Some People

Some people have really been blessed with the gift of expressing their thoughts in words. I just discovered the inspirational writings of Flavia Weedn, a woman whose words are well worth a few seconds of our time.

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go… Some stay for awhile and embrace our silent dreams.

They help us become aware of the delicate winds of hope… and we discover within every human spirit there are wings yearning to fly.

They help our hearts to see that the only stairway to the stars is woven with dreams… and we find ourselves unafraid to reach high.

They celebrate the true essence of who we are… and have faith in all that we may become.

Some people awaken us to new and deeper realizations… for we gain insight from the passing whisper of their wisdom.

Throughout our lives we are sent precious souls… meant to share our journey however brief or lasting their stay they remind us why we are here.

To learn… to teach… to nurture… to love

Some people come into our lives to cast a steady light upon our path and guide our every step, their shining belief in us helps us to believe in ourselves.

Some  people come into our lives to teach us about love… The love that rests within ourselves.

Let us reach out to others and feel the bliss of giving, for love is far richer in action that it ever is in words.

Some people come into our lives and they move our souls to sing and make our spirits dance.

They help us to see that everything on earth is part of the incredibility of life… and that it is always there for us to take of its joy.

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same.

Flavia Weedn

After the Rain

Have you noticed; how after a rainfall the colors of nature seem to come out more clearly and beautifully than before?

Everything has been cleansed by the millions of raindrops falling..

Now mother nature takes a deep breath; all renewed, shaking off the very last drops of water

Ready to embrace the warmth of the sun

Month of June

June. The sun wakes me up in the morning. I take my camera for a stroll. Hear the bees buzzy song, feel the warmth against my face. It’s a good start for a new day.

The small people in my life are hardly indoors these days, there is so much to explore out there. Their adventures are neverending. Their days are never long enough. Neither are mine.

I put some music on, and do my work with a smile. Then spend a few minutes in the shade. Closing my eyes, feeling how it’s good to be alive. Wildflowers nearby nodding their heads in the breeze, as if they agree.

The evening envelops everything in a softer light. I’m letting my thoughts wander, looking out over the lake. Trying to figure out the mysteries of life, while dipping my toes in the water. Tomorrow is yet another day.

This is what I am longing for, all winter.

Amazing Planet

If you – like me – are fascinated by majestic landscapes and beautiful nature scenery; here’s a link that you must not miss out on.

It will take you to a site called Amazing Planet, and that’s exactly the right word for it: amazing. This gallery shows a variety of breathtaking scenes from all over the globe; sunsets, waterfalls, beaches, trees and forests, and more.

It makes me remember two things. One: that planet earth itself is one of our greatest sources of beauty; it surrounds us, we just have to look beyond our everyday struggles to see it. And two: how I really wish to spend a lot more time with my camera close at hand (and perhaps even a few airline tickets in my pocket)

Enjoy!

Click on the photo to visit Amazing Planet

A Touch of Summer

Here’s a few more macro photos, this time with a more summery touch.

Yellow – the color of sunshine

Ready, steady – fly!!!

With my nose (and lens) well down into the grass, I found this little funny looking guy. He is actually no more than 1/3 of an inch. He looks kind of puzzled don’t you think? I can only imagine what I must look like to him..

This one could be seen as a bit.. artistic.. maybe..?

Oh, look! A photographer!!

Water – something we can’t live without

These were taken yesterday. It was actually quite windy outside. I know, not really a good day for macro shots.. the sharpness probably could have been better.

The summer is long, though (that’s a good thought isn’t it:) Hopefully it won’t be too windy, as I would love more opportunities to explore this fascinating world of macro.

My best wishes for a warm, happy summer!!! L

To live in Thankfulness

Inspired by the first beautiful day of summer, I wrote a small poem that I’d like to share. It’s about something that we often tend to forget; being grateful for all the treasures life brings our way.

Let’s remember to say a prayer of gratitude, each and every day (yes, even on the rainy ones). Because when we do, eventually we discover how to live in thankfulness.

A very good way to fill our hearts with true joy.

My humble thanks for the beauty of life

For the smile of a child, for the blue colored skies

For blessings I see and for those in disguise

For the lessons of life that make everything grow

For the greatest of things – but even the small

I will keep them within and treasure them all

Linda

One Year with my Camera

This week marks one year of blogging for me. If you like, you can read my very first blog post here Welcome to My Voice It was written in May last year.

Wow, it seems so long ago! Certainly my writing has turned out somewhat different from what I was planning at the time. But through the writing process I have learned a lot. Hopefully my blog has also brought a bit of inspiration to the world out there. And not to forget: it’s been fun!

Given my love for photography, I was thinking; what better way to remember this past year than through the lens of my camera? I have been wanting to make a slide show like this for a long time, and actually I was planning to add some self-made music as well but.. to be honest I’m a little short of spare time these days. I’ll keep that thought for another day:)

Tell you what; why don’t you put on your own favorite music while watching this, that way everyone will be happy:) Or, you can find one of my personal favorites here.

Congratulations!

Today I just have to send a double congratulation to all my fellow county men and women out there. Not only is it Norway’s Constitution Day – the day we celebrate the independence and freedom of our beloved country, but yesterday “we” even won the Eurovision Song Contest through Alexander Rybak and his song Fairytale. How about that! I’d say it was good timing – and surely it added a special touch to the traditional May 17 celebration

In case you missed it, here’s the song

So am I happy then? Sure, it’s fun to be on the winning side. And it is a cool and catchy tune. However, I also had another favorite; What if We performed by Chiara, Malta. Take a moment and listen, it’s a beautiful song that deserves a few seconds of our time.

“There will be a star, no matter how far, shining”

There is a Silence

This photo was taken last year in May. It’s something of a personal favorite. Not necessarily because of its quality, but because of the feeling it brings. I remember that evening stroll well; just me and my camera. It was one of those quiet evenings when it seems like nature itself is holding its breath. Even the wind was still. The only sound I can remember was that of a few birds taking off from the nearby lake.  It was almost magical; an evening for walking slowly and quietly.

“Within each of us, there is a silence, a silence as vast as the universe. And when we experience that silence, we remember who we are” Gunilla Norris

Great thoughts are wonderful. They can really lift us and make us reach for what seems to be impossible, pushing us to accomplish wonderful things. And I admit; I love that approach towards life. However, every now and then it’s good to think quiet thoughts, to balance the mind. I believe this is crucial to us, as most of us do live in a fast-speed and somewhat noisy world. That’s part of the reason why I have a genuine love for nature. To me, few other places bring such peace and renewal to the soul, or in other words; an opportunity to recharge my batteries.

Seeking nature is something I have been doing ever since early childhood. There were summers I hardly slept indoors at all:) Perhaps that’s why this quote really makes sense to me; I need that silence every now and then, the silence of nature which leads to that inner silence. To put my mind in order. To remember who I was. To remember who I still am.

I think it’s a good thought.

Take care. L

More Musical Memories

As much as I enjoy listening to the music of today, there was something almost magical about the musical era of the 80’s. It was a good time to be a teenager. And one of many good memories from those days is how I always used to listen to Radio Luxembourg late at night. No matter where I went I had to keep my radio close so that I could keep up this ritual. The quality of the transmission would tend to vary, causing the music to drift in and out a bit, but that didn’t really bother me. In a way, it only added to the charm

This song I remember well, and it really brings back that special feeling. Its lyrics are truly beautiful. If you are lucky enough to have a real good friend, someone you know will stand by you through every twist and turn in life, then play this song for them. Do it today. There’s nothing quite as valuable in life as true friends.