Ta Dah...Happy New Year!

"Every end is a new beginning."

- Proverb 

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!

In 2011, we welcomed the birth of a new family member, Bristol. She has given to us, with such generosity and authenticity, 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 (She always seems to wordlessly say: "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).

At about this time last year, I began Simply Inspired. 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 Artful Blogging by Christina Martin of  Soul Aperture

"Each time I do my blog it's my way of saying,

Yes, the road has been bumpy, but I am still along for life and its inviting ride."

- Christina Martin

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). 

With Simply Inspired 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 (and to also attentively set aside my irksome ego when it did it's best to point out my deficiency). 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...

I look forward to sharing and growing with you in the upcoming New Year - a new beginning. 
And, I thank you for the delightful "Ta Dah" of 2011!

Kindness, Gratitude, Grace & Blessings to each of you!

Happy New Year,

Karen

-xok. 

Everlasting love...

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;

therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

- Jeremiah 31:3

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. 

They have clung to me all my life."

- Abraham Lincoln

This season poignantly reminds us of Mary's example of a mother's deep and everlasting love. I understand completely...

May such love surround you in an everlasting manner...

Crystal Beads of Light...

"There is an endless net of threads throughout the universe...

At every crossing of the threads there is an individual.

And every individual is a crystal bead.

And every crystal bead reflects

Not only the light from every other crystal in the net

But also every other reflection

Throughout the entire universe."

(an adaptation of The Net of Jewels,

one of the oldest written creations of humanity)

-Anne Adams

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...

Gathering Places...

"The dream was always running ahead of me.

To catch up,

to live for a moment in unison with it,

that was the miracle."

- Anis Nin

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.

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...

Train Excitement



If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder,
he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it,
rediscovering with him the joy,
excitement and mystery of the world we live in.

- Rachel Carson

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"...

Season's Cheers!

To Knit in Comfort

"....everyone has to knit when they're here...

But not every person has to use yarn."

- Kate Jacobs

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. 

To each of you... I knit you in my heart... and offer to you the wish for comfort (please pass it along).

And thank you to my dear knitting friend...  

Here & there...

"Here and there, now and then, lose yourself

in nature and find peace."

- John Muir

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...

I wish you peace today... here and there...

Door to Thanksgiving

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meaness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

- Jalal ad-Din Rumi



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.

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With love...

Owl Wise...

"A wise old owl sat on an oak;

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard;

Why aren't we like that wise old bird?"

-Anon.

Ah.... the simplicity and truth of acquired wisdom...

Love that moves Sun & Stars...

"L'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle.

The love that moves the sun and the other stars."

- Elizabeth Gilbert

"... it made me feel strong and good and like a shining diamond -

for her, for me, for you, for us!"

-Betsy Barbour

Life is so much more stunningly radiant because of all of the support received from loved ones. Thank you for your support and love that makes my life shine brightly.

Wishing you many moments of life-inspired loving support... I send you mine today...

You will love this link... the support is delicious...Link here for Support Inspiration

Thank you Veterans

"Look what one group of individuals did for another..."

- Andy Rooney

Veterans - D-Day 1944

This morning I woke up and there to greet me was the beauty of freedom, which was built upon the service of so many others throughout so many dedicated years. Today, I simply offer my deepest of thanks to our Veterans and their families... there are really no words that would express my gratitude adequately. In my heart I honor you.

My special heartfelt thanks to my sister, Kiki, and my son, Ryan, and his wife Candace for their years of service...

Be still and know...

"Be still and know..."

Psalm 46:10

When I take the time to be still, I dwell most fully in the simple and remarkable majesty of this universe we each call home. I recognize the familiar and welcoming song of a sweet bird calling out and inviting companionship. I am able to feel my heart's cadence that swishes anew with each life-giving beat, and I become more grateful for one more day of precious life. If I am very still - even in the midst of swirling influences and demands - I am often gifted with quiet natural beauty and out of the blue serenity and Grace. 

Wishing you stillness and Grace today...



Whole Wide World... open hands

"I wanna hold the whole wide world right here in my open hands...

maybe I'm just a little girl...

A little girl with great big plans."

- Mindy Gledhill (Whole Wide World)

Link here for Song: "Whole Wide World" - Mindy Gledhill 



Do you remember that feeling as a child when you happened to find a lizard on a rock (look closely - he is there), and did not care if your Sunday best got dirty because you were collecting rose petals and dreaming big dreams? Please listen to the song (thank you, Kate, for sharing) and remember the joy of taking chances, and being committed to what others may call a crazy dream.

What are your dreams that open your hands to holding the whole wide world?

I hope you will be inspired to commit to the pleasure of making it happen... see you in a 100 miles...

Pumpkins into Coaches...

"Know you what it is to be a child?

It is to be something very different from the man of today.

It is to have a spirit yet streaming from the waters of baptism;

it is to believe in love,

to believe in loveliness,

to believe in belief;

it is to be so little that the elves can reach to whisper in your ear;

it is to turn pumpkins into coaches,

and mice into horses,

lowness into loftiness,

and nothing into everything,

for each child has its fairy godmother in its own soul"

-Francis Thompson

Wishing you the simply inspiring company of your soul's fairy godmother...

Wise Woman's Stone...

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.

"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone." 
 
"The Wise Woman's Stone" 
 Author Unknown

This sweet story touches my heart deeply with understanding... I hope it's wisdom will grace your day, too.

Child Chasing Halloween...

Thoughts from A Child Chasing Halloween...

I think I'll be a princess and live in a castle...

I think I'll be a dophin and swim in the sea...

I think I'll be a gypsy and wear hoop earrings and go to France... 

I think I'll be a raindrop on an umbrella... or a rainbow in the sky...

Wisdom from a Grownup...

(who wears hoop earrings)

Be it all! Be you - all of you... Magnificent one of a kind you!

October's Mysterious Gift...

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life

that no man can sincerely try to help another

without helping himself."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Months ago - when summer heat was at it's hottest - a family of brothers sat down around a dining table and began the lengthy process of discussing and designing this year's Haunted House; they have done this for many years now...

Growing up poor they found magical childhood delight in going to a Haunted House when they were children - and that is where the seeds of this inspired act began. They charge nothing for the Haunted House tour (this is of great importance to them), and it is for one night only: Halloween. Over the years, these brothers have combed corners of the Internet and back lot movie sets to secure the most astonishing items in order to intensely thrill and cause others to grab hold of their deepest fears. (Look beyond the gory details and you will uncover the hidden message: you can survive most anything and do okay - even being poor.)

On Halloween night, as she has done for years now, their mother creates a signature meal of steaming homemade soup to fortify her now grown and successful sons for the long night ahead (she is clearly the one behind the teaching of this nurtured love for others). 

When the brothers finally lay down their hammers and complete the scrutiny of a final walk-through, it is time for each of them to put on their fearsome costumes and transform from commonplace into the unexpected and downright scary!

One night. One cultivated childhood vision. One gift of giving back. One Halloween when the brother's hearts are free to express what it truly means to help others - especially children. And in doing so they have helped themselves by keeping alive an inner fire of belief. Behind the gruesome masks and costumes, their little boy smiles mysteriously reappear...

May we all be so bighearted and creative in our respective expressions of helpfulness... 

Dream Weaver...

In Memoriam: Steve Jobs - With thanks...

"This has been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity.

Simple can be harder than complex:

You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.

But it is worth it in the end because once you get there,

you can move mountains."

- Steve Jobs

I am grateful for Steve Jobs' contributions and that he stayed so true to his heart, intuition and intention. His dreams weave my life - they allow me to pick up my phone and experience technology, beauty, and connection all in the same moment. May I follow his lead and be as faithful to my own dreams...

·  

Go In Trust...

Go in Trust
By James Dillet Freeman

The wood that is the world is wide
And full of trees from side to side,
So strange a place you cannot see
For certain where the way may be.
To find your way in it, you must
For the most part depend on trust,
And you may take a turn or two
Before you find the right way through,
But when you go in trust, you find
You have a compass in your mind.

I found this poem yesterday. The words resonated with me much like a song you thought you may have forgotten the words to - and then seemingly out of nowhere the words find you and you sing out in gladness. Trees forever inspire me, as does the concept of trust and faith. I wish you trust, peace and inspiration today... and the gift of a remembered song that you thought you may have forgotten the words to...

Doors to open...

"When you follow your bliss...

doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors;

and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else."

- Joseph Campbell

I happen to like the idea of following your bliss (I wish I did more of it). This seems like a good time of year to find a door that leads in a new direction toward your own bliss. Have you opened any good-for-you doors lately?

Autumn meanderings...

"Let us relish life as we live it,

find joy in the journey,

and share our love

with friends and family."

- Thomas S. Monson



To my way of thinking, autumn holds deliciously rich gaity and spirit. I welcome the deep copper russet glow found all along the season's paths... just waiting to be noticed. "Over here! Look here!" the season seems to say... and also this: "Let us be thankful together..."

How about you? ... where are you finding autumn this year... both in found color and shared journeys with loved ones...

I am thankful for you...

Roses on your pillow...

Let us not give up meeting together, 

as some are in the habit of doing,

but let us encourage one another...



Hebrews 10: 25

My sister and niece have a sweet night time tradition, created when my niece was very small... they begin their good night to each other with the bidding: "Roses on your pillow..." I, too, have sweet morning and evening traditions that have been cultivated with others. Today, I am visiting with you, hoping to encourage you and trusting that you know how grateful I am to meet with you here...

What are your morning and evening traditions of meeting and encouraging one another?



Sunlit peaches...

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.

For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."

- Edwin Way Teale

What is it about the simplicity of viewing late summer peaches ripening on the window sill? They are set there in the morning sunlight, all in a row, and in an instant you glance over to see the light softly caressing and lightly kissing the soft peach skin... and the ripening begins. Love has many forms...

Surf's up...



"For those searching for something more than just the norm.

We lay it all down, including what others call sanity,

for just a few moments on waves larger than life.

We do this because we know there is still something greater than all of us.

Something that inspires us spiritually.

We start going down hill, when we stop taking risks."

- Laird Hamilton (big wave surfer)

Is there a risk - big or small - that keeps calling your name, asking you to come out and play? Some folks call them dreams... what are yours? And what will it take to "lay it all down" to ride a wave bigger than your life as you already know it? Surf's up... grab a board... let's go!

Go to them...bring your love

You can't stay in your corner of the forest, waiting for others to come to you;

you have to go to them sometimes.
Winnie the Pooh
Piglet, Pooh's Little Instruction Book

Where have I been? I have been to a beautiful place where the most wonderful thing is to get up in the morning and simply hang out with people you love and who love you in return...it is true "you have to go to them sometimes"...

Today is a poignant reminder that life is meant to be lived moment by moment in the fullness of love and regard - we have been given a precious gift of life.

God bless the remembrance of this day, and may there be beauty that continues to grow in the company of each other.

I have missed you, my friends... how have you been?

Night songs...

Softly singing into the night...

"Sit outside at midnight and close your eyes;

feel the grass, the air, the space.

Listen to the birds for ten minutes at dawn.

Memorize a flower."

- Linda Hasselstrom

(Peace be with You)

Do you feel it?... summer drawing to a close... it seems that the crickets are singing lullabies pulling the covers over us to get ready for the cooler nights. My friend Betsy recently read to me a passage from an old book she found that was written in the 1920s by someone who had fallen in love with the area surrounding Cape Cod... the words spoke to me of making friends with the soft night and wrapping up in it with embracing love. I like those thoughts of finding peacefulness in the after midnight quiet.

Wishing you the sweetness of a summer dark velvet night, aglow with starlight and candlelight.

Wishing you end of summer peace... 

Style...

"I believe in pink.

I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.

I believe in kissing, kissing a lot.

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.

I believe that tomorrow is another day

and

I believe in miracles."

- Audrey Hepburn

An artist-inspired banner of Audrey Hepburn flutters in the air high above the design district's walkway reminding any who care to notice that style - one's own personal style - is timeless. I noticed the banner and the message and smiled. I have also noticed that Audrey Hepburn's style was not something that was simply black and white but included so many shades of color and delight. We are each like that - our style is signature... and timeless... a living miracle, if you ask me...

 

Pausing...

There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds.

-G.K. Chesterton

Have you ever noticed that sometimes life is going so fast, and has so many demands, that you forget to slow down and savor what is beneath the tip of your nose or positioned against the sky just beyond your lifted chin? New details can emerge on an exquisite building that has been in your path - in one way or another - for decades. Slow down and just stand there for a moment - so much is simply waiting there for your kind company and undivided attention. You will be glad you did...

Another year...

"I stood still in that moment before the celebration of yet another year,

and my heart bloomed open."

- k.e.h.

My little sister is on the brink of a new year today... so many possibilities and joys await her... so many choices to claim for her one precious life. I pray for her to be blessed with vibrancy, courage, peace and beauty. I hope she will forever celebrate the gift of being born...

My love and birthday wishes for a very blessed year, dear baby bird, Kiki. I welcome your new year...

Your labyrinth... what did you contemplate there?

Whispered Prayers

"Prayer is translation.

A man translates himself

into a child asking for all

there is in a language he

has barely mastered."

-Leonard Cohen, 76, singer and songwriter

My days are woven with the gentle and exquisite threads of prayers - mine for others and their kind offerings for me. This divine (and mostly private) Godly offering has been going on for so many years it has become like breathing for me. Softly and sweetly... in and out - whispered breath by whispered breath - transformation occurs with this translation of a language I still do not completely understand (but take great comfort in). Over the years, I have become an ever-grateful witness to many miracles, healings and joys - large and small - that have arrived on the wings of divinely answered prayers.

I just thought I would tell you today... because you - those who care to graciously visit me here - would find yourself in my prayers more than you realize... and within those prayers for your well being these words are repeated again and again: thank you for their presence in my life... 

Come Sit...

"What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject-matter, an art which might be for every mental worker, be he businessman or writer, like an appeasing influence, like a mental soother, something like a good armchair in which to rest from physical fatigue."

-Henri Matisse

When I see an empty chair, I also see an invitation: Come sit with me for awhile it says...

And when I take the time to accept the invitation, I am soothed and cultivate rest... and I begin to keep company with the art of balance and inspiration...

Where have you found chairs that welcome you?

I hope this weekend you find empty chairs and accept their sweet invitations...



Succulent Shed

"Abundance is not something we acquire.

It is something we tune into."

-Wayne Dyer

Don't you just love it when you stumble onto something - especially in nature - that is so abundant and deliciously unexpected? On top of the sheds at the local Botanic Garden succulents grow vibrantly - imagine that! I just had to share such a joyful discovery!

Hope you are having a wonderful day filled with abundant, delightful and unexpected discoveries... 

Beach Music

Beach Music

Lean in closely to hear the beach music...

all those waves of goodness to gather up in your heart...

such a delectable summer symphony...

so many things happen here.

Just listen...stop time,

rest in a moment where even the sun wants to stay.

Summer Solace...

Summer Solace

"Not what we have, but what we enjoy,

constitutes our abundance."

- John Petit-Senn

I am fascinated by summer's pockets of peace found in nature's tucked away places. Visiting a botanic garden is sure to unearth such pleasures...

Where do you find your summer solace when the heat rises? 

Music forming...

"Worlds are forming in my heart."

(Meister Eckhart from Expands His Being)

In the evening at my children's home, ritual has been beautifully formed... and music lives there. My daughter-in-law has enjoyed playing piano since she was a child. While she was pregnant with my grand baby girl, I would often check in to see how they were all doing, and to have a kind end-of-the-day phone conversation with my son. As we spoke, many times we would be accompanied by my daughter-in-law's music in the background - often she would play hymns that were soothing and inspiring all at once.

One evening during my recent visit with them, I heard music begin and stepped out to look down from the second story to see a wash of golden light cast upon mother and child sitting together at the piano. My grand baby girl was cradled in her loving mother's arms... and they were playing the piano together. Sometimes mother would play a whole piece and grand baby girl would simply listen; and then mother would give her a turn. My son likes to sit as appreciative audience member.

Worlds are forming in my grand baby girl's heart... I am deeply grateful for her parent's loving kindness, and for the music that is calling to her. I am so very blessed they all belong to me...

Back home...

Summer Roses

"When you take a flower in your hand

and really look at it,

it's your world

for the moment.

I want to give that world to someone else.

- Georgia O'Keefe

To my way of thinking, coming back home from a holiday away is a perfect time for reflection. I was so grateful to be with my family, and to be given an opportunity to experience life through their eyes, and bask in their love. You see things a little bit differently when you take a break away, and it helps you to not take anything for granted. Summer roses look brighter, your fresh sheets feel crisper, and your familiar coffee mug welcomes you back so nicely.

I liked being away... and I also always love coming back home.

(I missed you all...)

Puddle-wonderful

Gone Fishin'

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."

- e.e. cummings

One of the best things about summer is making time to share it with family... that is where you will find me... just splashing around in a little summertime sweetness... I will be back soon with some goodness to share...

Tiny Treasures

Summer's 1st Tomatoes

"We are most alive in those moments when our

hearts are conscious of our treasures."

- Thornton Wilder

There is something so wholesome about taking time to select a perfect tiny tomato seedling at the nursery, and then softly turning the earth to plant that little sprig of green just outside your back door. The watering and anticipation becomes a kind and loving ritual, and you are joined there by curious birds, bees kissing pollen, and dipping dragon flies. And then one fine day it finally happens - the tiny tomato treasure you have been waiting and hoping for... and you become aware: your heart has joined in the sweet harvest of a simple summer pleasure...

What are your simple summer pleasures?

America the Beautiful!

I love this land... God Bless the USA!

please link here: God Bless the USA and archived video

Yes, I gladly stand up with all of those who have served to protect this beautiful land of ours!

A special 4th of July heartfelt thanks to you Ryan (my beloved son) and Kiki (my beloved sister), and to all the others and their families - past, present and future - who have chosen to serve our country and protect our independence and freedoms!

Please enjoy a happy and safe 4th of July!

 

Beach Run At Sunset

Beach Run At Sunset

"It is (often) the quiet gesture which carries the most significance -

the one which suddenly directs the symphony."

- Mary Anne Radmacher

Setting her surfboard down on the sand, ever so quietly she was inspired to run... setting sun, sand, a withdrawing tide, summer warmed waves... an elegant symphony... I was simply grateful to be in the audience.

An Opportunity...

An Opportunity

"Never squander an opportunity to tell someone

you love or

appreciate them."

- Kelly Ann Rothaus

My long-time friend Melinda was in town for a convention this weekend, and the time she could meet was when Southern California weekend freeway traffic is a snarled and tangled mess. Still... given our almost-four-decades-old friendship, and the fact she lives on one coast and I am on what east coasters consider the "left coast" of the United States, it is rare for us to have an opportunity to meet... and I was not about to miss the chance. Fortunately, the train was running this weekend at the perfect time, and I figured out how to catch it ... the photos tell a story of how my opportunity to meet my wonderful friend multiplied into an abundance of unexpected treasured moments. I am so happy to share them with you as a simple sweet reminder to never miss any opportunity to show love and appreciation...

Thank you, Melinda - you are loved and appreciated.
Thanks for such happy fun and dinner!
See you next time...

This song is for you - You've Got A Friend...
(Carole King and the words - sing out, girl - sing out loud!)



And another opportunity:  Very special words of appreciation to all those individuals and their families who have given our country - and us - their service in our armed forces! I do not know who the soldier was sitting across from me on the train - but I heard him say "I love you" when signing off of his cell phone call, just as I was getting off the train. Thanks, Peace and God's protection to you and yours, kind sir!

Sunshine

Sunshine

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou are more lovely and more temperate."

- William Shakespeare

This week a friend of mine talked about how the difficult times in life prepare us to really take in the goodness when it finally comes along. Perhaps that is why when you see dazzling summer flowers in unexpected places you just want to take a moment to stand there in that display of life's brilliant sunshine - a whole world of hope lives right there within those petals... just look closely and pause for even just a minute... take in the simple goodness. I promise you will be glad you did...

Wishing you a beautiful weekend of sunshine in unexpected places...

Summer Alley