"Fortitude Presses On" by Susan Pearl

Extreme stress and trauma bring about a suspension of different types of tensions-

These tensions are yet combining-yet intensifying, yet to stabilize to show what to recognize,

The suspension of tensions takes time, sometimes years and years, to form into a result.

It takes fortitude of mind to know that eventually with time the suspension of tensions will run its         course and there will be an end to such an ongoing stressful force.  

To be suspended under the weight of the combining stressful tensions takes incredible strength

   and, once again, incredible fortitude.

Later will be the time to review-

But for now it is a time to press on with fortitude.

 

"Building Pressure" by Susan Pearl

 Building Pressure---

Pressure mounting, mounting, mounting from the inside out-

Pressure mounting, mounting, mounting from the outside in.

Pressure mounting, people shouting-

We are counting for the right thing to be done

   that relieves pressure on everyone.

"I can Understand That" by Susan Pearl

 John Muir wrote:

"The mountains are calling me

   and I must go".

I saw a plaque in a catalogue that read:

"The Mountains are calling me".

In the background was a picture of a beautiful mountain range.

Our son-in-law found a special connection

   to the grandness, majesty and wonderment in the mountains.

The mountains called him back time after time.

We have relatives who experience 

  a connection to the flatland by farming.

It is rewarding, fulfilling with great renewal and they spend a lifetime

   taking in sunrise to sunset beauty while putting in a hard day's work.

I can understand that-

 because I, too, have experienced being carried away by the vastness of nature's repeated cycles of beauty-

  and I have stood in awe of it all.

Pets, animals, fishing, amphibians, fowl, reptiles and underwater life can all bring about a tireless enjoyment that doesn't ever grow old--it is like we are suspended in a reunion time when together.

Even garden vegetables turning into spices- turning into cooking and making savoring flavors are looked forward to having again. 

Yes, those kind of connections call to us, as we long for their moments of bonding us-

   to something far bigger, far greater and far beyond to what we can take in or comprehend.

The cost of being enthralled by a connection to the wonder of it all is free--

The benefits are priceless and give passion to a true sense being where we belong.

We all want to belong and be extended an extension to a relationship of knowing there is more than is before our very eyes and somehow connect with it.

Then the longing is the calling of a certain lonesomeness that looks forward to seeing or being with what is beyond what we can take in or comprehend, again and again.   

Yes, I can understand that.

"My Change in Thinking About What Constitutes a Big Day" by Susan Pearl

 It is surprising to me how I have changed my perceptions on some things over time.

An example was yesterday.  We had taken pictures to email throughout the day and had some lovely tele-visits, too.

I said that I had put on my lipstick three different times for all of the activities. 

At the end of the day I thought-"any time I put my lipstick on three different times in the same day--

that has been a big day".

And then I had to laugh at myself because when I was young my idea of a big day had nothing to do with lipstick applications but rather it had everything to do if I could get it all done that I needed to do and had been scheduled to do plus unexpected happenings to be tended to throughout the day.

I think back then I put my lipstick on once in the morning and that was it for the day unless there was a special occasion to attend.

I am surprised I had the thought to judge a big day by how many times I had put on my lipstick.  Does that even make sense?  At my age it does and is perfectly reasonable, too,---- to me.

"Take Time" by Susan Pearl

 "Pearls Take Time"--- and from that I am taking the two words-"Take Time"

   as a special blog for our fifty-fifth Wedding Anniversary.

"Take Time"----

Take time to say "I love you" each day

Take time to listen to what the other has to say.

Take time to hold hands when giving a compliment or having a walk,

Take time to look into each others eyes when having a talk.

Take time to say "thank you" and express appreciation as much as you can,

    and if you forget you know the other will "take time" to understand.

"A Pet Memory" By Susan Pearl

 Our little white dog playing in the snow-

White on white watch that dog go.

Now you are looking back at me- 

Your big brown eyes make you easier to see.

Now, what do you know-

You are rolling around in the snow.

What now, you are going to try to leap into a three foot high snow drift?

I don't think your little legs are going to give you the lift.

Oh, well, you gave it a try anyway.

What fun it is to see you play in the snow, today.

One more big and then another try for a leap,

Oh, little friend, this is a memory I'll keep.

"Thoughts Before Going to Sleep at Night" by Susan Pearl

 I'm thankful for this comfortable bed,

Thankful that our children and grandchildren are fed,

Thankful for the roof over our head,

Grateful for talents

  and for the work of our hand,

Grateful that Faith. Hope and Love still strongly stand.

Appreciation for the dreams of good that are coming true

   and for any opportunities for achievement, too.

Appreciation for each day given,

I'm thankful for every enjoyment of this life I'm living. 

I'm humbly grateful for what has been done for me,

And appreciate the rights of all for equality, respect and dignity.