I’m back.
If the cool 55 degree weather doesn’t communicate this to me, the solicitations and “compliments” (Hey are you married? You look my age! Will you be my girl?”) from a stranger do! And I hoped to God I didn’t look his age…..
Early this morning our plane made it in to Boston and we stumbled to our beds, our bleary airport eyes and bodies tired from travel. My dreams held the wonder of rest and sunshine, something I have enjoyed in abundance these past couple of days. My husband and I got away to a beautiful spot in Scottsdale, Arizona and spent four days hiking, swimming, sleeping, eating, enjoying. We can’t count how many times we looked at each other and exclaimed “just what the doctor ordered!”
And now I’m back, realizing yet again that there is no shortage of material to write about in early morning Boston. From strung-out young women to pot-smoking men; from Albanian fruit sellers to high-heeled business executives; from screaming homeless to sleep-deprived students to unwanted solicitations from inebriated men — every human condition and emotion is here.
And though every morning it’s a reality check, this morning just back from a place far removed from the chaos I feel it acutely. Because one of the things I realized as I’ve stepped away are my limitations in reaching into this world around me. What does life in the midst of this mean, what I am called to in the midst of my daily reality? I long to do more, to act more, to be more, to care more. But being away I am also reminded that all of this is way too big for me. I’m one person locked inside my own emotions and circumstances, sometimes aware, sometimes tragically (or blissfully) unaware. I am limited by time, fatigue, and apathy.
So this reality check means facing who I am and what I can or cannot do. Accepting my limitations and pressing on.
Fall is officially here and with it a new season. The question that looms in my heart, in my soul is how can I better reach into this world around me? How can I better nurture my soul so that I know how to respond to my world?
What about you? How do you accept your limitations while still reaching out to the world around you?
Blogger’s Note: The pictures give you a taste of my alternate reality the last couple of days – sheer bliss!
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Marilyn R. Gardner 
Hi Marilyn, I am so sad that I missed seeing you when you were here:( I don’t know why but I was thinking it was in October. I can’t begin to tell you how proud and amazed I am by you, you have such a sweet soul. Your a wealth of love and knowledge and I hope one day I can sit with you and enjoy wonderful conversation. Hugs Sandi
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Hi Sophia MariaLooks like you had lovely time. I couldn’t remember where you had gone and now I do!Your names day is coming up….Monday Sept 29th 4:30pm is a vespers and then I think we might go out to eat. Wanna come if we do? It would be with Vera, D Teo etc. also loveppaula
From: Communicating.Across.Boundaries To: ptishel@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 10:38 AM Subject: [New post] Accepting Limitations, Pressing On #yiv0690355715 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv0690355715 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv0690355715 a.yiv0690355715primaryactionlink:link, #yiv0690355715 a.yiv0690355715primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv0690355715 a.yiv0690355715primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv0690355715 a.yiv0690355715primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv0690355715 WordPress.com | Marilyn posted: “I’m back. If the cool 55 degree weather doesn’t communicate this to me, the solicitations and “compliments” (Hey are you married? You look my age! Will you be my girl?”) from a stranger do! And I hoped to God I didn’t look his age…..Early this m” | |
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I would love to come! It was a really good time away – and the final night some friends hosted a book reading/signing. So fun! Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.
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Marilyn,
it was wonderful seeing Cliff, you and all the other wonderful people. I am delighted to be the proud owner of your book and thank you for the loving dedication. Now I pray that your book will touch my sister’s heart, mind and soul.
Sei lieb gegruesst,
Petra und Jacqueline
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I LOVED seeing you so much Petra. It’s been way too long. And your Jacqueline is as beautiful as ever. So proud to know you two. I’ll be posting that piece I talked about next week. What are your feelings about me using your name in it? I’ve begun it by talking about our conversation but not using your name. Love you to Phoenix and back.
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I am looking forward to you posting the piece we discussed. Please only post my first name. Returning your love across any boundaries and back :-), Petra
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Such a great post! I have been thinking recently about how to help so many people and “fix” so many problems in our foster care system here in AZ. I love what you said “Accepting my limitations and pressing on”. At this time, when we do not have a child in our home, I feel like I must do something….write a letter, join a committee…..talk to anyone who will listen. Maybe it is a time to rest and re-evaluate. But I will press on.
love you Marilyn and loved seeing you and getting that hug.
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I am so glad we got that chance to talk Patti – I love you. And if anyone has the right to speak into the foster system you do. Maybe that’s where you’ll be used in the next few years. I press on with you! Will be connecting my niece to you via email! Love to you today.
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