gratitude

gratitude
Originally uploaded by korcepaul

What I see in the light of a candle long after they are asleep.

The Salt

A terrible blessing–

to be laid open to the bone,

where the marrow trembles

and sings

with all the griefs,

known and unknown,

mine and yours.

I have wanted a field

where animals could graze,

where I could lay down

in the long grasses.

If this careful work

will be nothing,

if these words will not

fit snugly together like bricks

to form a path, at least

let me have a field,

let me have the bread, the salt.

by Adrie Lester

Love these faces

IMG_1343
Originally uploaded by korcepaul

And the many items they bring in from outdoors.
The sedative for the hives.
The hot tea and burning fire.
Thankful for my husband completing a LONG DRAWN OUT but beautiful bathroom project.
Thankful for being surrounded by family tonight and the familiar joy they bring.
Thankful for remembering all my grandmother's recipes including:

Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup hot water add stick of butter and set aside.
In your mixer:
3 cups flour (I use any kind no big deal what)
3 cups oatmeal
2 cups brown sugar
nutmeg
soda
salt
mix dry ingrediants
add 1 egg (or two!)
mix again
add water with butter
mix again
optional
add banana
coconut
chocolate chips
sunflower seeds
raisins
walnuts
applesauce

Hives and the Art of Not Knowing

Hives and the Art of Not Knowing
Originally uploaded by korcepaul

I have hives, hives in my armpits, neck, stomach, ears, chest, arms and growing. The itching is driving me to madness! I cannot compare it to any itch I have ever had. I have been reduced to tears, I have lost sleep and despite loving consultations with my chiropractor, my herbalist friend, a dermatologist with the most beautiful skin I have ever seen on a 60 something woman and my regular docs. One thing they have all told me- I Don't know.

I don't know how long, why or when they will go away. I do know that steroids make me angry, that I cannot not itch and that my friend's recommendation to lay in the sun naked was helpful. So has hot tea in place of wine, the call to the Contemplative Psychotherapist I have been meaning to call and the tons of journaling I have done in the morning.

This morning I awoke with the intention to only discuss this condition in the positive today. I simply told people, I don't know and that makes me feel better.


The hives place me in an interesting position, to address the unaddressed or shoved away upon a shelf in my heart. Until then I can enjoy golden afternoon sunshine, candles on the mantle, orange beets, a week off with the children, painting with watercolors, drinking detox tea, baking, hot bathes with chamomile and working at the ski resort beginning 12-1.