One year ends, another begins, another chance for change

Once again the calendar is turning, and this year I will be waving a vigorous Good Bye as it leaves.  Economically, this has not been our best year (by a long shot)and the New year can only be better. Emotionally, however, it has probably been one of our best and strongest.  Perhaps it was the reality that there was little that we could do to make changes in the overall economy, perhaps it was the growth that comes with another year of business under my belt, or perhaps it was the realization that there is little reason worrying about anything more than the present moment.

Learning to actually live in the present, where there is at least some control and ability to make choices, is a refreshing thing.  After living quite differently for the rest of my days, this year I learned quite a bit about letting go.  Wonders of wonders, Life is so much nicer, so much more peaceful, and so much simpler when I can let go and leave the worrying to whomever is in charge of that. (I know it is a job I have happily vacated after being the queen of worrying).  Now my goal is to not pick up again anything that I had let go.

One of my favorite prayers begins "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...".   I have learned I love being in that serenity, much more than where I used to live. I am learning that there are few things that I actually can change and as I come to accept that changes are within me, not in others, I feel and accept that serenity, or maybe we should call it grace.

I took risks this year and am still here to talk about it.  Mistakes? Sure, lots of them, but this year I DID THE BEST I COULD, and know that the mistakes also weren't the end of the world.  That knowledge alone is worth the price of admission to this movie we are living.  Simply looking at Life as an ongoing scene in a movie helps keep me motivated to change, and knowing that if  I screw up, I'll just call for "retake".

Tomorrow is plenty of time for the resolutions of the new year.  Tonight I am looking back, one more time, and saying, "Thank You, Universe, for the year that's ending.  I am grateful for the love, peace, friends, family, and the chance to enjoy them all. It was my best year to date, despite the grumbling, the bills, the mistakes, and all the negative stuff I let into it.  I look forward to another chance to change, to grow, to do it better, and learn more about myself and the Universe.  Happy old year and bring on a new one!"

May 2010 be the best year yet for me and all of those who share my world!  Thank you to you ALL for sharing in it and helping me learn and grow with you!  Peace and rainbows!

WHY DOES NOVEMBER DEPRESS ME SO?

Only a few days into my least favorite month, and I am already feeling the depression grabbing hold. Every year I promise myself that I will not succumb to the doldrums, but like the shadows of darkness, they creep out and grab at my soul. Perhaps it is a delayed reaction of spirits and ancestors that overstay their welcome from Halloween or Samhain. Maybe it is the early sunset brought on by the time change (it's way too early, thank you, for daytime darkness).  What ever its source, it is here, and on only the second day of the month.

One day the trees are golden and vibrant, the next brown, naked, and stark against the cold sky.  One day warm and sunny, the next raw damp rain falling.  In no more than twenty four hours, we lose our beautiful Indian summer and face the cold blast of the northeast wind. November is cruelly here once more.

I used to love the seasons changing, especially as the fall wound down and Nature begins to turn inward toward the long hibernation of winter.  Pulling oneself in and reaching for warm,heavier clothes and blankets to give protection against the elements.  Stocking in ingredients for comfort foods like soups and hearty casseroles that fill the tummy and slow mealtime into a relaxed event.  Beginning to gather books and magazines that will fill longer, indoor times.

Somehow, perhaps because I am older and feeling the number of seasons accumulating too rapidly, I want to scream "stop, don't move so quickly", to whomever is in charge of this pace of growing old.  Perhaps it is the realization of another year soon to be behind me, and the number of years ahead dwindling as each year passes.  Whatever the cause,  I always know when it is November, simply because of how I feel, and that is sad.  Maybe if I just accept that these feelings are simply the way it is in November, honor them, and then let them go?  "There is a time to laugh and a time to weep, and a time for letting go" and for me,  November is the time for sadness.

Flowing with the Words

Being wide awake at 2:00 am is not a usual occurrence for me, but I resumed my medicine today after being off it for two weeks.  Totally forgetting the "jump start" that happens when I resume it after a break, I simply popped it in when I picked it up, about noon time.  So here I am wired with words, writing and feeling like I could create the great American novel in one sitting.  I completed another newsletter and sent it off, wrote several journal entries, and now am trying to lull myself to dreamland by writing here.  I'm sure when morning comes I will not recognize what is flowing now,but somehow, there is a need to continue.
I am somehow not surprised at the increased effect of the medication today.  Since last week when I was attuned in Reiki I, there has been an increase in all of my senses.  I see things more clearly, I have noticed an increase in hearing, and food tastes so much better.  Gone also are cravings (except for salt which never leaves me), and a much more relaxed attitude toward food.  I am even feeling hungry in the morning upon arising, something I haven't felt for years. Perhaps the most noticeable effect is a lack of worrying or fear, especially about the shop.  The bills are still there, but I have a different sense toward them, recognizing that doing what I can each day lends itself to much more ease than worrying about the next day.  I really like these changes.

Fall is here and I reluctantly turn toward the new season

The calendar has turned another page and we are truly into Fall and October.  I look wistfully back at the "summer that never quite happened" with a sigh, wishing there had been more.  I really love the Fall here on Cape Cod.  It really is our best season, warm temperatures, relaxed customers, slower pace than frantic July and August, and usually our foliage and color is subtle but gorgeous.  I missed much of September with my Alaskan adventures, which is probably why I am still wishing for a bit more summer.

With Fall, however, comes a chance for new ventures.This fall  we are developing a series of nutrition based classes and events(YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: HOW CAN I CHOOSE?).  The series begins THIS TUESDAY October 6, 5:30 pm, with Pam Russell, Nutritional Consultant and Health Educator, speaking on overall Nutrition and "eating well to live well.".  Come join us for this free introduction and learn how to eat for wellness!

Alaska, Alaska, Alaska

Even the name, Alaska, means large one, in the words of its Native Americans.  It is an understatement to even
use the words large, enormous, or maybe even immense.  The sky and mountains and forests go on forever. We travelled by air, by foot, by more busses than I can count, by train,and finally by cruise ship. Miles and miles of natural beauty in every minute.  We saw bright yellow foliage across the Fairbanks area which made us think we were back in New England, except without the reds or oranges. (Because of the cold and altitude, none of our deciduous trees cab grow there).  We saw glaciers that were white, blue, gray,silver, and black -all at the same time. We even walked on the Mendanhal Glacier in Juneau, a half hour spent in heaven.
We went down a river by raft that is through an area only reached by boat, surrounded by wildlife and nearly untouched by any human influences.  We passed through fjords (deep, long, fingerlike harbors) to see glaciers , that from our twelth floor deck were at eye level; twice the ship did a slow circle turn with a panoramic view of the glaciers from one side of the ship across to the other.  We saw moose, reindeer, beaver, eagles, whales, and stuffed bears (real, but not still alive). We learned about the salmon (5 different varieties), the caribou (who summer in Denali ,then winter in the North), and wild birds (who summer in Fairbanks, then winter all over the globe).  We rode in a helicopter and stood on a glacier.  We had a dog sled ride (in a summer training cart).  We saw a Lumberjack competition iin Ketchican.  We saw where the Gold Rush began in Skagway.  We ate ourselves full for days and days. We walked so much we didin't even put on weight. But the absolute best thing we saw was Mount McKinley, or as they prefer to call it Denali, the Great One, standing tall and bright at 20,320 feet.   Pictures, and more sharing to follow soon....

Where did everyone go?

It never fails to amaze me.  One day we are wall to wall tourists and the next day most of them have gone.  This week is so quiet that it seems more like late September than the first week.  Of course , it IS September and the fact that Labor Day is late probably accounts for it. The weather is certainly more like fall than summer.  The air is fresh and clear, with the temperature at night down to fifties.  Brrrr!  Feels kinda nice to pull a blanket up and snuggle at night, but the mornings, not so good.  I even gave in and took a shower indoors today.  I love using the outdoor one, but 52 degrees is just too cold.

September is usually my favorite month here.  This year, however, we will miss much of it, as we carve two weeks out in the middle for our Alaskan cruise.  We leave next Wednesday (9/9 -9/22) and won't be back to work until September 23.  I can't wait.  The countdown is on and the lists are being crossed off.

If you are coming to visit the Rainbow during September, I'll be sad to miss you, but come visit anyway.  We will be open our usual hours (Sunday 10-5, Monday -Saturday 10-6). We still have a sale section highlighted on many of the lower shelves.  We even still have a "indoor yard sale" area, but don't wait too long.  As our things for Fall, Halloween/Samhain, and Christmas/Yule start arriving, we will be needing the room.

Communication is an art (and a large time consumer)

I have spent the greater portion of today (my so-called day off) writing the latest newsletter for the shop. Although not a difficult task, it IS a time consumer, especially for me who is not technologically fluent. I use one of the leading programs which provides templates and allows you to use pictures of your own as well from their image library. In theory, a very simple process, but in practice? Still takes several hours.

I wonder how we communicated in the "old days" with just our pen and paper. It certainly was easier, but limited.  Even though I could send a letter relatively quickly, it was to only one person. Later with the copier, I could print several if I needed but then individually address and mail them.  Today, even though the process seems more time consuming, it is really a marvel to think that after I write here, anyone in the world (with interest, of course), can view it in mere moments.  I like that.  Imagine the power my words can have!  Guess I best go back and be sure the newsletter is worthy of all that power.  Peace to your day!

Thank you, Senator ted Kennedy

I am filled with sadness this morning to learn of the death of our Senator, Ted Kennedy. I met him first when I was a teenager, learned about his health care reform ideas as a student nurse, watched families benefit from programs he sponsored/supported as a community and school nurse, and today follow the current health care reform discussions with a liberal background influenced by him and his era.

Although the present health care reform bill still needs much continued discussion, the mere fact that it is being discussed(again)is a tribute to his tireless efforts to see it pass. The fact that even after 42 years we have so many people who cannot afford medical care, and there is still so much debate as to whether we need a universal health care system simply tells me that the issue continues to be a battle of enormous proportion. I'm sorry he won't be a part of the ongoing discussions and feel his absence has been felt even before this.

I am sad, but proud to have had his voice and service in Massachusetts and the country. Thank you Senator Kennedy. Rest in Peace.

ENJOY SUMMER TODAY!

Like most everyone, I get busy with my day to day activities, especially in the summer season, and rush from one spot to another. Focused on the activities of the shop, I rarely spend much time alone or outside when it is a work day. I have a general knowledge of the day's weather but it is not a main part of the day, instead I focus on errands or shop activities.

Last night as I watched the full moon rise, I thought of how marvelous the world of Nature can be, quietly changing in the background of our busy lives. One night shadowy in the fog, the next clearly illuminated by the moon, and in the morning murky again until the fog burns off. As I write this in my home office, I am surrounded by trees, almost shrouded in silence except for the calling of a mourning dove, which will still be here when I return from a busy day in the village, where noise is so much more prominent. The constant drone of the air conditioner, the roar of cars and delivery trucks, the constant movement of people and activity, chattering in conversation and the bustle of shopping. How different the two parts of my life are and yet each is so necessary to maintain the other. How marvelous this balance is to creating a holistic pattern in my life. Who would I be without these different influences?

Hope you can stop for a moment today and feel the Nature around you. Feel summer breezes, soak up the humidity, splash in the water, enjoy the sunshine (or rain). It's August, the last few days of summer. Enjoy what it has to offer you, wherever you are! That's what summer is really all about!

Why is summer so short?

Is it really true that summer is getting shorter? Or is it just my view of it? It seems that every year is shorter and shorter, although this year's rainy June likely played a big part in it. We have had sunny weather for the past two weeks and summertime really is here. Last week we even had six days or sun and only 1 overcast!!

We start our Christmas in July sale this weekend, running for a week, and when it is over it will be August (not yet, no). This sale is a new one for us and we will be greatly reducing our things from last year, along with all the other holidays (Valentine, Easter, Halloween). Weather permitting we will have the outside tables filled with bargains of a holiday nature as well as our usual mark-downs,starting at $1. New this year will be our brand new Christmas decorations and table ware. We have tried every year to squeeze a Christmas corner into the shop and this year we have succeeded! We haven't put a real tree up but we do have Nativity sets, boxed Christmas cards, 2010 calendars and datebooks, and Christmas ornaments. Everything Christmas or other holiday related will be on sale along with some special surprises, so come by and see.

Meanwhile, enjoy every moment of this all too short summer. I am taking two days off a week (Sundays and Mondays) and loving every moment of them, relaxing, beach walking, reading, and planning for a filled schedule of events and classes starting in late September (after a two week Alaskan cruise- I can't wait). Hope you can spend time with your favorite summer activities. Feel free to add your comments about summer and how short it really is. Peace and rainbows,
debbie

A selection from emails on Friendship and Aging

I don't usually send things on from email. We all have enough junk to not need any more in our mailbox, but this one (sent to us by Elizabeth-thank you!) just seemed to hit me and I wanted to share it. Enjoy!

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.



I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART! MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!

Summer's finally here

It's finally summer! Or at least it is finally good weather, sunny and almost warm. I even went to the beach yesterday on a real day off! And today I am sitting in the sun, outside on the deck. Okay, so that may not be a big thing for you, but for this workaholic, it is huge. I have been at the shop every day for so long that having a day off in July is really nice. Cape Cod in summer is beautiful as everyone knows, but for those of us who live here, being off is often unheard of. To those of you who have been on vacation, are on vacation, or soon will be, enjoy every minute of it!
And for the rest of us, imagine how nice the sunshine feels on your face, the wind kissing you with a gentle breeze and the thoughts of ice cream filling your head. What is your perfect day? If it is something other than July on Cape Cod, please let us know.

Trying to coordinate postings

If you seem confused by the different postings, you are not alone. I cannot seem to get the website postings and these together, but I AM working on it. Even though I am no longer "new" according to the dates on Blogger, I am still a real newbie when it comes to knowing what I am doing here. I know how to write, but posting and organizing is a whole new concept for me. I started a second blog even because I couldn't figure out how to post to this one! Then miraculously, I could post onto the first one-arghhhh!

Do you seem to find yourself forgetting everything? I sure do, especially as I get older (now who is getting any younger? duh) but you know what I mean. (If you don't, just wait, you will.) Numbers, passwords, email addresses, phone numbers, street addresses all seem to be cluttering up my head and keeping me from remembering what I want to remember. I like remembering how "things used to be" like Cape Cod in my childhood. Provincetown is still a beautiful place with gorgeous scenery but what people remember is the "carnival" they see, especially in the summertime. Dennis Port is growing every year, but people only remember its glory days of Hendersons, Hazeltons, etc or how the village fell into loneliness when these closed and others moved out to Patriot's Square. I like to remember beautiful pansies out front of the store that our wonderful friend Nancy kept watered. And I don't like to remember that she has moved away as her Alzheimers disease has progressed. What do you want to remember? Can you stop for a moment and see that place, that time, that memory? Try it right now and make yourself happy. Memories are never forgotten as long as they live in our memory.

Getting back to writing

It's time to write again, sharing all the new things that are coming in daily at the shop. I will list a few of them here, and you can go to the website to see more pictures and learn more info (and also buy). New Candle lines include Mole Hollow (made in Massachusetts) tapers and votives, Nirvana Karmic Cubes, and Vance Kitira pillars. We now carry Shoyeido incense. A beautiful new area with Buddha and a water bell fountain. Expanded Peace and recovery sections. Many more books, including a reading corner! And as always, the newest Willow Tree figures and our trademark Rainbow spinners! Come see us soon for more....