I posted this on my other blog Dreaming Existence and wanted to share with you all here as well. We need to be introspective at this time in our Human history. We need to examine our own intent, accept the pain we try so hard to cast off and know that only together, through loving intent, our better future can be created.
Broken Butterflies
Every now and then I am inspired to share this song, written and sung by a talented lady from my home state. I have loved the melody, slow and melancholic, the words that wind and twist in ways only the individual listening can comprehend for themselves. It is a work of art and has meant something just a little bit different to me at various times in my life’s unfolding.
I was sifting through my endless photos this evening, determined to finally put together that pictorial book of poems that has been infecting my brain for some years now, encouraged by the kind words of my friends and followers. I filed through images of thoughtful monkeys, bright and brilliant birds, as well as so many bees, dipping their faces into stores of golden pollen. Then came the butterflies. As I chose a few treasured images, I came across this one in a series I took while at a lovely garden in Roswell, Georgia. I know a lot of people who would have just passed this one by, deleted the images, or cast it aside as defective. I am not one of those people. I often photograph the worn down, the damaged and dying within Nature’s fine tapestry of living things. I see the beauty in every stage of existence, so when I saw this image it struck me as poignantly appropriate for me-for so many-at this time.
I have felt pretty broken lately, the weight of the unknown pulling me to the ground when I long to soar with the freedom of the familiar taking me to the heights of joy. It has been heartbreaking to see the fabric of our lives slowly coming unraveled in spite of our best efforts to hold it together. It’s not about resistance to change. It’s not about adaptability or rigidity. It’s about feeling helpless in spite of putting forth my bravest face, rallying myself to count my blessings, focus on the positive and not get caught up in fear.
The simple truth is that we are faced with the total unknown at this most profound moment in modern history and the way our society is handling this challenge is the most troubling thing for me. So much anger, impatience, intolerance, insensitivity, arrogance, greed and denial has taken its toll on those who are
seeking a positive solution, taking comfort in what can still be counted on. For me, that is Nature. This is a most most frightening world where now, more than ever, people are afraid of other people. We don’t know who may be carrying a virus, who may hate us, or who is as fearful as we might be ourselves. If we are being responsible, we wear our masks in public or work places, but that leaves us almost faceless to others, unable to show expression and share smiles. The worst part for me is not being able to just give or receive a hug. I’m a hugger and value human touch. I can’t travel to other states to visit my family and old friends, fearing exposure due to those people who refuse to even try being safe.
I feel broken, often frozen emotionally by the need to not cry anymore, to not be ashamed of how my country is presenting itself to the rest of the world, and by the need to just breathe. Then I go outside, thankful that at least for now Nature is not the enemy. The air is no more toxic than usual, the water is no more contaminated, the animals are thriving and the sky hasn’t fallen. Like my tiny friend above, I feel the need for sweet rest on a soft blanket of love, waiting for healing.
More than anything else, the song speaks to the way we communicate, the words that spill from our mouths, often in careless ways, whether intentional or not. It speaks of the lies that break our spirits, our hearts and our faith in a better world.
In conclusion, I say we toss our fears into the bottomless pit of misery and stand together, heart to heart, as we help one another to heal. Our light must shine on even through the darkest of days. Our wings may be broken, but together we can reach the heights and color the skies with hope. The old tapestry may be unraveling but lets create a new work of art as we pick up the frayed ends and begin again…finally united
This post brought to you by .Linda Hill’s SoCS prompt Do visit her blog to read more great posts and meet some amazing writers.
My vow during this time of seclusion, introspection, redirection and rejuvenation is to post something of value each day. Something to give a smile, a moment of reverie or a sweet remembrance. Today I’m sharing a bit of humor from the guys who patrol our little lake. Take a peek to see what they are Up to.
Stay well, enjoy your time off, and don’t worry. Be happy for the free moments in your life.
We are all challenged during this uncertain time in our history. I decided to share some of the beauty I have seen in the world over the years I have been rather addicted to photography. Check my posts out when you have time.
Meanwhile, be safe, pay attention, don’t judge and trust your true instincts. There is merit in most information but the delivery is not always accurate. Be kind to all humans. God does not love based on any of our human conditions. Age, race, sex, ideals, nationalities….the soul is all that is visible to the One who created it all.
Love and Light,
Cheryl
PS This fellow was a regular guest at our home in Costa Rica. I named him Gary. He loved bread crumbs. Oh, and do check out the new space. There is a different image there! A two-fer!
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. I hope your day has been special in the most perfect way. I have a new bit of poetry up at the new place for the holiday Here. I hope you’ll pop over and take a look
Ah, one look in my eyes and you can tell that’s true..
Old man, take a look at my life,
I’m a lot like you were…..
Seeing these moss- bearded ancient trees brought to mind an old favorite song of mine. You are amazing, Mr Young.
*Beauty, courtesy of Mother Nature and the tender care of Florida Sugar Mill Gardens friends..
I must state simply that The Avengers series has gotten exponentially more exciting with every piece of the puzzle over the years, causing expectation levels to rise with each new installment. I was a bit nervous when the advertisements for #Endgame started to show up.
I have been exposed to this genre of film since my four sons were youngsters and none of us has stopped loving the various superheroes that really do exist in the imagiverse of sci-fi comic existence.
I have my favorites, of coures, being a closet Thor groupie. He is not dissimilar to HeMan, a favorite of my oldest. That child used to watch his Saturday lineup of cartoons, having to don full attire for each one, complete with his version of Bruce Banner clothes and Hulk’s torn transformation outfit. Of course, back in those days we were watching reruns of Lou Ferrigno and Bill Bixby’s Hulk, my personal favorite. 😉 Love you too, #Mark Ruffalo and Ed Norton, Jr.
So, if you have time, you must catch up on Spiderman-all of them-, The Incredible Hulk, Ironman, Antman-1&2-, Thor, Black Panther, all of The Avengers, Captain America, Captain Marvel….oh, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Got it? 🙈
I regularly tug out my copy of Guardians of the Galaxy when I want to feel hope for this troubled world. A good soundtrack while saving humanity is definitely a must for me.
ummmm….there is no secret about what a #Chris Pratt fan I am. Love the Pratt man. This might be my favorite role of his though.
So, unless you know the basic storylines for the main characters in Endgame, you might be lost and not enjoy the film as much as you could. However, if you like humor, action, great special effects, excitement and heartwarming moments, your expectations will surely be met in this movie. It was a thrill ride for me! Big thanks to all the cast, creators-R.I.P Stan Lee-and supporting crew that brought this Disney production to life for us- the rabid fans of #The Avengers.
Experience the wonder, the thrill, the pure genius that is Marvel’s Avengers Endgame. Even just so you can say you did.
This post is brought to you courtesy of Linda Hill’s #SoCS prompt. Visit her blog for more great posts. Today’s prompt was to use xp in the post, either alone or in words.
Happy #Free48 folks. That expression has a whole new meaning for me this weekend! Yay! Beer and movies, walks and sunshine, oh yeaaahhh….
Waiting….Supplies…check!Saving the galaxy works up an appetite.
“Hi, hello there. I heard you were missing your small green Florida pals. I see you’re planting a garden too.”
“Hmmm….those rose bushes look promising. And salad in a pot? Clever!
Photos? Why certainly you may. Just be sure to get my good side.”
“Do you like this beard? I try to eat well to enhance its brilliant orange hue.
Notice any missing bugs around the house? Yes, well that was me. I hope you don’t mind. I love small spiders and beetles and those-who-shall-not-be-named. Some people are quite sensitive about them.”
I really must be going…But I’ll be back. Maybe I’ll bring friends. If you’d like!
We need to get this straight. I will affirm here and now that I have felt less than inspired in the last week. I’m working on the novel-still…maybe forever..but really loving the progress. It is just not something one can easily do at the end of a work day or week, popping from pragmatic, ordered thinking into fanatstical dreaming reality.
I mean I usually can, but lately the world has just felt so…heavy. I affirm I am not a fan of old Man Winter. And I love men in general. Just not sadistsic, self indulgent, harsh and cold troublemaking men. Just why Mother Nature has him in her circle is beyond me. But then, taste in friends is always quite subjective isn’t it? It takes all kinds of people to make a world. If we were all alike we would either be hugely bored or constantly fighting ourselves.
There’s Spring
Glorious Summer
Fleeting Fall
And WTF Winter!
I affirm that life is wearying at times, and when I was younger I held older people in the highest regard, seeking their wisdom, understanding and encouragement. For the most part I am exposed to situations in which older people are viewed and treated as outdated, stupid or at best uninformed, and gulity of some heinous crime of destruction that most of them are completely unaware. Perhaps the crime is just being older than 30. I thank God each day my children are not this way.
When I was in the Christian church growing up, we were taught to always put yourself in others’ shoes, to empathize and express compassion. There was a humbleness in being a child of God. I suppose there has always been a double edged sword aspect to religion..any of them, just as there is duality of spirit within each of us. I just know that I would rather stand quietly alone, with my hand in His, than stand with a mob of angry, accusatory, self righteous finger pointers whose main goal is to be the best, the biggest and the chosen. Since when did being a Christian become a popularity contest?
I affirm that God’s greatest gifts exist all around us, that peace can be found in the tiniest miracle of life, that entertainment is free in Mother Nature if you just take a moment to breathe and to feel her presence. Soul healing does not exist in a book or a prayer. It is in your own hands, the ones given to you in this life. Perhaps we should stop shouting, ”God, save us!”
Maybe it’s time to whisper, “God help us to save ourselves.” We have to stop making our own messes then blaming everyone else for them, which includes..
No, honey, the devil did not make you do it. We all have a choice and the light and dark exists in every one of us.
I affirm that when I love someone it is forever, even if you choose to cast me aside. Anyone who has ever found a place in my heart will remain there forever, and my family means more to me than anything. If they hurt, I hurt. When they are in pain, it is mine. When they are happy, my world is perfect. I know no other way.
(A light tap on any photo will show the caption)
Grandkids rock!
Cheers to beers!
I would be lost without this shadow
Love is all around
The face of pure happiness
My favorite place to be!
Friendships take time to become beautiful
Always my Dad
Through every thing
I love the friends I have made here, in this magical realm of blogging, where like minds can meet and feel less alone, share ideas and laughs. We all do such a wonderful job of encouraging, lifting one another up and being there. Thank you to any and all who have done this for me. And if you feel like a beer check out Dan’s frozen corner of the world. Now, he has some Winter tales…
I affirm that I am ready for Spring, budding flowers, buzzing insects and balmy breezes. Meanwhile, we can always dream..in fact I must insist that you dream with me, or we might not see her face again!
"I have enough time to rest, but I don't have a minute to waste". Come and catch me with your wise words and we will have some fun with our words of wisdom.
Dreaming Reality 
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