{These photos are just some from a recent rainy day, definitely few & far between around here.}
A huge theme in my life this past year or more has been Inspiration. So I thought I'd share some, if only to shake things up a bit.
I love being inspired. I have found inspiration on Pinterest, which I often refer to as pinspiration. From activities to do with Keira, to making my own laundry detergent, to scrapbooking inspiration in Project Life.
I've also followed my own inspiration to learn how to do this parenting thing a bit better. It's definitely a process, but I think I'm making good progress.
I even follow bloggers who inspire me regularly with anecdotes, photos, & their stories. Here are a couple of quotes I have recently come across that I'd like to share...
{This quote is in reference to that of Martin Luther King Jr., "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."}
"I want to stay in love when fear drives me to hate and judgement. I want practice gratitude and cultivate joy in the darkness. That doesn't mean that I can't be afraid or sad or vulnerable, it simply means that reacting to tragedy by living in fear doesn't create empathy, it breeds more fear. Here's to love and light. As an imperfect practice. As a daring prayer." -Brene' Brown {She has written several books that are definitely on my wish list!}
And here's another. This one about the perils of positivity. Who knew, right? "To focus on the positive, you must also acknowledge the negative... What is created is an inner conflict between your mind and soul... So be aware. Be in touch. Move into authenticity mode. This is learning to be yourself in any moment and also allowing others so do the same. That is pure freedom! Then you will discover something else quite radical. Nobody is ever wrong or right or just or unjust... everything just is. The battle is now officially over." -Eden Kozlowski {You can link to the blog post here.} Definitely food for thought.
I am not only actively seeking inspiration, but also striving to put it into action; in thought, word, & deed. Struggling to transform inspired plans into tangible results is definitely where I am at the moment. So glad to have you along for the journey. A wonderful Easter weekend to all you out there in the blogosphere!
Dear Shiloh: Ok, I am trying again. I love you sharing your inspirational thoughts. They really hit home with me. One thought that you have shared and it is with me always, is "Grow where you are planted." I have found myself many times in life where I don't want to be, but then the thought comes to me, "Grow where you are planted!" You and Bob practice this perfectly. I find that you always grow where you are planted. I know this is a Mary E. quote, but it means so much I will not forget it.
ReplyDeleteI also liked what Martin L. King says about darkness, light, fear and love. He was such a wise man; much like Gandhi. I wish I could be like these great men, but I am happy we can learn from them. My Dad was a wise man too and I find myself missing him and Mom right now very much.
Your weather looks terrifying. Do tornadoes every touch down there? Believe it or not we had one touch down here about a year ago about 30 minutes away. Believe it or not a man moved his family from back East to Oregon because his wife was killed by a tornado and 50 years later a tornado hit his home in Oregon. Life can be so strange sometimes.
Love Joy
Yes, I like the 'Bloom where you're planted' quote. Another one M.E. painted, which is actually from George Eliot, that I rather like is hanging above my desk: 'It's never too late to be what you might have been'. There are lots of inspirational quotes out there, but some just seem to resonate more than others, & that's the whole point, I think. No, no tornadoes here, not yet anyway, knock on wood. Yes, it's true that life is strange sometimes. I don't think there's anywhere you can go on earth to escape Mother Nature. If it's not earthquakes, it's tornadoes, or tsunamis, or hurricanes, or wildfires, or volcanoes, or tropical storms, or ice storms, or drought, or floods, etc. etc. It's always something no matter where you go. xoxo.
DeleteWell Shiloh, how do you make laundry soap? I compare everything to Tide, my favorite laundry soap. Does it really get your clothes clean? How long does it take to make?
ReplyDeleteJoy
Joy, you can find the recipe at http://beingcreativetokeepmysanity.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-laundry-soap.html#comments . I think it works very well. We made it last summer I think, gave some away, & still have lots left! It's definitely thrifty! It only takes about 1/2 hour to make & cost about $20 for all the supplies, the most expensive item is the oxyclean. It's good to have someone strong around to mix it up for you though. Then I just put it ziploc freezer bags to store. I can smell it every time I open the linen cupboard.:-)
Delete