Quietude

"A quiet mind cureth all" -Robert Burton

Some weeks are tougher than others. Sometimes for me it feels like I am wading through mud, pushing hard, getting stuck, unable to move. Recently I have been really frustrated with my health issues, and really afraid that my entire life will be one giant doctor's appointment. Lately it has been a lot of little things: cyst removal from my forehead, damaged toenail, weird nose thing, new hip pain etc. etc. Isn't cancer & treatment, 4 knee surgeries, and chronic unexplained back pain, and osteoporosis enough for my 23 years?

But so is life...lots of ups and downs. And I always look forward to the plan-free weekends, for a little peace & quiet, recharging, and a whole lot of nothing. I hope you can steal some quiet time just for YOU this weekend, if even a few minutes, soak it in and enjoy. ♥

Friday Five - A Little Love

♥ Happy Friday to everyone!! Sending a little love your way. ♥

LOVE - In 5 Languages

♥♥♥♥♥

Indonesian - Sayang

Dutch - Liefde

Icelandic - Ást

Romanian - Dragoste

Czech - Láska

"Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live."

- Unknown

A Little Sunshine

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine -

and shadows will fall behind you."

-Walt Whitman

I was inspired today by the prompt in Tracey Clark's Picture Winter class. Although we had some rain and cooler temperatures, Tuesday I awoke to an absolutely beautiful day. The sun shone bright, crisp clean air, and not a cloud in the sky. Everything was still covered in droplets of water from the previous day's rain, catching the gleam of the sunlight and sparkling like jewels. The backyard had been transformed overnight and the plants and flowers stood tall boasting their beauty.

{Project 365 Day 4}

I began to think about the magnificence of the sun in the most primitive sense. The word could not survive without it, allowing humans and nature to thrive. But it also brings out the best in people, and is used as a synonym for cheery, happy, and bright.

Tracey's prompt involved finding something to photograph that mimicked the colors and or shape of the sun. While sunshine is not in our daily lives, both physically and metaphorically, we can do our best to create our own. Some days are cloudy and gray, some are happy and some are sad, some are productive some are frustrating. But encouraging ourselves to find a little bit of sunshine in some form or another can keep us going. I am working hard to find those little moments, people, and places that light up my life, and surround myself with them daily.

{Day 4 Picture Winter - "A Little Sunshine"}

Feeling Alive

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." -Marcus Aurelius

It is a privilege to be here, and today I am reflecting on what makes me feel alive...

The feeling of accomplishment.

The warmth of the sun on my face.

Creating with camera in hand.

Feeling loved.

The beauty in nature.

The discovery of a new place.

The ability to give.

The sound of rain.

Getting excited about the little things.

A wonderful taste or smell.

Inspired by Reverb 10.