feeling reflective

Sometimes, when I think of the billions of lives being lived on this planet, I am awestruck and humbled that this simple existence is mine.  I have made my fair share of mistakes.  I've laughed and cried and been hurt and hurt others and forgave and been forgiven.  I've jumped in whole-heartedly and held back, been frightened and emboldened and ashamed and redeemed.  I've held joy and sorrow in the open palm of my hand and the tears on my cheek.  I have loved and am loved.  I have given birth and mourned losses.  I am grateful for it all.

 splashing and digging

 The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them. 

 Thomas Merton

 sharing grapes

'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.
Alice Walker

looking through the garden kaleidoscope

Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
Charles Dickens 

 exploring the botanical gardens

  loving

"May our heart's garden of awakening bloom with hundreds of flowers.”

― Thích Nhất Hạnh

 inhaling

playing with friends

 playing pinball

old-school arcade

It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

J. K. Rowling

 celebrating with friends and cupcakes

 building faerie houses

“Instructions for living a life. 
Pay attention. 
Be astonished. 
Tell about it.” 
― Mary Oliver

 quill and ink and keyboard

 heavy egg basket, tasty apple

 friends visiting on a hot day

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

Pablo Picasso

A simple, joyful life is not one without complications, messiness, or missteps.  It is one in which these things are embraced as part of the whole.  Discord and harmony are not in opposition.  One may slip almost imperceptibly into the other.