Today has been one of those days where my state of mind matched the heavy, stormy skies. It is no secret, I think, that we have been struggling financially for quite awhile now. With the addition of the kids into the mix things have gone from bad to worse. I am pretty good at getting through lean times but making sure the kids don't go hungry has become an unexpected priority. There have been periods of despair as I watch us just sink deeper and deeper into the morass. Today was one of the bleaker days.
We have managed to hold on to the horses thus far, and this is something that has been really important to Deb. She would rather sleep in a tent out in the pasture than not have them in her life. At this point they are family. Right now we have Sonata, our problem child who likes to founder on the spring grass every year, put up in a pen. Recently a new small shed was put up by the owner of the pasture and he suggested we move Sonata's pen so that she can use it for shelter. Severe weather is expected to roll through tonight so we dropped everything this afternoon to head down and move her pen. The kids came along for the ride.
Most of the way down I was lost in my own bleak thoughts when unexpectedly a small voice from the backseat asked "What do you wish raindrops could be?". Both Deb and I almost immediately replied "Dollar bills" and then asked where the thought had come from. In school they'd had a project where they had to decide what they wished raindrops could be. When we asked Lili what she had decided she replied "I wish raindrops were stars so that just once in my life I could touch a star".
We made it down to the pasture and got Sonata situated before the worst of the weather hit. Both of us are greatly relieved that she now has a way to get out of the elements. And on the ride home I reflected upon the fact that one can never know when a shooting star will blaze across the sky and bring light to even the darkest night.
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More by Tonia, who hugs trees G. |
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Comments: 31
{{{hugs to all of you}}}
Lili touched on something very deep in the human psyche. Stars have long represented both where we come from (cosmic dust) and where we go (our dreams). They also have represented a guiding force (the Magi story). Recognizing this, back in 1989, I titled the book I was self-publishing, "Starseeds." The first poem titled "Stargarden," read:
"My starseeds, I have planted you in dark places,
The rich, black holes behind human faces,
Teeming with earthy promise and celestial fires,
Bloom my bright ones into happy starflowers."
Lili planted her starseed into the black holes of your minds, and may happy starflowers grow, bloom and thrive.
This reminded me of all the little happy surprises and shooting stars that happen so unexpectedly.
I hope everything works out for you and Deb.
I'm sorry to hear about the stressful financial situation. I know how bad it can get - I've spent the last 3 days helping a friend move. She'd basically been evicted. Luckily she was able to find another place, but she's not out of the deep water yet. None of us are, really. All we can do is keep on keepin' on.
And lately I've published many recipes that are kid-friendly that I make with my granddaughter that are fun to make and inexpensive. I'm sure you'll find many more recipes on Gather that will stretch your dollars ( pennies?)..........and good luck, my friend, wish I could help.
This was very poignant and sweet. It will get better.
I can undoubtably say my star hit home. My life changed 3 years ago for the better and I'm so glad I never gave up on trying to catch one. If you don't reach .. you have no chance of catching one.
Children (and animals I have found) tell you how it is ... as they see it ... I have learned so much in life from just listening to what my own boys used to say to me when they were young.
Know that I am thinking of you both and sending much love across the sea to you all.
Please .. please .. please .. please .. ok .. pretty pretty please CONTACT ME! email me .. message me .. send me a fax .. ring me if you have my number ?
.. any or all of the above will do :)
... I really want to talk with you.
Your Cousin
Chrissy from way way downunder in body but not spirit :)