today’s Musing written and published from
Morning walk: -9C/15F, overcast, hors frost covers everything as if a painter touched each branch of every tree, the pine trees look like they were dipped in white glue, Gusta slid around on light snow covered ice. An early morning trip to pick up an incoming package, home again now; time to take it easy, to start a relaxing long weekend of R & R.
Traveling through life, with or without our baggage always taking the same journey – we arrive with a soft smile, somewhat travel weary. We feel it. It lurks in the belly, late at night and early in the morning, it speaks in whispers saying ‘you are on the right track’. It doesn’t come in limelight or sit atop some rung or pedestal. That few people know it, or understand, is incidental and trivial.
It only matters that I feel the belly knot loosen, that I hear the whisper. Awareness, being self-aware, with high regard to our surroundings, to the needs of others; when these golden moments – the kind worth treasuring, arrive - I can’t help but wonder, for those who believe in the concept, what it is like when angels visit; does it involve the rustling of wings, do you know they are here, can you find them?
When I was a kid, leaning over from the back seat, I used to get jazzed watching the odometer roll over; from 9999.9 .. to 10000.0, that sort of thing; it was just another 10th of a mile, but it seemed like a huge milestone worth watching go by; as will tomorrow be, this is my 2499th consecutive daily column . . tomorrow will be 2500.
Mark Kolke
325,108
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RESPONSES/COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME; send to musing@maxcomm.ca
January 21 Responses
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – Mark, you are not alone in thinking that life is to be lived, and can have new beginnings, at any age. I am now 62. At age 61, after 38 and a half years of marriage, I legally separated from my husband, left the family farm where I grew up, and got my own apartment. My family freaked. What was I thinking? The first night in my new apartment, I slept the best that I had in ten years. Most of my friends and siblings have retired, or about to retire. I don't see retirement on the horizon at all. Yes, it would be nice to have the freedom that retirement can bring. But, for me, I have to find my own way of living and celebrating life each day, to take joy in the little gifts I have (adopting an eight-and-a-half-year old cat at the local Humane Society when everyone else was choosing the kittens, and builidng a bond of love with her; watching the brilliant colors in the sky in the early morning when I drive to work, mentoring younger folks with whom I come into contact). You and I can dream, and reach for those dreams. There's still time. No one knows how long our personal lifespan will be. We may live to be 90 (my mom did)….if I do, I still have nearly 30 years to dream and live. I may only have today. There will be no regrets. BH,
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – I am pretty close to your age & I also am nowhere near at the finishing line of my life's work. It has changed a few times over the years. While we are in the process of someday winding down the consulting work that I do, my husband is in a new venture (he's 8 years younger). I plan on being a part of that in a more full time way. We are excited about the path, even in the fog all around of us. You too must be excited on the new path that you are on. I do hope that your dream of
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – Your musing today makes me think of men like Van Gogh, who never even knew the success he would be. Imagine if he would have given up, KH,
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – Good Morning Mark, I hear sweet music in your words today. So nice to hear that. Pondered the retirement phase myself as I drove around this morning thinking of my many friends who have already hung up the tools of their career and are somewhere warm these days. Personally, I can't imagine not doing what I am doing today. And tomorrow. And as long as I am able. There is no such thing as finishing your "life's work". Mine won't be done until I've truly left the earth for good. I am here......to work.......to serve. I'm running towards that next cliff of adventure! And I can't imagine you not pondering what’s on the new horizon. May the next sunrise open that new door for you! Welcome it with heart wide open!, LAR, Winnipeg, MB
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – Mark; Thank you for taking the time to chat with me last nite. I am cautiously optimistic that the next three weeks of your life will bring joy to your heart and a sense of well being all around. It is my youngest’s 21st birthday today! am touched that you felt my comments worthy of your column, Fondly, JH,
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – Today has arrived, my bags are packed (over packed, I must cull). I so appreciated your musing words this morning. A I leap, it is clear, driving in the fog is so much better than sitting at home and not even picking up the keys, FO, Kaunakakai, HI
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – I think it will be clear and sunny for you in the morning. Have a great weekend!, VJP, DeWinton, AB
January 21 – IN THE PALMS OF YOUR OWN HANDS – I am so excited for you. Good luck and I can't wait to hear all about this new phase in your life, PG, Calgary, AB
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