Swans are pure elegance as they glide across a river.

While we don’t feel the ease and confidence that seems so natural to a swan in all moments, each of us is blessed with our own inner compass. It beats in our chest and tells us to keep paddling even when we are not sure where we are going. With determination and faith a courageous heart grows. We learn that it is OK to struggle sometimes, to even make waves.
With practice we discover our own way to grace.
Did you write this for me?
ReplyDeleteI have just been sending out some emails, most of them with the word "grace" in the subject line. Trying to explain my absence, trying to weave and unravel and glide.
love to you. you live grace and give it in abundance and for that I am forever grateful. Keep shining.
xoxox
I once glided like a swan! Now I waddle like a duck! MS has totally discombobulated my inner compass ;)
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Laura, and I keep paddling!
Lovely words and metaphors to explain grace, a theme I found over at Collage of Life today. Great minds...
ReplyDeleteThe grace of swans is a wonderful expression of your comforting words. We need to glide and yet make waves when needed. Lovely reflections.
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
Thank you for this post, it gave me comfort on this day when I am not feeling particularly graceful :o)
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of beautiful birds - lovely reflections!
ReplyDeleteAh you have brought words to what many people are feeling today... well done. I am continuing with the word balance for this year...I think it will be my word for a long, long time. I just started a book called Deep Water Passages- by Ann Linnea. A kayaker writing about her journey around Lake Superior- There has not been much gliding...I have the feeling like balance the gliding is in between. - xo teri
ReplyDeleteoh and the verification word if you can believe it - is cruise
yes - it's ok to struggle sometimes...thanks for the reminder...i tend to forget..
ReplyDeleteall that matters is that we are in the water and we are paddling!!
ReplyDeletelovely photo's...have a wonderful weekend!!
Wonderful thoughts and guidance, Laura. I think swans and ducks and geese invite us to this. I love watching them every day from my office/couch. :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings of grace and ease upon us all!
Have a lovely weekend my friend!
Lovely reflections of such a beautiful swan and duck and a perfect match for the wonderful words! Great post for the day! Enjoy your weekend, Laura!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
So beautiful Laura!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend:)
Hugs
Joo
xxx
This is beautiful, Laura :)
ReplyDeleteLovely sharing this week again, dear Laura... Your words are so strong and your pictures so pretty...
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely, graceful photos Laura.
ReplyDeletevery nice, laura.
ReplyDeleteGreat.
ReplyDeleteSydney - City and Suburbs
Three wonderful photos and I like something best about each one. The top is such a beautiful bird, the middle has great looking concentric circles and the bottom has an excellent reflection!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a good weekend!
I'm good at paddling and even at making waves. But, darn, I always wanted to be that graceful swan!
ReplyDeleteThe second shot intrigues. The dark duck against the lighter water is counterintuitive, which is probably why I like it so much.
ReplyDeleteLaura...
ReplyDeleteI always feel so uplifted after I visit here. You are an Angel...
A timely post for me too, Laura.
ReplyDeleteYour words had me reaching for "Traveling Mercies" by Anne Lamott, page 143 where she writes, "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." Amen and thank goodness.
Very beautiful words and photography.
ReplyDeletenice...with practice we discover our way to grace...love that line and how true..
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures..;D
ReplyDeleteLovely words and photos. I love the textures, contrast, and pose in that second one especially.
ReplyDeleteLove your words and photos, Laura...
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photos! Beautiful words also~*
ReplyDeleteThanks for this very poetic pictures Laura.
ReplyDeletewish you a wonderful weekend,
cordially - isabella
Beautiful photographs and words Laura. So true too!
ReplyDeleteLovely black and white photos.
ReplyDeleteYour words are so true.
Greetings and best wishes for you Laura
Pretty reflections!
ReplyDeleteTerrific captures.
ReplyDeleteLaura, Beautiful post! I totally agree. Grace is my best friend.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Beautiful photos, I love the encouraging words also.
ReplyDeleteLovely images and I have a really nice browse around your blog.
ReplyDeleteYou found some good reflections to illustrate your verbal reflection, Laura.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and yours are well!
Grace
ReplyDeletewhat would
I have done
without
it in my life...
Dear Laura,
thank you
have a good day.
Great words and photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend Laura...
great photos. love them.
ReplyDeleteGrace and ease - may we all enjoy them as they become available to us. Swans are great teachers, aren't they? As a ballet student, I danced in Swan Lake, trying to express the peaceful gracefulness of a swan, my white tutu and feathered headpiece helping with the illusion.
ReplyDeleteKeep paddling and enjoy the times when we can float along.
There are plenty of days I wish I were better at this. Thank you for this beautiful post. God bless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and beautiful photos that tie so well to the message! Thanks for sharing them, Candace
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteA nice crisp encuadre.Excelente B / W
ReplyDeletebeautiful birds
ReplyDeleteCatching up today on the posts I've missed in the last couple of weeks. I'm soothed and comforted by your gentle words, incredible insights, and gorgeous photos.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how swans can teach us human beings a valuable lesson in life!
ReplyDeleteI'll be leaving your blog feeling refreshed and rejuvenated once again, Laura. Thank you so much! :-)
Irene
This is a very graceful post. Makes me ponder our actions during our everyday life.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel like I have ever moved gracefully through anything, and I think most people feel awkward. Some are are just better at hiding their ungraceful moves. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts. The changing of the seasons brings introspection that is, I think, good for us!
ReplyDeleteI love how you return again and again to the shelter of your own heart for answers. Mother Nature does a pretty darned good job of guiding you there.
ReplyDeleteLovely. My favorite is the second image -- the duck.
ReplyDeleteWhat a talented woman you are. I am grateful to have found you.
ReplyDeleteAnd I must keep practicing grace. Thanks for this Laura. Your posts are always filled with such hope and spirit.
Laura, I've said this before about your blog and writing, and I will say it again.
ReplyDeleteEverytime I come here, I feel at peace, wiser (from your wisdom) and renewed.
You are a remarkable woman and writer.
Peace to you, dear, dear heart.
Lady Nyo
Grace is nice to look at, even nice to feel; yet often it is struggle that leads to stretching our comfort zones, feeling alive, evolving our souls. Lovely reflections, Laura.
ReplyDeletehmmm...nice post...
ReplyDeleteGratitude is the present we give to nature...
I will again visit you soon.
Nice blog !
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI can't seem to get to your latest posts. I click on it in my blog list, or try through Google reader but I always end up here, Sunday Sept. 18.