if I didn’t live my life as if I was already in heaven, and I died and found only nothingness, well…I would have wasted my life. I would have wasted my one chance in all of history to be alive.”
― Allen Eskens, The Life We Bury

The Rescuers Final Reward

Of course, I know about the “Rainbow Bridge.” It’s a cute story that is supposed to cheer us up when we lose a furry friend, but until today I didn’t know there was a second part. The second part is for rescued animals and rescuers. 

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

I am reading a book that tickles my funny bone. It’s absolutely hilarious. Sadly, I can not recommend this book to everybody. The ones who believe that they have a direct line to heaven should avoid this book but for the rest of us, who are open-minded and are cursed with a sense of humor, this book is a must read. 

Please Ask your Rapist

 

We are writing our own version of the Handmaiden’s Tale, and it’s a brutal one. 

The Story of Jack O’Lantern

As the legend goes, several centuries ago in Ireland, there lived a drunk who was known as “Stingy Jack.” Nobody liked him, he cheated, he lied, and he played tricks on people. One night the Devil overheard the tale of Jack’s evil deeds. Unconvinced and envious of the rumors, the devil went to find out for himself, whether or not Jack lived up to his mean reputation.

Missing you and smiling

I don’t know exactly why I do this, but whenever I have to say Goodbye to a beloved friend or family member, I buy a plant. Even for our four-legged family members. Sometimes for the outside, either a tree or a rosebush, often Orchids for the inside.