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.
Anyone who has ever followed my blog or knows me well understands my idea of peace. While I continue to envision and pray for universal peace, I know that true peace can only be found within each soul individually. Every one of us is responsible for finding that place which we can retreat to for solace, comfort and the assurance that all will be well in our souls.
For those who accept the idea that our lives are guided by a higher power, Peace then comes in that knowledge and acceptance, each finding their own way of communion with Spirit. What name this guiding force is called matters not. If universal naming were important we would all be in trouble here.
What matters most is that every living thing find a common pulse, that place in which we all become one, even for a moment. Call it prayer, meditation, communion or simply quieting the mind from the constant chatter that we have come to know as commonplace in our lives.
The peace I find comes in the shade of the Creator’s Love, this beautiful spinning orb of rock, water, gases and cellular magnificence we call Earth..and home. I spent my Thanksgiving breathing, relaxing and being. I spent yesterday reveling in our home and its inhabitants. This is my church and these are my fellow worshippers. We are thankful for our breath and what each if us knows as perfection in life. The genuine moments of peace that sustain us through hardship and loss. These are the gifts, the treasure, the cool shade of a Love that knows no limit.
Snowy egret in Canaveral Seashore National ReserveWe take wing when fear consumes us. Or we trust in Spirit and waitCan you hear them whispering?I missed seeing my hawk friends so often
It is a good thing to find joy wherever you may be. It is another to be in a place where joy bombards you from all directions. For me that place is within the living world.
May you find a reason to be thankful in every day.
No, we weren’t at the Audubon Zoo. As a side note, I have never been to that zoo, though I have observed it from the park that runs beside it. And I have visited many amazing zoos as well.
Anyway, when I saw Linda Hill’s #SoCS prompt I could think of no better way to get the job done than straight forward and to the point.
With a little help from my new aquarium friends…
Mr Fish was quite abash
at the brazen, frank and brash
exhibition and fruition
of Mr Turtle’s non-contrition
as he dug with great ambition
for delights beneath the rocks!
While the Butterfly brigade
nibbling grapes and marmalade,
enjoying such a bash
nary batting an eyelash
at what happened in the deep
for their eating led to sleep
and sweet dreams.
Beware! Dear winged creatures
for the horrifying feature
in the land of swampy things
from Louisiana brings
Mr Gator, with his hypnotizing eyes
and he will grow to such a size
he could crush you in his jaws
as he strokes you with his claws.
In the land of Jambalaya
Mr Gator must beware
lest someone come and bash him
making him the evening’s fare.
Fried, boiled, stewed
over rice.
Contemplating an escape?
perhaps you should
think twice!
And if you’re thirsty, toddle on over to the bar for some wings and beer with Dan and his buddy But watch out. I hear the bartender might bite if you don’t leave a tip. 😉
I love this prompt! God knows I love flowers. And bees on flowers. And butterflies on flowers. And now I am using mostly ancient grain flours for cooking, but I still love a squishy homemade roll or burger bun. So, thanks Linda Hill for making it ‘real’ for me this time around.
Last weekend was full of fun for us, being up in Nebraska for a couple of special events. My oldest son got married and I made the cake, a simple but oh-so-yummy Strawberry Wipped Cream number that is almost always perfect on a 90 degree end of Summer day. The strawberries are soaked in Grand Marnier for hours (of course) before being layered in the cake alternately with freshly whipped cream. I think it was a success.
Love this expression.
The bride’s dress? Oh, she was beautiful in it throughout the afternoon. As soon as the ceremony and photos were done in the sweltering heat of early evening, we all shed our finery and donned cooler attire.
The flowers? If you come to my blog often enough, you know I love flowers. Here is a recent encounter with a beautiful fellow who enjoys them even more than me!
For more great #SoCS posts visit Linda’s blog at the link at the top of the page. Happy Saturday my friends!
You know, when your entire week has seemed liked this….
it is only logical to long for the #Free48, that mystical place where you get to do all you dream of doing during the 5 days that seemed more like the 7,200 minutes that they were. Yes, I am being practical and counting non working hours because we all know our minds remain connected to the job until that glorious moment when we, like children waiting for the bell that heralds recess, punch our tickets and fling our critical thinking to the four winds.
My usual tactic for Friday is to find the nearest good food watering hole and begin the process of necessary amnesia. C’mon, you have to know we tried a new place. It was only logical to check out a venue near my favorite Friday hangout in The Battery, (aka Wahlburgers) just in case our choice proved to be a disappointment. We were not disappointed. Spending the evening sipping some really unique cocktails made with great skill by our bartender, Alex, ended up a great way to end the day. We will defintiely add El Super Pan to our list of favorite places to unwind. We almost felt like we were back in Costa Rica, although it is a Cuban venue. The Cuban sandwich was so good, the bread perfect and my Tostones with a cilantro oil sauce were also great.
Up close and personal
The bar was great. There was filming going on so we had to shhhhh…🙄
There is a nice patio too
Truly the best Cua Libre I’ve had. Not too much cola.
A very special drink
The Cuban sandwich and Tostones
Alcohol offerings on the flip side. My drink was a Latin version Old Fashioned made with vermouth and bitters, camapari. Not too sweet!
As to the #Free48, there are no plans as of yet. I need to do some serious writing and there are a few practical things to consider, like whether we keep watching our resident chipmunk continue his methodical melee’ on our tomatoes or take action. 😕
Well, at least the butterflies enjoy the spoils….
So, whether you prefer mystical, whimsical, magical posts or lean more to logic, do check out our host’s page. Linda Hill serves up some challenging and fun prompts each week for us. For comic relief andlogical info, check out Dan’s place. He is the IT and history guru.
And now…..drumroll please……..for my Victory moment this week!
I did NOT eat one of these…..
(although I did look at them at least three times)
Ahhhh….progess, and an awesome end to a somewhat chaotic week. Thank you, Linda!
This prompt reminds me of one of my favorite songs by one of our favorite bands.
