My Gift for Christmas – The Golden Orbs

December 18, 2018 / Penny L Howe / 10 Comments

In 2013 I wrote a “feel good” Christmas story. I’d like to share it again this year. It’s for children too. Please Enjoy.

five glowing orbs

The Five Golden Orbs

The children found them hidden inside the bushes in the back yard just as the sun was setting. They noticed the glow of lights coming from within the small holly bush. Mystified, they had walked up slowly to the shining bush and peered in through the holly leaves.

Five shining orbs of gold lay nestled hidden in the crooks of the branches inside the bush.

“What are they?” The girl child asked.

“I don’t know!” The boy child answered.

They were curious and the glow coming from the shiny orbs was not scary. The emitting light was golden and soft.

one golden orb The boy reached in and grabbed one of the orbs. It was warm to the touch. But not too warm, just pleasantly so. The girl seeing that the orb rested comfortably in the boy’s hand reached in and grabbed another orb. She held it close and stared at the swirling light shining from within.

“They are pretty, aren’t they?” She said.

“Yes, yes they are.” He replied. “Lets take the rest of them and go inside.” He didn’t wait for her answer just reached inside the bush and pulled out two more. “You get the last one, but come on let’s hurry before anyone sees them.”

She followed his directions, first grabbing the last golden orb in her free hand and then hurrying after him orbs on floor as he ran into the house, carefully cradling the glowing orbs in his arms.

They walked through the hallway into the tiny living room and laid the golden balls on the wooden floor. The orbs were shining even brighter than before.

To the small boy and girl, sitting on the floor of the poorly lit living room, this glorious glow was a thrilling one. Their father was working late again but they knew he’d be home soon and would expect his meal laid out for him. The Christmas tree they had convinced him to bring home the day before stood dark and lonely in one corner of the room, on the other side was the table where they had laid out his bowl, cup and spoon. His soup was in the cooking pot waiting to be served.

The children looked from the orbs to the tree and got the same idea at the same time. Excitedly they the golden Christmas tree grabbed up the glowing orbs and placed them in different places throughout the tree. Each ball settled into it’s spot as if it belonged there. When they were done, they stood back and looked at the Christmas tree. It was now lit up with a golden glow that cast away the shadows in the room and illuminated everything making them feel like they were rich and not so very poor.

They stood there viewing the beautiful lite up tree and then the girl had a sudden thought. With a worried look upon her face she turned to her brother and said “What about Hanna?”

“What about her?” He answered.

“Well, it’s just that her cottage is so very dark, if we took one of these shiny orbs to her, she could place it somewhere in her room and be able to see better at night!”

“That’s true,” He said. “And you know that Bertha and Henry’s cottages a little further away have the same orbs on the floor problem with not having much light in their homes.” And as the children talked they thought of two more neighbors that they could share the shiny light of their orbs with.

Hurrying quickly they removed the five orbs out of their Christmas tree and carried them down the lane to each of their needy neighbors who with great pleasure and astonishment accepted the gift of a brightly lighted orb.

The children raced back to the house feeling good inside as they thought of the pleasure they had brought to their friends and neighbors.

They were silent and a little disappointed as they realized they wouldn’t have a beautifully lit tree to show their father when they walked inside their hut. Still they did feel good about the gifts they had given. As they walked into the living area of their hut they stopped suddenly staring at the sight in front of them. Where they had expected a darkened tree was a magnificently glowing Christmas tree shining from top to bottom with a most wonderful golden radiance.

“But how can this be?” The little girl asked with wonder. “We gave the orbs away!”

The little boy shook his head, gazing in amazement at the beautiful sight in front of him. They both heard the front door open as their dad trudged into the house. They looked once more at their shiny golden tree and then ran to greet their father and to share this wonderful gift with him.

The tree shone brightly, the light following in the footsteps of two little children who without realizing had given and received the most perfect gift of all.

Merry Christmas

“When you give with love in your heart ~ your gift will return to you” ~ Penny L Howe

The Way Forward

February 18, 2018 / Penny L Howe / 9 Comments

It’s been an interesting time period, I’m thinking. There’s a palpable unease in the air filtering through our emotions, thoughts and actions.

We’re feeling uncomfortable about a wide range of things (most related to what I refer to as “a money thing” but that’s a whole n’other story) and politically speaking it doesn’t matter where you are in the whole conservative/liberal spectrum. It really doesn’t. What matters (at least to me) is that there is too much division between friends, communities, states, countries. This current state of affairs is most unhealthy – rather obviously, one would think … so how best do we move forward.

In my humble opinion I like to think it’s a matter of going back to the root of things. Nourish the base. In our case it’s families first. What can we do to positively improve our families immediate culture. After that it’s community. What can we do to positively impact others that are needing support.

So often it’s small things that make a huge difference. One person, one thing, one day at a time. This is the way forward. Not finger pointing, shaming, or blaming. Just getting out there and making what you do count. In a positive proactive way.

The strongest roots of the healthiest trees are deep and kept fertile. Time to go back to our roots. remember some basics that we each can accomplish. Values in a home environment. Support in a local community. Love and concern and action for those less fortunate. We can each become the nourishment to strengthen our human roots.

So doable. So possible. We can do this. Yes we can.

Think well of yourself. Think well of others. Begin from there,

I wish you most well,

Penny

When Writers Write

October 22, 2017 / Penny L Howe / 21 Comments

Spirals Of Life

I’m a writer.

You may have noticed this. The thing is, most of us who read are writers (more or less … sometimes way more and sometimes way less) and therefore …

When writers write (story tellers tell and/or people with opinions opine) the universe expands. No, truly it does! Each to our own uniquely individual way, we add to the collective consciousness existing in an ethereal part of the everything that isn’t understood – at all – but which nonetheless manifests itself somewhere within our imaginations, our thinking processes, our restless souls and/or the mysterious cosmos.

One of the primary reasons I find spirals fascinating is because it isn’t the (coined expression) ‘circle of life’ that brings renewal but the ‘ever occurring’ change brought about by spirals of life; expanding, growing, spiraling ever outward. We writers are a part of this – life’s glorious spiral effect. Fascinatingly so.

It is a wonderful thing, adding/sharing to freedom and universality of thought, word, expression and deed.

At least this particular writer believes so. Therefore, all your thinkers and writers, doers and believers … carry on. Creation is always a very good thing.

~Plh

We Are The Good People – If Only

April 16, 2017 / Penny L Howe / 18 Comments

anewbegng

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“Let us love, not hate in a world of uncertainty & fear. We will always be the one to shape our life’s flow and the direction. If we allow ourselves to be led, let us not blindly follow.”~Plh

“If only” you think to yourself knowing that worries will probably be the start of your new day making it extremely difficult to accomplish things with a happy heart, much less positive energy.

Truly, there exists altogether too much negativity to view and experience in the modern world of our lives a.k.a Social/News/Entertainment Media Overload. Those personal comments by those you know and those you don’t. News media’s seemingly never-ending reflections of what’s wrong in our lives and on our planet. And not to forget the amazing ongoing volume of advertising everywhere for everything (while some advertising appears to be of a positive nature it has still become an insidious encroachment in our everyday life).

But, what if we begin each day with the premise of knowing we are good people with positive, loving thoughts and then expand out from there.

Instead of investing in the newest, latest better than before iphones, pc’s or game playing apparatus and the ever newer extremely violent game (oft time becoming obsessive and addicting), invest instead in positive, happy comfortable feel good types of things (and not necessarily things you purchase ‘with a budget that says you can’t really afford it anyway’) for you, for your family, for your friends, for your coworkers, for life overall. Don’t you think we’ve carried consumerism just a smidgen too far?

Instead of watching increasingly violent movies and/ Cable/TV productions look for happy gentle movies and TV shows (hint: there’s a whole bunch of this type of available content from the previous century) or instead of reading dystopian or the weird and scary type of “best selling” books look for the well written novels with a more evenhanded approach to plot, character development and outcome. Instead of watching the “what’s wrong with everything and everybody” news reports – develop the instinct to recognize actual news reporting from opinion giving commentaries. Seek out places of well-being. Search for happy news. Good people doing good things in your community and beyond. Create an exciting new panorama for your daily life viewed from positive possibilities, subtracting those items (and people) which negate and diminish while adding items (and people) that assist your positive mentality to flourish. You and I can do this. Yes we really can.

Because I have to tell you there is a large amount of positive and good things happening out there. Although currently relegated to the background in much of our everyday life’s awareness; crowded out by negative sensationalism of every type.

You can turn your television or computer or iphone off for a few hours or days or …

You really can. It is still a really good world out there, more noticeable when there’s not so much noisy nonsense filtering it out.

You see, we are good people. You and I and the many overly concerned, confused and fearful multi-billions on this planet. And honestly, one by one, in a polite well mannered way, we can begin to remind each other of this humble and truthful fact. Beginning today.

So, yes we … you and I … can. Right now. This minute. One by one by one.

♡

Wishing you a pleasant beginning of the new week. May it be a positive and prosperous one for you.

With sincere affection,

~ Penny

When Nights in Paradise Become Lonely

February 12, 2017February 12, 2017 / Penny L Howe / 10 Comments

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The physical attributes of paradise cannot be gainsaid and needless to add, each person has their own view of what their surroundings of paradise would contain.

But here’s the thing, just as no person is an island onto themselves, our emotional hearts require the taste and nourishment of paradise too. Without shared love, affection and caring regard from others to sustain and lift us up in our darker hours, a creeping insidious aspect begins; even in the most seemingly ideal paradise (perspectively speaking). An aspect which may ultimately undo the original intent of a seeker of paradise.

*For me, paradise is first and foremost about bountiful and sincere expressions and actions of love, after which the ambiance of physical trappings may be added.

“Seek you then to love openly and freely with caring, joyful fulsomeness. The best sort of paradise will always begin within loving hearts.”~Plh

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May your days ahead be filled with many good things. Have the best week possible. Thanks for stopping by.

(*btw I’m perfectly understanding of the many many who, in today’s interesting times, would be content with just waking up to a less insane mentality than the one currently proliferating around the world. Me too!)

♡

With sincere affection,

~Penny

The Reflection of One’s Soul

December 4, 2016December 4, 2016 / Penny L Howe / 8 Comments

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“So graceful, so beautiful the reflection of one’s soul

as viewed in the doing of loving deeds for others.” ~ Plh

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Our soul or spirit glows so very brightly during acts of unselfish thought. The wonderful thing about December is more people celebrate these loving acts than at any other time of the year.

Many of us feel less distant and closer to each other during this time and for whatever each person’s rationale or understanding as to the “Why Of This” I for one, am just so very happy that we do.

Happy holidays. A glorious time for us to share the love!

♡

Have a great week.

With much affection,

~Penny

The Thing About True Friendship …

September 5, 2016 / Penny L Howe / 9 Comments

. . . It Can Be Found Everywhere You Care!

~♡~

Be a true friend. Care, make a difference – where it counts. There is always room in our hearts for another true friend, always.

“But I have no friends“, you say. Then go help someone. Help several someones, but help because you want to. Set no conditions, no requirements.

You’ll discover friendship along the way. And when friends come, nurture the relationship. Share, care and be there!

It will become a true friendship.

Know there are those who will use your friendship, taking advantage of your good will. Do not be discouraged for they do not really understand.

Help those, as you can, with good intent. They will be the ones who decide the direction your friendship will take.

And always remember …

“The thing about true friendship is the absolute truth that flows from the heart. No exceptions. It just is.” ~Plh

♡
Thanks for stopping by, have a great new week.

With affection,
~ Penny

Your Heartsong … Singing Loud and Strong!

July 13, 2016 / Penny L Howe / 8 Comments

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Echoes of Heartsong

“The beat

The rhythm

It’s there

And I’m listening.

The sound piercing sweet

Surely the most beautiful thing to be heard.”

~ Plh, 2016

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Did you know your heartsong sings for you … sings from you … but mostly … singing of you!

Of the “who” you are!

How glorious and magnificent you are!

Did you know that? Did you?

Your heart song echoes through your being

telling those who would listen

all that’s needed to know,

and even more!

The knowledge that your heartsong is bonded with and shared by many.

Each knowing the other and their own unique heartsong.

All beating to the universal rhythm of life.

So Create, life awaits your heartsong.

Be Passionate, that’s how life burns bright,

Be Strong, you are not alone,

Be Brave, carry on.

know and be assured.

Your heartsong and you

… GO ON!

♡

Thanks for stopping by, hope your week is being good to you.

With much affection,

~ Penny

I Cannot Bring You Peace, But This I Can Do –

June 13, 2016June 13, 2016 / Penny L Howe / 29 Comments

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As one person to another I can share love and peaceful intent – pass along calm, caring words that can give rise to positive thoughts and actions for bringing us all just a little bit closer to each other.

This I can do with openhearted expression and understanding. One person, one day at a time.

THIS I CAN DO AND SO CAN YOU!

♡

With sincere love and affection,
~ Penny