In HIS masterful design He has placed angels to watch over us. A world filled with loving angels to guide us on our path when we stumble. Angels disguised as that caring hand from a stranger when we can’t seem to go any more. A gentle smile that brightens our day, a moment of clarity when all seems dark and confused.

Our angels always vigilant in their care for us. To awaken to their presence is to feel loved and safe; feeling the warmth of their embrace and their song of joy in our hearts.

Daisy Says: Unto your day sojourn knowing that you are in the presence of angels.

A letter to Self.

My dearest self,

It has been years since we’ve made time to share, it is definitely long over due. I have grown so much since those days of giggle and laughter, of cloud guessing games and blowing on dandelion wishes.

I must stop now and reach to you before I lose you… you are so beautiful and gentle, I love you.

My thoughts on humanity has me forlorn and missing you. I am living in interesting times and have met some interesting characters that today has me evaluating the human existence. As I ponder my place in humanity I conclude that humans are creatures of self-interest, to the extent that I question my own.

I have embraced my journey and do realize I am not jaded from life experiences and tribulations… I am rather grateful for the diversity of life experiences and have come to understand that there is an underlying theme in humanity: ‘What’s in it for me’… that appears to be the human prime directive. Satisfying that personal hunger is of utmost importance to humans. They will pursue their interest at all cost… and will be quick to put the blame on others if things don’t go their way.

I have been taken aback by the pious sector who choose to follow a set of codified religious rule and to hell with everyone else that do not acquiesce to their views. It is behind the veil of righteousness that they do their deeds yet these same people I have found to have weaved lies and stories in the pursuit of their self-interests. Documents have been altered, tales have been spun, an eye for an eye, ‘do unto you as I want to do’ as long as I get what I want is their motto.

The Truth is a dream. When humanity sees Good, they no longer understand Good and begin to tear it down looking for imperfection just to prove to the world that there is no Good left. They seek for Truth outside of themselves, they seek for Hope not in humanity but Out There on the Ethers of the Universe.

The desire for self-gratification in the pursuit of self-interest has left them void of Love and Compassion.

In the smile of an innocent child they see the Hope of Humanity. Yet slowly through media: television, radio, music, internet, teachers, political leaders, the words they speak in conversation and the actions they perform – poison - the only Hope we have: Our children, our humanity.

Everyone of us carry that innocent child within us and for fear of abuse from our fellow man…. we keep them safe and guarded behind layers and layers of doubt and suspicion. Yet every now and then, a soul steps up to remind us of the Love in the world, of Compassion and Hope. We listen, we want to believe and for a glimpse we see our Truth.

Human plight has its moments, peaks and valleys. What is amazing through it all is that as the clouds roll in there are many unsung heroes, advocates and crusaders of humanity planting the seeds of Patience, Courage, Perseverance they know that the rains will come and that the rains are much needed. Dutifully they find the Joy to carry them through the dark days and are ever Grateful for the task.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~ Plato

I send you my Love may you keep well and pray for me that I be Brave to share my inner child with humanity.
Love,
Daisy

Daisy Says: Through Love humanity will survive.

WHEN THE ROAD IS UNPAVED
AND HAS NO STREET SIGNS

What compels me to move onward?

WHEN OTHERS THROW STICKS AT MY FEET
AND PLACE ROAD BLOCKS AHEAD

What moves me to take another step forward?

WHEN EVEN MY PEERS AND MY COUNTRYMEN
JEER AND DOUBT ME

Why do I continue?

THE ANSWER IS QUITE SIMPLE… DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WANT DONE UNTO YOU

I ASK FOR

A KIND EAR TO HEAR MY PAIN AND MY JOY
SHELTER OVER MY HEAD IF I’M OUT IN THE STORM
WATER TO QUENCH MY THIRST

BUT MOST OF ALL IF YOU SEE THE FLICKERING LIGHT AHEAD IN THE
LONG DARK TUNNEL OF THE JOURNEY WE CALL LIFE

THE KIND GESTURE OF A HELPFUL HAND

TO POINT ME IN THE DIRECTION OF THE PATH…

AS LONG AS THE LIGHT KEEPS SHINING BRIGHT BEFORE ME
I WILL FIND THE COURAGE TO WALK
AND DEAL WITH THE CHALLENGES PRESENTED TO ME

FOR IN YOUR KIND GESTURE I HAVE FOUND HOPE AND PEACE IN THE HEART OF HUMANITY.
(Daisy Raisler)

Daisy Says: A kind gesture can fuel inspiration.

Usually in our home, the ‘men’ go and get the tree while I clear up the home and make the place ready for it.
This year was truly special as both my mom and dad were with us.

My mom and I stopped by every tree and admire its evergreen splendor. And as usual… Geordan goes for the tallest tree.

Daisy Says: In the spirit of the holidays… hug a pine tree!

Sometimes in life we allow ‘things’ to affect us.

As I sit here contemplating all that I am grateful for (as I always do at the end of my day) – I wonder how many people allow these ‘THINGS’ to rob them of many great opportunities?

What are these ‘things’? Excuses.
– I am too tired
– I am too skinny
– I am too fat
– I am sick
– I am too old
– It’s raining
– I’ve got kids
– I don’t have any money

Those ‘things’ are affirmations of a condition that you see yourself in. You are proclaiming your reality.
… and SO IT IS. Only you can thank yourself for the world you proclaimed as your reality.

Today was a special day, (as it has been these past few days) I awoke to the sound of my mom and dad in my kitchen. I purposefully stayed in bed just to reminisce back to ‘when I was a little girl’. I closed my eyes and heard my parents talking… quietly I smiled amazed at how the little nuances manage to stay the same.

To have them with me on this Autumn day is a blessing.

I have two brothers, whom I love dearly. My younger brother is somewhat estranged… I miss him. Today I am grateful because he called to say hello.

I was working on the farm this morning and was grateful to have friends and family with me. Mostly I was glad for the rain that was falling on our heirloom orange grove (it so desperately needed it). I was so grateful that I continued working in the rain enjoying the raindrops falling on my head.

I am mostly grateful that my 16 year old son still enjoys my company.

Even though the holiday feasting has begun… I am grateful for the opportunity to help others.

I am grateful that I had a chance to visit with my Godmother who was in town (I had not seen her in 17 years).

(Daisy, Godmother Amantina and Mami)

(Just loaded the washing machine) I am grateful that I have a washing machine and dryer- would not want to wash those clothes by hand!

I would have missed a great day today… if I would have given into the excuses.

Yes, I was sleepy and could have stayed in bed, but I would have missed out the morning minutes with my parents. I would have missed meeting friends at the farm. Had I not gone to the farm this morning – the fence job would have had to wait because it needed a commencement approval. I also would have missed the sweet rain falling on me while I worked on the orange grove. I would have missed my sons amazement and remarks at discovering new things on the farm. If I ignored my telephone I would have not been able to help those that called with concerns. And if I would have used the excuse that I was tired, that it was late, that it was too far… I would have missed the opportunity to visit with my Godmother and to give her a hug and let her know that I love her.

Shakespeare wrote:

“And oftentimes, excusing of a fault,
Doth make a fault the worse by the excuse;
As patches set upon a little breach,
Discredit more in hiding of the fault,
Than did the fault before it was so patch’d.”

Excuses. Everyone has them. Are your excuses getting the best of you? Are your excuses depriving you of special moments?

Perhaps it’s time to take up gardening. Plant your garden of success today:

First, plant 3 rows of peas;

Patience
Positive thinking
Persistence

Next, plant 3 rows of squash;

Squash excuses
Squash blame
Squash criticism

Then, plant 3 rows of lettuce;

Let us be responsible
Let us be trustworthy
Let us be ambitious

Finish, with 3 rows of turnip;

Turn up when needed
Turn up with a smile
Turn up with confidence

Daisy Says: Happy Thanksgiving.