Summertime Lemonade - Making sweetness out of bitters

As the lazy hazy days of July ascend upon us, are we ever not so reminded in some way of  little things, be them childhood memories, that relate to summer? A fond memory for me comes to mind finding self creative children lemonade stands that pop up around the block begging you to STOP for a refreshing cool long swish of the PROUDLY made Pink or Yellow Lemonade or KOOL-AID.

With this being said, it further minds me of Making the Best out of situation(s) when one is served up a plate of sour lemons.... and leaves us wondering "Just how to sweeten it enough to drink" ? Sweeten with the naturals of  plain cane sugar, stevia, agave, honey? In the end, they all have the propensity to make your lips curve up and smile again and say; "Now, that's what I call LEMONADE"!

From http://www.feeltaste.com/2009/08/12/five-good-reasons-to-drink-lemonade/

How easy it is to forget to smile, even when we get bogged down when confronted with a "SOUR Lemon" event in life. I've recently experienced this with a gravely - guarded Vintage (17 years) diabetic kitty who now has a case of  chronic "pancreatitis" on top of diabetes. During the last 2 weeks; Kitty along with his Team of Pet Care Advocates  (All Creatures PLC Small Animal Mobile Veterinarian Dr. Dave; The LIFE Center and their Specialists; and an Angel Pet Technician, Kate ) have worked in earnest jointly to turn a grave situation into a home coming event. Kitty has returned home to hopefully spend some additional peaceful and quality days of his life with daily aide from an endless cup of love from myself and beloved husband and Kitty's biggest Admirer and True friend;  Dee, http://deesvoice.com/ and other family and friends that inquire into Kitty's progress. Kitty's own desire to survive is still evident with him doing His very Best until his time has come, eating, drinking, and deep sleeep with purrs; most days now on a low decibel roar.

Artist Pendant of Kitty "Benny"

Kitty, "Benny"



My point: This ever so sour lemon event which created such turmoil for all of three of us has as a hidden lesson. I've attempted to see among the angst with clear intentions what the lesson is, letting go of that which I have zero control over. Now with each morning's kitty greeting purrs and brushing in the glorious morning sun rise, I give thanks with GRATITUDE with my sun salutations of Yoga- noting another day of clear purpose to be in the moment and move towards survival with Kitty among the the variable unknowns. Kitty has taught  me again; live in the present. Feline species truly do this; never thinking of the past, live for the present and don't even think about the future until it arrives to LIVE IN THE MOMENT again.  With the sour lemon moment, it's certainly been a family affair of making Summertime Lemonade out of bitter moments. Buried within the struggle is an opportunity to heal, recognizing the pain within; and that of others. Recognition of difficulties within our own little "bubble"; allows us to stop- do what we can do about it, and extend our self to others with kindness and compassion within the frailties of other struggles.

Take time to give gratitude for daily blessings; even if not stopping for lemonade created by a childhood stand; or your own fresh homemade concoction of sorts. What wonders we can achieve when we do make sweet out of bitter situations in life. Learn to savour them as they are short moments of true gifts; disguised among difficulty. It is through these times the Wisdom of the Ages may arrive;  and an opportunity of a lesson to be learned and shared become present in the moment.

 "The question is not what you look at but what you see.-Henry David Thoreau

Namaste.