Sure Way To Friendship

 

"The true way and the sure way to friendship is being open to each other, accepting each other just as we are, knowing each other."

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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Be Kind and Merciful

 

"Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier."

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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A Sign of Obvious Guidance

 

Downtown Birmingham, Alabama

“When it seems humanly impossible to do more in a difficult situation, surrender yourself to the inner silence and thereafter wait for a sign of obvious guidance or for a renewal of inner strength.”

 Paul Brunton

Paul Brunton was a renowned spiritual teacher and writer who delved into spiritual traditions, emphasizing self-inquiry and inner transformation.

In this photo I captured the Birmingham, Alabama skyline, which illustrates an interesting contrast between clarity and haze. Similarly, during times of confusion, seeking inner silence and stillness can be instrumental in accessing profound wisdom and intuitive insights. 

The concept of "obvious guidance" can be interpreted as those intuitive nudges, hunches, or subtle inner promptings that arise when the mind is calm and open.

 ♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/  

I Still Believe

 

Good Morning, Birmingham East

"In times like these... it’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of  everything, that people are truly good at heart."
Anne Frank

As I walked into the facility this morning, the vibrant sunrise over the trees caught my eye. I quickly took a photograph, capturing the beauty and shining hope of the sunrise. In times of uncertainty, Anne Frank's words remind us of the importance of holding onto our ideals and beliefs.

Even though we may face challenges, we must not give up on hope. The sunrise promises a new day and a new beginning, just as Frank's words remind us that there is still good in the world. We must keep hope alive in our hearts and believe that people are inherently good.

If there is darkness and uncertainty, the light of hope can guide us towards a brighter day. With the spirit of aloha in my heart, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. I believe in the power of humanity, and just like the sunrise that lights up the sky each day, our beliefs and our faith in the goodness of others can still shine brightly and guide us towards a better tomorrow.

Anne Frank once wrote, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Let us hold onto hope and take action to make the world a better place.

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/ 

Your Awesome

 

Ronald Reagan Airport, Washington DC

"Own your awesome."

Tricia Huffman

I am waiting for my plane to Birmingham and here is the surprising gift of the sunrise.

Art Store Fun With Richie

Beams Of Love

 "...And we are put on earth a little space,

That we may learn to bear the beams of love..."
William Blake

What Is Essential

Lanikai, Oahu

"What is essential does not die but clarifies."
Thornton Wilder

♡ 

Gilbert, dying

I held his hand

and

distance took him.

(." v/ @penyourten "Write a 10 word story/poem including prompt word: distance  Tag #PenYourTen and please read/share others that participate ❤️ @PromptList @PromptAdvant @thewriteprompt")

 

Light Becomes Gold

 

Birmingham, Alabama

"It was deep afternoon when shadows begin to grow, light becomes gold, and you realize that this particular day has reached its destiny. Like old age, it’s not yet over, but there’s no denying the time of day." 
Vicki Covington

Wake Up Now! And Now! And Now!

 

"Life is fleeting.
Don't waste a single moment
of your precious life.
Wake up now! And now! And now!"
Ruth Ozeki

Unusual for me to make it home before dark these days, but I got home in time for the sunset!

The Glory Of Expression

"The art of art, the glory of expression
and the sunshine of the light of letters, 

is simplicity."
Walt Whitman

It is lunchtime at the Birmingham Nursing Home and I am in the courtyard with a handful of our residents, enjoying the sunshine, blue skies, and conversation. 

Alabama, your sky is poetry.

Afterward, when I reviewed the photo, I noticed the heart that was shaped just to the bottom right of the sun. See it?

(Love dwells when you are not looking for it.)

To Give It Sweetness?

 

Center Point, Alabama

"What good is the warmth of summer
without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?" 

John Steinbeck

In winter, the sky is a vibrant feast. I love the freedom of looking up, across the horizon and watching the sky. Ah, my heart leaps at the sweetness of time standing still. The colors change, the clouds twirl, my spirit takes wing, soaring, and I am one with the sky.

That is my secret: I watch the sky with an open heart and the sweetness of life rises.

Body, Soul, Mind, Spirit

 

Birmingham, Alabama

"If a man is to live, he must be all alive,
 body, soul, mind, heart, spirit."
Thomas Merton

On the balcony, I am treated to the chilly January sky, ringed by strong winter trees and the lingering glitter of festive holiday lights. I am feeling alive, body, soul, mind, heart, and spirit. (Thank you, Thomas Merton for the inspiration.)

Good Morning from Birmingham, Alabama, and hello 2022!

What Your Thoughts Make It

"Your life is what your thoughts make it." 

Marcus Aurelius

I have the sliding door open so I can listen to what's happening outside. The air is warm, the sounds are rich. I am enjoying the bird songs and flight and that jumping squirrel just to the right. 

I am living my dream, with strength and possibilities again inspired by the tree's marrow, and the hypnotic overcast sky on this beautiful new morning.

With reflection and prayers comes this simple, glorious fact: I am at my best when I am connected to Nature and motivated by love.

To Share With You

 

Asheville, North Carolina

"Nothing more do I ask than to share with you
the ecstasy and sacrament of my life."

Emily Dickinson

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Seek What They Sought

Birmingham, Alabama

"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise.
Seek what they sought."
Matsuo Basho

I am home from a hectic day at work and the sky greets me with spectacular colors. Red, blue, yellow, black. And the city lights make me catch my breath, too. I may have a busy week ahead of me, but I feel sweet gratitude for this gift of the present moment.

Giving And Forgiving

 

Birmingham, Alabama

"Cultivate an attitude of gratitude,
of giving and forgiving.
Nothing can bring you peace but yourself."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

See The Dawn Before The Rest

 

Full Moon, Birmingham, Alabama

"A visionary is one who can find his way by moonlight,
and see the dawn before the rest of the world."
Oscar Wilde

The Happy Moment

 

Birmingham, Alabama

"Color possesses me. There is no need to seize it.

 It possesses me. I know.
Here is the meaning of the happy moment:
color and I are one. I am a painter."
Paul Klee

Room In Your Heart

 

"Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable."
Mary Oliver

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Kindness, Empathy, and Compassion

 

Vallejo, California

"And I remind myself that if I only responded to the authentic self, I can only respond out of kindness, empathy, and compassion."

Shaka Senghor