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.
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
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
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)
What is Love
Here are today’s philosophical thoughts, (or should I say tonight’s philosophical thoughts, as I’m writing this in the middle of the night, with only the moon outside to keep me company)
Among all the essential questions we ask ourselves while trying to figure out the mysteries of life, there is one that seems to stay with us no matter who we are or what kind of times we live in; the question of love. Not the love we aim to show all our fellow men, the do-onto-others kind of love. I think that is somewhat easier to define. No, I mean the love we have, or hope to find with that one, special person in life. What we often refer to as true love. But what does that really mean? What is true love? How do we know what to look for, and how to know if we have found it? Does it even exist?
What is undoubtedly true is that the concept of love holds different meaning to different people. Simply because people are different. And so each one of us will have to define love for ourselves, and no one else can do that for us.
Although I am certainly no expert on the matter, I do have a few personal thoughts that I’d like to share. I believe love is about finding a soul companion; an equal, a mirror, someone who sees you for what you really are, and still feels no need to change you. Someone who believes in your dreams, who lifts you up and never tries to pull you down or hold you back. Someone who will provide shelter when you feel vulnerable, and encouragement when you’re ready to take on the world. Someone who brightens your day and makes you a better person, who knows that every now and then, silence says what words can not.
So what must we do to find it then? Should we simply go searching for it? Many have tried. Some have succeeded. But I don’t think love needs to be found, or brought to life. I believe it comes to us, in its own way, in its own time. And when it does, we just know that it’s there.
Finally, perhaps the most important thought (or at least, to me, the most honest one); I believe love cannot be given half-heartedly. It has to be everything – or nothing at all. And when we come to realize what love is, what it means to us personally, then we have also learned what it’s not.
Amor Vincit Omnia – True love conquers all
Related thoughts: Definition of Success and Be Who You Must Be
