Motivation - Inspiration

Years ago I had a natural weaving hung on my bedroom wall full of gathered wonders found on hikes taken with friends and family. When I moved, it was to fragile to take with me... four years later, I have another one ready for mother nature's treasures. It motivates and inspires me to get outside more and be present to all that surrounds me. 

New Growth

 

When out for a walk the other day, I noticed "new growth" sprouted up all around. It got me to thinking (as nature often does) that, that's what new growth looks like on us. Beautiful, fresh, inspiring, and hopeful. Each present moment is a chance for new growth, new hope, new inspiration and to be beautiful. 

A reason to smile...

Image by Lenka Novotná

"https://pixabay.com/users/jplenio-7645255

Image by Cindy Lever

"Looking at beauty in the world is the first step of purifying the mind."

Amit Ray

As the world seems to be enveloped in the unknown, I find myself needing more reasons to reach for a smile. Nature always provides! Whether it's being outside and hugging a tree, observing from my window or looking at beautiful pictures from the internet. The beauty and wonder of nature never cease to amaze me. It's free and accessible to all. May you find what makes you smile today!

Sustains...

It is the twentieth day of December and there hasn't been one day yet, with a day off. It has been busy busy busy and I'm feeling the need to connect with nature and hug a tree! And if it wasn't so cold outside, I'd plant my feet in the grass and feel grounded. I haven't even been out in my backyard to check on my garlic that's growing. But things will slow down soon and I will reconnect once again to what sustains me ~ Mother Nature!

Again...

" Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale."

Lauren DeStefano

I know, I am talking about fall again and I probable will again soon, but I came across this quote and I just loved it!!! Every time I'm out walking I can't help myself and I come home with leaves I'v picked up and need to dry. This fall is no different... in my house you will find dried leaves just about everywhere.

Walk...

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

John Muir

This is what I need right now... a walk with mother nature to make it all better!

Refuge...

"The library had become her solace. Her refuge. Books did not question or judge. They made safe companions."

Inglath Cooper, Truth and Roses: A Love Story

We all need a place of refuge from life. I'm glad my children feel that way about their home and with friends and families homes. To find refuge to relax, to not have to feel like you have to be anything but your imperfect, perfect self is a time to gather strength to keep moving forward in each present moment.  When I'm not able to be with those people who provide solace, I find it in books, nature, food, art, quiet time, and animals.

Quiet...

As I'm out and about in the world, I've notice a lot of people with headphones in their ears ( not just the young), whether in the grocery store or walking their dog. I'm the kind of person who likes quiet. I like the "sound of silence" it's such a beautiful noise. I do enjoy music or a book on tape but its not often that I listen to anything and especially when I'm out walking with nature or at the beach. The last thing I want, is what feels to me, like intrusive noise. Now I know people, like my daughter, who live and breath with music going, it speaks to her in ways that don't for me... to each their own!

Comfort...

The hummingbird drinks

The bee hums a rhythmic tune

and nature offers comfort

I was in need of comfort this morning and when you walk out in my back yard my Rose of Sharon tree is in full bloom. As I stepped out the door, I saw several humming birds and bees enjoying the flowers on my tree. I couldn't help but smile and I found comfort in the beauty!

Association...

The other day while observing natures patterns, colors, textures, I was noticing a lot of green and red combinations. Now my mind associates green and red with Christmas and when I've done drawings or used paint I steer away from putting those two colors together. So it got me thinking about what other things in my life do I associate with that may not be real and finding that awareness to change how I view certain things. 

Some of the red and green I came across ~

Roses

Other Red flowers

Red Lady Bug

Berries

 Tomato's 

Strawberries

( all have green leaves or the lady bug was on a green leaf )

Happy...

Being out in nature, even if it's just my back yard makes me happy. I don't know if other people feel the connection with nature too, but there is something about just stepping outside, walking among the trees, hearing nature sing, that changes my whole outlook. It puts me in a happy place that no other thing can do.

Blooming...

"Bloom Where Your Planted"

I've been inspired by natural a lot lately and today as I was bending down to observe a small creek, I was reminded of "bloom where your planted."  I saw random plants growing in the most unusual places and water finding a way to keep going despite the obstacles in its way. But it was all so beautiful and I thought, "my life is not all that I would like it to be, but I'm still growing ( blooming) and finding a way, despite what I see as obstacles in my life."

Outside...

"Sometimes, you need to step outside, get some air, and remind yourself of who you are and who you want to be."

That's what nature does for me... It reminds me of who I am and what I want to continue to be. My son and I went for a walk today on a beautiful trail, took our shoes off and walked in the cool damp grass. Life is good... thank you mother nature for your gentle nudges and constant reminders.

Nature Weaving...

This is one of my favorite pieces of art in my house. It was made at a home school gathering years ago and different people contributed to it during that gathering. I continue to add and weave in and I never get tired of looking at it. It reminds me of friendships and our connectedness to each other and to the great Mother Earth. This picture doesn't do it justice, because the beauty is in the fine details... Just like us!

Beautiful...

Isn't nature beautiful?

Nature...

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished"

Lao Tzu

The reminder I needed today. I've been feeling sick and it always makes me feel anxious about all the things I'm not able to accomplish. I will remember there is time for everything I need to get done ~ I am grateful!

My Son...

This picture reminds me of my middle son, on this special day he turns twenty one.

~ Happy Birthday David ~

David asked a lot of questions about the world. He loved storms and anything having to do with the weather. We use to go frog hunting and nature walks. He loved mother nature! Later he became a writer and a self taught artist and is awesome at what he does. He is a quiet soul but has many passions that you only need to ask and he has much to say on the subjects. Making up a new kind of sandwich is always something he enjoys. 

You bring light and joy to my life everyday ~ you are loved my sweet David ~ love Mom : )

My Favorite Thing...

"Wishy"

 ~ is what I've called this weed since I was a little girl. It has always been one of my favorite things. There is something about looking at this and seeing natures wonder, its detailed perfection. Makes me pause and take a step back into letting go of all those tiny details in my life that will come together if I stop resisting. If I let go of "my" detailed perfection and just "be" in the present moment. My life's intentions will be blown in the wind, just as a wishy on a bluster day with no idea of where they may land. With no idea where I will be planted "anew." When you blow on a "wishy"of intentions, you scatter endless possibilities.

Virtual Walk...

I'm working on my meal planning business today and my brain needed a little stretch, so I'm going on a virtual nature walk. This picture looked so inviting and intriguing as to what beauty lays around the bend. I can just feel the sunshine, as my mind drinks in the scenery. Nature always restores my spirit.

A yard transformed...

As I was working in my backyard today I felt the similarities...
My front yard is more neighbor friendly and has a slightly different look then my backyard. The grass is cut and trimmed, the trees are kept up, the flowers are in their proper place for viewing and it looks pretty much like everyone's else's. My backyard is more spontaneous and whimsical. It's an ongoing project that is added to and taken away as I feel and it is not visible for all to see. So as I was working I felt like the front yard was my physical outside body - one that is perceived slightly different than what is on my insides. My inside ( my heart and soul ) is a mix of surprise with a little trust and surrender.  My yard is evolving and changing like I am. Anytime I need a little "pick me up - of spirit" I just need to step out into natures wonder and I remember...