On the Ninth Day of Christmas ~ Insight

Late at night my mind would come alive with voices and stories and friends as dear to me as any in the real world. I gave myself up to it, longing for transformation.

~ Josephine “Jo” March 

Of all the greatest gifts I have been receiving from these 12 days of Christmas, this one held within it, a hidden treasure… connected to me. 

 Years before, when Shayla was a little girl and we spent time visiting Victoria, we took her to Craigdarroch Castle. As we toured the designated National Historic site, I watched my daughter peer into each room, in awe of the intricate wonders it held.

Incredible details on fireplace

A Writer's Dream Desk

Spectacular design Carafe holder

One of numerous stained glass window

Postcard of Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria

Later in her teenage years, she watched the period film, “Little Women,” based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. The author delved into her own life and from her own relations created the March family, which consisted of a mother and four young daughters, living in New England during the time of Civil War. Their father is fighting in the war and with little money; they are left to exist in plays created by one of the sibling’s vivid imagination. Josephine "Jo" March portrays one of the daughter’s, who aspires to become a flourishing author.

The tapestry of connections was soon to unfold when in the evening I attended a showing of the movie “Little Women” at Craigdarroch Castle. As I sauntered along the corridors and elaborate woodwork, on display were rooms filled with the Christmas spirit. A framed picture on the wall captured my attention and upon a closer look, I was gazing upon a representation of a heart shaped design. The twisted curls and kinked weaves revealed that they were actually a variety of hair strands. I marvelled at the creation of such a personal memento. Back then, it was common to save a lock of hair from a loved one.  These pieces appeared to have come from several family members, honouring those now long gone.

In the film, there is a tender scene where the March family needs money and Josephine goes into town and has her ravishing long tresses, cut off and sold. She comes back and hands over the money, but appears disgusted with her new look. 

I was then reminded of a video that I am sure all women can relate too…

Angela Saini- "Something Like I'm Beautiful"   http://youtu.be/w3lmsQXsIwA

 

As I continue on throughout the Castle, photographing a period in time where beauty was of high importance, I take snapshots of the intricate dresses women use to wear. The unruly design of the corset has me thankful for the vast array of clothing we are now afforded. 

While in the dining room- I met a lovely woman named Ginny,-who shares similarities with me. Due to our personal conversation, I will simply mention how refreshing it was to meet another courageous soul, willing to impart on new beginnings. 

Dining areas

Gathering on the fourth floor, we amass a group of people who have come to see the Castle and Little Woman. 

Although, I knew of the writing aspect of the main character in the film, I was about to find out more correlation to myself. 

We were told how parts of the movie were filmed at Craigdarroch Castle. It was an extraordinary feeling to watch the story unfold and realize you’re in the same location that Susan Sarandon, Christian Bale and Winona Ryder had portrayed their characters. 

There came a part where I recognized the area…the woods where Josephine runs through on several occasions. Later, I discover it to be the North Shore of Vancouver, BC, a place I am familiar in once sharing with a former love of mine.  The irony, is all of the complex passionate stories that are intertwined, I could relate too. 

One thing while watching the movie I was not expecting was a tragedy that mirrored real life far too much. Thankfully, I was comforted by the notion it was both dark and I was sitting at the far back…so no one could see the tears welling up. 

There is a scene where a man named Friedrich who loves Josephine’s passion for words risks everything- by telling her to write from her own life experiences. Towards the end, Friedrich proclaims his adoration for both Josephine and her first novel. 

He says: “Reading your book was like opening a window into your heart.”

Afterwards, I made my way into the Gift shop located on the main floor. My usual quest is to gather a few postcards for scrapbooking, yet something was waiting for me to find it. Located on a shelf, I stood in wonder of a treasure I have been seeking ever since the inception of my novel. Over the years, I have collected pictures of Sitka spruce trees, trinkets, coasters, jewellery with a Sitka on it. Even when a local spruce tree was ‘shedding’ bark, needles and seed cones, I lovingly gathered them into a coconut bowl, for insight. Despite me always wanting a tree ornament, I never could find anything that came close to what I envisioned. That was until I spotted a silver, sparkling decoration that had me elated. I took it to the till and explained to the pleasant young lady named Adriana about its significance in my life and connection to “Under the Sitka Tree.” What delighted me more, was her enthusiasm and how genuinely happy she was for me to be able to purchase it. I gave her a card linked to my website and hurried home. I knew it would have its rightful place on the top branch of my Christmas tree.

Upon taking a closer look at it out of the box; I beamed at what the actual design is. There are birds all over it, which is associated with my book. Within each bird is a heart and relates to my two main characters, Christian and Skylar. Parts of the tree look like small ichthus or known as Jesus fish, which represents the structure of faith within the pages of “Under the Sitka Tree.” Finally, the importance of the colour silver draws a parallel to my business card for the novel, as it is a layer of metallic silver under a coating of red. 

 What tugs at my emotions the most is that I know within my heart as Shayla’s mother, this ornament is from my sweet angel. This, along with all of the other ‘nine gifts’ I have received so far from my heavenly spirit, are contributions to that enchanting holiday we were to have spent together here in Victoria. 

 

The last of the 12 Days of Christmas will see the next few blogs appear back-to-back. Due to the sudden development of my surgery occurring, I have had to write for nearly 7 hours daily to finish what I started.

With every adventure I embark on, I have made astonishing discoveries and met incredibly kind-hearted people, I now call friends.

What has been imparted to me is something rooted in my own beliefs…that during this phenomenal journey along the way, I  may have had my own itinerary, yet God has been revealing his.

By T.L. Alton

楽園 (rakuen: paradise) ~ pleasure + garden

"Thyme on 43rd stirs the imagination, ignites the senses and finds the light within all of us." ~ T.L. Alton

There is a Japanese word that can be used to describe Thyme on 43^rd; Niwa translates into "Pure Place." The elements of trees, water and foliage combined with stone craftsmanship; make a visit to Thyme on 43rd, flow with the movement of traditional Japanese gardening. 

As a writer, I am currently working on completing my first novel, Under the Sitka Tree in the sanctuary of these extraordinary surroundings. The owner, Evelyn Faulkner and designer Hayato Ogawa have transpired an area of land into breathtaking splendour, which opens your eyes to wooden and stone structures, in addition to a variety of water features. 

Today, I am taking a break from my book and reflecting on the ‘secret’ Japanese gardens that are located in the vicinity of Brookswood-on 43^rd in Langley, British Columbia. 

Encompassing the area is a cascading waterfall, whose constant surge fills into a pond stocked full of Koi.  Fragments of granite, basalt and brohm are pieced together in intricate designs, along with newly installed black tusk. As for the location of where I write, I am surrounded by wooden beams tanned by the sun and with crimson splashes of colour embracing my inspiration. The elements of bamboo, a circle design surround me, while stone work is at my feet. As I peer out, I see a Blue jay drinking from a stream at one of the vessels. 

This is not simply a garden to write in, it is to be marvelled for every ounce of devotion which has been given to its existence. 

I take a deep breath and allow myself to escape into the gardens way of life. As I am about to snap a picture, a familiar buzz makes me focus on what is in the air around me. The image I see is breathtaking…before me is a Hummingbird with stunning fuchsia colouring! It flits about and I am in awe of its vibrancy. This makes me smile knowing of my daughter’s connection to these petite, luminous birds. Stepping back, I close my eyes and realize it is here, amongst the solitude that I am at peace. In these gardens, there is no room for worries; the welcome mat seems invisible to my grief. Yet, it would be allowed to enter should I chose…but only under my direction. 

This autumn, I am planning to gather a group of bereaved parents and rent the sprawling, lush private grounds for an afternoon. I believe this sanctuary can be a respite for our bereavement. Somewhere- that we can openly share about our losses- while being soothed by nature. If anyone is interested in contacting me, please send me an email: power2b@shaw.ca for more information.

For those wanting further details on hosting other events such as fundraisers, weddings, private tours, corporate events, photography opportunities, filming and other opportunities, please contact Evelyn Faulkner directly. 604 534-5902. Or email Evelyn  at  info@thymeon43rd.com

I want to express my gratitude to Evelyn in offering me the space amongst her Thyme on 43^rd Japanese gardens. She has been kind to promote me as an author on her website.  

http://www.thymeon43rd.com/t-l-alton/

When asked for a photograph for Thyme on 43^rd’, I jumped at the opportunity to provide the snapshot of me in London. Back in May, I travelled for two weeks with my partner Paul, back to his home. We were fortunate to go on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour of Harry Potter. It truly was the experience of a lifetime, filled with the extraordinary wit, imagination, and talent of J.K. Rowling. At Kings Cross in London, people lined up to have pictures taken at the legendary 9 ¾ platform. I was one of them as I had shared a similar experience at Universal studios with Shayla, back in the summer of 2011. We spent an entire day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando! My daughter knew how much I admired J.K. Rowling as an author. Her determined spirit saw the once struggling writer, pursue her dreams to the fullest!

An addition to the Thyme on 43^rd website is a garden writer from Fort Langley. Abby Palmer’s blog, Green Slate, discusses the manner of fusing the elements of nature to our own environment. Her feature articles about gardeners in the Fraser Valley, introduces her readers to places one may never have known. Abby contributes a monthly newsletter about Thyme on 43^rd . You can visit her blog at  www.greenslate.ca

Another branch of Evelyn’s location, which reaches out to the entertainment industry, includes filming. Incorporating her Japanese gardens into a movie was done by the recent Hallmark Production of “The Colour of Rain.” 

 To follow link>  watch the trailer here.
 

Equally, adding to her beautiful gardens being part of a film production is Evelyn’s 1957 Buick that is an elemental part of an upcoming motion picture by Tim Burton. Currently, it is being filmed around Vancouver and is called “Big Eyes.” 
The possibilities of people, groups, businesses and organizations utilizing the spacious grandeur of Thyme on 43^rd are endless. Assortments of the following are suggestions: Scrap booking classes, artists painting or drawing. Poetry readings taking place under the stars, book release signings or writing. Likewise, the ideas of quilting, meditation circles, yoga and Tai Chi, in front of the waterfall, offer a variety of boundless inspiration.

The opportunity “Where Body and Nature Harmonize,” make this rare gem a place to be discovered! 

By T.L. Alton

Try On Your Wings

It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts. -K.T. Jong

True Colours ~ Music Video/ lyrics by Cyndi Lauper

 http://youtu.be/3wqO4KcJAVE

I write with much uncertainty, as due to recent life-impacting information, this will be my last blog posting for awhile. In my need to move forward, I had to go back and retrace the intricate journey of the pebbles set all over this world. The quest has seen many stones polished to brilliance, allowing the pebbles to find a place into my shattered heart -that had tried to run away from all of the pain. 

With every photograph shared with me, video sent and story relayed as to where a pebble, gemstone or rock was placed, it connected me to my sweet angel. I re-read my blog postings with mixed emotions. At times, pools of tears contain bereavement, others infused with joy and laughter. In so many ways, Shayla remains alive…her kind, old soul lives on in ripples of water, a wisp of clouds, the bud of a spring blossom and the fragile wings of a painted lady butterfly. 

My beloved daughter has brought me to places where my steps upon the ground, echoes her own path.

After reading her words of desire to travel the world, I made a promise to my babygirl that I create a movement to honour her wishes. With Paul setting the first pebble for Shayla, into a location that held special meaning, the rest literally flowed into a cause that has seen over 200 + being placed all over this earth. I became absorbed into the significance of every stone; their meaning always reflected a theme of healing, release of negativity, and added renewal. To my amazement, I would be connected to a tree, flower or the magical properties of the location. It is as if Shayla’s loving arms have become the elements I now am surrounded by.

In receiving the news that has prompted me to place on hold my blog posts, it has provided me with clarity and set my intentions in a new direction. Instead of withdrawing, I am diverting my focus to other things that strike a beginning of change. It is time for me to follow the sun that exits even on the cloudiest days. To embark on adventures that pushes me to sit underneath the canopy of a white oak and kick off my shoes. 

The past year since Shayla’s death, I have myself become metamorphic – transitioning into my permanent role as a bereaved mother. I have experienced additional loss in friendships, yet gained new, bonding ones in complete strangers. I have reconnected with former schoolmates and let go of those who can no longer be there for me. In wearing a button with my daughter’s picture, I have spoken to young people about her tragic loss and shared the reality that “It COULD happen to You!” resonates within the anguish I carry in my private well of mourning.

What I was not expecting to find was peace amongst such hopelessness; to be able to let the element of water- the same in which Shayla passed, give way to cleansing and rebirth. To give back to nature-pebbles, what a deadly road took from me- precious life.

Joshua 4: The Memorial - When all the people had crossed the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe.  Tell them, ‘Take twelve stones from the very place where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan. Carry them out and pile them up at the place where you will camp tonight.’” So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel.  He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan, each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’  Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people forever.”

When Shayla was a little girl, she was baptized for the first time with water from the River of Jordan.

It now is my chance to hop aboard the peace train that my daughter’s legacy rides along. I waited for over a year for this to happen and now my heart tells me it is time. I am ready to see what the new chapter of my life brings and reconnect with projects that have been eagerly awaiting my return. My plans include chasing dreams that I know are within my reach…this includes my writing. I have made arrangements this spring, to finish editing my first novel, “Under the Sitka Tree,” www.tlalton.com  in an extraordinary setting that came to me as a blessing. Additionally, I have returned to reading, as I picked up a new book on grief that was meant for me. 

February would have been Shayla’s 23^rd Birthday. Last year, I was in Maui and the miraculous signs I was given still leave me reeling in their amazing images. This year’s planned events also had my angels hand in them. Something that connected us while she was still alive has now come to light…instilling in me to ‘swing life away.’ I will be joined by two people who loved my daughter very much. This two day celebration of her life is a mother’s love for her child. No matter what death has taken in the form of her existence- it will never be able to rip apart the incredible bond we will always share! 

The Heart Pebble Movement will carry on and I encourage people to continue with this cause to pay tribute to Shayla. My hiatus from my blog I see as short-term, yet I felt compelled to share with those that matter to me, why there will be no new posts.  I am including my email for people to send me stories and snapshots of them honouring my babygirl. Please feel free to contact me: power2b@shaw.ca

In seeking the transition I want, I have to work loose my need to “fix” others …now it is my time to ignite my own soul with self-care. In order to disconnect from the world of technology I need to allow the solitude to enter. I want to realize my full potential and seize the world like Shayla always did, with a reflection of joy in her beautiful smile that beamed “I AM ALIVE!”  

I know within my brokenness it is my choice to fall down in order for me to stand tall…that’s what my babygirl taught me!

My thanks comes in heaps of gratitude to those who have taken part in The Heart Pebble Movement...

It is because of each of you… Shayla’s dream of seeing the world thru her eyes became a reality…her halo now illuminates every pebble placed.

By T L. Alton 

Sweet Child O’ Mine ~Music Video Guns N’ Roses  

 http://youtu.be/lPTcoatYEjU

 

The whole value of solitude depends upon one’s self; it may be a sanctuary or a prison, a haven of repose or a place of punishment, a heaven or a hell, as we ourselves make it. -John Lubbock