The tree was up, except for the star. The star was lost. Well, not exactly lost. Last Christmas, it didn’t get put away when I took the ornaments off, and when I discovered it, I didn’t have time to put it where it belonged. So I tucked it into a little safe place where I’d find it when it was needed. Now it was Christmas again, and no star. I looked in places it might be hiding. I remembered just enough of last year to know what I’d done, but not where I’d put it. I hung the ornaments, put out other decorations, and figured the star would show up in the process. It didn’t. Two days before Christmas, I was sitting in my chair reading, when I glanced over at our tree. It was lovely but incomplete. Out of utter frustration, I stood up in the middle of the room and declared, “OK, I give up! I need help. Where is the star?” My eyes went immediately to the bookcase. There laying across the tops of a row of books sat the box I’d been seeking. The moral of the story? I don’t know — there may be more than one. But I’ve been thinking about loss this Christmas season, and we all know something about that. Whether you’re the one who’s lost, or you’re feeling the loss of someone or something near and dear to your heart, I hope you also know comfort and joy this Christmas season. Even if you don’t feel merry. ©Shirley K. Weyrauch, 2019 The Palouse in southeastern Washington At one point in my life, I would have said I was not creative. Over time, I’ve discovered that I am. It’s still a surprise and a little hard to claim. I sing in a vocal ensemble that performed recently. Our program included a piece by Sarah Quartel, titled “Wide Open Spaces.” Here’s a link to our performance. The lyrics are below the link, if you’d rather read it, but the lilting melody is catchy. http://www.rdchamberlin.com/cantatenov2019/8wide.mp3 “Wide Open Spaces” There’s part of my story, there’s part of my song, there’s part of my journey, that’s yet to be found. With life all around us, there’s so much to see, adventure is calling, it’s calling to me. Out in the wide open spaces around me. With big sky above me, I’m on my way. Scanning the horizon of a brand new day. Feet to the earth now, there’s no turning back. Into the world now, look at me, look at me go! Out in the wide open spaces around me, out in the wide open spaces around me. But as I journey out, I look within and see, the spaces inside of me, yet to be filled, filled with what I have seen and what I will be, Oh! I’m filling the wide open spaces inside of me, with something I love, something I would like to be, be, be. Filling the wide open spaces inside of me. Filling the wide open spaces within me. This could become my theme song, as it refers to both the outer and inner spaces we each encounter. About a year ago, I joined a local poetry club, so once a month, I’m learning about and writing poetry. Last summer, I took one giant leap of faith and attended a week-long writing seminar where I signed up for the poetry intensive. We each submitted a poem as part of our registration, which was critiqued by the group over the course of the week. I was relieved when mine was one of the first to be reviewed, and the process wasn’t as intimidating as I’d feared. In addition, I discovered I enjoy writing in the company of other women, having previously considered writing a solitary activity. Mo'omomi, Molokai, Hawaii I also love photography. Through participation in photography workshops, I’ve traveled to stunning wide open spaces. My soul is saturated with images of the places I’ve had the privilege of visiting. More than that, I believe the people with whom I shared those experiences have had a profound impact on me. They’ve encouraged me in both my photography and writing. They’ve helped me explore wide open inner spaces that I might not have otherwise. Many have become peers, mentors and lifelong friends. Sharing their creativity freely has given me permission to explore and share my own in ways I would never have thought. My website, blog and book all came to life since beginning this exploration into creativity. What about you? Do you believe you’re creative? If not, why not? When have you taken big steps outside your comfort zone? What would it take for you to do it? Who’s been a mentor and encourager to you? Glacier National Park ©Shirley K. Weyrauch, 2019 (text and images) If you enjoy my writing and images, please check out my book, Following the Bread Crumbs. It's a collection of devotionals and includes original photos. www.shirleyweyrauch.com/book.html |
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Shirley K. WeyrauchI love reading, writing, and photography! Spending time with my family and friends around the kitchen table is about the best occasion I know. I'm just beginning to stretch my creative wings, so here's to gentle breezes and clear skies. Archives
May 2021
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