Shine the Divine: Creativity IS a Spiritual Practice: life's storms

I’ll be taking an extra day to hike in the Berkshires (weather permitting) with my husband Sunday morning, plus a cozy overnight for two! It is great having a 19 year old at home to hold down the fort. Then I’ll be teaching Monday June 17th through June 21st at Isabella Freedman Retreat Center. I’ll be back and visit your blogs when I return next week. Thanks to EVERYONE who has visited while I’ve been busy and now away and of course all who shared the love up-close with I Heart Macro. I am looking forward to viewing your photos and blogs next Friday when I’m home again. Have a wonder-filled week; I know I will :-)

Tikkun Yoga

♥

Monday, December 24, 2012

life's storms

snow startled beauty

i admire your dignity

barely shivering

watching your courage

your grace in the midst of change

inspires me to bend

more brittle am i

when i do not soften down

tucking toward my heart

passing no judgement

for we must each find our way

to weather life’s storms

Happy Holidays Everyone

While I don't celebrate Christmas, and Chanukah has already passed, I most certainly appreciate the warm heartfelt well wishes being left here on this blog and those offered when greeted by people out and about. No matter what your tradition, we can all celebrate the joy of being alive. If you are so blessed, may you bask in the glow, the companionship of loved ones in your presence and always, always those close to your heart no matter where they are physically now, on earth or resting in heavenly abodes. We weather life's storms and moments of peace, each in our own way.

linking to:

Haiku Heights

Blue Monday

One Single Impression

58 comments:

SmilingSallyDecember 24, 2012 at 1:06 PM
Hi Laura,

Thanks for sharing your blue.

Happy Blue Monday and Merry Christmas!
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✿ chicaDecember 24, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Linda poesia e reflexão! beijos, FELIZ NATAL!!! chica
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Sherry Blue SkyDecember 24, 2012 at 1:58 PM
Very beautiful, Laura, as always you are generous with your good wishes, and inspiring.
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Anne Huskey-LockardDecember 24, 2012 at 2:19 PM
What beautiful photos Laura! The snowflakes~~OH! That is a gift in itself.
I have been blessed to meet you and call you friend.
No matter what time of year.
To health, acceptance and love.

XXOO~~
Anne
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IngaDecember 24, 2012 at 2:20 PM
Wonderful and wise words - I wish you a nice day..Inge
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Gemma WisemanDecember 24, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Lovely thoughts reaching out to us all! Love the soft mystery of the second macro!
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The Artful DivaDecember 24, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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LoisDecember 24, 2012 at 2:49 PM
So lovely, I love the snow-crisped flower... I am family-blessed. L
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☆•.¸.Mildred.¸.•☆December 24, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Lovely pics and words!
All my best wishes for this coming Christmas and for year 2013, Laura!

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____” “ “ “TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY “ ” ” “
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Rambling WoodsDecember 24, 2012 at 3:43 PM
lovely post Laura and I enjoyed it.. thank you so much for your support and of my writing. I was afraid to put it out there but I can't hide it anymore as it is from my heart..I will remember to breathe..I hear you in my head reminding me..thank you... hugs..Michelle
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KarineDecember 24, 2012 at 4:08 PM
This is a lovely post Laura, I hope you had a lovely holiday with your loved ones :)
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vivinfranceDecember 24, 2012 at 5:18 PM
A nice set of haiku. We must bend to the wind, or we break. Have a happy time, even if Christmas is not your festival.
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Sue McPeakDecember 24, 2012 at 6:28 PM
Beautiful photos and sentiments. Enjoy the Season!
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LisaSDecember 24, 2012 at 8:01 PM
Peace on Earth.
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the wild magnoliaDecember 24, 2012 at 8:27 PM
I hope your celebrations of the season fed your spirit.

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atothewrDecember 24, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Nice.
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mermaidDecember 24, 2012 at 11:52 PM
The snowflakes on pine needles are the prettiest Christmas tree ornaments I've seen this year!
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EastCoastLifeDecember 25, 2012 at 1:03 AM
Beautiful pictures and great post. Happy holidays!
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Madeleine Begun KaneDecember 25, 2012 at 1:49 AM
Beautiful verse!

Happy upcoming new year!:)
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chai-and-chardonnay.blogspot.comDecember 25, 2012 at 3:08 AM
Wishing you all the best and love and happiness
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ArtPropelledDecember 25, 2012 at 3:16 AM
Exquisite photography Laura. I wonder if you know Mary Jo Hoffman's nature photographs. Lovely words for the day, thank you. Happy holidays to you and your family.
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kaykualaDecember 25, 2012 at 5:16 AM
passing no judgement
for we must each find our way
to weather life’s storms

Great to be guided by it. Merry Christmas and Happy holidays Laura!

Hank
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Brian MillerDecember 25, 2012 at 7:23 AM
we do each have to find our own way...merry day to you, we can celebrate life any day...smiles! i hope you have a wonderfilled day...which you often share through your lens with us...smiles.
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Gunilla BäckDecember 25, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Lovely shots!
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Rambling WoodsDecember 25, 2012 at 11:47 AM
I just came in from feeding my yard visitors ...birds and mammals and it made me smile..I had forgotten the linky, but I have it and you are linked in now...hugs to you..Michelle
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LorriDecember 25, 2012 at 11:54 AM
What beautiful captures of aging, reminding us to try to be graceful in our own life stages. Your poem is lovely.
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TracyDecember 25, 2012 at 12:06 PM
LOVE to you & yours, Laura :o) Wishing you all JOY in 2013! It's snowing here today too!((HUGS))
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TracyDecember 25, 2012 at 12:09 PM
LOVE to you & yours Laura! Wishing you all JOY in 2013! It's snowing here today today too :o) ((HUGS))
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LizDecember 25, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Beautiful images! Merry Christmas!

My entries:
Liz (mcn)
Liz (mot)
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GraceDecember 25, 2012 at 3:34 PM
I am glad that we can all share and bask in each other's warmth and blessings ~

Have a joyful & peaceful time with your family ~

Cheers ~
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KimolisaDecember 25, 2012 at 3:55 PM
Beautiful poem and photos
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Island Rambles BlogDecember 25, 2012 at 4:27 PM
hope you are enjoying peace, health and calm at this time of year.
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ClaudiaDecember 25, 2012 at 4:45 PM
we must each find our way
to weather life’s storms...yes...and for everyone of us that might look different...wishing you a wonderful and joy-filled christmas laura
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cloudfactor5December 25, 2012 at 5:51 PM
This is indeed a beautiful set of Haiku !! and yes, "we must each find our way
to weather life’s storms"
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !!
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HazelDecember 25, 2012 at 8:44 PM
Wow! this is just beautiful. I'm so glad to have read it. Thanks, and hope you have a wonderful Christmas week.
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MaryDecember 25, 2012 at 8:47 PM
Yes, we all weather life's''

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Yes, we all weather life's storms in our way. We all have to find that way. Your poem was beautiful, and you are right about passing no judgment. I somehow think there are many 'ways.'

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bettylDecember 25, 2012 at 9:14 PM
Lovely photos and wonderful words for the coming year.
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jasminecalyxDecember 25, 2012 at 10:50 PM
"i admire your dignity
barely shivering"

I love this. There is much wisdom and softness in your words.
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Hanne BenteDecember 26, 2012 at 1:50 AM
hello Laura
Nice pictures you show.
I love the words of wisdom / quotes.
Thanks for the comment on my blog.
Hanne Bente - www.hbt.finus.dk
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Dana DampierDecember 26, 2012 at 2:24 AM
Beautiful photos and touching words. I love this poem!
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YogaforCynicsDecember 26, 2012 at 2:31 AM
We had just a bit of snow last night, enough to make a white Christmas...which, honestly, though I have always celebrated Christmas, doesn't mean much to me...but happy holidays to you! Sorry I've been away from your lovely blog for so long.
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SpiderdamaDecember 26, 2012 at 5:07 AM
Beautiful words and pictures!!
Wish you alle the best Laura.
Blessings for the new year and hugs form Tania in Norway:-)
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eileeninmdDecember 26, 2012 at 6:03 AM
Gorgeous images, Laura! And your poem is lovely. Wish you happy holidays and a very healthy and HAPPY New Year!
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odyzzDecember 26, 2012 at 6:05 AM
Beautiful inspiring words...thanks for sharing and wishing you a wonderful Christmas week..
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SemaphoreDecember 26, 2012 at 2:34 PM
The emotionality of this I've found in many poems, but - oh! - that opening line is just wonderful.
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Ash SharmaDecember 26, 2012 at 2:51 PM
Like all said, very inspiring and fulfilling. Last haiku is exceptional. Happy holidays
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franzaDecember 26, 2012 at 4:07 PM
beautiful poetry, " when i do not soften down
tucking toward my heart.." love this words..
so thanks for sharing,7
happy holidays, franza
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Marias Tusen og en NattDecember 26, 2012 at 5:01 PM
how lovely to be here...
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ayalaDecember 26, 2012 at 5:29 PM
Beautiful. Wishing you peace and love.
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VictoriaDecember 26, 2012 at 8:27 PM
What an incredibly beautiful post, Laura. And amazing photos. I feel that we are all called to celebrate light this time of year. And presence. A visit to your blog is a spiritual respite for me, always.
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HilaryDecember 26, 2012 at 8:48 PM
You have the most beautiful way with words and a camera, Laura.
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MamaTimDecember 26, 2012 at 10:59 PM
I'm in love with every line in your haiku, Laura. The last pic's my fav!
Wishing a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~much love~ ♡♡♡
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Chubskulit RoseDecember 26, 2012 at 11:13 PM
Beautiful captures.

Very late Visit from Blue Monday.
Hope you can still drop me a line at my BLUE post.
Happy Holidays!
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kkkkatyDecember 27, 2012 at 3:38 AM
I love the 'down tucking toward my heart'..and nature's role in Christmas..Happy Holidays..
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LeoviDecember 28, 2012 at 5:47 PM
Beautiful photos, I like, nice macros.
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Carol L McKennaDecember 31, 2012 at 8:50 AM
Magnificent photography and great set of haiku with wonderful messages ^_^

(A Creative Harbor aka ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^)
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PremIDecember 31, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Being here I feel at peace...,rested well...
your words are meditative...
Thank you.
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The Write GirlJanuary 1, 2013 at 9:22 PM
Your poetry is so full of insight, grace, and wisdom. I am glad to visit you and wish you a Happy New Year.
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Bright Sparks:

Ellie

Your prayers (and the medication) are helping. Our precious dog Ellie has only had two small seizures since the first 10, in that terribly frightening twenty-four hour period the first day of March 2013. Unfortunately there are some new symptoms now, some problems with ulcerations in her nose, some difficulty breathing and she has gained 12 lbs (without eating more than she did before) since this began in March. This has our vet suspecting a pituitary tumor or something autoimmune going on. She is still her playful gentle self, but she seams to be slowing down some. Still wearing good-nites with the tail hole cut through to prevent accidents in the house. And she still needs to be let out many more times a day, and at least once in the night. Reminiscent the full time, fulfilling and difficult first years of raising our daughters. Infant care to eldercare, this is the circle of life one end tied into the other. Loving someone is not always convenient or easy; it gets messy, it gets scary. Yet how empty our lives would be without love and companionship. We have been and continue to be blessed with an abundance of love flowing through all the many illnesses we’ve nursed each other through over the years, both human and fur babies. Thank you to everyone for all the kind and compassionate messages, for every prayer uttered and held in your hearts. We are grateful for all of the support. My blogging will likely be limited for a while as we adjust to these changes in our family life.

Remnants

Before the eMeS, my now constant companion begged me to stay close to home, I taught art, yoga and meditation to Jewish teens in the Greater Boston area. The collage series in the slide show above was created using forgotten paper scraps that slipped between the cracks of the tables onto the floor, from an Art as a Sacred Practice class I taught to High School students several years ago. My intention was to find the intrinsic value in each remnant. Often the beauty of an individual person goes unrecognized or unappreciated until it is revealed in the context of a relationship; the same is true of colors, shapes and textures. Click on the images to take a closer look. They are tiny works, some no bigger than 1.5” x 1.5”