These precious two stayed with me for 45 mins crabbing. They were so sweet. Owen and Shilo. I love children. They were great to be with. She was begging me to let her go swimming š³. I needed to talk her out of jumping into the muddy creek, especially so when I found out she does not know how to swim š³. A family member finally showed up, asked me my name, let them know that I was in charge of watching them now š³ I wanted to be angry about that AND for the way that adult presented (super drunk) but I consciously chose, instead, to just simply BE with these kids because obviously they need safety. Imagine being handed over to a complete stranger? OMG
They so craved attention and someone who was present and available. Owen wanted to talk me out of my crabbing net, hook, bait, bucket and honestly, I almost fell for it – his eyes were so full of joy š„° I wanted to give them EVERYTHING. I wanted to steal them and take them home to love foreverā¦but instead I shared a nice afternoon with them by a muddy creek, catching crabs and talking about nature. You should have seen how proud they were to catch them all by themselves. Taking turns with the net and string. Justin and Olivia and their dad joined us too. And the two newcomers took their turns with the net and string.
Of course we threw all of the 16 back after observing them a bit in the bucket. They were green crabs and way too small.
Every once and a while we are reminded that our calm presence just might be a magnet, a gift for those in need.
We are all exactly where we are supposed to be at any given moment.
We can be there for strangers yet not feel pulled out of ourselves (overextended).
We can remain in our center (not triggered) despite others trauma energy.
Material things are fine but what we all really need is connection.
We can be powerful in the lives of others simply by being ourselves.
Lastly, that having no plan, no agenda, no control over a situation makes you available for rich, spontaneous, meaningful interaction.
Maybe more adventures with these two this week. One things for sure, they need š + ā¤ļø
I told her that she could hold the net as long as she went and put her swimmies (arm floats) on creek is at least 6 ft deep right here.
I knew from the moment I saw him, he’d be trouble. Those dimples, dangerous teeth and someone-left-the-gate-open eyes. 
I’m in love with cool breezes through open windows. The desire for fresh, no matter the season.
Today Iām thankful for the animals that share our space.
So, the Holidays, hmmmmm. Iām guessing that some of my readers may be very excited for Holidays. I am also knowing that thereās a whole other section of the general pop who are digging themselves a large hole, preparing to jump in to escape all things āfamily celebrationā. Iām a proud member of the second, gasp less acknowledged group. Actually Iām a charter member, with 10 years of sanity under my belt š (and all over my body, actually LOL).
There are so many people in your same situation. Speak your truth. Say it anyway. Donāt ever feel silly or too angry or like youāre gloating or complaining. 
People come into our lives. They may be forgettable. 
Do you give thanks everyday for your body? Your amazingly perfect physical-ness? You should! You should express your gratitude for your bones, joints, skin, liver, your feet, your eyesight, your pancreas, your nose, your brain, the hair on your toes, on your head, even parts that hurt, are sick or not exactly making you happy right now. Every organ, every inch of your body. Become aware, today. Become aware of how you choose to treat the miracle of YOU. The miracle of thinking, being, feeling, acting and reacting. Offer it love, give it exercise – whether or not it complains or balks, give it good food – try things youāve read about and donāt forget the water, generous amounts of water. Say thank you for all the ways you function right now because the more you are aware of your body, the more you will avoid mistreating it.
A Fish Named Karen 
