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
Go Hug Someone!
I just discovered that today is (US) National Hugging Day. Which is a great idea!
But… shouldn’t it be International Hugging Day?!! What about the rest of us, is there any person on the planet that doesn’t need/want a hug? I think not.
If you have a minute or three, sit back and watch this video. It is guaranteed to make you feel good! Pay attention at 0:50, when the guy gets (and gives) his first hug. Now isn’t that beautiful? I also love the shift in colors at that very moment.
Hey, we should do this!
Warm hugs 
Linda
Our Beautiful World
Some would say; there is no such thing as a beautiful world. There is too much evil, too much suffering, too much imperfection . And yes, there is. Sometimes it is really hard to see beyond everything that is so wrong about this planet we live on. Or rather; how we – mankind – choose to live our lives on it.
Even so; the beauty is out there. It surrounds us, each and every day, in many different forms. And what’s more: we are all given a unique chance to affect the world so that we can add to the good, add to the beauty, add to the sacredness of life. If we manage to keep our focus on that, perhaps taking responsibility for planet earth will be a little bit easier. After all; it isn’t just a planet. It’s home.
Winter Roses
The world turned white overnight. And the roses were taken by surprise just like the rest of us. Still, for a little while longer, they’re holding on to their beauty – allowing us one last opportunity to enjoy their colors before taken away by Mr Frost.
I decided to capture some indoor beauties as well, found at a friend’s house. The white winter light comes in from the side, bringing an almost transparent softness to the orchids, don’t you think?
Thought I’d make an attempt to bring out my artistic side with these 
Although I never did count orchids among my favorites (I find them a bit too “cold” and fragile) I must admit this one is a true beauty.
The Colors of Change
We know for a fact, change is an inevitable part of life. Still, our immediate response to change often seems to be resistance.
When we realize that something in our lives is about to change, it is often seen as a threat. We wish to stay with the routine and what’s familiar and safe. We wish for things to stay the way they always did. I suppose it’s only natural. After all, in order to move on we must leave our own comfort zone, and head off to what’s unknown and uncertain. Clearly it’s uncomfortable. It may be scary or even hurtful.
Even so, I believe we owe it to ourselves to ask this one question; Why do I wish to stick with what’s familiar and safe? Is it because it’s really something good, because this is everything I wanted my life to be like?
Or is it because I am afraid to embrace the unknown, because I am unwilling to admit to myself that there is something unsatisfactory or incomplete about the life I am currently living?
As we grow older, we watch and interact with the world around us; we learn, we explore, we realize things we previously would fail to understand. We reach the end of an era, and the beginning of something new.
Life itself is our teacher, continuously educating us as we keep walking its path. And change is necessary for us to reach our dreams and let us become who we need to be deep inside. And so it comes down to this:
Being willing to surrender what we are, in order to embrace what we may become.
Nature welcomes the Colors of Change. Do you and I have the courage to do the same?
Stockholm Tonight
I just discovered this song “Stockholm i natt” by the Swedish singer Peter Jöback. The lyrics tells about how the ordinary and even unattractive becomes beautiful when your heart is filled with joy and happiness. Honest and heartfelt. If you can’t understand the lyrics, do enjoy the wonderful melody!
Rediscovering Forrest Gump
I watched the Forrest Gump movie when it was released in 1994. But now, watching it again 14 years later, it’s clear to me that I completely missed it. I just didn’t realize back then – this is not only a touching love story. This story tells about so many aspects of life. Like having a warm heart, being a trustworthy person, taking on a challenge, dealing with disappointment, believing in love – even if it doesn’t turn out the way we imagine. And in the end it makes you wonder; what is being smart all about anyway – really?
I am so glad to have rediscovered this amazing movie. If you haven’t watched it yet, you must do so as soon as you can. If you did watch it a while ago like me, you might just want to watch it all over again. Don’t miss out. As for now you can just sit back and let yourself float away with the Forrest Gump “feather theme” – all of this music is beautiful, but I have completely fallen in love with the first part. Perhaps the most beautiful melody I have ever known.
