Ever since "the cloud picture" revealed itself, I find myself looking to the Heavens with a new and exciting passion. I examine them closely hoping to discover yet another miracle from above, yet all the while conscientiously expanding my vision to include the entire skyscape in order to breathe in all of the glorious beauty and life that surrounds me. But lately, some of that beauty has brandished it's fearful energy with thunderous rain and bellowing winds...

The powerfulness of these events makes me realize how often life does mimic Mother Earth. The persistent veil of darkness casts its shadow upon many, making us feel as though Hope has abandoned her only child. Hurt and despair are entwined with the gloom that cloaks your soul as you drown in the tears that flood the capsule which imprisons you. But then you stop...and you think. And you know that better days are coming...because you Believe...

And as the allure of Tod beckons my heart with eagerness of late, I have come to realize just how these transformations are truly one in the same: out of the darkness...comes light, after the rain...the sunshine. The storm rages on as the birds seek refuge, but then the heaviness of the clouds are lifted as the skies expand into a brilliant warmth revealing the celebrated rainbow as they reappear - to sing and to play and to remind us all that as much as life changes, it truly does stay the same. Cliche? Yes - but with truth. The orbs of Life and Death (Grief) each carry segments honoring our individual passages as they are painstakingly placed alongside one another. Some are but a glimpse in the arc while others dominate their scope; still, they must be placed as our Maker has chosen in order to become a complete entity...but we are given the choice of who walks beside us and the pace of the steps that are taken.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain"