Candy Paull

Welcome to my website. It's a work in progress that changes with the seasons.

The heat and humidity are here in full force right now. This summer's heat wave reminds me of all the hot days of summer. Even the hottest day brings its small pleasures. And here are some summer abundances I treasure:
• Three little girls running through the sprinkler.
• Mom's potato salad, deviled eggs, and cold fried chicken.
• Waiting on the Fauntleroy dock for the Vashon ferry to arrive.
• Family camping trips with the big green canvas tent and the green Coleman stove.
• The clear air and sparkling waterfalls set in wildflower meadows at Paradise on Mt. Rainier.
• The sound of the ferry boat horn and the rattle of the chain links as the ferry moves away from the dock (the chains have been replaced by orange plastic netting on the ends of the ferry—much more mundane and less romantic).
• The cry of seagulls as they fight for food or soar above the moving ferry boat. (Can you tell that I like ferries?)
• The smell of saltwater and sound of the waves lapping on the shore.
• The taste of ripe peaches, fresh corn, and rich red tomatoes.
• Lunch at the Frothy Monkey with my friend, Donna.
• Music from around the world at the Festival of Cultures at Scarritt Bennett Center.
• The sound of summer cicadas and other critters on a steamy night.
• Basil that loves all the heat and humidity, and tastes amazing in salads.
• A fan whirling above my head, cooling the air.
• Getting together with friends.
• A sweet phone conversation with my mother on Sunday night.
• Good news as partnerships come together and the dream job gets closer to becoming a reality.
• Another quarterly payment from Smashwords and monthly payment from Amazon as I see my e-book future expanding.
• Taking pride in my sisters' accomplishments: photos and painting for one, a blog for another—and a salute to the courage of all members of my family. They encourage me in so many ways.
• Going to an art opening and a poetry reading and a writer's night, supporting all my talented friends.
• The salad trio at Frothy Monkey, put together by a young artistic chef.
• Working on creative exercises in Julia Cameron's Vein of Gold after a long hiatus from feeding my creative soul.
• The first breeze in September after a long hot Nashville summer.

…perfect love casts out fear. I John 4:18 (RSV)

Fear believes . . . there is never enough.
Love believes . . . there is plenty for everyone.

Fear believes . . . the worst about people and situations.
Love believes . . . the best about people and situations.

Fear believes . . . there is only one right answer.
Love believes . . . there are many ways to understand something.

Fear believes . . . you have to change others through manipulation and coercion to get
what you want.
Love believes . . . real change comes from the heart, starting with your own heart.

Fear believes . . . things will never change.
Love believes . . . any situation can be transformed by the power of love.

Fear believes . . . that everything must be mapped out ahead of time.
Love believes . . . that you can trust the process.

Fear believes . . . in negative thinking.
Love believes . . . in positive choice.

Fear believes . . . the damage is done.
Love believes . . . healing can happen.

Fear believes . . . if you're not a success by now, you must be a failure.
Love believes . . . you're only a failure if you give up on your dreams.

Fear believes . . . life is cheap.
Love believes . . . life is precious.

Fear believes . . . anyone different is "them.”
Love believes . . . there is only "us."

Fear believes . . . it's too late.
Love believes . . . it's never too late.

Fear believes . . . the situation is impossible.
Love believes . . . a solution can be found.

Fear believes . . . that fifteen minutes of fame makes you important.
Love believes . . . we are all important.

Fear believes . . . people are disposable commodities.
Love believes . . . people are sacred.

Fear believes . . . in proving your own superiority over others.
Love believes . . . in honoring the greatness in others.

Fear believes . . . that everything needs to hyped.
Love believes . . . in quiet strength and simple faith.

Fear believes . . . no one is listening and no one cares.
Love believes . . . in prayer.

Where there is great love, there are always miracles.— Willa Cather

©2001 Candy Paull/​Golden Moment Publishing (candypaull.com)
(All rights reserved. Thank you for wanting to share this reading with others. Please honor the author by maintaining the copyright notice and sharing with friends and loved ones, not for profit. Gracias. )