Focus on the Stars

 

“In the midst of darkness, light persists.”

– Mahatma Gandhi, Speech (1947)

I love that this stream under the trees still captures the light through the dark forest.

It seems that having chosen the theme this year has kept me focusing on the same rays of light. On Instagram I find myself saying "In darkness, focus on hope". I say it in so many little ways each day. Then I notice that others are also saying the same thing in their own ways. And in this I am noticing little rays of sunshine, laughter and hope. I know I needed this focus to get me through this year.

This picture was a couple years ago, but you might smile at seeing it. It's funny, but dressing this way to go to tea was hard for me to do. I tend to step quietly, not to be noticed. So wearing a fur coat and sunglasses was out of my comfort zone. But I was glad I did it. It was good for me to be bold. It created a memory of laughing at myself, a little silliness does the soul good. A little light in my day.

 Last Saturday I ventured out to the April 5th "Push Back" demonstration. I went with trepidation and concern for safety, but I went anyway. Parking was found close by and I soon found myself standing on a highway overpass with my sign that says "Liar, liar, pants on fire!" Soon enough cars drove by and I was thoroughly brought to tears at the positive response. There were thumbs up and happy tooting horns. So many responded in a special way to the more than a 1000 people that showed up not far from my home to speak out. My heart swelled with joy to feel validated and for speaking up. We must step out of our comfort zone as often as possible. It creates memories, it makes us stronger, and brings surprises to our world. It is HOPE.

What glimmers of hope have you seen this week? Where are you stepping out of your comfort zone?

Sending love,

Marilyn

 

The Garden

 

“Sometimes since I’ve been in the garden, I’ve looked up through the trees at the sky and I have had a strange feeling of being happy as if something were pushing and drawing in my chest and making me breathe fast. Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing. Everything is made out of Magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden—in all the places.”

—Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden, 1911

 

 

Gardens take many forms and in many places from visiting my lemon tree residing at my daughter's home, walking in a public garden, or walking a trail that displays flowers planted by God and the wind.

 

 

It is all a part of the magic of the universe.

 

 

The beauty of a humorous God. A God that sprinkles delight wherever God wanders.

 

 

A garden can bring hope for an abundant harvest of apples or just fulfill the delights of the heart by their beauty. Love can grow there and fulfill a satisfied tummy.
 

 We can sit for awhile and take in the energy of growing things all around us. It can heal us, fill us, and make us smile.

 

Surround yourself with growing things each day. Even in my "wee" little living space I am creating a "wee" little garden.

 

Sending love as you savor each day and walk in a garden.

 

Marilyn