Monday, November 11, 2024

Words of Kindness and Joy

 "Wherever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul." Unknown

 


Dear Friends,

I knew this year would be rough, but this election has pretty much drained me. It is hard for me to focus on the beauty, the kindness, or the joy in life some days. I am shattered.

But in the midst of all the sadness and angst the words that come to me this morning is that in the darkness we must sparkle and shine. How do we do that? Where do we go from here? The quote above sort of answers those questions for me. It might be in the little things that I have shared this year, the noticing of the small things. But also in the "creating beauty". How do we do that?

 

For me it might just be the picking up of an acorn on my walk and savoring the beauty. Isn't it amazing how the nut fits so snugly into the little cap? I often carry it home and admire it for awhile. It might be to pause and admire the flowers or beautiful fruit at the market. It is all about the nature around me. As far as creating,it is my small watercolors I love to paint for friends,just putting a few flowers in a vase to enjoy, or lighting a candle on a dark, stormy night.



Also it is noticing the "sparkle and shine". Last Friday I went to my favorite early Christmas event at the local antique mall. There was plenty of "sparkle and shine". It made my heart happy. I don't buy much anymore, but I just love snapping a few pictures and for awhile be surrounded by beauty.

So, friends, let's notice the "sparkle and shine" each and every day.

Sending love,

Marilyn

6 comments:

serena said...

Dear Marilyn,
It is comforting to read your post. I worry about friends who are afraid and wondering what comes next. I'm 71 and I have never known a time when an election has left me so shaken. I find comfort in beauty and I've been willing myself to work on seeing the beauty in individuals no matter how far apart we stand on the issues of the day. Not easy, but your calming words help.

Jeanie said...

I'm so glad you got a little sparkle and shine. Boy, we all need it right now. Things feel rather dark. A lovely post, my friend.

Red Rose Alley said...

What a wonderful post, Marilyn, and a gentle reminder for us to notice all the little things of beauty around us each and every day. First, I LOVE that wreath! It's filled with color for the season. Flowers and candles and visiting our favorite shops are a way to lift us up in those dark moments. That silver tree with Pink is so pretty. It reminds me of my mom's Christmas tree she had one year - it was silver with red balls. I'll always remember it. You really do sparkle and shine, my friend.

~Sheri

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing some "sparkle and shine"...I need all I can find and am working on finding my positive attitude that is MIA. Your photos are so pretty and they made my heart happy!
Thanks Marilyn! Susan

Sandi Magle said...

Wednesday was the first dayI turned on the lights woven in some greenery on my high shelves in the kitchen. The warmth and glow made me smile, then I did the buffet that same day. I think you hit it on the head, the peace comes from within...I'm also taking two art classes a week, just to calm my mind. HUGS, very apropos post, Sandi

Lorrie said...

Yes, there is beauty all around, and it is a healing balm for sore hearts.