Wandering Wednesday~a photo challenge

Joining Gardenmama on a journey of feet, where do they take us and what stories do they tell.

Yesterday this is where I wandered...

Here I stand at the edge of the lake, there is an unbelievable amount of butterflies fluttering all around, drawn here it appears by sweetness left behind by human visitors, I am amazed at how close they allow me to get, the children run past me splashing in and out of the water, and the butterflies once again take to the air in search of more sweetness.

Here I stand, again mesmerized by the amount of butterflies floating all around me, I bend over and take a photo upside down to get the face of this creature...I am amazed!

~Where did your feet wander today~

Wandering Wednesday~a photo challenge

Joining Gardenmama on a journey of feet, where do they take us and what stories do they tell.

Today this is where I wandered...

Here I stand amidst fields of flowers, it is hot, it is quiet and peaceful, the children run close by excited about the two chicks just hatched following mother hen around, we are in the country and we are happy.

Here I stand on an old country lane, the lure of wild flowers has beckoned me to follow, my soul is at rest, nature fills my every sense, in the distance I hear the children laughing and laughing..

Here I stand in the tall tall grass, I am hesitant... I want to stay yet it is time to go..

We have our arms filled with beautiful yellow flowers and as we wave goodbye, we close our eyes looking to the moment in time when we will once again live in the rural country side..

~happy wandering to you all~

Wandering wednesday~a photo challenge

Gardenmama has invited us all, yet again, on a journey of introspection.

Where do our feet take us, and what stories do they tell...

And since this is presented by Gardenmama why not pick up where she left off, by the clothesline, only this time looking down..

"Here I stand, as the children play close by, I choose each piece of clothing carefully, and hang them  mindfully in an eye pleasing manner, it is a task during which I am rarely disturbed, and therefore relish deeply in the moment"

"Here I stand, in my most favorite way, bare feet planted solidly in the dark warm earth, following the calls of a child urging me to share her bliss, her bliss over a nest she herself has made, made of greens, and in which lives a little bird, a bird that is her friend"

"Here I stand, watching as she runs away, new games are calling"

"Here I stand, watching the beauty and abundance of this natural world, and while the food at my feet is green, by my eyes it is bright red and ever plentiful. The children happily gather handfuls of the ripe goodness, to fill their mouths, and I rejoice at their love of freshness"

"Here I stand, well almost, here I hang, resting my tired feet, letting my body enjoy the swinging sensation of a really high swing, the air in my hair, the joy of being free with my children playing at my feet, laughing, it is summer, life it good, there is plenty to be grateful for" 

~Do stop by  Gardenmama, and see what everyone else has come up with~

~may your day be inspired~

Stepping out; a self-portrait challenge

I came across a post last night on Twig and Toadstool, which then brought me to yet another post on Shakti Mama, an idea, a challenge for most for us I imagine, was proposed.

A series of self portraits, different aspects of ourselves, and the purpose being to view ourselves more kindly, be less judgmental more loving and accepting of our own self.

I rarely ever see a photo of me anymore that I would share. I rarely put myself out there in any real way except with a few very close friends. I keep to myself in more ways than I would like, even with people close to me, and had in the days before reading these posts decided to start sharing more openly in this space. Sharing more openly sets me up for being judged or rather misjudged, hence the fear, as well as the sense of liberation by then doing it.

I welcome this challenge of walking into a deep fear of mine, to shed a layer of old skin that I no longer need, for while I am full of fears, I am also full of courage and strength, something being put to the test in my life at this time. I believe in beauty even when it is not obvious, and I believe in endless possibilities.

So, enough said, and my first round of self portraits, raw and simple, 

taken very late last night having just read the other posts. 

~Looking forward to see yours:)~

Simple pleasures and a wish

In honor of having just figured out how to post larger photos in this space, I thought I would share some of the simple pleasures that fill our summer days, a few of these photos are repeats, just because I adore them so.

Besides being grateful beyond words for the gift that each day is, I have also been feeling a bit melancholic in the heat of these summer days. We are all missing papa terribly, we have been apart for over a year now, and have still a few more months to go, I mention it because this is why he has yet to appear in this space, and because his absence is greatly felt in our family.

Besides looking forward to our family being reunited, we are also looking forward to once again having  our own home. We have been gratefully living with family, and while we are extremely fortunate to have this love and support moving through these challenging times, our hearts long for a place of our own. One day I will perhaps share our story, yet for now while we are still in the middle of it, I will simply wish for this space to be a witness to our journey back to a life in the country side, surrounded by animals, homegrown food and medicine and all the 

gratifying hard work that goes along with such a life style choice.

My intention with this post was to simply share these beautiful moments below, yet there it is,  a tidbit of our story behind the scenes, that does not normally show up in the posts of all the fun creative things we do, as well as all the beauty that we are so fortunate to be surrounded by each day.

And so, back to the original feelings of gratitude for the simple pleasures

that fill our day to day....

Climbing up really high in a favorite tree

The beauty of all the flowers that summer brings

The absolute abundance of this earth

Wild food and medicine gathering

storing and processing these treasures

tall grasses and windy roads

summer play

sweet love

and a rainy day when it is ever so needed

~With love and gratitude~

Words to ponder

Look well to this day, 

For it and it alone is life.

In its brief course

lies all the essence of your existence:

The glory of growth

The satisfaction of achievement

The splendor of beauty

For yesterday is but a dream,

and tomorrow is but a vision.

Yet, today well lived make every yesterday a dream of happiness,

and every tomorrow a vision of hope.

anonymous 

wishing you a wonder filled sunday,
and a happy fathers day

This moment

A friday ritual inspired by Soulmama

A single photo, no words

A moment I want to pause, treasure and remember

May your weekend be wonderful!