Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior’s world. ~Pema Chödrön
What a lovely quote...the older I get, the more I treasure the simple things. They bring me such comfort and happiness. Stepping outside with my camera and trying to capture the things I see every day is a very good way to remind myself of this. These are some shots of plants and flowers in my yard...I walk past them often and many times am too busy to even notice. But with my camera in hand, I'm forced to stop and take it all in.
Taking these photos reminds me that beautiful things are all around me...living things that continue growing, thriving, and reaching for the sky even as I stress over my daily to do list. When I'm in this photo-taking frame of mind, my blood pressure drops and I automatically breathe easier. People always say that exercise is a great stress-reliever, and I agree...but so is photography! It forces you inward, takes your mind off your worries, and allows you to focus on something outside yourself.
I'm linking up today with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday...in the second photo above, looking up at the trees in my back yard, I used her "Touch of One" texture at Multiply/100%. I also put all of these images into Radlab to achieve the wonderful, dreamy appearance. I love this effect...it captures the essence of summer memories, I think - those memories of summer we all reach for once winter comes and warm, green days are long behind us.
What a great, and TRUE, quote! I've never heard that one before, but it is def now one of my favs :) Great shots too!
ReplyDeleteFantastic quote, I so agree. Love all your shots here - the tree with all the white flowers is amazing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love all the different stages of growth you've captured.
ReplyDeleteLovely Sylvia, that white tree is awesome with all of the blooms. Marvelous
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful. I think photography is a form of exercise, you are walking and lifting your camera, and being active.
ReplyDeleteA great quote, and a timely reminder....
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely 'summer' photos and I love the quote. It's true ... the older we get, the more we crave simplicity. Maybe it comes with wisdom ... {or we're just tired of housework.}
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images and processing. And I agree completely about photography as a stress-reliever!
ReplyDeletegosh i just could not agree more about photography. really helps quiet my mind and focus on the present moment. such beautiful photos to accompany this wonderful quote. a friend of mine recommend one of her books...will definitely check into now.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! The beauty of summer gardens captured in your photo and quote.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and quote, I love her books... and what you said about photography is so true
ReplyDeleteAround the corner of the neighborhood has been a beautiful field of dandelions. I loved driving by their merry yellow heads...then someone plowed them down. Yes, beauty is everywhere as your photos attest to.
ReplyDeleteNature is so often a stress reliever and relaxer for me, too. I love to sit and just gaze at the sky in the early evenings. Unless I'm driving.
ReplyDeleteThe shots are so great, and i love that quote!!
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