:: Aham Prema ::

This timeless phrase expresses a feeling many of us have reached at least once in our lives... probably much more often than once. Simple, yet profoundly true, it reflects a shift in perspective - wisdom attained. We all learn as we go.  As we grow, we reflect back on past actions that could have had extremely different results if we had more experience at the time. Isn't it amazing how much more we can see in the same situation after a few lessons are under our belt? Imagine going back to a time in your life in which you were hesitant or unprepared and having the opportunity to relive it with all you are now. All those little steps we took led to our current foundations of wisdom. Had we not had all those realizations, we wouldn't be where we are at today. In light of this, we can be very thankful for all the small (and not so small) lessons along our paths. Recently having a birthday and going through many large life changes, it's been so interesti...

What beautiful memories, as I look back. Tears stream my face; those of joy over fond memories And those of sadness to the end of all things. I wanted to be your queen, you to be my king, Putting love above everything. Sharing our joys, challenges, and triumphs Helping each other make it through. An unbeatable team, me and you. Loving you is what I wanted to do. Could you really love me too? But somehow we didn’t have enough We couldn’t make it last. I tried my best, I gave it my all But I must have not been strong enough to avoid the fall. Here I am heartbroken, terribly missing you. All alone I don’t know what to do Besides get through the pain And pray for brighter days again. I know they’ll come, but maybe I don’t Want to let go... just yet…. I miss you baby! I feel soooo incredibly blue. by Danielle Crume © 2011

My boyfriend told me he wanted to volunteer on Christmas day.  I thought he was insane, "Why not volunteer any other day of the year?  Christmas is for family!" A few weeks later I watched my niece star in a Christmas play put on by her church.  I'm always moved when I see young kids in action, giving it their all, and doing their best.  Especially the kids that I love so dearly.  However, what was most touching about the play was a slideshow that was put on in the middle of it.  It showed people volunteering their time to help others.   All the sudden, it clicked.  I finally understood what my boyfriend wanted to do.  He wanted to be there for others on a day that it mattered a lot to them, a day that they may not have anyone else to turn to or may feel forgotten.  Suddenly, I felt a strong desire to volunteer on Christmas as well.  Although it's my favorite day of the year with my family, I wanted to give to those who are les...

The winter season officially begins with the solstice - which falls on Monday, December 21st 2009 at 3:38PM Pacific time this year.   The sun is up for the shortest time of the year on this day , making it our longest night of the year.  It marks a shift of seasons - from autumn to winter. The actual date changes each year, always falling between December 20 th and 23 rd in the Northern Hemisphere.  THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE The winter solstice has been widely celebrated since ancient times.  Actually considered Midwinter in many older calendar systems, or the middle of winter rather than the beginning,  this is the day that the sun is the farthest away from us that it will be all year.  It marks a key turning point - when the days begin to get longer again.  Its the midpoint of darkness in the annual cycle .  On this day we begin our journey out of the midst of the shadow and on to the other side.  Many of the anci...

Do you do it enough? =) by Danielle Crume © 2010

Once upon a time We were close friends. Nothing could separate us. How beautiful that was. Now, time has passed And things have changed, As they always do. I'm sitting here, missin' you. My dear buddy, I'll always treasure that time When nothing at all Came between you and I. by Danielle Crume © 2010

Been going through a lot of change lately.   Without it, things can get stale and boring.  Too much at once can feel overwhelming.  A steady balance of change is an ideal way to keep things moving and refreshing. However, right now is one of the times of extreme change for me.  New home, new work, new school for my son.... everything seems new. Some days it feels exciting.  Some days it feels excessive and stressful.  On the extra challenging days, I stop and think of what I have to be thankful for - which is a LOT!  I think back to the other times of great change I've been through (there have been MANY) and reflect on how well things always work out.  I feel better pretty quick. =) by Danielle Crume © 2010