"Life is not what I thought it was twenty-four hours ago; Still I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You."

Once there was a man who was 55 and better. Grampa. On many occasions there would be this budgie who would fly over to his house. It must have escaped from his home and wanted to visit someone else. One day, Grandpa decided to keep Budgie because he came over so often, and Budgie became his pet. Grampa and Budgie loved each other. They had good times together. Budgie would fly out of his cage every day and sit on Grampa's shoulder and give him kisses on the cheek. They were family.
One day Budgie flew out of his cage and sat on Grampa's shoulder like he usually did. He gave Grampa a kiss on the cheek, but this time instead of going back to his cage, he sat on top of Grampa's hand. Budgie took a couple of deep breaths, closed his eyes, and passed on. Grampa was heartbroken. He was very sad and he cried a lot over the loss of Budgie. However, they had a wonderful eight years together. Companions till the end.

When my mom told me this a couple of days ago, it really touched me. I had to try very hard not to cry because it was the sweetest thing I'd heard in a long time. It's a true story. Grampa is actually my second uncle, but I refer to him as Grampa. I've never had a pet, but loving a pet and being loved by one is quite powerful from what I see. I hope Grampa will find another another special pet to share his time with. I'm sure Budgie would want that.

"My clothes are worn and gritty; And I know ugliness; Now show me something pretty."

Amy correctly guessed the Jan 25th song....

The Champa flower is a flower of the East. The Beloved flower of the country Laos. In fact, there is a national song about the Champa flower:

Champa Flower, you have stood by my side since I was young.
Your fragrance is significant; in my heart it stands with love and affection.
I treasure your sweet scent, for when I feel lonely, I can breathe in your sweet fragrance, My Dear Sweet Champa.
Your delicate fragrance is like my long lost friend. You have been a beautiful flower since the beginning of time, My Dear Champa Flower, My Beloved Flower.

Beloved's blossoms.

The Champa flower holds much spiritual significance. Its scent used for devotional ceremonies. Aromatic traditions and symbolism are extensively used in Indian culture to illustrate the power of living. Just like the Champa flower kisses us with its sweet fragrance as it is awoken by the sun, we are too awakened by spirituality that lifts us, moves us, and allows us to flow our goodness effortlessly through the world-- a blessing.

The Champa flower holds personal significance. It is also beloved by me. In the form of incense and essential oil, that is. It has a sweet and exotic smell, one could say at times intoxicating. The incense itself has been around for several years. This scent holds a special place with me because it takes me back to my childhood and good memories. It was the only incense we burned in my home since I was a little girl. My dad used the incense to 'smudge' us when we were little. Meaning: using the hands to wash the scent over you. It's used as a part of blessing, cleansing, and healing.

Nag Champa has become a popular incense. The incense combines the scent of the Champa flower along with other spices. If you want to try the incense, go to any Indian grocer and buy it there. You'll find it for super cheap, as opposed to any novelty stores that carry it.

What does all this have to do with Amy (Pea)? Amy means Beloved. Amy = Beloved. I think after reading the above, the connection is quite clear. Anything for a girl who says I am 'practically her sister'.

It's amazing how when you take the time to think about a person, the thought of them inspires you with the flow of words, feelings, and connections. It is truly meaningful. The ability to create meaning I think is one of the keys to a happy life.

I'm glad I sat down and made time to write this. I've had a taxing week and in the midst of one particular stress, a kind person asked me what they could do for me. 'What can I do for you?'. Eloquent words.... inspiring me to write this tonight.

May golden Champa blooms decorate your dreams..... :)

'And I'm so excited, I haven't spoken'

Sarah correctly guessed the January 14th song...

The name Sarah means Princess. Princess flowers, also known as Glory flowers, come from the Melastomataceae Family. There are over 5 000 species in the Princess Family. Botonist Frank Almeda states they are called Princess flowers because their beauty is, 'fit for a Princess'. I took a look at these flowers myself, and I agree. Frank is a smart man. I found this flower and basically, it said Sarah to me. Yes, it spoke to me. Species Urvilleana (ur-VIL-ah-nuh). With a purple bloom. I call it Sarah's flower now. I think it's quite fitting.


Sarah's flower.

Isn't it great when you can find a new way to appreciate a person? We should do this more often. I'll go to sleep on that good thought.

"What goes around; comes around; what goes up; must come down"

Enough rain for you? It seems like that's all we've been seeing on the news lately. Everything seems to be weather related in the world. Mother nature. She's got something to tell us, doesn't she? Attention seekers usually have something they want to say, but don't exactly know how to. Maybe they think their voices won't be heard. Or maybe no one will care enough to listen. Maybe they are afraid of rejection. Maybe heavy rainfall is what we need sometimes to listen to what's going on outside of our own worlds. I think it forces us to use our other senses.

Peace.

"When shadows fill our day; Lead us to a place; Guide us with your grace..."

We all have so much to be thankful for in our everyday lives. I have thought a lot about this today in relation to the events in Asia. If you haven't contributed yet, please help the people affected by the Tsunami disaster. They have lost everything- their loved ones, their livelihoods and their homes. These are things we take for granted everyday. I know that I do. I can't imagine what life would look like if I was to lose the things I depend on so much at different moments in time, let alone all at once.

Clicking on the icon below will take you to the donation page.

Thank you.

"I refuse to believe; that my life's gonna be; just a string of incompletes..."

Welcome to Lady of Light's blog. This is a place where you brew a cup of tea, cozy up, point & click, and reflect with me on the internal and external.

Each title of my blog will reflect my 'posting mood' in the form of a song lyric. So, feel free to guess the Song of the Day by song title and/or artist. And yes, you will receive a prize if your guess is right, provided that you answer the skill testing question correctly. This week's prize: accolades and affection.

My hope for Icons, Incense and Ideations is to create a place where we can retreat and feel rejuvenated-- like a virtual spa!

I hope you will visit often.

Namaste