Mothers and mothering...

A sweet friend wished me a happy "mothering" day. She explained that's what it's called in Europe and that it's meant to honor all who 'mother' in any way. So to all who are mothers, may be mothers in the future, or who give love, kindness, and compassion to those around you... Happy Mothering Day... May you be blessed with all you hope for.

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." - Abraham Lincoln

On Mother's Day -

To mom - Thank you for giving me both roots and wings, for teaching me correct principles and setting me on the right path.  Thanks for the late nights and early mornings, the sleepless hours spent worrying and praying. Thanks for all you continue to do.

To my sisters both by birth and marriage - Thanks for being the women you are and raising your children with love and compassion in a challenging and sometimes scary world.

To my aunts and grandmothers - Thank you for your examples of care and devotion.

To friends both old and new - Thank you for your kindness and example, for "sharing" your families with me.

To all those who may not be mothers in the strict sense of the word - Thank you for sharing your time, talent, energies, and love with all those around you.

Happy Mother's Day!

Media of the Week - Shine Your Way - Owl City and Yuna

There are times in all of our lives when it may seem easier to hide our light under a bushel. It feels as though there is less likelihood of failure that way. And yet there is also less of a chance for growth, less ability to help or inspire others. I came across this song today and I thought that it was a great reminder for all us
to

SHINE....  

Shine Your Way

Owl City and Yuna

Just before the dawn,

When the light's still gone,

Shine, shine your way,

And you may not know, where to go,

Shine, shine your way

Open road but it's still dark,

Build a fire from a spark,

And shine, shine your way,

Feed the feeling in your heart,

Don't conceal it then you'll start,

To find, find your way

No one can stop, what has begun,

You must believe when I say

All of your tears will dry faster in the sun,

Starting today,

Shine, shine, shine,

Shine your way

There's an open sky,

And a reason why,

You shine, shine your way,

There's so much to learn,

And now it's your turn,

To shine, shine your way

There's a feeling deep inside,

You can let it be your guide,

To find, find your way,

And there's no time for us to waste,

Got to take a leap of faith,

And fly, fly away

Don't have to walk,

Now you can run,

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/shine-your-way-lyrics-owl-city.html ]

Nothing can get in your way

All of your tears will dry faster in the sun,

Starting today,

Shine, shine, shine,

Shine your way

Morning is breaking,

Darkness is fading,

We found a way to the light,

It's such a beautiful sight

Any time, anywhere,

Turn around and I'll be there,

To shine, shine your way

Like a star burning bright,

Lighting up the darkest night,

I'll shine, shine your way

Now I can see,

You are the one,

Sent here to show me the way

All of your tears will dry faster in the sun,

Starting today,

Shine, shine, shine,

We're on our way,

Shine, shine, shine,

That's what we say,

Shine, shine, shine,

Shine your way

There's a reason why

You shine, shine your way

All of our tears will dry faster in the sun

Shine your way

None were with Him...

On this Easter Sunday may we all remember He who paid the ultimate price so that we might see our loved ones - our family and friends - again some day. 

What a blessing to know that despite the trials we may face there is more to our lives than this mortal sphere.

Shooting Star - Media of the Week

There are times when we all feel discouraged and less than we know we can be.
 It is at those times that we need to remember that we all have a divine spark within us, urging us to become more than we already are, to take the beauty and majesty that dwells inside each of us and share it... 

No matter who we are...
No matter where we are...

"Shooting Star"

Owl City

Close your tired eyes, relax and then

Count from 1 to 10 and open them

All these heavy thoughts will try to weigh you down

But not this time

Way up in the air, you're finally free

And you can stay up there right next to me

All this gravity will try to pull you down

But not this time

When the sun goes down and the lights burn out

Then it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are

Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light

'Cause it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are tonight

Woah-oh, woah-oh, woah-oh

Brighter than a shooting star

Shine no matter where you are tonight

Gaze into my eyes when the fire starts

And fan the flames so hot it melts our hearts

Oh, the pouring rain will try to put it out

But not this time

Let your colors burn and brightly burst

Into a million sparks that all disperse

And illuminate a world that'll try to bring you down

But not this time

When the sun goes down and the lights burn out

Then it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are

Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light

'Cause it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are tonight

Woah-oh, woah-oh, woah-oh

Brighter than a shooting star

Shine no matter where you are tonight

A thousand heart beats beat in time

It makes this dark planet come alive

So when the lights flicker out tonight

You gotta shine

When the sun goes down and the lights burn out

Then it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are

Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light

'Cause it's time for you to shine

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are tonight

Woah-oh, woah-oh, woah-oh

Brighter than a shooting star

So shine no matter where you are tonight.

Life Through My Lens - Walking Through Woods on a Snowy Evening...

I captured this crystalline covered copse a few weeks ago when our town was covered in frost and snow. It brought to mind a poem by Robert Frost.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

By - Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.