worth repeating

can i say it again without boring you? "This has been a Magical Year!" there. the most incredible opportunities have been ladled onto my plate - both work-wise and art-wise....i've met, or re-met, some of the most unbelievable people...my personal growth, well, while not where i'd hoped it would be from time to time, has been in the leap-and-bound category. i have come to realize that the women in my life are breathtaking in their spirits. some vibrate with energy and enthusiasm, and i dare you to try to get a photo of them standing still. others, with the sweet aroma of quiet courage and confidence...an unshakable belief in themselves and their right to be who they are. and still others somewhere in-between...fiercely loyal and constantly stepping in to bridge the gap between goals and gifts - teaching, guiding, urging others to reach a little further...stretch a little more. i have also come to realize that there is poisonous fruit in my life-garden....little seeds that grow into vines that choke out dreams and visions. this past year has been one of weeding, pruning, and nuturing the good, the fragrant. i often wonder where i am planted in the life-garden of others...what purpose do i fulfill? is it different for different people? you know how there are those people you meet, and they just bring out the absolute best in you? you feel energized and enthused just by being with them. then there are others that are always always the victim of circumstance - sucking your daylight from you, or worse - their insecurities manifest through their conversation....dragging down others to step up on them and be a bit taller. as i've weeded out the choking vines, i'm amazed at what i've seen growing beneath...friendflowers i never knew were planted there in the first place... a beautiful fragrance enveloping my life...blazing colors in all shapes and configurations...a garden of friends that give life ...grabbing your spirit by the hand and saying, "come...there is water for your soul here." it humbles me, i tell you, it humbles me. my gratitude cannot be measured. and in that revelation comes the knowledge that i have been charged with being as good a friend back...a good gardner....making sure that, in exchange for the beauty they bring, that i am tending my garden properly...not letting vines and weeds reappear...not letting time or distance bring neglect...giving and taking as is needed. what a wonderful picture to mind-hold as the winds blow outside my studio, with threats of snow to come. l.