Tag Archives: nature

Christmas is Coming

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

Extraordinary Beauty

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!

What Do You Think?

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…

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

(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.

A Different Perspective

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.

Morning Reminder

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?