Thursday, December 30, 2010

still flowing...

i peered through the window
in awe of winter's fury
and oh what a beauty...



the mist arose softly
from the vast emptiness of space and time
to encircle my heart
(much like you do)



like icicles
under the warm morning sun
my worries melted away



so here we are
another year gone by
a little frozen, but still flowing
(exhale).
* * *

How can I ever thank you all for the loving support you've shown here in my Necessary Room.  The joy you bring me is simply indescribable.  You've helped me open my heart, even wider than I ever thought possible.  I am so excited to continue this journey with all of you into 2011.  Wishing all new and loyal readers the happiest new year!!!  

p.s.  thought I'd share that the children we sponsored for the holiday season are still on top of the moon, thanks to you.  may you be continually blessed.

one love.
Se'lah

Sunday, December 19, 2010

praying for peace...

hi friends, i'm running over here today ;)
it would mean the world to me if you'd tag along.
one love.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

powerfully free!


We think of power as something physical and often it is. But, let’s consider another powerful idea.  May I?

Whether we know it or not, our thoughts are one of the most powerful things we have to demonstrate freedom in our lives. We have the ability to think differently of our situations. How great is that? So, the thought of lack can actually be a thought of abundance, if we choose.

Have you ever been at the entrance of a building and your body tensed because you were afraid to go in? But, you knew you had to walk through. Once you took the first step, then the second, you were actually in. You held your breath for a second only to realize that nothing happened. So, you continued to walk looking and listening, but you never stopped. Then you felt panic and fear slowly roll down your body into the very floor or ground you walked on. A rush of relief came over you like the ocean rushing to kiss the sand. Remember the feeling when you realized that you did it! It’s powerful! I remember saying, “I did it!”

It is the same thing with life challenges. One by one, we should pick up the rocks or stones that represent perceived challenges in our lives. Look at them, study them, and then release them and all they represent.  We should remove it from our walking paths or choose to walk on it turning it into beautiful white sand. Again, it is our choice. So, what is a choice? It is the ability to think one way or another. In other words, we have the power to demonstrate GOOD anyway we want through our thoughts!

We have the freedom to use power through thinking. We can choose to become absorbed in what our eyes see or we can choose to recognize it, release the thought and think about who we really are and that is power. We are powerful. We are confident. We are strong. We are brave. We are love. Because our Creator created us to use this power and to love, we know that everything we do is supported and uplifted by our Creator. What freedom! What power!

Let us use our power through our thinking. Create the world in which you know you deserve to live. I see you! One love. All love. All Powerful.

Thank you Se’Lah! I am honored and love, love this place called Necessary Room.

*A special thank you to my beautiful Sistah-friend, Vickie (author of Operation You) for sharing her wonderful and empowering words here with us today.  I always enjoy having you over.  You are such a valued voice here in blogland and a treasure in my life.  I love you, all the way to the moon. 

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

warmth of love...

relaxing by the fire
with loved ones i hold dear
playing the polar express board game
and listening to my favourite christmas carols
fully immersed in the warmth of the season
yet thinking of those who have not...

My dear friends, 

How are you doing?  I've been busy wrapping the most beautiful gifts for the children in need we are sponsoring for Christmas.  Thanks so much for your generous contributions thus far to the Let's be the Village donation drive.  With the placement of each shiny bow, I am gently reminded of a biblical passage my grandmother would always read aloud when I was a little girl...but now I've revised it just a tad...

Let Sisterly love continue;
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers
For thereby, some have entertained angels unawares...

doesn't it just warm your heart to think maybe you have just touched an angel?  such a sweet thought.  one love.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

a special moment...


On Christmas morning, 
their eyes will shine bright
because you opened your heart.

how can i ever thank you enough
for your love and support

i remain humbled.
speechless.
thank you!

one love.

*grab button designed by Anyes, Far Away in the Sunshine

Monday, November 29, 2010

let's be the village...

Few memories are more precious to me than those of my childhood.  Oh those wonderful days I spent with my grandmother on my island of birth during the holiday season, how my heart aches for this time gone by.  Its arrival marked by church rehearsal of christmas carols, carnivals, beauty pageants, masquerades, sorrel drink (spiked) ;) and seasonal sugary treats, and yes, the annual appearance of santa claus with his big bag of toys ready to share joy to the crowd of wide-eyed children gathered around the evergreen tree below.  I had hoped to share this experience with my child one day but it is not to be.  The evergreen tree which marked the centre of the capital was destroyed with much of the island when the volcano rumbled to life on Montserrat in 1995.  

Each year, as the holiday season arrives, it brings with it a bit of ambivalence on my part.  While I feel blessed to be in a position to share generously with my daughter, I can't help but think of the children back home who are cowering at night under the threat of volcano; those in war-torn countries seeking only the silence of peace; and even children living amongst us (and those around the world) who live in such undesirable circumstances, that the thought of christmas and santa claus are but distant glimmers in their consciousness.

Well, this year, I decided that I will attempt to change this outlook - if only on a small scale.  I contacted a local organisation which provide basic support for families in need.  I asked them to provide the wish list of a few children and I was most humbled by the response of the children:

*underwear
*socks
*winter hat and mittens and
*winter clothes

My heart sunk.  Not one child listed a toy??????  I thought deeply about the reality (or surreal nature) of their living situations.  In a country that recently spent over $4.2 Billion on political advertisements for one day of elections, how can it be that there are children needing fundamentals like underwear, socks, and clothes? (exhale)...

I thought and thought.  Then I decided to meditate and pray for these children...this always brings me some clarity.  Of course I can help make a difference.  There is an old African Proverb - it takes a village to raise a child.  So instead of just sitting back and hoping for the best, I have arranged a way for those who wish to join me to create a memorable holiday season for the children in these four families.  

A friend and I created a toy wish list on Amazon.com and we are going to surprise these precious children with toys for Christmas.  The gifts will be mailed directly to me and I will personally deliver them to the organisation.  Oh what a Christmas morning it will be ;)

*If you wish to help sponsor these children, simply go to the wish list and purchase an item.  You can choose to remain anonymous if you wish, however, should you elect to identify yourself to me via email, I will send you a blank holiday notecard from my personal stock of Empress Christina's newly designed collection over at Soul Aperture Paper Goods as a small token of my appreciation (while supplies last).  Give thanks Empress!


*if at all possible, won't you please join me in spreading the gift of love to these few children in need?  Let's be the Village! Thank you most kindly, from the bottom of my heart.  one love.


*p.s.  a few people have reportedly encountered technical difficulties with the wish list at times...the issues seem to resolve themselves after waiting a little while.  So, if you do, please try again later.


*update:  due to your overwhelming response, the holiday cards have been all distributed...however, don't fret.  Empress Christina is clearing her inventory with a holiday sale until Thursday.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

giving thanks + celebrating...

"
Necessary Room turns 2 today!!!
+
Happy Thanksgiving ;)


~ ~ ~


Wow.  I am at a complete loss for words that this space has been open for us to share for two whole years.  I really want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the love, support and encouragement you've given to me and my family.  It literally has been fuel to my soul.  

Since the day I started this blog, I've watched my daughter (little selah) grow in so many ways.  She has remained my main inspiration to continue striving to make this world we live in a better place for all.  Each week (over the past year), little selah and I sit down together and create pieces of love to share with family, friends, loved ones, the elderly, sick, whomever we can think can use a little dose of love.  We have been blessed to be on the receiving end, always at the right time.  The feeling of love is so overwhelming that the only thing to do is to share that love to others.  So, little selah and I will be soon opening the doors of Selah's Place where we will offer some of our expressions of love.

I also wanted to say a special note of thanks to:

"Selah's Angels" (you know who you are), for joining me in performing anonymous random acts of kindness for those in need throughout the year.  I am blessed to be part of this wonderful community of volunteers who lead by example, demonstrating through their words and deeds, that they can be the change they want to see in this world;

and to

Empress Christina for allowing Little Selah and I to share her sweet note cards as part of our endeavour to keep the art of penmanship alive through snail mail.  I am here lying in wait for her to list her holiday cards which I know are going to be just darling.  

thanks to all.  one love.  Se'lah

Sunday, November 21, 2010

freedom to love...

Teach us love and loyalty on earth as it is in Zion.

JAH
my family
and lovely friends
my daughter's giggle
her soft kiss on my cheek
a warm hug from a friend
my NASCAR boy toys, drivers
sending some love in the mail
giving my time to others
helping a stranger...

~ ~ ~

...my only thought was getting home to my baby and my king; looking forward to enjoying a quiet moment, relaxing and doing absolutely nothing, but then i stepped outside and life intervened.  

He was stroking his cane from side to side, veering ever so close to the edge of the sidewalk.  I watched intently as he took each precarious step, my heart racing faster as each foot touched the earth.  Restraint abandoned my body.

Sir, you're getting ready to fall off the sidewalk, I said ever so eloquently.

Oh thank you, the man said with gratefulness filling his voice.  He paused for a moment, Are you by any chance going up the hill?, he asked.

Sorry, I am not.  I hope you have a nice day

As I turned and started walking away, I heard the click of his cane as it hit the pavement.  I glanced across the street at the Garden of Peace Memorial which always demands a moment of silence.  I exhaled, remembering those who lost their lives as a result of homicide (especially those whom I shared personal moments with on this plane).  I wondered if someone had had the opportunity to help them out, but instead had chosen not to.  My fleeting thoughts interrupted, I turned around, quickly caught up to the man, and extended my arm.  

what represents love and loyalty to you?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

sweet hour of prayer...

for those in need around the world
may better days soon come...

may wars cease, and poverty depart
from all corners of the earth.


wishing you a conscious friday and a divine weekend. 
one love.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

sharing a little secret...


when i count my blessings, i count you twice. ;)

as i walked blindly through the universe today, i came to the realisation that there's something i should really tell you in order to shed some light on our relationship.  you know, a little secret of mine that i've been meaning to share. but before i do, please promise me that you will keep it just between the two of us. alright? (exhale). here goes nothing.  i love you. did you hear me?  i. love. you.  and just in case you are one of those people who think secrets are a bit too heavy to carry around with you all day, there's one more thing you should know...if you tell anybody else, i will completely deny it.  lol.  one love.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

spreading love...



Dearest friends, 


What a beautiful day it was, celebrating World Kindness Day with the best group of blog friends anyone could ever ask for.  I always feel so warm inside when I lend a hand to others, and try really hard to make sure that I remain conscious of those less fortunate and those living under less than desirable conditions or circumstances.  (i see you Haiti).  

I am really encouraged by all the wonderful random acts of kindness you performed yesterday.  Amazing!  simply Amazing!  Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this experience with me.   Hope you are blessed in kind.  one love. 

Saturday, November 13, 2010

open your heart...

Happy World Kindness Day...

*I'll be out and about today performing my random acts of kindness.  When I return, I will start coming around to visit all of you.  Thank you soooo much for opening your hearts, and for joining Anyes and I in our little mission to spread love and kindness to others. one love.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

sweet november...


enjoying the sights and sounds of sweet november.

how about you?

* * *

i'm so looking forward to joining all of you, as we collective perform random acts of kindness on Saturday, November 13, 2010 in celebration of World Kindness Day...but i must confess, i've been sneaking in a few of them already ;).  i simply could not resist...

Thanks to all of you who've joined in.  (waving at Anyes):


Tracy, pink purl




Vickie, operation you


Birdie, simple ways

Christina, soul aperture

Joanna Jenkins, the fifty factor










Kathryn Grace,  building ordinary


Flwrjane,  small but charming

Kate i,  inspired



Belle,  still dreaming...

Teresha,  marlie and me

Amy, tilting at windmills

Elizabeth,  retinal perspectives

Elaine, moongipsies

Jennifer, reminders2bepresent

Teresa O, the cottage on the corner

Sunnymama, sunny day today mama

thank you friends.  one love.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

letting go...



i ran to where the mountains meet the sky,
searching within for some peace and serenity














i went to that place, where streams flow more gently,
and autumn leaves whisper softly in the wind, "let go."


have you been there lately? (exhale).

*my dearest readers, 


I really want to take a moment to thank you for your visits, and the kind words you leave behind for me.  I deeply treasure each and every one of you.  Although I've fallen shamefully behind in my blog visits, please know that I enjoy the moments we share together and keep you all close to my heart.  I'll be around to visit soon.  


Thank you for showing me so much love.  I can hardly wait to join you all in performing some random acts of kindness on November 13, 2010. one love.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

love + blessings...

Love
One love
Violet has love in it
Every thing has love.

*the above poem appears courtesy of my daughter:

She melts my heart
Every moment of every day
Love, never ending
A blessing bestowed upon me
HalleluJAH! 

*would you like to share your blessings with others?  please join us on November 13, 2010 as we collectively perform a random act of kindness for another.  one love.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

a silent moment...

taking a moment
for prayer and meditation.

~ ~ ~

I admit it.  I have been lost in a forest of thoughts...so many ideas about what I can do for my random act of kindness on the 13th of November, 2010.  I am overly delighted to be celebrating World Kindness Day with so many of you as we collectively focus on doing something kind for someone unsuspecting.

There are a lot of people who need our help and support in this world, whether locally or globally.  Although many do not receive media attention until their plight reaches sensationalizing proportion, the deplorable conditions under which they are forced to exist remain each and every day.  Take for example Haiti.  

Haiti, located just 681 miles of the coast of the USA, has been one of the most impoverished independent nations in the Western Hemisphere for as long as I have been on this plane.  On January 12, 2010, a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook Haiti, leaving in its wake 230,000 dead and over 1 million who still homeless remain today.  Up popped the tent cities for those who could squeeze in the unsanitary, overcrowded camps in and around Port-au-Prince.  The earthquake survivors continued their plea for help in obtaining more sustainable living and housing conditions.  And though the rainy season began in the Spring, further threatening their health and well being, international donors have only delivered about $732 million in funds of the promised $5.3 billion in aid and debt relief that they had pledged when the cameras were rolling, and the USA had not yet delivered any of the promised $1.15 billion as of three weeks ago. 

Well, the situation has now worsened.  There is currently an outbreak of cholera in Haiti.  Over 250 people--mostly children--have died so far, and another 2674 others infected, while health officials scramble to contain the disease which has now reached the densely populated capital, Port-au-Prince. (exhale).

Along with donating to Project Medishare for Haiti, I plan to take a few silent moments throughout this week to send prayers up for the people of Haiti.  i still see you.  one love.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

morning soon come...

no matter how dark the night
morning is sure to follow.
~ ~ ~
thinking of those who are facing challenging times...
sending lots of positive vibes your way
and holding you up in prayer.

one love.

Monday, October 18, 2010

lift as you climb...


a few days ago, i was reflecting on injustice, the prevalence of atrocities around the world, and whether we think it is our responsibility to speak up, or stand up, on behalf of those who suffer as a result.  all weekend, i couldn't shake my thoughts.  sadly, i recognise that as much as i would love to, it is not humanly possible for me to solve all these issues by myself, but i also know that i can (and must) contribute to the solution.  even if for only one person.  for just one moment.  i need to be the change i want to see in the world.

i paused for a moment and prayed deeply for those living in despair.  (exhale).  i sat thinking about what i could personally do to help them. a thousand thoughts flooded my mind.  and it was while i was swimming around in these thoughts that this old proverb crept into my consciousness - lift as you climb.  yes.  that's the answer.  we must lift as we climb for the betterment of humanity.  so that the hungry may be fed; the naked clothed, the sick nourished, the aged protected and infants cared for.  and i can start with one random act of kindness.

hey, did you know that the 13th of November, 2010 is World Kindness Day?

wouldn't that be a wonderful day to collectively perform a random act of kindness?  care to join Anyes and I?  

one love.


Friday, October 15, 2010

reflecting...


how do you feel inside when you see injustice? do you think that it is your responsibility to do or say something or do you prefer to remain silent?  and if you choose to remain silent, is it because you think that freedom of speech is merely an illusion? or because you think that it is not your responsibility to do or say something? or is there some other legitimate reason that you choose to remain silent?  tell me, how do you feel inside when you see injustice? hmmmm...

i often ask myself these questions.  when pain and suffering reign so prevalently around the world.  challenges abound from every corner. oppression. slavery. human trafficking. all forms of discrimination and abuse. genocides. wars. homelessness. hunger. starvation. abject poverty - worse than the kind most people think of as poor.  yes.  these conditions still exist for so many in this world we live in today.  the thought of people, human beings, living under such inhumane, distressed conditions tear at the very walls of my heart.  i sit with these thoughts, and the feelings they evoke. i sit with them and i look at them deeply.  and i know, with all that i am, that it's just not within me to remain silent. (exhale).


  
*have a conscious friday and a divine weekend.  one love.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

sending you positive vibes...

can you feel it?

one love.

Monday, October 11, 2010

mindfulness bell...

the seas were rough
the winds were raging
but the sound of her bell
instantly calmed my soul

what's calming your soul today?

Saturday, October 9, 2010

small things...

when i opened my eyes this morning
and looked outside my window
i fell on my knees and gave thanks
for being able to see.  exhale.

~ ~ ~

it's the small things in life...  

One thing I treasure immensely here in our blogging community is the friendships I've formed with so many of you.  Nurturing those friendships really mean the world to me.  Today, I'm sneaking off to my dear friend Tracey's spot, Quietly Kickin and Screamin, to pay her a little surprise visit.    

would you like to come along with me?  

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

breathe...

breathing in, i inhale peace
breathing out, i calm my fears
be still, se'lah. breathe.

Monday, October 4, 2010

touching peace...

do take a moment to touch peace today. (exhale).

Friday, October 1, 2010

in the air...

the sweet scent of flowers that refuse not to bloom
leaves dance in unison to the wind in nearby treetops
the smell of fresh raindrops pitter patter on the pavement
birds chirping blissfully welcome autumn's arrival in song
while prayers sent up to the Most High, float gently
in the air



have a conscious friday and a divine weekend, dear friends.

one love, always.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

if you were here...


we could sit at the edge of the pond
and i could listen to you, deeply,
or i could take you to one of my favourite spots.

it would mean the world to me if you'd come with me.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

giving thanks...

for each moment of life
a warm bed to sleep in
my family by my side
a roof over my head
clean water to drink
enough food to eat
achieving literacy
basic human necessities
buju banton's new album
enlightenment through music
friends who daydream with me
handwritten notes in the mail, and
those who dare to be a voice for the voiceless
knowing that JAH will lead the way, always



what are you thankful for today, friends?

Sunday, September 26, 2010

i find peace...

where land meets water
and sky smiles through clouds

listening to raindrops
or soaking up rays of sunlight


while sitting in silence
meditating. praying. daydreaming.


peering through my lens
trying to capture the essence of life


in the arms of my king, or
each time i hear, i love you mommy

but most all, i find peace
within.

how about you?  where do you find peace?

Thursday, September 23, 2010

praying for freedom...

i sit here, alone in meditation
sending prayers up to the Most High
and hoping, with all that i am
that the truth will set you free.



Wednesday, September 22, 2010

and the flower said...


my light shines from within

Monday, September 20, 2010

on a nature walk...

In case you've been wondering, I have not fallen off the face of the earth (even though the earth is round...at least that's what they tell me). But no, I have been out on a walking meditation, with a few of my friends.  waving at titi and m.heart.

(click on photos to enlarge)
As we walked mindfully through the labyrinth, trying not to get lost, it wasn't long before we were distracted by the intricately woven webs surrounding us.  My inquisitive daughter blew softly inside the entrance, and out sprang this spider.  It was quite territorial and uninviting so we decided it was probably a good time to walk on.
So we did.



Inching along the ground, at top caterpillar speed, was this furry little friend.  So I wouldn't scare him, I bent down as low as I could go, getting real up close and personal.  I asked him in my softest voice, what's the rush little fella?, but he didn't answer.  So we walked on.



My daughter decided to tuck this shy, little cricket in m.heart's waist for safe-keeping.  You can barely see it, but believe me, it's in there.  These are the things you must endure when your daughter loves bugs.




Yes, that's a teeny, tiny baby grasshopper getting ready to spring into action...but still nothing compared to her most treasured find of this summer...




cool, huh?


one love.

Monday, September 13, 2010

drifting thoughts...



we were gazing at the clouds, slowly drifting by
so deeply lost in our imaginations, when her little voice asked,
Mommy, do you ever imagine that you can stand on clouds?
and i smiled.  because i still do ;)
~ ~ ~
what are you daydreaming about today?

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Enkutatash...

Today is the Ithiopian New Year!!!!!  whoo-hoo...
and as you can see, even Mother Nature is celebrating in style.

I finally opted to wear this gown because I wanted to make sure I wasn't too hard to find in the Queen's Ballroom tonight.  I'll be waiting for all of you in the VIP section...tabs on me ;)



To celebrate this wondrous occasion, and in addition to our exchange of greeting cards in the *gift of jewels* project, I thought I'd save a special gem to give away to one of you today...a perfect symbol of the love we've all been sharing amongst each other.

This crocheted and embroidered masterpiece was handmade and donated by the beautiful Queen Elizabeth, a talented fiber artist who graciously rules over her wonderful world of Landanna.  You can register for your chance to win this unique wall hanging by leaving a comment on this post.  Entries will remain open for the remainder of this weekend and the randomly selected winner will be announced on Monday, September 13, 2010.


Melkam Adis Amet (Happy New Year)!

one love, always.

UPDATE:  Congrats Meredith!!!  You won this special jewel.