Inspiration

Truths from the Tree

/ Jodi / 52 Comments
truth from trees nature lessons maple tree mars pa

Maple Tree, Mars, PA

Truths from the Tree

Stand tall and proud,
and reach for the sunlight.

Grow deep roots where you are planted,
and you will be braced and secure from threatening winds.

When those winds do blow,
bend and be flexible, and you will survive.

Stretch out your arms far and wide,
and welcome those that rest in your shade.

Delight in sharing with nature’s creatures
with nests and burrows and nourishment.

When your life is over,
give back to what gave life to you.

This is in follow-up to yesterday’s post – Reflections from the River – and a continuation in Lessons from Nature.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Pure

Reflections from the River

/ Jodi / 60 Comments
Kiskiminetas River lifeinbetween.me

Kiskiminetas River, Pittsburgh, PA

Reflections from the River

Still water grows stagnant…
keep moving.

Enjoy the journey…
it’s not always about the destination.

A single rock thrown…
can cause a ripple effect far beyond its initial target.

Sometimes what is reflected back from us…
is bigger and better than we are – so shine on.

It is hard work to traverse against the current…
but it is possible, and it is often worth it.

Hubby and I took a little boat ride Friday evening down the Kiskiminetas River – a peaceful little body of water that flows into the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh, PA.   With the sweet scent of honeysuckle still in my nose, I’ve been reflecting on the many lessons we can learn from the river.  Nature has so much to teach us if only we take the time to listen.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Pure

That moment…. right before

/ Jodi / 48 Comments
peony blossom

Pink Peony bud ready to bloom, Mars, PA – June 2016

That moment….

right before

you open up
and come out of your shell…

It is when you reveal

your true colors,
your full potential,
your ultimate possibilities,
your complete self.

It is a defining moment,
when you reveal your vulnerability,
and step out of your comfort zone.

There is such beauty
in that moment….
right before.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

A Stand Out in the Crowd

/ Jodi / 46 Comments

white flower stand out

What makes you stand out
amidst those that all
seem exactly the same?

You stand tall
You stand proud
You proudly proclaim

You are beautiful
Life is beautiful
You are more than just one in the crowd.

This is your life
Make the most of it.
Don’t be just one in the crowd.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Just Bloom

/ Jodi / 52 Comments
orange poppy

Jim’s Poppies, May 2016, Mars, PA

A flower
does not compete
with the flowers next to it,
It just BLOOMS.

Today,
think about each beautiful, unique, individual flower,
and be your own beautiful, unique, individual You.
Just bloom.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Rainy Sundays

/ Jodi / 48 Comments
purple rhododendrum bud after the rain

Rainy Spring Sunday Rhododendron Blossom – 5/22/16

Rainy days

cancelled plans
messy beds
messier hair
muddy paws
dampened feathers
thunder cracking

steaming coffee
comfy jammies
old movies
new books
paint splashing
afternoon naps

nourishing the plants
feeding the streams
brightening the green
slowing us down
refueling our engines
washing the world clean

 

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

 

 

I almost missed you

/ Jodi / 45 Comments
first purple iris

First Purple Iris – May 2016 – Mars, PA

You showed up
in your regal purple cloak
and delicate golden tassels
on the other side of the house.

I almost missed you.
Your hours were numbered
until you gracefully retreated
and made room for the others.

Thank you for the reminder
that beauty is everywhere
and often fleeting
and often in places we rarely look.

Thank you for the reminder
that we must open our eyes
and open our hearts
and take the time to simply look.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

When?

/ Jodi / 50 Comments

when

When is the last time
you did something
for the first time?

Is today the day?

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Weeds are Flowers too… Once you get to know Them

/ Jodi / 55 Comments
purple weeds

Up Close & Personal with Flowers/Weeds in My Lawn, Mars, PA

“Weeds are flowers too…
Once you get to know them.”

— A. A. Milne, Author of Winnie the Pooh

May you see flowers in all of your “weeds.”

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge:  Earth

A Little Birdie Told Me

/ Jodi / 62 Comments
goldfinch

Male Goldfinch, Mars, PA

A Little Birdie told me….

Stop waiting

for tomorrow,
or the weekend
or a rainy day,
or a sunny day.

Joy is found

when you stop waiting,
and start realizing
the joy in the moments
of every day life.

Cherish the moments

of a gentle breeze,
a warm smile,
a soft embrace,
a kind word.

A little birdie told me

life is short,
grief and hatred and sorrow exist,
but love conquers all,
joy exists,
happy moments must be grasped.

Cherish the moments.

A little birdie told me.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi