I Love Iceland

More Iceland 2005 - Katherine Griswold - Picasa Web Albums

Iceland 2005 - Katherine Griswold - Picasa Web Albums


I've only been twice, but it was enough to fall deeply in love with that magical country. At the moment , I am unable financially or health wise to go back and I sure hope that changes one day soon. I'm certain I'm supposed to see and experience much, much more there.

In the meantime, please check out my two photo links from past trips...such wonderful memories..

Memorial Day

As a child, Memorial Day was a three day weekend, a chance to play and picnic with family and friends,a sign that Summer was closing in and that the end of school was near. Later in life it became a day to honor those who fought, and continue to fight for our country so that we can enjoy our freedom. In the last ten years it's turned into a special memorial for lost family members and friends.

This year, will be the tenth anniversary of my mothers death and the first for our dear family friend, and my sister Gerri's best friend, Fred. Joan {my mom} and Fred had quite a relationship full of quick wit and much sarcasm ..it made for many laughs..although it wasn't always funny. The fact that we honor them on the same day, May 30th, is ironic.I really wonder what bits of trouble they are causing, wherever they are and if Bonnie, Gerri, Jim or I will get some kind of message. I do believe in those messages from the other side. We shall see..

However you celebrate Memorial Day, I hope it's meaningful.

Mom, feeding General Nuisance and Fred with his beloved Bobina

Grimsvotn..Mother Natures magnificent trouble maker...

Volcanic Eruption in Grimsvotn, Iceland May 21 2011 on Vimeo


I've been reading a lot about people "hating Iceland" because the erupting volcano is disrupting their lives. Folks..we can't control Mother Nature, and I'm not saying a cancelled flight or any other inconvenience should make us jump for joy ...but hate? It's such a strong word, and I try not to use it. Instead of thinking of ourselves, how about considering how the eruption is affecting the people, farm animals, and wildlife who inhabit the area around Grimsvotn...perhaps that will put things in perspective.

Grímsvötn Eruption 2011 - a set on Flickr

Icelanders are very hardy folks..I have every faith they'll survive this latest challenge..without any complaints.

Energy

“Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us; concentrate our energy.”
Denis Waitley


I'm a pack rat...it seems to run in my family. Lately, I've been feeling a bit closed in with the clutter of "stuff" I've colllected in my half century of existence. I sometimes feel stagnant energy,especially in the sleeping quarters of my house.That could be one of the reasons I sleep so poorly.

This week, big changes have occurred. Although I'm finding it difficult to "let go" of "stuff", the ever logical me analyzed every bloody trinket, frame, clothes..you name it, and thought..will I ever wear or use this again? How many years has it been since I've picked this up..I don't remember owning this!..It's ridiculous how many possessions we accumulate. That does not define who we are!

Of course, the sentimental side of me {which is HUGE}, kept some things..I can't throw out every memory..a special letter or card I've received and as long as I vow to keep them in an album..they can stay..I admit reading all that stuff made me shed a tear and laugh hysterically more than a few times.

I now have a dozen boxes in assorted sizes filled with goodies someone will love to clutter their house with! I've only scratched the surface in the creating energy flow upstairs..but I can already feel it moving. The church I sing at Monday nights will be the recipient of those treasures for their Memorial Day tag sale.

My goal in the next two weeks is to finish the bedrooms and start on the books..I am SO focused!

LET THE ENERGY FLOW!

Clouds

" Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."
Rabindranath Tagore

Inspiration

I haven't given my blog much attention, as you can see, but I guess I thought I needed to write something long and profound every week. I finally realized...I don't! It takes me a while to catch on, sometimes.

There is so much, just outside my window that should inspire me to write.For whatever reason, I haven't been motivated. So for today, I'll keep it short and post some photos of the beautiful Spring we are experiencing here in wonderful Norfolk, CT.

Enjoy!

Violets are one of my favorite Spring offerings.

Haystack Mountain. A view from the Norfolk Post Office. Come on, who else gets a view like this?

Several years ago, I maintained this estate garden. Spring is it's best season.

Spring is about rebirth..although we hardly need anymore Canada Geese, you can't deny how cute this little one looks. Two siblings are hiding in the grass.

Snow Day!

Those words were music to my ears as a kid. We'd all come down to the kitchen and feel the wood stove kicking in, gather around the table and wait to hear if radio announcer Bob Steele would call out our school's name. Once we knew for sure, I don't recall ever going back to bed, maybe in my teenage years, but before that, we were out the door having a blast in the snow asap. I'm so grateful I grew up in a time when life was simpler. When you had a day off, you could play or read and maybe watch a little TV.Living in the country..it was all about the great outdoors.

Once we were out the door, it was time to figure out creative ways on how to entertain ourselves. There was the usual sledding or tobogganing down the hill over the big, beautiful man made pond that graced our back yard, or we'd build snowmen, snow forts, and sculptures. We also did a lot of shoveling and helping neighbors dig out. I don't think we ever complained. Later, back at the cozy farmhouse, we'd have hot chocolate or whatever goody our mother was cooking.

I especially loved walking in the woods on our huge property by myself. There is something so peaceful about snow. I think being among the trees and wildlife spawned my love for photography. I've always had a vivid imagination and could picture creatures and spirits peeking out behind the mighty spruce and pine trees.

What a great time to be a kid. It sure made me appreciate the little things in life.