Shine the Divine:

Creativity IS a Spiritual Practice

When we see through our hearts, we recognize that every single one of us is infused with creativity. Divine Sparks are embedded in everyone and everything. It's up to us to be courageous, to look and listen deeply, to find the sparks, gather and release them back into the universe, transformed into something new. Join me as we wake up to the sacred-ordinary blessings waiting to greet us each and every day.

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Wonder-Filled Life


everything’s changing
look out and up down and see
this wonder-filled life




equanimity
one frond living and dying
both/and always so
Today is Shemini Atzeret, a time when God asks us to stay close, to linger. Tomorrow, Simchat Torah, we will roll out the whole Torah, read the last letter and the first, lamed-vet... togther they spell lev, heart. Every ending is a beginning, love is eternal, and the memories of those who have passed on and those to be born linger and awaken us to the sorrows and joys that fill our brief stay on this earth. Anne Lockard, a friend, fellow blogger and grace-filled soul passed on this morning, her memory will always be a blessing. I am a better person because she touched my heart, because we talked openly about death, about life, about Mystery, about kindness, about the things that mattered most the few times we spoke on the phone and through many, many emails. Anne was one of the first women to write to me and say YES I want to be part of The Healing Womb, and Anne, you always will be. Thank you dear heart for your friendship, your inspiration, your courage. You are and have always been a shining star.



linking to:
skywatch friday
haiku my heart
Don't forget to share the love up close with I Heart Macro, the linky opens @ 8pm EST Saturday evening. 

Shine the Divine



at 12:00 PM
Labels: ,
Posted by Laura

57 comments:

  1. Tammie LeeSeptember 26, 2013 at 4:20 PM

    your photos are quite lovely Laura!

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  2. SteffiSeptember 26, 2013 at 4:40 PM

    Great photos for SWF and very interesting post to read,Laura!Have a nice weekend.

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  3. RantenSeptember 26, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Beautiful pictures of a lovely season!

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  4. Photo CacheSeptember 26, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    your photos are stunning.

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  5. eileeninmdSeptember 26, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    Laura, these are beautiful images! The sky and leaves are both looking lovely. Sorry about your friend passing, my prayers go out to her family!

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  6. AlSeptember 26, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    What beautiful photos. And I learned something new about the Torah today.

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  7. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentSeptember 26, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    Beautiful thoughts. Your last two photos are delightful.

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    Beautiful blue, blue sky shots for SWF ~ carol ^_^

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  9. Lisa GordonSeptember 26, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    Beautifully simple, and simply beautiful, Laura!

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  10. JimSeptember 26, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Great leaf colours.

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  11. Yogi♪♪♪September 26, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    What a great tribute to your friend.

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  12. CarverSeptember 26, 2013 at 10:06 PM

    I love the colorful leaves against the blue sky.

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  13. Sherry Blue SkySeptember 26, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    The heavens will have more light tonight because your friend is there. Beautiful, Laura.

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  14. Myrna R.September 26, 2013 at 10:43 PM

    I imagine Anne enjoying your beautiful photos and the lovely words you write as tribute. My condolences dear Laura.

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 26, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    Fabulous shots - you've really caught the beauty of the new season.

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  16. CarlettaSeptember 26, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    Those leaves against that blue are gorgeous!

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  17. Gunilla BäckSeptember 27, 2013 at 2:23 AM

    Beautiful autumn leaves. Enjoy your weekend.

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  18. Magical Mystical TeacherSeptember 27, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    Love your images of autumn's arrival!

    Rusting Powder Can

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  19. somepinkflowersSeptember 27, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    {{ changing changing changing = Life,
    yes ?

    wonderful heart*felt tribute to your friend.
    yes
    fortunate you
    to have known her ... }}

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  20. Reading PleasureSeptember 27, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    My deep sympathies and condolences on the death of your dear friend. may she find eternal rest.

    Lovely post, nonetheless.

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  21. KarenSeptember 27, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    Love that beatiful blue sky Laura!

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  22. StephanieSeptember 27, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    Sorry for your loss and such a beautiful memorial to her and how she touched your life.

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  23. gmaSeptember 27, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    Condolences. Lovely words and photos here as always Laura.

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  24. Wabi SabiSeptember 27, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    Every ending a beginning... so comforting... so hard to believe! Thank you for your wonderful post today!

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  25. Kim MailhotSeptember 27, 2013 at 12:08 PM

    What a tender and beautiful post, Laura.
    Sending love and light to you, and to your friend's spirit as she leaves this life behind. Peace.

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  26. Kim MailhotSeptember 27, 2013 at 12:08 PM

    What a tender and beautiful post, Laura.
    Sending love and light to you, and to your friend's spirit as she leaves this life behind. Peace.

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  27. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2013 at 12:27 PM

    beautiful, laura. hope you are keeping well sweet lady? sue (greenwhisper)

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  28. kissed by an angelSeptember 27, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    Dear Laura,
    You and your dear friend Anne are kissed by angels. I'm sure you know that!
    Your photos are very beautiful!!! I like the last two very much!
    Have a wonderful weekend full of sunshine,
    Katrin

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  29. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    an insightful haiku ~ and lovely photography ~ carol ^_^

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  30. foxysueSeptember 27, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    I feel for you, the loss of your friend, find peace in the memory of your friendship. x

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  31. The Domestic SweetheartSeptember 27, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    LOVE your pics & your blog! I'm a new GFC follower :)

    P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway that you might be interested in!
    www.domesticsweetheart.com

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  32. Sallie (FullTime-Life)September 27, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    I am so sorry Laura for the loss of your friend, but I am glad that your friendship brought so much to both of you. Your pictures, as always, perfectly illustrate your beautiful words. Your posts always stay with me for a long time. And I am so glad about that. Thank you.

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  33. Grandma Barb's This and ThatSeptember 27, 2013 at 7:46 PM

    Lovely photos of the fall colored leaves against the blue, blue sky!
    I'm sorry for the loss of your friend who meant so much to you.
    Thank you for visiting me.

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  34. TexWisGirlSeptember 27, 2013 at 8:11 PM

    loving the blue sky to frame the leaves and the sun glints. bless you...

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  35. Beverley BairdSeptember 27, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Anne. She sounds such a lovely person and will be greatly missed.
    Beautiful photos and haikus!

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  36. Miss KodeeSeptember 27, 2013 at 8:51 PM

    I am so sorry to hear you have lost a friend. Your photograph of the leaf with the star burst is a beautiful tribute.

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  37. Minoru SaitoSeptember 27, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    Hi! Nice photo series of leaves. Mother nature is truely wonderful.

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  38. Beth @ E. Lizard Breath SpeaksSeptember 27, 2013 at 9:57 PM

    lovely views. i love fall leaves so calming & peaceful. ( :

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  39. DeniseinVASeptember 27, 2013 at 11:40 PM

    I love these photos Laura, especially the sunlight shining through the leaves.

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  40. magiceyeSeptember 27, 2013 at 11:54 PM

    Sorry to hear about your loss.

    Beautiful images!

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  41. lina@womenSeptember 28, 2013 at 12:54 AM

    Sad to know your friend's passing, may she rested in peace.
    Love your photos and words, Laura -so inspiring.
    Thanks for your visit :)

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  42. MastHolidaySeptember 28, 2013 at 3:59 AM

    Nice colorful leaf shots!

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  43. Ajay KumarSeptember 28, 2013 at 4:01 AM

    Beautiful find the leafs to take the shots..nice post.

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  44. Stewart MSeptember 28, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    Great shots - I really like the leaves against the sky

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  45. Karin BartimoleSeptember 28, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    A beautiful honorining to our circle sister. Thinking of you this beautiful autumn morn... xo

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  46. LaloofahSeptember 28, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    Just love the interplay of light, shadow and leaves - I can almost hear them rustling as they dance in and out of the sunlight! Those first two are especially beautiful.

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  47. RamblingRoundSeptember 28, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    I am simply "Wonderstruck," which happens to be the name of the Bible study I'm doing at church. Love how you captured the light and details.

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  48. Gillena CoxSeptember 28, 2013 at 5:15 PM

    luv those leaves, thanks for your sharing

    much love...

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  49. SharonSeptember 28, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    Fall is just beginning to show her color in my neck of the woods. I visited Anne's blog ~ her positive attitude radiated with every post. I'm sorry to hear of her passing. You are in my thoughts, Laura.

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  50. LeoviSeptember 28, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    Yes, delicious pictures, very beautiful colors in the leaves, delicious Fall!

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  51. MarySeptember 29, 2013 at 7:23 AM

    So very true that as we look around in nature we can always see everything changing…nothing stays the same for long. Nature is always in process. And as far as life and death, they are indeed partners. Neither can exist alone. Where one is, the other will follow. So sorry for the loss of your friend.

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  52. SilkeSeptember 29, 2013 at 10:39 AM

    Anne changed my life in so many ways and I will miss her a lot! She taught me so much about living and dying. But most of all I will miss her sense of humor and her wonderful laugh! Much love, Silke

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  53. Robbie GreySeptember 29, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    Lovely. Beyond that, I have no words.

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  54. HOOTIN ANNIOctober 1, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    Laura...this is a beautiful wonderful share...such gorgeous colors and shows us how nature changes for our eyes to enjoy. And the scents added, I can almost smell the outdoors through your awesome photos!!

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  55. Icy BCOctober 1, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    I love all your leaves shots! They are just so very very beautiful!

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  56. MargaretOctober 1, 2013 at 4:09 PM

    I'm so sorry - but the "dance" was wonderful! Look what you created together... so many people never dance... how sad for them. Hugs.

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  57. AnnemorOctober 2, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    Lovely
    Have a nice day.
    Mormor

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