Below is the URL to my published podcast at podbean.com:

http://slj09187.podbean.com/



The name of my piece is titled, Across the Road.
I hope you enjoy it.

When I created this blog, I also created the self-imposed challenge to find significance in the things that we see every day but don't always give our full undivided attention. This endeavor is my way of shining a light where often, there is only darkness.

Last week, nearing sunset, I came upon this amazing scene in a park close to where I live. It's a place where I often walk, bike, or sit in quiet repose in order to center myself and feed my creativity.

Seeing the trees' exact likenesses perfectly mirrored in the water of the facing pond made me smile. For even in nature, there is an opportunity to "take a look and see oneself." I pondered this thought for a while, wishing I had always taken time to look at my own reflection.

In the past, I have made hasty and wreckless judgments of others or have been quick to point fingers in the wrong direction without taking the time to assess my own shortcomings. This was done, not with mal-intent, but because I was too young, too stubborn, or too scared. Looking at my own reflection and paying close attention to how I contribute to my success or failure is how I continue to grow as an individual. I appreciate the view at the pond, not just for its beauty, but for reminding me about this invaluable lesson.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been seven years since our country sustained the worst terrorist attack it has ever seen. My precious children were babies then, just two and four years of age. As a mother, it was the first time I ever questioned my decision to bring them into the world. I wondered in those desperate moments, What have I done? What kind of future are they going to have? How can I protect them?

Whenever I see a cloud formation, I am whisked back to a time when my older brother Michael and I would spend our entire day playing outside.