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.
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.
Too many might not even see these tiny wild violets and tread upon their faces
I see their magnificence and want to peer into their hearts
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. 😉
Beaded sculpture, maybe the next light catcher. I call her Mermaid RisingBlackberry Mug Cake! So easy, so goodI love my coffee in the evening. Oh! That is a yummy Carrot Cake for two recipe.
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. 😏
Okay, well, I am making up for lost time here, and my Mother’s heart is very full. While I was up North for a wedding for one of my sons, another was in a city elsewhere in the state of Nebraska helping his wife to deliver a baby. Unfortunately I was unable to be there for the event since both occasions were taking place only one day apart. I can only hope they show her my photo and when I get back there I can make up for lost time.
Meanwhile, I have to show her off, beautiful big bundle of joy that she is. 9lbs 1oz of pure heaven. My sons says she is a very good baby; and he should know since he was the easiest of the four. Never caused me one moment of stress, and now he deserves some of that action. 😉
Her name is Rayne…
She has five (yes, I said five-including a set of adorable twins) siblings to love, spoil and ruin her. 😂
They made it to the wedding! Got some Maw Maw hugs in. I’ll post a Mom photo when she gives me the ok.
They are all a mix of both parents. This one, though…I think looks like Dad.
If she has his sense of humor, life will be wonderful for the whole house!
"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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