shouts of joy

As of late, the Walla Walla skies have been a brilliant blue. School is out and substitute teaching is in. The grass is growing in thick and green, trees are blooming and the wheat rolls with grace through the valley. Swimming, running, tennis and decision-making are more time consuming than I predicted. Friends are too far, bike rides and camping trips are too few or none. A month long spring vacation was just what I needed. Southern California was a lovely sight, lush with wonderful people, laughing and hugs, so many hugs - much different and distant than the dust in New Mexico. North Idaho was chilly and relaxing with beautiful lake views, visits with friends, and a dash of snow. Now, it seems that Oregon will cradle my 24th year as I teach at the high school level. Somehow exhaustion has clung through the speed chase and finally burrows deep. Like a season of hibernation. My body has yearned for this Sabbath. And there's much still to come. I cannot wait to see what...

I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.  ~Audrey Hepburn

Each passing week seems like an entire year's worth of ripening. The fragile shell is aggravated by the harsh elements and is broken, torn, burned, pulled and pinched. Even so, beyond the fragile shell stands a barrier of protective muscle that fights against each affliction. Through the open wounds seeps fear and is carried to the power house, the life-source, the heart. It's there where fear is circulated and processed through each valve and ventricle and depleted of the waste to pump back out with intense power to refuel the shell with zeal and passion to continue protecting and ripening that which is most important. The heart. My heart hasn't failed me yet and am I ever so grateful. Yet it's endearing whisper is often times hushed by the combative shell surrounding it, denying it's childlike spirit, jokes and games, beauty, and zeal for life and love. Keep flowing heart. One day your shell will ripen and gush with sweet juices from the labor of your loving end...