Tag Archives: reflection

Thoughts

Things to ponder...., , , , , , , ,

I recently started a new project, as I felt my mindset had slipped out of some traditional thought patterns. I pulled a gratitude journal from the bookshelf as I decided I needed to get back into the habit of practicing gratitude. 

Each writing offers a two-page spread, with the first page having some thoughts to ponder, some scripture reminders, and the subsequent page is for writing and a brief prayer for ending the session. 

My writing will remain private, but I wanted to share the thoughts to ponder from one day. Day five, to be more precise. 

Some of the truths I’ve known for years, yet somehow, allowed these truths to escape from personal practices. Sometimes we all need reminders.

Yet I was fascinated by the idea that one’s mind actually expands based upon our focus. I liked the examples they used and could see experiences from my past to support the statement. 

The world we currently live in bombards us with information designed to grab our minds and cause us to be fearful or distrusting of others. Allowing such thoughts to occupy my mind creates the possibility for a stream of emotions and actions which I don’t want to be used to describe me. I can accomplish an alternative outcome with how I choose to think. When I ponder all I have to be grateful for, or the beauty surrounding me, I will become more optimistic and content. The prospect of becoming more optimistic and content is exciting; which should cause increased happiness, increased health and more fun for those I interact with. 

So, I have started the “100 Days of Grace & Gratitude.”

What thoughts will you choose?

The Desert

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Some ask, how is a story born? Where do you get your ideas? 
Read below to find a plausible answer to your questions.

The Desert

Stranded in a creative desert
Words escape me
Nothing to show on paper

Wisps of a scene dance through my mind,
then disappear before the words land in my story.

This journey is unsettling
Leaving me feeling ill at ease

Besides being dry and barren, deserts are often hot
To escape the dullness of these empty days
We went to a concert

The outdoor setting provided a great escape from the heat
Venue was filled with people enjoying themselves
An evening breeze blew in from the ocean
A lovely time was had

A threesome unlocked a creative muse within me
The characters were all – characters
I was certain there was a story beneath the surface

Back home, after a lovely evening of music by the shore,
a short story was born

Now, your part…

If you have a desire to read the flash fiction piece born of this evening, click the yes option. If not, click no. In a couple of weeks, I’ll tally the responses. Depending upon what I find, you may get the story. You will be updated.

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(Disclaimer notice for you, my readers. I appreciate your patience as I worked through the details of the form. Thank you.)

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Thanks for reading and following my blog.

Linda

Staycation Delight: Unforgettable Memories with a Friend

Things to ponder...., Writing Projects, , , , , ,
Beautiful Together


We do not remember days
We remember moments
Cesare Pavese

July has been my staycation month, which has been great!

From beaches to garden spaces

From tourist spots, to less known beautiful locations

From bustling to quiet…

Sharing time with a friend is a gift.

The moments of the last few days have provided many memories.
Time spent with friends is refreshing to the soul.

Joy

Light Hearted Living..., , , , , , ,

Summer is running,
already running away
It just arrived…

We spent a day at the county fair,
what a day it was

On a whim 
we entered the Butterfly Farm exhibit
Enclosed environment filled with 
beautiful
fragil
graceful
free
curios
butterflies

And people
All captivated or standing in awe

Numerous varieties of butterflies
each with their own colors and markings,
different species were drawn to various colors

They were emboldened and landed on whatever drew their attention.
The people moved among these winged creatures.
Enchanted by their movement,
their color,
their beauty.

We left the butterflies
Enjoyed other exhibits
Went out to dinner with friends
Returned home, contented

Reflection afterwards
brought the realization
most were smiling in this butterfly environment.
Leaving one wondering 
when and where was the last time so many people were visibly happy?
why does it not happen more frequently?

Yes, we left the butterflies
yet a part of their spirit remains within me.
I say,
Bring on the butterflies!

The Big Easy

Things to ponder...., Travel, , , , , ,

Finally
Sitting in a quiet space
My senses are settling down
Sifting through the exposure of this trip.

After landing in the historic, multi-cultural metropolitan area
Sights, sounds, smells and flavors all came together at one time.

In one place…
Constantly
Traffic never stops
Sirens punctuate the air
Music blares, escaping various doorways
Colliding with the sound of those performing in the street.

People walk these streets
Holding hands
Carrying drinks
Smoking
The smell of marijuana hangs heavy in the outside air.

Honing my senses to look beyond the surface
I find buildings designed in days gone by.
Some proudly display hanging baskets and planters overflowing with flowers
Set against decorative metalwork balconies and entrance ways.
Others, covered with graffiti often host for-sale signs 
Hoping to lure someone into the neighborhood.

Many small shops emit strong fragrances from within
Tobacco from the cigar shop
Conflicted florals from candle shops or body works shops
Rivaling savory or smoky fragrances from the plethora of eateries
All compete against the backdrop scent of overflowing garbage bins and pot wafting through the air.

Cuisine is as varied as everything else in this city 
Showcasing the multiple cultures that settled and blended here.
Surprising
Delightful
And, so enjoyable!
I ate my way through the city with each meal awaking different taste buds.

The people who lived or worked within the city were friendly
They genuinely wanted you to enjoy your stay in their city. 
They were proud of their heritage 
Sharing stories of their history and the culture’s survival through time.

A few more days removed
I recognize how much new historical knowledge I gained while there.

Given the opportunity, The Big Easy could awaken something in you too.

Things to Ponder

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During the day’s reflection, I pondered the completion of another trip around the sun and found myself standing on the threshold to another decade. It’s unfathomable I’ve moved through so many years. Yet, here I am.

…and the adventure continues!

Taking Chances

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Taking chances
Isn’t that what life is about?
Another journey around the sun.
Out with the old, In with the new
What does it mean to you?

The sun is shining, lighting up the land around me
Blue sky intensifying the colors of the day
A light breeze blows beckoning me outdoors
Just as the new year beckons me to throw aside caution
And enter with wild abandon into the unknown future

The future – 
…another year older
…deeper understanding 
…new challenges and adventures await
…refining or honing skills
…giving up unrealistic expectations
…savoring the gift of another day
…tenderly holding precious memories
…valuing relationships
…acknowledging more, the power of God’s love 
…and learning how to walk more in this love

It is all a chance.
A chance I take willingly.

Out with the old, In with the new
What does it mean to you?

Natures Preparations

Things to ponder...., , ,

Packed and prepared to leave

Blurry-eyed I grabbed my purse

Sat and buckled in.

Relative quietness hung upon the town.

Entering the freeway

Ribbons of white or red lights

Streamed down the roadway.

Who would have known so many

Would be on the road long before light?

Dawn presented first signs of the day to come.

Heavy clouds hung on the mountain tops.

Light peaked through revealing the foothills 

beneath the shrouded peaks.

Spots of pink adorned the clouds.

Traffic intensified.

At times its pace was a crawl

Resembling more of a parking lot than streamers.

Drawn back to the coast—

We stand on the rocky shore

Listening to the crashing waves

Watching sea lions bob and play

Surveying crumbling walls

Succumbed to an earlier hurricane.

The air, the light, the beauty of the sea

on such a day as this.

To town we travel

Where we traipse from one art shop to another.

Early dinner on Main Street, then off to the lodge

Where we enjoy a hot drink, a fire and live entertainment

With other guests of the establishment.

We fall into bed, drifting off to sleep.

Morning comes.

Opening the shutters, I find the marine layer

And local ecology all decked out in preparations for

Halloween.

BOO !!!

Highlight for today

Things to ponder...., , , , ,

Allow me to celebrate with you, my friends…

You will have to click on the link to be taken to the poetry on The Galway Review.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and to leave your comments.

Linda L. Flynn – Four Poems