open
naked
exposed
vulnerable
oh so tender
accessible
possible
serene
trust
“Let us cultivate awe and trust the Mystery:
It is our help and our guide.”
It is our help and our guide.”
~Psalm 115:11 interpreted by RabbiYael Levy
I have been sitting with this single line from psalm 115 this
month in my meditation practice. This morning I woke to a beautifully
mysterious shroud of fog for the second day in a row as we are in the midst of
a January thaw, expected to turn around this evening. The melting snow is
pocked like a moonscape, footprints from our dog, carving spaces for the mud
and grasses to breath again.
The photos are white birch. I had fun experimenting with the
textures and color in Lightroom; ever the artist, humbly aware that my
creativity will never outshine the works of the Creator.
I am in self-quarantine, well recommended by several doctors,
for at least the next month due to the flu outbreak and my vulnerable, oh so
tender immune system. Unlike most people with impaired immunity, I cannot
receive the flu vaccine as it causes exacerbation in my Central Nervous System.
As long as I stay at home, the “herd immunity” of my family members, who did
receive the vaccine protects me. It is strange, that now that I can physically
drive again, can taste the freedom that comes with this privilege, I am back to
being homebound, and I feel well! Perhaps this is good news, another blessing
in disguise; an opportunity to tuck in and experience deeper serenity,
contemplation and creative exploration. While I cannot spend time with people,
there are no restrictions on abiding with nature outside our house! Thank you
great Mystery, for the abundant trees and tiny plants poking through the
melting snow, the skies above changing with each breath of wind. I am grateful.
Linking to:
I like the macro shots and quote ~ Take care ~
ReplyDeleteStay well, enjoy nature (what a lovely opportunity), enjoy your quiet time with family and you can keep contact with the rest of the world virtually (also a blessing and sometimes a curse).
ReplyDeleteLaura, You remind me of an expert skier--someone who, when coming upon the bumps, drops and slick ice of a mountain, expertly shifts their body to avoid those "bumps in the run." I love the notion of herd immunity. Your photographs remind me of gorgeous layers of handmade paper, into which an artist has carved their marks with sticks of charcoal. Perhaps your time of quarantine is invitation to art making...
ReplyDeleteThank you
ReplyDeleteDear Laura
for your words this morning.
I feel very vulnerable and exposed
as I reduce medication.
Was not a good night....
Sorry you're confined to home, but I'm glad you're well. To me you are a true artist, so connected to the creator. Take good care
ReplyDeleteI so love your gratitude, Laura. It never fails you, and it never ceases to inspire your readers. I am staying in through this winter too and I do love the comfort and serenity of being home-centered. Stay well, kiddo. The new flu sounds very nasty.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling very vulnerable right now, but on an emotional scale so this post came just at the right time for me :) I'm glad you're still feeling well and hope that you will be able to continue to enjoy the world around you!
ReplyDeletenaked def needs trust...open def needs trust if you are going to enter into that kind of transparency for sure....i like hannah's analogy for you too...
ReplyDeletewonderfully inspirational Laura, taking the beautiful positive from Life in all its vagaries.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the texture of the photos and the poignancy of the poem and the meditiation. But I especially like your bit about the thaw and your days under quarantine...nothing like a glimpse into anothers life to gather appreciation for the intracacies of life.
ReplyDeleteYour work is always a gift--thank you!
ReplyDeletebeautiful words and images!
ReplyDelete♥
I like Hannah's analogy, too. To me, you are like water, moving through, over, under, around as needed, but always flowing. Stay well. I imagine you're practicing yoga and meditation and making the most of things, as you always do. Love, Rose
ReplyDeleteWonderful ... Fantastic compositions, I like the warmth of the tones and textures. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteInteresting shots. Stay well ;)
ReplyDeleteInteresting shots. Stay well ;)
ReplyDeleteSuch a perfect piece of scripture to meditate upon...I will make note of this specific translation and bring it to mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you can't get out and I'm so glad you're so positive about it. I was feeling kind of jealous... weird huh...I think I am a hermit/homebody at heart...especially in the winter.
Your images and words are always so touching. Thank you for sharing and visiting me, Laura!
I love this:
"blessing in disguise; an opportunity to tuck in and experience deeper serenity, contemplation and creative exploration."
So wonderful!
That's the best way to be quarantined.. feeling well. Stay well, Laura!
ReplyDeleteOh, I know well the fragility of winter, having chronic bronchitis. I wear a mask to ward THEM off when I go out. Yet there is a gift to be found is self-quarantine. Gives you time to simply be and come up with this type of lovely poetry and imagery. But still, having the freedom to do one or the other is nice, and I hope you have it soon, Laura. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my "hang" poem. Bless you! Amy
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.com/2013/01/13/the-journey-trifecta/
Wonderful post. Let's cultivate awe and then gratitude!
ReplyDeleteI trust you will continue to stay well and pleasantly occupied during your time apart form the public. Certainly better than being sick.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. I'm glad you can enjoy nature during your quarantine.
ReplyDeleteSelf quarantine is the logical thing to do. Glad that you're firmly in control of the situation. There'll be peace and quiet for a well earned rest. Wonderful pics! Nicely Laura!
ReplyDeleteHank
I love the texture of tree bark. Nice shots Laura.
ReplyDeleteNo flu shot for me either, same reason (as you know). I don't mind being in quarantine, it gives me time to indulge in my favourite hobbies.
Thank goodness you feel well and can enjoy the immediate world around you and your sweet family. Blessings, both. Your poem is divine and the images subli=me.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2013/01/14/in-three/
Simple string of words. Great how it builds emotion, also very clever shaping!
ReplyDeleteNeat shots of the white birch! I am glad you feel well but sorry you are stuck in the house. I guess it will give you lots of time to play around with your photos. Take care and thanks for sharing your nature post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful capture, Laura. I'm sorry you have to stay in, but it's for the best... And your faith and attitude are amazing!
ReplyDeleteLovely photo's and words...do hope you keep safe. :)
ReplyDeleteMeditative piece...love how you see this as an opportunity to tuck in and experience deeper serenity, contemplation and creative exploration. I love the gratitude in your heart. xo
ReplyDeleteWonderfully meditative post! So glad you have the trees to keep you company! They are good friends!
ReplyDeletei love how you go from naked and exposed to trust... so much peace felt in this..
ReplyDeleteNice pictures you show :) Hanne Bente
ReplyDeleteBeing home and feeling well truly sounds like a wonderful opportunity! I love this poem and it's change from something scary to good.
ReplyDeleteBe well soon! Your pictures are lovely and what a wonderful experience despite the flu.
ReplyDeleteI hope your quarantine is a peacful, healtful time. Thanks for this gorgeous post.
ReplyDeleteGoing from vulnerable to trust is not easy...love the pictures. Hope you are better soon!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the photos, the lines of poetry, and the very poetic prose. Great Mystery is such a lovely term!
ReplyDeleteThis beautiful and shows exactly how I feel. I too have been staying home, but my husband brought something home that may put off my surgery.. Stay as well as you can be.. hugs..Michelle
ReplyDeleteglad you are being careful about the flu! (we had vaccines this year, and still got it :(
ReplyDeletealso glad that even though you are house-bound, for now, you are feeling well enough to explore your woods!!!
Thinking of you-
ReplyDelete