Photography

The Only Way

/ Jodi / 48 Comments

The Only Way.

The only way to fully embrace
Your life…

The only way to move forward
and see the beauty all around You…

is to have the strength
and the courage

and the wisdom
and the love for yourself

to let go of the things
and the people

you cannot
change

even when it goes against
what you think is “right.”

Let go of the guilt.
Let go of the burden.

Own your truth.
Own your dignity.
Own your worth.

When you do,
you will find peace.

You will discover You.
It’s the only way.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

This is your Time

/ Jodi / 36 Comments

Fuschia, Mars, PA – June, 2019

This is your Time.

It is your life,
your decade,
your year,
your month.

It is your week,
your day,
your hour,
your moment.

Unfurl your beauty,
stretch your limits,
reach for greatness,
Blossom and bloom boldy!

This is your time.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

In the Shadows

/ Jodi / 47 Comments

Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, Butler, PA – 5/27/19

In the Shadows.

So often
it is in the shadows
in the quiet of the shade

away from the light
away from the bright
away from sight

that the greatest peace
the most euphoric joy
can fill your heart.

In the shadows.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

I Went Far, and I Came Home

/ Jodi / 21 Comments

Flox in the Morning Sunshine on my Walk – Mars (Pittsburgh), PA – May, 2019

I went far,
and I came home.

And I realize
I am experiencing

the same sun
and the same earth,

the same sky
and the same air.

And the world
feels more like home.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

The Simple Scent

/ Jodi / 29 Comments

The Simple Scent.

You stop me
in my tracks,

and I realize the sight of you
is only a small part of your beauty.

I close my eyes,
and I inhale slowly…  deeply.

I let your scent
completely fill me.

It is full of hope
and new beginnings.

It is fresh
and brimming with life.

Happy memories
fill my soul.

Appreciation of the present
warms my heart.

All from the simple scent…
the sweet sniff
of the Lilac.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

#mbpreset

Far Away and At Home in Ireland

/ Jodi / 43 Comments
Slai Head Drive, Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

Slai Head Drive, Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

Far Away and At Home in Ireland.

I went on a trip
farther than I’ve ever gone before.

I went across the ocean
and to another continent.

It was a different country than where I’m from,
and it’s name is Ireland.

Though it was far away
and across the ocean…

Though it was a different continent
and a different country,

I felt just as at home there
as I feel at home.

I felt loved by the people
and one with the land.

It helped me see a bigger world,
but also made the world feel smaller.

I tried my best to breathe it in
and hold it in my heart and soul.

I’m carrying it with me
wherever I go.

I’m embracing it
as part of who I now am…

As part of who it made me…

on my trip far away
and at home in Ireland.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

Bleeding Heart

/ Jodi / 52 Comments

Bleeding Heart.

Every Spring
you show up

and you remind me
of Grandma’s love.

You remind me of her presence
and influence on my life.

Thank you
Bleeding Heart!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Many years ago, my Grandma gave me this bleeding heart plant.  I have transplanted and moved it.  It will always be where I am.  Grandma will always be a part of me.  There is likely not a day that passes where something doesn’t remind me of her or make me think of her, but this plant is an extra special reminder.  It makes my heart soar and swell each Spring when it blooms.  Just like her love for me did and still does.  With Mother’s Day approaching, I remember Grandma with love and the deepest admiration.  May I be even half the Grandma to my grandchildren that you were to me. ❤

PS – I will be taking a blogging break for a week or so.  See you when I return.

After the Rain

/ Jodi / 28 Comments

After the Rain.

After the rain,
we walked at the park.

The grass was greener,
the air was fresh and clean.

The sun warmed,
and the blossoming trees popped

almost as if they were
smiling with the joy they knew I felt.

My heart swelled a wee bit more
like it so often does

in moments spent
with my grandie girls.

Mommy told Grandie Girl 1
about the time she spent playing ball on this field,

and asked her if she thought she
would want to do the same some day.

The sweet, high-pitched voice
in the miniature, but too-fast growing body,

responded so excitedly
and affirmatively

like she most always does,
wanting to be just like mommy.

And I smile at both of them with their muddy shoes
from the stop we made along the walk to float dandelions in the creek.

I steal a glance at Grandie Girl 2,
who is grinning and squealing with delight

as if to affirm her agreement
and wanting to be just like her big sister.

These are the moments…
the sweet precious moments.

After the rain.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Only One You

/ Jodi / 37 Comments

Only One You.

There is
only one
YOU
out there.

One
in
8 billion
is
pretty
special!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

A little more inspiration from HEAL.  Have you watched it yet?!

Healing

/ Jodi / 51 Comments

Healing.

Healing
begins
with
gratitude,
compassion,
and
love.

 

At the urging of one of my besties, I watched a Netflix documentary called “HEAL.”  HEAL takes us on a scientific and spiritual journey where we discover that our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions have a huge impact on our health and ability to heal. The latest science reveals that we are not victims of unchangeable genes, nor should we buy into a scary prognosis. The fact is we have more control over our health and life than we have been taught to believe. This film will empower you with a new understanding of the miraculous nature of the human body and the extraordinary healer within us all. HEAL not only taps into the brilliant mind’s of leading scientists and spiritual teachers, but follows three people on actual high stakes healing journeys.

I was highly and very personally impacted by this film on many levels – emotional, physical, and spiritual.  I thought of friends struggling with cancer and chronic disease and the various issues I live with.  I thought of my childhood and how parental relationships have affected my life.  I thought about the power of prayer and my spiritual beliefs.  I will be thinking about this for a while, and I am so glad I watched it.

Have any of you seen it?  Would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi