The Hero’s Heart

“Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero’s heart”

All you bad guys out there: don’t even think about it.. Any funny business – and you will have to answer to this big little hero

When You Believe

I just realized that I haven’t been posting any music on my blog for a very long time – not good. Here’s a song I heard on the radio while driving home yesterday. It’s a song that has been an inspiration to me ever since the first day I heard it.

It has a beautiful message.

A Touch of Eternity

The days are getting shorter again. The evenings are getting darker. Late at night, just before bedtime, I spend a few minutes outside on the porch. The view of the city lights can be seen in the distance. But right above my head there are only stars. Thousands of stars. Millions.

And a thought comes to mind; that the darkness on a clear night like this has its own special beauty, because it brings out the stars once again.

I remember reading a quote somewhere:

The stars are the street lights of eternity.

Perhaps that’s why looking up into the starlit sky brings this very special feeling of hope.. of faith.. something magical. A sense of being lost in the vast universe, yet at the same time knowing I am exactly where I wish to be. Where I am meant to be.

Someday soon I’ll teach myself how to capture those stars on camera.

Be happy.

Linda

Enjoying the Simple Things

As a child, I was fortunate to spend part of the summer at my grandparents. Their house was situated in the countryside, surrounded by open fields and woodland. They even had a dog for me to play with, and I always enjoyed my visits there.

The best part however, was their garden. A real, old fashioned garden; you know the kind that is filled with herbs and colorful flowers, apple trees and a variety of tasty berries, in addition to numerous secret hideouts. And a swing. In other words; a true wonderland for a little girl.

My granddad has passed away, but my grandma, now well into her 80s, is still very much alive. She is in many ways a remarkable lady; always well informed and with a clear mind.

Through the years I have learned a lot from her. She taught me that there is wisdom to be found in reading the words of others, always providing me with books (some with inspiring photographs too:) From her I learned that there is beauty and peace to be found in the love and respect for nature and its inhabitants.

I learned that some of our greatest treasures in life, lies within our own imagination and ability to create. And she showed me how happiness is really about the small things in life. That what truly matters, what bring to us the greatest joy and satisfaction, are quite simply – the simple things.

A very good example of the above; raspberry jam. Home made, of course, from her own garden. Mmm…

Beautiful bluebells. I remember how I always used to pick some for her, just to be rewarded with that special smile. They were clearly her favorites. Now that I have kids of my own, I find it easy to understand her joy. I love them also.

Another one of planet earths tiny miracles; small but perfect.

Below are a few more details found in my grandmas garden. Also a quote that I like; about finding joy in the simple things, and being truly alive.

If the sight of the blue skies

fills you with joy,

If a blade of grass springing up in the fields

has power to move you,

If the simple things of nature

have a message that you understand,

Rejoice, for your soul is alive.

~ Eleonora Duse

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

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

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.

Welcoming the Light

The contrast between light and darkness fascinates me. Without a doubt, our lives must consist of both, simply based on the fact that if there were no darkness, then we wouldn’t know the value of light. It’s a good thought to keep in mind when occasionally we have to work ourselves through some rough times.

But even though rough times do occur in everyones life, there is another  important thought that should also be kept in mind: That we always have a choice how to respond to those twists and turns of life. We can always make a choice to focus on the light.

Another winter has come to an end. Everything that has been frozen is melting and the miracle of spring unfolds in front of us. It occurs to me that somehow, it has been a very short winter. Of course, the number of days have been the same as any winter (and the amount of snow as well). Still, that’s what it feels like. And I think I know the reason why. Last summer, I made myself a promise: to keep my eyes on what’s truly beautiful in life, and focus on what really makes living worthwhile. I realized that when we start searching for sources of  joy and inspiration, gradually our lives begin to change. There is always a light shining somewhere. But to truly see it we have to focus on that light, and open up to the beauty life has in store for us.

Life is wonderful, in every way. But it’s true what they say; we do get what we ask for. If we stop filling our lives with what really matters, ignoring our dreams and visions, then eventually the darkness will take over and we end up merely existing instead of living. I know. I’ve been there.

So today’s thought is; Let us all allow ourselves – and each other – to be who we truly are, to live with honesty and humility for life, and welcome the light into our hearts.

Because when we do, something wonderful happens; We discover our own power to bring more light and warmth into the world, making us part of a very positive circle.

“Never fear shadows. They simply mean there’s a light shining somewhere nearby.” ~ Ruth E. Renkel