Einstein Was Right

It took me a very long time to understand the Theory of Relativity. No teacher was ever able to explain it to me in a way I could grasp. It wasn't until I read a book about Albert Einstein that I finally got it. Today, on the two year anniversary of my sister's passing, I do believe my understanding has taken on a whole new meaning.

Rather than launch into all the science-y stuff, (I know how short some attention spans are!), I shall, instead, leave you with this:

Time does NOT heal all wounds. In fact, "time", as we know it, truly is an illusion. Because if it weren't, then I wouldn't still feel the profound sense of unimaginable sadness when I think of my Cricket. Nor would it feel like a minute and a half ago that I last saw her. "Time" is the ultimate Jokester. We are Its dupes. I miss my sister still. Two years is a lifetime. Two years is a minute. Time is the Great Deceiver. I'm on to you, Jokester. Oh yes I am.

As I struggle to find my way back 'round to the Joy today, I will offer these. For myself as much as for those of you who come here to be reminded that Joy is a CHOICE. These photos are my reminders. I am transported back, what seems  Light Years, to a different lifetime of my own...and the many moments when the enormous Love of one Cricket LaStrada was there for me to touch. She may not be "far" from me now, but that veil is keeping me from a hug. And lemme tell you, she gave the BEST hugs EVER!

I love you, my Cricket.

{P.S. Just to be clear: "light year" does not denote "time'; it's about distance. And if you want to know more, look it up.}

{1986: my siblings and I, just after our daddy left the Planet}

{I don't recall the year. I DO recall the absolute JOY on her face when she opened this gift. 

I believe my brother gave it to her. That's his cheek there on the right.}

{THIS is my sister. Just look at those eyes!}

Carolina's Orchid

She is more than a friend. She is a sister to me. She has been even more (a sister) since my own passed away last year. Of course, no one can be replaced. But sometimes a "surrogate" can help ease us through the most horrible of moments. AND share the most beautiful ones.

Carolina is that sister.

I painted this for her a while back and asked her to take a photo after she'd hung it. This is the result of that request.

I couldn't be more pleased, or honored, or happy about her gorgeous choice of frames, and location, and the love she showered on me when she received the painting.

I'm sharing it to spread the Joy. And the Love. And the great Gratitude I feel for her and her friendship.

Life IS a grand and glorious adventure.

Don't you think?

Il Giorno Della Donna ~ (The Day of the Woman)

Today, all around the globe, women are being honored. It is the Day of the Woman. What a beautiful thing to celebrate, yes? I can't help but wonder, though, why there's only ONE day. Why do we not honor women every day?

Before I go any further, let me first say that I adore men. I adore their differences and their wiring and their presence on the planet. To me, the differences (between men and women) are what make it all so fun. Even when they (men) drive me nutso, I adore them anyway. How boring a world it would be without the Big Lugs.

Having said that, I also feel a deep bond with women that I'd never before felt. There was a time when I didn't like women much. Most of the ones I knew were manipulative, deceptive and utterly untrustworthy. Now, looking back, I wonder if those same women weren't there in my life to show me that those characteristics were also my own. Of course, I'd never have admitted to this back then. But hindsight is always acute, yes?

Now, as I have come into my own and cleaned out those dirty closets, I can see just how much the relationships (both then and now) really do reflect who I am. The women who now grace my world with their presence are marvelously talented, kind, compassionate, funny women who all share their dazzling love with me. They make my world a much better place. Every single one of them. Is this also a reflection? I think it is. I think that they wouldn't be here if I weren't who I am now. No...I don't think...I KNOW. My growing grace has made way for these splendid relationships, both with them and with myself. Splendid, indeed.

I would like to send my deepest gratitudes to ALL the women of the world. To the mothers and aunts and sisters and grandmas. To the caregivers and caretakers. To the little ones, just growing their bones. To the old ones who have so much to teach. To the poor ones and the wealthy ones. The goofy ones and the elegant ones. ALL the wonderful woman who walk this planet and make it so much more beautiful.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for being part of my world.
Thank you for the love.