Going Home

White Hydrangea

100_2083I have been in some kind of quiet space lately. I know it is 2010, but I am still deciding what I would like to do next.

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100_2083I have been questioning lately why I blog, why I create, and where my true passion lies. White space sounds very comfortable right now.

little pleasures around the house 2

100_2083Going home to that place inside that always reminds me what is important in life. Going home to my original intent before I get lost in distractions and "the shoulds."

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100_2083I attended a seminar last week at a beautiful place nearby. The seminar was conducted by a Jesuit Priest and through a series of prayers, readings, listening to music, meditations, art and writing exercises we were asked to be still and find our way back home.

Stained Glass

100_2083Then we were asked to break up and find a partner and share. My partner Carol was amazing. What a wise woman, and I loved her journaling and art expression. She studies Chinese Brush Painting.

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100_2083One of the meditations was to imagine someone we love who has passed over to the other side. We were asked to be still and imagine them coming to us with a gift.

Sunset over Falmouth

100_2083I vividly could see a dream that I had about a loved one coming to me with the gift of a dove.

Tower-HIll-dove

100_2083We discussed what we had received from the reading and meditation exercise. Each one in the class received what they needed in their lives. God had met each of us where we were and given us His Grace to help us with our purpose.

little pleasures around the house

100_2083Home is where our passions live. How do you know what your passion is? He said:

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“What is it that one thing that you just cannot stop doing?”

My creation

100_2083Don’t you just love that...the question gets right to the point.

mosaic-monday-green-heart

100_2083I have been craving simplicity. I have been finding my way back home to where I started. Before I got lost in all "the shoulds" and “To Do” list.

White on White

100_2083Before I jump into 2010 with a long list of “To Do’s”, I want to dance in the white space of my music before I decide what song I would like to write for this year.

Celebration of White


100_2083Perhaps the reason white is so appealing is that it leaves no distraction or stumbling block to our path back home.

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100_2083Perhaps that loved one who is on the other side reminds us that love is forever. The gift is knowing that love is forever and that we are never alone in our journey. I suspect they are always leading the way back home. Cheering us on as we find our life purpose and the joys that passion brings.

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100_2083The song for this post is For Always.

Feather Field
Anita said...

That was beautiful, Karen. I, too, have been reflecting on many of the same things. Ever since my husband passed away almost 5 years ago I've been trying to find my own way.
Thank you for your beautiful post!
Blessings,
Anita

Linda K. said...

Beautiful post, reflecting and a little soul searching always clears my mind. Thank you for sharing.

Linda

Cindy said...

This is a beautiful post, your photos are wonderful. I wish you every sucess. take care.

un abril encantado said...

I very much appreciate your visit to my blog, so I could your "wonderful world" which will now be among my small havens where enjoy living...

Maravillosas fotografías con un saludo, Lourdes

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Karen
Thank you so much for popping over my way and your kind comments. I think just like you I am waiting to see which direction this year will send me.. taking my time.. there's always enough rush!!! Love your photos.. particularly that of the beautiful sea.. Take care .. Julie

Lori said...

beautiful post Karen...your whites look so pretty and soothing...

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning precious friend. I agree....I love that question: What do you spend the most of your time doing? As I reflect, I have many passions, but where I feel safe, creative and peaceful, is when I sit in front of a writing opportunity. How wonderful that God gives us such direction to allow us peace about ourselves and the freedom to persu (yikes, spelling!) our passions. March on my dearest! Bisous, Anita

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Darling, if you can create this and send me into serenity with piles of packing for my trip, laundry, dishes and lists you carry that soft, white world with you beautifully. The fun part is that as I have gotten to know your beauty, you also, because of that white serenity, the glorious new green, or other colors that you embrace show happily all the more. You are wonderful. Thanks for creating such a wonderland as this. Blessings.

Vee said...

Such a quiet, lovely, introspective, and sharing post. Thank you.

Joyce said...

Dear Karen- I am so glad that your retreat turned out to be everything and more than you expected. "Simplicity" is going to be my word for the year. You are so right about finding the one passion that you always return to in order to refill your spirit. This year my goal will be to let go of all the clutter and concentrate on what fills my spirit, more art play dates!

ODE TO JUNE said...

Karen- Thanks for stopping by on my blog. You were my first comment EVER. What a nice surprise... I love your work and all the ways that you seem to interlace your creativity in so many areas. All of which are shown on your site. Inspiring.

Love it.
Also- loving Spoonflower. i will be skipping to the
mailbox today since I think I have a package there.


Thanks for the support & well-wishes. Take care-
Lisa/Ode to June

Funoldhag said...

Thank you so much for coming to my blogs and for leaving your sweet comment. I have been looking at your absolutely beautiful pictures and writings and am very impressed. I will be back often. Take good care - Carol

Carol said...

Lovely post, Karen. I wish you well on your journey. I love the quote “What is it that one thing that you just cannot stop doing?”. That indeed sums up passion. We get so distracted, but we also cause some of those distractions, as excuses for not pursuing our passions. Some time ago, I ran the craft gamut...silk flowers, sewing, wood crafts, stamping, etc. All fun but not my passion. When I returned to painting, I felt whole & was, finally, at home.

Lynda said...

January is the perfect time for quiet reflection. For the past year or so, I've been craving the colour white and simplicity. There are times when I need to pull back from things when I start feeling overwhelmed ... which is why I'm so inconsistent about blogging. Enjoy your journey home, Karen!

xo,
Lynda

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

This is such a fullfeeling and uplifting post. The white is so pure and hopeful...m.

Kathleen Grace said...

A new year begs for a new beginning, and before we can begin we need to know where we are going. I time of introspection is a valuable thing for anyone. I hope you find a clear answer and a new purpose that makes you happy:>)

Anonymous said...

that one thing for me is "creating"...always creating. Lovely post Karen and it was so good to "see" you.

Renee said...

Thank you dear Karen for the most beautiful blog post.

Renee xoxo

Anonymous said...

“What is it that one thing that you just cannot stop doing?”

Simple and perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and photographs, Karen, and for helping us to stop and think about these things as well.

Take your time and enjoy returning "home" again,
Zuzu

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a beautiful post Karen. Going home....very thought provoking.

Enjoy your journey...
Hugs,
Penny

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Finding my way seems to be changing...every few years...
Great post...

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a perfectly beautiful post. Loved your words and your pictures. I am constantly questioning why I blog, but I'm afraid I haven't taken the time necessary to "go home" with my questions and what I want to be doing. Thank you for sharing this. laurie

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