Fresh With Wonder

Birmingham, Alabama

 

“Look at everything as though you are seeing it for the first time, with eyes of a child, fresh with wonder.” 
Joseph Cornell 

♡ That would be me one with the moon...

Working and Watching the Mesmerizing Moon set. Can this moment be more beautiful? ♡ Better and better until my heart is so full of moonlight and music!

Can we approach everything with childlike wonder and curiosity, as if experiencing it for the first time? Joseph Cornell's quote inspires us to see the world through fresh, awe-filled eyes.

Children embody innocence, playfulness, and boundless imagination. As we grow, we can become desensitized to the wonders around us, missing out on the magic of everyday life. But by rediscovering that enchantment, we unlock a world of endless possibilities.

So, when you step outside or explore new horizons, open your eyes with a renewed perspective. Notice the intricate details. Prepare to be amazed by the abundant wonders that surround you.

JJoseph Cornell, the renowned American artist known for his captivating shadow boxes, believed in sharing the beauty he encountered. Through his artistry, he crafted miniature worlds that captured the essence of mystery and wonder. As he wisely said, "Beauty should be shared for it enhances our joys. To explore its mystery is to venture towards the sublime."

Embrace the mysteries, cherish the beauty, and embark on your own journey of endless discoveries!

With childlike wonder,

@mscator ☀️

❥ Visit My Society6 Art Gallery 

The Right Use of Strength

 

Vulcan Park, Birmingham, Alabama

"Greatness lies not in being strong,
but in the right use of strength."
Henry Ward Beecher

Strength goes beyond physical power. It is about utilizing all our abilities, whether physical, mental, or emotional, for the benefit of others. It includes standing up for ourselves and others, taking on challenges, and pursuing our passions with purpose. True greatness lies in the right use of strength, which is to make a positive impact on the world around us.

This photograph captures the 56-foot-high Vulcan statue atop Red Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama. The Vulcan is the largest cast iron statue in the world and was created by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Moretti for the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. The statue represents the Roman god of fire and metalworking, symbolizing Birmingham's origins in the iron and steel industry.

The statue stands just a few blocks from my apartment and I see it every day. With his spear pointed towards the sky, the Vulcan reminds me of my inner strength and resilience. The sight of the statue inspires me, and its presence reminds me that I am close to home.

View From Vulcan Park

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Starstuff

 Birmingham, Alabama

"The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff."
Carl Sagan

In the midst of a long day at work, it can be easy to forget the beauty that surrounds us. But yesterday, as I stepped out of my car and looked up at the sky, I was filled with wonder and awe. The vibrant colors of the downtown Birmingham sunset took my breath away, and I couldn't resist capturing the moment with my camera.

As I settle into my home now, the beauty of the sky and the wisdom of Carl Sagan's words still resonate with me. The quote "We are made of star-stuff" serves as a reminder that we are part of something greater than ourselves, connected to the vast universe around us. This helps put the challenges of the day into perspective, and reminds me to be grateful for the gift of life.

Despite the difficulties we may face, the sky is a constant source of inspiration and hope. Looking up reminds us that tomorrow is another chance to shine, and that we have the power to make a positive impact on the world around us.

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/ 

Poor Translation

 

"Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation."

Rumi

...Opening a private part of my life to him, we are watching the sunset together and I am shooting into the sun, something I have done hundreds of times, with creative success, over the past 20 years.

"Your photo will be overexposed," he said. His only words.

Perhaps he is right.

But does he even know me?

Smile. Keep shooting.

Into the sun...

This Rumi quote suggests that sometimes words aren't necessary or helpful, and that silence can be a powerful tool for understanding and connection with a higher power. In life, there are no guarantees that everyone will understand or appreciate who we are, and it's okay to let go of those people and embrace our authentic selves.

In the end, the Rumi quote serves as a beautiful reminder of the possibilities that come with silence and the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of unsolicited advice or criticism.

♥ My Society6 Art Gallery \(‾◡◝ )/ 

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!