Several times I sat down to share with you the very special day I had yesterday with my two boys, Trevor and Coleman, and Coleman's girlfriend, Britta, along with their two fine pups, Bella and Bruce, but all my words seemed so inadequate. Instead, I decided to share this with you, which really feels more like a prayer, a pathway to grace:
The Snow goose need not bathe to make itself white, neither need you do anything but be yourself.
~ Lao Tzu
Photograph by Ansel Adams
How true that some experiences require little explanation to experience its full meaning. Grace is found in authenticity and sincerity.
ReplyDeleteDid you share that with your sons? I'm sure they'd be pleased, although they may not tell you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sentiment!
Oh, that's just perfect! It's really true if only we'd remember it.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that you had such a nice day. (A beautiful photo, too.)
That's a beautiful quote.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good Thanksgiving. Somehow having the kids there always makes it so much fun...and the pups must have been a hoot as well.
That Ole Ansel sure could take a picture. So happy you had a precious day with your boys and their friends and dogs. If that Lao Tzu is telling me not to bath, I ain't gonna do it!!!! Ha Ha, By the way..... this is my true self.
ReplyDeleteManzi
Lovely quote. I felt it myself this Thanksgiving, spending it with family. No one walked on eggshells.
ReplyDeletePaul, Thank you for your cogent remarks. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteTracy, My sons are very expressive people and we have such good, open communication, for which I'm so grateful. The quote used here was actually given to me by Coleman, my younger son.
Karen, It is fun, having the kids around. The pups gave the day a wonderful energy and many fun moments, too. Bella had on a pink "sweater," and Bruce had sort of a '60's patterned one of skull and cross bones and peace signs. A hoot, indeed.
Hi Manzi! I have no doubt that your true self had a very good day. :)
Linda, It's nice to be at this stage of life and with people who accept and appreciate each other, absolutely no eggshells. It is a good feeling....
I like the idea. I do think that the admonition to "be yourself" should depend on who you are. Some people would be way better off being someone else. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMurr, Are you thinking of anyone in particular? :) I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving, too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quote. I grew up thinking my purpose in life was to make my self better, constantly better. My husband had a hard time getting me to understand that someone can love you for who you are, not for what you do.
ReplyDeleteWhen love gets linked with expectation it can devolve into never-ending dissatisfaction. You found a life partner who understands the true nature of love. Thank you for reading and commenting.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a special day with your family Teresa ~ sometimes there is now words needed. The memories just fill up your head and the love fills your heart and they don't need to go anywhere else!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a happy weekend!
xo Catherine
Hi Cat! Exactly so. I am having a happy weekend. Thank You. I trust you are as well.
ReplyDeleteYour post is perfect in every way - more words aren't necessary.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilyn. Very much.
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought the photo was one you took, what a great quote. I was wondering what you were up to; glad you're having a wonderful visit with your family.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish it were my photo! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm just sort of layin' low, as they say. Quiet time. Thanks, Linda.
First time visitor. I really liked the quote. How true. From a fellow Minnesotan. :)
ReplyDeletetroutbirder, Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it very much. I've checked out your blogs. Thank you for identifying, with your photographs, a bird that visited my feeder a couple of weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quote and photo TeresaE. What a lovely festival Thanksgiving is.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Nothing can beat an Anssel Adams photo! Life is good...Physical therapy going well. Typing with two hands now. Yippee!Getting a new Mac soon and as soon as I can operate my camera I'll be back in business!
ReplyDeleteHi Joan, Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteAnd Kate! Good to hear from you. So glad you're doing well. A new Mac...sounds very nice. I look forward to new posts, new photos.
Teresa, I think you and Ansil Adams are soulmates. Your few words said so much, all wrapped in peace and harmony. I'm so happy you had a beautiful holiday. Kodak memories forever. You are truly blessed and this warms my heart.
ReplyDeleteKittie, That's quite the compliment. His life certainly provides me with much inspiration. Thank you for your kind words. They're very much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteTeresa, my wife, Katherine Bowling, told me about your request to feature her work on your blog and I wanted to thank you for your interest and for doing a beautiful piece on her. We all like to feel appreciated and Katherine is no exception and your piece and its timing had a profound effect on her as she, like most artists, is occasionally troubled by self-doubt.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit to getting a few tears of pride when I read your blog, just as I did when the Elle Decor piece came out.
Your spirit shines though your blog and makes me wish there were a lot more people like you in the world.
Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to us both and I am sure, many others too.
Paul Mutimear
pmutimear@yahoo.com
Mr. Mutimear, I cannot adequately express how grateful I am for being able to do the post on her and her beautiful work. This is an inspiration to me and my life, as well. Thank you, so very much, for taking the time to express your thoughts about it to me. I'm so glad you both feel that I presented it in a good light. How could I not? It speaks for itself. And, it speaks of beauty and love for this world. My best to both of you.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Simplicity, beauty and family. Perfect. Then, any day with Ansel's work in it gets you pretty far down the road to perfect. They never cease to take my breath, his images.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Chris
Well said, Chris!
ReplyDelete