With all my traditional holiday touches, it seems I left an important feature unadorned. This beautiful statue of Buddha once sat in my zen garden in California. I don't dare place him outside here because a hard freeze could cause him to split, and I can't keep moving him because he weighs over 100 pounds. So here he has sat in a corner of my dining room for the past year.
He's a bit out of place, really. But I get to walk past him every day and when I pause to dust him off a feeling of gratitude always washes over me.
So today I gave him an offering. I was looking for a place to put my dollar store snowflakes and then said, "Aha! A perfect mandala!"
And as for gratitude, much of it stems from my blog relationships that have formed over the years. Some of you I have met in person where hugs sealed special bonds. Some of us have spoken on the phone, shared laughter and tears, exchanged gifts, and sent cards for no reason other than to let the other know they're loved and thought of.
I'm truly grateful for all of you, even occasional visitors and art critics.
May your Christmas, Kwaanza, Hannukah, Buddhist or non-religious winter celebration be all you need it to be.
As for me, I'm just going to continue to appreciate the magic around me and try to keep myself open for an inspiring new year.
~Winter Blessings and Love~
Lolo♥
14 Comments on Offerings and Gratitude, last added: 12/27/2010
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Good morning Laurel. Your card arrived at my doorstep a few days ago. Thank you so much.
Pat the Buddha belly for me. Since Don's illness, my resident BB has shrunk considerably and I now have no belly to pat.
Merry Christmas and many blessings for the coming for the coming year. Annie
Lo, what a sweet post. I have a special Buddha too and I have him in beads, but could not get a good photo. I am blessed to know you though we have not hugged nor talked. Happy Holidays to you and your husband and Bliss and Emma.
xoxo
ah lo, i am so glad i peeked in here this morning.
i am filled with gratitude, for meeting you. your buddha looks like he'd be content whereever you place him (he's happy to know you too). merry christmas eve dear lo!
xxx
Oh yes!!!!!
Once you have a mandala eye you will see the whole world through different eyes!
I am thankful for having seen that Buddha in person......
You are in my heart this Christmas you know♥
Love♥♥♥
>M<
glad Buddha is included in the celebration too. he's pretty cute. have a glorious day filled with light and love. hugs, suki
Merry Christmas Lolo. Thanks for a year of wonderful memories.
Merry Christmas Lolo. I know you will be mightly blessed this coming year as you are so giving and loving. I feel mightly blessed to be one of your blogger buddies. Big Hugs.
We all have blessings, each and every day...one of mine is blogging and visiting with you...May your Christmas be Merry and your New Year bright! And we all love The Dollar Store, even Buddha it seems...
Good Morning dear BS and...Happy Christmas morning!
Loved last night.... and...I slept well! (Ha-ha!)
May your day be a wonderful one....
Kiss the Furry Ones and say hi to Bri!
Love,
♥ LS ♥
Happy, happy, merry, merry!
Kato has already sampled the christmas biscotti that was left cooling on the counter. I'm such a bad dog parent. But snow is in the forecast hoping your buddha offering helps. xoxo, e and the boyz
Wonderful post!There is always something to feel gratitude for even if sometimes we dont't see it.
Merry Xmas to you and your family:)
Winter blessing, offerings and gratitude.
I totally connect with you lolo.
Did you receive my Christmas mail yet?
I am not sure it arrives safely here or not?
Just to making sure:)
Take care and bye!
Too busy, I had made so many bookmarks and kitten crafts. To be exact around 60 plus....you are one of the receivers!
Well, he looks well-placed in the photo anyway, but maybe he would benefit from having a little stand to sit on, maybe something like you would use for a large potted plant.
When I lived in Minneapolis, my favorite art object at the Institute was a statue of Jizo (the Buddha of Compassion) that was as old as it was beautiful. I hope to see it again someday.
Lovely! I'm sure he's watching over you!