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Past Musings

Previously known as TransitioningMom.com

Insider’s Guide to the Injured Brain

The new workbook for brain injury survivors and their support

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A glimpse into my life

Captured: A Tale in Five Photos There is something mesmerizing about the small churches and the magnificent cathedrals of Europe. Regardless of gradeur, the reverence is palpable before I ever step foot inside. Small churches stand humble, sometimes off the beaten path in the smaller towns, while the plazas around cathedrals bustle with locals and visitors alike. In both, stained glass windows come alive when sunlight streams through.Though I always try, I've never once been able to capture their full beauty in a photo. So, I usually find myself just standing before the grand windows, studying the stories captured in the boldly colored panes of glass. I think that was the artisan's point--be still and reflect, don't just snap a picture. I am always in awe of the architectural feats of the cathedrals and the splendor of the artwork within. However, it is within the walls of the smaller churches I feel my heartbeat and steps slow as my eyes capture the details of the life and history of a community who worship together in a centuries old building. Perhaps, it is the lack of tourist traffic that offers me the chance to connect with the sacredness of it all. Like all of the grand cathedrals in #Europe, the #Màlaga Cathedral is truly breathtaking. But, it is more. Yes, there are tourists and a gift shop, massive marble columns and an ornate organ. But, there is an unexpected humility captured within the walls. I felt it when I entered. I found it when I looked away from the splendor and focused on the simplicity. In the transept stands a row of pews. Simple in design, the wood is smooth and polished by thousands of hands over the many decades or centuries they've stood. In the shadow of gilded pillars and masterful art, my eyes kept returning to the rustic benches. I noticed the squared nail heads and imperfect hand carving. These pews hold the stories of the people who have and still do worship at the #MàlagaCathedral as their home parish.They've captured sorrows and joys.They echo laughter and the tears fallen on the rutted stone floor. The wood of the backs has worn through from hands gripping in prayer. Captured is a rich history. #travel #wanderlust

Rhythms: A Tale in Ten Photos My husband and I grew up in neighboring towns not far from the ocean. It's where we spent a great deal of our time in the almost 8 years we had together before our first daughter was born. We spent countless hours just watching the waves roll in and out, listening to the rhythmic crashes on the shore and feeling our stresses melt as the water roared back out sea. Though we love Colorado, our adopted home of 19 years, we both greatly miss the ocean. Before we moved to Colorado, I remember sitting on a bench near the lighthouse. My children played with my husband nearby while I watched the sun bounce off the waves. I wanted to burn that image into my memory. I needed to sync my heartbeat to the rhythm of the waves. I carved out a piece of my being to store the sights and smells and sounds that felt like home. Last week, as I explored Costa del Sol with my daughter and friends, I found myself escaping to that place in my mind and heart--the place that feels at home. I was drawn in by the sound of the waves, the screech of the sea birds, the saltiness on my lips, the breeze on my face, and the sand between my fingers as I plucked shells from the shore. Since I've been home, the towns of Nerja, Frigiliana, Fuengirola, and Màlaga keep calling to me, beckoning me to return. I've yet to fully return to the old rhythm of my days, the one dictated by schedules. I'm in no hurry to get back to reality. Travel changes people. That's one of its best gifts. You carry those changes with you. The ocean has the power to change small shells and entire landscapes. It can also change the rhythm of a heartbeat. It does mine every time I'm near. #travel #traveladventures #worldtraveler #traveltheworld #wanderlust #andalusia #spain

Reentry: A Tale in Six Photos Tonight, I will sleep in my own bed. In the morning I will return to my routine. Routines are both under and over-rated. Routines often give us stability. But, shaking up the routine can bring growth and memories. This past weekend brought both. In my heart, I will carry the sweet memories of: the random discovery of a nearby gluten-free bakery, laughter over drinks, an unexpected snowfall, a lazy afternoon of sharing dreams, talking next chapters, and watching HGTV, watching the planes come and go while eating breakfast at our local small airport, a random sign of inspiration. We were less than ten miles from home, but it felt no less than a million miles from reality. Tonight, I begin my reentry. Tomorrow, I return to routine, but my heart and spirit remain stretched and, for that, I am so very grateful. #Colorado #Coloradoliving #staycation #marriage #dream #dreamchaser #Emerson

ReclaimingMary

ReclaimingMary

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Previously known as TransitioningMom.com