The Metta Prayer

Years ago I started a game that whenever the clock struck: 1:11, 2:22, 3:33, 4:44, 5:55, 10:10, or 11:11, I would let anyone in my life know that wherever I was that I was sending them support and love... and to pass it on. A game of imaginary tag. And then last January 2009 I found this verse, which I recite to myself for each and everyone of you, beyond and including the community of my friends and family.

May all beings be happy, content, and fulfilled.
May all beings be healed and whole.
May all have whatever they want and need.
May all be protected from harm and free from fear.
May all beings enjoy inner peace and ease.
May all be awakened, liberated, and free.
May there be peace in this world...
... and throughout the entire Universe.

Awakening the Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das

My Favorite Poem

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

THEN Almitra spoke again and said, And what of Marriage, master?
And he answered saying:
You were born together, and together you shall be for evermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness.
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

My Favorite Flower

I am a 4-H Girl!

I pledge...

My head to clearer thinking.
My heart to greater loyalty.
My hands to larger service.
And my health to better living...
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

Every time I drive under a bridge and a train is moving along from above I reach one hand to the roof of my car and with the other hand I honk my horn. I make a wish. Wish! And it's the same wish every time. Can you guess what I wish for? Either way, it always and in all ways comes true.

Double Dipping

Another one of my truths is the undervalued appreciation for double dipping. My friends and my friends' friends share in this act. Although, if one has a cold, flu, or another germ type symptom that friend will not partake in the double dipping. It's the honorable thing to do.

I almost killed a rabbit...

I almost killed a rabbit in the name of a single toilet stall. I was first in line waiting for a stall to open up when an acquaintance/friend lined up behind me. We were in that in between phase. I trust that there's no word for it because it's a courtship of deciding what it will be. Back to my story... I look to him with a look in my eye, a look that if you know me spells playful trouble. I explain to him that whichever stall opens up I am going to take it as I am first in line. As I don't believe a single toilet stall is neither male or female. But if I take the "male" single toilet stall I will put the seat back to the up position out of respect for the sign posted on the door. The door to the "female" single toilet stall opens up, he grabs me whipping in front of me to steal this stall. Although I am not a violent woman, I am originally a farm girl and can hold my own especially when it comes to a situation such as this... my truths. I body slam him with all of my 5 foot almost 2 inches and there just happens to be a chess board protruding and... I almost killed a rabbit in the name of a single toilet stall.

Have I always been an optimist?

I trust that if you've returned to my virtual home more than once you're probably wondering; "Has Prairie Grown always been an optimist?" I believe I've always had a lightheartedness about me, but around grade 6 or 7 I realized my father was an alcoholic and the abuse worsened and worsened. What kind of abuse? That is not what's important here and now. What's important is to know that there is no hierarchy in abuse... abuse is abuse. How did I come to know this? A variety of therapies from eastern to western to everything in between. And new ways that I made up myself to come to be the woman before you. Therapy is not a dirty word.

My Blankie

This is one of the first blankets my mom crocheted for me. I keep it in my car. Safety First! One never knows when one will need a blanket. Have you been to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in the winters? Seriously. And your car breaks down. Seriously.

But it's overall use is for those times when I take myself on a date to the movies. It's cozy, comfortable and keeps me warm. And on occasion when I invite a friend or two along I offer to share it. Take myself on a date? Yes, this happens regularly in my life. Why? Because... if you can't love yourself, you can't love anyone. And wooing myself in this way guarantees that at the end of the night I am going to give myself some. Some? You know... wink, wink, nudge, nudge. I truly feel we could heal this world through masterbation. But this is a topic for Self Pleasures.

Spring, Summer, Winter, & Autumn...

I light my sacred space (home) with candles. For no matter the level of intimacy if one can fight with me under candle light one will no longer share in the presence of my company. Seriously... fighting under candle light. Playfully smirking your way.

New Year's Eve 2000

Counting down: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, One...
On one I married my self symbolizing Oneness in 200one.
If you can't love your self, you can't love anyone.
This being the sacred oath I promised my self.
And 8 years later... I still can't love my self enough.
Please insert sexual innuendo here if you choose.
But know that I am beyond this too.
This is a part of the sum of all that I am.
This... and much, much, more...

I share this with you, as I don't want secrets between you and I. You may choose to stay or go anytime, just remember to close my virtual door behind you. And know that you are more than welcome to return at any time in your own journey of knowing your own self.

In public washrooms
I am the one who leaves
a square or two
for you.

I am a poet...
and I didn't even...
r-e-a-l-i-z-e it.

Note: Google Photo

This is "Buddha Blues".
She's my cat.
She plays fetch.
She gives high fives.
She snores.
She winks.
She sits up like a gopher for treats.
She meets and greets every one who comes through the door of our home. And many, many moons ago she was not this cat.
She was abused.
She would go without food for days.
She would live off only crackers at times.
Her kitty litter non existent,
replaced by newspapers.
Meaner than mean.
She would claw and hiss at you.
What happened?
Love.
The End.
And The Beginning.
All rolled up in One.

Lover

Lover: n. One who loves.

This mug belongs to a friend of mine. Although, if two or more gather, she makes sure that it is mine.

I bow down in gratitude for friends such as her.

Favorite Toy

This was my sister and I's favorite toy as a child. Seriously... it had a secret room behind the stairs. The only thing that trumps that is a library with a rolling stair case with a secret room behind the book shelf.

Our mother sold it at a garage sale. To this day we still playfully tease her about selling our favorite toy. Side note: I have the world's most amazing mother. What's that? A gauntlet! Why yes, yes it is, and it has been dropped.

Black Twist Ties

I collect black twist ties. I don't know why, but I like em'. I'm not anal retentive about it. I am quirky about it. What's the difference? I am so glad you asked. Anal retentive people believe their way is the only way. Quirky people know their way isn't the only way. They're just entertained by their way.