Homage to “Hands”

We all use our hands for performing deeds — great and small. Yet perhaps we take these truly handy God-given gifts for granted!

Looking over my handwritten journal from 2021, I came across this poetic piece that I penned on the topic of “Hands”, while studying mine.

In editing this post, It occurred to me that I’m writing a type of Homage to the hands that do so much — for not just me, but all of us.

“Homage means great respect and honor, or something done to honor a person or thing. We pay homage to our ancestors and say prayers in homage to their memory.” SOURCE

So, looking over my photo options, I’ve included photographs of my ancestral line of famous family hands. I hope you’ll enjoy!

(For family musical history, go to daughter EllaHarp’s website — scroll down to her Bio. Also, go to my post, You Can Do ANYTHING! for more about Dad’s music.)

Let’s all increase our appreciation for these marvelous mechanisms — our Hands!

DawnSeeker/DawnHoof

“Grandpa Gor” (Gordon Jenkins) with Frank Sinatra

Hands

Hands that hold
the baby,
Hands that wash
the dish.

Hands that bake
the cookies,
Hands that carve
the fish.

Hands that paint
the portrait,
Hands that hold
the pen.

Hands that write
the poem,
Hands that kill
the hen.

Grandfather, U.S. Army Air Service, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Hands that fly
the airplane,
Hands that land
it smooth.

Hands that groom
the horse,
Hands that feed
it, too.

Hands that hold
the hammer,
Hands that saw
the wood.

Musical daughter, EllaHarp

Hands that play
the harp,
Hands that applaud
when they should.

Hands that shoe
the horse,
Hands that knit
the scarf.

Hands that keep
the world,
Steady on her
course.

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Dad, Bill Ulyate (aka Bill Elliott), on Sax, Elvis on Drums!!!

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All hands
on deck,
All hands
beware.

All hands
be noble,
All hands
take care.

That’s both Grandfather and Grandmother Ulyate recruiting for the U.S. Army Air Service.

All hands
be handy,
All hands —
left and right.

All hands
sleep soundly
Through the
dark of night.

Dad next to Walt Disney, and Uncle Lloyd — white coats
Elliott Brother’s Orchestra

For hands are
the treasure
God to us
endowed —

Hands are
the measure
Of human
talent, renown.

To Dad . . . from Igor Stravinsky, Easter ’58

Mind your hands —
be grateful,
Keep your hands
secure.

Protect your
greatest treasures,
So that they
shall endure.

DawnHoof working . . .

Although they may
seem common,
Marvelous works
they wrought.

Pay homage to your
    own hands
Hold them highly
    in your thoughts!

Kids at Play

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Like what you’ve read here? Visit Dawn’s sister blog: Soul Horse Ride

Find out more about Dawn’s HoofCare Services and Soul Horse Rides in the
Frazier Park Outback of Southern California :))
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Dance of the Dish Towel

I have a special relationship with this humble kitchen companion, my cotton dish cloth.

Two of them hang — clean and fresh, ready to fulfill their domestic duties — while in the drawer, neatly folded back-ups lay ready for their turn to whirl, transforming my kitchen into a dreamy Dervish-dancing swirl . . .

d10001361
East End Molokai sunset

The Magic Begins!

One morning, here in our mountain cabin in Southern California, while drying a large stainless steel pot, something very unexpected happened.

Within the flowing fabric of my green-shaded cotton dish cloth — I watched it swirl, whirl, edges flapping, the big pot rotating within the motion of alchemy . . .

I felt an intuitive jolt!

Suddenly — as if a portal opened —

I’m back in Hawaii.

With Susan!

(My good friend, Susan, whom I had the special pleasure of spending time with over many years, as a guest in her close-to-Nature, wind-kissed Hawaiian, Lani Kai home.)

I’m there in her kitchen . . .

Watching her brandish her white cotton cloth — drying her pot in alchemical whirlwind — as I’ve seen her do, so many times . . .

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Think about it.

Who do any of us know well enough to recall how they dry their dishes? Who even dries dishes by hand, any more?

What magic evokes this familiar image?

What mysterious mojo must the moving fibers convey?

So I stop what I’m doing, and give Susan a call . . .

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Susan Smiling
Silhouette photo — Susan, smiling :)) Molokai, Hawaii

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The timing is just right. Susan answers with joy, telling me how she’s been thinking of me for the past few days.

And we lift up our souls into deep conversation . . .

And we transport one other up into that magical-ourside-of-time-place that close friendships do.

Humming Craft

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So while drying dishes this morning, watching the flapping edges of my favorite green-shaded cloth, I remembered my intuitive flash — and my connection and conversation with Susan that day.

And I decided to take pen to paper, and write . . .

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Veiled Shadow

Dance of the Dish Towel

I watch as my dish towel
Bursts into life!
Friend to every eager
Dish-drying wife —

Now off the hook
And into my hands —
Swirling . . . Swishing,
Isn’t it grand!

My friendly towel whirls,
Whips and whisks
‘Round cups, platters, mugs,
At my fingertips . . .

Polishing dry with its
Festooned flare
All manner of cutlery,
Spoons and flatware.

A woman’s towel is
Much like her dress —
It tells of her confidence,
And manner to express

Her deep inner beauty,
As she whirls and whisks —
Her tasks made easy
With deft fingertips.

Dancing . . . Twirling,
This way and that —
Her towel cleans her
Kitchen in no time flat!

The fabric soars
Into soft-woven dance,
Evoking the magic
of Kitchen Romance.

For her unsung hero
Quietly waits
For the task of drying
Bowl, fork and plate.

But not just that,
Her towel swirls to a place
Of memories that friendships
And Grandmothers’ grace.

It’s an age-old alchemy —
Surely Grandma knew —
Transforming her kitchen
To dimensions anew,

In Grandma’s work as housewife,
Homely and plain,
Her towel opened portals beyond
Which she could explain.

And here I am now,
In a similar state —
Wondering, like Grandma,
What these spinning towels create?

I marvel at the Magic
When my towel bursts to life!
My soft-woven Dervish —
My kitchen’s Delight!

Shadow Leaves

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On the Trail

Like what you’ve read here? Visit Dawn’s sister blog: Soul Horse Ride

Find out more about Dawn’s HoofCare Services and Soul Horse Rides in the
Frazier Park Outback of Southern California :))
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Discover: Soul Horse Ride :))

Riding Into the Exotic — at Night!

I’m sharing this most recent post from my sister blog, Soul Horse Ride, as when I published it earlier today, none of the tags came through.

I’m sharing it now in hopes that those who would like to find it, can :)))

DawnSeeker / DawnHoof

Carousal Horse

For more Adventures, check out my Virtual Rides.

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Copyright 2024 Dawn Jenkins
Photo credits: Dawn Jenkins
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Hitchhike Prayers

Have you ever found yourself in a desperate situation, where you need help, but cannot find the means to help yourself?

I’ve come up with an effective strategy: try a Hitchhike Prayer!

Think about all those Saints, Priests, Pastors and Lay Persons who are — inevitably praying — RIGHT NOW! At this very moment . . .

So why not hitch a ride on their prayers.

It’s worked for me :))

(You can always add your prayers for another rider to hitch — or even put it out, as you pray, that safe, sincere hitchhikers are welcome!)

Let me know how it works for you.

DawnSeeker

Cliffside Dr and Birdview Ave, Malibu

First Attempt

My first attempt at a Hitchhike Prayer came out of desperation.

I had been applying deck stain to our railing on the rear porch of our cabin. It was a sultry and still fall day, several years ago.

You’re not supposed to breathe the stuff, but I had to be close to see how I’d done, especially on the outside and underside of each rail.

By the time I finished about 3/4 of the job, I found myself with racing heartbeat . . . and vomiting. All the symptoms on the label: Seek Emergency Medical Care!

Yet I wasn’t going to an Emergency Room, over an hour’s drive away from our tiny mountain enclave, while in such desperation.

Immediately, I took my best poison remedy — Activated Charcoal capsules, followed by drinking ample water.

(I carry these little black Activated Charcoal* caplets with me at all times — they have saved me from food poisoning [restaurant!], insect bite swellings, and numerous toxic-type emergencies.

* See what Dr. Axe has to say about Activated Charcoal.

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Now, lying on my couch, head pounding, heart racing, I went up into the Great Divine and asked for help.

I know that staying calm and breathing deeply helps jumpstart our parasympathetic nervous system and align our bodies into healing mode. Humming, praying, and tapping helps our Vagus Nerve — the big one that connects our heads to our guts — calm and heal.

As I was breathing and staying grateful — “We must thank God for all things, the good and the bad,” see my Yoda Story — it felt as if a lovely voice were speaking to me.

“Right now so many prayers are already flowing. So much goodness, like a wide river, lifts humanity up into My arms. Why not just go up — Spiritually — and hitch a ride? Claim those lovely intentions as your own.”

Yes! How true! I may not have the wherewithal to pray for myself right now, but I can claim the benefit of those who are already reaching upward, Godward . . .

Peace

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And I did — and it worked.

Beautifully.

I got through the unpleasant experience without lingering aftereffects.

Since then, I hitchhike in prayers often. I add my own energy to the flowing river of goodness, heading Godward. Loveward. Spiritward. And I feel instantly uplifted — ushered into Love.

I really don’t think God minds. I think He wants all his children to love one another and get along. To help one another . . . I think He gets a creative kick out of it . . .

Who knows who might be hitchhiking on my prayers at any given time? I’d say, they’re free for the riding!

Susan Clay Horse

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Copyright 2024 Dawn Jenkins
Photo credits: Dawn Jenkins

Starboy and Lad on Pinos

Like what you’ve read here? Visit Dawn’s horse blog: Soul Horse Ride

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Classy Cosmo

My Goodness Project :))

“What can I do, to make this world a better place?”

I found myself asking this question on the ten-year anniversary of 9/11.
And I scored the web name: MyGoodnessProject.com.

Although I haven’t utilized the website I’ve paid to own over the past decade, I’ve put the spirit of the site to work in my own life, hopefully enriching the lives of others.

Since 2011, My (personal) Goodness Project has included:

* Giving away scores of age-old artifacts — Horseshoe Nails — along with the story of how our civilization has benefited from the humble nail that works together to hold the shoes onto horses hooves . . .
* Pulled, hoed and eradicated countless noxious roadside weeds in my rural area.
* Making an attempt to banter with people in line, brighten their day, and ask them about their lives . . .
* Giving away hundreds of Trader Joe’s Belgium Chocolate 3-packs (as tips and thank-you’s — the hay-guys drool when they see me coming and fight over who will load hay into my truck :))
* Buying little bells and giving them out for people to ring and enjoy when something good happens . . .
* Paying my bills and earning my living, attempting to stay strong and upbeat and cheerful in the doing (rather than complaining).

Great Egret with Lizzard

The Power of One:

“But what can I do about Life? I’m just one little person . . .”
“The world is so big . . . it moves so fast. What difference can I make?”
“People don’t pay me any attention! They don’t seem to even like me, or care about me!”

Oh the excuses we run through our minds. Blah blah blah! We all do it, cutting ourselves short . . . putting ourselves down.

Yet what else might we do to make this world a better place, than to start right here, TODAY, with ME!

For I cannot control or change anyone else!

But I can search for a meaningful task, gift or project that I can offer my energies toward . . .

So here’s a prompt that will hopefully inspire more of us to look and see what we can do to personally make this world of ours a better, kinder place.

DawnSeeker

Malibu Latte

The Horseshoe Nail

When I was a kid, my farrier (horseshoer) Uncle, Ink Knudson, would make a horseshoe nail into a ring, and give it to us kids from his anvil — telling us that a horseshoe nail is ‘good luck’.

This treasure was not only cool but oh-so-real! It stood for something — for horses and horseshoes and the progress our forebears made throughout the ages.

So when I became a farrier some thirty years ago, I began gifting horseshoe nails as treasured artifacts to those with whom I felt inspired to share.

“This nail was the i-Phone of its day — the highest technology,” I would tell them. “If you could shoe your horse, you could plow your field, deliver the mail, defend your territory . . .

“Today, this nail is the humblest of technologies. It holds the shoe on through mud and muck. And the nail is a lot like us — one nail won’t hold on a shoe. It takes a village. I use 6-8 nails to hold on a shoe for 6-8 weeks (or more).

“Oftentimes I can re-use the shoe, but the nail gives its life for that one shoe job. The nail gives its all!”

I’ve had a big burly barista pull out his earring and replace it with the nail I gave him, right on the spot, proudly sticking the nail through the hole in his ear! (At seeing that, I gave him one more, so he had a matching pair!)

Another barista told me, in lilting Hawaiian surf-style language, “You know that nail you gave me, and how you said it was good luck? Well, I was our surfing at ‘Sunset’ [the Beach, North Shore, Hawaii], and my cord [surfboard leash] broke. I went to my car to see what I could use to fix it, and there was that nail. I used it, and I got four more hours of perfect waves . . . and I’ve been using it ever since!”

WOW! That nail really was good luck!

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Big Mare Hoof

Hoeing Weeds

About five years ago, a horrible invasive weed infiltrated our lovely Valley.

It appeared innocent enough in the early Spring, but as it matured the yellow florets developed into sticker heads that popped bicycle tires, made dogs’ feet bleed, and cut into fingers that tried to remove them.

That’s when I roared into action!

(I’m the “crazy lady” you see out there, raising my hoe and socking it to the sticker plants by the side of our roads, eliminating the tumbleweeds and burr-heads that spread down the Valley each year).

Thanks to my efforts, I see a dramatic decline in the blight, which inspires me all the more to heave my hoe at end of day, taking out any microagression on the weeds at hand.

Off they go . . . bear leaving our ranch

Chocolate!

When I worked overseas in Hawaii, shoeing horses there for two weeks out of every six, I’d bring Trader Joe’s goods over in my suitcase, and Hawaiian coffee and macadamia nuts back, kind of an impromptu trade route.

I soon found out that the Trader Joe’s Belgium imported Milk Chocolate bars were a treat that everyone in Hawaii enjoyed!

With them, my heavy horseshoe-laden suitcase made it’s way onto the airplane without complaint; flight attendants gave me superior service; and curbside porters smiled and raced to my assistance when I dragged my bags off the shuttle bus.

Once, while riding our horses on top of our local Mt. Pinos [Los Padres National Forest], a woman in a parked car opened her door and asked: “You wouldn’t happen to have any chocolate, would you?”

What? Who is this? I wondered. How does she know that I give away chocolate?

It was Terra — the gal who works as the feed store an hour and a half away from here! She was up on the mountain waiting for her husband to return on his Mountain Bike.

I did have chocolate, in my truck with the horse trailer — and we all ate a bar, laughing at the coincidence and enjoying our chocolate comradery :))

Kids at Play

Your Goodness Project!

So what can you do, for your own personal Goodness Project?

What small gift, gesture or offering might you have to proffer?

Like me, you might not solve all the troubles of the world, but on Friday, I made Mac, my hay guy, very happy to load the bales into my truck.

Mac and I spent about five minutes once the bales were loaded, staring up at the mountain of alfalfa in the covered barn, bantering about horses, customers, and the importance of keeping working and physical and active — in addition to the benefits of eating good chocolate!

Hibiscus by the

Like what you’ve read here? Visit Dawn’s horse blog: Soul Horse Ride

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Copyright 2024 Dawn Jenkins
Photo credits: Dawn Jenkins

Transcending Time ~ Part II

In my previous Post, Transcending Time, I explore the concept of Time — in the most basic, Quantum sense — and our relationship to it.

Since posting it, I find myself asking, at any given moment, How is my NOW?

Just by doing that, it seems to bring me back into a better sense of balance and well-being.

Here’s the recent poem I wrote in my Journal.

DawnSeeker

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Expanding NOW

How is my Now?
I hear myself say,
How is my Present
Moment?

Have I found the lilt
I’m looking for?
Opened my Heart
To CALM . . .

Have I connected with
Love and The Great
Divine . . . Set worries and
Pressures aside?

For I can EXPAND
This very MOMENT,
This very NOW . . . for
The rest of the day!

I can let in the LIGHT —
Like a singer finding
Her perfect pitch —
A pilot finessing the

Aircraft’s trim. Like a
Harpist tuning the
Strings of her harp so
Pleasant rifts can flow . . .

How is my Now?
I hear myself say,
How is my Present Moment?
Outside of time?

Yes! Yes! Yes!
What is my current
Cosmic status?
. . . EXPANDED . . .

Peaceful. Calm.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Where is my heart?
Open. Connected.

Then keep it that way,
I hear myself say,
All through the day —
Yes! Yes! Yes! ~ Amen ~

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As my harpist daughter, EllaHarp says, “This IS our life! All of our lives are happening — right now — there’s no do-overs!”

I agree!

DawnSeeker

Setting Sun

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Copyright 2024 Dawn Jenkins
Photo credits: Dawn Jenkins, Photo of EllaHarp courtesy of Ella Dawn Jenkins

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farrier statue

Like what you’ve read here? Visit Dawn’s horse blog: Soul Horse Ride

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Transcending Time

What a topic! Time, the very fabric of our existence — of Life, itself. And although we are completely ruled by it, we almost never sit back to contemplate time — and our relationship to it.

In reading Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli’s excellent book, The Order of Time, I discovered some mind-bending revelations. He explains:

“Our “present” [time] does not extend throughout the universe. It is like a bubble around us.” pg. 43

“The world is a quantum one … In the elementary grammar of the world, there is neither space nor time … At the most fundamental level that we currently know of, there is little that resembles time as we experience it …” pg. 195

“The mystery of time intersects with the mystery of our personal identity, with the mystery of consciousness.” pg. 199

“Perhaps the emotion of time is precisely what time is for us … memory … nostalgia … longing for a future that will not come [all we have is NOW].” pp. 201, 202

Time — the emotion of time! Isn’t that the universal conundrum? Don’t all our emotions revolve around it!

Yet, we’re conditioned to merely “accept” the notion of time. We believe we know its rules: universal; concrete; unwavering — which in actual, Quantum fact, are not true!

Turns out, what I’m lulled into accepting as REAL isn’t real at all, but constructed. Assumed.

Yet this also gives me renewed hope! Because if I constructed it, I can reconstruct. I can upgrade. I can change it all, for good.

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During my read of Rovelli’s book in March, 2022, I wrote the following poetic reflection in my Journal, along with some brainstorming — a full twelve pages with double-columns of words and phrases related to time — timeless; timeworn; temporary; time weary, time warp; lost time; expand time . . .

A deep dive, to be sure!

So you might want to take a timeout, and read :))

DawnSeeker

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The Riddle of Time

Time forms
The tide of
The River of Life.

We live in it,
Through it:
We cannot stop it.

We count it,
Record it,
Obsess over it.

We lust for it,
Fear it,
Ignore it.

We succumb to it,
Live by it;
Love it, and curse it . . .

In slumber,
In dreams —
For a while,

For a brief
Interlude —
We escape it.

In Spirit,
In Meditation,
In Prayer,

We float
Above
It’s clutches —

To return,
Time
And again

— Here we
Have
The Choice —

Not down, into its
Prison, but
Up, into its Prism!

Reflecting,
Refracting,
Projecting

Endless Love,
Peace, calm;
Endless Light!

For we hold
The Key —
We can Set Free

From its limits,
Restraints,
Restrictions —

In Quantum
Fact,
It is so . . .

* * *

Yet the Riddle
Of Time
Warps. Wanes.

Twists. Circles.
Stalls.
And whips back

Like a whirlwind,
Like a dust devil,
Filled with sand,

Water, leaves —
Filled with Hopes,
Angst, Dreams.

Ever-changing,
Ever-moving,
Tick-tock,

Tempting us back
Into it’s
Illusory Spell . . .

But we, looking Up —
Transcending,
Like a River, flowing,

Can set ourselves
Free from
The talons of its fear . . .

* * *

For the Riddle
of Time,
In Quantum fact,

Is affected by ME!
By my thoughts,
My emotions.

My expectations.
My overcoming of
My fears.

And the ever “Now”
Quantum Continuum
Which I choose

Is the wave,
I surf,
The boat I sail —

The very
Fabric
Of My Life!

* * *

(In Quantum
Fact,
It is so! :))

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“People like us who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion” Albert Einstein

(as quoted in Carlo Rovelli’s book, The Order of Time, pg.109)

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Copyright 2024 Dawn Jenkins
Photo credits: Dawn Jenkins

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Like what you’ve read here? Visit Dawn’s horse blog: Soul Horse Ride

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Carousal Horse

Turning 13, Frozen in Time —

I knew I had written this, so long ago. But to actually find it in a treasure box the other day, fairly blew my mind.

I remember well, writing it on my Birthday Eve, the night I turned from twelve to thirteen. A lament, really. And an early forerunner to my Lifelong habit of Journaling. For then, as now, when emotions swell up in me that I’m not quite sure how to deal with, I reach for my paper and pen, and set down my thoughts, freezing them in time.

I hold in my hand an aged, single sheet of ordinary three-ring school notebook paper, folded into fourths. The blue-ink hand-written cursive, carefully and evenly spaced, shows writing which is reflective, coherent, and fairly well punctuated — all this, considering at the time, I’m only twelve.

For me, it’s proof that I am, indeed a “writer” — as if I need the proof — looking up at my shelf of thirty or more journals written since I made the mistake of throwing three boxes of journals into a dumpster one frustrating night, before making a cross-state move.

It also connects me back to the little girl that I once was, fearful of the future and holding on to all that she knew — the past.

With reverence and honor toward that little girl, and therefore toward the woman, whom I now am, I share this early writing with you. For I hope that you may also reminisce and relate to the feelings which you had, when you were young.

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It begins with my full name, address, and the following:

Today is the last day of my life that I will be a little girl of 12. Tomorrow, I will be 13 years old. I don’t want to be that old. I long to be a little girl again. I will tell you a little about me.

I was born in Santa Monica, California. I lived first on Barrington Ave. in Los Angeles with my mother, father, and two sisters. When I was 3 my brother was born. I don’t remember much at all about living then.

When I was 5 we moved to a beach house in Malibu. It was one beach past Zuma, called Trancas Beach. Moving there was the most wonderful thing that happened to me. It was the beach which molded me to “Be”. I loved the ocean more than anything and I also loved horses.

At the beach I was free. I cherish that thought. I had no problems at all. We had a dog, “Terry” whom I shall always love. The understanding in her eyes was to me hope. I never wanted to move from that Trancas Paradise, and put in some long hours of crying when the word reached my ears. After six years of beach living, we moved [to West Los Angeles, near UCLA].

I don’t really despise it here, but I terribly dislike it. I want to be free! I have no really good friends and I wish to return to the beach.

The worst month of my life was a month in Malibu. I was in fifth grade. It started when our [green-colored] parakeet “Budgie” died on my Birthday, at 10 years old. [We found him dead at the bottom of his cage that morning.] I had just turned 10 also, and it seemed that [Budgie] had waited for me to catch up with him before he died.

Later on, Thanksgiving evening while we were on vacation [visiting Grandparents in Northern California], our dog Terry was crossing the highway and was killed. Terry, that beautiful animal, dead! My heart broke. Then, President Kennedy visiting Dallas was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald.

The death of our bird, the death of our dog, the death of our president all in one shattering month. Also, a part of me died too, a part which was devoted to Budgie, Terry, and Kennedy.

I don’t want to become 13, but to be a child again. I cry.

End

That’s me with my Breyer plastic horses in Grandma’s back yard

Of special note: My parents must have noticed my feelings of emptiness once we moved to town, for the following Spring, they bought me my HORSE, Rebel, who became my passion, my life-blood, and my profound gateway to freedom! Hooray! Thank you, Mom and Dad!!!!

Read my post, “I’m Always Riding Rebel . . .” on my Sister Blog, Soul Horse Ride. Also, The Vast, Great Sea of Horses which tells more about my Malibu childhood.

(The following photograph of Rebel and me, at age 16.)

Dawn & Rebel

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Again, in my Journal, I wrote an entry on the eve of my recent Birthday, 2023. And I remembered this childhood writing, along with another of my early writings, when I decided that age is really moot. “Today I’m 23 [or whatever young-ish age it was], yet one day I’ll be 33, 47, 52 . . . So what does the number matter? I will still be the same ‘Me’ !”

And although I don’t remember the actual year or number of this discovery, I remember writing it down and the relief of my realization, that the number of years I’ve lived, in fact, does not matter, as to who I am. A realization I have reveled in ever since.

From my 2023 Journal:

How I remember the night I was turning 13, wishing to be a little girl again. And my revelation that “numerical age” doesn’t define who I am. So Dawn, you’re crossing another threshold. Wear it well. Live your life. Shoe, and trim horse’s hooves; drive your horse carriages; ride; fly. Eat, drink, and take your vitamins. Read your Spiritual books. Call your friends. Write your journals. Read your Quantum Physics jokes (I found the little book from 2019 recently), Revel in your Poetry. Your life is RICH with blessings. From horses to flowerbeds; honey-toned log cabin walls to food in our pantry. I’m GRATEFUL for all I Be/Do/Have :-))

It’s true, I’ve so much to be grateful for, no matter what my age! And I know that we all do! (See my post, Graditude Is . . . for more insights into the endless topic of Gratitude.)

Again, I’m grateful for the written word. For our ability to capture the feelings and thoughts of a current day, and re-live those emotions days, months, even decades later.

Keep writing, fellow journalists — and hold fast to your written words. Beware the impulse to jettison your works for fear, or haste, or moving . . . For the treasures included in your words — frozen in time — will shine light on your current conditions, and may even show you a path to navigate the trials and the trails you face today.

DawnSeeker

Vibrant California Rainbow

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North Shore Dragon Head

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Like what you’ve read here? Visit Dawn’s horse blog: Soul Horse Ride

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Shadow Dawn & Angel

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Photo credits: Dawn Jenkins & family archives

“Give me Something . . . “

Years ago, my brother worked for a would-be (and now-is) Billionaire. (Let’s refer to the man here as WBB — Would Be Billionaire.)

Foreign born. Business in his blood. Moving to the very top of the heap.

When my brother left this man’s employ for a connection originally obtained while working for WBB, he received the following request from WBB himself:

“[Brother’s name] — you must give me something. Just give me something!“

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Those words have repeated themselves in my head over the years.

I can hear my brother relate the story: WBB, with his strong accent, imploring my brother, who had offended the man’s business sense, to give him something in compensation for the contact, with whom he was now leaving for exclusive, out-of-town work.

I wondered: Why would this be so important to this obviously wealthy man?

Would I have the guts to ask for compensation from those whose contacts I’ve made possible?

Would I have given compensation to those who have helped me?

It has caused me to look over my Life, and find the areas in which I could give more.

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We All Want Gifts . . .

Think back to the feeling of Christmas in childhood, and the thought of those gifts we hoped to receive. (The anticipation often better than the gifts themselves!)

Deeply embedded in “the little child within us” is a desire for fairness. Recognition.

We all want to be given dessert. Yet if Mom were to dish up a greater portion for a sibling, the others would feel resentment.

(Think of Joseph in the Bible, and his Coat-of-Many-Colors, and the trouble that gift from his father got him!)

Inventory of What I can Give:

So I started wondering, If giving (and receiving) is so important, what do I have to give?

In everyday life, smiles, compliments, lighthearted conversations are gifts of sorts, cheerful surprises that help brighten our day.

Calling to check in on an elderly neighbor, friend or relative.

Holding the door open at the Post Office . . .

But what else? There must be more options for giving.

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My Special Gifts:

In my career as a farrier, one who nails shoes onto the hooves of horses, one of the very special things I have to give are the horseshoe nails, themselves.

Slender, lovely artifacts that most folks have never seen, let alone held, and contemplated.

(My farrier Uncle, Ink Knudsen, used to make us kids rings out of horseshoe nails at his anvil, and give them to us to wear.)

These simple, elegant artifacts tell a story of their own.

Horseshoe nails represent one of the oldest technologies. (Early nailed-on shoes seem to be recorded around AD 900.) The horseshoe nail enabled early humans greater societal advancement.

In my quest to give, I find myself sharing them as a tip at Starbucks, offerings to tired gas station clerks, and talismans of good will to fellow travelers along the highways of life.

Along with the gift, I like to tell the story . . .

“This humble nail is one of the oldest technologies, yet it was the equivalent to a Smart Phone in its day,” I tell them.

“If you could shoe your horse, you could plow your fields, deliver the mail and defend you territory.

“Most often I can reset and reuse the horse’s shoes, but the nails give their all.” (After one shoeing, they are completely worn out.)

“The nails kind of remind me of us. They work together in a group effort to get their job done. One nail won’t hold on a shoe, but a group of six or eight of them will.

“As long as you take special care (not drop it in the parking lot, or leave it in your pocket when you wash your clothes,) this nail will bring you good luck!”
DawnSeeker

“Oohs!” “Wows!” and “Thanks!” generally follow, as I remind them that now they have a story to tell as they pass on their way . . .

I’ve handed out hundreds of nails over the past decades, and a range of inspiring stories have returned to me from the “luck” they have produced.

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Cookies for Horses, Chocolate for Humans

When I work as a farrier, I bring a special cookie as treats for the horses. (YUM! They salivate when they see me coming.)

And I give away LOTS of Trader Joe’s Belgium Chocolate as thanks to those people who need a special lift. (Tips for the hay guys who load my truck with hay.)

Recently, I gave a horseshoe nail, for good luck, to a sad-looking Lyft driver standing by his car in a Ventura parking lot. Then I offered him chocolate, as I could see he was having a tough day, and he tried to refuse.

“No, I give this away all the time — take it! You’ll love it!” I told him.

Five minutes later he announced: “Man, that nail really was good luck! I just got a $45 fare to Santa Barbara!” and drove off, licking the chocolate from his lips.

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So it really is the little things we give to our fellow travelers around us, that make the big difference.

Look into your inventory and see what you have available.

You might be surprised that a WBB could have been the impetus to something good!

DawnSeeker

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(For more interactive ideas, see my Post: Deep Philosophical Three Minute Conversations.)

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Copyright 2023

Photos: Dawn Jenkins

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Dawn’s a Life-long Horse Girl —

Please visit Dawn’s Horse Blog: Soul Horse Ride :))

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…/< >\ …/< >\ …/< >\

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Join Dawn for a Soul Horse Ride! Experience the thrill of becoming one with your Horse . . . Meet Dawn and her homegrown herd for a Soul Horse Ride in the Frazier Park Outback!

Call to book your Life-Changing Adventure today: (661) 703-6283

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Mom’s mysterious “Leaf Heart” created by the wind, 2007 — my Talisman — DawnSeeker

“The 3 G’s” (Given to me in a Dream) — Greatness. Goodness. Gratitude.

Sometimes we receive inspiration in strange, otherworldly ways. I heard myself saying these words in a dream last week, and I’ve recalled the details here.

Hope you’re thriving and more than just surviving during these frustrating, interesting times!

DawnSeeker

Recap of my recent VIVID Dream:

I look out to a crowd, maybe 50 or 60 people, standing or sitting in small groups, gathered outside my door.

Who are these people? I wonder. What’s this all about?

I walk out to see what’s going on.

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It seems they are here because of me!

I am to give some sort of a talk; address . . .

I’m being called on to inspire these people in some way!

Honolulu Fireworks

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On The Radio . . .

Trying to get a better grasp on things, I sit on the lawn next to a fair-haired millennial-aged man — he clasps my hand, looks hopefully into my eyes — and tells me that he heard about “the Event” (THIS Event!) on the Radio!

What???

“The radio,” I hear myself tell him. “That makes sense. My Dad was a radio man.”

(And he truly was. Dad’s Big Band music played live on the radio, as well as nightly at Disneyland — see my post, “You can do ANYTHING!” for more about Dad and his music.)

My Dad (foreground, Saxophone) and my Uncle Lloyd (Trombone ) on the Carnation Plaza Gardens Bandstand at Disneyland

My Dad (foreground, saxophone) and my Uncle Lloyd (trombone) at the Carnation Plaza Gardens Bandstand at Disneyland (mid-50s) — The Elliott Brothers Orchestra (AKA: The Disneyland Date-Niters)

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“Wow,” I say to myself, “I better go get cleaned up!”

It seems I need to change clothes and get presentable for this important occasion . . .

I go inside. I see my daughter, musician EllaHarp, and ask, “Ella, you gotta help me here. Will you please go out and entertain these people while I get ready?”

I dash up to take a shower. From below, I hear Ella’s music, strong — rhythmic, upbeat. “Great,” I say to myself, relieved. “Good job!” Her harp and vocals have me covered.

(EllaHarp — https://ellaharp.com/about/)

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But . . . What will I talk about?

Now it occurs to me, “What will I say??? They came to hear me speak — but about what?”

And then, in my dream, I hear my inner voice calmly speak: “I will talk about ‘The 3 G’s’ — Greatness. Goodness. Gratitude.”

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Upon Awakening . . .

As with many dreams, I never gave the talk — my dream ended right there.

But I awoke with a very conscious recall, and found myself fascinated by “The 3 G’s” topic.

I have never heard of “The 3 G’s” before . . .

I repeated the words, so I wouldn’t forget: “Greatness. Goodness. Gratitude.”

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Vibrant California Rainbow

“The 3 G’s”

Inspired by the message received from my dream, here is what I might have said for my motivational presentation.

Here is what “The 3 G’s” mean to me. DawnSeeker

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Hilltop Sunset

Greatness

Since I love word searches, I opened up my trusty, well-used copy of Webster’s New World Dictionary, and found the following excerpts:

Great: Large in size, number, quantity; much higher, above the ordinary or average; existing in a high degree; intense. Eminent; illustrious; superior. Very impressive or imposing; having or showing nobility of mind, purpose, etc.

Eminent: Rising above other things or places; high; lofty. Standing high by comparison with others; renowned; exalted; distinguished. Outstanding; remarkable; noteworthy. (see famous — fame; great reputation; celebrity.

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Olamana Peaks

I see Greatness as rising above the ordinary, the everyday, and applying one’s highest standard to work, thought, morals, and behavior.

Greatness calls upon each individual to tune-in and utilize our God-given gifts and talents. It’s what sets each one of us apart — our unique individual hopes, wishes, dreams and desires.

My Grandma nailed it in her philosophy about Life:

You Gotta Wanna
Grandma had a saying
I still can hear her tell:
Talent alone won’t make you great,
But an inner quality will.
She said: You gotta wanna,
What ‘ere you do in life —
And that your burning passion
Overcomes obstacles and strife . . .
To read the rest, see my post: You Gotta Wanna

Big extended family :))

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Inventory Time:

What are you best at? What do you gravitate towards?

What are your special interests, loves, desires?

For me:

HORSES!
Writing and keeping a journal
Poetry
Photography
Brainstorming & problem-solving
Entrepreneurship
Animal Communications
Mountains, Beaches, Tropics, Outdoors . . .

Golden Tree

These are the ongoing themes of my Life.

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What Lights Your Fire?

I suggest you take an inventory of the driving forces in your Life, and see how these line up with how you are living today.

Re-align. Resolve. Re-work those priorities into the forefront of your activities — and see how they can guide you into fulfilling your highest dreams.

(Sounds like: “The 3 R’s” to me :))

Get creative! Go for it!

See what you can turnaround, fine-tune, enlighten — and how you can infuse your Life with the magic you’ve always hoped for!

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Classy Cosmo

Goodness

More from Webster’s:

Goodness: Virtue; excellence; kindness; generosity; benevolence. The best part, essence, or valuable property of a thing.

Virtue: General moral excellence; right action and thinking; goodness of character. Excellence; merit; value; good quality or feature.

Generosity: Nobility of mind; magnanimity; willingness to give or share; being unselfish.

Magnanimous: Noble in mind; high-souled; generous or overlooking injury or insult; rising above pettiness or meanness.

Benevolence: Inclination to do good; kindliness; charitable activity; gift.

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Lani Kai

“My Goodness Project”

Goodness is a topic dear to my heart.

I’ve researched it for many years, and I actively do my best to remain true to Goodness. To honor it. Cultivate it. To raise myself to it’s lofty heights.

I practice what I refer to as “My Goodness Project” where I give out mementos — usually horse shoe nails, often to strangers — and tell a small story of their importance.

I also practice a habit of “Ringing The Bell” when something Good happens.

Here is an excerpt from my post on the topic:

Ring The Bell!

Here’s a little ritual I’ve done for many years: When something Good happens, I ring a bell!

Cow bells, large and small. Jingle bells. Hand bells. Hanging bells . . .

Enjoy this little poem about the magic released by this small, humble act.

Heaven’s Bells!

When ‘ere a Good thing happens,
I like to ring a bell!
So something Good gets recognition
Just for being swell.
All kinds of chatter follows
Those things that are bad.
But when a Good thing happens,
We must show just how glad
We are Good joined us —
And dropped in for a spell.
Heaven knows there’s far too much
Attention paid to hell
To read the rest, see my post: Ring The Bell!

Hummingbird Bell

What’s Your Goodness Project?

I suggest you be on the lookout for your custom-fit “Goodness Project” distilled from what you have gleaned in Life.

Poetry. Music. Art. Spontaneous conversations. Smiles. Reaching out to strangers.

Sharing whatever quirks or artifacts your lifestyle, your persona, stands for — that adds to the greater good.

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Circular Rainbow – known as a Glory – made by an airplane when the shadow hit a cloud flying en route Honolulu to Molokai 2014 :))

Gratitude

Gratitude: A feeling of thankful appreciation for favors or benefits received; warm, appreciative response to kindness; thankfulness. (Excerpt, Webster’s New World Dictionary)

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What better way to move our energy forward in Life, than to embrace and exude gratitude!

Actions, of course, speak louder than words. Gifts, cards, calls, visits, texts, can all exhibit gratitude.

For really, we have far more to be grateful for than we often remember.

Grateful Squirrel

Gratitude Is . . .

In looking through my Journal I discovered this colorful, long-ago Gratitude List.

I smile in reading it now — and hope you will do the same. :)) DawnSeeker

Gratitude Journal

Gratitude is a wavelet glinting aqua kaleidoscopes in an endless sea.
Gratitude is a cottonwood leaf dancing in the morning breeze.
Gratitude is a tall cloud, puffy white and gray, tinged with pink at the end of the day.
Gratitude is a nicker from your favorite horse. And her soft muzzle in your hand.
Gratitude is a healing balm that melts away life’s sorrows.
To read the rest, see my post: Gratitude is . . .

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What’s on Your Gratitude List?

So what are you grateful for? Grab a journal; start a list.

Write a card to thank someone who has helped you along Life’s journey.

Come up with a ritual to refresh your Gratitude memories, and meditate on all the Good in your Life.

(This is a very productive strategy! Mentally rehearsing and re-living previous successes triggers readiness for achieving fresh new ones. It fine-tunes your intuition and provides an heads-up for when you are in range of a great idea, connection, or experience.)

Brainstorm the ways you can express more Gratitude to fill your reservoirs to overflowing :))

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Kids at Play

Dream On!

In reading over my journal entries on the preceding topics, it would make sense that “The 3 G’s” would appear in my dream, drawn from the depths of my soul, for my impromptu motivational speech.

Turns out I’ve been doing my best to live “The 3 G’s” for many years now — and they’ve served me well.

(Yet, in writing this, the biting reality hits: I can — and will! — strive to do better in accomplishing my lofty goals. We imperfect humans shall always remain a “work in progress” . . . see my post, Self-Talk.)

Best to you in these endeavors! Please feel free to share your experiences. And may your dreams, as well as mine, continue to come true :))

DawnSeeker

d10001361

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Photos: Dawn Jenkins

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Crystal Horse

Dawn’s a Life-long Horse Girl —

Please visit Dawn’s Horse Blog: Soul Horse Ride :))

~~___(\ ~~___(\ ~~___(\
…/< >\ …/< >\ …/< >\

~~~~

Soul Horse Ride :))

Join Dawn for a Soul Horse Ride! Experience the thrill of becoming one with your Horse . . . Meet Dawn and her homegrown herd for a Soul Horse Ride in the Frazier Park Outback!

Call to book your Life-Changing Adventure today: (661) 703-6283

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journal of dawn

Insights into the Journey of Life…

Homage to “Hands”

Hands

Dance of the Dish Towel

The Magic Begins!

Dance of the Dish Towel

Discover: Soul Horse Ride :))

Hitchhike Prayers

First Attempt

My Goodness Project :))

“What can I do, to make this world a better place?”

Since 2011, My (personal) Goodness Project has included:

The Power of One:

The Horseshoe Nail

Hoeing Weeds

Chocolate!

Your Goodness Project!

Transcending Time ~ Part II

Expanding NOW

Transcending Time

The Riddle of Time

Turning 13, Frozen in Time —

“Give me Something . . . “

Homage to “Hands”

Hands

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Dance of the Dish Towel

The Magic Begins!

Dance of the Dish Towel

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Discover: Soul Horse Ride :))

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Hitchhike Prayers

First Attempt

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My Goodness Project :))

“What can I do, to make this world a better place?”

Since 2011, My (personal) Goodness Project has included:

The Power of One:

The Horseshoe Nail

Hoeing Weeds

Chocolate!

Your Goodness Project!

Share this:

Transcending Time ~ Part II

Expanding NOW

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Transcending Time

The Riddle of Time

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Turning 13, Frozen in Time —

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“Give me Something . . . “

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