Hands of Time. Ageless Perfection

Wait. When did that happen!!

Today as I sit in a serene setting in Northern California waiting for a Pedicure, I do what most of us do. I try the product and then stepped  outside to wait and drink my coffee.

Looking down at the hand that holds that cup. It happened

Wait when did that happen?My once youthful hands show signs of age, wear and tear. I begin to feel a bit sad and wonder where did they go. When did that happen. 

And then I thought. What a life they have had. 

These digits, as the youth of today call them,have had an adventurous life right along side me. 

They have held 4 beautiful babies,guided them on to their own path some 33 years later. The hands of little grand babies curled around my fingers filled with trust and love.They have worked on careers with me each and every day. They didn't disappoint when I needed them to cook or clean.They have wiped dirty faces and many tears. A lot of those my own.  

But most of all they held the hand of the man I love and married. Twice   

Same wonderful hands entwined twice.

So I guess that is when it happened.

Through much history,much love and laughter they have earned their age spots and thinning wrinkles.

So as I make my way to my Spa treatment, I stop, take another pump of the glittering bronzer and treat my hands to a little sparkle. 

They deserve it.  

And So it Happened 

This Lamp is a Love Story

'“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.”

― Anne Lamott

It sits in the window
catching a ray of light
glistening through its crystal cuts

It glows at night
watching and waiting
always illuminating
until you return safely

It is a long story- aren't they all!
Its travel began in Ireland in the town of Waterford
purchased by my very Irish Mother In Law and brought
to California to shine brightly in their stately home for many years.

Gifted to me after her passing- I cherished its history.
The stories it coud tell
The only place for it was in a corner window,
watching over our family as we grew, lived and changed

The Light was always on -
In good times it shone bright
In sad times, it was a beacon to bring love back through the door
The hope never dimming

Until
It was broken
Shattered and not to be lit again...
Both
The lamp that guided me and - and my heart.


But I wouldn't let my heart go dark- There was always a
glimmer of hope and love was going to win.

Fast forward to Christmas 2014 -
Dinner with the love of my life.
Love had healed wounds and returned.
Our hearts filled with  joy and contentment.

We sat in our favorite quiet cozy table with the snow falling softly.
Candles flickering and reflecting off our wine glasses.
Brian leaned over and  handed me a card and as I read it - I cried
Not out of sadness but pure joy
His love illuminated my heart - His gift illuminated my hope.

The gift:
He had found the exact lamp in Ireland 
The lamp would  once again be in the corner window -
Beaconing and lighting the way for our love to shine.
For future Kelly's to always be guided home to family

Oh The Stories this lamp will tell-
Now back where it belongs

My heart is full
Hope will always shine through when you believe in it enough

Always find your way home  We did..

Happy Valentines Day