nourishment for the soul

[Guest guest]

Donna:

Thanks for your words of wisdom. This whole situation (Philippe and

Joe) has me a little (well very) introspective today. I need some

time to mull it all over and feel happy for the gifts I've received.

It helped a bit by getting out to church and practicing with the

caroling choir (we're going to sing at two residential hospitals and

around the Castro).

I took a long walk home after spending some time with my dear friend

Troy in Union Square. San Francisco's beauty nourished my soul, and

I'm still just trying to soak it all in and hold it close to my

heart. Every time I wander around the city, I discover little hidden

treasures of breath-taking beauty. I need the nourishment of beauty

to replace the nourishment I used to try to get from food.

Today I walked past a house on Telegraph Hill; well actually it's a

mansion (three stories, Spanish tile roof, stunning views of Bay

Bridge and of the whole North Waterfront area). I was taken aback by

the scaffolding that surrounded it and by the architectural details

that I'd never really paid attention to when I've jogged past it.

I decided to walk past the house, and climb the steps to San

Francisco's smallest park, the Jack Early Park. You climb four

flights of winding stairs through a Garden of Eden style canopy of

lush flowers, trees and plants. When you emerge at the top, the view

is unsurpassed: Pier 39 and Alcatraz in front of you, to your right,

Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge and the East Bay Hills in the

distance; to your left Angel Island, Tiburon, Sausalito, and the

Golden Gate Bridge. As I reached the summit, I could hear the peal

of the bells at Sts. and Church in Little Italy; it was

like God was saying, " I'm here when you need to talk. " I looked out

at the vastness and beauty of the Bay. And I said a silent prayer of

gratitude, asking God to help me find peace.

I looked down and there was bright copper penny on the ground. " See

a penny, pick it up, and later on you'll have good luck, " I said to

myself as I held it in my palm. I thought, " I don't need luck. I'm

already blessed. Look at where I live. " I have enough to meet my

daily needs, I have friends and family who support and love me, and I

live in a place where there is beauty around every corner. And to

think that on top of all that, I've been blessed with a surgery that

gave me back my life.

What's missing? In a place so achingly and hauntingly beautiful,

this City begs to be shared with someone. It's not that I can't

appreciate the sights by myself. I do and I have. But every joy,

every delight, every magic moment, every discovered treasure is that

much sweeter with someone you love.

I know I'm sounding like a hopeless, sappy romantic, but that's me.

And at the very least, whether or not I find someone to share my joy,

I have me. And for the first time in my life, that's not the worst

option.

I've rambled enough.

Francisco

[Guest guest]

Donna:

Thanks for your words of wisdom. This whole situation (Philippe and

Joe) has me a little (well very) introspective today. I need some

time to mull it all over and feel happy for the gifts I've received.

It helped a bit by getting out to church and practicing with the

caroling choir (we're going to sing at two residential hospitals and

around the Castro).

I took a long walk home after spending some time with my dear friend

Troy in Union Square. San Francisco's beauty nourished my soul, and

I'm still just trying to soak it all in and hold it close to my

heart. Every time I wander around the city, I discover little hidden

treasures of breath-taking beauty. I need the nourishment of beauty

to replace the nourishment I used to try to get from food.

Today I walked past a house on Telegraph Hill; well actually it's a

mansion (three stories, Spanish tile roof, stunning views of Bay

Bridge and of the whole North Waterfront area). I was taken aback by

the scaffolding that surrounded it and by the architectural details

that I'd never really paid attention to when I've jogged past it.

I decided to walk past the house, and climb the steps to San

Francisco's smallest park, the Jack Early Park. You climb four

flights of winding stairs through a Garden of Eden style canopy of

lush flowers, trees and plants. When you emerge at the top, the view

is unsurpassed: Pier 39 and Alcatraz in front of you, to your right,

Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge and the East Bay Hills in the

distance; to your left Angel Island, Tiburon, Sausalito, and the

Golden Gate Bridge. As I reached the summit, I could hear the peal

of the bells at Sts. and Church in Little Italy; it was

like God was saying, " I'm here when you need to talk. " I looked out

at the vastness and beauty of the Bay. And I said a silent prayer of

gratitude, asking God to help me find peace.

I looked down and there was bright copper penny on the ground. " See

a penny, pick it up, and later on you'll have good luck, " I said to

myself as I held it in my palm. I thought, " I don't need luck. I'm

already blessed. Look at where I live. " I have enough to meet my

daily needs, I have friends and family who support and love me, and I

live in a place where there is beauty around every corner. And to

think that on top of all that, I've been blessed with a surgery that

gave me back my life.

What's missing? In a place so achingly and hauntingly beautiful,

this City begs to be shared with someone. It's not that I can't

appreciate the sights by myself. I do and I have. But every joy,

every delight, every magic moment, every discovered treasure is that

much sweeter with someone you love.

I know I'm sounding like a hopeless, sappy romantic, but that's me.

And at the very least, whether or not I find someone to share my joy,

I have me. And for the first time in my life, that's not the worst

option.

I've rambled enough.

Francisco

[Guest guest]

Francisco I love sappy romantic, I'm the same way. Always wanting to share the beauty of life with someone you love. Not always just my husband, sometimes a dear friend, or a family member or even a little piece on here. Life needs to be enjoyed and it is wonderful to have people to share it with, and it is so special to have a love of your life. I really hope you enjoyed the beauty of the day and that you find peace in what decision you decide on who your love will be, and if the time is not right then don't stop enjoying that beauty. You take care. I love reading your post. LOL Donnamanisodream wrote: Donna:Thanks for your words of wisdom. This whole situation (Philippe and Joe) has me a little (well very) introspective today. I need some

time to mull it all over and feel happy for the gifts I've received. It helped a bit by getting out to church and practicing with the caroling choir (we're going to sing at two residential hospitals and around the Castro).I took a long walk home after spending some time with my dear friend Troy in Union Square. San Francisco's beauty nourished my soul, and I'm still just trying to soak it all in and hold it close to my heart. Every time I wander around the city, I discover little hidden treasures of breath-taking beauty. I need the nourishment of beauty to replace the nourishment I used to try to get from food.Today I walked past a house on Telegraph Hill; well actually it's a mansion (three stories, Spanish tile roof, stunning views of Bay Bridge and of the whole North Waterfront area). I was taken aback by the scaffolding that surrounded it and by the architectural details that I'd

never really paid attention to when I've jogged past it.I decided to walk past the house, and climb the steps to San Francisco's smallest park, the Jack Early Park. You climb four flights of winding stairs through a Garden of Eden style canopy of lush flowers, trees and plants. When you emerge at the top, the view is unsurpassed: Pier 39 and Alcatraz in front of you, to your right, Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge and the East Bay Hills in the distance; to your left Angel Island, Tiburon, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. As I reached the summit, I could hear the peal of the bells at Sts. and Church in Little Italy; it was like God was saying, "I'm here when you need to talk." I looked out at the vastness and beauty of the Bay. And I said a silent prayer of gratitude, asking God to help me find peace.I looked down and there was bright copper penny on the ground. "See

a penny, pick it up, and later on you'll have good luck," I said to myself as I held it in my palm. I thought, "I don't need luck. I'm already blessed. Look at where I live." I have enough to meet my daily needs, I have friends and family who support and love me, and I live in a place where there is beauty around every corner. And to think that on top of all that, I've been blessed with a surgery that gave me back my life.What's missing? In a place so achingly and hauntingly beautiful, this City begs to be shared with someone. It's not that I can't appreciate the sights by myself. I do and I have. But every joy, every delight, every magic moment, every discovered treasure is that much sweeter with someone you love.I know I'm sounding like a hopeless, sappy romantic, but that's me. And at the very least, whether or not I find someone to share my joy, I have

me. And for the first time in my life, that's not the worst option.I've rambled enough.Francisco Donna JordonDSJordon@...

Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping

[Guest guest]

Francisco I love sappy romantic, I'm the same way. Always wanting to share the beauty of life with someone you love. Not always just my husband, sometimes a dear friend, or a family member or even a little piece on here. Life needs to be enjoyed and it is wonderful to have people to share it with, and it is so special to have a love of your life. I really hope you enjoyed the beauty of the day and that you find peace in what decision you decide on who your love will be, and if the time is not right then don't stop enjoying that beauty. You take care. I love reading your post. LOL Donnamanisodream wrote: Donna:Thanks for your words of wisdom. This whole situation (Philippe and Joe) has me a little (well very) introspective today. I need some

time to mull it all over and feel happy for the gifts I've received. It helped a bit by getting out to church and practicing with the caroling choir (we're going to sing at two residential hospitals and around the Castro).I took a long walk home after spending some time with my dear friend Troy in Union Square. San Francisco's beauty nourished my soul, and I'm still just trying to soak it all in and hold it close to my heart. Every time I wander around the city, I discover little hidden treasures of breath-taking beauty. I need the nourishment of beauty to replace the nourishment I used to try to get from food.Today I walked past a house on Telegraph Hill; well actually it's a mansion (three stories, Spanish tile roof, stunning views of Bay Bridge and of the whole North Waterfront area). I was taken aback by the scaffolding that surrounded it and by the architectural details that I'd

never really paid attention to when I've jogged past it.I decided to walk past the house, and climb the steps to San Francisco's smallest park, the Jack Early Park. You climb four flights of winding stairs through a Garden of Eden style canopy of lush flowers, trees and plants. When you emerge at the top, the view is unsurpassed: Pier 39 and Alcatraz in front of you, to your right, Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge and the East Bay Hills in the distance; to your left Angel Island, Tiburon, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. As I reached the summit, I could hear the peal of the bells at Sts. and Church in Little Italy; it was like God was saying, "I'm here when you need to talk." I looked out at the vastness and beauty of the Bay. And I said a silent prayer of gratitude, asking God to help me find peace.I looked down and there was bright copper penny on the ground. "See

a penny, pick it up, and later on you'll have good luck," I said to myself as I held it in my palm. I thought, "I don't need luck. I'm already blessed. Look at where I live." I have enough to meet my daily needs, I have friends and family who support and love me, and I live in a place where there is beauty around every corner. And to think that on top of all that, I've been blessed with a surgery that gave me back my life.What's missing? In a place so achingly and hauntingly beautiful, this City begs to be shared with someone. It's not that I can't appreciate the sights by myself. I do and I have. But every joy, every delight, every magic moment, every discovered treasure is that much sweeter with someone you love.I know I'm sounding like a hopeless, sappy romantic, but that's me. And at the very least, whether or not I find someone to share my joy, I have

me. And for the first time in my life, that's not the worst option.I've rambled enough.Francisco Donna JordonDSJordon@...

Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping

[Guest guest]

Dang it Francisco...this made me cry....very beautiful!

>

> Donna:

>

> Thanks for your words of wisdom. This whole situation (Philippe

and

> Joe) has me a little (well very) introspective today. I need some

> time to mull it all over and feel happy for the gifts I've

received.

> It helped a bit by getting out to church and practicing with the

> caroling choir (we're going to sing at two residential hospitals

and

> around the Castro).

>

> I took a long walk home after spending some time with my dear

friend

> Troy in Union Square. San Francisco's beauty nourished my soul,

and

> I'm still just trying to soak it all in and hold it close to my

> heart. Every time I wander around the city, I discover little

hidden

> treasures of breath-taking beauty. I need the nourishment of

beauty

> to replace the nourishment I used to try to get from food.

>

> Today I walked past a house on Telegraph Hill; well actually it's

a

> mansion (three stories, Spanish tile roof, stunning views of Bay

> Bridge and of the whole North Waterfront area). I was taken aback

by

> the scaffolding that surrounded it and by the architectural

details

> that I'd never really paid attention to when I've jogged past it.

>

> I decided to walk past the house, and climb the steps to San

> Francisco's smallest park, the Jack Early Park. You climb four

> flights of winding stairs through a Garden of Eden style canopy of

> lush flowers, trees and plants. When you emerge at the top, the

view

> is unsurpassed: Pier 39 and Alcatraz in front of you, to your

right,

> Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge and the East Bay Hills in the

> distance; to your left Angel Island, Tiburon, Sausalito, and the

> Golden Gate Bridge. As I reached the summit, I could hear the

peal

> of the bells at Sts. and Church in Little Italy; it was

> like God was saying, " I'm here when you need to talk. " I looked

out

> at the vastness and beauty of the Bay. And I said a silent prayer

of

> gratitude, asking God to help me find peace.

>

> I looked down and there was bright copper penny on the

ground. " See

> a penny, pick it up, and later on you'll have good luck, " I said

to

> myself as I held it in my palm. I thought, " I don't need luck.

I'm

> already blessed. Look at where I live. " I have enough to meet my

> daily needs, I have friends and family who support and love me,

and I

> live in a place where there is beauty around every corner. And to

> think that on top of all that, I've been blessed with a surgery

that

> gave me back my life.

>

> What's missing? In a place so achingly and hauntingly beautiful,

> this City begs to be shared with someone. It's not that I can't

> appreciate the sights by myself. I do and I have. But every joy,

> every delight, every magic moment, every discovered treasure is

that

> much sweeter with someone you love.

>

> I know I'm sounding like a hopeless, sappy romantic, but that's

me.

> And at the very least, whether or not I find someone to share my

joy,

> I have me. And for the first time in my life, that's not the

worst

> option.

>

> I've rambled enough.

>

> Francisco

>

[Guest guest]

I know the feeling, Francisco. I feel the same way when i'm walking around the city. last night, after a long day of Christmas shopping for a bunch of crazy French people who I've never met (his family...all boys.), I had my mani/pedi done back in my own neighborhood. I walked along Chestnut a bit, and in front of the local theatre, there was snow! A little foam bubble machine had been set up, with fans blowing, and it looked like snow falling down on either side of the theatre marquis. And although I try to avoid Starbucks generally, they had a little van out in front of the theatre, handing out free hot cocoa and gingerbread cake...and they paid for all of the movie tickets as a little Christmas present. The van was blaring out Christmas music, and the Starbucks employees were dressed as elves, and everyone was happy and giggling and excited...and it was just wonderful. Commercial? Why yes, why do

you ask? But at the same time, it was just this lovely little serendipitous moment...where the neighborhood was gathered together, chatting under the marquis...like a little ad hoc Christmas party. Of course, I ruined all of the good happy feeling by seeing Syriana with Cloony and Matt Damon. Very intellectual thriller, of sorts...about the Middle East. Quite depressing. But, none the less, sometimes I realize how blessed I am, and I just want to celebrate. When I was shopping the other day, the salesgirl said to me, "What size are you holding there? That's wayyyy too big for you, you're tiny!!" Tiny. Right. Tiny. Hunh? Who was SHE talking about? And then, I have my sweet , who is running around doing all of this work for immigration Visa purposes, applications to school, packing all of his

belongings to bring up to La Chaulme (the little village where he has a farmhouse), surrendering his apartment in Paris, trying to get everything arranged for me when I'm there...and I call him yesterday and ask what he's doing and he says, "Baby! I was in my apartment and I suddenly realized that you probably don't have warm slippers and so I'm on my way back from the store with your slippers. I looked for pink, but they didn't have any, so I got you lavendar. Is that ok? They are lined in cashmere, so I think they'll be warm enough for you. You can't wear your little sandals here, baby, you're little feet will freeze!!" Is that cute, or what? He also bought me a long, wool coat. He said we can leave it in the house in La Chaulme if I want to...so that it will be there for me when I visit. (La Chaulme is near the Alpes, in the Rhones-Alpes. It's where Cotes du Rhones and Beaujolais Nouveau wines

are made.) ALso, his brother is an architect, so he wants me to look at his house (which is an old stone farmhouse) and decide on what I'd like to change, so his brother can draw up the plans. Man, I'm lucky!!!!! Life is good. Absolutely. Robynn Diane Duenas wrote: Dang it Francisco...this made me cry....very beautiful!>> Donna:> > Thanks for your words of wisdom. This whole situation (Philippe and > Joe) has me a little (well very) introspective today. I need some > time to mull it all over and feel

happy for the gifts I've received. > It helped a bit by getting out to church and practicing with the > caroling choir (we're going to sing at two residential hospitals and > around the Castro).> > I took a long walk home after spending some time with my dear friend > Troy in Union Square. San Francisco's beauty nourished my soul, and > I'm still just trying to soak it all in and hold it close to my > heart. Every time I wander around the city, I discover little hidden > treasures of breath-taking beauty. I need the nourishment of beauty > to replace the nourishment I used to try to get from food.> > Today I walked past a house on Telegraph Hill; well actually it's a > mansion (three stories, Spanish tile roof, stunning views of Bay > Bridge and of the whole North Waterfront area). I was taken aback by > the

scaffolding that surrounded it and by the architectural details > that I'd never really paid attention to when I've jogged past it.> > I decided to walk past the house, and climb the steps to San > Francisco's smallest park, the Jack Early Park. You climb four > flights of winding stairs through a Garden of Eden style canopy of > lush flowers, trees and plants. When you emerge at the top, the view > is unsurpassed: Pier 39 and Alcatraz in front of you, to your right, > Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge and the East Bay Hills in the > distance; to your left Angel Island, Tiburon, Sausalito, and the > Golden Gate Bridge. As I reached the summit, I could hear the peal > of the bells at Sts. and Church in Little Italy; it was > like God was saying, "I'm here when you need to talk." I looked out > at the vastness and beauty of the

Bay. And I said a silent prayer of > gratitude, asking God to help me find peace.> > I looked down and there was bright copper penny on the ground. "See > a penny, pick it up, and later on you'll have good luck," I said to > myself as I held it in my palm. I thought, "I don't need luck. I'm > already blessed. Look at where I live." I have enough to meet my > daily needs, I have friends and family who support and love me, and I > live in a place where there is beauty around every corner. And to > think that on top of all that, I've been blessed with a surgery that > gave me back my life.> > What's missing? In a place so achingly and hauntingly beautiful, > this City begs to be shared with someone. It's not that I can't > appreciate the sights by myself. I do and I have. But every joy, > every

delight, every magic moment, every discovered treasure is that > much sweeter with someone you love.> > I know I'm sounding like a hopeless, sappy romantic, but that's me. > And at the very least, whether or not I find someone to share my joy, > I have me. And for the first time in my life, that's not the worst > option.> > I've rambled enough.> > Francisco>