Karen O'Connor

It’s movie (Barbie) day for Julie, her friend Patrice, and me. It will be good to have an outing. I’m not sure what to think. It sounds a bit corny but the review in our local paper was positive, telling prospective viewers it’s not what they might expect (meaning better than) so I’ll just take it as it comes.

I saw the movie since I last wrote so I decided to  share my opinion. It was so funny and true and wise. I highly recommend it.  I have never laughed so hard in my life. The gender inequality we’re all familiar with is turned on its head.  If you see the movie, let me know what you think of it.

Yesterday I went to a nearby park with my great granddaughter Lavender and Julie, her grandma. It was so much fun to watch the young kids jump and climb and run. Oh for their energy once again. But those days are gone. I’m just observing now. But there is a certain kind of joy in watching the little ones conquer the obstacles.

I’m finding a new facet of life as I age–a quiet serenity in observing versus participating.

Here’s a cool quote for today and everyday:

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues but the parent of all others.”  Cicero

Hi friends. It’s me. Wanted to bring you up to date on my situation. I have moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, into an assisted living facility. Provision Living, 5531 Chappell Crossing, #208, West Chester OH 45069. I have kept my cell phone number, 831-726-6008 and my email karen@karenoconnor.com. I’d love to hear from you any time.

I spent three weeks in rehab in Santa Cruz before moving and I’m continuing my therapy here. Making amazing progress in recovery but I’m told it could be a year before I feel my full self.

Blessings,

Karen

In Richard Rohr’s book of daily meditations, A Spring Within Us, the author makes the point that “Love is where we are from, and love is where we are going. When we live in love we will not be afraid to die. We have built a bridge between worlds. As Paul says, “Love does not come to an end” and “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 12:8, 13).

These words came to me recently when I heard that one of my good friends is now on hospice. I called him and we chatted briefly after saying our ‘good-byes.’ It was so hard to let him go. Someone in the room asked if he was afraid to die. He said, ‘No.’ That did not surprise me because he was all about love, love for God and love for others.

As Richard said, “You must die into your one and only life, the Life that you must learn to love.”

“Once death is incorporated into life, you are already in heaven.”

My hope is that my friend will know in his core that he is treasured and hidden in God without end.

“If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God.” (Romans 14:8)

After weeks of rain and flooding and high winds in the area where I live, spring is beginning to show its lovely colors. The trees on my street are greeting us with fragrant blossoms and the hope of new life. I’m so excited. It’s my favorite time of year.

This season meant a lot to poet Emily Dickinson too.

A Light Exists in Spring

A Light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period —
When March is scarcely here

A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels.

t waits upon the Lawn,
It shows the furthest Tree
Upon the furthest Slope you know
It almost speaks to you.

Then as Horizons step
Or Noons report away
Without the Formula of sound
It passes and we stay —

A quality of loss
Affecting our Content
As Trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a Sacrament.

This poem is in the public domain.

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:11-12 ESV)

Do you have a favorite memory or poem or Scripture about Spring? Please share it with us.

I woke up a few days ago with two names on my mind–neighbors I wanted to call and invite to lunch. I like to get together now and again with people I care about.

I also enjoy helping my adult granddaughters with laundry or light housekeeping when they are in need. I did not have a grandmother during my childhood so it’s been special for me to be one.

“You’re a real angel,” one of my friends remarked. A nice compliment, but I feel happy to lend a hand.

As I grow older, I am blessed to receive help from my daughter Erin and her husband who live close by. And I return the favor when they have a task I can fulfill.

My mother was a great example of reaching out to people in need. She knew the value of doing the right thing at the right time, whether preparing a meal, opening a guest room to a visitor, or volunteering her talents at church or our local school.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. “(Proverbs 11:25)