Tag Archives: joy

Windows

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Once there was a boy who became a man. Sometimes the line between the two gets blurred…not always such a bad thing. As the adage goes, “Boys will be boys”, which basically means that men don’t fully evolve into stodgy curmudgeons as many believe to be the case. I admit that some men become just that, but most don’t.

Among the men I know, the majority have an inner child wanting to break out on occasion simply to feel the joy of youth again. I am such a man. Whether it is wrestling with their children or grand children, having squirt gun battles, flying kites, running through the rain, playing games or a host of other child-like things, “Boys will be boys”.

I sense that women have this same urge to visit their inner child, but it seems to reveal itself in less demonstrative ways! Regardless if we are male or female the windows to our past have the ability to launch us into a carefree world we once inhabited. Even if our positive experiences are for only a moment, they are to be cherished.

Windows too often become obscured rather quickly which is why it is imperative to be opportunistic when it comes to exploring our inner child. Here’s hoping your windows become crystal clear.

Living Drapes

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There is something special about balconies of plants raining forth their vines for all to behold. They are like drapes fashioned by a master’s hand.

One would think the yellow awnings and mirrored windows are enough decoration to entice the hungry and thirsty to come inside this pub, however, someone wanted more.

“More of what?”, one might ask. In our up-side-down world, one might say more zing, more glitter, more glamore, more noise, more speed…more more more.

I prefer more calm, more beauty, more exploring, more discovery, more laughter, more fun, more peace, and certainly more joy.

This photograph offers me most of those things I want more of. There is beauty, a sense of calm  and a hint of discovery on the exterior of this establishment. On the inside I can imagine laughter, exploring, fun, and even a bit of joy.

One doesn’t need to travel to Old Quebec City to find all of these, but it sure was enjoyable to do so. I have come to the realization that I can find all that I want right where I am. That doesn’t mean I won’t visit other places, it simply means that I can be at peace in my own back yard. That is what I am learning even as I plan my next trip!

 

 

Summer Breeze

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” Summer breeze makes me feel fine, blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind…”               Seals & Crofts 1972

Not a care in the world, these two. Unlike so many in our shattered reality. But, for a moment, pretend you are them. What joy ! Everything is a mystery to be sought out and solved. Life is full and exuberance runs wild.

The earth and the sky, the bugs and the pets, the lakes and the trees, all have significance and are filled with wonder. Time has little meaning and rest comes only after playful exhaustion. Oh, to be a child again !

 

 

BLOOM

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June is here and so are the beginning of a multitude of blooms. This flower is of the Hibiscus family of plants. I posted a couple views of this plant on Mother’s Day, but couldn’t resist this image shot with my new Samsung S10…amazing clarity without any alteration.

As I study the intricacies of this one flower, I am in awe of its magnificence. No wonder Monet and many others painted so many flowers. They are inspiring to behold! God certainly is the Master at creating the sublime.

May your Summer be full of fascinating moments and beautiful surprises !

 

A Little Bit of Pure Joy

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It’s hard not to smile when you see this photograph, is it? This is Elliot when he was two years old and was fascinated by water and electricity…not the best combination unless one wants to become a hydro-electric engineer! He is smart enough to be that.

Winter here has been bitter cold for our region with intermittent sleet and snow mixed in. Most everyone I talk to says they can’t wait for Summer. Elliot and Audrie, his younger sister, enjoy each season.  Bitter cold winters must be a getting-older-dynamic! Although, having mom and dad layer on the clothes and pull out the sleds is a plus for them. Us more mature folks have no such luxury.

P.S. I know that other parts of our country have been much harder hit with snow and blizzards and zero degree temps. We don’t whine here in the Midwest, just state the facts.

Hope you enjoy the photograph and the joy Elliot felt at the time…as did Cheryl and myself. Looking forward to not only warmer weather, but more joyful times!

 

Your Song

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It’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside

I’m not one of those who can easily hide

I don’t have much money, but boy if I did

I’d buy a big house where we both could live

If I were a sculpture, but then again, no

Or a man who makes potions in a traveling show

I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I can do

My gift is my song, and this one’s for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done

I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is when you’re in the world

Elton John

For better or for worse is what we spoke

Time has a different version than what we hoped

We’ve been through much pain and I’ve caused quite a lot

But we’ve also had much joy since we tied the knot

So you can tell everyone this is your song

I sing through my words to my most wonderful doll

I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind, but I can’t help myself

You’re the most precious thing in life…in the whole wide world

Michael

Mending Broken Hearts

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Why did you break my heart so ?

Could you not stand me being whole again ? Were you jealous ?

You even brought others to tear me apart.

And then you trampled upon my heart until it crumbled.

But then something marvelous happened. You realized my pain and the hurt you caused me. You repented and put my heart back together, but this time with color.  Such Joy ! Such love !

Happy Valentine’s Day !

P.S. This is not a story about my love and me.

Reflective

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I’m a sucker for colorful sunrises and sunsets. The splendor of the Sun’s rays illuminating heaven and earth is quite inspirational…almost a spiritual experience for me.

Watching an Appalachian mountainside come to life or a golden ball drop from view into the ocean is enchanting. Living in the middle of America this geographic area has no mountains or oceans, but we still have magnificent sun rises and sun sets. We are located in an area where warm air bumps into cooler air regularly and clouds often develop. I enjoy clouds as much as the morning and evening light shows.

I recall as a child lying on my back and staring at clouds as they passed by. Usually with a friend or my sisters we would call out to one another the variety of shapes that resembled objects we were familiar with. Often, we would see animals and people’s profiles. Clouds could appear happy or sinister and would change quickly as they moved through the sky. Pure joy.

I recall a time where I was with a group of people and we hiked up to the top of an eleven thousand foot mountain. It was a bright day, but a storm was fast approaching. As the initial wave of clouds began passing over us I recall feeling so small and helpless. We were in an area of the Rockies where there are many Fourteeners. These huge mountain peaks and valleys which surrounded us became even more menacing as the large clouds passed by. Their shadows rolled over the rocky terrain effortlessly. As the wind increased and became much cooler I easily imagined how one could perish atop one of these peaks without proper clothing and shelter. It was intimidating.

The image above captures one of our colorful sun sets. I like taking reflective photographs occasionally and thought it fun to shoot the sky reflecting off my Jeep’s window along with my silhouette. It appears I am shooting myself with the camera. However, I can assure you that my Canon has no bullets, only buttons and dials.

Four Seasons

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Much has been written about the four seasons of our lives and of nature. Hence, even the calendar is based upon the stars and seasons: Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Vernal Equinox & Summer Solstice. I list these as they come at this time, and since summer is officially over (at least in the northern hemisphere) we enter the season of Autumn or Fall. Our lives correlate to nature’s seasons rather well.

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Actually, all life begins in the spring season when we are conceived, born and we begin our early years of development. I realize that some creatures begin their lives in different seasons, but I am basing my dialog on human beings. At this stage of the cycle of life we are filled with wonderment and often joy. I know, there are so many children whose lives appear to be anything but joyful. However, I have seen children in slums who find joy in the most dire circumstances. They inspire me.

Then comes Summer which welcomes the developing years of one’s life. This season is filled with activity, learning, and blessings. The later part of Summer involves adolescence and the challenges and excitement which accompany this season of life. Funny, how so many of us reflect upon this season most fondly as we grow older. Based on experience, please enjoy, but be careful as risks are often taken without any thought of danger…I am a living example!

Autumn comes next as these are the middle-aged years of one’s life. I now have two grandchildren who “knock my socks off” when I get to spend time with them. This is a joy-filled, and a reflective season, and is usually accompanied by many memories of raising our children. I believe it to be my most favored season …especially because I relate to nature so closely and the change of this season is so dramatic.

Winter follows and we experience the cleansing of new fallen snow and arctic blasts of air which cleanse the mind and spirit. It is also when we realize that this is the last season and we best make the most of it. Family and friends are most important during this time. Far too often we succumb to physical and mental illnesses which cause alarm among all who care. However, we were never promised an eternal life while enveloped in these bodies of flesh and bones.

This photograph was taken a few days ago and reflects nature’s changing personality during the season from Summer to Fall. I captured this image with my cell phone camera and admit it is nothing spectacular. Yet, I like it because it reveals an authentic representation of our reality, and of our seasons. So, whatever season of life you find yourself in, I encourage you to stop and enjoy it. As is so often stated, “Time flies”. There are no do-overs in life, only restarts!

Sunset Thoughts

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I glanced out our west kitchen window and caught a glimpse of the setting sun.

I hurriedly went for my camera and stepped outside for a few shots.

Don’t know why this was so important as I have a thousand photographs of sun rises and sun sets.

I snapped the sun from various angles and positions, but post only two images. It doesn’t really matter anyway. The sun shines and sets as directed by the Creator so where I stand to take a photograph really makes no difference. Nor does taking a photograph.

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However, a photographer, like a painter or writer, envisions that perfect image he or she has in the mind. It is an intuitive thing, I believe.

These photos are nothing extraordinary, but possesses a part of me. I was compelled to take it for no other reason than to bring myself a bit of satisfaction.

I share them to encourage you…to make an impulsive leap towards something which brings you joy and fulfillment…even for a moment or two.

I’ve been ‘down in the dumps’ lately and needed a bit of inspiration. Without a job and striving to start a new career as an independent business, I feel a sense of fear and self-doubt. Yet, deep down inside, I know I can make this adventure work to my (and other’s) benefit.

Every photograph, and every typed or written word helps.

I am blessed.