out in the villages
....far beyond the lively zocalos,
nourishment for days on end is scooped from the same
blue speckled enamel pot warming on an open fire.
frijoles con tortillas.
chickens under foot, swept dirt floor,
a one room casita woven out of reeds.
lattice that welcomes in the moon at night
and frees the swirling smoke from mornings fire,
white doves
into the quiet air.
when a total stranger chances by,
different by language, colour, clothes, religion
there is no hesitation.
bienvenido!
come in, please, are you hungry?
astonishing,
this willingness to share all
of the only food they have.
how do i know this?
i have been that passerby,
welcomed in to kneel on an earthen floor.
charmed by hens, chicks and children,
blessed to dip my hand into the common bowl
of humanity.
taught to grind gleaming kernels of corn
into sun gold masa.
i have,
to the sounds of bright laughter,
fashioned tortillas to lay misshapen on the hot comal
beside the perfect circles of even the youngest of my hosts.
their welcoming, generous inclusion of me and the willingness to share
ALL of what little they had fills me to this day.
some days are for filling an open palm,
offering where you sense a need.
other days are for receiving, allowing the great circle of love
to fill your cup.
wherever our days take us,
may we strengthen our sensitivity to those around us.
may we hear the underlining need beneath the conversation.
may we open our hearts to a higher calling
so in each new moment we are well versed
in the art of seeing
where we can make a difference.
may we offer comfort, encouragement,
compassion, and peace
as we share
from the common bowl of humanity.
in a compassionate world,
there are no strangers.
***
today my postcards from paradise
are a love letter to mexico for capturing my heart at the age of 16
and never letting go.
my gratitude to the artists who followed their hearts with a passion
and filled this years
to all those who are vying for treasure
our gallery comes to a close
today
at 6 p.m. pacific standard time.
to my readers....thank you for my place in your heart.
your hands can join ours in placing a roof of protection over the children.
any donation, no matter how small will join our efforts from this years auction.
imagine the joy of knowing we are forever, together,
a roof of love above the lives of so many.
please consider making a donation
here...
include the words "raising the roof."
please be one more hand of protection over the children.
where have you found paradise this week?
Rebecca,
I remember this wonderful post and it moves my heart in ways that I cannot describe to this day. Those who have nothing always welcome and offer succor and rest to anyone in need. They offer what little and the best of what they have to the stranger.They know what it is to live in community. We must learn from them to do the same. Thank you for this beautiful and insightful reminder, filled with so much love, hope and gratitude.
Love to you always,
Noelle
Posted by: Noelle | June 12, 2011 at 10:05 AM
One bowl, many hands—
come, child, the feast is waiting—
there are no strangers.
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | June 12, 2011 at 10:13 AM
A magical feast stays in the heart forever. Yours is heart with so many wonderous rooms. I love your post, they fill my heart, too.
Posted by: Kathleen | June 12, 2011 at 12:06 PM
My postcard today is much more mundane -- but interesting, I hope.
Posted by: Meri @ Meri's Musings | June 12, 2011 at 12:34 PM
this is indeed, a postcard from paradise.
Posted by: leslie | June 12, 2011 at 12:34 PM
It is like the miracle of the loaves and fishes. For some reason there is always enough beans and tortillas for everyone.
Posted by: gemma | June 12, 2011 at 12:35 PM
I'm happy to back in this
"great circle of love",
Sue x
Posted by: Sue fox | June 12, 2011 at 03:41 PM
i love this
xoxoxo
Posted by: michelle | June 12, 2011 at 07:14 PM
I got a little choked up, very touching.
Posted by: Jenny | June 13, 2011 at 12:36 AM
You tell this story of generosity and sharing so very beautifully. Sometimes it is a very special gift to receive from those that want to give. Giving yourself a gift, by giving of yourself, from the heart.
Peace
Posted by: Spadoman | June 13, 2011 at 04:07 AM
What a beautiful postcard. Beautifully woven together words of love about the power of sharing.
Rebecca,
How do I find out the address to send Sirena?
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | June 13, 2011 at 04:57 AM