Everyday...A New Story Begins

Our front gate geranium. It has never bloomed---until NOW!

A new story begins every single day. Whether it's flowers, critters, people, situations, or mindful acts, we are in the midst of a burgeoning time of new beginnings. How exciting and how liberating, and no, this isn't about anything politics, so there's that. This is about LIFE and LOVE and BEING with each other, not against each other.

I've about had it with the outrage in the cultural spectrum. Everyone is pitting their opinions against the other and it's not the way we were designed to behave. Remember that kindness rules. Remember how to respect each other. Remember to not judge, but to understand and accept. Remember to remain open to differing views and agree to disagree. Remember to love one another.

I mean, think about it. We recently got to view the nest up close and personal of a mated pair of bald eagles in the wilds of Big Bear, California. They magnificently birthed three eaglets for the world's stage! How cool is that? Unfortunately, and to the saddened hearts of everybody everywhere, one of the eaglets didn't survive. But the other two are thriving, thanks to the meticulous care of the bald eagle parents, Jackie and Shadow. I'm enamored by this story, to say the least.

Being a staunch observer of life's mysteries--asking questions, listening in conversations, appropriately commenting when (and where) necessary--this opens up my world to new stories for me. I've got a pretty wicked imagination and oftentimes find myself creating stories out of nowhere. Yet, each one is based on a real situation that either gets out of hand, or becomes too small and needs to be exposed.

And, it's the first day of Spring! I wanted to shout that out first before I continue on with how stories shape our society and no matter what we say or how we act, or when we speak, these are the verses that become public attention-getters. Sure, stories from days of yore are soo essential to our evolution, however, a new story emerging grabs our minds and hearts and takes off in whichever direction it needs to go.

I love storytelling. So much so that every book I wrote was a story from my years or decades of past living. I don't bother with how it's all received. Then again, if you had asked me 10 years ago whether me sharing parts of my private life were up for scrutiny or debate, I'd be a rich woman. Every story I have ever written is based on truth. I do embellish on some things, but I also have lived a very colorful and interesting life. Why not put it out there so that they could possibly help or inspire others to either do the same, or have compassion for a human being as they get older?

When stories are told people listen. Eyes go wide open. Ears perk up. Body language shifts and becomes uncomfortable or settled in. Remember when bedtime stories were a thing for children? Being childless myself, I have no idea whether bedtime stories are still a thing for parents to partake in today, or whether sitting with your child in the evening hours to help them fall asleep is a thing of the past. Either way, the absorption of stories in a young brain is something to be cherished.

How radiant is this beauty? She was a gift from a neighbor months ago and after placing her in the ground in our backyard, the amaryllis babe is just NOW blooming the most amazing red bulbs. TYG

I had to show you a recent garden snippet that probably has stories to tell. As the amaryllis emerged from the soil, following months of talking with her, encouraging her, watering her, feeding her, this bulbous plant decided she wanted to grow up and grow out and showcase her amazing color. That's a story right there. A new one, too!

I guess what I'm espousing here is to not lose your ability to tell a story. Creating stories out of thin air have value. If it's yours--and yours alone--how enchanting that can be. Think of the old classic movies. The Wizard of Oz, the Sound of Music, To Kill a Mockingbird, Citizen Kane, and on and on. These are movies whose writers and creators had a vision, one that carried through and became legendary. I love old movies, to say the least. Timeless and loaded with storytelling.

My new story is full of hope. Hope for the future. Hope for our hearts and souls to unite in ways we never could dream of. Hope that our collective health rises like a phoenix. Hope that my Mom continues on a road that's best for her well-being (that's a whole 'nother story right there), and hope that love prevails in the face of the constant barrage of social media and divisiveness. Here's a message for you that was sent to me in a recent email: "Amidst the absence of understanding you are encouraged to remember all is divine."

I wish you and yours a most peaceful and harmonious Spring season--one that's full of new stories, new ideas, and new beginnings. Being in the throes of eclipse season, we are primed for precious stories to emerge. Inspire. Create. Get real with your inner self.

With love and good health,

Gerry Ellen xoxo