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Sunday, March 21, 2021

Heart Maintenance

 Happy day dear friends.
It has been a while since I've wandered down this path
of blog post writing hasn't it?
Old paths are not forgotten.
They hold on to strings that secure the heart.
Many of you who have been here a while
already know my heart tends to lean towards long ago times.
It seems the more the world rushes forward
chasing technology, current trends, and cyber everything,
the more I recede into the folds of history.

For the past month or so, 
I've been doing what I call "heart maintenance." 
The man who was like my second father growing up
passed away the end of January.
(Did I mention that previously?)
It was not unexpected, but we are never really ready for such things.
It kinda hit me.
In addition, there have been vile words shot out
from so many directions in our society.
I've shunned nearly all news opting instead for silence.
I've tried to avoid going into any public places.
Of course it could vary greatly by area,
but having beliefs yelled at you 
regardless if you agree or disagree is not pleasant.
It's just wearing and disheartening.
I've chosen to focus instead on those few things
that I know to be steady and kind.

The winter weather is subsiding and there are buds on the trees and bushes.
Though it's not really growing or very green,
I mowed the lawn.
It was so shaggy and mowing cleaned it up tremendously
until it starts growing for summer.
I'm anxious to get out into the garden
but know better than to plant too soon.
It does one good to listen to the birds and get caught up in digging in the dirt.
There's something healthy about the dirt.

I've also been working on "fine-tuning" in the realm of decluttering.
You would think I had next to nothing left, but ah - always more.
I'm going through about 30 years of photos.
It's difficult because if I put it away, it's as though it disappears-
but it doesn't go away!  Errrg!
I am making progress, but it's tedious.
I've also been going through the computer.
I am down to 116 emails in files.
My goal is 0, zero, zip, nadda.
It's difficult when there are legal correspondence (estate)
and genealogy information.
Here is part of my receding ~
I have my little old Acer with lots of family pictures,
my iPad with books, and the large mac computer with some pictures
and files (docs.) etc. 
The Acer barely works and no longer connects to internet.
The iPad is on it's last legs, won't open many pages, and will just go black
while in the middle of reading a page.
The space-hogging mac is not far behind these two and is now evidently allergic 
to anything that has to do with photos.
I got a new lap-top and an external hard drive and
am working to get everything moved to one spot
which is another tedious job and is proving trickier than it sounds.
Once I have everything off of the old pieces, I will dispose of them
and have one computer slightly larger than a book.
I want to minimize the sources of pollution in our home.
By pollution, I mean anything not welcome both internal and external:
internal like news or ill humored media and
external like unhealthy lights or toxic chemicals.
I can't do anything to change what I've not created or what others do,
but I don't have to welcome it into my home; I can refuse it.
It doesn't prevent it from being, 
but it does keep it from infecting my heart and my home.
This sounds extreme, but I can feel the difference.
My heart is getting better. 

In addition to all of this,
I still go to work and have to deal with the current issues
facing anyone trying to run a business today.

I realize this post is kinda all over the place - 
that's my life right now.
But you know what?
There is something else.
Inside, secure in my heart, wrapped with those strings
that always hold, there is a peace.
I know my heart is in the right place and
whatever becomes of this day, or tomorrow, or the day after that,
it is well.
Someone far greater than I has it handled so
I don't have to worry.
And this is where I'm at.
Hidden away in my own little life that might seem insignificant
to anyone looking in from outside.
But full of faith and fortune knowing we are all called home at some point.
I actually find comfort in that rather than fear of it.
We all need to know our heart.
It can sure be difficult with so many distractions
vying for our attention.
All I can say is, once you focus in-heart, it's worth it.
Quiet the noise.
Dim the glaring lights.
Still the busy.
Calm the chaos.
Rid the excess.
And then. . . you will hear your heart.
And that
is a beautiful thing.












11 comments:

  1. What a lovely post! I am sorry for your loss. I lost my step-father (who is the only really parent to me) from cancer 24 years ago and I still miss him!
    I try to be vigilant about what comes into my home- I put junk mail in the garage bin never bringing it into the house and try to be just as careful about media things. I want peace in my home!
    That is horrible someone was yelling at you! But I have seen some pretty bad behavior lately. It is good to refocus. This is my quiet day and it is so lovely outside. Daffodils, snowdrops, quince, and dogwood blooms beginning to unfurl. God is still in charge.

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  2. It is a timely and tedious task to transfer files from one computer to another and like you also encountered times when something strange happens and get a pop up saying the file is corrupt.
    Am also desperately trying to reduce my clutter but sadly not happening as fast as your efforts have achieved.
    I watch or listen to very little news now for the very same reason as you; yet I do have my opinions and if they have been imbedded somewhere on my blog at times am sorry if they caused you distress.
    Was just out picking up more pinecones and more limbs because my yard is looking a little ragged too even tho it is only weeds it could use a mowing too.

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  3. I am very sorry about you friend and father figure. I agree about how the media has done nothing but polarize us. It seems like all those dystopian novels are coming to fruition. I need to purge, but first I must finish my nephew's quilt. I'm afraid the weather will turn nice and I won't stay in the cabin to sew or clean. Stay strong, spring is almost here.

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  4. Introspection and self-actualization are truly to be valued, especially when paired with faith and guarding of one's space. It sounds as if you are very proactive in guarding your sense of peace...I no longer have a yard, but when I did, I would let the weeds grow up very high in early spring, for the bees. Then I would mow them to a uniform height. I always thought a weedy yard looked tidy once mowed quite low!

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  5. (((((HUGS)))) I am in the same boat you are with needing to transfer many files from old computers and such that are no longer working well. I am also growing weary from all the ugliness in the world around us and people trying to force issues through that will end up hurting everyone in the long run. My focus at this time is my family and the upcoming gardening season. Both bring me great joy!

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  6. You are so eloquent, this is a great posting, and like your others thought provoking, and speaks to the heart. We would do well to do the same as you have done. Take care & GOD Bless

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  7. What a great post! And, I so agree!

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  8. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences.

    The world has indeed become rather harsh and jarring of late. You are not the only one that is taking a break from it and focusing on internal things.

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  9. Heartening to read your post - but sorry for your loss.
    It's certainly been a strange year.
    Self care is so important in these trying times.
    Take great care!!

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  10. That's true. You are wise to protect yourself from people shouting. I agree. My heart is telling me to spend much more time at the ocean. It's so comforting.

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  11. So very glad I visited your blog this morning. Oh if I could express myself in written words as beautifully as you have...I would say exactly what you've written. I am so sick and tired of it all too. There is nothing like being cozy at home and away from people now days. Thankfully, the days are warming up and I love being outside...the birds, the sun and blue skies...you said it just right. Thank you for this post. You've certainly spoken to my heart.

    I so very sorry for your loss.

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