Getting warmer and doing OK
The Spirit Within Us All
The middle-Atlantic and northeast corner of the US had a surprise blizzard last weekend that wreaked havoc all around. Homes were damaged, power was lost, and people were hurt. It was not a storm that anyone would have expected to happen in October, but it did. The weather bureau had predicted it a few days earlier, but most of us thought it could not happen. Snow in October was almost unheard of in Pennsylvania. We anticipated that maybe we would have some flurries, but not an 8 hour scenario.
In these days when negativism prevails and bad news always seems to be in the forefront, we can allow ourselves to buy into a cynical way of thinking.
On Saturday, I heard and saw my lovely ornamental Bradford Pears come down, and watched as the white flakes engulfed my remaining flowering plants. On Sunday, I was greeted by the welcome sight of sunshine and warmth. I found that of the four trees that I thought were completely gone, three of them had only lost large branches and will possibly be OK. Then I looked around at the plants that had been covered in snow and sleet the day before. They were now standing up straight and many of their their blooms were still there. Yes, they looked the worst for wear, but they saw the sunshine and came to life.
Standing strong
Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never Is, but always To be blest: The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home, Rests and expatiates in a life to come. – Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man
The Spirit Within Us All
The middle-Atlantic and northeast corner of the US had a surprise blizzard last weekend that wreaked havoc all around. Homes were damaged, power was lost, and people were hurt. It was not a storm that anyone would have expected to happen in October, but it did. The weather bureau had predicted it a few days earlier, but most of us thought it could not happen. Snow in October was almost unheard of in Pennsylvania. We anticipated that maybe we would have some flurries, but not an 8 hour scenario. |
| Sun Impatiens during storm |
On Saturday, I heard and saw my lovely ornamental Bradford Pears come down, and watched as the white flakes engulfed my remaining flowering plants. On Sunday, I was greeted by the welcome sight of sunshine and warmth. I found that of the four trees that I thought were completely gone, three of them had only lost large branches and will possibly be OK. Then I looked around at the plants that had been covered in snow and sleet the day before. They were now standing up straight and many of their their blooms were still there. Yes, they looked the worst for wear, but they saw the sunshine and came to life.
 Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them? Rose Kennedy |
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Where flowers bloom, so does hope.
Eleanor Roosevelt
(also attributed to Lady Bird Johnson)
Down but not out.
Life has its difficult moments, and, at times, can be extremely agonizing, but how we accept and deal with the negativism and circumstances is up to us. It can crush us and give us reasons to be hard-hearted or we can try to move on and look for a silver lining.
Standing strong
The sun will come out tomorrow.
If the most delicate blossom can battle against the storm, so can we all.
Lovely..hope inspiring....I'm glad to hear your pears were not too too badly damaged.
ReplyDeleteHello Arleen,
ReplyDeleteWhat you say here is so true. One cannot legislate for or prevent negative things from happening in life but one does have control over how one reacts and deals with them. This is, we feel the measure of a person and, through this post we can see, Arleen, that you do look on the bright side of life. It is not always the easy option.
in recent years the elements have reminded us that we are just human
ReplyDeleteweak and vunerable
All true. It's most important to remember that nothing lasts and all things change. It's our choice to make of it all what we will. Thanks for today's inspiration.
ReplyDeleteDear Arleen, thank you for the reminder complete with photographs and quotations that we find what we look for. As my mother said to me when I was young, "Dolores, you find what you look for. If you look for good, you will find it. And if you look for bad, you will surely find that also."
ReplyDeleteOur attitude makes the total difference.
Peace.
I love your header - that gorgeous rose! And what you say is so true.
ReplyDeleteLIFE AND HOW WE LIVE IT - IS A CHOICE!
sandie
My philosophy too is that it's not what happens to you in life but the way you deal with it that makes the difference. Loved your post Arleen and that rose on your header is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteArleen...I do like the way you see things. I loved reading each of the quotations, especially the one by Rose Kennedy, a woman who faced much adversity. I've always thought when down the only way to look is up. I am glad all is well with you now.
ReplyDeleteNew follower here! I'm in my thirties, and I want you to know your blog made my day! It made me want to make a bucket list! Thanks for reminding me not to take life so serious! I've been struggling a lot with that lately. Thanks for bringing me back to reality. Life is a gift!
ReplyDeleteJamie
Jamie, don't ever make a bucket list. I have always thought that is a negative idea. Just live your life as best you can and surround yourself with love. First priority: love yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining and listening to an old woman's thoughts.
Hi Bonnie, I am addicted to inspirational quotes. They keep me going.
Dear Molly, That is a knock out rose and it knocks me out all the time. It is a splendid speciment.
Sandi - Knock out Rose. If you don't have one, get one, no, get a few.
Dee, I love your blog and thank you for your kind words. BTW, mothers are always right.
Austan - No, nothing lasts forever. The only things really important in life are the ones we love, the people we meet and the kindness that we show.
John, The elements we can not control, but the love we show to man and our fellow creatures, is entirely up to us. You are an extrodinary human being and I am so glad that I have found your blog. You make me and others want to be better people.
Dear Jane and Lance,
Your comment made me think of the play Spamalot. Always look at the bright side of life..... I try very hard to do that, however, sometimes I am not always successful. I am married to a man who looks out on a sunny day and sees a dark cloud. I have tried my best to ignore him.
Dear Delores, Thank you so much.
I needed to read and reflect on your post tonight. Beautiful photos, and inspiring quotes, always lift my spirits.
ReplyDeleteSome days are harder than others, but you are so right, we need to look up and count our blessings and be grateful.
Dear Arleen, It's Dee here again wanting to thank you for commenting on my posting yesterday. I was fortunate never to have as a teacher someone who seemed to have no sense of humor. I so hope that Nun Number Three finally got things in perspective. I think we lose perspective always when we fail to look for and enjoy the ridiculous events of our lives. Humor is like salt!
ReplyDeletePeace
Arlene, This is the best post. My favorite line you wrote was this: "After the storm - Beaten up, but still standing!" That is how I feel! Thanks for passing on a positive vibe to everyone. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteArleen just an extra little comment - I love your new profile picture. I read your comment on Amy's blog - it sounds as though you are going through a bit of turbulence right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you - hold fast. Love Molly xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Molly, you are always my champion. Just having some aging isssues. So glad to have a friend like you.
ReplyDeleteTracy Jo, Thanks so much; I am glad you liked my post. That makes me feel so good.
I saw the last photos with the snow piling up. It was great to see that there was survival going on in your yard! Love the photos and the quotes.
ReplyDeleteDear Arleen, here's Dee again, thanking you for commenting on my Saturday posting. I want to assure you that the Novice Mistress was normally a lovely woman who laughed with us during recreation each evening and recognized our individual talents.
ReplyDeleteShe lost her sense of moderation with that list and with the jacking-us-up, but normally she was the kindest of women.
Peace.