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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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Be a Blessing


i can show you pretty skies




placid clouds above a lake



yesterday was drained of its own color
until a sudden hurricane of leaves
ripped noisy questions
right out of my head 




littered across the yard this morning


 

no answers



still 




the unresolved wreckage is undeniably



beautiful




linking to:
Ein Stuk Himmel
d'verse
weekend reflections



I know it is only Tuesday and I'm posting early for some memes. I won't see my doctor until Thursday. Waiting is hard. Patience is feeling thin. AND I'm so grateful to have blue skies out my window today.  I was able to walk in the back yard for a few minutes this morning to take the leaf photos before returning to bed. Connecting with nature is essential for my emotional wellbeing. My sweet husband has taken me for a couple of car rides so I could shoot photos over the past two weekends. He knows how much it helps to not be caged in the bedroom every day. He's so busy even on the weekends. I greatly appreciate his kindness. It is the little things that make a big difference. Thank you to everyone who has sent emails and left thoughtful comments on my blog. My friend Rabbi Nancy Flam reminded me of two important words in Lech Lecha, this week's Torah portion “vehiyey brachah," "be a blessing.” And while she meant it in a general way of course, she also intended for me to turn it toward myself. Holy distractions, seeing the beauty of the world in the midst of inner and physical turmoil, is the best way I know to quiet the questions and rest in the comfort of here and now. Thank you Nancy.

 As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel taught: 

Just to be is a blessing.



So it isn't even a choice, we ARE. Noticing, that's the choice.

Don't forget to share the love up close with I Heart Macro, the linky opens @ 8pm EST Saturday evening. I may not have the energy to visit everyone, but I know you will visit one another.

Shine the Divine


PS. I'm not experiencing any pain. My symptoms are primarily related to my ability to speak, and move in a coordinated fashion, as well as deep, deep fatigue.

at 3:02 PM
Labels: , , , ,
Posted by Laura

88 comments:

  1. TimurOctober 8, 2013 at 3:10 PM

    Hello...

    wow these are so nice landscape photos ... marvelous !!

    Greetings from Germany

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kim MailhotOctober 8, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    Glad that Nature is sharing its peace and beauty with you as you wait, Laura.
    Love and light to you.

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  3. ClaudiaOctober 8, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    i can imagine how important those moments in nature are.. and how lovely of your husband as well that he takes you out for your photo shoots... such wonderful pics again...they make me breathe a bit deeper...thanks for this... and sending blessings your way..

    ReplyDelete
  4. GabriellaOctober 8, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    I am sorry to read you are home-bound and in pain Laura. I truly hope your visit to the doctor will prove helpful. Thank you for encouraging us to be a blessing and for sharing your beautiful words and the photos your husband took.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MaryOctober 8, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    So glad to see the beautiful pictures in your blog. Seems your husband is as gifted in photography as you are! And you continue to have such a gift of words. We all need to keep in mind the idea of being a blessing to others. Thank you for that.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 8, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    Beautiful words and pictures. You truly are a blessing to be able to share such beauty when you're not well. Thinking of you. I do hope your doctor's appointment goes well.

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  7. LauraOctober 8, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    My husband will get a kick out of the photography compliments... they are MY photos... he's not a camera guy... fantastic musician... but not so much of a visual artist:-)

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  8. rudyanOctober 8, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    very pretty autumn splendour

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  9. Optimistic ExistentialistOctober 8, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    Oh how I love these beautiful autumn photos :)

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  10. Brian MillerOctober 8, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    the beautiful wreckage of autumn...i love the little whirlwinds of leaves too...ha...they are fun watch....

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  11. kissed by an angelOctober 8, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    Dear Laura,
    I admire you! You are a strong and wonderful person and a blessing for a lot of people!
    I hope for it, soon, your movability improves itself again. I like your photos and your gift of words very much!
    Keep on shining!
    Wish you all the best,
    Katrin

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  12. One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods.October 8, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    you are a blessing to me.
    your images and kind words.
    I pray improvement for you soon.
    have just came out of 5 weeks of deep pain
    and isolation
    living solo, children across the miles and just me
    oh - but God was always there as I cried out to him.
    Now
    how can I be a blessing to others.

    ReplyDelete
  13. kaykualaOctober 8, 2013 at 4:49 PM

    A beautiful scene that often goes by unheralded! You've captured the scenes so well in keeping of the glorious feel of golden brown. Great write Laura!

    Hank

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  14. aprilleOctober 8, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    "One truth is clear: Whatever is, is right", Alexander Pope.

    Those falling leaves are ahead of schedule, aren't they?
    Sorry to hear you re experiencing a set back in your health.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Audrey Howitt aka DivaloungerOctober 8, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    The wreckage can be beautiful--chaos is stunning sometimes--beautiful Laura!

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  16. GraceOctober 8, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Beautiful autumn leaves & words ~

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hula LaOctober 8, 2013 at 6:03 PM

    Lovely shots! Exhaling my very best intentions out to through the universe to you! Much Aloha to you!

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  18. Daniela Augustka BlahOctober 8, 2013 at 6:25 PM

    Beautifull pictures. I like autumn.

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  19. MargieOctober 8, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    Laura, the photos are all beautiful.
    Continue to bless yourself with all the beauty of abounding nature.
    I find my most peaceful times in nature.

    Keeping you in my good thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  20. ayalaOctober 8, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    Beautiful wreckage... Gorgeous pictures and words.

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  21. Laurie KolpOctober 8, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    Yes... nature's wreckage can be beautiful.

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  22. simply bevOctober 8, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    Waiting is very hard. I'm glad you are able to find comfort in the blue skies and autumn leaves when you can.

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  23. hkhunterarts@gmail.comOctober 8, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    Laura, the juxtaposition of the hurricane wreckage and the blue skies are such great metaphors for the notion of finding peace in the maelstrom of thoughts and waiting...and there is so much heart in the redness of the leaves and in your words. Thank you!

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  24. HilaryOctober 8, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    I had to scroll back on a few posts to see what's going on with you. I wish this setback to be brief and light. May you find the strength that always resides in your beautiful heart. Hugs to you, dear one.

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  25. KatieOctober 8, 2013 at 8:09 PM

    I really, really liked this! Loved the pictures between the words, brings everything up a level! :-)

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  26. Sherry Blue SkyOctober 8, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    You are always so inspiring, Laura. I am thinking of you this week. Glad you are getting out to enjoy the glorious leaf color when you can. You see with an artist's and a poet's eye, and then gift us with the vision. Blessings to you, kiddo.

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  27. Sandy CarlsonOctober 8, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing so much that is beautiful even when you struggle.

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  28. CarverOctober 8, 2013 at 9:46 PM

    Wonderful shots. Such a beautiful time of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sharp Little PencilOctober 8, 2013 at 10:35 PM

    Laura, I'm glad you are not in pain and that your wonderful partner understands ALL your needs, including photography ana nature. Your images of summer giving way to fall, so beautiful, yet melancholy.

    I will pray for you. Have patience... have light. Amy

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  30. Anna ChamberlainOctober 8, 2013 at 11:39 PM

    Beautiful, nature is good for the soul.

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  31. ClaireOctober 9, 2013 at 2:54 AM

    Just beautiful... As always, Laura, your words and images are just perfect together!
    Blessings to you, dear one x

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  32. TracyOctober 9, 2013 at 4:01 AM

    WONDERFUL moments in time, Laura... and your words inspire. Like you, I'm in sort of a waiting phase... and I'm learning it is a time of blessings. That in the midst of difficult there is much gold. And I love that "Holy distractions" :O) When we must rest & wait, so much beauty... Hope you are resting more tenderly... ((HUGS))

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  33. A wondering starOctober 9, 2013 at 4:16 AM

    Amazing pictures and beautiful words ... Just gorgeous captures, Laura - Thanks for sharing.

    Jorunn Norway


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  34. SharonOctober 9, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    Laura, you have been a blessing in my life since the moment I "met" you online. Your words and photos shed light on beauty everywhere. May you be peaceful and at ease ~

    ReplyDelete
  35. DeniseinVAOctober 9, 2013 at 12:39 PM

    I always enjoy your lovely posts Laura, thank you!

    I am still in Germany but wedding celebrations are now winding down and I was able to get on line for a little while. We will be doing some sight-seeing tomorrow and in a few days we will be on our way home.

    ReplyDelete
  36. MaryOctober 9, 2013 at 6:12 PM

    Such wonderful words and photos! So adorable!

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  37. MastHolidayOctober 10, 2013 at 2:04 AM

    Cool photo and a great time of change in nature!
    Nice post..

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ajay KumarOctober 10, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    Beautiful photographs! happy sky watching ..

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  39. HansHBOctober 10, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    A lovely post, great sky and Autumn-colors too!

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  40. SteffiOctober 10, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Great autumnal photos,Laura!Have a nice day!

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  41. katerchenOctober 10, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    die klaren Farben des Herbstes..wunderschön

    LG vom katerchen

    ReplyDelete
  42. Marit Helene GåslandOctober 10, 2013 at 10:25 AM

    So beautiful pictures, beautiful fall colors and water surface.

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousOctober 10, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    Hope it went well at the doctor's.

    Gorgeous shots and words!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Karin M.October 10, 2013 at 3:22 PM

    Wundervolle Landschaftsaufnahmen und Herbstblätter...
    der goldene Herbst...
    Liebe Grüße, Karin

    ReplyDelete
  45. RajeshOctober 10, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    Beautiful views.

    ReplyDelete
  46. CarverOctober 10, 2013 at 3:58 PM

    Wonderful fall shots.

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  47. AnonymousOctober 10, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    Beautiful photography ~ be well ~ sending reiki distant healing energy ~ you are a blessing as is your hubby ~ carol, xo

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  48. KarenOctober 10, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    Lovely. That second shot is so beautiful with that reflection.

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  49. eileeninmdOctober 10, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    Beautiful skies and lovely Autumn leaves! Your photos are lovely, Laura! Have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Dee H.October 10, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    Love the clouds in the 1st one.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Kate MiaOctober 10, 2013 at 9:10 PM

    I lost the meaning of sacred until I lost all that I was..now everything is sacred...even a letter a number or a blade of grass..the blue sky is my chalice and I drink the wind...

    Your words are a reminder of what IS...

    ReplyDelete
  52. lina@womens perspectivesOctober 10, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    Wonderful nature shots, Laura.
    Send you hugs. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  53. ArijaOctober 11, 2013 at 1:00 AM

    I love looking through your eyes and well, we do have to find the answers ourselves otherwise we don't recognise them.

    ReplyDelete
  54. ErcotravelsOctober 11, 2013 at 1:46 AM

    Scenic natural views....

    ReplyDelete
  55. NadelmascheOctober 11, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    Hallo,

    danke für Deine Worte zu meinen Passionsblumen, ich habe mich sehr gefreut.

    Viele liebe Grüße von Nadelmasche

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  56. Kusum SanuOctober 11, 2013 at 6:16 AM

    Blue sky and the fall color! Lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  57. orchid MiyakoOctober 11, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Dearest Laura,
    Wow, sky, reflection and beautiful fall pictures♡♡♡　 I hope I will have a chance to take pictures of the sky soon:-)
    Thank you very much for stopping by!
    Lots of Love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

    ReplyDelete
  58. Bill NichollsOctober 11, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    Such great photos the skys and the colours are beautiful

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  59. 'TsukiOctober 11, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    These are so pretty Autumn reflections... Thnaks for this lovely sharing.

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  60. My name is RietOctober 11, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    What a beautiful post. Be well >

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  61. AlOctober 11, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    Beautiful fall photos. I wish you the best.

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  62. LadyD PianoOctober 11, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    Oh my goodness... what gorgeous fall colors and skies. Indeed, you live in a beautiful place!

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  63. Christine K.October 11, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    such lovely autumn photos and wise words!

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  64. GigaOctober 11, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    Oczekiwanie na diagnozy lekarskie jest bardzo trudne i podziwiam Cię, że potrafisz widzieć piękno w widoku nieba i liści jesiennych. Pozdrawiam serdecznie i życzę szybkiego wyzdrowienia.
    Waiting for medical diagnosis is very difficult and I admire you that you can see the beauty in the view of the sky and autumn leaves. I cordially greet and wish you a speedy recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  65. TexWisGirlOctober 11, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    just gorgeous colors and reflections!

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  66. Sally in WAOctober 11, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    Beautiful photos with the fall colors.

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  67. thomasOctober 11, 2013 at 10:16 PM

    Lovely autumn sky.

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  68. Louis la VacheOctober 11, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    What a fabulous series of images!

    «Louis» thanks you for your visit to San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

    ReplyDelete
  69. GattinaOctober 12, 2013 at 2:11 AM

    Wonderful pictures ! The view of nature and beauty certainly helps to support your disease continue to fight I wish you all the best !

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  70. JimOctober 12, 2013 at 5:13 AM

    So many good shots

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  71. VieraOctober 12, 2013 at 5:35 AM

    Beautiful collection of the autumns pictures... nicely done...

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  72. steffi möOctober 12, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    ..wow..beautiful...
    herzlichst Steffi

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  73. Minoru SaitoOctober 12, 2013 at 6:51 AM

    Hi! Ilike the first and second photos very much. Nice autumn landscapes. Thanks for sharing.

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  74. IndraniOctober 12, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    Such wonderful captures!

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  75. ClikOctober 12, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Very beautiful yuor Blog, fantást Pics Nature, Flowers!

    Greatings from Brasil........a new Friend.......???

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  76. HannahOctober 12, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    Beautiful blue sky and reflections in the tranquil mountain lake. The leaves fall, but spring awaits!

    ReplyDelete
  77. MargieOctober 12, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    Thinking of you today, Laura.
    My husband and I went to temple last and I said some prayers for you.
    Hope the Dr's visit went well.
    Keeping you in my good thoughts today.

    ReplyDelete
  78. tobyOctober 13, 2013 at 12:36 AM

    All beautiful, skies and otherwise - I'm so glad that you had the opportunity to capture these and share them with us!
    Here's hoping that you're feeling well soon!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Janice / Dancing with SunflowersOctober 13, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    Your autumn scenes are beautiful, Laura. I have read the previous few posts and hope you are recovering well and feeling stronger and healthier each day. Until you are fully well again, I'm sure the occasional outing to capture scenes such as these will help.

    ReplyDelete
  80. LaloofahOctober 13, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    "Nature vs Nurture" is nonsense - Nature IS Nurture! :-) Your colors are lovely - and the reflection of the sky in that sweet little pond is incredible! What serenity!

    Wishing you well, Laura!

    ReplyDelete
  81. LeoviOctober 13, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    Wonderful leaves with beautiful lights, great fall colors in these beautiful pictures!

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  82. Donna@Gardens Eye ViewOctober 13, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    So glad to hear that nature is giving you some respite...it helps us in so may ways...love, light and healing coming your way!!

    ReplyDelete
  83. ✿ chicaOctober 14, 2013 at 4:31 PM

    Quanta coisa tão linda pre ver e admirar por aqui! Deixo um beijo, desejando uma linda semana! chica

    ReplyDelete
  84. Linneas Atelje PhotographyOctober 15, 2013 at 4:21 AM

    Beautiful fall photos :)

    ReplyDelete
  85. Caterina GiglioOctober 15, 2013 at 1:41 PM

    gorgeous as always.. such beauty here... and so glad to know that you are at least not in pain... and we do collect the same treasures, it is a reminder of how transient we are and to be grateful for every day... xox

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  86. Caterina GiglioOctober 15, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    I don't know where my comment went... oh well... gorgeous as always and I am so glad to know that you are not in pain... and yes we do collect the same treasures... it is my way of reminding me that we are transient beings and to be grateful for every day... xoxox

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  87. ElectraOctober 15, 2013 at 11:11 PM

    Beautiful images, it's a real tribute to autumn.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Betty LuckhurstOctober 21, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    I have visited your blog on occasion bu,t apparently, have seemed to always miss the parts about your MS until now. I find your attitude quite refreshing. :) I will keep you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete

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