Sunshine and showers

April has certainly delivered on its sunshine and showers. Sometimes in the same day, sometimes alternating days, but always keeping us on our toes.

The grandchildren are confused by Scottish weather. Most people are, I suppose. They think that when the sun shines, it is summer, so they may well be disappointed when summer does eventually come along...

Blue skies and 'Blue Sky' thinking, naturally go together. You know the optimistic outlook on life... easier when the sky is actually blue. But worth while whatever the weather.

Extended family catch up at Kelburn Cafe last weekend was blessed by clear skies, great food, kiddies climbing walls ( not the parents!) with no obvious fear ...

  and for me, a new baby to cuddle. What's not to like!

and on the subject of climbing walls...

everyone was getting in on the act on Saturday!

Not sure, what is the best metaphor for the captions but I was inspired by goats and children alike. They don't accept the boundaries that we have, either in the literal sense or in the thinking sense. They don't think of walls as obstacles, but think, "Ah, a wall, must climb!"

Onwards and upwards as they say...

 

Let's open our hearts...

This month the Power of Eight's Intention was ...

             "Let's open our hearts wide sending peace and healing energy to all"

This much?

I am certain that the intention would be apt for any and every month, such is the way of the world just now. However I was very grateful to pause every day for 10mins and focus on the intention. No matter how anxious I was, the brief respite from the surrounding doom and gloom was/is very welcome.

In last month's blog, I hinted that another, wise quote or even an inspirational mantra would be included in my monthly update blog, of how things are going in the world of Eileen et al.

And sure enough, here we go 

First of all, I treated myself to a new daily reading book at the beginning of the year.

This was something I used to do every year. It gave me focus at the beginging of the day. A subject to meditate on, or some inspiration to carry me through the day ahead.

I know that some of you, who know how many books I have gathered, will be thinking "another book"! but rest assured folks, this book was meant for me... it was even on the reduced shelf.

Stoicism is a much misunderstood philosphy. Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor, who I often quote, recommended it as a philosophy to live by.

The philosophy asserts that living by the four cardinal virtues of self-control, courage, justice and wisdom, is happiness and it is our perception of things rather than things themselves that cause most of our troubles!

There are many famous American advocates of Stoicism. Such as George Washington, Walt Whitman. Theodore Roosevelt, Ralph Waldo Emerson. All great men who like Marcus Aurelius, pondered on the big question "what is the best way to live?"

My husband wasn't a famous American author, philosopher or statesman. Or an ancient Roman politician or Greek writer... but he was a stoic. He lived his best life because he followed the cardinal virtues. His life was one of service, not as a duty but as a privilege. 

And I am sure this book was his gift to me. 

Especially, when I fell foul of a virus that floored me. Leading to a chest infection, conjunctivitis and  more recently blepheritis! Yep I hadn't heard of it either. Since the beginning of March until this week I have been beset by one thing after another and have had to use every tool available to me to stay strong, focus on getting better and make myself rise above and beyond the dark thoughts and stressful thinking.

I had a daily reading to inspire me, an evening meditation of peace and healing to focus on... and a picture of Rosie opening her arms wide as we explored Seamill beach looking for shells. Each and every one a miracle in itself.

That's where I find joy, walking along the beach and opening my arms and heart to finding peace and healing and being able in that moment to share peace and healing with all.

Loving...

 

Last month, I was quoting Caroline Myss and this month it is Deepak Chopra and no doubt next month it will be another inspirational author. This quote strikes a chord as it is what I truly believe. We can always choose love.

It can be loving people, loving pets, or even loving what you do. But it is particularly special when you just experience loving life

This last weekend I got to choose lots of ways to show my love. One of my favourites is by cooking and even the grandchildren quote me, by saying that my special ingredient is love, especially when I make them their mac 'n cheese.

So what else was on the "menu" at the weekend as Murphy and Rosie were spending their weekend with me at Seamill.

Saturday tea time included a visit to my swimming pool at The Seamill Hydro, where the kids had a blast. So much fun was had but of course no photos... you will just have to take my word for it. They loved it. 

They loved the stars on the ceiling, the bubbles in the tub and the whole experience was a 10/10. They even had their Dad with them enjoying "Nonna's" pool. You can't get better than that. 

Love is sharing a swimming pool and then a spag bol with garlic bread tea!

However there is more and there are photies this time...

Sunday was the day my sister-in-law, Chrissie and myself eventually managed to take the children on an adventure to Dumfries House, Cumnock. 

Much love was shared with Chrissie from Murphy, Rosie and myself. Thank you so much Auntie Tiss. Delighted we were able to successfully organise our visit on the third or fourth rescheduling. You went above and beyond Chrissie, especially when you see what the children wanted to do...

First of all, zip wire:

Then it was the high wire walk...

Yep... once again. They loved every minute of flying through the air, see-sawing, running and sliding down big, big chutes and even completed the skywalk. Rosie did it twice!

When you choose to love what you are doing and who you are with, life can be so much fun.

Thank you Chrissie, Murphy and Rosie for choosing to enjoy/love/a 10 out of 10 adventure. 

Here's to having lots more adventures together.

Sad times

 Not feeling much like writing just now, as all around me are sad tidings. Life seems to be so difficult for so many, both here and abroad. As well as my own personal saga of loss.

So forgive me if I choose to use someone else's words.

Caroline Myss has always been an inspiration to me. Recently her words have echoed in my head.

Will continue to write, just not now.

With love

Eileen

Andy's passing

 As many of you will know by now, my wonderful husband died at the beginning of this month. 

He had bravely faced his condition every day with a smile, never complaining, always accepting what will be...

... no blog from me this month. Just this

Peace

I wrote this poem many years ago when I was searching for some peace.  

The thought process is still relevant today, perhaps even more so...

 

Peace... just a thought

It comes to mind

It forms from space

It changes fast, and doesn't last

unless... I make it hold a place.

It flies around

It forms a void

It seems alive, and wants to thrive

unless... I make it feel annoyed.

It changes shape

It forms a word

It follows feeling, senses reeling

unless... I make it strike a chord

It brings a face

It works with love

It connects the dots, inspiring thoughts

It's not unless... it's more... like a dove.

It settles down

It claims its' place

It travels wide, no need to hide

It spreads its wings... it's Peace, it's Grace.

It works like magic

It feels my need

Don't think it's nought, as in just a thought

Peace can grow from the smallest seed.    

This month, our Power of Eight group is focusing our 10 minute daily intention on Peace. 

Every small seed thought creates a powerful growth process... anyone can do it... and anytime is good.                                                                   

 Om Shanti, Eileen

Joy... and where to find it!

 Recent times have brought many adventures for the Auld family... and last weekend's visit to Eglinton Country Park's Dinosaur trail was a highlight in the calendar.

We even got Uncle Kenny in on the act as our professional photographer! I am sure you will like the montage below of two little people experiencing Joy.

Who wouldn't like to be a butterfly ...

 

pet a deer...

or befriend a frog

try being a bat

meet Mr Fox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and then find a mammoth ...

Then there are the many opportunities to hug. First an owl...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then a Rosie... and badger!

a group hug... works for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and then the lesson learned from the grand-kids... find some joy, Nonna... hug a tree!

We can thoroughly recommend Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning. 

After the dinosaur trail, more joy can be found in a wonderful cup of hot chocolate...