LIONS IN THE WIND

As of a few days ago, the advent of March 1st, 2012 came roaring in like a "Lion" with wind.  Crisp winds are not the norm in sun drenched Arizona. Isn't that the way the children's rhyme goes? 

"In like a Lion and out like a Lamb?" despite  the usual monotone weather of Arizona?

For our family, "Lion" is something to celebrate. Our family surname, "Loewen", is German for "Lion" Both sides of my family hail from Dutch German Mennonites that immigrated from near Kiev, Russia at the turn of the 20th century to homestead in a large Mennonite Community in Hillsboro, Kansas. True, Kansas can be very windy which is the expected norm. My mother often bestowed upon my father "Lion" gifts like stone statues for his prolific garden. Dad took it even a step further and had me design a "Lion's" head for our family headstone for our final resting place, in Hillsboro. That task was completed and about two years ago my brother Ron, sister Tami and myself laid him to rest next to mother at that headstone. The winds still gently roll the wheat fields and build unbelievably beautiful cumulous skies. 

Father's Day has always been a huge celebration for the family. My uncle and aunt were winter visitors for several years and always were included in our celebration which often included a road trip. One trip really stands out to celebrate Father's Day when we visited a "Bird Sanctuary" near Tucson, Arizona and got TWO flat tires in the  same day! Luck be with us and we made it downhill to a nearby garage for repairs. 

After mom passed, it didn't take long for our father to find a significant other to accompany him for 10 years. Clariece loved to travel and our Father's Day treks where no exception. One year we ventured close to home to the "Four Seasons Resort" at Troon, north of Scottsdale. The lobby was filled with works of art deeming a place at "The Met" in New York City. The art work featured  life size horses  entirely beaded Indian style. Leisurely, time spent at the resort included dinner, swimming and venturing out to a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the desert. 

If the Hot Air Balloon ride had been in March, safely I can testify that the month went out like "A lamb" Gently, the balloon lifted and scanned the flora and fauna below. The only jarring "noise" was the fire that kept the balloon billowing and aloft.

We were in the hands of our Creator and loving every minute of the peace and tranquility. The Lion of Winds had become the Lions of Peace. 

---Cynthia Loewen

100 YEARS AND COUNTING

ARIZONA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS


Upon arriving to Phoenix when only a million in the valley lived back in the late 70's, I have come to appreciate the stories of High Jolly, a camel, from the US Postal Service that delivered the mail to residents of Arizona.  Yet, with the anticipated increase of postage to 50 cents/letter, I now realize what really "ages" you in Arizona:

To much sun, Too many tamales at Christmas and the in ability to ride horses due to weak knees!


February 14, 2012 marked the 100th Anniversary of the Statehood of Arizona. A grand occasion for our glorious state. Celebrations at the State Capital in Phoenix last weekend included 5 stages for musical acts, countless "shows", military tributes, artists and many food vendors. This educational event was fun for the entire family and instilled pride in our state which will live on in the memories of the participants for a lifetime. My writing club: "Phoenix Writers Club" has written a play to celebrate the anniversary. The play will be the focus of our May 2012 meeting for guests and members alike.

Personally, I am very fond of the "cowboy" town of Prescott where the capital first started. The original courthouse still stands in the town square. The courthouse  park is the host of many occasions putting Prescott on the map as a vital city of growth in Arizona history. Barry Goldwater kicked off his Presidential Campaign from the steps of this courthouse several decades ago.

Recently, a friend and I went to Prescott to assess a camp for our annual "Church Family Camp" late in April, 2012. In keeping with  the "pioneering spirit" of the original settlers, we chose a new family camp outside of Prescott blessed with grand grounds of cabins, a huge fire pit area for stories, songs and s'mores and areas to play pool, ping pong, softball or just hike and enjoy the searing moss green pines. Also, time to share our own stories of life and lore in Arizona over a cup of hot coffee.

Photo from Advent Festival, Dec 2011 at Shepherd of the Hills Congregational Church

Phoenix, Arizona

That Spring day we checked out the campsite, it actually snowed on us with only a slight elevation from Phoenix. Even in Phoenix it has been known to snow on our  current capital city. A gorgeous view of the Historical City Square that day included a huge number of Arizona flags waving in the bitter wind while snow pelted the grand grounds on what we so proudly call the beginning of Arizona Statehood. The flags so proudly waved for all to relish the splendid state we call "Home"... A place where roadrunners,  cowboys and even several State Universities are doing research which  focuses on NASA projects and Medical Research  alike while we relish our roots of statehood 100 years ago! Yes indeed, Arizona has become a grand state with a future of golden footsteps for our states contribution to history.

---Cynthia Loewen

Moving On

Serendipity Spring may been different things to different readers. IMAGINE!

The title is meant to  stimulate one's senses of vision like a wispy flower bathed in dew, in Spring, 

Or perhaps, The welcoming touch of a serendipitous splash of  cool water.

Jerome, Arizona 

Whatever you gain from this blog, I hope it RAISES  you to a higher level of feelings that make you smile, laugh or just think about your children or friends....

In other words: The vision you encounter and celebrate in February, may it raise you up with the dignity of a soldier, or the sweet coo of a baby and most definitely: you celebration of LIFE that Imagine's ....

One's heart strings singing and dancing with joy in God's Grace!

--Cynthia Loewen

Granada Castle, Alhambra , Spain

May Serendipity Spring bring you joy amongst your harried schedule of going to and fro.  A bit about myself:  Cynthia Loewen, this site will strive to enlighten you with creative writings and photography in my escape from life's days of turmoil or peace. These writings are inspired by interacting with God's gardens of life and scenery of his hand.

Peace be unto you!
Cynthia Loewen