Choosing Wisely

 

"You need to learn how to select your thoughts

just the same way to select your clothes every day."

Elizabeth Gilbert

Each day awaits our participation. We may spend lengthy time selecting what we will wear, but how much time do we allow for selecting the thoughts to lead us into our productive day? Perhaps it would be useful to set a timer to recalibrate what progress we make at intervals and the level of our mindset.

Holding ourselves accountable, when the timer goes off, we can jot down on paper how we have orchestrated our time. Have we stayed on task and what of our attitude? Have we been joyful and grateful or resentful and argumentive? Resetting the timer, we may notice that time passes more swiftly when we are in a good frame of mind. 

The world may seem in chaos and our daily schedules in discord, but if we cultivate the use of our minds, we discover a sense of control. As we focus more on the positive in our lives, the more elevated our moods become. Healthy self-talk escalates good feelings and helps us to avoid negative traps. It is a matter of choosing wisely.

One Precious Life

 

"Tell me what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life."

Mary Oliver

We may have dreams and intentions, but life tends to have a playbook of its own. Where we may be adventurous and lofty, existence can demand we remain stationary where we are without any indication as to what may unfold. We may feel manipulated by unseen forces, held steadfast without any sense of control.

Physical wildness without responsibility may eventually be replaced with inner wild imaginations. Dreamscapes may replace reality, but our need to wander may never be replaced. Unexpectedly, we hear the quiet inquisitive voice asking who we are and what exactly do we want to do. 

We may have our life plan well documented, but there are no guarantees that agendas will unfold as we had hoped. Sometimes the outcome is highly disappointing, and yet it may turn out to be a dream come true. As years pass, we discover that many lives can be lived within one lifetime. The point, perhaps, is to remember what is and what will be precious.

The Enormous Pocket

"In the best conversations, you don't even remember

what you talked about, only how it felt."

John Green

When we are with our very best friend, there is no limit as to how long we talk or what we talk about. The exchange is of a sincere intimate sharing while risking vulnerable exposure. Criticism and judgment are continuously absent, but challenging questions may be gently asked. In the end, we feel deeply loved and nurtured.

This trusted friend is like an enormous pocket where we can stuff any and all feelings. Upon being relieved of all heaviness, we are able to offer the same safe space to this special human. Together, we face the chaos of the world, but also the view of the sinking sun and rising moon.

Best friends walking side by side and soul with soul, all of nature seems to be especially alive. The geese reflecting by the edge of the pond, the hilly mounds in the midst of the ground, and the agreement to walk the path just one more time binds these two hearts together. The sense of union long succeeds the extended conversation.

Dream Vehicle

"Some beautiful paths can't be discovered without getting lost."

Erol Ozan

Vehicles transport us from one place to another whether on an adventure or lost in traffic. We may not know our destination or what the weather might be. The same is true in dreamtime. The soul uses the body to navigate, so it is worthy of our time to pay attention to mobile movement in our dreams.

A vehicle in a dream is representative of ourselves. Who is driving the car and where are we sitting ... passenger, back seat or trunk? Is there any sense of being lost and what is the weather? Is the car flooded (emotion) or out of fuel (nurturance) or burned-out hot in a desert (brain fried).

Other indications: are we driving someone else's car (control), are we allowing someone else to drive our vehicle (submission/domination), or a dead battery (stimulation gone). Dreams have volumes of information reflecting our inner spirit. It is worthwhile to record dreams for reflection. 

Verbal Play of Thoughts

"Surely only boring people went in for conversations consisting of questions and answers. 

The art of true conversation consisted in the play of minds."

Ved Mehta

Questions and answers produce a rhythm within conversations. It is a method of learning, but so is deep exploration between others reflecting personal experiences and beliefs. The method of questions and answers takes us along the surface, perhaps building a bridge for us while explorations are off the beaten path.

Deep conversations offer a reflection of several viewpoints joined into one, peppered with personal interpretation. It takes us into areas that we may have never ventured on our own. While we contribute into the conversation, information stems from our collection of thoughts and impersonations.

Responses in depth helps the conversation to flow even beyond expectation. Often, it provides new pathways that we had not noticed previously. The sharing of two minds whether in agreement or not create provide challenges and new perceptions. The mind is exercised in a verbal play of thoughts.

Falling Leaves Moon

 

"Yours is the light by which my spirit's born; you are my sun,

my moon, and all my stars."

E.E. Cummings

Harvest has cleared the fields, and October's full moon provides light for hunters, thus, the Hunter's Moon. The Native American name, Falling Leaves Moon suits me just fine. Images of colorful leaves gracefully twirling, showing off an array of colors brings closure to the end of another moon cycle.

Fall brought us a shift in routine and additional time to be spent outdoors.  Hopefully this cycle offered us a greater sense of peace. Perhaps there was an acknowledgment that yes, winter is coming, but the presence of pumpkins and scarecrows can stimulate a playful nature. The light of the full moon touches us all.

With open doors and windows in our spaces, we become more aware of the sounds of nature. Joining others around campfires present opportunities for our thoughts to get lost in the flames while recalling past memories.  What's not to like about hot apple cider, roasted marshmallows and Halloween fun for all!

Reflection ...

 

"I stared at the reflection in the mirror, trying to recognize the person looking back at me."

Dr. Eriange Elisme

Stand in the bathroom in front of the sink and gaze into the mirror. Overlooking the temptation to inventory the physical appearance, gaze deeply into the eyes. Recall and review the feisty personality in childhood or perhaps being overwhelmingly shy. Connect with this younger version of you.

These elements of youth fall away and searching deeper, we can remember ourselves pursuing education, family or fame. Feel the weight of responsibilities once felt from these areas of investment.  And now in this moment, inventory what parts of your spunky self have already been replaced by fear.

Gather these feelings while aligning them with who you are today. What has remained and how much do you wish to change?  What is your heart's desire and how can you attain it? The moment is here for you to embrace this deeper connection. Trust the guidance of your inner spirit and simply begin.

Drifting ...

"A small world where people may know each other, 

and still so deep, able to get lost."

Anthony Liccione

No other relationship is as important as the one we have with ourselves. When we have taken deep dives within, exploring and understanding our inner makeup, we learn to love ourselves. If we have a deep respect for our struggles and accomplishments, we will believe ourselves to be no longer alone.

Obtaining new perceptions of life, we become aware of what no longer holds true for us. Releasing accumulated information that does not apply, we become more aware of who we truly are. Think of this as a process of shedding and acquiring with no timeline or deadline.

Do not think of this as being lost, but as a journey to the self. Allow ourselves to drift with deeper observations.  Embrace quiet moments but engage with others as well. Opportunities change us, but we were never meant to stay the same. Drift and unfold into the beautiful glowing spirit we were always meant to be.

 

Unseen Acts

 

"One of the purest forms of kindness is someone protecting your name 

in conversations you'll never hear."

Buddha's Teachings 

I believe it is a matter of integrity to not judge friends who are not present to defend themselves. When listening to a group criticize a person not present, it makes me wonder if I would be criticized if I were not physically there. And these are the very ones we call friends. The people we choose to be with.

There are times it is better to just be by ourselves, knowing that those who are present will never understand what we most want to share. Whether we harbor feelings of sadness, joy, or inquisitiveness, if we cannot trust the atmosphere we are in, why are we there? We may want to ask our lovely selves to find genuine respect and kindness elsewhere.

We have expectations for our world to be peaceful and kind. Let us provide unseen acts of kindness in support of shelters, outreach and food banks. We need to hold ourselves accountable whether we are recognized or not. Action or quiet moments of prayer contribute towards goodwill.

Benefits of Being a Verb

"Let God use you to bless others."

Positive Lines

Let's think of ourselves as a verb that Divine Spirit can move around in various situations with varying intentions. A noun is stationary, steadfast in its place, while a verb can be active perpetuating movement. When we allow ourselves to be used for the uplifting of others, surely God smiles.

When we go out into our day, open the heart and the mind for opportunities to shine. Do not facilitate good deeds for the ego. Offer our presence and gentle acts for the betterment of all. Simple assistance or happy smiles may be the brightest light in someone else's life. Spirit may have nudged us into a certain space to make this very difference. 

Individually, we may not be able to make our world less chaotic, but we are perfectly capable of bringing peace into areas of our life. We can choose not to listen quite so closely or reduce our need to pontificate. We can just be present allowing others to feel special. When spirit prompts us to give a hug, then be that verb and do it!

 

Environment Within

 

"To be comfortable in your own skin is the beginning of strength."

Charles Handy 

Humans long to find their own tribe, the place where they feel secure, loved, and nurtured. Years may be spent searching for the very best place to call home. Ironically, the very best environment actually resides inside of us. It is built on self-respect, purposeful development and consistency with spiritual connection.

We can walk into a gathering and be welcomed in a manner that swells the heart. As time is spent, the outpouring of our generous nature begins to run dry, and we may notice there has not been any incoming energy to feed our own soul. Our attention swivels from person to person, asking ourselves, 'who are these people?'. 

Be exacting with where we place our energy. Build within the self-assurance and respect that we crave. Be with others to share who revere knowledge and wisdom as a two-way share. Seek individuals who make us feel at peace and visit them often. Be present for others just as they are for us and never forget to tell them how they impact our world. 

Personal and Spiritual Expression

"Everyone has their own way of expression. I believe we all have a lot to say,

but finding ways to say it is more than half the battle.

Criss Jami

Spirit speaks to us through nature, meditation, and movement to mention just a few mystical ways. This in itself portrays the need to find the best exchange for our own personal expression. We may believe that we have nothing to say, but this is not true. When a manner to portray our inner selves becomes apparent, our sharing is easier.

Divine Spirit speaks through us while we are engaged with others or simply to us when we are alone. This is our best source, but we have others. Our brain is filled with knowledge but might be ego driven.   Our heart stores personal resources but may be tainted by emotional history. Significant intuition streams from within us filled with wisdom.

It is important to discover a way to express ourselves that feels natural. Once we cease doubting ourselves, information can flow. Remember that no matter how we articulate, Spirit speaks through us ... channeling one might say. This enhances the experience of expression with others.

Symbol of House in Dream Time

 

"Is it possible for home to be a person and not a place?"

Stephanie Perkins

The symbol of a two-story house is frequently used as a symbol in dream time or meditative visualizations. It can represent where we live emotionally and mentally. It holds projections of where we feel loved or unloved, belonging, traditions and security. We may close doors to be opened later or locked forever. Doors are opened for new discovery.

Private space definitions:  a. basement is lower levels of mind and darkness; b. bathroom is where we cleanse and release; c. kitchen is food for thought or garbage disposal; d. dining room is discussion area for how to feed the self; e. front room is where we are exposed; f. bedroom is your private space. There are numerous descriptions of numerous rooms.

If we have a dream about being in a house, it is important to remember where we were in the house and what we were doing. Are we adding rooms, filing personal information in an office or nurtured in a nursery? Recall our emotional state such as happy or frightened. Were we in the back yard or sitting on the porch? All of this is relevant and insightful.

When Conversation Stops ...

"Everybody talks, but there is no conversation."

Dejan Stojanovic

As we sit with a gathering of friends, we can view faces reflecting a broad range of emotions. Some are delighted to be present while others wonder why they are not back home. Have we grown lazy and withdrawn or have we outgrown the current lackluster conversations surrounding us?

Do we even know what would grab our attention or are we on automatic pilot ... watching the same shows, consumed by other agendas, and ignoring our personal needs. What exactly would light our fires? Is there a need to rekindle old passions or do we need to build a fire beneath us and get out the door to explore.

Instead of talking about our chaotic world, begin to ask questions directly. Do we know what our friends have newly discovered? What creative endeavors does our community provide? Have you always wanted to try meditation, pickle ball, or volunteer? Make life become exciting again. Create a new conversation! 

Soul to Soul

"The soul is immortal and imperishable, and our souls will really exist in the next world."

Socrates

Wandering into the coffee shop, the older man was noticeable at the corner table. He seemed happy and engaging and I could not help wondering who he was. Mug in hand, and scone in the other, he seemed to sense my curiosity and welcomed me to join him at his table. This pleased me as it made me feel like I was an invited guest. 

The hours would pass and there were no waisted moments of trivial questions. This total stranger seemed to know the deep roots into my being ... not my body nor current position ... but my spiritual essence. The light beamed from him and his energy was that of pure delight. He described himself as being "worldly with deeply embedded dreams".

It was obvious to both of us that our lives had aligned in a different time and place. Names dates and countries were of no importance. It was confirmation of the brilliance of the soul being immortal and imperishable. Our eyes focused on each other and there were knowings that replaced all need for documentation. We were simply soul to soul.

Black Backdrop for Glimmers

 

"When I closed my eyes withdrawing myself from darkness 

I saw light glowing everywhere."

Suman Pokhrel

Glancing everywhere, there was only darkness. Looking into the eyes of men or women, there was not one light to be seen. The feeling of loneliness grew heavier, and any prospect of exit dimmed. Needing to block out this reality, the eyes gently closed and new awareness drew attention within.

Adjusting to the brilliance of inner light, the body sighed in relief. It knew there was safety ahead where goodness resides. Between the sound of the body's deep breath and the beating of the heart, the mind was lulled into inner peace. This warm glow was exactly where one needed to be to reconnect with the glowing light.

Deep within, our soul radiates and beckons us to sink into the projected glowing light. It is where the spirit can remember all that is divine. It can rekindle desire to proceed in human form. Darkness is not an enemy, but a friend. It is a black backdrop for reflecting small glimmers of hope just waiting to be seen.  

Spiritual Movement Within

"Invest in what makes you feel alive."

Kristin Michelle Elizabeth 

Just glance at the smoldering colors nature provides. Change is at play which is a perfect time to update our own preferences whether in how we entertain our mind or how we genuinely want to be active. Walk in the silence of nature to capture the heart's desire to be expressed in today's world.

If we are indeed souls enjoying the human experience, to remain dormant is detrimental to our progress. To think of ourselves as being present on earth with a particular purpose, one needs to have a sense of what it is in order to proceed. Whether we are here to generate loving kindness or develop scientific research, movement is needed.

Dig inside the heart and allow love to flow out into the world in a very new way. Wherever we are led, if it is the correct path, we will feel alive again. As purpose becomes clear, we are vitally engaged with alignment. Our purpose lies within us, waiting to be fed which in return stimulates and enhances life experience.

 

Mystery of Soul Purpose

 

"But why should life after death prove the truth of religion 

any more than life before death does?"

Colin Wilson

Subject topics such as Near-Death Experiences and Life After Life draw attention for pondering what may or may not be true. The common denominator tends to be time spent between earthly existences with spirits in other realms. Time itself seems unimportant while importance of the purpose of soul thrives.

Soul purpose navigates what roles we seemingly play in today's world. Within these existences, there are opportunities to access information from guides who seemingly exist in other realms. These spiritual helpers tend to have vast information from not only this earthly visit, but that of other lifetimes.

Apparently, there are advanced souls, intermediate and beginners. Each have a life purpose and actually join other souls to form a group purpose. Each of these souls may not be recognized, but definite bonds can be sensed. Can it be that we have all known each other in previous realms and returned together? 

Conversation Clues

"Everybody talks, but there is no conversation."

Dejan Stojanovic

Communication involves more than heightened listening skills and perfection with articulation. Positioning of the body, and the body language itself reflects deeper understanding and additional information. A person's eye contact, the way they hold their arms, or a rigid stance offers unspoken details.

Maintain eye contact, do not be scoping out the room or glancing at a phone. Stand at a normal space so a person does not feel threatened by being too close nor not too far which gives the sense of disinterest. Clutching our hands or crossing our arms shows resistance. Pay attention, do not let the mind wander to a forthcoming response.

When we are engaged in a passionate subject, it is hard to not blurt out additional information laced with our enthusiasm. It is respectful to take turns in exchanging. If the speaker does not offer lapses for input, one might examine the basis for the one-sided conversation. Notice if anything resonates within. 

Near Death Experiences

 

"I have a deeply hidden and inarticulate desire for something beyond the daily life."

Virginia Woolf

Nearly 40 years ago, I learned of a friend's mother who had a near death experience two years previously.  She had not told anyone as she feared her doctor's reaction and believed others would think she was suffering from a mental health irregularity. Although pronounced dead in her hospital bed, several minutes later she began breathing again.

This woman could accurately describe who had been standing by her bed, what they wore and what they had said. The doctor was astonished and had no explanation for what had happened. She made the decision to not give voice to the other realm she had visited while out of her body.

Today, near death experiences are much more prevalent with only one third of people reporting them. These reports are investigated and documented. Temporarily out of the body, a person visits scenarios where they are able to view his or her current life with reflections of the future. They are embraced by guides, spirits, or the Divine before their return.

New Moon Determination

"Do not swear by the moon, for she changes constantly."

William Shakespeare 

The new moon once again glides across the sky. It is a symbol of new beginnings. We have just passed through the full moon which is a time for addressing what had accumulated. It is often a chaotic time. The new moon welcomes us to begin again with fresh approach and newly formed optimism.  

Insanity, they say, is placing a new layer upon the old rotten form while expecting nothing but a thriving end result. We may feel heavy laden wondering how we will once again face a task using the same skills. And that is the key ... this is an opportunity to move forward with new ideas and positive application.

As we reach what seemingly appears to be a dead end, may really be the pause just prior to uncovering the best way possible. The moon changes through cycles and so must we. If something is not unfolding as we desire, then for heaven's sake, it is definitely time to use new vision, fresh approach and wholehearted determination!  

Available for Revisions

 

"Trust your inner knowing, the quiet nudge, that gut feeling that guides you."

Pamela Hoopes

When revelations occur, there may not be a trusted friend by your side to share in your newly attained wisdom. It may be weeks prior to the next therapy appointment while new insights weigh you down. There are situations where your inner thoughts need to be released in a timely way or run the risk of forgetting what has been learned.

You do not have to be skilled in writing to keep a journal. It is a place that accommodates scribbles, phrases, and irregular punctuation. Full sentences are not required. Creating an entire thought may not happen. Jotting down random comments, one immediately following the other, can lead you to deep discoveries.

When you ask for information, answers quietly arrive floating in our imagination. What better way to link random insights than writing them down. When revisited, you will find a common thread being woven throughout several spontaneous scribbles. A journal can be an extension of yourself, kept private and available for revisions.  

Nestle Beyond

 

"A sunset is not an ending ... it's a transformation."

Wildlife Navigator 

There was such symbolism in the setting sun. The darkness of that which lingered beneath the glowing ball of fire was from the unsettled day. The sun was gracefully lowering itself as though it were going to nestle itself far beyond any darkness. The heaviness of the dark sky was encroaching upon the beautiful descent, but still the sun lowered at its own pace.

As the sun slowly sinks with the evening darkness expanding, one can appreciate the contrast of moving from one space to one other.  To focus on the beauty and grace of the seemingly falling sun, one can feel hope and encouragement entering our hearts. The key perhaps is noticing the lack of pressure or urgency.

As we observe the sun sinking into a horizon, we experience a confidence that it will return tomorrow, ready to shine on yet one more day. It will transform our darkness into light if we simply take time to notice what is being portrayed. Let us imitate such style and grace bringing light to ourselves and others between layers of darkness.

Darkness as a Gift

 

"Someone I once loved gave me a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift."

Mary Oliver 

Unexpectedly, there was a tunnel of darkness. Although familiar with the well-traveled road, one was plunged into a sea of darkness, so black that one could no longer see the actual intersections. Only the memory of the highly traveled route allowed procession safely forward. 

This physical outage of light triggered inner insecurities about my ability to move forward as one little light. I have historically roamed darkness before believing that this inner glow would see me through the darkest of night. The lesson of course is to learn to expand one's own light, to depend not upon others.

This returning lesson of darkness survival becomes easier to navigate. Gratefully, I remember enlightening movement to assist me on my way. The brighter the light, the more I can see and face what lingers still waiting for release.  Darkness becomes a healing space once we learn to eliminate our fears.

Surrounded

 

"The secret, Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile."

Lewis Carroll

Worn down by the constant negativity of what is labeled news (regurgitating fear in hopes of control) I knew I needed to find safety in the presence of those I trust and respect. These would be the ones whose truth resonates and helps me to remain centered rather than longing to take flight.

I cannot always align my schedule with loved ones for a dose of peace, but I can turn to the authors who have warmed my heart and opened my mind. My non-fiction authors probably would cringe if they knew how heavily I have underlined their resonating messages. Heading to the shelf, I purposely hunt for my favorite friends.

To mention just a few: Joan Borysenko, Gregg Braden, Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Dr Brian Weiss, Raymond Moody, Elizabeth Kubller Ross, Mark Nepo, Shakti Gawain, Gary Zukav. I have spent years with these writers feeling as though they were intimate friends. They have touched my life with inspiration allowing my heart to smile.

  

Energy of Oneness

 

"Are you a physical being having a spiritual experience,

 or are you a being of spirit having physical experience?"

Greg Braden

Another beautiful fall day! I grabbed my sweatshirt and headed for the woods. My feet were happy to hit the ground as though they knew exactly where I was going. My eyes soaked up the glory of this earth and my mind slowed to respect the atmosphere of this sanctuary.  My heart swelled feeling the energy wrap around me in the woods.

In this space, I felt 'other worldly' consumed with a sense of partnership with all there is. My inner self flared in recognition of the spiritual presence gently wrapping around me. My physical body became less important as the expansion of the Divine dwelling within me guided myself forward into spacious realms.

Inner intuition was nurtured and the clutter in my mind fell softly away. Wisdom spread through me with the gentle breeze. Oh, how I love the woods ...  this connection of all there is. This heightened sense of knowing will escort me back into the physicality of my current life, with a stronger sense of being all I ever imagined myself to be. 

 

Under the Stars

"When the world feels heavy, go outside. Everything seems

smaller when you're standing under the stars."

Happy Gardens 

Cooler weather approaches and we throw open our windows and bundle up in our favorite evening chair. Treasured quilts reappear and we welcome socks upon our feet. While all of this is fine and good, we must never become so cloistered that we do not maintain our connection with our surrounding world.

Whether we walk for miles or stick our nose out the door once per day, it is imperative that we breathe in the outer world. To feel the air silently move across our face and hear the birds singing their song, awakens sleeping parts of the self. When in the darkness of night we stand before the massive sky, our eyes turn above.

The inner connection with the Divine strengthens our life experience, just as the outer awareness of the spirit in nature nurtures our soul. The blanket of dark sky spreads above us, dotted with sparkling stars. Each one glimmers reflecting encouragement, tenderness, and a gentle reminder that we are all one.

 

Cocoon

"We're doing better than most people realize."

Zachary Fisher

During the swirling of chaotic behavior touching all levels of our lives, it may be helpful to retreat into a cocoon. Looking within ourselves, we gather insight into who we are today as compared to yesterday. If feeling turbulence, we may need to fortify what we believe and determine how we are going to implement this into daily living.

Disruption forces us to withdraw and reassess. In solitude we can hear our inner self and wade through accumulations of information that no longer assists. What we have been avoiding is now faced and resolved. With newly established clarity, we remember who we are and how we want to exist.

It is important to gather with others who truly see us and have a deep understanding of themselves. We are forming a sense of unity when we can join together in spite of our differences. When we can live peacefully together, learning from each other's differences, we become a united front. 

Liberating the Soul

 

"Liberated is the soul which sees all human behavior as either 

an act of love or a call for love."

Luna's World

Staring at the tree, I found myself wondering if the tree was being lovingly hugged or tragically squeezed. I wanted to believe that these appendages were climbing up this tree as a means of support. Is that not what outside support is meant to do ... make us stronger not tear us down? 

Perceiving the positive interpretation, I felt good inside and even imagined how this tree may have experienced these hugs. I realized this natural perception of kindness impacted my body, mind, and spirit. I felt happier and deeply connected to all things on this wandering path in the woods.

Rather than picking flowers along the way, I stopped to tell them how lovely they were and thanked them for being there for me to enjoy. The trickling of the little stream cleansed me of dark thoughts loitering in my head. To the little creatures rustling in the ground cover, I extended a greeting. A walk in the woods liberates the soul!

And Then There Was October ...

                                                

'I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

L. M. Montgomery 

October arrives with visions of apples, pumpkins and various festivals! New routines present and a sense of general happiness fills the air. Whether it is hay rack rides or wandering through labyrinths, the outdoors calls us to come out and play. We grab our sweatshirt and we're on our way!

Rather than hiding inside from the blistering heat, we are outward bound feeling better connected to the world surrounding us. We tend to do more, but at a slower pace. We notice farmers in the field, scarecrows and pumpkins in the neighbor's yard, and develop a strong desire to make hot apple cider in the crock pot!

It is easy to fall in love with the fall season. Vibrant colors of all shades whether personally adorned or splashed across leaves tend to glisten and glow! We open our windows and doors allowing us to hear the beauty of the outside world. What is not to like ... caramel apples, pumpkin bread, and marshmallows roasted in the open fire!