“Echoes of Time: A Journey Through Remembered Moments”

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“I remember…”

Two words that can stretch out to so many more words if one sat down to really dig deep and allow your mind to wander.

Before I sat down in my comfy chair to write, I took a trip down memory lane, viewing all the thousands and thousands of colorful photos I have stored on my phone and also in the many large family photo albums that line the shelves tucked down beneath the darkened stairwell, hardly touched in a long long while.

“In the quiet corridors of reminiscence, we find the echoes of our journey–a mosaic of joy, tears, and the unspoken beauty of what once was.”

As I begin a course in writing, one of the first exercises is to write a list of phrases beginning with the words “I remember….” and see what the subconscious mind brings forth. I decided to pull a few photos out of the vault, that sparked those memories alive.

“Grandchildren fill the spaces in our hearts that we never knew were empty.”

“I remember…” those many fun filled moments with my first grandson, where he took me to a place of “Nothing Matters!’ so very often. He taught me that within each and everyone of us, there’s a kid that needs to come out and play, each and every day. From colorful masks, to batman and clown costumes, colorful Lego and tumbling building blocks, you name it, we explored it all. This, I remember well.

“The Power of Unity and Strength.”

“I remember…” the magnificent beauty of our thoroughbred horses when they were harnessed and hooked to the nostalgic chuckwagon, so eagerly heading off to the races. Four mighty hearts beating in unison, their finely trimmed hooves echoing the symphony of strength, each embodying a powerful force that moves not just a wagon, but the very spirit of teamwork and unity. This, I remember well.

“As the wheel of time spins, the bond between a son and his mom rides through life’s journey—unwavering, adventurous and always in the wind of love”

“I remember…” the immense apprehensive feeling I felt, the first time I learned from my son, of his purchase of a shiny new silver, Harley Davidson motorcycle. Although this momma raised her kids and released them to fly from the nest freely and live their ingrained vivid dreams, there always will lie within her, a concern for their utmost safety wherever their travels do take them.

“I remember…” the day my son, so excited to head on out, with an eager sense of freedom to drive the open highways with his longtime friend Tim. With his saddle bags tightly packed upon his lustrous iconic and powerful machine, the world was his oyster, awaiting to secure experiences they would forever carry to their graves, with no regret left behind.

“I remember…” the deep, throaty growl of his Harley’s engine when it came to life, as he gripped the wide handlebars, assumed a comfortable riding stance, clicked it into gear, and drove down the long paved driveway, ever so slowly. With a tear in his momma’s eyes, and a wave to say goodbye, the renowned distinctive sound gradually diminished slowly and faded until a deafening silence remained. This, I remember well.

“Guiding hand, heart full of love. Fatherhoods’ tender embrace.”

“I remember…” the warm sandy beach, the welcoming waves, and the much needed sunshine that keeps ones spirit alive. As I sat and enjoyed the breathtaking beach of Costa Rica, my eyes gazed upon the people as they walked by. I couldn’t help but notice the youthful father and his petite little daughter, with her tiny delicate little hand tucked up safely in his sizeable palm. The bond between a father and his daughter shone brightly that day. This, I remember well.

Savoring the rich notes of the last red wine, a toast to cherished moments and the timeless bond between father and daughter.
“From our last shared moment to the final farewell—capturing the bittersweet beauty of love that transcends lifetimes.”

“I remember…” the final, last special day with my father. The horses had been fed and watered, our friends, fans and family had arrived to celebrate our last hurrah. Together, with my ailing father, we sat and sipped on a glass of sweet red wine, watched the rambunctious kids run on by giggling, laughing and playing, all the while just enjoying being in each others presence. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the time had come to say our goodbyes, and deep within my heart, I knew that I knew, it would be my last. I just knew. With a hug and a kiss, and a wave goodby, he was gone. Only to come to know, that 5 short weeks later, the man that I had come to know as my father, had received his angelic wings and the soft whisper of the creator beckoned him home. This, I remember well.

“Those many enjoyous days in the barn at the Calgary Stampede barns.”
“Capturing heartfel moments from the Chuckwagon Trail.”
“Together we are two different people, with two different paths.”

“I remember…” and hold so many glorious memories of my time at the renowned Calgary Stampede over the past 30 something years with my family. Each recollection is a portal to a moment once lived, some so vivid and vibrant, others soft and bittersweet. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” July 2018 would be one I would never forget. With a plethora of mixed emotions from, wild excitement, to apprehension, sadness and joy, I allowed myself to feel them all. The Stampede would be our families last, as retirement had been our decision. On the second day in, the news of my father had arrived, that he departed this earthly plane. With interviews of expressing the lifespan of holding the title of a Chuckwagon wife, to voicing the escalated emotions of parting ways with our equine companions, and closing that big ol barn door one last time, of the life that molded me into who I was, this I remember well.

“The Perfect Christmas Card Photo.”

“I remember…” one of the last Christmas gatherings we had together as a family. I was that Christmas card creator that loved to hand write that special family letter, insert that most current photo, excited to mail to loved ones abroad, each and every year. We came together to attempt to capture that one special photo, with all eyes opened and everyone looking towards that Nikon camera lens. Well, that didn’t happen. What we captured, was the most PERFECT Christmas Card photo ever! To my regret, I failed to get that card written that particular year and the photo remains within my archives of plentiful family fond memories. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the vibrant autumn leaves, with the crisp rustle beneath our feet, as my grandchildren and I, danced and played among the golden fiery hues of leaves swirling all around us. Only to lie down and gaze up into the big bright beautiful blue sky. This, I remember well.

“I remember…” the fragrant lilac blossoms with their delicate clusters of small, tubular flowers, displaying hues of pale lavender, when my sweet young grandboys picked the branches so carefully and presented them to me. The mounting excitement within each of them, of giving a gift so beautiful in nature, warmed my heart to its fullest. This, I remember well.

“Bathing in the enchanting glow of moonlight, a night filled with celestial whispers, silver dreams, and I remembers.”

“I remember…” this crisp winter night so well. With the easterly radiant moonlit night sky, casting a serene glow that turned the daylight into darkness, painting a canvas of silver brilliance. I stood so very still for quite some time, bathing in the enchanting glow of the moonlight, with the twinkling stars above embracing the tranquility of quietude. This night was filled with celestial whispers and silver dreams. Wondering and pondering, what my next chapter in life will be like. This, I remember well.

Won’t you take time to remember?

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Remember the whispers of yesterday, the laughter etched in time, and the silent promises of moments that still echo within the heart.”

Thank you for reading and do feel free to share I would appreciate that so very much. And if you would like to support my writings and photography, please click on the coffee cup link, and treat me to a cup of coffee— for this I am so very grateful.

The Uncharted Path: Confronting Information Overload and Finding Direction

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My head is swimming! It’s swimming with an overload of information of what to do, how to do it, who can help me, what to listen to, can I do it, what are people going to think of me, is my decision the right decision, do I start when everything is perfectly ready (which it never will be, mind you).

What if I fail, yet what if someone’s life changes for the good, because of what I’ve put out there to the whole wide world? UGH!!!

“Swirling thoughts within the snowstorm.”

Do you ever have these inner thoughts swirling around like a tornado in your head, such as these? Many of us do, and what happens, is we tend to do absolutely nothing about them. Only for the simple reason, is we get overwhelmed and we just don’t know where to start.

We often sit in a state of confusion of not knowing where to begin. But let me tell you, just taking one little step, in one direction, or choosing one little task is the beginning of what could be the biggest step you’ve ever taken in your life.

Take that first step, even if you need a helping hand to get started.
“Take that first step, even if you need a helping hand to get started.“

This past Sunday, was a “down” day for me. Very low key, pondering my life, and just being present within. We all have those days. Then on Monday, I got another surge of spunk in my step, and an urge to get going, with all of my many irons that are in the fire. 

I listen to many, many podcasts, informational Youtube Channels, read exceptionally well authored self-help books, sit in meditation and collaborate with others upon ideas that may have an astronomical effect on my life moving forward. For all these things, I am truly grateful.

"In the stillness, comes profound awareness, a tranquill space where the whispers of our innermost thoughts are heard, and the essense of our being becomes clear."
“In the stillness comes a profound awareness, a tranquil space where the whispers of our innermost thoughts are heard, and the essence of our being becomes clear.”

One of my most favorite, highly regarded motivational speakers and philosophers, to whom I have been immersed into his content lately, is the late Jim Rohn, a farm boy who grew up in the state of Idaho. Many of Jim’s heartfelt teachings are such an inspiration to me in my day to day living. Many of his notable insights of life, have truly assisted me in my journey these past two years and continue to do so.

I would like to share with you, some of Jim’s most highly repeated content quotes that I lean on often.

  1. “Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.
  2. “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.”
  3. “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”
  4. “The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.”
  5. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
  6. “Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high.”
  7. “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.”
  8. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
  9. “Success is doing ordianry things extraodianarily well.”
  10. “Don’t let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action.”

Jim Rohn’s teachings often emphasize personal development, the importance of mindset, and taking responsibility of one’s life with continual learning.  We only have one life to live, so we better make it the best one we can imagine.

Are you ready to take that first step? Life is awaiting.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well, to be aware, to feel deeply, and to live fully in each moment.” Sue Fraser

Thank you for reading and do feel free to share and if you would like to support my writings and photography, please click on the coffee cup link to the right and treat me to a coffee-it really does help.

So Very Grateful

Unveiling the Uncharted: Navigating Life’s Unconventional Paths and Igniting Your Inner Spark

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When you look out to the horizon of your journey in life, many see a path of routine and predictability. It’s a path that is hugely driven by many people. Yet there is a road that is less trodden, that is barely visible by the overwhelming or uncomfortableness and insecurities within us.

What if you are at a fork in the road of life, and you come to a full stop. You turn around and you look back over the days, the months, the years of what you’ve done, what you’ve accomplished, yet you also see the fading dreams of the many things your heart desired to do, but never had the courage to do it. You ponder all that comes to mind. Then it is time to move forward, and make a choice as to which road moving forward you will take.

Will you continue to walk in the path of routine? Or do you feel deep down in your soul, that it is time to stand out and weave your new path, regardless of the uncertainty of what lies ahead. All that you know is that there is a spark deep within you that has wanted to ignite into a burning inferno, to let the world know who you truly are for some time now. You were just afraid, and insecure to take that first step.

To stand out, and weave your own path can be intimidating and challenging, being in fear of judgment of another. Being in fear of the unknown. Fear no more. The unknown is the path of possibility.  

It’s’ time to ignite that inner spark that explodes into an amazing colorful fireworks display, over and over and over again. Take that road less travelled. Pave your way to a new beginning. Breathe fire into your true authenticity. Be distinctive in your journey. The world is awaiting your rebirth to who you truly are and what it is you were placed on this earth for. It’s never to late, and your never to old.

A rare gem isn’t noticed, until it is polished and shined to reveal its true sparkling beauty.

Surround yourself with people who see your potential. Who will challenge you and make your thoughts and dreams dance in the realness of what could be. Not what you are, but what you can become.

They will be your cheerleader’s along the way. They will also be there sitting in the mud with you when the tough gets going, and the going gets tough, and you have thoughts of quitting, but they won’t allow you too.

Your new journey to stand out in the world, doesn’t require monumental leaps. It only needs consistent purposeful steps.

Your life begins with a possibility that begins with you, with your choice to embrace your uniqueness. To flourish like a colorful spring flower in bloom.

Carry with you the understanding that to stand out, is not to be seen, but to be felt, to leave an imprint on the world that whispers:

“I was here. I mattered. I made a difference.”

Be unapologetic of who you are. There is only one of you. And you are special.

There is a song to sing within all of us, just waiting to be sung. A melody of our distinct thoughts, dreams and ideas. To stand out, you must find the courage to sing your solo, even at the times when you want to blend in with the chorus.

Just know, your song doesn’t need to sound like anyone else’s. It’s your tune and yours alone.

Won’t you begin to sing your song today? All the while, walking the path less traveled?

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. When we step into the unknown, the endless possibilities of life surround us. It is then, and only then that we realize the changes we can make within ourselves. 

Sue Fraser

Just a little side note:

As my life continues to unfold, as a single lady, I love to write my thoughts from the voice within on this blogging platform. Firstly in a form of therapy for me, and secondly, that I may assist someone else in their journey of life.

I have added a feature that supports me in a nominal way from you, the audience. It’s called “Buy me a Coffee.” The coffee cup logo is located in the bottom right hand corner of my blog.

It’s a simple and friendly way for fans to express appreciation by contributing the cost of a virtual coffee. This voluntary gesture assists creators such as me to sustain my work and continue to produce the content I share, that the reader enjoys.

I like to think of it as you and I, sitting down at your table, sharing my thoughts from within….while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

So if you feel up to joining me from my “Thoughts from the Voice Within”, and that hot cup of coffee, I would be so ever grateful.

“Embracing Ephemeral Rain: A Journey Through the Healing Power of Tears”

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Tears, they are a myriad of several types of emotions that occur throughout the lives of us all. Not one person on this earth, is exempt from tears flowing from their eyes at one time or another. To allow the wet salty tears to flow freely from the soul can feel so abundantly amazing and freeing of matters that lie deep within.

Whether the cause is sincere joy, the kind that fills your heart to the brim, and spills over in tears of happiness, overwhelming sadness and grief, physical pain, or empathy for another, we all feel it throughout our lives…some more than others.

As a baby is birthed from a mother’s womb, the tears begin to flow. Not only do the tears flow from the new born beautiful baby, but by the parents who co-created the tiny little infant. Tears of joy, of a miracle so perfectly formed, overflows like an erupting volcano of hot boiling lava. Emotions also run high, as the wee one is gracefully and lovingly held by the aging proud relatives.

Tears are those silent storytellers to which speak volumes about the kaleidoscope of a life. When the tears cascade down the cheeks, they are not just droplets as the water in a vast clear cold lake, they are the manifestation of feelings too profound for words at times.

Conversely, tears born of sorrow are a poignant symphony of grief. Each droplet carries the weight of unspoken pain, a release that brings solace in acknowledging the depth of one’s emotions, as difficult as it is. Tears born of heartache can flow as if they will never cease. These tears become like a soft cleansing rain, washing away the heaviness that lingers within, allowing for the possibility of renewal of calmness and peace.

Compassion too has it’s tears, those shed in empathy for other people who struggle. These tears are often an unspoken language of solidarity, forging very close connections between human hearts shared in understanding. In their quiet descent, they bridge the gap between one soul and another, acknowledging the universality of human experience. Something so definingly loving and unique.

Tears of surmountable gratitude and extreme joy are perhaps the most tender of all tears. They embody the overwhelming acknowledgement of the many blessings in our lives, both a very deep appreciation for the beauty in the mundane and the extraordinary. In these beautiful tears that well up and trickle down, there is extreme humility, a recognition that life’s most precious moments are often wrapped up in the simplest of gestures, that we dare not dismiss as they may come by few and far between.

Sometimes it warrants an individual to go out to an earthly space in nature, a vast body of water, or a gushing fast paced stream, and be present. Water, in itself possesses a unique therapeutic power, a balm for the inner soul. The melodic sound of rushing water, a cascading waterfall or capping waves becomes a symphony that resonates with the innermost chambers of the heart.

The sheer force of the mighty water serves as a metaphorical cleanse. It can well up the tears within, and allow the flood gates to open and release the built up emotions, sad or joyful. Just as the river sweeps away debris in its path, so too does the warm salty tears flowing softly down one’s cheek, washes away the many burdens and concerns carried within.

Water and tears in itself serves as a subtle healer, stitching together the frayed edges of the soul. It whispers tales of resilience, offers a cleansing embrace and invites us to find solace in the ebb and flow of life’s currents.

In the embrace of nature’s dynamic waters, the inner soul finds a sanctuary, a place to release, recharge and rediscover the harmony that resides within. In this stillness, one can find a quiet refuge, a monetary escape from the demands of a fast-paced world.

When was the last time you allowed those tears to flow freely? They are a testament to the richness of the human experience, a language spoken without words.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Tears are the unspoken poetry of the soul, each drop a poignant verse telling a story only the heart truly understands.”

A side note:

As my life continues to unfold in my young senior years, as a single lady, I love to write my thoughts from the voice within on this blogging platform. Firstly in a form of therapy for me, and secondly, that I may assist someone else in their journey of life.

I have added a feature that supports me in a nominal way from you, the audience. It’s called “Buy me a Coffee.” The coffee cup logo is located in the bottom right hand corner of my blog.

It’s a simple and friendly way for fans to express appreciation by contributing the cost of a virtual coffee. This voluntary gesture assists creators such as me to sustain my work and continue to produce the content I share, that the reader enjoys.

I like to think of it as you and I, sitting down at your table, sharing my thoughts from within….while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

So if you feel up to joining me from my “Thoughts from the Voice Within”, and that hot cup of coffee, I would be so ever grateful.

“Earthly Harmony: Nurturing Wellness Through Connection”

/ suefraser / 2 Comments

I had the opportunity to meet a number of new people at my workplace this past weekend, at the local city curling rink. One particular younger, good looking gal, came by for a glass of water. I struck up a conversation on how her game had gone. “Great!” she replied.

She went on to tell me that she and her team mate would be playing again in 30 minutes, and she was feeling a bit on the tired side. My first thought and suggestion to her, was to go outside for a walk on this beautiful warm November day. Get some fresh air, and enjoy a lovely jaunt around the block in the great outdoors. “It will do wonders for you.” I told her. She agreed.

To connect with nature, is such a spiritual experience, that can renew us from within. As I stepped outside early this morning, heading to my regular gym “me” time, I stopped to gaze up into the dark clear sky, only to see so many brilliant bright twinkling stars. Way to many to count. As my eyes gazed across the vast open air, taking it all in, I verbally said aloud “Thank you Universe, God, Creator, Ancestors, Medicine Woman, Dad. I am so grateful to be alive. Thank you for the beauty of this earth.”

Although we are human beings, we are also nature beings, created from the same source as animal, plants and even rocks. The earth we’ve been gifted, calls for us to connect so that we can feel balanced and whole, a part of the universe.

Have you ever hugged a tree? It feels so good! So healing. So empowering and energizing. It’s strength of wood is a comfort in its amazing solidness and as one leans against it, one can feel the solid support from its might trunk. When I wrap my arms around the tree trunk, it’s as if the tree is hugging back. You should try this sometime. Pick a tree, and come back to it often, to be grounded, energized and feel a sense of healing.

To be outdoors, awakens the senses. We tend to breathe more deeply, taking in all the scents around us. Depending where you are and the season upon you, the air may smell like deep green pine needles, fragrant fresh blooming flowers of all kinds and colors, and maybe the air is smokey from wild burning forest fires.

Calming walk on the beach.

Walking on the beach, feeling the sand between our toes, can create a calm and relaxing feeling all the while listening to the tides of the water roll onto the shore and recede back again. Our toes could become chilled, and our bodies feel a bit more rigid, as we coast side to side, down the bright big snowy mountain, with the wind whipping at our faces. Yet, we could feel refreshed standing in the mild gentle rain that trickled down our face, washing all our worries and concerns away, even if it is just for a moment.

Crisp snowy ski trails of the Rockie Mountains of Alberta

Stepping outside on any given day, can bring many different natural earthly sounds and sensations in the body, from flies, bees, and bugs buzzing, to the roaring sound and feeling of the mighty wind against our skin, or we can stop, and bask in the incredible peace of silence, which at times can be so very deafening.

Connecting with mother earth and the nature that is given to us, evokes a sense of awe and wonderment about the vast universe. The Canadian Rockies can be so humbling as you pass through them, and the magical colors of the rainbow intrigue us every time one appears in the sky. Witnessing and experiencing all that nature and mother earth has to offer us, connects us as one……….if we allow it.

The Beautiful Alberta Canadian Skies

Be present, as often as you can in the great outdoors. The more we become one with nature, the more it has to offer us. It is a never ending place of enjoyment, healing, renewing of our bodies and mind which in turn can enhance and enlighten our intuition.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “Be still. Sit quiet. Listen to the surroundings of your being as you sit in the great outdoors. It will teach you so much, if you allow it.” Sue Fraser