Not lost...just undiscovered

                                                                  Fattoria Santo Stefano           photo credit Pamela Ford Green                                                                                                        Italy was breathtaking in so many ways. Nothing more beautiful than the sunset looking over the vineyard. In the dead of winter, back home in New England, I struggle to feel the warmth and beauty of it all. There are only days now, before the country that I love, hands over the ultimate power to a vindictive,  ...

 

photo credit; Pamela Ford Green                                        2025 On my recent excursion to Animal Kingdom with my youngest grandchildren, I noticed these colorful pieces of cloths hanging from ropes among some trees. After a little research I discovered that in certain cultures, hanging cloths on trees serves as a form of offering a prayer, leaving a message for spirits or deities or for making a wish. I further learned they are called Clootie trees.     So, on this second day of the year 2025, I am posting this picture for you, the reader.  I pray that you will live each day of the new year to the best of your ability. I ask that the angels, the spirits, your deity to protect and guide you. Lastly, I wish for you love, laughter and health as you travel through the year ahead.  

 There is a sacredness in tears, They are not the marks of weakness, but of power. They are messengers of unspeakable love. Washington Irving (1783-1859) I have not been able to write about this until now.  My father left this world early in the morning on December 4, 2022.  I was holding him in my arms, trying to keep him upright so he could breathe easier.  His other children, close by, holding his hand, telling him they loved him, watching in disbelief at what was happening.  My mom, his wife of 73 years, lay in bed next to him, holding his hand not ever wanting to let go. I remember being surrounded by silence after his last breathe, then quiet sobbing and then slowly everyone filtered out of the room.  My brother and I lay my Dad's body down in the middle of the bed and gently covered him, just as if he were sleeping.  I left the room for a moment and as I came back I saw my brother, my Dad's only son, sitting on the bed, bent over and hugging his...

 I've been thinking about getting back to blogging and here I am...2 years have passed.  Incredible.  I seem to be overwhelmed with so many feelings lately. In fact, every emotion I have ever had seems to be whirling like a roulette wheel and I never know which one I will stop on.  John Denver song came on this morning and I could relate... fly away.

I woke up and set my intentions for the day.  I was off to an outdoor yoga class and then I thought I was going to be helping paint my daughters living room.  As it turned out, my daughter was bringing the kids to a Black Lives Matter protest downtown.  I thought for a moment and realized that I wanted to go along in case she needed me to help with the kids. As we walked towards the protest, my grandkids carried their signs with pride.  My nine year old grand daughter was old enough to understand and verbalize, that she was doing this to support a cause. She later stated, "All people are equal and Black lives matter."  My four year old grandson was less verbal but none the less was engaged with the energy that surrounded us.   Despite their age difference, these two are quite close.  Sure, they argue like most siblings, but they defend each other fiercely.  They are both products of a biracial marriage,  my grand daughter inheriting he...

Pammiepinksunglasses So here it is... the why.  With this picture as evidence, Pammie Pink Sunglasses was born. Pink Sunglasses Hiding behind them for confidence Wearing hand spun clothes Made from the hands of a well intentioned mother Pink Sunglasses Do I look like a movie star? Is anyone looking Why can't they see me? Pink Sunglasses Ever since we got to New York It's Pamela this, Pamela that Why did she have to come anyway. Pink Sunglasses I look good they're just jealous Can we go shopping?

My brother paperdolls endless teasing gut wrenching laughter birth of my first born by my side holding my hand endless talks taking my side staying through the tears growing old endless teasing gut wrenching laughter

" Lighthouses symbolize  the way forward and help in navigating our way through rough waters ...whether those waters be financial, personal, business or spiritual in nature. Nothing else speaks of safety and security in the face of adversity and challenge quite the way a  lighthouse does ." So,  for many reasons, it is fitting my 26 day journey ended here at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.  Having this time with family and friends has truly been a gift I will be forever grateful.   A year ago, I started a new journey, leaving behind a predictable but stress inducing life. Continuing down the path of minimalism and seeking time instead of things. When doubt creeps in for any reason, I remind myself that I am exactly where I am suppose to be ..today..this minute..for now.  I continue to embrace change, to be open to what comes next and to do my best to not fall into complacency. As I close my eyes tonight, I wonder what tomorrow will bring. 

Recently played at this course.  As my golf partner was driving us to the next Tee box, I asked him to stop a moment so I could take in this view.  In this moment, the golf game never entered my thoughts, only the beauty of my surroundings. I continue to be surprised at all the life lessons this game has taught me over the past 6 years.  Ben Hogan was spot on,  " as you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round."

"You are so brave".  I have made several major life changes over the past several years, and I often hear those four words.  I am more inclined to think of it as having faith.  Having trust...in yourself..knowing that all is well in the moment.  Don't misunderstand, I've been anxiety ridden and down right scared out of my mind during many of those changes.  It "ain't" easy.  It is possible. I left a job Dec 29, 2018 because integrity was worth more than any paycheck.  I had no idea what I would do. I only knew what I would not do.  By Feb 1, I had sold my house (to a family member which made it much easier). I secured a new job and moved into an apartment in the city that was part of a compensation for my new employment as a residential counselor.  I was able to pay off my debt and start a new adventure.  I gave away much of what I had accumulated and only took what would fit in a three room apartment.  The anxiety turned into...

Blessings for Marriage So very young She was swept off her feet By someone who was so underserving... I could only sit back and wait to pick up the pieces, Which I did over and over again. His unfaithfulness left her bent But not broken She emerged a Phoenix  You capatured the heart of this beautiful bird And let her go once before Will you be blinded again? I think not.  You know what you almost lost forever,  And you know the struggles of your families cultural discontent You also know that your heart is only complete when joined with hers I know that her love is true And her heart is stronger when joined with yours And that is why I give you my blessing.  Her heart is already yours.

Transformation may sometimes be painful, confusing, frightening and breathtaking. What comes out on the other side is health, wholeness, excitement and breathtaking. The sensation of the later is the reward for the former. Hold on for the ride, breathe in and out slowly as you navigate the unknown with eyes wide open.

Strong roots are helpful.  No matter what comes along, strong roots keep you upright.  You may bend as you face adversity or you may struggle to keep from falling as you grow.  Your roots are entangled in such a way that they are perfect supports.  No matter how far you go from them, they remain steadfast.

Reflection.  On the last day of each year, that seems to be the common theme.  I wonder how different our year would be, if we reflected each day, renewed our intentions, stayed present in the moment.  What would you do differently.  Living each day intentionally instead of reactively.  Some feel change is to difficult to handle, after all, there is c omfort in predictability.  Change is certainly anxiety provoking at its core. Albert Einstein once said, "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change".  We can all change.  Only a brief amount of courage is needed to face any fears that get in the way.  So today I reflect the past, but won't live in it. Today I also embrace the change of the future. Grateful, exciting, beautiful, and full of abundance. Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” -- Benjamin Franklin

Today is the first day of yet another new Journey. "So if you're not going to play ball, you're not an agency person. Maybe you should consider if you're still a good fit here" Mmmm....misappropriate government funding that not only violates regulations, it serves to hurt the people who do the most important work for the most vulenrable folks in our society. Yeah, not a good fit for me anymore. So here I am, 61 years old and ready to reinvent myself yet again. Change is always anxiety provoking, yet, growth cannot happen if you stay exactly as you are, where you are, how you are. I'm ready to move forward with intention, purpose, faith and love. Follow me on this journey and lets grow together.

Hanging on Hanging on by a thread or is it more like  being suspended in mid air when you aren't sure of what is coming next when you are no longer one of a pair Hanging on by a thread or is it the removal of unnecessary strands that gives the freedom to move lightly through till the day you will softly land

Most shy from direct contact From this rather small stature of a man His bite is worse than his bark And engagement is not desired Take a moment more And see a man riddled with cancer Who would never tell you Of his personal battle to survive His focus remains on securing The safe loving future Of an adult child who will alway need care As her ability to take care of herself was taken at birth Excuses won't penetrate him As results in his favor is what he seeks He demands to be asssured That she will continue to be nurtured Most should engage contact With this rather small stature of a man His love is hidden deep but larger than life itself Desire to look deeper is needed

"Even the most beautiful things can be stirred up at their core" - Pam Ford

Life...a flash in the journey Keep your eyes open Your heart filled Your mind useful