All that glitters is not gold
Although we often judge people, countries, cities
On outward appearances, there is far more to us
Than meets the eye.
Despite current political rhetoric and media
That would have us believe we are each other’s enemies,
I truly believe that there is far more that unites us as humans.
We just need to make sure we remember that.
So, here’s to no more hate and a lot more love!
(New York looks good from the New Jersey side at sunset!)
For more golden stories, please visit: Our World.
Empty sky
When I was in New Jersey in April, I visited Liberty Park.
It’s home to the Empty Sky memorial
And the outdoor waiting area and old railway station
That used to take immigrants to their new homes all over the USA.
Both places are near each other — and it struck me
How they are almost opposites: the one being all about destruction and loss;
The other (in need of renovation – see last photo) a reminder of an age of tolerance and understanding.
Now that there is a harder attitude to refugees and immigrants and otherness
Around the world – it is somehow comforting to think that once the sky wasn’t empty,
But filled with open arms for people looking for a better life.
There was less ‘we and them’ and more ‘us’.
It’s my hope that there will be less hate and more love in the world.
Immigrant waiting area
For more stories, please visit: Our World.
Lovebirds
I’m off to England at the end of the week —
It’s a very special occasion.
My brother is getting married!
So there will be celebrations, the eating of good food
And some long walks up on the South Downs, I hope.
I’m looking forward to a love-filled week.
(I’ll be back on my blog in a week or so. Until then, take care!)
For more love stories, please visit: Our World.
Feeling festive
Christmas is soon upon us! Unfortunately, we’re suffering from grey weather and lack of snow, so I’ve delved into my archives to try and capture that festive feeling…
A magazine contacted me recently and bought this photo
Called Festive. I like the simplicity of this arrangement.
I love Nature’s
Very own fireworks. (We never have real ones.)
The Christmas spirit
Isn’t to be found in things —
Although I was happy to discover Santa’s sleigh a few years ago.
The Christmas spirit is one of love,
Compassion and forgiveness.
For more festive feelings, please visit: Our World.
Puppy love
Indulge me a little
As I talk about love and dogs.
(This is an old photo – but one of my favourites.)
Oscar, our dog, came to us
When he was four and a half.
He has taught us so much
About love and companionship.
(My son took this picture of Oscar, 11.5, and me.)
Ruby, 5, is our foster dog and has been with us since December.
She was mated and grew larger and larger.
Towards the end of her pregnancy, she didn’t go far
But loved the coolness of the late evening light.
We thought she might have three or four pups inside her (like the first litter of pups she had last year),
But she surprised us all by giving birth to eight healthy puppies.
This is a photo the breeder sent me on the same day as the birth.
I’d say love conquers all, wouldn’t you?
For more love, please visit: Our World Tuesday.
Love locked
Some people say that Paris is the most romantic city in the world.
It could be because of the magnificent views of old buildings;
Or the romantic bridges criss-crossing the Seine.
Whatever the reason, the bridges of Paris are famous
For their hundreds of love locks —
Most with the names of couples written on them
To signify eternal love.
One of the most famous bridges with locks is very near Notre Dame Cathedral.
It’s been standing for at least 800 years — a testament of love and faith —
And it makes the loves and losses of our lives
Seems like the brief and passing beauty of a candle flame.
For more old stories, please visit: Our World Tuesday.
He ain’t heavy – he’s my brother
My children.
They make my life complete.
And my daughter turned twelve a few days ago… Sigh – they grow up too fast, don’t they?
I’m off to the little cottage by the sea again – HURRAY! – so won’t be around to visit you all. Back in a few days.
For more adorable-ness, please visit: Our World Tuesday.
Have a n-ice one!
A recent visit to the Botanical Gardens
In a cold snap
Was the icing on the cake (or dome of the greenhouse).
Disobeying the sign that says: Don’t walk on the grass
Is only something for people who don’t get cold feet.
(The snow was way beyond our knees.)
The bare branches
Looked tree-mendous against the setting sun.
Meanwhile, inside the greenhouse-cafe,
The sun created a beautiful mosaic of gold.
And then it was outside for a family snap —
Yes, we were all playing n-icely
With our ice sabres.
Wishing you all a n-ice holiday!
For more silly posts, please visit: Our World.
A true gift
So many summer gifts —
Two best buddies hanging out by the lake
And a spectacular sunset to lift the soul.
The best gift you can give anyone
Is a part of yourself.
For more beauty, please visit: Skywatch.
And Camera Critters.
Beautiful bubbles
Rainbow bubbles —
Endlessly fascinating
As they can contain a whole world in their soapy spheres.
Floating up to the sky
They give us a new perspective on beauty
And remind us that life is as fragile and beautiful
As a child blowing bubbles.
Please indulge me as I wish my amazing daughter a wonderful 11th birthday!
Dig within. Within is the wellspring of Good; and it is always ready to bubble up, if you just dig. — Marcus Aurelius
For more bubbly thoughts, please visit: Skywatch.
Who says what?