“Easter Day” by Oscar Wilde

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One of my favorite writers is the Dublin-born Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).  Poems (1881) — an anthology of poetry  — was his first published work.  Easter Day was poem number 20 in a collection of 62.  I thought I’d share this with you. 

Sláinte, 

h.f.t.g.

 

EASTER DAY

The silver trumpets rang across the Dome:
The people knelt upon the ground with awe:
And borne upon the necks of men I saw, Like some great God, the Holy Lord of Rome.
Priest-like, he wore a robe more white than foam,
And, king-like, swathed himself in royal red,
Three crowns of gold rose high upon his head:
In splendour and in light the Pope passed home.
My heart stole back across wide wastes of years
To One who wandered by a lonely sea,
And sought in vain for any place of rest:
‘Foxes have holes, and every bird its nest.
I, only I, must wander wearily,
And bruise my feet, and drink wine salt with tears.’

Sláinte!

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An Irish Blessing:

Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.

Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Sláinte! (Cheers!)

hftg

The stories houses tell

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Every house tells a story.  Who lived here before you?  What did they do?  How did they live?  Was there more happiness and laughter than sorrow and pain?  Were children born here?  Did anyone die here?  Why did they leave?  Where did they go?  These are just some of the questions that fill my mind when I look at a house, especially an old house.

I love history. That, combined with a natural (almost feline-like) curiosity, is what motivates me to research everything that catches my fancy — family origins, different countries, cultures, religions and, yes,  houses.

So, when we bought our historic home in the bohemian  (as in “free spirit, eclectic, artistic”) village of Coconut Grove (in South Florida), I was thrilled.  What struck me was that the house had really, really good energy.  Now, this is not my imagination.  Every friend or family member who has either visited or stayed overnight in this home has said exactly the same thing:  It’s got good vibes.  And, I’m happy to say, it’s also got good bones.

But,  like most  old houses,  it is not without some “challenges.” Built in 1928,  this small house – with loads of windows and creaky floors – has been a haven for many families. Laughter and tears, births and deaths, triumph and defeat – it’s seen it all. Now it’s our turn to play a role in its long history.

Coconut Grove was first inhabited in 1825 by an influx of Americans from the Northeastern United States, as well as British and Bahamian immigrants. Formerly an independent city, Coconut Grove became annexed to the city of Miami in 1925.  It is Miami’s oldest village and the beautiful architecture, rich tropical flora, artistic community, delightful restaurants, cafés and shops make it a highly desirable place to live … or, at the very least, visit.

Native flora in Coconut Grove

Our cottage-like house was built by the Bahamians (as in “from the Bahamas”) who first lived in it.  As was customary at the time, builders made use of all the available natural materials indigenous to the area, such as coral and Miami-Dade pine.  Homes were simple, yet full of character.  Back in the day, there was no air conditioning and, as such, air flow via windows (windows, windows, everywhere!) was  how the steamy South Florida weather was made bearable.

Thankfully, the previous homeowners have managed to preserve much of the original character of our home.  We have thick Miami-Dade pine frames around all doorways and windows. We have a beautiful coral fireplace.  And, we even have a barn — complete with the original doors!  Of course, we currently use it as a garage but we intend to convert it into a two-story architect’s studio with a roof-top deck. However, we will keep the first floor (with original doors) completely intact.

Our “barn” (with Bacchus standing guard!)

We’ve had to streamline our life. Over three decades, we’ve collected so much “stuff.”  Too much stuff.  At some point, it becomes almost obscene, this collection of material things. When this house beckoned to us (it really did!), we knew that it was time to downsize and simplify. So, we’ve been taking stalk of what is really important to us and, amazingly, the downsizing process has become quite simple.  There are many others who need these things far more than us. And it’s to these families that we will pass them on.

And, so, the house is a work in progress and its story continues to the next chapter…

My Silent Companion

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He may be silent, but his eyes speak volumes.  He is my muse. A gentle, guiding spirit who curls up beside me whilst I write for hours on end.

As I’ve mentioned before, his name is Bacchus and he will be 11 years old next month.  Surprisingly, although his fur is greying, he is as spry as ever.  Nevertheless, we decided to buy him a large Red Radio Flyer Wagon, complete with padding (bottom and sides) and installed with an “umbrella” to keep the UV rays out. When we take him for a long walk, we lift him into the wagon as he gets tired.  He can lie down comfortably and enjoy the scenery or take a nap as we continue our stroll. I know this sounds a bit over the top but, he is – after all – our “son.” (Note: we also have doggie ramps ready to be installed for that time – hopefully not for a while yet – when stairs become a challenge for him). People do look at us rather strangely, but we don’t mind appearing a little “eccentric.”

We feed him natural, preservative-free food — a combination of home-cooked and Orijen (a wonderful brand – made in Canada, of course!) , which makes his coat shiny and soft.

Bacchus came into our lives when he was an 8-week old puppy. He has been a source of joy from the first day I held him in my arms.  He has taught us a lot about loyalty, love, patience, and trust. Most importantly, he helps us to understand — truly — that life doesn’t need to be as complex as we humans make it out to be.  There is serenity in simplicity.  Bacchus continues to help us keep things in perspective.

Right now, I feel his breath on my feet.  He is content, eyes half-closed and probably thinking that I spend way too much time on the computer.   He’d be right about that.  Come to think of it, maybe I should take a break and take him outside to the garden for a bit. It’ll do him good.  And me, as well.

Signing off for now …. h.f.t.g.

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader.  He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”    -Unknown

Legacy of Words

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I do not have children.  I will not be passing on my legacy through a next generation of my own creation.  But please do not misunderstand or make assumptions.  This was a conscious choice — made by two people who chose a path which focused exclusively on the pursuit of knowledge, advanced education, career, business ventures, literary pursuits, and travel.  If I could turn the clock back, I believe that I would have followed that same path.

So, when I read this passage written by an author I deeply admire —Alexandra Fuller — it resonated with me and, frankly, I couldn’t have articulated my thoughts any better.  In the Author’s Note of her novel, Scribbling the Cat: Travels with an African Soldier, Alexandra Fuller says it best:

“What is important is the story.

Because when we are all dust and teeth and kicked-up bits of skin — when we’re dancing with our own skeletons — our words might be all that’s left of us.”

Words. I hope that they will be my legacy.

h.f.t.g.

Image via arkarthick.com.

A Writer’s greatest tonic: SLEEP!

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Ha!  I know, you thought I would say that the writer’s greatest tonic is  …. perhaps, some scotch (straight up, of course) or a glass of Pinot Noir!  Well, I jest you not … a good night’s sleep does indeed stimulate the creative juices.  Waking up in the morning and feeling refreshed and alert (until you catch a glimpse of your puffy-eyed reflection in the mirror!) will go a long way to helping you finish that oh-so-wordy chapter 6 (the chapter that keeps on giving ….. me heartburn).  All right, enough of my writing woes.  Here are some interesting tidbits and links on the physical and psychological benefits of sleep — not just for neurotic writers, but for everyone:

Many of us think that we can get by on very little sleep.  When deadlines loom near, we pull a few all-nighters. And this is okay …. once in a while.  The startling news is that far too many of us follow a daily sleep regimen of less than 6 hours per night. This, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School, falls under the category of chronic sleep loss and may contribute to a number of health problems, such as  a compromised immune system, weight gain, and high blood pressure.  The Harvard Women’s Health Watch reports that there are at least 6 good reasons to get enough sleep:

  1. Learning and memory: Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory through a process called memory consolidation. In studies, people who’d slept after learning a task did better on tests later.
  2. Metabolism and weight: Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.
  3. Safety: Sleep debt contributes to a greater tendency to fall asleep during the daytime. These lapses may cause falls and mistakes such as medical errors, air traffic mishaps, and road accidents.
  4. Mood: Sleep loss may result in irritability, impatience, inability to concentrate, and moodiness. Too little sleep can also leave you too tired to do the things you like to do.
  5. Cardiovascular health: Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.
  6. Disease: Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.

And, here are some sleep guidelines from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:

Sleep Requirements by Age

Newborns (0-2 months old) 12-18 hours
Infants (3-11 months old) 14-15 Hours
Toddlers (1-3 years old)l 12-14 Hours
Pre-schoolers (3-5 years old) 11-13 Hours
School-aged Children (5-10 years old) 10-11 Hours
Teens (11-17 years old) 8-9 Hours
Adults 7-9 Hours

And, for those of you who complain incessantly that your mattress is the reason why you don’t sleep well at night — please do some research and then invest in a new mattress!

Sweet dreams …

Sleep – the most beautiful experience in life – except drink.
W. C. Fields

I couldn’t resist.

Cheers,  h.f.t.g.

Image via kiwimagonline.com.

heatherfromthegrove: 7 New Year’s Revelations to Embrace the Grace Light

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For those of you who have been following, reading and enjoying each of my seven New Year revelations …. Thank You. 

I would like to point out that they are not  New Year Resolutions.  I don’t make New Year Resolutions anymore.  They are my own personal revelations. Epiphanies. Discoveries.  In the past decade, I’ve faced some daunting challenges and heart-wrenching events.  I’d like to think that I’ve handled them with dignity, compassion, grace, and humor.  Always humor.  It helps take the edge off. 

So, the lessons that these “life tests” have taught me are my “revelations.”  As I move forward with my life, I will use them as my guide.  Wisdom has to be earned.  For me, it’s a work in progress.  I hope that they have inspired and even amused you. I hope that they have made you think long and hard. 

Here’s a synopsis:

Revelation No. 1:   SIMPLICITY

♦

Revelation No. 2:   PAUSE AND TAKE NOTE!

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Revelation No. 3:   SAY GOODBYE TO REGRETS 

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Revelation No. 4:   TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE ……. ALWAYS!

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Revelation No. 5:   ALIGN MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

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Revelation No. 6:   OPEN THE WINDOWS … AND BREATHE!!!

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Revelation No. 7:   FIND YOUR PASSION AND DON’T LET GO!

So, there you have it.  I believe that 2012 will be an interesting year.  One for the history books.  I wish you all a blessed, healthy and happy New Year and may your own personal journey towards Grace Light bring you deep fulfillment and wisdom.

Cheers,

h.f.t.g.

 

Image via blogs.canoe.ca.

New Year’s Revelation No.7 of 7: Find Your Passion and Don’t Let Go

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“20 years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” ~ Mark Twain

Many of us know what our passion is.  Some call it “Purpose” or “Raison d’Être.”  The seeds are — more often than not — planted in childhood.  As we grow up, “Life” sometimes gets in the way. Correction. We let it get in the way …. it doesn’t get there by itself (remember, we are each authors of our own destiny). And, if we’re wise, we rediscover it.  And when we do, the reunion is joyous. Like renewing old friendships  … or … finally getting to meet (face-to-face) a family member that we’ve never had a chance to connect with.

And then there are some who never wavered, never let go of their passion. They made it their Life.  They embraced their passion with every fibre of their being and, when they died, they died knowing that they had lived their Passion. These people are, sadly, few and far between.  The late Lorena Gale, was one of those special ones.

Most of us juggle our day-to-day lives with our Passion.  Half the time is spent at the “day job” (the one that brings home the bacon) and the other half is what we do when we go home …. namely, our Passion.  For example, the wonderful 85 year-old music legend that is Tony Bennett obviously loves what he does for a living.  But, his real passion is art.  He is an artist …. as in, painting.  When he is not singing on tour or in concert, he paints. Check out Benedetto Arts, on his site, and prepare to be amazed.

Many of my family members have a day job and, like Anthony Dominick Benedetto, go home and spend quality time doing what they really love to do.  One cousin of mine (in Malta) has a passion for painting.  He is an exceedingly talented artist. Another cousin (in Canada) is a brilliant – and I mean brilliant – photographer.  In his own words, “It’s what I love to do.” 

It’s as simple as that. Do what you love to do and you will live a happy life. People will be drawn to you.  It’s the law of attraction.  You send out positive energy and you receive it back …. in spades.

I’ve always been a Writer. But, like many, I have always had “day jobs.”  I was a marketing communications professional for about 25 years. The first five years were in junior and mid-management,  the next 5 in senior management, and the following 15 as a consultant.

And then, one day (in the autumn of 2009) I woke up and realized that I had just turned 50.  I decided, then and there, that I would — as Mark Twain suggested — “sail away from  the safe harbor.” 

Fyi …. I can’t swim (well, I can tread water).

So, I decided to follow my passion — full-time. Of course, this meant that I would have to have a lifestyle adjustment. There would be no Louis Vuitton luggage in my immediate future. It meant I would have to forego Macallan 25 for Macallan 12. Scotch, that is. 12 year-old versus the rich-yet-smooth 25 year-old scotch. Oh woe is me.

Ahhhhh, the sacrifices I would have to make!

And, the reward for all this?  Here’s the thing. When we follow our bliss, we shouldn’t focus on quantifying it. The reward is not necessarily monetary (although, that certainly doesn’t hurt!). The reward is happiness, serenity, and knowledge. As we seek to master our craft — whatever that craft may be — we acquire knowledge.  With that knowledge, comes wisdom.

I can truly say — without reservation — that I am the happiest I have ever been.  I live simply. I love deeply. And I write.

May you all find your passion (if you haven’t already done so), and may it bring you great joy — always and forever.

Cheers,

h.f.t.g.

 

Image via womenonthefence.com.

New Year’s Revelation No.6 of 7: Open the Windows and Breathe

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I have a confession to make. I do not understand people who have absolutely no appreciation of nature. I cannot even fathom staying in the house — all the time — watching television, surfing the internet for hours on end, or — worse — playing games on the computer while the clock ticks and night becomes day.  What a waste. Of time, that is. And, even more importantly, it can’t be good for you.

But that’s just my opinion.

One of the greatest elements that we seem to take for granted is …. Oxygen.  I’ve always been somewhat claustrophobic, so I appreciate the open air.  I equate it with Freedom.  When I lived in Montréal (my birthplace), I would open up windows in the middle of winter.  Just to breathe in that crisp, cold air.  It made me feel alive.  Taking a late night walk in the crunchy snow, with my nostrils tingling with cold …. is — for me — simply exhilarating.

Now, I live in a tropical climate and I open the windows to hear the rustle of my bamboo and palm trees and  the sound of frogs and parrots. For me, there is nothing — and I mean, nothing — more delightful than smelling the salt air of the ocean and the jasmine … it’s euphoric. As for the sound of the waves and the tide …. for me, that is my idea of Heaven on earth.

Nature is something that we sometimes take for granted. Humor me. Open up all the windows in your house or apartment.  Breathe in some fresh air.  Appreciate the outdoors and welcome it into your home.  You’ll feel lighter, happier and refreshed (okay, those of you living in the colder climates may need to wear a sweater!!) .

Just breathe.  Oxygen is good for you.

Image via andrewsullivanthedailybeast.com.

New Year’s Revelation No.5 of 7: Align Mind, Body and Spirit

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“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.” ~ B.K.S. Iyengar

As enlightened individuals, we all comprehend – in theory – that in order to maintain a healthy body, a sound mind and a serene-yet-vibrant spirit … we must align these three entities, so that we can truly be whole.  However, in practice, this can be quite a tall order to fill. Our lives are hectic, complicated, often stressful, and – every so often –  tragedy strikes.  The more balanced we are, the more armed we will be to cope with whatever trials and tribulations come our way.  Stress is a predator.  If we’re not careful, it can eat away health, destroy the mind, and deflate the spirit. 

We are each masters of our own mind, body, and spirit.  If we blame other people, circumstances or events for our lack of balance, we are deluding ourselves.  Each person is ultimately responsible for herself/himself (the exception to this is, of course, someone who is completely physically or mentally incapacitated).  So, once we own up to our responsibility, it will then be time to take the next step —  Alignment. 

There are so many “alignment” methods to choose from and we’re not necessarily limited to only one.  Choose whatever combination of activities work with your lifestyle.

Personally, I have decided to incorporate yoga into my daily routine.  I am guilty of letting my mind, body, and spirit  get completely out of whack. I could stand to lose a few (!!) pounds.  I often let stress get the better of me, which results in elevated blood pressure levels.  And I am prone to bouts of melancholia (I am a Writer, so this is sometimes inevitable).  I have never taken yoga before. Nevertheless, I feel that I must make this part of my daily (not weekly) ritual.  I need balance. My life depends on it.  I am starting with video instruction, and then in March, I will go actual to yoga classes. Here, in the eclectic and bohemian village of Coconut Grove, we have a Hare Krishna Temple and I am considering attending classes there. 

Also, I love to dance. By myself. With my husband. On a dance floor with a bunch of total strangers. But, dance I shall.  It lifts the spirit.

So, here are a few (the list is not exhaustive) activities that will help you find discipline, harmony and serenity:

Make 2012 the year that you harmonize your mind, body, and spirit. Make good nutrition a priority. Try to eat organic food, whenever possible. 

Oh, and get some sleep.  If you are sleep-deprived, you will compromise your  overall health and you will have no energy left … to dance. 

“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”  ~ Martha Graham

Images via blogs.orlandosentineal.com (top) and absoluteconfidence.com (bottom).