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
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
A Special Day
If you think today is just like any other day, then you will have to think again. Just ask my youngest son, and he will tell you it’s the most special day of the whole year.
Here he is seen patiently waiting for his guests to arrive. (Who knows; maybe they’ll even bring presents..)
That they did. And here is a photo of the best gift, the one he had really been wishing for.
This blue-eyed fellow was quickly taken to heart as well.
Better not forget that magic wish..
And what’s a birthday without fishing?
It turns out this fish is actually made of candy.. isn’t he the lucky one!
He even caught another treasure. One that (I believe) is made of pure gold.
So you see; there’s nothing ordinary about this day. Quite the opposite; it’s a very special, very happy day.
At last, he’s a real 4 year old
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.
A Walk in the Forest
The house will be up for sale soon. Thus, there are quite a few preparations to be done; keeping me somewhat busy these days. But today, I decided to treat myself to a little time with my camera after all.. the weather was just too wonderful to stay inside.
Ah! Finally! What brings more happiness than to stroll along a forest path seeking out (more) signs of spring, while the last snow is melting into water and the sun warms my face.. 
..and everything is just coming to life around me.
The old giving way to the new.
Hey, look who’s coming over to say hello.. or was it more like “miaooo”
Apparently there’s something up there.
A mysterious shadow..
No need to worry. Just a couple of trees enjoying their moments in the sun.
These are reaching for the warm sunlight as well.
Shine on me
A glimpse of the blue sky. Simply beautiful.
Oh yes. I know. The house. Better go pick up that paintbrush again..
Amazing how time flies when you’re having fun 
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
Wild Horses
Posting another favorite of mine. I love how these beautiful scenes from the “Spirit” movie go perfectly with the song! Enjoy!
Dancing in the Rain
It’s not about waiting for the storm to be over. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain
I have a list of things I want to do, or do more of. Dancing in the rain is one of them. Now as we are entering the month of October I know all the colorful leaves out there will soon turn brown and fall to the ground. Tonight there is a minor rainstorm outside, I can hear the rain tapping on the roof right as I am writing. And we know from experience; there is more to come.
This fall I will make myself a promise; to go out into the rain more often, put my head back and feel the raindrops on my face. And remember to dance a little.
Happiness is all about the small things in life.
Linda
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!
