Tag Archives: Life

Extraordinary Beauty

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Early in the morning, I looked out the kitchen window with only the tiniest hint of light in the early sky. But no, off to the right of this scene, the clouds hanging in the sky were like a stage curtain, scarcely able to contain the light from behind, which was bright white, toned down by the film of clouds hanging in-front of this light source. 

One might have considered this a sunrise scene. But no. It was the moon moving behind a layer of clouds so close to the horizon. I ran for my camera, found it and returned. Alas, the clouds were moving in one direction and the moon in another. The moment had escaped me. Yet etched in my memory is the reminder of how God creates blessings each day for those of us willing to look for them. 

The shot that I did snap was equally beautiful as rose tones were rising above the horizon and the morning light was lighting up the western skies. Another, but entirely different, beauty to behold. 

Enjoy the day, wherever you are!

Between Here and There

Things to ponder...., Twilight ...the in-between, , , , , ,

Where are you?

Really, where are you when you are between “here” and “there” or between “now” and “then”?

Perhaps here?

NOWHERE

Or maybe here?

TWILIGHT

The concept of in-between has been on my mind lately. It started after I did a word study of “twilight.” 

I’ve been writing poetry and putting it together for a collection. In looking for a title, I liked the emotions TWILIGHT invoked, but didn’t think it matched the theme of my writing. 

I, perhaps like you, thought twilight happened daily as the sun sets. Imagine my surprise when I learned twilight happens twice a day and is defined as the period when the sun is below the horizon by a range of degrees. It occurs before the sun rises, and after the sun sets. Twilight is the “in-between” time occurring twice a day.

So, where do you find yourself when you are between here and there? I like to think I’m in the twilight. The word suggests a mystique. What a fun way to think about life! And really, aren’t we perpetually somewhere between here and there?

Yes, TWILIGHT …the in-between hints at what this poetry is about. The book will be available soon. Keep watching for updates and ways you can help promote the book. 

What Do You Think?

Light Hearted Living..., , , ,

When someone says “Twilight,” what do you think?

What emotions are triggered within you?

Excitement

Anticipation

Foreboding

Boredom

Do your thoughts turn to romantic ideas?

Or do you search for other thoughts?

I’m curious about your reaction to the word.

Please use the comments to share your thoughts.

Later I will share mine.

I forget…

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I forget how vast this country is, how rapidly the topography changes as we speed down the highway
I forget within this vastness lays great variety of how daily living plays out
None better, simply different.

I forget how our forefathers struggled to inhabit this land and how the cruelties of climate, geography and wild elements challenged them

I forget how close to the land my own ancestors lived; myself preferring to live in the realms of books and travel

I forget the value of the farmland, as I suspect many who live in an urban environment have similar remissions of thought

I fear that collectively we have forgotten how much we need each other
Those in the rural farmlands
Those in the denser urban areas
Those who work the land
Those who study intellectual matters
Those who perform manual labor
Those who design and build 
Those who teach
Yes, collectively we need each other

While traveling, I’m reminded of my life
Of how blessed I am
Of the family and many friends
Who have enriched me and contribute to how rich my life is

News continues to bombard me
I suspect others might say they forget the stories of their youth
I forget the stories where people fought and sacrificed
To create the freedoms I consider part of my life
No one tells those stories anymore

What important truths or stories have been pushed out of your mind?
Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Let Your Inner Beauty Shine Bright

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(This little tidbit was from the Spring 2022 edition of bella GRACE, issue 31.)

Encouragement for all!

Let your inner beauty shine, with no regard to who is noticing.

Please share with someone who needs to hear this today.

Risk

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Photo courtesy of Felicia Marie

We all entered this life ready to take risks

Emerging into these beings wanting

Adventure

Though many see the adventures of early childhood

They don’t recognize those actions as risky

But merely a part of the growing-up experience

Enter adolescence and the psyche seems more

Inclined toward risk, or risk – averse

Even at this stage of life, seldom do others recognize

This as risk. Those children are often considered

Difficult or troublemakers

Life moves into adulthood 

Where most effort is spent trying to survive

Or thrive

Seldom feeling as though you are 

Making conscious decisions for yourself

It’s not until later in life

When others are evaluating 

Your actions you might hear about 

How people respect that

You would take risks

It’s as though a curtain is pulled back

Revealing a part of yourself 

You never recognized belonging to you

Yet in retrospect you can see 

How one might think that

The adventurous life has been fun

Full of surprises 

And unplanned outcomes

Some I wouldn’t wish on anyone and

Others I would love to share and repeat

Personal benefits of risks have

Provided friends in multiple geographical locations

Memories galore 

Leaving me with a broad range 

Of interests and a rich life

In our overprotective culture

How do we teach children 

To be comfortable taking a risk

Teach them to be wise about what risks 

Are worth taking and which to walk away from

Linger Here with Me for a Moment

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Most recently, this book has been my quick grab when I’m looking for a pick-me-up. 

I first read this selection a couple of weeks ago. I have not felt released to move onto the next writing. The words are deep. 

I’m not posting this to elicit spiritual divisiveness or to change anyone’s beliefs. For those who know me, you already recognize my faith is core to who I am. However, the words above contain so much truth, no matter what you believe. 

These words reminded me that years ago, I created a notepad as a giveaway for a training session. The little quote on it was something about how “You always find what you look for.” The message is still true.

This writing contains that same truth. In a world that is spinning so rapidly, promoting division and strife, these words speak to a more gentle, kinder nature, asking us to recognize how our thoughts affect everything we come in contact with. It’s our choice.

I want to live in a world where things are more gentle and kinder. How about you?

Morning Reminder

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These photos are from a couple of mornings back. I was up earlier than usual, finding the view breath-taking, I took photos. I’m grateful I was up early enough to witness this, because in a few brief minutes, the marine layer (otherwise known as fog) crept in and clouded the sky, obstructing the view. Everything about the view, changed.

These images are a reminder to me of how every day we are given a new start, the opportunity for a fresh attitude and the chance to find beauty — anywhere and everywhere.

Initial view of the western sky
Northeastern sky
Captured the marine layer was encroaching–western sky

I’m grateful for these gentle reminders. What stirs those emotions in you?

Low Tide at the Tide Pools

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While others are combing the shore and the small tide pools, I’ve found a rock where I can perch, allowing my senses to soak in the beauty of nature and the reality of being on the edge of land. The pelicans fly overhead in formation, scoping out the landscape below. They head over the open water then pivot coming back toward land. Multiple broods fly in their individual formations. Scanning the waters and shoreline. Their grace, combined with the perfection of their movements, is a beauty to behold. The waves roar toward the shore with one white cap straining to overtake another. The blue-green rolls over to form a churning white mass racing toward the shore as the roar intensifies. Beyond, the dark grey blue of the ocean continues until it creates a solid dark line against the horizon. Then the lighter blue grey of the sky rises to transition into a deep blue. Shades of blue fill my view.

The wind continues to blow, ruffling my shirt and blowing my hair. The air is cool on my face, with the scent of salt water filling the air. 

Following the shoreline around the cove area, the grey of the water’s edge merges with the grey of the land, creating dull shadows of the buildings surrounding the water’s edge. 

The churning waves keep moving further and further inland. Soon my vantage point will be immersed. 

The sound of the seagulls laughing at the surfing crowd that has arrived to ride the wild waves of this afternoon fill the air. They’ve donned their gear and waded into the water with their boards. Slowly at first as they acclimate to the temperatures, then more quickly to position themselves for when they see the waves calling to them. Into the deep they paddle. A couple of quick runs and alas, they denounce. These waves are not for me today. Then they depart. 

Slowly, I arise to explore activity in some of the tide pools. What a peaceful way to clear one’s mind!

Left Behind

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February left

Taking with it the jade blossoms 

In its wake are delicate almond blossoms, fragrant paper whites, fresh oranges,

And treasured memories of my sister’s visit

I’ll savor the “left behinds” while preparing for nature’s March surprises