6/30/2024

I am blessed to have all of my five senses. As my faith grows and I continue to write–I am more aware of my surroundings and focus on others’ needs and my own.

Some individuals with severe anxiety are taught to use coping strategies to tap into their senses to refocus their Fears and PTSD. (In the past), I added to the following technique.

1) Look at 5 different things around them.

2) Listen to 4 different sounds .

3) Touch 3 different objects.

4) Taste 2 foods.

5) Smell 1 sweet fragrance.

Over the past few years I am constantly taking in everything–good and bad. Fortunately, growing older has taught me to turn the negative into positive.

Mostly I find beauty, peace, love and light in: God, nature, animals, good people, music, literature, healthy foods and drinks, exercise, the arts, old and unique buildings, old and new treasures, and so on.

My ancestry is from: English, French, Irish, and Native American ( which was silenced from my history). As I search to find myself: My Tribe, Oneida, born in Oneonta, NY. God places me in the right places at the right times to see, hear, taste, touch and listen to my people, other nationalities, and our country (The United States of America). I am lifted up more each day and I grow stronger. I strive to teach these lessons to others, my son and his children someday.

As I sit on my front porch and write this blog, we’re protected by Grandmother Spider and her Spun Web between our new table and chair. I smile and appreciate her wisdom. On the left side of my laptop is a Turtle Ceramic Planter . Originally it held beautiful healing flowers from Lisk’s Florist. I spotted it at LCHS ( outside the auxiliary gift shop) and knew God meant for me to buy it for my Dad while he was hospitalized. After my Father returned home, I knew my Christian Sister/Friend would plant a special succulent with her Godly Hands and Heart. The Turtle symbolizes in the Native American culture– Creation and the Planet/Mother Earth on her Back. She is strong and teaches us to slowdown when we eat meals and share stories at our new table.

I cherish the Eastern Direction where our home was built. Today it faces the brightness and warmth of the sun, blue skies and sounds of gentle breezes in the St. Stephen’s Church Trees. The air smells clean like a healthy small town. I taste my snack of local blueberries and sliced almonds. While sipping my Plexus drink. All part of my Day 1 of my 3 Day Fast. I am lighter. I barely hear the birds now because the busy traffic passes by while Pandora Contemporary Christian plays from my phone. The flowers in our hanging baskets on our porch and over at the church in the ground and planters make me happy. Driving today to worship at my church, ALF in Boonville, I spotted my favorite wildflower, The Black-Eyed Susan. I usually pick a few for my home in the summer. This year I dream and vision my male friend picking and surprising me with 3 of these flowers, 1 flower or even a petal. It would be a good sign of a new or continued love. We will see; God has everything in our lives planned out.

Thank you to God for humbling my heart and allowing me to love my past ancestors, present sisters, brothers and children.

Amen!!!