Just to Let You Know

Just a few lines to assure you that I am still alive..! As is my blog – despite the fact that it seems to have been in a state of hibernation the past month

It has been a very busy month, to say the least. Not leaving much time – or even energy – for other activities, blogging included. I think I can safely say that I’ve been falling asleep at night as soon as my head hit the pillow – or even 2 seconds before that.. yes, really

Anyway, here we are; settling into the new apartment.

So are we happy with the way everything have turned out? Absolutely! The kids are all over their new neighborhood. I see their happy, enthusiastic faces from sunup till bedtime, as they’re keeping themselves busy exploring new places, searching for new treasures, making new friends. According to them, the world is a pretty cool place to be right now, and I can only agree.

I would love to add some photos here, but quite honestly I seem to have misplaced my USB cable.. although I’ve been looking all over for it (Still have a few boxes to unpack).

But as they say on the radio: Just stay tuned. I’ll get back into writing a little more frequently, soon.

Moments to Remember

There’s a lot of good things to be said about photography. I can make you a list if you like.. But I’m sure most people would agree that the best thing is that it gives us a unique opportunity to capture that special moment in time – and keep it forever. Perhaps we don’t fully understand what a miracle this is. Personally, I often wonder how people even survived before the age of photography

Some moments are so special to us that we would never forget to eternalize them. Simply because we know their importance and how we will wish to keep and treasure them in the years to come.

But as we know; our journey through life is also made up by all those small moments along the way. Like today, when I was headed home from the grocery store and suddenly spotted a hedgehog crossing the road just in front of my car.

In less than a second, and without really thinking – I pulled over, opened the door to the back seat and quickly dragged my 4 year old out of the car. He looked somewhat puzzled, but there was no time to explain to him what was going on. I just put my finger over my lips and pointed at the hedgehog that was now approaching the bushes nearby (amazing how fast those little feet can move). And holding each others hands, we silently tip-toed towards him, afraid we were going to miss our opportunity.

Luck was on our side though: we made it. With a smile on our faces, my son and I sat by the roadside, staring into the bushes for more than a minute. Two pearly black eyes stared back at us. We were hardly breathing. It was a magical moment – until mr hedgehog decided the meeting was over; unceremoniously turned his back on us and simply wandered off.

Mr C was thrilled however, having had his first encounter with a real hedgehog. And honestly, although I have seen one or two before – I felt how the experience really brightened my day as well.

My only regret was that my camera… was at home.

Without a doubt, life brings to us lots of memorable moments. Sometimes we get to capture those moments on camera, a wonderful opportunity for which I am truly thankful. And sometimes we get to keep them only within our hearts – which is also good.

But the best thing is, when every now and then.. we are fortunate enough to get both.

Some hedgehogs have all the time in the world and don’t mind posing for a photo.. those that are made from polyresin, that is

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

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.

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

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

Life Motivation

For more or less a year now I have followed a blog that stands out from any other blog I have been reading in the past: A Good Life. It not only presents lots of great photos, but is also quite extensive when it comes to conveying inspirational thoughts and reflections, in other words – a positive outlook to life.

Recently the author has created a special page focusing on the topic of finding greater motivation and inspiration in life, called Life Motivation. A wonderful idea. Without a doubt, many of these insightful reflections have been of great importance to me personally, helping me broaden my mind in many ways. I am sure there are many with me who can say the same.

I guess what I’m trying to say is; thanks Louis, for all the uplifting and inspirational thoughts you choose to share with all of us. You really do make the world a better place

(Click on the image above to view page)

I Have a Dream

Found a handful of nostalgic Youtube clips that I’d like to share, and here’s the first one. As a young girl I was quite fond of Abba’s music, and this song was one of my absolute favorites back then. I remember being touched by its lyrics, and I still am. These words really say it all; if we keep the ability to see the wonders in life, then we can take most any challenge that may come our way.