Raindrops slide down foliage green

Making puddles, washing clean

Summer's dust and making bright

Colors rich, fresh delight

Earthy scents and cooler air

Hints of Autumn, breezes fair

Gathered clouds shield us from

August heat and pressing sun

On the porch I sit and see

Bustling birds, bright and free

My heart dances inside too

At the thought of hope anew

Cleansing rain, bring relief

Restore again, this tender leaf

Well, there it is....I was able to get at least one shot of the total eclipse of the sun!  I hadn't planned to take any pictures, because I just didn't have the equipment and was nervous about burning out the lens of my humble Canon Power Shot.  I realized at the last minute that in totality, if I can look at it, I should be able to shoot it!  So.  I did!  So GLAD I got one!  Just had to put this one up, although there will be thousands of pro-shots all over the web and beyond.  I'm happy to add that even in the dark, there is a glimmer of hope - a sliver of light - a reminder that the sun still shines!

This could be Ireland....but it's a hillside I look at most every day on my way to work.  I love places that take me far away and make my imagination leap!

I haven't been writing - or taking photos very much over the past month.  Maybe its the sweltering heat or work's demands, or maybe it's just life's rhythm that has me distracted or perhaps un-inspired.  I have generally thought of myself as a steady person, though somewhat sensitive to the things around me.  I seem to have been born with an ability to "adapt and overcome" in most circumstances - and even in tragedies.  But I realize as of late that perhaps there are parts of life that sneak up on us and affect us from angles we have not considered before.  Age might indeed be one of those "parts", as could be simply new circumstances.  Sometimes it is difficult to see clearly when in the midst of surrounding fog or unpredictable confusion.  Our tomorrows can surely be vague predictions, but I do know who controls tomorrow.  I also know that as the sun rises, the mist begins to dissipate and the outlines of certainty become more precise.  

Tomorrow a total eclipse is predicted across our land, and the area where I live will be directly in the path of the darkened sun.  What an interesting time of history - and my life that this will occur; an unexpected shadow that rarely happens in a lifetime.  So rare in fact, that thousands will be in awe.  But God is not surprised.  He holds the sun, moon and planets in His mighty, but wise hands.  

Though the darkness cover me, I will wait for the sun...  "For You, O Lord, are my lamp; the Lord illumines and despoils my darkness."  2 Sam. 22:29

In honor of school being back in session for most this month, I'd like to re-post this blog.  I work with children and young adults who are challenged with various kinds of disability.  It is my highest desire to serve in ways that bring success, better life quality and joy to these very special lives.  I often find myself in a teacher's role and realize that doing my best requires much responsibility.  I salute the many who have been there for me to answer questions, solve problems and help pave a path for my entering adulthood.  I also salute each who continue to do so in an ever-changing world with constant complications and difficulties.  These patient educators are the treasures and vessels through whom God often sparkles like glitter, leaving imprints across the pages of many lives.  May He bless and guide those who have chosen to give themselves to the task of preparing and caring for our next generation.

A Tribute to Educators

I believe it is true that a picture paints a thousand words.  And though I am a great advocate for capturing the kind of photographs that encourage imagination and curiosity, I am also a cheerleader for those who take the time to paint a picture with words, stories and actions.  I had a father who loved to tell stories!  Sometimes they were exaggerated or colored with elaborate fabrication.  But even the overstated tales captured my interest and challenged my future!  I have had a number of extraordinary teachers in my life.  What made them so special was that they took the time to tell the stories that drew me into the world they were painting.  Their activities and actions showed sincere interest in me.  Their smiles and sense of humor made the lessons attractive, and the respect they showed me as an individual allowed me to in turn, apply all they had taught to my real world.  Some of those significant individuals were school teachers and some were friends or family members who genuinely wanted to see me succeed in all I pursued.  Every one of them spent something of value on me - love and time.  

Here's to all those who desire to pass along understanding, heritage, information, encouragement, hours and love.  It is a life-time endeavor, but one that will indeed come back to bless you.  It will rarely pay the big bucks, but will reap big rewards.  It will cost honesty, loyalty, consistency and patience, but will offer to others some of the greatest treasures of earth - and heaven.  Perhaps within I Corinthians 13 lies the heart of a God-fearing teacher, who is willing to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things and endure all things for the sake of loving others as Christ loved the church.  Perhaps this is a command for each of us to consider and obey.  Perhaps that is why our Lord Himself was called "Teacher"...and perhaps that is why He has called us to be a living reflection of His example.   

Through the eyes of a prism

I see a new view

Light dazzles and dances

And glistens like dew

On petals at daybreak

When morning bids come

New day is dawning

Walk away from

Darkness and heaviness

Burdens that pull

Look at new colors

Gaze and be full

Of promise and presence

Remember through whom

We find our perspective

And never assume

That He isn't watching 

And bearing our pain

His view is quite different

His arms still sustain

Oh that our vision

Could filter as He

Through heartache and darkness

Like prisms set free

Our worries and fear

So the light could come through

Lord, help us focus

Our eyes upon You