And Then She Was Gone

She came into my life,
from out of nowhere one night,
Unexpected....
and my life suddenly had meaning.

She took me from my feet and into the clouds.

I flew along with her, sometimes barely holding onto the tips of her wings....
but I held on for almost 40 years.

Now she flies alone, in the sky...where she always belonged.

And I am alone again.

Joyce Ann Dudley Grawet
My best friend and the love of my life, my soul mate.
1951 - April 21, 2012

Then and Now!

 The photo on the left was taken in March of 1972.  The one the right; 2012.  One on the way to Hawaii for the very first time (I was there for two years; 1972 - 74), the other while visiting in 2011.

Not long after the first photo, I married Joyce ...who took the second photo last fall. 

At the age of 11, Joyce was told that she had Type One Diabetes; the worst one.  At that young age, she was told she might not live past the age of 30.  She was the wildest woman I'd every met, when I first met her in the fall of 1969, as an 18 year old, soon after my return from Viet Nam.  She figured she might as well go all out, since she wasn't going to make it anyway.  Whew!

After the birth of our only child, she began to focus on staying alive.....

Joyce was at the forefront of many medical and pharmaceutical developments that gave her the ability to continue to live a happy life.  The early days of diabetes was much more difficult to manage than now; with the intricate measuring devices today that can tell instantly when the blood sugar is going up or down. 

She was the recipient of a Kidney/Pancreas transplant in 1991; the 26th ever at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. 

We have met another hurdle in the last few weeks....just today; it was confirmed that she has some kind of mass at the base of her skull and in the upper lobe of her left lung....maybe in her vertebrae also.  Next steps are a CT Scan of the chest and a biopsy.

Life is full of challenges.

May your challenges be met with a solid defense and an active offense!

Don't forget to dance!

Flow with the River!

It is important to understand that life will lead you where you need to go, if you let it.

Sometimes there are curves along the way.

Always you will find the right way forward by just flowing with the river!

The sky may be cloudy; but there's always a hole in the sky!

Seek your own 'hole in the sky'

Never accept the clouds attempt to make your day

all grey!

Always seek the positive side

and you will find your own hole in the sky!

Imagine - A world where every human being had what they need to enjoy a happy and full life!

Flow with the river!

It flows to the sea,

Flow with the river

It brings thee to me!

Imagine - Young children growing up in a world full of hope!

Imagine a world without fear!

Imagine - Living in a world without greed.......

Imagine there was no more pain and suffering in the world!

Imagine

there was no suffering or pain in the world,

and all the people on earth could live in peace,

and everyone had all the food they needed, but not too much,

and there were no people without a home to live in,

and there was  no sickness,

Believe it can happen!



Imagine - your day is full of blue sky, warm sun, and beautiful friends!

Imagine a politician actually standing up for the majority!

Imagine......imagine whatever you wish today!

I wish for a nice dinner with my daughter and her mate that will include for the first time, her mate's mom and step-dad.

Imagine if all humans loved our mother earth more than our wealth!

Imagine - Peace in the whole world! - from Emmy S.

Imagine that all sick people in the entire world - were suddenly healed and ready to live life to its fullest once again!

What would you like me to imagine? 

Imagine you could change the world for the better - You can, you know!

See the photo on the right side of the open palm hands.....as it says..."Happiness is in the palm of your hands."

Imagine.....

Imagine only positive things happening....all negative things have run their course and have ended.

Imagine there were no greedy or evil people in the world!

Imagine - we all had the love of someone!

Imagine - You loved something so much, that you could only express it in a song!

The fourth song of the playlist is a song called; "I will follow you" by Death Cab for Cutie....if this isn't one of the greatest love songs ever....I don't know what is.  It makes me cry.

Imagine if there were no politicians or misguided religious leaders!

Say a prayer for the people of Japan after the massive earthquake and tsunami.

Let us all pray for those who have lost loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods in Japan as the result of this enormous earthquake and tsunami.

May all love surround them as they begin to move forward from this devastating act of nature!

"Record-breaking Picasso goes on show in Britain" Reuters

I believe that this painting is INCREDIBLE.  A stroke of genius!  A Masterpiece!  BUT isn't this an amazing demonstration of how out of balance the economy has become - rich vs. poor.  This piece sold for more than $100Million last year!  Whoever had that much money must have had even more to be able to afford such a purchase.  Paying more for this painting than the amount it would take to feed entire cities for a year?  Sounds like the wealth ratios of the medieval times!


Sun Mar 6, 7:11 pm ET
LONDON (Reuters) – The most expensive painting to be sold at auction, Pablo Picasso's "Nude, Green Leaves and Bust," goes on public display in Britain for the first time on Monday at the Tate Modern gallery in London.
The 1932 work, which sold for $106.5 million at Christie's in New York last year, has been lent to the Tate galleries from a private collection and will be on display in a new Pablo Picasso room in the Poetry and Dream section.
"Nude, Green Leaves and Bust is one of the sequence of paintings of Picasso's muse, Marie-Therese Walter, made by the artist at Boisgeloup, Normandy, in the early months of 1932," said Nicholas Serota, the Tate's director.
"They are widely regarded as amongst his greatest achievements of the inter-war period."
Picasso first encountered Walter in 1927, but their relationship had to remain secret from his wife, Olga.
According to the Tate, it was only in 1931-2 that he began to make sculptures and paintings in which the manipulation of Walter's body was explicit and eroticised.
Although Picasso had long disguised his affair with Walter, Nude, Green Leaves and Bust was among the works which openly charted the lovers' obsession with each other.
Before it was sold in May, the work had been in the collection of L.A.-based collectors Sidney and Frances Brody for almost six decades.
They acquired the work in 1951 from Paul Rosenberg & Co., Paris and New York who in turn had acquired it from the artist in 1936. During that period it was exhibited publicly only once, in 1961, to commemorate Picasso's 80th birthday.
(Reporting by Mike Collett-White, editing by Paul Casciato)

Happy Valentine's Day from member Ning

Ning Mingkong • Dear Mr. Robert Grawet,
Thanks for your letter and beautiful wishes. I checked out your website and
found that it is very interesting and I enjoyed skimming through it, great
work ;-) Since I am writing this on the Valentines day, here is my wish for
you;

 




Valentine's Day is a day
Meant for sharing.
A day for giving,
For loving and caring.

Wishing You
The nicest things
That life can bring your way,
And that's not just
A Valentine Wish
It's meant for every day!

May Buddah and all the holy spirits bless all of the friends of Buddah, you and your love ones always.
Ning

Dancing in the dark or any other time.....

Dancing in the dark; or any other time is good for the soul!

Tonight I had to dance by myself in my front driveway in the dark.  It was my only opportunity....and it was worth it!

Walking.......

A person who walks with his LEG reaches his DESTINATION but a person who walks with his BRAIN reaches his DESTINY...

It's 2011 - and there is a light at the end of your tunnel!

Look forward down the road and you will see....there is a light in everyone's tunnel.  You must continue on your path toward the light.

A little humour along the way also will help you reach the light.

Best wishes for 2011!

Blue Sky, smiling at me....nothing but blue sky, do I see.......

Here it is, almost January 2011!  This time of year in the U.S. is normally quiet and a wonderful time to catch your breath.  Rarely is it a blue sky with calm seas at this time of year.

Today was one of 'THOSE' days!  I finished my morning work and decided to take my walk while the sun was shining.  When you live in Washington State - you need to take advantage of the sun when its around.

I decided to 'flow with the river' of life.  I believe I was on earth today in order to go outside and walk down by the bay.  It is a rare December day when you fully need your sunglasses, and today was that day. 

I wish you all who read this; to have the same kind of day - wherever you live and whatever you do.  It is so important to remember to go outside and enjoy the beauty of nature!

My walks each day to the new park on West Bay Drive - Olympia, Washington

As summer moves to fall and eventually to winter; my walks take on a new type of joy. 

A morning walk in the summer sun is always amazing!  Often there are birds, sometime seals, and other animals as I walk down the big hill from my house in West Olympia to Budd Inlet.

However, one of my favorite things is to be all bundled in the perfect outdoor clothes; shielded from rain, wind, fog, and cold; and breathing in the beautiful clean and moist air.

Often I feel even more excitement when my walk is a test of my will against the weather.  I always win!  Life is good.  Go with the river.  Go with the flow!

What would you think if I sang out of tune?

Would you stand up and walk out on me? 
Lend me your ear and I'll sing you a song;
and I'll try not to sign out of key..........
I get by with a little help from my friends...

Summer is almost here! Enjoy nature. Take a long walk outside and make your life more complete!

There is joy in every breath of fresh air!  Reward yourself by getting outside every day.  It is the best medicine for anyone at any age.

Envy

Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.   Buddha

May you stay forever young!

Greed, unwholesome anger, and delusion are roots of unwholesome karma.

Greed, unwholesome anger, and delusion are roots of unwholesome karma. - Buddha

Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.

Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care. - Buddha...

As I spend another afternoon on the deck overlooking Budd Inlet......

I invite you to find your own place of peace each day.

I am now somewhere around 8 months into my 'new walking period'.  I began a daily walk (95% of days) that is about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total.  At the turn around place on my walk is a parking lot (soon to be park) overlooking Budd Inlet in Olympia, Washington.

At the edge of the parking lot; overlooking the bay and a creek; that almost no one knows exists (except the neighborhood folks); someone paid to have a small deck built.  (Thank you to whoever you are).  I began to use this deck for my daily stretching and exercises.  It is now the most common place that I visit outside of my home, as I am there almost every day.

I have experienced all weather types while on this deck, except for extreme cold.  I've been on it when it was 27 degrees.  Now it is coming into spring's full glory!

It is my second favorite place on earth.

I have seen so much while I stand there by myself on that deck.  I've seen a bald eagle as close as 50 yards away sitting on an old dock post in a driving rainstorm just as happily as could be.  I've seen the beginning of the mating season of many waterfowl.  I've seen the tide come in and go out....the birds picking up their oysters and then flying up 50 ft....dropping them to the ground to break them open, and then going immediately down to eat their treat.

I've watched as they loaded the cargo ships across the bay at the ocean terminal....and seen beautiful sunsets as sail boats coasted across the water back and forth tacking with the wind.....I've seen snow, rain, sleet, hail, wind, and amazing beautiful sunsets....and I've seen so many colors in the water that it is impossible to describe.

Buffle Heads ducks are dominant bird in the bay where I go; but there are also Goldeneye, Mallards, Canadian Geese, Kingfisher, Cormorant,  many Seagull types, Crows, Robins, and an occasional deer or red fox on the shore.

An aside; as I'm writing this part, the song; "Sunshine on my Shoulders", by John Denver is playing from the player on this site.  What song is playing while you're reading here?  What a beautiful song, especially this morning as I sit in my temporary 'dining room' office working.  (I'm taking a break right now).

My walk and this 'deck' that I go to each day are my retreat from the stress of the world.  I try my very best to not take any stress with me when I go for my walk and then up on that deck.  I leave it alone, back at the house for that 1 1/4 hour each day.

I suggest that everyone should have their own walk and 'deck on the bay'....and go there at least for one hour each day.  You will find peace and inner strength there.  This I know from my own experience.  Thanks for the inspiration brother Ken Grawet.

Go with peace and happiness!  May the longtime sun shine upon you!

Balance for all humans.

While we are struggling with the results of the destructive side of capitalism which has caused these current difficulties; let us not forget that life is about balance. Balance for all humans....A great country does not succeed by leaving its people without the means to fulfill their hopes and dreams!

I stood so close to a Bald Eagle Tuesday afternoon!

As you know by now; I go for a walk outside nearly every day.  I'm always amazed because something spectacular happens each and every time.  Sometimes its a sailboat tacking across the bay with the sunset in the sky; but some days are even more amazing than the rest.

This last Tuesday it was raining.....actually quite hard and very steady.  I had my rain hat and a very good windbreaker on, but was wishing I had my full rain top on with hood.  As I walked up to the deck on the bay to do my daily stretches and exercises, I noticed a bald eagle sitting about eye level high out in the bay; about 100 yards from me at most.  So magnificent.  I decided to not go up on the deck because it seemed like I would be intruding on this awesome bird's space if I did.  It was in command of the area, and I did not wish to change the balance.  The rain was coming down in a downpour, but the eagle just sat there as if it was watching the surf roll in at a beach in LaJolla; so calm, no reflection of the rain pouring down.

What an amazing day....hope you have something so beautiful come to your life this week or soon!

By the way;  There is a webcam where you can watch an eagle's nest on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.  The eagle pair has just produced an egg.  Last year, we watched from just after hatch until they were quite big.  You want to watch it at times early or late in the afternoon, as during the day the parents are regularly gone fishing.  Here is the site:  http://www.hancockwildlife.org/staticpages/index.php/20090302200021473

Warm wishes for those who suffer around the world!

I pray for an end to suffering for all those who are currently being affected by one form of disaster after another!
May you find warmth, comfort, and family health for all you love!

Earth Balance Planet Heal!

Earth Balance Planet Heal.

This represents the kind of respect for mother earth that we all need to carry with us each and every day.

As an example, bend down and pick up some garbage that you pass as you walk along in life, and put it in the nearest trash bin.

Every little bit helps!








Peace to you all!      Warmth to you all!      Love to you all!

Massive Quake strikes in Chili! Send your warm thoughts and cold cash to help them out!

Massive 8.8 scale Earthquake strikes in Chili!  Our hearts and warm thoughts are for the people of Chili and all people around the globe who may be affected by this terrible disaster.

Start anew!

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Peace to the friends of Buddha from China and around the world as the Year of the Tiger approaches!

If you click on the picture above it will explode to full size, so you can read it.   

February 14th brings in "The Year of the Tiger".  May peace, warmth, love, and great family joy be your gift from me to all of you as you celebrate this wonderful occasion.

As I did my exercises late today by the bay; a seaplane came in and landed.

I looked up to hear the roar of a seaplane coming in for a landing.  Since I was a boy, I've always been extremely fascinated by seaplanes.  I still harbor a strong desire to learn to fly one....maybe I will!

It was such a spectacular site!  There I was; all by myself...doing my workout....feeling great out in nature...and along came this plane.  It was the 'icing on the cake' as they say.

May you have such beauty in your life every day!

Say a prayer, and send some funds to Haiti! - Here is one way.

 Here's one of the place you can donate; there are many more;
http://www.mercycorps.org/?source=19000&gclid=COvPjq_mq58CFQjxDAodE3p50g

May the people in Haiti find comfort, warmth, love, and sustenance to keep them alive and help them rebuild a new life!  May all who read this find compassion in their heart and make some small donation.

What's Goin On?

Marvin Gaye said it in 1971......1971!!!!!  How could it be that all these years later; his words are even more appropriate then they were then?

Marvin - Rest in Peace!

May no one suffer pain!

Sent from an acquaintance:


Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu
Ma Kashchit Dukha Manuyat.

MEANING:
Oh Lord in Thee may all be Happy,
May all be Free from Misrey,
May all Realise Goodness,
and may no one suffer Pain.
01/01/2010

Would it be possible to say how much you love someone any more poignantly than in "I will follow you?"

Love is hard to describe exactly; however it can be said in actions much more powerfully than in words.  "I will follow you into the dark..."  by Death Cab for Cutie....I just don't think you could make it more clear! 

May you be blessed with Love, Peace, Joy, Warmth, happiness to the depths of your soul.......!