tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52732540442442881652024-03-05T20:17:16.207-08:00Simply Inspiredkaren - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-71359795991854395642012-06-20T15:59:00.000-07:002012-06-20T15:59:17.014-07:00Treetops and Pancakes<br />
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For in every adult there dwells the child that was,</div>
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and in every child there lies the adult that will be."</div>
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- John Connolly, <em>The Book of Lost Things</em></div>
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I was sitting in the garden of a charming cafe sipping my latte and waiting for pancakes, when I thought to tilt my head back and look up. The light was ever so softly beginning to break through the "May Gray" (as they call it here in these parts), that I just had to take a photo of the view to share. As I pulled out my camera and was about ready to click this shot, a small toddler with bright red hair, who was sitting on his Daddy's lap, said in the best "outside voice": "Why is that lady taking a picture of the sky?" I became delighted by the thought that in <em>that </em>particular magical moment <em>I </em>was the one practicing childlike observance... how very reassuring that I have not forgotten.<br />
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Wishing you childhood remembrances... including pancakes! (Yum!)<br />
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</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-74215947723968753562012-05-25T10:27:00.001-07:002012-05-25T19:51:49.796-07:00Egg of the Phoenix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Change is the constant,</div>
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the signal for rebirth,</div>
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the egg of the phoenix."</div>
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- Christina Baldwin</div>
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Many good changes are going on, which is also my way of saying I am sorry I have delayed leaving bits of inspiration here to share... thank you to those who have been so kind to gently nudge me back and say that I have been missed.</div>
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Even if life seems to be changing very quickly, there is a particular contentment in looking for signals of rebirth... I will do my best to flutter back to share new happenings and insights.<br />
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In the meantime... wishing you the joy and blessings of summer anticipations.</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-72242073666203815502012-04-06T08:27:00.001-07:002012-04-06T08:27:48.974-07:00Heaven on Earth...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNoSM6DHpGOkA4SjP2yvDaBfKqH3zwbtD2FrHFDoLGnIDJm-7CVpyNBGXb3JZIms-oHg3bwYi8ckdq6UPUSiwKOS1BZx8T7NDS97s-yO5jjcMaYcOCFJ8cjMJPfO4x0-KTh_BMnnx2iQP/s1600/Dance+with+your+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNoSM6DHpGOkA4SjP2yvDaBfKqH3zwbtD2FrHFDoLGnIDJm-7CVpyNBGXb3JZIms-oHg3bwYi8ckdq6UPUSiwKOS1BZx8T7NDS97s-yO5jjcMaYcOCFJ8cjMJPfO4x0-KTh_BMnnx2iQP/s640/Dance+with+your+shadow.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,</div>
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Love like you'll never be hurt,</div>
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Sing like there's nobody listening,</div>
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And live like it's heaven on earth."</div>
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- William W. Purkey</div>
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I was first introduced to this quote by my son... in the photo is his daughter (my "Grand little girl"), who was lost in her own world of wonder, and <em>living</em> the words as she danced with her shadow. Indeed...heaven on earth.</div>
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As you celebrate Easter, may you be filled with the joy of your own heaven on earth. </div>
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God bless you...</div>
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"We all take different paths in life,</div>
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but no matter where we go,</div>
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we take a little of each other everywhere."</div>
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- Anon.</div>
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Life has been busy lately. These photos were taken at the Botanic Garden near my home. I worked on an Herb Festival event there, and on setup day, I took some time out to wander off to other parts of the Garden for a small reprieve. These paths are what I found... I wanted to share them with you...</div>
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Thank you for gracing my life-path... enjoy your day...</div>
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<br /></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-12583441317442962812012-03-07T09:00:00.000-08:002012-03-07T09:05:32.440-08:00Mixed up Balancing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzCwvPkgDUWMDE8ediyoVdZAnrXbojZPCHRAsCixmEPWUvYv1C3uAwMRvCpFPYkRm6xDRW05uXBrzjJnj_OC2LW3cWcUohYSOh2HVVEavWEpQH9S0y0t5sRW-gpR3QqKk_21UobpUwTZN/s1600/Collage+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzCwvPkgDUWMDE8ediyoVdZAnrXbojZPCHRAsCixmEPWUvYv1C3uAwMRvCpFPYkRm6xDRW05uXBrzjJnj_OC2LW3cWcUohYSOh2HVVEavWEpQH9S0y0t5sRW-gpR3QqKk_21UobpUwTZN/s640/Collage+Garden.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Yesterday I was working on a rather big project and doing my best to balance a notebook, cell phone and take photos... </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">This morning I smiled as I reviewed my collection of yesterday's snapshots and saw the photo of my shoe (which I had not realized I had taken) as I stepped along the pathway leading to the Walled Garden. And then I smiled even more as I was reminded of the simply inspirational message below from Dr. Suess:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">“You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">―<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61105.Dr_Seuss" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Dr. Seuss</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2125304" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Oh, the Places You'll Go!</a></i></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Wishing you great balance (and surprise offerings of inspiration) as you step along today's life path.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><em>Oh, the Places You'll Go!</em></span></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-69038732066182210272012-03-02T09:30:00.001-08:002012-03-02T21:18:32.651-08:00Light from Within...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"People are like stained-glass windows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">but when the darkness sets in,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">their true beauty is revealed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">only if there is a light from within."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Elizabeth Kubler-Ross</span></div>
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I happened to notice this bottle capturing the fading sunlight just right. Although the room was darkened in deep afternoon shadows, the beauty was undeniable and inspirational. This is the gift of a life lived beautifully from the inside out... a place where age is of no significance except to expose what is most graceful.karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-58591602419852635892012-02-23T08:01:00.000-08:002012-02-23T08:01:31.584-08:00Leaning to the Sun's Kiss...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"The naked earth is warm with Spring,</div>
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And with green grass and bursting trees</div>
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Leans to the sun's kiss glorying,</div>
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And quivers in the sunny breeze."</div>
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- Julian Grenfell</div>
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My childhood was spent "back East" until my folks moved us all to the West coast. All these years later I <em>still </em>look for the strong indication that a season has changed. In California I need to look closer for those changes, which also seems to allow for me to cultivate a higher regard for life's small beauties during any transition. </div>
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Where ever you are today... I wish you small glories and quivers of goodness as you "lean to the sun's kiss"...</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-27899593421315356462012-02-16T09:38:00.000-08:002012-02-16T09:39:30.586-08:00The Red Wheelbarrow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjbHLxn0qh5UJes8Jj0VUkpXaHs4Vp1qZq192Q8-Pxzmabsia-6EUW1QpV3SSfh3cIUGBmLEe6KarfoaBp_mefbQlSiRK4FL9X8t4oUQCdq80axZ230L-WrmoS6RvCgvwbqgjHwd6Hd5h/s1600/wheelbarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjbHLxn0qh5UJes8Jj0VUkpXaHs4Vp1qZq192Q8-Pxzmabsia-6EUW1QpV3SSfh3cIUGBmLEe6KarfoaBp_mefbQlSiRK4FL9X8t4oUQCdq80axZ230L-WrmoS6RvCgvwbqgjHwd6Hd5h/s640/wheelbarrow.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The Red Wheelbarrow</b></div>
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so much depends</div>
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upon</div>
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<br /></div>
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a red wheel </div>
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barrow</div>
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<br /></div>
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glazed with rain</div>
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water</div>
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<br /></div>
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beside the white</div>
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chickens.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>- William Carlos Williams</i></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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My father, who passed away some time ago, left me with a particular legacy of having a high regard for red wheelbarrows. The color red was important, as was the simple timeless functionality. When I spot a red wheelbarrow, or re-read time and again William Carlos Williams' <i>The Red Wheelbarrow</i> poem, my father flits back into my life like a bird on the wing. Others never really leave us... </div>
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yes... so much depends upon a red wheelbarrow...and I am grateful...</div>
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<br /></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-78884511566041619312012-02-09T10:35:00.000-08:002012-02-09T10:35:21.453-08:00Love this Moment...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zWscdFe8E2TdD7PIUvzohbQPw4hsSYvRALnBc-gG5Rr5dkBFYXfLl_4xB0ehrHccX37_sXEjyTrastkUJPEWPNLKDD4Cjkivfg6sZjsJvezBLuhObFID7NSwbGVhbu6OrEsZ-iOBz3ga/s1600/Yellow+Pansies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zWscdFe8E2TdD7PIUvzohbQPw4hsSYvRALnBc-gG5Rr5dkBFYXfLl_4xB0ehrHccX37_sXEjyTrastkUJPEWPNLKDD4Cjkivfg6sZjsJvezBLuhObFID7NSwbGVhbu6OrEsZ-iOBz3ga/s640/Yellow+Pansies.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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"Love this moment,</div>
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and the energy of this moment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will spread beyond all boundaries."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Corita Kent</div>
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I happened upon these sweet pansies with a joyful teardrop of remaining rain glistening in the late afternoon sunshine... I loved the simplicity of the moment so much I wanted to share it... I hope you enjoy...</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-25569236147696873022012-02-06T09:18:00.000-08:002012-02-09T10:55:56.419-08:00Valiant Stair-step Strives...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFKKQD-kjVIHjZVaMkP8iG3NT8sI4iYbECs03SQbo_yvk4v_zoOkrKTBNwpMTqj_akUjzGZt3Yi6OyRPNrkf1xvwzo-Wb-3lOWmXTeJZSGSCmJdNg8rL2Kv_fFEuwddIw1KZpvZV5IcJ2/s1600/Stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFKKQD-kjVIHjZVaMkP8iG3NT8sI4iYbECs03SQbo_yvk4v_zoOkrKTBNwpMTqj_akUjzGZt3Yi6OyRPNrkf1xvwzo-Wb-3lOWmXTeJZSGSCmJdNg8rL2Kv_fFEuwddIw1KZpvZV5IcJ2/s640/Stairs.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
<div id="containerin" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; margin-left: 10px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; width: 1979px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is not the critic who
counts, <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">not the man who points out
how the strong man stumbled, <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">or where the doer of deeds
could have done them better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The credit belongs to the
man who is actually in the arena; <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">whose face is marred by dust
and sweat and blood; <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">who strives valiantly, <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">who errs and comes short
again and again; <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">who knows the great
enthusiasms, <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the great devotions, <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and spends himself in a
worthy cause; <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">who, at the best, knows in
the end the triumph of high achievement; <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and who at the worst, at
least fails while daring greatly, <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #fffffc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; vertical-align: middle;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">so that his place shall
never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt;">Simply, and with great hearts of
dedication, all across our country (and other countries) former excellent
executives are clicking computer keys - letter by letter - working hard to
sharpen their technology skills. Hands that long ago worked hard to move up
steps to well-earned supervision placement, have returned to once again feel
the deep ache and notable satisfaction of manual labor; only now their
bodies have grown older (yet they have found a strength they had not realized
still remained). Former outstanding managers, who treated others with profound
respect, have cultivated an even greater skill of respectfulness as they have
endured the </span><span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt;">scrutiny
of interview evaluations, or even the emptiness of no response. The now-common
term "homeless" has spread a wide net in unthinkable ways; yet, it
has also more clearly and graciously redefined what "home" is really
about. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"><st1:place u1:st="on">As Teddy
Roosevelt so </st1:place></span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">succinctly</span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"> points out, the steps to
recovery exist in each dedicated individual who remains in the arena - no
matter how small an action. Each time we click a computer key to learn new
skills, or endure another interview or rejection, or revisit work that we
thought we had grown beyond, we cultivate remarkable grace and fortitude for
our futures. And home </span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">is what lives within each of us - we can choose to say: "My home is right here within me in the form of love and comfort I
give out to others." </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"><st1:place u1:st="on">And all of those
precious whispered vows and promises to "carry on" are becoming the
stair-steps to a greatness that is just beginning to unfold... I have hope. I
hope you do, too...</st1:place></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span class="authortext"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 1.2pt;"><br /></span></span></span></st1:place></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 1px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 1px;">(The stair-steps in the photo were taken at the Santa Barbara Mission - those steps have marked time and the perseverance of many - most prominently the Franciscan Friars - since the early 1800s... something to think about...)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="authortext"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Santa_Barbara" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Santa Barbara Mission</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
</span>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-23354101964550797092012-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:37:34.218-08:00Becoming A Blessing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN5uR3vqQuZJIlNlmZagcGQ3mr-zJd_L608osb1s5UNcPMDtTDxZD0lVPVaALMhG_GhOjqUHexyjs65MjK99Rms0lynaf7KCK4FE-QPwmFE90wKuXRHKFP70Uw74PA-sqg9ewsDA1ohm6/s1600/bulbs+and+birdhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN5uR3vqQuZJIlNlmZagcGQ3mr-zJd_L608osb1s5UNcPMDtTDxZD0lVPVaALMhG_GhOjqUHexyjs65MjK99Rms0lynaf7KCK4FE-QPwmFE90wKuXRHKFP70Uw74PA-sqg9ewsDA1ohm6/s640/bulbs+and+birdhouse.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The buddha seed is the part of everyone that has the capacity for wisdom....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knowing that a buddha seed is present in everyone changes the way we see things. We are all more than we seem. Many things do not wear their true nature on their sleeve. What you can see and touch about an acorn, its color, its weight, its hardness, length, and width will never hint at the secret of its potential. This secret is not directly measurable, but given the proper conditions over time it may become visible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a natural yearning towards wholeness and wisdom in us all as well. This varies in strength from person to person. It may be quite conscious in some and deeply buried in others; it may form the focus of one life and lie on the periphery of another, but it is always there. Wholeness is a basic human need."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Becoming A Blessing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"My Grandfather's Blessings"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I read this passage yesterday evening once again, and savored the sweetness of the "buddha seed" message. I am reminded of it as I look at a spring bulb and understand that what I am seeing at that moment is not its ultimate beauty and potential... knowing this allows me to cultivate patience and kind regard for the blessing that is coming...I am glad and grateful...</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-83385157737562876992012-01-28T06:47:00.000-08:002012-01-28T06:48:03.315-08:00Like A Bird...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTEBID5ceP4qlIHU3SltPeB7ofHfaq83ArxaMdOoq1MFPy71t5DpPuDFPk7qgZwxyZoGysPBjO41Y6zoyRilHp4qeT-JSeYHkZLgMxRvD61AFsHhd4_qk5SXsk678I71SN7adbYz_cs3N/s1600/Gentle+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTEBID5ceP4qlIHU3SltPeB7ofHfaq83ArxaMdOoq1MFPy71t5DpPuDFPk7qgZwxyZoGysPBjO41Y6zoyRilHp4qeT-JSeYHkZLgMxRvD61AFsHhd4_qk5SXsk678I71SN7adbYz_cs3N/s640/Gentle+Day.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You get up like a bird,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You stretch,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You own the morning."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- John Maxwell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yoga this morning... oh how I love to stretch and feel gratefulness that my body is responding like an instrument singing a well-practiced song. We often forget how much our bodies work so hard for us in the tiniest of ways and with such unperceived ease (bending, stretching, reaching, rejuvenating)... today I am remembering with thankfulness. The day is alive with gentle invitations - and I can only smile because I know that the choices are waiting to be lived...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wishing you a gentle and beautifully inspired day...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank you for gathering with me here... I am so grateful for you... </div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-11279471778377967392012-01-26T08:11:00.000-08:002012-01-30T09:12:43.876-08:00Light-filled...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIu7bh7zV_HVDh2DajHQX-yz-Y5dllrC9McDmUVYi9b2NIyBz5FY1bJG7-tLZfGnRc3W9vTysfHI5_VMHDMNlydW_ll8cx1z9HkiG7kxKPTLdJwriAGWROvTBxfovCXoW9QRXu4nsy2s9/s1600/Spring+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIu7bh7zV_HVDh2DajHQX-yz-Y5dllrC9McDmUVYi9b2NIyBz5FY1bJG7-tLZfGnRc3W9vTysfHI5_VMHDMNlydW_ll8cx1z9HkiG7kxKPTLdJwriAGWROvTBxfovCXoW9QRXu4nsy2s9/s640/Spring+Day.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you possess light within,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you see it externally.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Anais Nin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My heart aches when a loved one is struggling hard to heal... I seek better understanding with prayer and in nature. When I take time to briefly seek quiet, I am able to rediscover the light that lives within me. I feel a beacon of goodness prompting me to create a new framework of hope - one that will also help my loved one to feel optimistic with the gentle influence. Into each life comes shadows and light... today I choose to dwell in the warmth of gentle Light...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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Passing along to you wishes for a light-filled day...</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-54969138241578326832012-01-19T06:43:00.000-08:002012-01-27T10:37:22.401-08:00Anything may happen...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSnYebUGI57Fo0Fm63RN8Au3m-3zmkRa0yQW3KbdyAMpZIfDis94LaGKl9d-iFLZ82-LwWqDYLdQ7-hSGahplejsbuJ1EwRrQoTK54RGwoWpmH_uTfxle1Qv76puuzhf2y6PkDg7x8GTo/s1600/Surf%2527s+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSnYebUGI57Fo0Fm63RN8Au3m-3zmkRa0yQW3KbdyAMpZIfDis94LaGKl9d-iFLZ82-LwWqDYLdQ7-hSGahplejsbuJ1EwRrQoTK54RGwoWpmH_uTfxle1Qv76puuzhf2y6PkDg7x8GTo/s640/Surf%2527s+Up.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">"The moment when you
first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours. </span></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">No
matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that, during
the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. </span></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">And the fact that
it practically always doesn't, matters not a jot. </span></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">The possibility is always
there."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: inherit;">- Monica Baldwin</span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things seem to be getting a little too serious lately (hence my too few blog exchanges)...and then this van, parked at the edge of the sea, comes along to spark a delicious sense of possibility. I can only smile really big in response (and wonder how those paw prints might look on my car...). Wishing you the inspiration of possibility... </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-40887048053781426472012-01-15T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-15T09:00:54.515-08:00In the Details...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE7i7H7_X1fTIORqFw_EjaenyzJ8HQXt6SNVQ4hlseT3RbTXI0MJTQqZG_DB_LLzAC0s501TRC7z-ide5-cVORrrYGJ0kXEvJ-pZ8sB-3-FlECyU86qnabnBxxPLo3LxmmS6kQ2b6F3yM/s1600/Delightful+details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE7i7H7_X1fTIORqFw_EjaenyzJ8HQXt6SNVQ4hlseT3RbTXI0MJTQqZG_DB_LLzAC0s501TRC7z-ide5-cVORrrYGJ0kXEvJ-pZ8sB-3-FlECyU86qnabnBxxPLo3LxmmS6kQ2b6F3yM/s640/Delightful+details.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time,</div>
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but in their significance to ourselves, </div>
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they find their own order...</div>
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the continuous thread of revelation."</div>
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- Eudora Welty</div>
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My father liked to play a game with me and my siblings... actually, as these things go, it became a teaching tool. We would walk down the street of a small town and every so often my father would stop and ask us if we remembered what was in a shop window we had passed, or what was on the front porch of a certain home (or even what color the home was painted). We would try to remember and guess, and then we all would wander on back to the spot he had mentioned to see how much we had noticed. With time, a cultivated and playful discipline of looking for the details materialized... and has never left me. As you journey through your days, I hope you will take the time to notice the details of your life and become more simply inspired...</div>
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<br /></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-90593418288477956392012-01-05T10:18:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:15:25.057-08:00Paris Pleasures...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhhknscXZq36_HlVewjD6nWxHeC0Tp302OdGjGMgYztahcI6CaX3IvQ8JsddoLf9S4UQ8RGYcVSNB5nFpECFMF766Pvrs7joJRmj94HpL5Jazs73isJJb9SXToN302sKWICGiNkUT6JCg/s1600/Paris+Springtime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhhknscXZq36_HlVewjD6nWxHeC0Tp302OdGjGMgYztahcI6CaX3IvQ8JsddoLf9S4UQ8RGYcVSNB5nFpECFMF766Pvrs7joJRmj94HpL5Jazs73isJJb9SXToN302sKWICGiNkUT6JCg/s640/Paris+Springtime.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"When you die</div>
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God and the angels</div>
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will hold you accountable</div>
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for all the pleasures you</div>
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were allowed in life</div>
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that you denied yourself."</div>
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- <i>Anonymous</i></div>
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As a New Year begins, I wonder if you will join me by dreaming of "all the places you will go" in 2012? </div>
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I loved the premise in the recently out <b>New Year's Eve</b> movie, where one of the lead characters has cultivated a "Bucket List" and through a very innovative "spirit of inspiration," she was able to "travel to" and discover her heart's desires right there in her own backyard... lovely thought, don't you think? </div>
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Therefore, without even stepping on a plane, I bring a little Paris to you today in these images - I hope you will enjoy. I also hope you will be simply inspired to create some of your own traveling desires right there in your own backyard!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Bon Voyage!</i></div>
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</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-55831283138843991772011-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:002011-12-31T07:00:09.598-08:00Ta Dah...Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-B-XH_T6GXeviZGMhhyphenhyphenfRVXguN6k4bR_eSrmtwhpLNr7Mce9363FS6p7kPcPR7FLgr79o0e61XSYX9IAYUdYB7nEzzHRqwFlmbsPkXQsCabuZYKXd-sRB4dw_VPxgcrOrOW0xYObb7ov/s1600/Year+End.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-B-XH_T6GXeviZGMhhyphenhyphenfRVXguN6k4bR_eSrmtwhpLNr7Mce9363FS6p7kPcPR7FLgr79o0e61XSYX9IAYUdYB7nEzzHRqwFlmbsPkXQsCabuZYKXd-sRB4dw_VPxgcrOrOW0xYObb7ov/s640/Year+End.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Every end is a new beginning."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Proverb </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As this year draws to a close - and a New Year begins - I am grateful for the grounding of memory, the gifts of hope and inspiration, and for so many expressions of interwoven love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In 2011, we welcomed the birth of a new family member, Bristol. She has given to us, </span>with such generosity and authenticity,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> her signature sweetness and the radiant gladness of her tiny heart. I am deeply grateful for her, and her constant reminder to pause often and take time to observe how light dances in places like the leaves that quiver in the treetops (S</span>he always seems to wordlessly say: "<span style="font-family: inherit;">don't miss a thing... no matter how small..." ). I have often said that it is children who teach us the most (not the other way around).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At about this time last year, I began <b>Simply Inspired</b>. I made a promise to myself (and God) that I would do my best to follow my bliss by writing and trying to grow in my photography. Even though I knew nothing about starting a blog, I was divinely inspired by an article and photography published in <u>Artful Blogging</u> by Christina Martin of <a href="http://soulaperture.blogspot.com/">Soul Aperture</a></span><br />
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<b>"Each time I do my blog it's my way of saying,</b></div>
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<i><b>Yes, the road has been bumpy, but I am still along for life and its inviting ride.</b></i><b>"</b></div>
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- Christina Martin</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have continued to love Christina's quote from that article, and to enjoy the bounty of her blog sharing and our growing friendship (thank you, Christina).<b> </b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With <b>Simply Inspired</b> I wanted to capture the simple inspiration that surrounds my everyday. My hope was to share with others, become dedicated to my heart's desire, and to make a consistent effort </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(and to also attentively set aside my irksome ego when it did it's best to point out my </span>deficiency<span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, as these things often go, I found each of you - a new community of friends and fellow writers, photographers and designers - who are also deeply dedicated and involved with the artfulness of sincere expression. I have learned from you, and I have also grown in elegant new ways because of you. I am grateful for the many gifts of support and encouragement I have received; my thanks to each of you for your beautiful comments, kindnesses and sharing...</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">I look forward to sharing and growing with you in the upcoming New Year - a new beginning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">And, I thank you for the delightful </span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">"Ta Dah" </b><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">of 2011!</span></div>
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Kindness, Gratitude, Grace & Blessings to each of you!<br />
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Happy New Year,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Karen</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-xok. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVjYOxaAjGD79EuhnGvHZy-jymWtSMCL4IoVx4QiRy0bfBRgrQFBeH0i-GQesbjblkCd-UVFvvrXsnrRnFH8k47iWpXH6PllRj69cyn2L-nNR_esnMa28-3cGfdjY3fM9Mwb0yLZYDDg3/s1600/New+Year%2527s+Sarah%2527s+Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVjYOxaAjGD79EuhnGvHZy-jymWtSMCL4IoVx4QiRy0bfBRgrQFBeH0i-GQesbjblkCd-UVFvvrXsnrRnFH8k47iWpXH6PllRj69cyn2L-nNR_esnMa28-3cGfdjY3fM9Mwb0yLZYDDg3/s400/New+Year%2527s+Sarah%2527s+Shoes.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-16252240648883190512011-12-29T12:27:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:54:52.334-08:00Everlasting love...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqowwxBhDOoELGkzxUvBQHie9b9E9e9yLWebzhE4BTpu4Sge_W2TZxzTFSOSTq6Nk-TGxN2AmcpAMN_MJWdOfz5AkV3CVwYb30eJXSISCS8onNJJrEusUeO8fFcZIKMdcCcP3C8XUON9b/s1600/Collage+Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqowwxBhDOoELGkzxUvBQHie9b9E9e9yLWebzhE4BTpu4Sge_W2TZxzTFSOSTq6Nk-TGxN2AmcpAMN_MJWdOfz5AkV3CVwYb30eJXSISCS8onNJJrEusUeO8fFcZIKMdcCcP3C8XUON9b/s640/Collage+Mary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">"I have loved you with an everlasting love;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">- Jeremiah 31:3</span></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">They have clung to me all my life."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">- Abraham Lincoln</span></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">This season poignantly reminds us of Mary's example of a mother's deep and everlasting love. I understand completely...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: inherit;">May such love surround you in an everlasting manner...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e5e5dd; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-left;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-47640170456131922202011-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:002011-12-18T07:00:05.625-08:00Crystal Beads of Light...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8_5TAjpsYNankKEYxvjDMDVzLJMULLb90dcS2WYoIF4GdrNrGFrscoKrtZvEAwJObIoyIN20s5hdfc85i5LPrq76pHDWxS7xB9bw7yTeR2-uZs_CYcmcgoVKTtztMdisiKv45QLJPUzp/s1600/Christmas+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8_5TAjpsYNankKEYxvjDMDVzLJMULLb90dcS2WYoIF4GdrNrGFrscoKrtZvEAwJObIoyIN20s5hdfc85i5LPrq76pHDWxS7xB9bw7yTeR2-uZs_CYcmcgoVKTtztMdisiKv45QLJPUzp/s640/Christmas+magic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"There is an endless net of threads throughout the universe...</div>
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At every crossing of the threads there is an individual.</div>
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And every individual is a crystal bead.</div>
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And every crystal bead reflects</div>
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Not only the light from every other crystal in the net</div>
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But also every other reflection</div>
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Throughout the entire universe."</div>
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(an adaptation of <em>The Net of Jewels</em>, </div>
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one of the oldest written creations of humanity)</div>
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-Anne Adams</div>
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The "crystal beads" of light are here and now and also endless in all directions... shimmering, glimmering and pulsating all around us... this season is extravagant in the expression and connection to that miraculous beaded necklace of Light. Enjoy...</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-82277885272445488132011-12-14T09:16:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:50:13.566-08:00Gathering Places...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluqWIUVUJ6alPeMQ6d9op3gRegl8fNNT96r5Pf60u4OjIDpIod-763Oq4RDG7Dw3bD6EFMTi_0DR_zg1DvAC3WZkNHRAHIwlZwvlGU22BCIHAL4GshHGp5-rYEbtyNCTtVCZQbFsJ3VoM/s1600/holiday+happenings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluqWIUVUJ6alPeMQ6d9op3gRegl8fNNT96r5Pf60u4OjIDpIod-763Oq4RDG7Dw3bD6EFMTi_0DR_zg1DvAC3WZkNHRAHIwlZwvlGU22BCIHAL4GshHGp5-rYEbtyNCTtVCZQbFsJ3VoM/s640/holiday+happenings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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"The dream was always running ahead of me.</div>
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To catch up,</div>
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to live for a moment in unison with it,</div>
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that was the miracle."</div>
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- Anis Nin</div>
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The expectation contained in December gathering places fascinates and inspires me. As I wait for friends, I ponder on all those who have so graciously designed and set a beautiful stage for our time together. Who are they, I wonder? I simply whisper a prayer of thanks that they have cultivated and shared their talent, and hope that they will be blessed in return.</div>
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I wish you December waiting times that allow you to admire and contemplate the hands you will most probably never touch that made your gathering place so very exquisite... </div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-42368988267005605892011-12-10T07:50:00.001-08:002011-12-10T08:15:46.170-08:00Train Excitement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, </span></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, </span></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">rediscovering with him the joy, </span></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">excitement and mystery of the world we live in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">- Rachel Carson</span></span><br />
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I was waiting for an "adult" friend of mine. We were meeting to have a very "grown up" day of wandering through one of our favorite shops. I chose to wait by these trains, which were not only magnificent but also gathering attention from vibrant children and their families. (If I could have captured the laughter and shouts of joy, I would be giving that to you today also.) In that moment, I shared in the spilling-all-over-the-place excitement. I encourage you to do the same very soon... borrow a child's rendition of this utterly magical season - they are happy to share. And enjoy your own rediscovery "of the world we live in"...</div>
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Season's Cheers!</div>
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<br /></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-42067753339286183702011-12-07T10:07:00.001-08:002011-12-07T10:29:16.542-08:00To Knit in Comfort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"....everyone has to knit when they're here...</div>
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But not every person has to use yarn."</div>
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- Kate Jacobs</div>
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This time of year seems to lend so beautifully to closer knitting of friendships. Yesterday, a dear friend of mine, who also works miracles in yarn, gifted me in a remarkable way. I will not disclose the specifics of her gift because it was divinely inspired and belongs to our friendship, and now to my own promise to pass it along in the future... Her faith in listening and responding to the "still small voice" that spoke my name has given me the deepest of comfort. Today, I wrap myself up in the blessing of friendship, peace, comfort, and God's precious expression of love. </div>
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To each of you... I knit you in my heart... and offer to you the wish for comfort (please pass it along).</div>
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And thank you to my dear knitting friend... </div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-11511253776136363952011-12-02T07:48:00.001-08:002011-12-02T08:12:24.765-08:00Here & there...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Here and there, now and then, lose yourself</div>
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in nature and find peace."</div>
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- John Muir</div>
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As I turn the calendar's last page of 2011, I find December and an invitation to look for peacefulness... although we do not have gentle snowfalls here near my home, we do have indications that the season has turned. The winter beach is quieter and more reserved now. There are more dolphin visits out where the waves break and the fog settles. The beach walkers are fewer, bundled up in hooded sweatshirts, and arms are linked more closely with a loved one. The surfers are still faithful, but now they have slipped into slick wetsuits, and seem to linger and board-bob more, waiting longer for the wave they will choose to ride into shore. The close-by meditation garden blooms in paler and softer shades, and those seated on the ocean-view benches drift into serenity more easily. I welcome this quiet reprieve and the "here and there" peacefulness of this season...</div>
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I wish you peace today... here and there...</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-87263450263004099322011-11-23T08:44:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:44:16.156-08:00Door to Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVBLJx4rDmYk26EvjSebuGYOq5_Dez5jSqdRv53uc3kcaoiu-k419SqVis_USTOLl2K-GsEYofM3g6xoEz4Z5ZDCj3KoRnz3kBggG3G_Ta_8Bi43pJma1gYvTMT6vEEqxSgZjTHH6cPnG/s1600/Thanksgiving+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVBLJx4rDmYk26EvjSebuGYOq5_Dez5jSqdRv53uc3kcaoiu-k419SqVis_USTOLl2K-GsEYofM3g6xoEz4Z5ZDCj3KoRnz3kBggG3G_Ta_8Bi43pJma1gYvTMT6vEEqxSgZjTHH6cPnG/s640/Thanksgiving+Door.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This being human is a guest house.<br />
Every morning a new arrival.<br />
A joy, a depression, a meaness,<br />
some momentary awareness comes<br />
as an unexpected visitor.<br />
Welcome and entertain all!<br />
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,<br />
who violently sweep your house<br />
empty of its furniture,<br />
still, treat each guest honorably.<br />
He may be clearing you out<br />
for some new delight.<br />
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,<br />
meet them at the door laughing,<br />
and invite them in.<br />
Be grateful for whomever comes,<br />
because each has been sent<br />
as a guide from beyond. </div><div class="searchauthor" style="text-align: right;">- Jalal ad-Din Rumi</div><div class="searchlinks" style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="searchlinks" style="text-align: left;"></div><div align="left">Thanksgiving is a sweet invitation for me to really dwell on being so very thankful for my loved ones, and all that I have been given. This season also offers to me an opportunity to look back on the past year and acknowledge that even the difficult situations have served to strengthen me and grace me with greater insight, wisdom and compassion. I am divinely guided... and I am so very grateful.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Wishing you an open door to this season of celebration. I am thankful for you and that you take time to visit with me here... blessings to you and yours.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Happy Thanksgiving!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">With love...</div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5273254044244288165.post-52748414647734182322011-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:002011-11-20T10:53:02.025-08:00Owl Wise...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVvs9AIJQ_-Hn9pV0pb-mPaLflXyQVPXFvR57m01IHqVlN7f2-wKFVs-VUi2GTDyGqYCJblMZ1pD7cu6MVDOQ7sxIq5YKMcynck6TpAtE6CRHn8wKWN8tqbWFv5Qeiobbxc3e31-6H96l/s1600/Owl+wise....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVvs9AIJQ_-Hn9pV0pb-mPaLflXyQVPXFvR57m01IHqVlN7f2-wKFVs-VUi2GTDyGqYCJblMZ1pD7cu6MVDOQ7sxIq5YKMcynck6TpAtE6CRHn8wKWN8tqbWFv5Qeiobbxc3e31-6H96l/s640/Owl+wise....jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">"A wise old owl sat on an oak;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The more he saw the less he spoke;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The less he spoke the more he heard;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Why aren't we like that wise old bird?"</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">-Anon.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial;">Ah.... the simplicity and truth of acquired wisdom... </span></div>karen - Simply Inspiredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07595412619382964568noreply@blogger.com4