My mother’s maternal line comes from Ireland. So, it would only be right that I wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
I am hoping to erase one of my Bucket List items by visiting Ireland one day.
Until next time…peace
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Stolen Moments
I admit, watching the sunrise never gets old for me. In fact, there are some mornings that just take my breath away. I guess, the beauty of nature will never cease to amaze me. The stolen moments before a hectic day leave me with a sense of peace.
I particularly loved this sunrise. The thick heavy fog seemed to lower as the sun began to peek over the Michigan landscape. At every stage of the sunrise, the natural world began to wake. Chirping birds sang, insects buzzed, turkeys strolled across the field, and the deer slowly pranced by me, a perfect start to the day.
Until next time…peace
Watching the Sunset
“One of the best ways to make yourself happy in the present is to recall happy times from the past.
Photos are a great memory-prompt, and because we tend to take photos of happy occasions, they weight our memories to the good.”
~Gretchen Rubin~
Watching the sunset allows me to focus on the events of the day. I love to photograph the setting sun to capture the beauty. Changing clouds and colors speak to my soul. Some of the days the sunset makes me smile due to the joyous moments. Other days, the setting sun reminds me of how fleeting each moment can be. The joys turn to sorrows as new challenges arise.
The best part of the sun setting is the next day the sun will rise. Giving each of us a new day. I hope your days are more joyous are less sorrowful.
Until next time….peace
Happy Independence Day
Happy Independence Day!
I wish everyone a great 4th with safe travels, friendship, family, and love.
Until next time….peace
The Love of a Sunset
What can I say? Some evenings the mere glimpse of the sunset fills me with love, peace and a sense of joy. Tonight was no exception, the warm Michigan air seemed to help illuminate the emerging night sky.
As nature’s colors shined brightly through the treeline, I found myself transfixed. Yes, I still took over a hundred pictures of the sky and surrounding area. But for a moment, I just stood there. The moment was just magical. The fireflies flew about, the birds sang their chorus with the crickets and the frogs, and I just loved the moment.
With all the deadlines and hustle and bustle of the daily demands, taking the time to watch a sunset should be mandatory.
Until next time….peace
Supermoon Thoughts
“When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon,
my soul expands in the worship of the creator.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Did you get to see the super moon and lunar eclipse last night? Here in Michigan, we had scattered cloudy skies which made the event challenging to view.
However, I was able to view the spectacular event through cloud cover. The clouds would move away, I would catch a glimpse of the beautiful eclipse. Even with the massive cloud coverage and the inability to catch a clear photo, I found the entire night to be peaceful.
- The stars would shine through the cloud coverage as the eclipse proceeded. A bright star appeared directly above me, I could not help but make a wish.
- The inspiring nature only heard at night added to the spectacular event. The owls would hoot off in the distance. I would like to think they were voices their happy opinions of the night’s wondrous events.
- I could hear the deer walking up the gravel road. Deer make a breathing noise, a snort. At first, they did startle me. But once I knew the approaching creature was harmless, I enjoyed the moment in nature. I had to remind myself… this was not one my stories and a werewolf was not approaching.
- The one creature I was not able to identify was on top of my roof. I am assuming the critter was a raccoon or a squirrel. I could hear scurry back and forth as I stood outside my house. Of course, my imagination kicked into over drive and I was thinking of large gargoyles and goblins.
Despite of my over active imagination, the entire night gave me a sense of calmness.
Until next time…peace
Nature Brings Me Peace
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs
Last week was stressful. I allowed outside forces get the best of me. To get back my sense of being, I “unplugged” for the weekend. I mean don’t get me wrong, I still checked my email and social sites. But I just spent as much time as possible outdoors. The weather was perfect. Even though, there were some spots of rain on Sunday. I just needed a distraction from my thoughts which can be hard to do for a writer. I will admit my thoughts can lead to the most disastrous case scenarios imaginable. The thought process is great for creating new story lines but not for the reality of everyday life.
One of the greatest finds this weekend were these little baby bunnies. The bunnies were out in the field behind my house. At first, I thought there were only three in the hole which was covered with rabbit’s fur. But upon further inspection, I realized there were actually four. I did not want to disturb them, so I had to wait for them to shift around before I could get an accurate count. I have not come across little baby bunnies in the wild in forever. So, I found the sight to be a treat. Often the smallest beings can bring the most peace.
The Maple River seemed to blow gently in the wind all weekend. I can honestly say, spending time by the river gives me a sense of peace and relaxation. I think, I have to spend time outside to recharge myself. Taking photos and notes on the my surroundings tunes me into the natural world while given me a sense of internal peace.
Until next time…peace
My Christmas Blog
I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens
I actually began writing this blog last night while listening to Pop Francis’ midnight mass. Even though I am not Catholic, I enjoy listening and watching the Christmas Eve Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. There are numerous reasons why I try to watch this every Christmas Eve, I love the children’s choirs, pipe organ playing in the background, the opera singing, and the symphony with all the violins and cellos
The camera always pans over the crowd to the beautiful artwork and statues of the cathedral. There’s the use of all the diverse languages from around the world; I always wanted to learn Latin which is used often in the mass. I really do not know what all the ceremony and symbolism represents; I am going to have to research the process one of these days. I just find the entire setting beautiful. I also like the element of historical symbolism that is presented in the mass. The Book of the Gospel which was placed by the statue of the baby Jesus was a replica of the one from 1506. The history in the walls of the Vatican and Rome would be amazing to know and study.
The message I got from listening to the Pope was the fact, “the world needs tenderness”. I agree with this statement from him. I think the world could use more tenderness, good will toward fellow man so to speak. I spent most of today, Christmas Day with my family.
I brought my 95 year old great aunt out to the family gathering. If you really want to learn about people, you should talk to someone who has been around for as long as her. She always shares stories of time past; the best learning experience anyone could ask to receive. She also provides insight; we often go through life thinking we shouldn’t do certain things. We hold back in telling people how we feel out of fear of rejection. Or we fail to try something new because we think we are too old to learn. But wouldn’t you rather look back when you are 95 and say, “wow, I can’t believe I did that” than say “I should have done that when I had the chance”.
Life changes so quickly. Be with the ones you love and show no fear. Try zip-lining, mountain climbing, a new class or anything else that makes your heart sing.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
From my house to yours….
Merry Christmas!
Peace always,
Rebecca's Writings and Photography 