Six little stories with lots of meaning

Once, a group of villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer, all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That is faith. When you toss babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. That is trust. 3. Every night we go to…

The Strangest Gift

“The kindest people aren’t born that way, they are made. They are the souls that have experienced much at the hands of life, they are the ones who have dug themselves out of the dark, who have fought to turn every loss into a lesson. The kindest people do not just exist – they choose…

A Wish for the Week Ahead

“May you remember to stay calm in the face of adversity, or at least freak out somewhat gracefully. May you stay hydrated, graceful and kind. May you remember to put yourself somewhere up near the top of your never-ending To-Do list, and may that To-Do list include good coffee and laughter, because you have to…

Surprise

“It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a…

Lightly, child

“It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly, child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. “Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them. “I was so preposterously serious in those days…Lightly, lightly — it’s the best advice ever given me…to throw away your baggage…

Hello, little friend

Hummingbirds are so hard for me to photograph. But this guy seems to be used to me and isn’t in a hurry to leave the feeder, so I was in luck. It is oddly satisfying when these little ones not only stop in my yard for their nutrition, but they feel safe enough to pause…

Found

“And they keep asking me where happiness can be found, but I’m no longer trying to find happiness. I just appreciate where I am and then happiness finds me.” – Soyen Shaku Just a few love notes and smiles that have found me recently.

Different

Look how much more interesting this whole group becomes when just one bloom decides to do its own thing. She doesn’t ruin the collective by letting her colors fly. She doesn’t even diminish the beauty of the other blooms. Somehow through her own uniqueness, she makes everyone around her more unique. I took this image…

Dream

Please remember: Your job is the dream of the unemployed. Your house is the dream of the homeless. Your smile is the dream of the depressed. Your health is the dream of those who are sick. Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity. Find something to be grateful for. I saw that reminder…

Great, Glorious Pieces of Good

“I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. I re-read passages from my favorite books. I hold the little treasures that somebody special gave me. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious…

Just a thought

“The thing is, we don’t know what’s waiting for us tomorrow. All we have and all we know is right now. “So please, don’t waste your energy on staying angry, or thinking you are not worth it or living in the past or the future… “Love yourself, your friends, and your family with all of…

Big L

“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.” – Thomas Merton What I have…

Look at you

Just think about it. There is no one else who is the same as you in the world. There is no one who has the same personality, the same tastes, the same smile, the same soul, the same memories, the same loving character, or the same journey. You are so unique and so special. You’ve…

Reason to smile

Here are a few smiles from the week. This sweet sentiment at the Foundry during a celebratory dinner with a few of my favorite people. This chubby baby bird at the park, pushing the limits of a nest where I’ve been used to seeing the mama. A brave iris who decided to lead the way…

Extraordinary

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brené Brown Otherwise known as a walk in the park.

Throwback Thursday – NYC

I just realized I never posted about one of my biggest personal joys I experienced last month. Something that has been at the top of my running wish list since the first time I learned about it. I’d blogged about my heartbreak in 2020 when it was cancelled due to COVID-19 after FINALLY getting in…

Impact

“Your impact on other people is bigger than you think. Someone still giggles when they think of that funny thing you said. Someone still smiles when they think of the compliment you gave them. Someone silently admires you. The advice you give has made a difference for people. The support and love you’ve offered others…

Exactly

“A dog is one of the few things in life that is exactly what it seems.” – unknown *Totally biased, shamelessly and unapologetically proud dog owner post* If Finnegan seems to be the happiest, smiley-faced pup you’ve ever seen, it’s because that’s exactly what he is. And I sure love him.

Good Choice

“Every day you have an important choice to make. Whether to cherish or to waste the most valuable blessing that you have — time. Today you have the choice to spend it wisely, appreciating every moment of your life, loving the people that love you, focusing on all the good that you have. Find what…

Respect Your Mother

Happy Earth Day! Took a long walk this morning, appreciating Mother Earth — her beauty, her humor and her resilience.

Such a Difference

“Your impact on other people is bigger than you think. Someone still giggles when they think of that funny thing you said. Someone still smiles when they think of the compliment you gave them. Someone silently admires you. The advice you give has made a difference for people. The support and love you’ve offered others…

Special Day

“Your life journey is a special one. Cherish every single day of your life, because if you won’t, who will? Time flies so quickly and every day is a blessing. Don’t take it for granted. As you wake up every day, put your heart into every breath of yours. Be grateful to be able to…

And yoooo are…? (Part 2)

In addition to getting a better look at the mama owl in Forest Park (and finally one of her babies), guess who recently paid me another visit? This amazing creature chilled outside my back door for almost an entire day, from mid-morning until nightfall. I have no idea what the appeal of this spot was,…