Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ Soul Aperture}


anyone who knows me, knows i love to dream, big and small. i add wishes to my dream jar, daily. mostly i wish for a place that feels like home, in my heart. for years i was away, from this midwest city i was born in. and after returning...oh how i wish it still felt like home.  

as a little girl, there were summers i would leave the concrete of the midwest behind, and my bare feet would become one with the caribbean soil. i would run and play, all day long. my skin would turn a deep saffron color, curious eyes would guide me, my hair salty, from the water. my days didn’t end until the turquoise waters would open up, and welcome the sun for the day. rice and peas would fill my tummy, nighttime dreams would cradle, dis part yankee gal, til morning. and then, my friendship with the island, would begin all over again.  i had two homes, two villages, that would raise me up... i promise you, there was no taste sweeter, than to feel this type of love. never would i imagine, that there would come a day, that my heart would long for a place to call home.

once as a family, we would be homeless, no pillow for our dreams, not even a rusted, tin roof for the rain to serenade us to sleep. during this short period of our lives, my longing for a home would be become stronger, my faith would not fold, and i would vow to always have enough on my table, just in case someone was in need. 

...in the spirit of those who hadn’t enough. 

this time in our lives, would burn deep inside of us, together, but separately, as well. achieving my dream, of a respected culinary career, would begin to tear down old walls of hurt; watching my husband earn a law degree, would turn the page, to a new chapter of dreams achieved. 

these days my wish is to welcome a fresh start, to be embraced by a new community, that would be conscious of one another, maybe even share a dream or two over a fence. inside of this place we would call home, i might paint the kitchen a crazy color, where the breath of my wok, could dance along walls, and escape through large crank windows, passing my garden of collards, into the country air. 

but before i share all my wishes, i should tell you about where my restless heart, weaves all these dreams, currently. we live in a old, brick house on the corner, not far from the hood, i grew up in. inside of this home there are many many corners, that are filled with books, and life. there is a fire place with a mantel, that holds a beloved photo- a view of, notre dame, in paris and many of my photographs. this also is where my potted herbs sit, the sun is just right. 

in the kitchen there is a big farm table. in the mornings, this is where i press my cup of cardamom,coffee and teach our two, teenage kids. i teach them science, math, history, poetry, cooking... over all, i teach them to be kind and compassionate people. we have homeschooled since the beginning... always. at this table is where our bread is broken, where we talk over one another, laugh, cry, and pray. i am at home most, being a mother.

here’s to new beginnings, and making the most of what we have, right where we are. 

peace and blessings~

Oh Christina, my dear friend whom I cannot wait to wrap my arms around her neck and sit across that big farm table talking for hours.  One day, I shall be so lucky to meet her in person, to hear her stories, indulge in her made-with-the-most-tender-love food, and hopefully view the world through her eyes.  Soul Aperture, a name never more fitting, offers up the most beautiful real-life, from-the-heart words and images.  Truly, I can't say enough about how much I adore this woman and all she is ~ thank you Christina for being you.

[images via Christina Martin] 

26 comments:

  1. I am with you, I am so inspired when I read Christina's beautiful words and she never ceases to make me laugh, smile, cry. I second what Mel said - thank you for being you, fabulous Christina! one day... xxoo

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  2. I loved reading this. Christina, you're always inspiring. Love to you, my friend.

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  3. So lovely to read a bit more about your life and your dreams Christina-thanks!

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  4. Christina, this is so so beautiful, your writing is just perfect, for a moment I thought I was right there with you at that farm table drinking some tea... thank you ! bisous, Sofia !

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  5. so beautifully said christina! i'm still looking for that same community, the one that shares a dream or two, talks over the fence, has kids running through yards...

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  6. Such a lovely post, as I have now come to both know and expect from you. May you find that home you so crave.

    our home towns are never the same when we go back. I too have craved the place I grew up. However on trips home, and sadly, or not, I realized just the other day that I am not meant to be there at this moment. It hurts a little, but I know I am meant to be here, in my older (also brick) home. We are in need of gutters, BTW. However, I am (as Paul said) learning to be content with what I have.

    Wishing you and yours love and comfort - xo my friend

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  7. Lovely words, Christian.
    Leslie

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  8. Christina, your words never fail to send shivers down my spine. You are a lovely writer. Lovely.

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  9. Your words so simply written are always wrapped in warmth, compassion and an understanding of what is really important in life.......they always move me, uplift me, and I leave always feeling............better. Bless you.xx

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  10. christina...you are truly a gift to the world...

    this leaves me speechless....breathless...inspired...

    what a gift you are...and you are loved by all...

    sending love,
    kary

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  11. Christina, this is beautiful! You are such a beautiful person, and I am so happy to know you from over the fence...the world wide web fence, but still, it feels a bit like home sometimes.

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  12. Beautiful Christina. Peace.

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  13. Well, with such an endorsement, not to mention that moving and honest bit of writing from Christina, I must head on over to her blog. She sounds absolutely lovely.

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  14. Inspiration weaved with love is how read your words, Christina. Precious, thank you

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  15. Christina..big squeezy hugs from Dublin from me and O&S too :)

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  16. I love this woman. With my whole heart ♥

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  17. Oh Christina, I've missed your writing. You always inspire me so.
    oxo

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  18. A divine woman with a voice
    ..that's you

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  19. These words are so inspiring....thank you so much for this beautiful gift....

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  20. I love this post Christina to the very core. And I am going to find a wish jar because of you...

    xo Mary Jo

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  21. thats my favourite part, "i am at home most being a mother" the world needs more of that for sure!!! & your carribean soul!!! such wishes for you

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  22. Hello Christina

    Beautiful words!

    Best
    Tracy :)

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  23. happy to be in your words this day .. a mother at home is such a special space to call your own ..blessings friend!!

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