Far Away in the Sunshine

A simple truth...

2012-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.

It's the life in your years.

Abraham Lincoln

Take your time...life is short

...This one came to me back in France, while doing much thinking...

...Wishing you all a beautiful time today...

:-)

Lifting the fog together - Please help

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

It seems that lately everywhere I turn I get some very disturbing news. My sweet blogging friend Se'Lah, from Necessary Room, with whom I co-hosted Random Act of Kindness, is now battling breast cancer and needs our help.
Please let us join efforts to help her through this. I am sharing below, the post Vchelle from Operation You wrote with all the information needed. Thank you

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Healing Project for SeLah - Can you help?

Peace and Blessings!

Do you know of anyone in your life that has shown deep, unwavering love for God’s Creation? I do. Her name is Selah. She is my wonderful friend, my true sister, and a passionate supporter of humankind; now, she needs our help.

Selah has used her blog, Necessary Room, to help hundreds of people in need. She has brought people together from around the world, allowing people to use Necessary Room as a platform to give, to love, to heal, and to establish beautiful friendships. “Practice Kindness” is how Selah explains her online projects to uplift the sick and love the forgotten. One of my favorites is, "Selah’s Angels", a project established to send an anonymous card to encourage those who are battling cancer.

Now, it is time to help her; Selah has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Because she believes in natural healing, she has decided to attend theHippocrates Health Institute in Florida. Total cost is $5,000.00. Her health insurance will not cover the cost.

Will you help Selah continue to help others, by helping her? If everyone can give a little something, it will go a long way.

You may send electronic donations via www.paypal.com to: Roxannbc@aol.com or you can mail donations to:

72 Fairview Oak Place

Dallas, GA 30157

Will you post this announcement on your blog? Thank you.

Thank you, in advance, for your love, support, and prayers. I started a non-profit organization for people who want to heal mind, body & soul; It is called Light, Liberty & Love, Inc. Stay tuned…

Have questions? Email me at vickie.mujahid@gmail.com or call me at 678-478-0777.

Light, Liberty & Love, always

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Helen Keller (1880 -1968)

A different skyline

2012-02-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

...Mornings of gray and wet are upon us once more...

...and for some reason a very different skyline comes to my mind today...

...Missing those old roofs mingling with the trees in the heart of the city of Light...

...Are you also missing something today?...

Time and patience...

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

“I have climbed several higher mountains without guide or path,

and have found, as might be expected, that it takes only more time and patience commonly than to travel the smoothest highway”

Henry David Thoreau quotes (1817-1862)

...Time and patience...

...Are the only tools I need to conquer my doubts...

...I am making the time and will learn to be patient with myself...

...Hopefully soon enough those mountains of doubts, will end up in the paper basket...

;-)

Just when I needed it...

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.

It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.

We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

Albert Schweitzer

Thank you Chantal for sending me this beautiful message reminding me of what really matters. I am so grateful for your gift and feeling quite spoiled.

A while back in September, I remember thinking about this little cafe. I pictured I'd go there to seat in and write for about three hours once or twice a week. Yet here we are, already February, and to my dismay I have not even tried to go there once. Everyday life with all it's urgencies kept me away from my dream.

As I was starting to question this artistic journey I have chosen for my life, the card you see at the top of my post, came in my inbox this morning. It said exactly what I need to hear. So today, for the first time, I will take my book, my pen and my camera and go to this little cafe I know. There I intend to spend a few hours writing and see how it feels.

Isn't it interesting how the Universe always has a way to get its message across?

Hope...

2012-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up

and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.

Anne Lamott

...Writing is what I want to do...

...Taking photographs is what I want to do...

...So how is it I feel so out of balance lately, and doubt myself yet again...

...Looking for the stubborn will to keep at it, even when I am so unsure...

Something I should know?

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

...On that particular morning, the air was really cold and

he was just there looking at me...

...I had often seen him flying around or

heard him calling his friends in the early morning...

...When I took his photograph he did not even move,

as if he wanted to pose for me...

...The light reflecting on his eye made it look

like he was about to say something...

...I keep wondering, was it something I should know?...

My kind of fellow ;-)

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite weather is bird-chirping weather.

Terri Guillemets

Isn't he the cutest?

Back in France...

2012-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory

flickers in her eyes.

Frank Deford

Looking around in all the photographs I took in France, yesterday night I found those I had totally forgotten. They reminded me of the time I was at my parent's home and looking at them is bittersweet.

Sitting under the very big Weeping Willow Tree, looking at this liquid sunshine I was reminded of how fragile and beautiful everything is. Moments of peace stolen from the worries of those days.

Chopped wood for the cold days of Winter ahead, piled up waiting to be burned in the chimney. Memories of the time I was there, stirring in my heart. Interesting how just looking at some photographs, brought me back in time so vividly.

Some days...

2012-01-31T08:22:00.000-08:00

“Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die...

Still you wait and will not try -

A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly.”

A. A. Milne quotes (English Humorist, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, 1882-1956)

...Some days I feel I loose my artist wings...
...The energy within being weighted down by every day life...
...It is just a matter of plugging along until the sun comes back in our skies...

...Do you ever feel this way?...

Stunning Sunday Skies

2012-01-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

I believe that if one always looked at the skies,

one would end up with wings.

Gustave Flaubert

This is my rendition of our Stunning Sunday Skies, a project I always do

together with Karen from A Good Snapshot.

Have a look at what the sky she offered us last week.

Wishing you a Sunday filled with all your heart's wishes

Food for Thought...

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Constant kindness can accomplish much.

As the sun makes ice melt,

kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.

Albert Schweitzer

It's all an illusion...

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Where does the white go when the snow melts?

Hugh Kieffer

All the lessons I am learning lately, have to do with how everything or everyone is in a transition stage. Whether the fresh snow melting under the sunlight within days of having fallen, or the season turning one into the other, they all are in a moving stage of impermanence. Interestingly enough I know now, change is the only permanent element I can rely on.

The complicated family situations, I have been confronted with this past Christmas back in France, were so hard for me to comprehend. I was refusing a change that was already well on its way. On the contrary faced with it, I still spent my of my energy refusing the transformation and fighting against it all. As a result my soul was left drained and hopeless. My body felt exhausted and I know jet-lag was not the only reason, my mind was churning around with all the "what-ifs, we-should-haves and how-come-we-didn't".

What saved me are you asking? Well first of all, I listened very intently to my inner whisper and took a blogging break almost right after coming back to Canada. It was hard to stay unplugged and I even felt very guilty for not keeping in touch with anyone. Yet as luck would have it the week I did not blog we had snow. A lot of it and I got to enjoy it all with Darling Daughter and Sweet son. We went out, slayed downhill, built a snow fort and I got my camera with me the whole time. The bright Winter sunlight replenished my whole being.

When I look at it now and understanding in my heart the illusion it all is, I feel peace and a stranger sense of contentment. I know it's out of my hand, that my only course of action is to be...just be. Writing it seems simple enough, and I am here to tell you it is quite a challenge for me.

So here I am today sharing with you my insights. In doing so I am hoping it will be of help to anyone going through the rough patches, life is sometimes throwing our ways.

Cross-posted over at Vision and Verb where a collaborative group of like-minded women from all over the world share their passion for photography and the written word.

Winter WonderLand

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

The color of springtime is in the flowers,

the color of winter is in the imagination.

Terri Guillemets

...Heavy rains and strong winds blowing right outside my window today...

...Yet I feel at peace and contented...

...Reading The Witch of Portobello with my Vision & Verb friends...

...I chose this photograph taken last Saturday just by the pond...

...Feeling so grateful to have captured those beautiful winter colours...

...Enjoying them so much, I thought I'd share ;-) ...
...I hope you like...

The long awaited snow

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me

there lay an invincible summer.

Albert Camus

Having grown up in a region of France where snow was rare, you can imagine my delight when last week this is the spectacle I awoke to. From my bedroom window, I got to witness one of my favourite vistas. The snow I had often wished for had finally fallen, and covered everything with its white magical blanket.

Wanting to be part of the festivities the sun had decided to stay and gave everything it came in contact with a bright and blinding light. The air was crisp and cold, I felt I was in paradise. Camera in hand I was like a child in a candy store, grinning for no reason, just happy to be there.

Even the frozen blades of grass revealed their true charm when being enveloped by their frigid white coats. Looking outside my bedroom window, I felt as if the Christmas I did not spent at home this year, had been offered to me at a time I could enjoy it with my children. As it happened, the snow had started on Friday afternoon and lasted the whole night through. By Saturday morning everything was totally covered, a Winter morning treasure.

Perfect timing don't you think? :-)

Through my windows...

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Be like melting snow -- wash yourself of yourself.

Rumi

Looking through my kitchen window, watching the snow melt a dull headache pain throbbing since this morning. Embracing this state of in-between to the best of my abilities. Nature is showing me to accept and to just be. Rain and heavy winds have been instrumental in this change of weather.

I am getting my cues from the surrounding beauty I see just watching out. Breathing in and out slowly letting my worries melt away, the way the snow does in my backyard. I have often wondered about Winter, why I always feel so drained this time of the year. This year I am just learning to be, trying to embrace my circumstances and be at peace with it all.

Beauty is found everywhere, it's just a matter of looking with a loving heart. As I am writing this, I understand how it applies to my word of the year's choice. Simplicity has been in my heart for a while now and it will guide me through, one day at a time. The rain is keeping us company for the whole week and I know it will wash away most of my worries.

Sunset Sundays

2012-01-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm,

but to add color to my sunset sky.”

Rabindranath Tagore

The sun last Saturday evening got to set fire to the clouds. I just had time to grab my camera and run up the hill to try and capture the magic. It felt so nice to just be there, witnessing the simple beauty of the snow covered roofs mingling with the oranges and the yellows of this Winter setting sun.

Karen from A Good Snapshot and Scott from Just Used Pixels also have Sunday Sunset photographs to show you. Go and say hello, I know they will enjoy it :-)

Wishing you light

2012-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

In the right light, at the right time,

everything is extraordinary.

Aaron Rose

...I just wanted to let you know...

...your understanding and your kind words helped me through these rough patches...

...Retreating was necessary and allowed my aching heart to heal...

...most of all what I really needed to tell you is...

...I have missed you very, very much...

...I am happy to be back...

...Still trying...

2012-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!

John Muir

So many thoughts whirling around lately, in my head and in my heart I feel unable to resume my "normal activities". It seems I am coasting as if in a daze trying to keep a semblance of normalcy to my everyday life.

Even my morning writing rituals have been put on hold as my body keeps wanting to sleep it seems for ever. I have wondered lately about the virtues of hibernation and found myself wishing to be a bear ;-)

I am however so grateful for the daily show offered by the rising sun outside my kitchen window. It is helping my saddened spirits to get back to being the cheerful person I am inside.

I am torn between the decision to give myself a "blogging break" and trying to keep writing knowing how much it is helping me to keep afloat. So I'll be posting only not as regularly as I used too, at least for a while, until I feel I have something to contribute.

Sherry from Portobella Lane wrote about grief, in one of her comments and it was the first time I realized it might be exactly what I am experiencing even if no one (thankfully) passed away. This sense of loss in my heart and the tears that are always just a kind word away are some of the signs I am displaying.

Thank you for understanding and being patient with me...

Thank you

2012-01-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

Sadness flies on the wings of the morning

and out of the heart of darkness comes the light.

Jean Giraudoux

...For letting me know that it will all be OK, no matter how it seems now...

...For coming here and telling me how much you cared...

...For this morning's treasure that is slowly washing my tired spirit awake...

THANK YOU

Why do I feel this way?

2012-01-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

...A bit bruised and very tired...

...Looking at this beautiful early dawn moon and wondering...

...Still trying to answer questions that are not mine to begin with...

...Hurting in my gut for everything I could not change...

Sunset Sunday

2012-01-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

It was only a sunny smile, And little it cost in the giving.

But like morning light, it scattered the night,

And made the day worth living.

Anonymous

Another Sunset Sundays together with my friends
Karen from A Good Snapshot, and Scott from Just Used Pixels.
On this Sunday morning (for me here), I send you all
a sunny smile to brighten your day :-)

In my mind's eye

2012-01-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you

where there were only walls”

Joseph Campbel (1904-1987)

In my mind's eye

...I am breaking free of these walls of self-doubt...

...Following my bliss towards a simpler life...

...Words and images are the tools I use to free my creative self...

What's in your mind's eye?

Cross-posted over at Vision and Verb where a collaborative group of like-minded women from all over the world share their passion for photography and the written word.

Good Morning

2012-01-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

The sun is but a morning star.

Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Have a beautiful day :-)

My word for the year is...

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

...It started with the blog's very simple look, a few week's back...
...It continues now as it is what I will strive for this year...

...SIMPLICITY...

...Just when I thought...

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

“The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising.

Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.”

John Muir

...Just when I thought...

...It was too hard to breathe ...

...It was too difficult to believe...

...It was too dark to see the light...

...The soft beauty of this morning's sunrise outside my window

embraced my worries and took them away...

...Feeling blessed and protected...

Last leg of the trip...Paris

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

A quick coffee & croissant breakfast at my brother's place early last Thursday morning.
I knew I had only one day left before I came back home, so I asked him

to play tourists in the city of lights the way I never did when I lived there.
So off we went...

I had forgotten how busy the city is, bustling with cars and tourists.

I smiled looking back at Notre-Dame de Paris,
swallowed by our modern fast pace, yet still standing so proud.

The river Seine running in the heart of Paris seemed timeless. Slowly taking
the tourist filled bateaux-mouches through the whole city. It is something
I wished I had done, while I had the opportunity.
Next time maybe ;-)

Standing tall against the blue sky, the Sacre-Coeur was exactly as I remembered.
Tourists everywhere, coming and going in and out of the basilica.
A cold wind was blowing as it often is there, something I had forgotten.
Looking at the photograph today, I can almost feel it against my face.

Can you?

To New Beginnings...

2012-01-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”

Seneca

...Back home, safe and sound, even if a bit sick...

...Still quite lost and confused inside...

...So grateful to have gone on this very trying journey...

...Wishing for new beginnings in 2012...

...May this new year bring YOU all your heart desires...

Last Sunset...from France

2011-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

“There are times when the actual experience of leaving something makes you wish desperately that you could stay, and then there are times when the leaving reminds you a hundred times over why exactly you had to leave in the first place.”

Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet

Ready to depart once more, this time to go back to my family,

the one I left back home almost two weeks ago. Waving goodbyes so many times

in the last three days, my heart is feeling bruised.

A trip I am so lucky to have taken knowing I will remember it for a very long time.

See you on the other side of the pond

...trying to smile

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings.

Jonathan Lockwood Huie

...A deep sense of loss, mixed with this ever present hope...

...Knowing that everything is falling into place...

...New beginnings often feel a bit ackward...

...Counting my days back home...

:-)

On the road again...

2011-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

"Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again;

we had longer ways to go.

But no matter, the road is life"

Jack Kerouac, On the Road

A gut wrenching reality gnawing at my side is keeping me from enjoying the last moments of this trip with my father. Being here with him, my mind still wandering away thinking what I dare not voice out. His health being so frail worries me to no end.

...breathing in...breathing out...

This afternoon will be the last visit with my mother, until next time. She is not aware that next time might not happen anytime soon, and it is better this way. In her own world made of past memories of distant times, memories never heard of before.

...breathing in...breathing out...

Looking around for the very first time it seems, I see the stunning sights I had never noticed being a child, or even a young teenager. It has taken me all this time to realize how lucky I was, to have spent my childhood in such a environment.

...breathing in...breathing out...

Traveling up North tonight with my sister, will allow us to reminisce of the childhood we shared and all the times we were inseparable. Regardless of how much distance separates us or of how different our lives are today, we are still very close, the way sisters are.

...breathing in...breathing out...

'Tis the season...

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Love is a fruit in season at all times,and within reach of every hand.

Mother Teresa

...Thank you for your visits and your comments...

...Thank you for inspiring me...

...Thank you for encouraging me to share my world...

On Christmas Eve...

2011-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Writing in the early morning of Christmas' eve, I feel stretched not only across the time zones, but in my heart and my mind as well.

I am now readying myself emotionally to say goodbye to a way of life my parents have always known. I feel and share their distress. Transitions are often challenging, even if neccessary. However knowing their situations has been handled to the best of everyone involved is a soothing relief.

The light is there, deep within the darkness so dim, yet I am beginning to see it. Focusing on this new start is helping me so much. I feel very blessed to have been able, in a small fashion, to participate in this important event in both their lives. Time I know will help us all, understand how well it all went. Given all the elements involved, it's nothing short of a miracle that is all happening fairly smoothly.

Finding my way...getting lost

2011-12-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire,

men cannot live without a spiritual life.

Buddha

...Leaving home camera in hand looking for some childhood memories...

...Experiencing the joy of driving alone on deserted country roads...

...Finding interetesting looking churches along the way...

...Looking to find peace and comfort...

...Thinking of Sas' loving gesture, I lit a candle and prayed for inner peace and trust...

...Feeling the calm energy emanating from this beautiful church...

...Looking up and finding the light through stained-glass windows...

...Understanding that this journey is uncovering priceless, family moments...

...Being filled once more with love, compassion, understanding and patience...

Thank you so much for coming along :-)

Creaking Old houses

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

She lay for a long time listening to the mysterious sounds given forth by old houses at night, the undefinable creakings, rustlings, and sighings, which would have frightened Virginia had she remained awake, but which sounded to Nan like the long murmur of the past breaking on the shores of a sleeping world.”

Edith Wharton, The Buccaneers

...Night time full of strange noises, I had forgotten...

...The old house I always wondered about as a child, still standing alone and mysterious...

...Taking everyday life one situation at a time...

...Remembering that nature's walks are the best to soothe my aching heart...

...The artist in me is helping the woman I am, to be patient with it all...

...Being very thankful for the comments I read and the loving toughts sent our way...

Life's many lessons

2011-12-21T04:11:00.000-08:00

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

Chili Davis

For the first time ever, I find myself realizing that the number of years is not the deciding factor in how mature one is. This discovery is even more surprising as it involves someone I admired all my life. Interestingly enough I end up being the one doing most of the growing up by chosing to respect his will, regardless of how logical it is. I must admit though, part of me wonders if I am being a coward or a respectful daughter.

Learning that I still have the ability to drive a "stick shift" is somewhat of a nice surprise. Having never driven in France before, since while in Paris, a car was more of a nuisance than anything else, this is my first "official" time. It ends up being a bit of a help as I can navigate independently, and do not have too disrupt too much in my brother's daily routine.

Did I mention I how I LOVE Skype...Our daily routine brings a smile to my heart first thing in the morning, regardless of all the confusion surrounding me here. Back in Canada, Lovely Husband is holding the fort like a trooper and so are Darling Daughter and Sweet Son. I am proud of us beyond belief. We are going through this as a strong family unit with a loving understanding of how neccessary it was for me to be here with my parents.

From the car window...

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

I roamed the countryside searching for answers to things I did not understand.

Leonardo da Vinci

Such a peculiar feeling in my heart when looking at those old houses.

The unexpected beauty I was not able to notice while I was living there,

seems to be finding me at every corner, this time around...

...Missing my family
yet finally arriving home...

Almost there...

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

“A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” George Moore ( 1873-1958)

Vancouver YVR, above Richmond, BC

I am happy to report my trip went without any problems. Arriving very early in the morning, at Vancouver airport to check-in. Before I could really sit down and collect my thoughts, I already was on board flight 282, destination Paris. I always enjoyed the pull of gravity against the seat when the plane takes off. I was happy to notice this time around was no different :-)

...A sea of clouds 1/2 hour after take off...

Looking at the window being on top of the sky is the best feeling ever. Being in between time zones gave me somewhat of a lost feeling. Taking in the recent events, I was wondering what was waiting for me back home. I knew I would find out soon enough so I tried my best to be calm and enjoy the rest of the journey.

...Fort Worth Dallas airport...

A welcomed stop at the Fort Worth Dallas airport enabled me to stretch my legs. Camera in hand I took this opportunity to shoot some of the interesting sights at one of the airport terminals. This metal sculpture was in the middle of the many resting areas disseminated around terminal D.

Between A10 and A11 Highways

Landing without any problems after a quick meeting my brother and his family, together we are now continuing this trip. The next leg of the trip is on the French highways. The recent news from my parents is helping me get a better sense of the whole situation. Feeling somewhat reassured I am looking forward to see them both after 2 1/2 years.

Almost there...Still a few hours on the road, I remember the feel of the small towns of the country I used to live in. A small stop at my sister's and we're on the road again...This trip seems to never end but I know it's all worth it :-)

Sunset Sundays

2011-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

“Any landscape is a condition of the spirit.”

Henri Frederic Amiel (1821-1881)

...I called this photograph "Industrial Sunset"...

What do you think?

This is my bi-weekly rendition of a common project we do with

Karen from A Good Snapshot and Scott from Just Used Pixels.

***

This is a scheduled post. I should be arriving close

to my destination by the time you read it.

Wish me luck :-)

***

Still learning

2011-12-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

You don't choose your family.

They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

Desmond Tutu

For a few months now, there has been lots of nagging questions popping up in my head. The kind having to do with the spiritual side of my life. Those unanswered questions showing up late at night when everyone is sleeping and I can hear myself think...

What is my life all about?

What are the lessons I need to learn?

Who is my teacher?

I have always been a firm believer that all of us chose our parents, prior to being born. They are our very first teachers. The ones who will guide us and give us the fundamentals of what our soul needs to be working on later in life.

Once this is understood, any family dynamic takes a different shape. It feels more like a classroom where you get to have teachers and fellow students. All those years I have been looking at my childhood as a learning experience. It was there, to give me what I needed to learn, to become who I had to be. Looking back this helped me understand the very rough patches. I did not think this way as a child. As a young woman struggling to find my way, it helped me find reason where there was none. Some of it was good and some of it not so much, but as a whole it has taught me a lot. Those early life lessons have prepared me to be the woman I am today .

Life is coming full circle and now is the time for me to go back home. I can finally make peace with it all, being able to look at the gift my parents actually are. Being grateful for having chosen them will allow me to really take in what they taught me. I am blessed to be able to do this. I know, as experience has shown us recently, we can not always say goodbye to those we love. The physical distance also allowed me to take more of an observer role and to get a fresh perspective. I feel grateful to finally be able to see it all with a forgiving and loving heart. In truth, it was part of the lessons I needed to learn. This is what I chose to believe :-)

Here we are, my last Vision and Verb post until the New Year. I wish all of you a wonderful and festive time with every one you love, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. A New Year filled with love, health and fresh perspectives is my wish for you all.

Cross-posted over at Vision and Verb where a collaborative group of like-minded women from all over the world share their passion for photography and the written word.

***

I will be unable to comment back until sometime this coming Monday.

I will be sure to come and visit all of you once I am in France :-)

***

Back home...Away from home...

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a time when you get homesick

even when you're home.

Carol Nelson

Those of you reading me regularly, will remember that November was not an easy month for us, and so far it seems December is continuing the trend. After getting some very troubling news last Sunday, Lovely Husband and I decided that a trip back home was necessary for me. As a result this year, I will be spending Christmas with some of my family members back home in France, while being homesick for my husband and children here in Canada.

Deep breath...Inhale...Deep breath...Exhale...

As a grown up, I always counted on Christmas to make me feel like a child again. Being away from home, I started a few Christmas family traditions of my own and I was looking forward to continue this year as usual. We always have a giant Christmas' eve sleepover with our friends and their children and I had just begun to get ready for it. This year however there is a change in plans. For the very first time since they are born, I will not be spending Christmas with my own children and I don't know how brave I will be about it all.

Deep breath...Inhale...Deep breath...Exhale...

So it is with a heavy heart I am going, hoping against all hope that everything will turn out for the best. I plan on taking my camera and my laptop with me as writing and taking pictures is very therapeutic. I do not know how it will all turn out yet I feel I have to go. Can I ask you to keep us in your thoughts?

Deep breath...Inhale...Deep breath...Exhale...

Flower talk ;-)

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

“In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems.

You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you,

but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.”

Rumi

...Walking around with a heavy heart, I looked for solace...

...True to its healing powers, nature offered me beauty to quiet my sorrow...

...A forgotten December rose, bathing in this sunny glow caught my eye...

...I listened to its whisper telling me to have faith...

...Can you hear it ?...

Today's question

2011-12-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

However many holy words you read, however many you speak,

what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?

Buddha

...Challenging myself...

Do you like mystery?

2011-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.”

Julia Cameron

Already two days since I changed the template of my blog and I have discovered that the minimalist look is something I really enjoy. This uncluttered version is giving more focus to the photographs I love to take. Interesting to see how following my inner whisper lead me to this place. It is feeling quite strange to be here and at the same time, I am sensing it is where I belong. It looks like I will be here for a while ;-)

The down side of this has more to do with the sense of being all alone, wondering if anyone else is reading. I have created the inspiration page to try and keep in touch with some of my favourite blogs. I can see all your comments and feel so pleased to read them and to go and visit you back. I still fee a bit disconnected, I guess it has to do with the disappearance of the sidebar and all the gadgets it had. It feels a bit mysterious and quite one-sided right now...

If someone at Blogger is listening, or actually reading this post, I'd like them to give the templates more creative freedom (missing my beautiful header, so much). I read that Blogger would eventually bring gadgets support. So being the optimist I am, I will be waiting and hoping it will happen sooner than later...

Stunning Sunday Skies

2011-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes;

a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs;

an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - he's walking on them.

Leonard Louis Levinson

Driving back from Seattle two weeks ago this sky was following us every where ;-).

I could not help but trying to capture it.

It is my rendition of the Stunning Sunday Skies, a bi-weekly venture

I am doing with Karen from A Good Snapshot.

Her skies are something I always look forward to see on Sunday mornings.

Go and pay her a visit and I know you will enjoy it :-)

This morning...

2011-12-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

I may not have gone where I intended to go,

but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.

Douglas Adams

...What felt so different yesterday is now a bit easier today...
...Finally deciding to step out of my comfort zone, was the way to go...
...I am still trying to follow my inner whisper but the noise around me is confusing...

...Breathing deep and looking at the morning star...
..Continuing to seek the path, even if I am not so sure how to find it...

...Wishing you calm and inner peace...

Trying it on for size ;-)

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches,

letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.

Pauline R. Kezer

...I have had in my head the need for change for a while now...

...So tonight while playing around with Blogger template...
...I just jumped both feet into the cold unknown...

*and here I am*

... I would understand if you feel a bit out of place...
...I know I do, yet isn't it how we grow?...

...by trying new things on for size ...

...and see if we like them?

...Just giving it a try...What do YOU think...

Is it so wrong?

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

“With luck, it might even snow for us.”

Haruki Murakami, After Dark

Let it be said I am not a Winter person, yet every year come December

I find myself yearning for snow covered roofs and cold blue skies.

Daydreaming of snow ball fights, and downhill luge rides.

Let me be clear about something though,

I only like fresh fallen snow.

Is it so wrong? ;-)

Enjoying Beauty

2011-12-07T04:00:00.001-08:00

“Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world anymore.

There is always something to make you wonder in the shape of a tree,

the trembling of a leaf.”

Albert Schweitzer (1952 Nobel Peace Prize, 1875-1965)

...Sun rays gently caressing the last forgotten leaves...

...Cold wind blowing reminding me Winter will be here soon...

...Trying to forget about time fleeting, choosing rather to focus on beauty...

...Learning my lesson and remembering how temporary it all really is...

...In the end it's about being present enough, to savour the moment we live in...

...Don't you think?...

Today's question...

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

“There is only one important point you must keep in your mind and let it be your guide. No matter what people call you, you are just who you are. Keep to this truth. You must ask yourself how is it you want to live your life.We live and we die, this is the truth that we can only face alone.No one can help us, not even the Buddha. So consider carefully, what prevents you from living the way you want to live your life?”

Dalai Lama XIV

It is so important to ask the right question...Don't you think?

What a beautiful day

2011-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Clear blue skies, a photographer's dream light was the combination I was waiting for to walk around my pond. Below are some of the photographs I got yesterday afternoon, paired with quotes I enjoy.Let me know what you think :-)

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space.

It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe.

It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.

Michael Strassfeld

Do you want to meet the love of your life? Look in the mirror.

Byron Katie

When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing -

just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs,

or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?
Ralph Marston

Sunset Sundays

2011-12-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

It's a silent Winter morning. The soft sunlight rising behind the mountain, is embracing me peacefully. Its gentle hug opening my mind's eye to the soothing miracle of nature's beauty. No matter how often I get to witness those morning treasures I always feel this quiet sense of awe.

My creative world opening bit by bit as I am now reading the other book I had borrowed, following Brian Miller's advice. Anne Lamott's words guiding me into this world of writing I always wanted to know more about.

Grey and cold, the outside beckons me once again to grab my camera and look for Winter treasures sprinkled around my neighbourhood. Grabbing my comfy jacket, I'll be looking for them and will share with you all that I find.

Sunset Sundays is a joint venture with Karen's from A Good Snapshot and Scott from Just Used Pixels, go and see them. I know you will enjoy it :-)

Giving up? No way...

2011-12-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do.

But to hold it together when everyone else would understand

if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

Unknown

...Slowly starting to feel alive again...
...Embracing my fears and gently letting them wash away in my tears...
...Looking outside and seeing the Winter Skies that every year sings to my soul...
...I feel blessed, so very grateful to be getting emotionally strong again...

...Inspiration, I have noticed today, often takes many forms...

...Opening my ear to listen to its soft whisper, I slowly begin to re-discover the magic...

...Who would have guessed that to repair a wounded heart, a broken spirit...

...All I needed was a walk outside with my camera, a notebook and a pen...

Wishing you a inspired Saturday :-)

From my backyard

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere;

the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling;

vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.

John Muir

When my morning starts this way,

Nothing to do but share it with you :-)

On a bright sunny day

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

“I think joy and sweetness and affection are a spiritual path.

We're here to know God, to love and serve God,
and to be blown away by the beauty and miracle of nature.

You just have to get rid of so much baggage to be light enough to dance,

to sing, to play. You don't have time to carry grudges;

you don't have time to cling to the need to be right.”

Anne Lamott

This morning's bright and sunny light is helping my aching spirits.

Those birds listening in to the whistling wind, were striking a pose.

Small tidbits of normal are what I need now to get back afloat.
Walking with my camera sure is helping me feel normal.
Small treasures are found everywhere, I just need to get back into it :-)

Hanging on...

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes, but I'll work it out...

Dave Matthews, "Dancing Nancies"

Looking back at the month of November about to be finished today, I often felt like it was a loaded weapon. The good, the bad and the ugly being randomly shot in our direction without any rhyme or reason. Yet like the dark clouds slowly being blown away by the Autumn wind, this year's November is now being chased away by the hands of time. It is not a moment too soon...

It had begun quite well starting with NaNoWriMo. Writing daily on my novel after having tip-toed around it for ever was a fresh change for me. This book slowly coming about is bringing me joy and filling my heart with wonder. Writing is the one action, I know which is truly changing my life one page at a time. The work I put in there is feeding me within, and bringing me much satisfaction.This imaginary world I am creating is very real to me and sustains my dream while helping me face the unknown reality waiting for me..

On the personal side however November was quite a roller-coaster. Between the slow and painful recovery of Darling Daughter's knee injury, and Lovely Husband's health scare, I felt like I was riding the wildest ride ever. The final blow came with this past week-end's terrible news . It is very hard to go on when all the fibers of your being are telling you to stop, curl up in fetal position and wait until the storm subsides.

But as everyone keeps saying :"...life goes on..." so here I am, rolling up my sleeves and doing my best to keep on going. Being able to share a bit of how I feel here is proving to be a tremendous help. Your thoughtful comments have been a balm to my aching spirit. I am very thankful to be a part of this wonderful blogging community.

Now that November is over all I can say today is "good riddance"...See you next year...Time will have healed some of our wounds by then...

"Let us rise up and be thankful,

for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little,

and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick,

and if we got sick, at least we didn't die;

so let us all be thankful."
Buddha

my wish list?

2011-11-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing,

of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear, and not bothering.

Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

Feeling winded as if I had been punched in the gut

My head knows time heals everything, my heart still wondering

...Doing Nothing...

Trying to keep a smile on my face yet feeling it fade away

Breathing deeper hoping for strength courage and some peace in my heart

...Doing nothing...

This bench looks so inviting I think I'll take a seat

Remembering the good old times, promising myself to better keep in touch

...Doing nothing...

I don't want to make you sad, it's just sometimes life throws us a curve ball and we are reminded of how fragile it all is. I got reminded this week-end and I am trying to cope

From me to you

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

David Harkins (b.1958)

...Lifting me up as I needed it...

...those comforting words...

...the soft beauty of these flowers ...

I had to share with you :-)

Stunning Sunday Skies

2011-11-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Those clouds are angels' robes.

Charles Kingsley

Finding my usual stunning Sunday skies is a bit harder nowadays.

Heavy rains and shorter days are forcing me inside.

The odd morning though, looking at the window I get a beautiful surprise.

This sky was taken about a month ago from my kitchen window.

Karen from A Good Snapshot is also doing these stunning Sunday skies with me
Go and visit her, I know you'll love it

Wishing all of you a beautiful Sunday :-)

What's in a book?

2011-11-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy.

Edward P. Morgan

So much has happened this past few weeks I feel giddy with both excitement and fear. At the beginning of the month, I finally jumped into the cold water of my fears and registered myself to NaNoWriMo. It's about writing a novel or at least trying to, in 30 days. This whole experience I already know now, will be without a doubt in my mind, a turning point in my creative life.

That little action of mine started a ripple effect of sorts. I finally got to begin writing my "novel". The one I always had in my heart, buried so deeply within, it almost got forgotten amongst the other abandoned dreams I had. Getting to finally write the first few pages of this book was very scary. Like a stranger visiting a foreign country for the first time, I felt out of place. I did not know the language, or the culture and did not understand much of anything. Soon enough this veil of uneasiness began to lift up and I felt the magic. The characters in my story were taken me by the hand showing me where we needed to go. I just had to forget about trying to control what was going to happen.

About the time I started writing, Brian Miller from waystationone give me three books titles he thought could be helping me with this writing process of mine. All three books being very popular, it took a bit of time to arrive at my public library. Last week I finally got two of them and started to read right away.

Low and behold this one of is from Stephen King. Back in France, as a young adult I used to read a lot of his books (translated). I remembered how I loved this particular talent of his, to get me scared to the bones just by the way he wrote. He always seemed to know all of my fears and I really enjoyed being terrified when turning the pages of his books. I stopped reading him shortly after being a mother. I could not stand being that scared anymore. Then I stopped reading in French altogether and never went back to reading any of his books in English.

Fast forward 16 years and here I am reading a Stephen King book on writing and loving all of it. I smile knowing that not matter what eventually happens with my writing I am doing it because I love it, and because now that I have started I can not imagine any other way. I am understanding something else too. Those words I have in me are supposed to get out. Whether someone else will want to read them is something I can not worry about now. If it happens it will be in it's own time and I am in no hurry :-)

Cross-posted over at Vision and Verb where a collaborative group of like-minded women from all over the world share their passion for photography and the written word.

Small marvels

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

"To understand water is to understand the cosmos,

the marvels of nature, and life itself. "

Masaru Emoto in "The Hidden Messages in Water"

...What made me take this photograph,
were the cracks in the paint of this railing...

...What I ended capturing at the same time
were the drops of water and the reflection within....

Looking at this photograph now, it is all I see.

...Precious water and it's small marvels ...

Reflections

2011-11-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

Reflect upon your present blessings - of which every man has many

- no on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

Charles Dickens

Feeling so much better after visiting the doctor yesterday,

I am reflecting on how blessed I am to be on the mend.

Lovely Husband's tests are all negative and for this we are blessed.

It might have had to do with a panic attack of sorts.

I am trying to read more on the subject to be able to help.

For my American friends celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow

I am wishing you a wonderful time filled with blessings :-)

Going too fast?

2011-11-22T16:24:00.000-08:00

“There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.”

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Any suggestions on how to slow it down ?

Blogging break

2011-11-21T07:38:00.001-08:00

Where does the white go when the snow melts?

Hugh Kieffer

...Short of breath and feeling dizzy...

...It seems Sweet Son's head cold got to me too...

...I'll be taking a few days off blogging...

I am quite sure it's not contagious ;-)

Sunset Sundays

2011-11-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sunsets are so beautiful that they almost seem as if

we were looking through the gates of Heaven.

John Lubbock

Karen at A Good Snapshot and Scott at Just Used Pixels

are joining me in this bi-weekly Sunset Sunday show

Go and see their work I know you will love it.

Enjoy your Sunday I'll see you tomorrow :-)

It happened last night

2011-11-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.

You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different,

and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?

J. B. Priestley

It was all the children were talking about on the playground yet I did not want to believe it. As it was falling yesterday night for a few hours I felt mesmerized by the first snow of the year. All in all it ended up covering most of the Greater Vancouver before melting away in the mid-morning sun. So guess who got the perfect opportunity to capture this fallen leaf half buried in the fresh snow? Isn't she a beauty?

This week-end writing might happen or it might not. It all depends of how early in the morning I get myself out of bed for the next two days. I am open to any possibilities and have made peace with my novel being written at a much slower pace than previously envisioned. Besides I still will be writing a bit during the day, so it should still be fine.

Reading books about writing like this one and this one after Brian from waystationone suggested them in a comment he made, is also part of this week-end's activities. After all reading about writing and trying to learn more about it is one way to be improving and getting a better understanding of all it entails. I have always been surrounded by books they just happen to be taking a bigger place in my life at this moment.

Lovely Husband going through another set of tests, is away from work as he is still not feeling right. A by-product of this situation is that family time together is bringing us fun in ways we did not expect. For one hour every night, all electronic devices are off and we have been for a few nights taking turns reading out loud Jules Verne's "Around The World in Eighty Days", a novel chosen by Sweet Son. The pleasure I see in everyone's eyes is priceless thus making me want this book to be lasting forever...

Here to you dear friend, hoping your week-end will be a sweet as mine :-)

Autumn Frosted Beauty

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

"I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud.

So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow.

Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring,

nor the power of summer,

but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age.

It knows the limitations of life and its content."|

Lin Yutang

Warm yellows, burnt oranges, deep reds and vibrant green the perfect Autumn tapestry of colours mingling together on my front yard yesterday morning. November seems to be staying warm this year contrary to all the weather predictions, was what I caught myself thinking.

How about this for a surprise? Waking up to see those frozen treasures in my front yard was a nice treat. The beautiful frost covered green blades of grass nicely sporting their winter attires reminded me that I was smack in the middle of November. It seems it had been that way without me noticing it this year ;-)

How precious to see the Autumn colours still present when the first soft sign of Winter is knocking at our door. I felt grateful to capture this beauty all covered in her frosty layer waiting gently to be blown away by the Northern winds.

Change is in the air and it looks beautiful don't you think?

Changing myself slowly

2011-11-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.”

Warren Buffett

It had started innocently enough. Registering myself to be doing NaNoWriMo and to write the whole month of November was the right step in the direction of my dreams. However once the excitement wore off I remember being terrified at the enormity of what I had set myself up to accomplish.

I felt stuck, as if I had of my own volition decided to entangle myself onto a link fence. There was too much to do and too little time. I simply felt overwhelmed. Soon enough a change in viewpoint occurred. Once I got my story (or rather its skeleton) all sketched out I felt a lot better. The only thing needed after was to decide how to fit my daily writing in my schedule. Early mornings were a natural option and the best fit for me.

Being honest here I have to admit stepping out of my warm and cozy bed in the dead of night is not very exciting. Every dawn an internal battle is raging in my head. Starting to write at 5:00 AM for about 1:30 hour is an acquired taste which I am still in the process of acquiring ;-)

Deciding to keep on writing daily even if I know I am not able to reach the 50,000.00 words goal this month, is my way to create a new pattern. My story keeps me motivated so I will find it impossible to break. Before I know it this will become my way of life.

I did not know when I started this single habit is changing me one day at a time, one page at a time and one word at a time and I just love it...

What do you see?

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

...Always have your camera with you...

I am really glad I listened to myself ;-)

On a windy afternoon

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

The substance of the winds is too thin for human eyes,

their written language is too difficult for human minds,

and their spoken language mostly too faint for the ears.

John Muir

The gusty winds lifting the fallen leaves are whispering to my heart. Everything will be fine and just to prove them right I have got some great news today. Lovely Husband's stress test is revealing that his heart is fine. There are still a few other tests (thyroid and Gallbladder) he has to take but today's result is quieting my racing mind.

While I was preoccupied with writing my pages every day, focusing on the story I wanted to create, life gently tugged at my sleeve reminding me of my first priority. Family is always top for me not matter how many creative dreams I wish to nurture. This week-end's reminder gave a whole new dimension to the mundane of our everyday life. I must say it made it much more precious. Being reminded of the expiry date we all have is the wake up call I needed to value what really matters.

I am still writing everyday, still digging to unearth some truths I had forgotten. I will only do it a bit slower than previously anticipated. Enjoying more family moments spent together is something I also want to do everyday. Overall I feel quite lucky to be able to do what I love while being with the ones I love knowing how precious our time together is.

Are the winds blowing where you are?

What are they whispering?

Feeling vulnerable

2011-11-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

“When we were children, we used to think

that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable.

But to grow up is to accept vulnerability...

To be alive is to be vulnerable.”

Madeleine L'Engle

Autumn is the season where changes happen for me. It's the time of the year where some level of introspection is taking place and when I try to peel out the layers I have accumulated throughout the year. A re-focusing of sorts, as if I was a captain at the helm of my ship readjusting the direction of my sails in order to catch a better wind.

Looking back I have been able to understand that NaNoWriMo is serving its purpose, having me write daily (exception made of this past three days). The book I have always had in my heart is slowly being written. However I am now arriving at a place in my novel where the characters are guiding me to be vulnerable. I feel like the maple tree on my neighbour's yard, the strong wind has left me bare and exposed. The words laying on the blank page are slowly taking me to a place where I did not know I was going. I have a strong urge to hold back and at the same time I can't help but going forward. Confusion and frustration are now adding themselves to the usual doubt I often feel about my written work.

Does this make any sense to anyone?

Stunning Sunday Skies

2011-11-13T10:35:00.001-08:00

This photograph was taken from the rear view mirror of our car about a month ago. The light was extraordinary and I remember wanting to try and capture its beauty with my camera. I thought I would share it with you for my Stunning Sunday skies. I am doing this together with Karen at A Good Snapshot, her photograph this week is simply out of this world...Go see

Today is a slow day, as Lovely Husband is still feeling quite uncomfortable. A stress test has been scheduled for this coming Monday and we should know more then. Lots of thoughts running in my head, thoughts I do not want to give much weight to as I know the power they can have.

...Breathing deep and keeping calm...

...Comforting myself in knowing everything will be fine...

I thank all of you for your kind comments and will try to visit your blogs today :-)

One ribbon at a time

2011-11-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'll tell you how the sun rose a ribbon at a time.

Emily Dickinson

I had visions of a four days week-end spent writing while the heavy rain was falling outside. Pj days at home together with Darling Daughter and Sweet Son and not much going on. NaNoWrimo is the challenge I have taken on and I was excited to see where the characters I am giving life to were going to take me.

...Life is a succession of plans that never come to pass followed by a surprising reality we have to adjust ourselves to...

Yesterday evening Lovely Husband came home not feeling so well and will most probably stay with us to rest as the stress of his work is taking a heavy toll on his body and his mind. To say that I am worried is an understatement as I know he would not stay home if he was feeling like himself.

We will go and see the doctor to confirm that there is nothing terribly going on with him and will most probably have very quiet days as a family. Writing is going to take second fiddle this long week-end and I will have to accept the fact that I only can do it one day at a time and that it is plenty enough.

Today is Remembrance Day here in Canada and I am thinking of all the families that have lost loved ones in wars all over the world. My deepest wish is for the quote below to come true in my lifetime:

"Someday they'll give a war and nobody will come,"

Carl Sandburg (1878 - 1967)

Like a child

2011-11-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

Keeping in touch with childhood memories keeps us believingin life’s simplest pleasures

like a rainy afternoon,a swingset, and a giant puddle to play in.

Chrissy Ogden

...Writing is opening doors that were closed long ago...

...Childhood memories forgotten along the way...

...It's quite an unexpected pleasure to go and re-visit them...

A week after :-)

2011-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance.

Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path.

Jim Rohn

A week ago today as I embarked on this writing journey I was a bit fearful. NaNoWrimo for a novice like me was quite the daunting challenge. Being a bit on the dare-devilish side I still decided to jump right ahead to see where it took me. To my own surprise I am still here writing everyday and enjoying it all.
It is still a bit premature to know if I will make it to 50000 words by the end of November, and I am trying my hardest.

Isn't it after all what really matters in the end?

Joy from me to you :-)

2011-11-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning,

as if supported by the rays of the sun,

a bird settled on the fire escape,

joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked.

Anais Nin

...A busy day yesterday, and another one today ...

I still wanted to share my joy with you.

Darling daughter's knee will have to heal and

is still months away from being fully operational.

There is however no need for anything other than physiotherapy.

Wishing you a terrific Tuesday, I will be visiting you

and writing here a bit more tomorrow :-)

Happy Birthday Darling Daughter of mine

2011-11-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

A year already since the last Birthday card and tomorrow for a one of a kind birthday present, we will go together to the hospital to check the status of your knee. The last 3 1/2 weeks have been so hard on you. I feel proud to see how you put a brave front in the face of adversity. Fingers crossed you will be fitted with a shorter knee brace, and all will be well again. Your beautiful smile will continue to brighten our days and soon enough we will all have forgotten it ever happened, or may be not ;-)

Before I go I also want to announce that after using a random number generator I have the pleasure to let Vicky from the Westra World know that she is the winner of the 500th post Giveaway.

Congratulations Vicky and thank you all for your participation :-)

Sunset Sundays

2011-11-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

“May our mind be inclined towards virtuous deeds, acquiring strength and long-life!

May we continue to see the glorious sight of Rising Sun for eternity!”

Yajur Veda

This is our Sunday Rendezvous with Sunset/Sunrise beauty

Writing is slowly finding its place in my daily routine

I am thankful for all your cheers along the way

Let's see what my friends Karen from A Good Snapshot
and Scott from Just Used Pixels ,

have for us to look at in their magic bags
full of photographic beauties...

Have a look I know you will love it

Last day to comment on my 500th post Giveaway,
the winner is announced tomorrow...
Good luck and thank you for participating :-)

In the morning light

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

“Observe the wonders as they occur around you.

Don't claim them.

Feel the artistry moving through and be silent.”

Rumi

The precious light coming from the side of my kitchen window, feels like a blessing on this November morning. I am still adjusting to the grueling schedule I agreed to by participating in NaNoWriMo. In the wee hours of the early morning I do enjoy the quiet peace (around 5AM), then family life and all its different priorities is taking over. Until night time comes around once more and I find myself in this different world I am creating. I am looking at writing 6 pages a day and focusing only on this part of the challenge.

Something I discovered recently, I prefer writing longhand on a sheet of paper than typing on my laptop, which is adding precious time (I do not have) onto the 50000 words to reach by the end of November goal. It really surprised me, still trying to give straight typing a try but so far it's paper first than copying onto laptop...

Don't forget to come and visit my 500th post giveaway and to comment if you wish to :-)

Liquid Gold

2011-11-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.

Maori Proverb

Straight Out Of the Camera,
No time to edit, gotta write ;-)

Have a fantastic Friday

It's just the beginning

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...

not going all the way, and not starting.”

Buddha (563-483 B.C.)

I have officially started NaNoWriMo yesterday and being part of this awesome creative journey is both unnerving and exciting at the same time. Sunday evening as I was looking over Darling Daughter's shoulders I saw she had just finished registering herself. A bit curious I asked her what it was all about. Very matter-of-factly she replied it was a challenge inviting whoever wanted, to write 50,000 words during the month of November. She had always wanted to do it and that I should also think about giving it a try. In that precise moment in time I was confronted with the opportunity to "walk my talk", to experience for the first time what writing with purpose would feel like.This was the push I needed to go forward.

So I did...and here I am ;-)

This experience is giving me much to think about. The night before it all started I had but a wink of sleep, too much excitement for one and fear of the unknown for the other were both responsible for the state of my nerves. Yesterday felt much better as I started building the foundation of what will be my "novel". I made a rough outline of who my main character was. The other participants, the location and the plot were also part of this construction plan. I have to say that now that I know where I am going, even if the amount of work is still quite overwhelming I feel much better about it all.

Accepting this challenge is for me an opportunity to see if my love of words and everything written will be enough to carry me through the change in direction of my life. My mind is racing with excitement and fear, high emotions are ruling me now (as if I needed it). A whole month of writing, of living in my head even more than usual and of giving light to something which was only the shadow of a distant dream. I'd say November feels like Christmas for me ;-)

Oh and before I forget, I am also having a 500th post giveaway on my blog, go and have a look and comment if you like to participate.

Cross-posted over at Vision and Verb - where a collaborative group of like-minded women from all over the world share their passion for photography and the written word.

Lesson one

2011-11-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.

Ernest Hemingway

The window view by my kitchen, where I am writing and loving it :-)

First day of the NaNoWriMo challenge and I have the pleasure to say so far so good. I was all ready to be writing my little heart away, except for my lack of story, plot, character, or scenes. You know the few particulars needed to write a novel... So I went back to the drawing board and as of today I have my plot, my characters, my supporting cast, three key scenes and even know how my novel ends. Having spent a bit of time fleshing out my characters (writing who they are like to get to know them better), I am really excited to try and give them life.

This is much fun, very challenging and I love it. Slept very little yesterday too many ideas dancing around, not really understanding all of what NaNoWrimo entailed before I was a bit nervous. Feeling much better today, still much to be doing but with a completed mind map it feels much easier. I have to tell you I find the whole experience quite invigorating and I am learning much about myself in the process. This creative journey of mine is turning out to be a real pleasure.

...Have you already commented
on my giveaway post?..

Going through with it

2011-11-01T04:00:00.001-07:00

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves

come when life seems most challenging.”

Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)

That's right, I am going through with it, as I mentioned yesterday. A daily challenge of about 2000 written words every day for the whole month of November is bound to teach me a thing or two about deeper powers within myself. To be honest at this moment it all looks like the top of this mountain, hidden behind the clouds, quite unattainable...

Why go through with it then? Well for one I am getting tired of dreaming of writing and of letting my fear run the show. The butterflies in my stomach are letting me know I am on the right path. I have to admit a big part of me is also very curious about how it will all turn out. Is it anything like I imagined? I do wonder and about it and this is a great way to find out. If I want to start earning my life this way, I might as well give it a serious try, see how it really feels to write every single day, 6 or 8 pages a day for a whole month...

If you are curious about how I will continue with the everyday life I was leading up until yesterday, well that makes two of us ;-).
It will not be stopping by any means, i.e work will still go on, food will still have to be prepared and children will still be taken to their activities, and so on and so forth. The one place I ~~might~~ will be cutting from, is sleeping time.

Then again who knows, the story might be taking me by the hand and I will be whizzing through those pages like a pro, or not ;-)

The future will tell and in the meantime, I bid you adieu for now,

...my story awaits...

See you tomorrow?