buttons

I came across a bag of buttons this morning; mismatched and imperfect, they rattled against each other and felt heavy and familiar in my hand. My grandmother, long gone and my mother, long missed, both sorted through them when mending and tending as women would do. They were a source of quiet solitude for me as a child, daydreaming and stacking...circle on circle, plastic and mother-of pearl, shiny brass and bright enamel.

Women leave their legacies in the simplest of ways; worn out recipe cards, beaded evening bags that hold old satin evening gloves, tarnished knitting needles, bags of buttons. Generations of daughters are the keepers of these memories and the feelings that they invoke on sunny october mornings after a night of rainfall. 

Simple gifts and stories and remnants of beautiful lives all found here in this old bag of buttons... 

first frost

All the colors of autumn foliage had a silver glaze this morning...the first real frost shimmered with the sunrise, brightening the dropped pine needles, crimson berries and buttery leaves. The air felt cleaner and cleared out somehow; chimneys released dancing wisps of woodstove smoke into the bluest sky.

We had the chance to offer Reiki at the Birch Heights Community Holistic Health Fair this weekend to many residents and friends. It was a joyful day that began with the generous and breathtaking offerings of cello and harp from the Cheng family whose musical gifts are awe-inspiring and glorious. My first client of the day, "B," was a 96 year old dynamic and wise woman who gifted me with sage and simple teachings. As a Reiki practitioner, I am afforded the chance to witness true grace and "B" was a great reminder of just that. She is a strong and powerful spirit and she spoke to me about transcending her body during her session...an affirmation of "the wisdom of the grandmothers." Each client brought humor, openness and energy and we are happy to have had the opportunity to share the day with them all.

I just finished reading Sue Monk Kidd's collaborative book, "Traveling with Pomegranates" and I'd recommend it to all mothers of adult daughters as it examines without judgement the deep ties that bind. Moving and enlightening, truly.

sending peace.