Just thinking

                                                             

I was asked the question some time ago, "What do you get when you squeeze an orange?"  My answer, like most others I'm assuming, was, orange juice!, of course!  But after I heard the answer, it really got me thinking.   The answer to the question was not orange juice, it was, "Whatever is inside".  So here am I, once again, thinking about how this question relates to my life. 

When I'm squeezed, what's coming out of me? (ok Lisa, I know what you are thinking, but you're going down the wrong road here :)  My hearts desire is to emit a sweet scent like that of a crushed rose petal, not the bloated dead fish smell that permeates the air when you walk around a beautifully landscaped pond.  When I'm squeezed, I want to be able to stand with honor, even though there may be tears running down my cheeks.  To inspire and encourage others, though I may be going through the worst time I can remember.  To keep moving forward, even though it may just be at a shuffle. 

As I've gone through my seasons of squeezing lately, I cannot say I have done these things close to perfectly or even close to acceptable for that matter, but I do know one thing.  Each day is a new day, and a new chance to move closer to the beauty that I see myself becoming.  Each day I turn a new leaf and pray that I am becoming more than I imagine I can be, flying higher than I thought possible, and going further than I can dream. 

Hugs to each one of you,

Penny

                                                            

p.s.  What's the photo you ask?  That's my little bike I've been riding around town a lot lately.  My husband and I recently decided to sell our second vehicle and since I live within a quarter mile of my work and right next to the bike path that runs through town, we will be a single car family for a while until we feel led to get another vehicle.  I have gotten reacquainted with my old friend with two wheels and a fold out side cart.  I rode to the grocery this morning to pick up a few things and I felt like how I feel when I watch "The Sound of Music".  Inspired and full of life. 

Comments

[kristi]

what a great way to think about this particular thing: it definitely gives me pause and inspires me to smell "fresh squeezed" when life puts pressure on me instead of being stale. thanks for the thoughts.

and more and more every day i want a bike to ride around. i haven't had one since i was in high school i guess, but i have been missing that experience lately...

[elizabeth]

thought-provoking post! I'll be ruminating on that question tonight...

we just sold our 2nd vehicle too, and are planning on doing as much bike-commuting as possible when we get to Denver! we're still looking for housing, but we'll be out there (housing or none) by mid-august.

hope to meet you sometime after then!

[Marcia]

Thanks for such a good message today.

[LisaAlso]

Me? Going down the wrong path? Oh, how well you know me! *Sigh* And here I thought I was so unpredictable!

This is an interesting question you posed. I will have to think more on that.

In the meantime, your bike looks divine! I have never found a bike seat that was comfortable, and figured that I wasn't meant to balance my considerable weight on one spot on my crotch, but I wish I could. Of course, I would also need to live closer to town, which I have worked so hard NOT to do!

[amy]

such a wonderful post. i have been thinking along these lines lately. being inspiring and encouraging...what great things to strive for!

[Stacey]

Oh I love the Sound of Music! That is a great commitment you have made...I wish things in our area were closer so we could do something similiar.

[Thimbleanna]

Well first, I love your new ironing board cover. And what a lovely post here -- very thoughtful. I love your bike and I so envy you -- I'd LOVE to live close enough to work to ride my bike everyday -- you lucky girl!

[jenn]

Hi Penny,
This is a thougtful post! As we experience our lives and all that that brings upon us it is important to remember each day IS a new day. We might not know the why's but we do grow from each experience. I have no doubt you will grow to be the person you see yourself to be. I know you are a joy and comfort to many people no matter what else is going on! I just feel that way!
Take care! Congrats on the one car & more bike thing! That's good!
jenn

[Beth]

I was blogging around and came across your lovely blog. I just love this post it meant so much to me because I have been getting squeezed alot lately too. Just wanted to say Thank you for making me feel better. Your so talented too. I have you in my favorites, stop by my place sometimes.
Have a wonderful week-end!
xoxooxox

[Jordy]

Hola Penny, I Love this post, it made me thought.... and you know, I've think about this my self, just a few months ago I thought I would love to be an energy-light-radiating person, somebody that make you feel happy to see. but this past day I've been squeezed a lot and reading this post and imaging the scent remind me of this first thought. Thank You!!!

I also wanted to tell you that I' opening the restaurant this weekend.. we had a lot of work to do,I'm excite but I haven't been able to do any crafts this days.

Kisses, Jordy

[Dursteler Diary]

Thanks for this post, I just posted it to my blog because it was so meaningful. I'm getting divorced and squeezed and it was a great reminder that I will put out whatever I keep in.

Thanks,
nikole