Uphill idealist

Image found at Good Housekeeping.com The 'Five habits of the heart' are principals discussed in Parker Palmer's book - "A Hidden Wholeness." I'm in the process of working out how these principals can positively effect small group dynamics in communities - specifically church ministry. 1. An understanding that we are all in this together: We are dependent upon and accountable to one another. 2. Have an appreciation of the value of 'otherness': Hospitality affirms the many ways we can receive and learn from the stranger - allowing 'otherness' to enlarge and revitalize our lives. 3. Have the ability to hold tension in live-giving ways: the genius of the human heart lies in its capacity to hold tension in ways that energize and draw us forward, instead of tearing us apart. 4.Hold a sense of personal voice and agency: Educational and religious systems tend to teach us to be an audience to performance rather than participants in a drama - cr...

Image found at Carla's Blog. Over time which medium, do you think, has the most impact on the world: music, art or the written word? Please let me know your response to the question in comments. Be sure to add the why as to the reason you choose a specific medium. Feel free to add why a specific medium is particularly impressive to you.

If you would like to listen to some of my music, I've just updated my You Tube channel with a new EP "Home". If you need the link - here you go... Tara Lamont Eastman @ You Tube "Home"

Mosaic collage with paper fabric and glue. Home – by T.L.Eastman July 2011 The waters are choppy, no land in sight. The sky is dark, no stars tonight. The fog rolls in and won't go away, the light of dawn won't come this way. Home, rest, safe, true - is the place to travel to. Its water is deep, its grass is green. It's the place to stand - on this in-between. One part worry - one part doubt - two parts knowing that change has to come about. The coast is winding as if a hint to the route, if only that lighthouse were lit to suit. Waves are crashing their sound fills my ears. This letter travels faster through tears. One part worry - one part doubt - two parts knowing that change has to come about. There are steps that I need to take, vast as the ocean, this step of faith. Glimpses of guidance come from the deep - somehow this message needs to get from my head to my feet. Home, rest, safe, true - is the place to travel to. Its water is deep, its grass is green. It's the ...

View out the window of the Kirkridge Center. It matters to me what happens in this day, to the ones that I love - in every single way. What was the thing that made them smile, to ponder, to worry and linger their miles. How do they feel in the heat of their way, did their legs tremble, was it hard to delay? Where was the comfort, the wonder and fair; in the hours of labor in a world of cares. It matters to me what happens in this day, to the ones that I love. They are family, made or displayed -by more than what is made by connection through blood. T.L. Eastman July 2011

Entrance to Kirkridge from Columcille Megalith Park Cistern on the mountain, you reach so deep - past the clay and rubble to the fountain I seek. Your depths go further than my eyes could ever see. The digging to your source makes the mountain top green. This place that you come from is seated in the world below, with the hurry and bustle of the daily show. Without the well to reach it, the high place would not be. This thin place would be lost like the vapor of last night's dream. Cistern on the mountain, help me to see you everyday, in the streams and creeks that feed you - as you have fed me in this place. T.L. Eastman July 2011

Stone alter in center of Labyrinth connected to Kirkridge property. Journaling was a big activity for the circles of trust session last week at Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center. Somehow, I had two brand new journals waiting for me to use - in the trunk of my car. Some of those entries will end up here on this blog, but some I'm sure will stay safely tucked inside the pages of that newish red leather journal. Thanks for reading. I hope what you read here inspires you to pick up a pencil, or keyboard and write a little yourself - simply for the love of it. Peace, T PS. The meals and company were fantastic too!