Semi #Silent Sunday | Love & Faithfulness
Tag: inspiration
Your Day Is Coming!
I am traveling at the moment. Literally sitting in a 12-passenger van with students, my sister (who happens to be a colleague also), and a driver. Even though I have nothing in my head to write about, I don’t want to miss tonight’s post–just in case I actually go through with the insanity of posting every day this month.
I talk to many people who are discouraged about their lives and who have bleak outlooks regarding their futures, so here’s a bit of encouragement I “scribbled” earlier this year:
There comes a time…when it will all make perfect sense, and all the pieces will fall into place. The struggles, your fears, the rejection, delays, and disruptions are refining you and preparing you for the greater assignment and joy ahead. So push through, pray through, and hold on. Your day is coming.
About the Image: I captured the sassy sign at a French Quarter restaurant, Olde NOLA Cookery. The best eggplant poboy (with remoulade sauce, of course)!
I Call Her “Too Much”
When I crafted the autumn flower above for Sheila D’s 30-Day Creative Gathering (Day 24), I sent it to a friend and told her this one might be a little “too much,” so I decided not to use it. Unwilling to leave her in the heap of “never-to-be-seen-again” photo projects, I worked on her a little more.
I tried to mute her brilliance, but no matter what I did, her radiance seeped out. After looking at all the renditions, I looked at her again, and decided…too much is actually okay.
So…
This one is for all of you who have ever felt the need to douse your light or mute your shine to make others comfortable.
This one is for all of you who can tell from the side-eyes, rolled eyes, wide eyes, and blank stares that people just don’t know what to make of you.
This one is for all of you who have been told at one time or another you’re too silly, too loud, too dramatic, too “extra,” too smart, too colorful, too difficult, too much this or too much that.
This one’s for you.
In spite of all those eyes and all those voices that don’t yet appreciate the grandeur of your extraordinary—your “too much”—keep being you.
You might as well. There’s absolutely nothing you can do to subdue your light. Besides, the rest of us love you, and for us, your “too much” is actually okay!
We Need Your Magic!
I wrote the piece below during a writing circle on a “bad writing day,” but when my journal fell open to this page this morning, I gave it a second look and decided someone needs to hear this today:
Sometimes your mind can be a little tricky and untrustworthy. A negative thought about your relationship to others and the world enters your head because of this [insert external stimulus] and because of that [insert external situation]. Somehow, that idea gets stuck and develops into the unfounded notion that you’re not wanted, not valued, not needed.
Listen.to.me.
Please do not allow that errant notion to settle in your mind. Shake.it.out. The world wants, values, and needs every bit of you. Your unique color and light matter.
You matter, and I don’t want to imagine a world without you—without your light, your spark, your smile, your joy, your spunk, your sass, your wit, your crazy, your magic!
Postcards That Make a Statement | Worthy
“We Are Worthy,” Collage Art by Suzette R.
As she took the journey back to her wings, she embraced the truth that she was worthy and that she was enough, just as she was, imperfections and all.
Who Sent It? This gorgeous collage postcard was crafted and sent by my pen friend, Suzette R. She sent this one about four years ago. She shares the inspiration for this and two companion “We Are Worthy” pieces on her blog: Notes from the Road. Have a restful weekend!
Postcards That Make a Statement | Literary Wisdom
Jane Austen, Mansfield Park
Who Sent It? Lisa (LisaLaughs) sent this one for a “literary wisdom” swap for the Cup and Chaucer group on swap-bot. I haven’t really participated in swaps since the beginning of the pandemic. I really enjoyed hosting literary postcard swaps, so I’m trying to find time to get back into it. The postcard comes from a set of 100 Jane Austen postcards, From the Desk of Jane Austen, which features quotes from her books and letters. These have been some of my favorite postcards to send, so I am always happy to receive one (back)!
Postcards That Make a Statement | Good at Heart
Anne Frank (1929-1945) and her family hid for over two years from the Nazis in Holland. Her diary from these yers is an incredible testimony of the human spirit. Artwork by Susan Keeter, oil on canvas, 1996, Syracuse Cultural Workers
…in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.
I have an insanely busy week ahead, so I’m taking it easy on myself with low-effort posts. I will be sharing “quote” postcards I’ve received that haven’t been shared on Pics and Posts before. The posts will be (otherwise) wordless, but feel free to share your own responses and opinions about the quote in the comments. Have a good, productive, and happy week!
Who sent it? The postcard came from a new Love Notes friend, Dove S. She sent this one along with another one that I plan to share this week.
Sunny Blossoms | You Are a Gift
I am just hopping off the road from a trip to New Orleans, so I am too exhausted for the words I’d planned for this evening’s blog post. Rather than “skimp” on the pen friend who sent me a very thoughtful sunflower and letter, I’m sharing one of my own sunflower doodles paired with “poetic wisdom” from Cleo Wade’s Heart Talk.
May these words stir you to appreciate the gift you are…
Seven Favorites from World Watercolor Month | Sunflowers, Of Course!
World Watercolor Month 2022, Day 31 (July 31, 2022)
In her devotional thought, which started this morning’s work session, my colleague, Dr. Sherine talked about the growth processes of a seed, reminding us about the possibilities in us and the beauty that comes through struggle. In ending that part of her discussion and driving the point of the metaphor [of a tiny, dry seed breaking to begin a transformed life], she cautioned–
Breaking happens in the right environment. Otherwise, it’s abuse.
Sit with that for a moment.
Until tomorrow…
Seven Favorites from World Watercolor Month | Rose
World Watercolor Month 2022, Day 1 (July 1, 2022)
The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. –The Emperor, Mulan
Welcome to August, folks! The madness began for many of us in the academic world today, but that didn’t stop my friend Cy from challenging me to blog every day leading up to my blogiversary—which is in the middle of September.
I just might be insane because I’m thinking about accepting the challenge. Since I don’t know what obstacles I’ll face, I’m traveling this road with caution.
So, this week, I’m sharing photo art created during World Watercolor Month, a charitable event to support arts education sponsored by Doodlewash. The challenge to create art every day ended yesterday.
Throughout the month of July, I worked 31+ photos into watercolor-like photo art, at least one per day. I enjoyed taking time out from the daily grind and creating something to share with the world. I “upped my game” a bit this year by processing the photos in multiple applications to achieve unique looks. I shared [cropped to a] square versions of each piece on Instagram.
This week, I will feature seven [uncropped] personal favorites from the month. With each image, I will share something that struck me during the day–a word, a phrase, a poem, a quote. I hear or read so many beautiful things throughout the day, and I’m looking forward to sharing the tidbits with you!
Pics and Posts 