Some Passion, Some Compassion, Some Humor, Some Style

 

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” 
Maya Angelou

My heart is heavy. My Ms. Hopkins passed away yesterday afternoon, and the weight of this loss is settling in. She was more than my Resident Council President—she was my heart. I loved her like a mother and would do anything for her. Every time she asked for something, I would sing to her—changing the lyrics of Whatever Lola Wants to Whatever Ms. Hopkins Wants, Ms. Hopkins Gets. She loved it. I loved her.

For over seven years, she has been a light in my life. Her laughter was pure joy—the kind that fills a room and stays in your soul. She carried herself with faith, patience, and kindness, always.

Yesterday, I was at work—on a Saturday, which isn’t my usual day. But I was there. As I was leaving, I noticed she had a card in the mail, so I stopped by her room. She was in bed, and when I asked how she was, she said, “I’m not feeling well.” Her hand was clammy when I touched it, and she told me she had been throwing up. I stayed with her, holding her hand, offering comfort. Her roommate had been sick earlier in the week, and I thought it was the same bug. Before I left, I told her, “I’ll see you on Monday, Ms. Hopkins. I love you.” She answered, as always, “I love you too, darling.”

An hour later, I got the call. Ms. Hopkins was gone.

I don’t know how to process this yet. I just know that I am deeply sad. But I also know that I was meant to be there yesterday—to hold her hand, to tell her I loved her one more time, to have that final moment together. Maybe that was a gift, for both of us.

I miss her already. I always will.

Like Clouds In The Windy Sky

Birmingham, Alabama

A good day, planting seeds. Arriving home yesterday, I stepped out of my car in the parking lot and looked toward the late afternoon skyline. From this vantage point on one of Birmingham’s few mountains, the view is clear all the way to downtown and the horizon. The sky stretched wide in a breathtaking blue, billowy clouds drifting with effortless lightness. Just outside my window, the oak tree still stands bare, waiting patiently for spring. Below it, the three-story apartment building—the one I glance at in the quiet hours of morning and evening—was getting a new roof. A renewal in progress.

Earlier in the day, I planted flower seeds with the residents, tucking small promises into the soil, trusting the unseen work of growth. A roof being rebuilt, seeds being sown—both reminders that change happens quietly before it blooms.

I’m reminded of zen master Thích Nhất Hạnh’s words: "Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor." By becoming the observer of my emotions, I root myself in beautiful stillness—an unmovable force amid life’s ever-changing landscape.

Little Things

"A happy life is made of little things."
Carol Holmes

 

Giving A Little Extra

"Whenever you are tempted to give less, try giving a little extra instead."
Wayne Dyer

This photo, another sunrise captured in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, radiates a sense of tranquility and the promise of a new day.

Reflecting on Wayne Dyer's profound words, I am inspired by the importance of celebrating "the ordinary," then discovering and embracing the extraordinary. Dyer's message encourages me to reach out, like the sunrise, into life's small wonders to find the realm of boundless joy.

"Small things" are not small.

Rather than holding back our acts of kindness, we can step forward with an offering that surpasses the expected. This simple act has the power to not only create abundance but also foster a spirit of empathy.

By "giving a little extra," we become a guiding light of compassion. Such gestures, no matter how small, resonate and set in motion a ripple effect of positivity and kindness that enriches our own lives and forges meaningful connections with those around us.

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

When We Embrace

"We are all angels with but one wing.
We fly only when we embrace."

Leo Buscaglia

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A Benediction

"The sunlight was a benediction. The breezes were so caressingly soft and intimate on the skin as to be embarrassing."
Dan Simmons

Richard in Nashville

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Success Unexpected In Common Hours

 

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” 

Henry David Thoreau

Joy Moment with Kayla!

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See The Light In Everyone

 

"As you find the light in you,
you begin to see the light in everyone else."
Ram Dass

Happy Birthday, Richard!

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Joy Is the Holy Fire

 

"Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow."

Helen Keller

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The Whisper Of The Wind In The Branches

"No life can be barren which hears the whisper of the wind in the branches, or the voice of the sea as it breaks upon the shore; and no soul can lack happiness looking up to the midnight stars."

William Winter

I will take time today to discover the simple beauty near me. Sometimes, the most profound experiences come from the simplest of things, like enjoying the sunrise or gazing at the stars.

This morning, happiness whirls with the whispers of the wind in the branches...

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

Live In The Present Moment

Birmingham, Alabama

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. . . Live each moment completely and the future will take care of itself. Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each moment."

Paramahansa Yogananda

Just the other day, as I rounded a familiar corner on my usual drive to work, my friend, the morning sun, a majestic orb, hung sweetly in the sky with a subtle glow, casting vibrant hues across the sky. At that moment, I caught my breath, paused, and snapped this photograph. This experience echoed the timeless wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda, the revered Indian yogi and guru.

"Live in the now," my heart whispered. Dance with every precious second, discovering enchantment. The sunrise's melody, a sweet gift, made me feel grateful for the moment, this miraculous life. 

With every mindful breath, let me approach life with awareness and contentment. Let me keep my heart open and carry this lesson, allowing an inner strength to guide me as I revel in the joy and wonder of each moment.

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

 

Looking For The Good

 

Muscle Shoals, Alabama

"Never let a day pass without looking for the good, feeling the good within you, praising, appreciating, blessing, and being grateful. Make it your life commitment, and you will stand in utter awe of what happens in your life."

Rhonda Byrne

The sun welcomes a beautiful new day and I am so grateful to be able to share this photograph with you!

Rhonda Byrne is the author of "The Secret" and the creator of the "Law of Attraction" concept. Her quote celebrates the power of gratitude and positive thinking. 

• Look for the good! Seek out positive aspects in your world, shifting focus from negativity to finding the good in every situation.
• Feel the good within! When you connect with the positive qualities, strengths, and virtues within you tapinto your inner goodness and cultivate and attract more positivity into your life.
• Praise, appreciate, bless! Express gratitude and appreciation for the things you have and the people in your life. By honoring your blessings, you create a positive energy that attracts even more blessings.
• Be grateful! Gratitude transforms and bring more abundance into life. By adopting an attitude of gratitude, you open yourself up to receive even more blessings.
• Make it your life commitment! By incorporating gratitude, positivity, and appreciation into your daily routine, you will experience profound changes.
• Stand in utter awe of what happens in your life! Expect to witness remarkable transformations in your life. This suggests that through gratitude and positive thinking, You will be amazed at the synchronicities that manifest.

Here's wishing you moments of "utter awe," a profound sense of wonder, inspiration, and appreciation.

 ♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

The Still Point

"At the still point, in the center of the circle, one can see the infinite in all things."
Chuang Tsu

The morning is a still point of beauty and peace. Inside the circle of the sun, the gift of wisdom and love. And always, the fragrance of flowers...

Flowers from the Garden

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To Listen, To Learn, and to Love

Muscle Shoals, Alabama

"Healing is about making whole. And to be a healer, you have to be able to listen, to learn, and to love." 

Vivek Murthy, On Being

This morning's sunrise filled my heart with hope, as the sun again revealed to me a beautiful truth...and then I was delighted to discover Vivek Murthy's quote about healing. 

To heal is to make whole, to restore, to bring about completeness to our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

I believe healing is a journey towards wholeness. Yes, healing is about physical recovery... but to heal is also about nourishing emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. And at the heart of this transformative journey dwells love.

Love is the bedrock of healing, encompassing the genuine care and empathy we extend to ourselves and others. Through love, we create a safe and nurturing space where we can find comfort and strength during challenging times.

With compassion, we know we are not alone and can lean on each other for support, encouragement, and understanding. Together, we can create a community of healing, where we uplift and inspire one another.

To learn is to heal. Healing seeks knowledge, new perspectives, and understanding. Let us embrace this opportunity to grow, explore new resources, and share our insights along the way.

My friend, I want you to know that I am here for you. I'm ready to listen without judgment, offer a caring ear, and lend a helping hand. We may face obstacles, but we'll face them together.

Remember, healing takes time and patience. It's okay to have setbacks or moments of doubt. But know that you are deserving of love, compassion, and healing. Trust in your own resilience, and let's walk this path together, supporting each other every step of the way.

As the sun rises each day, let it be a promise of the beauty and potential for healing that exists within us. Embrace the warmth and hope it brings, knowing that you are not alone in your pursuit of wholeness. 

We are on this journey together, and together, with love, we will heal.

 ♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

More Possibilities

 "We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize."

Thich Nhat Hanh

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Love Lifts Me

I once asked a bird,
"How is it that you fly in this gravity
Of darkness?"
She responded,
"Love lifts
Me."
~ Hafiz 

Last evening, I was happy to capture the setting red sun entwined in the branches of the oak tree just beyond my window, ending the day as I begin, with my heart in the sky and the beautiful promises of Nature.

Each morning, with the first rays of dawn, the air becomes alive with the harmonious melodies sung by the birds perched upon the oak's branches, announcing the beginning of a new day.

Inspired by the birds' songs and the essence of love, my heart resonates with the profound beauty of Hafiz's quote and the bird's response. Shall I be weighed down by the gravity of external challenges and internal struggles, or shall I rise above, propelled by the power of love?

As the birds serenade me, I am reminded that love acts as my guiding light, lifting me beyond the limitations around me. With a heart overflowing with hope, joy, and an unwavering sense of purpose, I am ready to confront adversity and soar to even greater heights.

I hope our lives serve as living testaments to the transformative power of love, harmonizing with the melodies sung by the birds at dawn. As we navigate the ever-changing currents of life, may we shine as beacons of inspiration, guided by love.

With this song in my soaring heart,
@mscator ☀️

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Our Powers

 

"Learning too soon our limitations, we never learn our powers."
Mignon Mclaughlin

As I share today's breathtaking sunset photograph, the warm embrace of the sun's rays illuminates a profound truth: Fixating on limitations stifles the exploration and cultivation of our inherent strengths and boundless abilities. 

But why settle for such confinement? Isn't it far wiser to embark on a courageous journey of self-discovery, tenderly nurturing the extraordinary powers and untapped potential that reside within?

Mignon McLaughlin's poignant words invite us to approach life with an open heart: Surpass the boundaries of what we once deemed possible. Transcend the limitations. And perhaps awaken dormant capabilities slumbering within.

Your magnificent growth awaits! With curiosity, seek knowledge, adapt with resilience to new circumstances, and expand the sacred horizons of life. Can we  heed the call of our innate potential and set forth on a journey that knows no bounds?

Why not unleash the untamed brilliance of our true potential? Why not, indeed?

With an abundance of aloha, 
@mscator ☀️

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

Gateway To Freedom

 “I hope you’re not afraid to suffer… There’s two kinds of suffering: the kind you run away from that follows you everywhere and the kind that you face and that’s the gateway to freedom.”
Jack Kornfield 

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A Listening Heart

 

"Eyes see only light, ears hear only sound, but a listening heart perceives meaning."

 David Steindl-Rast

In my photo of the sunset, a straight beam of vibrant orange light extends from the sun, reaching out towards the clouds and gently caressing the earth. In this moment, the sun becomes a bridge connecting the boundless sky with the grounding presence of the land.

Time stands still as I take a deep breath, allowing the resounding grace of the merging sky, light, and earth to resonate within my own "listening heart." With each exhale, a profound sense of tranquility fills me.

David Steindl-Rast's quote reminds us to cultivate a listening heart that transcends the limitations of our senses, allowing us to focus, contemplate, and explore the deep joys of life.

Indeed. Isn't there much more to life than what meets the eye? With empathy and an open spirit, we embark on a transformative journey of discovery and understanding. As we listen with our hearts, we uncover profound connections, nuances, and the hidden wisdom that swirls beneath and above the surface.

Isn't this compassionate connection the true essence and significance of our relationships?

May your path continue to be adorned with the discovery of profound beauty and love. May your listening heart guide you!

With an abundance of aloha,

@mscator ☀️

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

Masterpieces of Creation

"Very few people understand the heart. In truth, your heart is one of the masterpieces of creation. It is a phenomenal instrument." 

Michael Singer, The Untethered Soul 💓 

Oh, my roaring heart!

On my way home from work today, the clouds blessed the sky with exquisite beauty, evoking an exhilarating rhythm within my chest and leaving me breathless. Overwhelmed by the desire for more, I paused at Vulcan Park to seize this photo of the clouds dancing with the afternoon Birmingham skyline. 

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/