Monday, October 29, 2007

Passionate Mondays

With apologies to my friends and readers outside the U.S. who will have to make their Tuesdays passionate by the time they read this...

Nevertheless, we should aim for making everyday passionate, shouldn't we?

Today, despite the black cloud of grief hanging over my head, I feel passionate about many things, but mostly the simple things. I am basking in the love and support that I feel from my husband, friends and family. That, alone, is invaluable. Where would we be without family and friends that love us unconditionally? Thanks to my husband for his undying support ...


...and my dogs. Where would we be without the relationship that humans have with their loyal, canine friends? On my most difficult days, they are just about the only thing that can put a smile on my face. They are a constant source of cheer and unquestioning love. I heard a quote once that went something like, "I hope that someday I can be the man my dog thinks that I am." Isn't that the truth? They think we walk on water.


I have so many wonderful friends who have come through for me with words, hugs, distractions, and unfortunately I don't have pictures of them all, but I wanted to share a few...

Janie - for being there through thick and thin. (Double J...wink)




Tricia, for the solid friend that you are...you are my touchstone.



Letia, for your constant luminous and adventuresome spirit.


Ron, for your sense of humor and big heart.


And all those others for whom I don't have pictures - Rebec, Debbie, Deena, and on and on...

I count myself so fortunate to have wonderful friends all over the world, including many blogging friends who have been so supportive - Inge, Michelle, Scarlett, Maryann, Katie, Chris, Ilva, Joanna, Frida, Kelli, Rowena, Christina, Jannis, Ambra, and others.

I'm also feeling passionate about solitude. I was able, after many demanding months of caregiving, to get away for two nights on my own to one of my personal "power spots" - Santa Cruz. I did all my favorite things - walking, writing, sitting in cafes, reading, eating, thinking, soaking in hot tubs and just loving - loving every minute of it. I had a spaciousness of thought, without worry, that I haven't had for years (since before my mom got sick). I'll share a few photos of my little getaway...


"Melting Pumpkins"

"Pumpkins by the Sea"


The Beach at Davenport in the Morning

"The Rage of the Sea"

That's about all I have the energy for today, except leaving you with promises of more inspiring "Passionate Monday" posts in the future.

17 comments:

african vanielje said...

Santa Cruz looks really beautiful Jeni. And I love the pumpkins. xxx Inge

The Passionate Palate said...

Yes, SC is beautiful (I couldn't get reservations in Big Sur). It's got so much spirit there.

Anonymous said...

That last photo is so inspiring. It's so true what you said about dogs. God put a special heart and spirit in them, I believe. It's nice to hear how you are taking care of yourself. You always make me calm and serene when I read your blog. Thank you for that :)

Anonymous said...

I lived in Cali for a bit. Went to Santa Cruz and Monterey. Loved them both. I love the feeling of being by the water. Love to hear the sound of the ocean and feel the sand beneath my toes. Maybe it has something to do with the water surrounding us in the womb that draws us back to the sea. Take good care Jeni.

Thistlemoon said...

Sounds like a great little getaway, Jeni! I am so happy you have so many wonderful things to be thankful and passionate about! Life is pretty darn good, isn't it?

Rebecca Schneider said...

You amaze me with your spirit to keep passionately moving forward no matter what. I'm proud of you Jeni. This is a wonderful posting and it made my day.

The Passionate Palate said...

Maryann - I couldn't agree more about dogs. Thank you for your wonderful comments about my blog!

Melange - Oh, yes, the sea. Ahhh.

Jenn - Yes, indeed, we have so much to be grateful for, and my "Passionate Mondays" are just another way to remind myself!

Rebec - What can I say dear friend except a heartfelt, "Thank you". I love you.

Proud Italian Cook said...

Jeni, What a beautiful post to read! I have never been to that part of Cali, but I have seen the Oregon coast several times, and every time I see that ocean I am in AWE! We all need to slow down every now and then,to appreciate all that is good!!

The Passionate Palate said...

P I C - being near the ocean does wonders, doesn't it?

Paul said...

Life is like a black cloud sometimes. But where would we be without our friends and partners? Or our blog friends? Keep positive because black clouds always go away, being replaced by the sunshine. Keep smiling. X

Jannis said...

1st! Thank you for your lovely compliment. 2nd, I cant quit thinking about the dog quote. Everytime I look at my dog I think of your quote and smile.

The Passionate Palate said...

Paul - you are so right...where would we be without friends and partners (and blogging friends!) for our support. I will stay positive. Thank you!

Jannis - you are welcome and glad you like the dog quote!

Amber said...

I love this post! It resonates within me in so many ways; the appreciation of your husband, family, friends, nature, and especially your beautiful dogs. It is so wonderful to take a deep breath, sigh, and feel grateful for the beauty in our lives, isn't it?

Chris said...

Jeni, lovely, lovely post. The essence of your thoughts and character is inspiring. And the pictures....wonderful!

The Passionate Palate said...

Ambra - we have so much to be grateful for, don't we?

Chris - a heartfel 'thank you'!

Marianne said...

i'm so happy for you that you have your passions, your friends, and best of all your husband and you darling dogs to give you reasons to smile as you work through this painful process of letting go.

lovely to see photos of you too! you are as beautiful in the flesh as you are in the written word.

The Passionate Palate said...

Frida - yes, I am lucky! Thank you for the lovely compliments.