Category: Quotes

Reclaiming April | Letting Go the Good

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Ugh! That was how I woke up yesterday. Why? Because I woke up to the realization that I completely forgot to upload my 52Frames photo for the week. The deadline is 11 pm (central) every Sunday, and with just a few winks of sleep, my 64-week streak ended! What made matters worse was I downloaded the photo selections from my camera moments before I drifted into La-la Land. 

I was sick over it. 

An hour or two later, I wondered why I was so annoyed over losing my streak. As I thought about it more, I realized the streak means nothing to me. 

I joined 52Frames to make sure I was engaged in something creative every week; I figured even if I were so embroiled in work that I was too drained for creative play, at least I’d have one photograph [per week] as evidence of creative fun. 

But there was a problem. 

For the sake of the streak, I usually found myself scrambling at the last minute to fulfill a prompt, and that often involved simply snapping a shot rather than crafting a story or even creating art. That was okay initially, but not long-term.

I find value in the principles of the Framer community, but completing the weekly assignments just for the sake of it no longer serves me.

I am proud that I consistently participated for a whole year (and a quarter) without missing, but as I fretted over forgetting to post, I acknowledged I didn’t have time to hone my craft through the prompts or interact with the community of photographers. That’s a problem because the point of 52Frames is to grow in the art form through the challenges and community engagement. 

Will I still participate? Yes. But only when I have time to devote to the challenges and only when the challenges serve my creative purposes. 

This is just one tiny way I am reclaiming April. 

What about you? Is there anything you’re doing out of habit or pseudo-obligation that is no longer serving you and is no longer truly benefitting you or anyone else? Maybe, it’s time to drop it and reclaim your time.

About the Image: Kathi G, one of my Wildflowers friends, sent the colorful artwork above for International Women’s Day/Women’s History Month. It features the art of Jaymee Laws. Kathi always sends supercool women’s empowerment postcards!

Reclaiming April | Me Too

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Thanks to T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland,” many of us are acutely aware “April is the cruelest month.” In fact, I began to panic about April a week ago because an event or line was added to my calendar and to-do list every time I read an email, answered a call, or left my office for a tiny break.

It is difficult for an academic to not encounter the cruelty of April. There is clearly a lot to do as the school year is winding down and we are preparing for board meetings, graduation, and all the other year-end activities.

Busy is not my favorite state of being. Some people thrive on having too much to do or on jumping from one thing into another. “Resting” is my natural state–not as in doing nothing, but as in taking long breaks from the grind and doing the things I want to do, the things that fuel my soul. And it has been far too long since I picked up a paintbrush, cut paper, made cards, quietly listened to music, or read a novel for pure pleasure.

As I fretted over how I would survive next week with zero time to “rest” (let alone April), my hubby reminded me to give it to God, that only He could ease the anxiety, so I did immediately. [Then, I began to write this post]. 🙂

I am determined to take a moment this weekend to plan the month carefully and build in time to breathe and take care of my soul. I figure–and I truly believe–even during the so-called cruelest month, the work always gets done.

My artsy Wildflower sister, Lori-Anne C, created [and sent] the absolutely stunning art that leads this post in celebration of women and friendship [purple tulips and a sunflower!]. She included a beautiful quote, which is both blessing and instruction. I hope that you will heed the words, take care of you, and reclaim April from the cruel grip of busyness.

May you have the courage this month to break patterns in your life that no longer serve you. Give yourself permission during this time to pause and reflect. And always remember, taking care of yourself doesn’t mean “me first.” It means “me too.” —Becoming Unbusy

Happy April!

Flower Power | You’re the Magic

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The real magic is when you don’t know how it’s going to happen. You don’t know if you’re ever going to make it. You don’t know where this road will take you – or if it’s even taking you anywhere at all. But still, you step forward and keep showing up, even on your hardest days. Sometimes, your steps are small. Other times, they’re a little bigger. But you’re not worried about the pace because you trust that what’s meant for you won’t miss you – that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be in this moment. The real magic is when your mind tries to convince you that you can’t, but you step forward and try anyway because your beating heart tells you that you can. The real magic is you. It’s your courage and commitment. Your belief in a universe where all things are possible. Your refusal to listen to the outer voices over that quiet voice within. It’s in your breath. It’s in your energy. It’s who you are at your core. You’re the gift. You’re the spark. You’re the magic.  —Zanna Keithley

The gorgeous flower featured in today’s post was created by my Wildflowers friend, Marrianna D, a photographer and sketch artist. Lately, she has been doing amazing work with Procreate. You can see more of her work here: Marrianna on Instagram.

Flower Power | Belonging

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I am hanging on by the proverbial thread, but it’s almost Fri-yay! It’s crazy how all the things in life can be nonstop at times, but I am taking a moment to share a little more flower-power before I hit the hay.

Today’s card came from another Wildflower sister, Arielle W. The postcard features her macro photo of a”tiny” bee resting on a black-eyed Susan.  Her sweet message of celebration of women and appreciation for friendship is complemented by a quote from Brené Brown, one of my favorite podcasters:

Belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are. –Brené Brown (emphasis mine)

See ya tomorrow…

Flower Power | You Matter

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IWD Lori W 2023

Darling, before you know it, you’ll feel like you don’t have enough time to be with those you love, to do the things you love, and to be the person you wanna be, so prioritize, start doing it all right now. Make the opportunities count because you count. You matter and are so loved.

The floral Hallmark card above came from another Wildflowers sister, Lori W. She enclosed a cute little handmade card with the words above–the perfect bit of #WednesdayWisdom. Do yourself a favor and jot this one down in a notebook or on a sticky note. Remind yourself: you count, you matter, and you are so loved.

Flower Power | Tears

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You should never let tears prevent you from doing what is right.
Aung San Suukyi

Today’s pretty purple bouquet and quote came from one of my newer pen friends, Anne Lene of Norway. I would love to unpack that quote and write a little about Aung San Suukyi, but I’ve had a long day of meetings and the business of academia, and my brain has been switched to rest. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for more “flower power.”

Flower Power | All That You Touch

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Connie IWD 2023

As usual, I received such beautiful postcards for International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. In fact, the cards are still rolling in (happy mail dance!). For the final days of March we will “glory” in a bit of flower power and womanly wisdom.

All that you touch
you change.
All that you change
changes you.
The only lasting truth
is change.
God
is change. —Octavia Butler, from the Parable of the Sower, 1993.

The spectacular postcard above came from my pen friend, Connie F. On the back of the postcard she added (in a matching orange) the International Women’s Day theme and call to action:

Embrace equity.
Don’t just say it.
Think it. Be it.
Do it. Value it.
Truly embrace it.

No excuses!

Until tomorrow…

Sunflowers and Kindness | #WednesdayWisdom

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Sunnies from Livi2

Bring love wherever you go.
Shine light wherever it’s dark.
Leave blessings wherever you’ve been.
Be kind wherever you are.
-Mary Davis-

About Today’s Sunflowers: The random act of sunflowers in today’s post came from my niece-student, Liv Grace. She surprised me with sunnies and goodies for Valentine’s Day! Speaking of…I missed yesterday’s Valentine’s Day/kindness post because I was wiped out after spending a zillion hours in meetings. I’ll repurpose the post and share it later this week–or maybe, next Valentine’s Day!

Sunflowers and Kindness | National Random Acts of Kindness Week

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Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. –Desmond Tutu

It’s been a long time since we had a “Kindness Week” here on Pics and Posts, so in honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Week this week’s posts will be dedicated to kindness, compassion, and random acts of sunflowers.

Your first task is to visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s website, take a look around, download a few posters and tools, including the RAK Calendar, and get ready to do your part in “making kindness the norm.”

¡Hasta mañana!

About the Sunflowers: The sunflower photos in this post were grown and sent to me by my Wildflowers friend, Kim B. She risked being stung by bees to brighten my day. :-D. Thanks, Kimmy!