Ah, we are less than three weeks away from the official arrival of spring.
Words cannot describe springs fragrance, but I am so looking forward to breathing it in and attempting.
Hard to believe that in another week from now, Daylight Savings Time begins, giving us more sunshine in our days. As an early riser, watching sunrise earlier and earlier brings an internal and external smile to me. Gratitude abounds.
What a delightful time of year!
With winters end near, I begin to think about all the changes that are happening not only in nature but our spiritual nature as well.
Time to reflect on a new beginning from one season to another. I love envisioning what it can be then working towards making it a reality brings me joy.
Spring cleaning should begin with the head and end with the heart.
I have discovered that life’s treasures are found while working towards the hearts calling, versus the heads offering diet of doubts. With this reflection, I share the following.
The Parable of the Elephant Rope
As a man was passing elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these massive creatures were tethered only by a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages.
It was obvious that the elephants could, at any time, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.
The gentleman noticed a trainer nearby and asked why the elephants just stood there and made no attempt to get away.
“Well,” the trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”
The man was amazed. The elephants could break free at any time from their bonds, but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.
(be easy on me, I don't like seeing elephants in captivity, either! It is just a story.)
I am not sure if the parable applies to you or others you know.
Might I encourage you to make a bucket list of things you want to attempt, even with someone else?
Sit at the table, pour tea, free your mind(s) and write and write and write some more, don't judge the list, just write.
Review your list, take the smallest or easiest one and move it to the top of the list. Start there. Do one, feel it, think about it. Do another and then another. Check them off.
Soon the rope is a string, and then it is a thread, then nothing at all is stopping you. Go for it!
Are you waiting to break free?
And, by the way
"If the past calls, let it go to voicemail. It has nothing new to say anyway." - anon
It is Oscar weekend. Shirley and I had the opportunity to see a few nominated films, but most likely will wait to read about who brings home the big awards, Monday morning. Then seek out those which we missed.
Have you seen any of the nominated films?
March is Women's History Month in the US, the UK and Austrailia. In Canada, we celebrate in October. A big thank you to all women who raised their voices to pioneer and pursue justice and equality.
If you'll remember, a few weeks ago, I asked you to leave some words that come to mind when you think of The Preserve Company.
We are working on something behind the scenes, and your input would be valuable and appreciated.
You were so helpful to me that I have another question for you today.
Is there a lost or disappearing art that you would love to learn? Perhaps baking bread, making pickles, or salting fish?
Please leave us a few words in the comment section.
Have a lovely weekend and may next week be spot on for you!
Want a Saturday Silly? Click here.
While writing today's background music was Steven Isserlis: The Complete RCA Recording. If you like the classical cello music and wish to sample click here.
Warm wishes from Prince Edward Island,
Bruce
Comments
Charlene York said:
The preserve company makes me think of those beautiful hydrangeas. I wish I could have them here in California.
Something I would love to learn is quilt making. I’ve always wanted to try it, just never found the time.
March 08, 2018
Rennee Wallace said:
I think writing thank you cards is a lost art. I would like to learn calligraphy to make my thank you cards extra special!
March 05, 2018
Barbara Doering said:
Preserve Company – the first time we came up was with a cruise tour and Bruce in his kilt, with a huge smile on his face, goodies to enjoy and beautiful china to give as presents. Second time – more smiles – and beautiful surroundings.
I would enjoy weaving. My husband and I were in Monument Valley and visited with a older Native American who was working sheeps wool – her daughter was weaving a rug – takes such talent and patience (both of which I could use :) )
March 05, 2018
Margo MacDonald said:
Homemade pastry, the gaelic language, tatting
March 04, 2018
Almira said:
I forgot to respond to the question a few weeks ago. When I think of the Preserve Company, I think of peace, potatoe pie and tranquility. I think of a place I can sit, reflect and write. Did I say potatoe pie?
March 04, 2018
Almira said:
I love to write. I still send cards and write letters. I believe we are losing the art of personal writing. I’ve always wanted to learn calligraphy, so I can write a beautiful note to someone.
March 04, 2018
Wendy DuBois said:
I’d like to learn how to cane chair bottoms.
March 03, 2018
Aubrey said:
I would like to learn to can/jar pickles sound like a great place to start! Maybe some salsa?
March 03, 2018
Kathleen Maclachlan said:
My mind ranged far and wide with this one…a lost or disappearing art that I’d love to learn….canning produce, but only if it’s something that I’d actually use come winter….making things for home use, but only if it’s really something useful (braided rugs, quilts – both such large projects, groan) and not just clutter….perhaps simply some ideas and encouragement or a gathering time to write letters, special letters, fun letters, beautiful letters. Yes, that! And to make a good cuppa.
March 03, 2018
Joy Daynes said:
I would like to learn how to make Oatcakes. We live in the western USA and 3 years ago visited Eastern Canada and the Providences including PEI. I fell in love with Oatcakes while there. We visited your lovely store and when I got home I got online and ordered some of your products. I also signed up for emails and I have been reading your wonderful blogs for 3 years now. Thank you for writing them!
March 03, 2018
Anne B said:
I would like to learn to make gravlaks!
My order arrived yesterday – the mugs were even nicer than I hoped! The small personal note added so much – thank you!
March 03, 2018