I just made it in time for Norm’s Thursday Doors prompt! I hope you’ll pop over and see the doors we found on our Savannah trip while living in Georgia. There is likely a post about it in this space as well, if you are of a mind to go exploring here on Dreaming Reality.
If not, pop over to check out the cool doors we found at the train museum. See you over there!
In these very troubled days for our world, life has become a roller coaster of emotions for many people, even those who perhaps don’t acknowledge such things. Depression, mood swings, panic attacks and listlessness are all signs of discomfort of the heart, mind and soul.
This prolonged Winter, along with its erratic weather patterns and anomolies, haven’t helped the situation much. We, as a species, are a contradiction of emotions and desires. While we love the freedom to explore at will and throw caution to the wind for a thrill when we choose, we also love and need constancy in our often fragile existence.
Things like the sun rising each day, our feet staying planted firmly on the ground, and the seasons changing on time are touchstones for the human psyche.
Besides the health benefits of sunlight each day, our souls thrive in the light. Studies have shown the negative effects that light deprivation have on both physical and mental health. This has been a long and trying dormant season for so many people. Even though we aren’t buried in snow here, there have been too many gray and gloomy cold days for this human’s soul.
Hope reigns supreme, however, as Ms. spring is trying to stretch her stiff and frozen fingers, stretching towards the light for energy and inspiration. I see glimpses of her smile.
Her sole purpose is to renew this world, to work her magic over the dead, brown earth and paint the landscape with beauty and color once more.
I know she’s near
so do not fear…
Perhaps her soul is weary
at the thought of what’s to come…
If the human’s don’t remember
where their sustenance comes from.
If every hair on every head
is numbered, as is said,
why is wisdom blind
and we can’t even find
a common ground?
No wonder She is timid, slow to come.
But come, she will, for Nature does not fail.
Her soul knows joy in Creation,
love of life, her sole motivation
and we should be ever thankful
for her grace- her place
within the dream.
As for me, I am heading into the #Free48 with my soul full of hope and my sole reason for getting up to find and appreciate the beauty in this world. Maybe do a bit of my own creating too. 😉
Oh, and maybe to find some good food and a nice brew.
As always, thanks #Wahlburger’s at The Battery.
This post brought to you by Linda Hill. Her #SoCS prompt for today was soul/sole. Check out her blog for all the great prompts and posts from other bloggers there.
And if you need a cold brew and some techno talk, join Dan A of No Facilities. But, be warned, the good bartender is off today. 😏
As we hustle through life, often barely acknowledging the things that come and go in our daily vistas, it would bode well for us to make an effort to stop and peer into the face of the familiar often ordinary seeming wonders of this world. The things that are constnt and yet so often overlooked could disappear tomorrow, never to be seen again. What grandeur would we miss then!
See Me
Hello there.
Perhaps you think me plain
and every Spring I seem the same,
a lowly blossom in the grasses
not as grand as other lasses-
Rose, Camelia, Gardenia, Rhodedendron, Lily!
How I pale before their light.
But if you come a little nearer
and peer into my face…
In a moment I can erase
all sorrow,
you can borrow
my peace
and in its place
leave your burdens here.
Just a closer look, you see,
and everything-not only me,
will reveal the magic that abounds
in each miracle that surrounds
you.
Take the time to see
the beauty that is me,
Each shadowed line
and crease defines
the one
I have become.
No more,
no less-
Heaven bless
our hearts
that beat with hope
as our minds grope
for lucid thought
in a world so fraught
with desintegration.
I see you,
beautiful and perfect.
Cheryl KP copyright words and images 2019
With Spring finally rousing herself from deep slumber, I am inspired to use my macro lens, even if it is just the one for my phone. Someday, perhaps, I can afford the luxury of a macro lens for my camera. Every time I try to buy one, the techs at the camera shop talk me out of it. 🤔
Happy #Free48 everyone!
At times I trudge through my life, sometimes with steps as light as air, yet often as though pulling lead balls chained to my ankles; still, I find constant comfort in the face of Nature. We have had a dreary sort of Winter, although the holidays were bright and full. The unrest in the world is palpable, carried on the chilly wind and hanging in the raindrops that seem endless on every weekend that comes around here in Georgia.
Yesterday was a reprieve and I was determined to find solace in the free blessings and gifts of Mother Earth. The message in her soul is always the same, so clear and encouraging, sometimes more so in those arenas made by humans to showcase her handiwork.
We are here!!!
Each face is as unique as our own, their expression and exuberance so real you can almost hear their voices singing for the change of season. I believe Nature’s joy in Spring is contagious. Can you hear them?
Spring tiptoes in on velvet slippers,
Peering around dark corners and waiting in the shadows,
lest the jealous heart of Jack Frost linger to nip her nose
or sting her toes…
Would that I could soar and fly
on dragon wings into the sky.
the bees might envy me-
I say…
Excuse me, Sir, are you going my way?
Alas, my human body is bound
upon this thawing, sacred ground
called terra firma.
but..
My dreams can fly!
As I peer into the laughing face of Sunshine, teasing us from moment to moment..
With Nature as my muse, you see?
But vigilance and care must reign
or all was labor thus in vain.
We must not let the forever sun set on the Creator’s gift.
Ask not for whom the bell tolls.
It tolls for thee and me and we,
but never they…
For Nature always finds a way…….
Today’s images brought to you courtesy of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, an ever evolving transformational vista of living beauty, located right in the heart of an enormous, bustling city. It can be done when we nurture the spirit of life and give her room to blossom!
Happy #Free48 everyone.
Sunshine…
On my shoulders…
in my eyes….
Peering, peeking…
Quietly sneaking
across the sky…
Hours pass as, hardly speaking, we pursue our quest
and duly blessed, find the treasure we were
seeking.
Our souls are quenched as nature flows around, beneath and above…
“Where two or more of you are gathered in my name, there is a church.”
Cross over the bridge
join the choir
dance with joy
and be baptized.
Passing through the cathedral towers,
thankful for those languid hours
Emancipation, realization, appreciation, purification,
bring salvation.
And a mighty fine dinner at home…
I hope you enjoyed our day, courtesy of Sweetwater Creek State Park.
Yes, I see them every day. I appreciate, admire and even photograph them. I just don’t get around to organizing them properly for a worthy blog representation for Norm Frampton’s #Thursday Doors weekly event. You should visit his place for lots of great ‘doorscursion’ posts.
We can always count on Dan for a great selection of doors with a history lesson as well. If you’re a Pittsburgh fan, head on over to his place!
Meanwhile, in my little world…
For yummy tummy delight.
We found a new ‘old’ little sushi place near home.
And since we left Texas, there seems to be no finding great, authentic barbecue. There’s just no competing with true smoked brisket like they serve at County Line. But, we finally found a place that comes close AND they know how to make hush puppies! 👏🏻
Just go in these doors to Williamson Bros.
Yeah, that IS fried okra. 😋
And saving the best for last!
Our friends at Tiny Doors Atlanta have a brand new door at an iconic venue in Atlanta. I tell you, this gal is on fire with her projects. The crew at Tiny Doors does an amazing job and we love them. I can’t wait to stop by and see it in person. Ironically, we actually drove by the Fox just a week ago! Congrats TD!
Happy Thursday folks! Wishing you a smooth slide into home plate and the #Free48! Hugs!
Can you even stand it? The Doughnut craze, that is. How is it possible to have so many bodacious doughnut shops in one city? I have already posted a few of our doughnut adventures over the past few months, but this one is by far the most scrumptious so far. A rep at the office dropped off these tasty treats today.
How could I say no to just one? Can you guess which one I chose?
These doughnuts came from a culinary castle known as
The Dutch Monkey Donut Shop in Cumming, Georgia. Check out the yumminess they serve up daily. I’m beginning to think I’ll never be able to make it through all the delightful bakeries here before I explode! We will definitely be making an in person visit to this wonderful shop in the near future.
So many donuts, so little time!
Thank you Atlanta! Visit this fantastic city and all the amazing food venues when you can!
This post is a part of Linda Hill’s #SoCS blog prompt series.
P
You’ll recognize Dan. He’ll be the one with the ugly team shirt and a bunch of strange people following him…😏
Yep, that’s me most often. When it comes to my creative endeavors and meeting deadlines for prompts, I am not as dedicated as my Mussel Loving friend Dan of No Facilities . He meets all deadlines with ‘i’s’ dotted and ‘t’s’ crossed, with humor and nice photos.
I am more aptly categorized as scattered and prone to whimsy when it comes to sharing those things that I do for fun. I have often been asked why, since I enjoy doing so many things creatively, I don’t do ‘such and such’ as a business. For me, to focus all my energy on one particular pastime would steal the joy from it and also possibly prohibit me from doing those other things I love so much. I guess maybe I am akin to the bees and butterflies I love to photograph so much, flitting from bloom to bloom and drinking in the sweetness each has to offer, but not lingering long enough to miss another possibility.
So, for #ThursdayDoors I am late, but sliding in to home base for the #SoCS prompt by our host Linda Hill
Forgive me for not being more present on WP lately but I have definitely spent the last week enjoying life’s precious offerings so that I could share them with you, my precious friends in the blogging world. I am hoping your #Free48 is filled with many precious moments. Hugs!
Last Saturday’s adventure led us to Sope Creek National Park in Marietta, Georgia. I was so thrilled to be in the shadows of the woods, dip my toes in the cool water and breathe softly with Mother Nature. Precious indeed.
My art time is also precious to me, though it takes me much longer to complete a piece than most folks. Still working on my devilish mermaid who loves her Old Fashioned made with Angel’s Envy. 😉
Finding moments to whip up energy bites can be a challenge too, but I never regret the time spent. Yummy!
And, when you say it often enough, someone finally obliges!!
Now, here’s another favorite hymn from my days in Sunday services as a child
I stand in the presence of a memory
Wishing it were my own.
It feels as though it is somehow.
Every step brings me closer, every breath becomes one with the pulse of Mother Earth.
And then I am there, magnificence reaching toward the sky.
Step by step, towards the summit I climb..
Imagine a world where survival means community
and days unfold as a green, gold and azure panorama..
The sky above, the grass below, as life moves in between.
Danger lurks in shadows in the form of angry beasts!
Eat or be eaten as days fade into night.
There is great comfort in knowing how the river flows,
its winding path and where it goes.
Can you imagine a world not knowing what lay ahead? Such peace can only be found in oblivion. And beauty.
Would that we still slept, dreaming perfection in Spirit’s web of bright Creation.
If we knew, would we have changed a thing?
I like to think so….
Photos were taken on a recent day trip to the Etowah Archeological Site and Museum near Cartersville, GA. It was simply beautiful and peaceful there.
Well, it’s been a couple of weekends since we had a real adventure, so I bribed the Navigator with a bacon and eggs breakfast to go with me to Cartersville to the Booth Western Art Museum located in Cartersville, Georgia. Someone who works there recently told me about it and kindly gave me a complimentary pass. If you go to the link, there is a nice virtual video that is a perfect short version walk through of most of the interior.
From the official website:
Open since 2003 and located just north of Atlanta along I-75, the Booth is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast and an Affiliate to the Smithsonian Institution. At 120,000 square feet, the Booth is an architectural wonder – designed to resemble a modern pueblo and constructed from Bulgarian limestone. The Booth’s permanent collection of Western art, Presidential portraits and letters, and Civil War art allows visitors to “See America’s Story” – the land, people, struggles, dreams, and legends – in paintings, sculpture, photography and artifacts. Sagebrush Ranch is an award-winning, hands-on experience and interactive children’s gallery.
Booth Museum was started by a family who call Cartersville home and have been Western art collectors for many years. It was their wish to share their art with the community, particularly young people who might not otherwise be exposed to art. The Museum was named for Sam Booth, a good friend and mentor to the founders of the Museum. Booth Western Art Museum is operated under the umbrella of Georgia Museums, Inc., which also includes Tellus Science Museum, Bartow History Museum and, coming soon, Savoy Automobile Museum.
While the affiliate museums are in close proximity to the Booth, we spent so much time enjoying the exhibits there, visiting another would not have been possible in one day for us. There simply is so much within the museum walls to appreciate, from traditional Western lore, historical rendition and education, to contemporary interpretation and photography of nature, blues and country legends and fans. There is a wonderful collection of Indigenous Sculptures, most based on famous paintings by George Caitlin.
The very first thing we saw was this, Dan Antion.
The paintings were truly amazing in all forms of expression, from those that looked like photographs to the modern art interpretations. There are too many to share individually here but below I will post a slide show of my favorites, most of which are sculptures. This giant sculpture was perhaps my favorite in the museum. From the front it is moving and impressive….
But when I stepped behind the sculpture and saw the back of the figure, I was overcome with emotion.
Later, when we stepped outside to view the panorama of sculptures in the rear of the museum, I looked up and was struck by the stark symbiotic nature of the image I saw.
I will also feature separately my second favorite sculpture, The Eagle Catcher. The detail is amazing and the effect of living action is perfect.
I have very mixed emotions when viewing the history of the Civil War. I value the dedication of the human beings who fight for what they believe in while also feeling it is the greatest shame of our country to have fought amongst ourselves so much as to go to war, often killing their own neighbors’ children and one another. That we valued controlling lives more than preserving life is our greatest shame. I fear the same sentiment rising within the people again and it breaks my heart. History can’t be erased but it should be learned from.
I did find these paintings to be amusing, being from Louisiana. Leave it to those guys to add flair to the fight.
I loved this museum and recommend to add it to your list if you have the time. Your children should experience it as well. There is an interactive ranch room on the ground floor designed just for the little ones. No adult is allowed in it without having a child in accompaniment as well. I hope you enjoy the slide show and the music. Clicking on any photo will produce the full size render and holding over any photo will show any captions I added. Hope you are all enjoying your #Free48! See something new, have a happy thought, be free.
Then we headed to Acworth for some seafood at Henry’s Lousisiana Grill. More on that excursion later.
photography and life
Teaching the art of composition for photography.
"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.
Make Hugs Not War.
an ongoing experiment in the dirt, 35 plus years
Prime my subconscious, one hint at a time
Dreaming Reality 
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