Out back are these pristine white blooms
They rise toward the sky
Emitting their sweet fragrance
Into the air
Their message is simple
Christmas will soon be here
The stark white speaks of the perfect
Love of Christmas
Enjoy the beauty
Savor everything they stand for
Breathe in the sweet fragrance
Fully embrace the Christmas promises
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!
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 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.
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.
This is one of our property lines, yet we seldom see it from this perspective. I love all the arching branches. During the rainy season, there may be water in the depression. Not at this time of the year.
A grand view from the neighbor’s property.
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.
I’m grateful for these gentle reminders. What stirs those emotions in you?
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!
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
a colorful gift from nature
received on a cool winter morning
Journey to the Heights 