The other day I overheard my boys talking about what they were going to do when growing up. Mr S, my 7 year old, did most of the talking. He couldn’t quite decide whether to become a scientist or professional race car driver. Mr C was sitting on the carpet, playing rather quietly with his toy cars, not saying much.

I walked into the room and sat down beside him. “So, what are you going to be when you grow up”  I asked him, expecting the usual “firefighter” or “policeman” answer.

He hesitated for a second. “It’s a secret” he said, “But I can tell you if you’d really like to know”

“Of course, I’d love to” I replied.

“When I grow up” he whispered in my ear “I’m gonna be rich“

Oh dear, I thought; perhaps it’s time to have a little talk with my 4 year old about the real values in life, those that have little to do with money.

“You know, there are other things in life far more important than being rich -”

He looked at me, somewhat doubtful “But you’re not rich” he said “how do you know?”

Ok, I thought, here we go.

“Actually, I think I am rich because I have good friends, because I live in a peaceful country, with beautiful nature outside; because I have sunshine  on my face during the day and stars shining through my window at night. I am rich when I get the opportunity to help others, or do some of the things I love doing; like taking pictures, and singing. And of course, being with you guys!”

I felt it was a good answer. But clearly, my son wasn’t satisfied.

“Mom, rich is when you have lots of MONEY!“

“I know” I replied “But we do have enough money to put food on the table every day, and to buy clothing when needed, and even a few toys now and then.”

He thought for a moment.

“No, you are not rich.” he insisted “You know why? Because if you were, you wouldn’t have a really old car.”

How do you argue with that?

“I guess you’re right” I sighed. “I do have an old car”

He nodded his head, happy to have made his point. But still, something seemed to be bothering him. Then all of a sudden his facial expression changed:

“That’s ok, mom” he said with a big smile “when I grow up, I’ll be rich for you”

Then I feel his little arms around my neck and his cheek pressed softly against mine. 5 seconds later he is gone, leaving me with the warmest feeling – not only on my cheek but also lingering in my heart.

Like I said; I am rich. How can there be any doubt about it

Have you ever dreamed of flying? Here’s proof: you CAN fly – if you really believe it!

(And with a little help – I admit – from Photoshop

“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

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.

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

Bringing my blog back to life, as promised

Here is a small collection of photos taken in September and October. I absolutely love all the photo opportunities of the autumn season, bringing such bright and beautiful colors.

Already the first month of fall is here. How time flies! Well, if for nothing else, it’s a good excuse for taking some more pictures

A mushroom shimmering almost like gold

Mr C insisted on bringing the umbrella outside – on a sunny day. I told him there was only blue sky to be seen, but he wanted to be sure in case of a sudden rainshower

Another mushroom in the grass

You may wonder what this rose is doing among autumn photos. Well, it was just growing there, right next to the mushrooms, blooming in all it’s beauty. As if to remind me that even if fall is here, there are still some warm, sunny days ahead for us to enjoy. Besides, I love roses. And that’s really all the reason I need.

Some more wonderful colors

And a few more.. ah, now I see why he wanted to bring the umbrella. He noticed that the colors were matching!!! Have a nice weekend!

]]> http://myvoicelinda.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/september/feed/ 0 Linda 2009-09-095 2009-09-094 IMG_5656-1 IMG_5727-1 IMG_5684 IMG_5771 http://myvoicelinda.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/just-to-let-you-know/ http://myvoicelinda.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/just-to-let-you-know/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:49:13 +0000 Linda http://myvoicelinda.wordpress.com/?p=4088 ]]>

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.

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

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