Honoring Mother, Celebrating Life

Carolyn Naught Saxton, circa 1940's

On this day reserved for mothers. I thought I’d share some words from my own mother.

My mother was, of course, “my world” when I was little, and a role model as I grew. She did all the things you’d expect a Mom might do, like fix meals, teach manners, dry tears, cheer you up and on. She was always there for her family, She was involved in her community. She loved to laugh. She loved to give. She loved life and tried to worry only on Tuesdays. (or was it Wednesdays?)

Like many mothers, she was an unsung hero.

But she was also a poet. Her works first appeared in anthologies as early as her teens. Later, perhaps her greatest work, was the collection of sonnets published in her book titled The Pine and The Power.

My mother left the world much too soon ~ nearly 30 years ago ~ but she left gifts behind. Treasured, timeless words; gifts from the heart, mind and spirit.

It was hard to choose just one selection ~ but I share this in honor and life-giving celebration of mothers near and far, here or remembered.

Happy Mother’s Day!

…………………………..


God help our children to transcend the dark

And walk the earth with dignity and cheer;

God help them seek the mountains, persevere

The road that twists through thorn and tanglebark,

Ascending finally where eagles mark

Their point of vision. Help our children find

Two masters ~ one the spirit, one the mind ~

And rediscover constancy of heart.

Help us to find cathedrals in the skies,

A will to walk the long uncharted mile;

(The will to find in winter’s legacy

The ochre sands from which the lime trees rise!)

Help us to know the measure of the child ~

To live in time and in eternity.

© Carolyn Naught Saxton

…………………………..

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Week 36: "52 Weeks of Peace"

“Cosmic Peace”


Dare to dream upon the stars ~

Dare to dream of peace,

Beaming

From life’s grandest stage ~

Unrestrained,

Where thousands

fold to millions ~

Shining. Alighting. Dancing,

Through an endless velvet sky.

Floating in layers

of patterns on patterns,

Shades of bright white

Shimmering

In the blackened pool

Of an upside down sea.

Eternity’s dream catcher ~

Twinkling,

Winking,

Silver-rimmed storytellers ~

Architects of heaven ~

A symphony of light

Plucked from the night

For all time.

Beacons,

Guides,

Galactic jewels,

Wished upon

and worshipped,

Where secrets

are surrendered

And wonders breathe ~

Bright,

Inconceivable and constant.

©  P. Saxton
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The Power of Personal Projects

Ji Lee: The Transformative Power of Personal Projects

Inspiring talk from Ji Lee – now Creative Director of Google Creative Lab – about personal projects and their ability to transform your ideas as well as your career. From his own life experience of boredom resulting in an idea which turned viral and became a design phenomenon known as The Bubble Project”, Lee talks about how he created, financed, and marketed the project single-handedly, and how it ultimately forwarded his professional career. Featured on the 99% site, devoted to “making ideas happen”, and well worth visiting.

(NOTE:  Unfortunately, the “embed this video” code didn’t work for me on this one!  Instead, click on the image above to watch/ hear the video at the 99% site.)

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Week 22: "52 Weeks of Peace"

“Debbie’s Peace”

I designed this week’s peace sign in particular honor of a friend of mine whose positive, effervescent spirit shines everywhere she goes. It’s the rare individual who radiates her kind of light and blatant enthusiasm for life ~ the kind of person who unwittingly causes you to pause and embrace life right along with her. And because she recently came through a second cancer surgery – with flying colors and a good report  – she’ll be able to keep on shinin’.

For my friend, this piece is a celebration of life.

In her honor, “Debbie’s Peace” is dedicated to all the courageous survivors – as well as to the memory of those who battled and lost. And hopefully this small offering will serve as another reminder for all of us to give our support and fervent hope towards finding a cure.


And just in case… here are a few links to places where your support is appreciated :

susan b. komen for the cure, “click to give”, national breast cancer foundation, pink ribbon.org, american breast cancer foundation

 

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