In late November, while walking at dusk with the moon rising, my husband and I witnessed thousands of geese migrating over us….we lost count at 30 groups, moving higher and higher as they sang their glorious song of farewell. This poem was created on that walk. I will be taking a hiatus from blogging for a few weeks to devote time to enjoying the season without the rush. I’ll see you after the New Year.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about the Kiss the Sky. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2018. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
I wrote this poem as I thought about those first true warm spring days where the light, and sounds and scents all change and add such an excitement. And I am dreaming of those spring days now and that light, and the sounds and especially the scents. All are gone in winter….replaced by a different canopy.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about the Spring’s Song. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2018. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
The idea of this poem was originally written as a birthday tribute for a true flower woman who creates fields of flowers from seed. I kept the idea, but changed it to reflect the birthday of another gardener/flower woman, me. I am celebrating my birthday next week, and am pleased to have lived and loved for 61 years now.
The pictures are of native lupines. They were seeded in my meadow by this flower woman’s hands. They symbolize imagination. So apt as I imagined creating this beautiful meadow, and have not been disappointed.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about the Flower Woman. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2018. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
This poem has a double meaning for me…the expectancy of spring and spring planting, and the expectancy of growth along my personal path as I read, learn, experience and share my life lessons.
As the full moon is upon us, I am reminded that spring planting by the phases of the moon is said to enhance harvests. Some gardeners suggest sowing seeds for crops that yield an above ground harvest between the new moon and full moon. Root crops are best planted when the moon is going from full moon to new moon. While I have never tried this, I have gardener friends who swear by this planting method.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about Expectant. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2018. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
I leave you with a few additional words about I Wonder. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2018. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
I have long known that the ocean is my home. I come home to the ocean and am reconnected to my creator…..my soul. There is an exhilaration I cannot find anywhere else on this earth. And I long to be in its environs whenever close. So upon a recent visit to the ocean, I was reminded of this deep connection….to the creation of life in the soup of the sea. And this poem poured forth.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about Born of Water. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2018. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
I wrote this poem after meeting this amazing animal. He is a rescue cat that my nieces fell in love with. He is thought to be part Persian and has an abnormally long tail. A kitten when they brought him home, and 6 months old when I met him. He made quite an impression on me, wrapping his long tail around my heart. And this poem came leaping out of me on the trip home.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about Percy-He Watches. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2017. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
I have debated about publishing this little poem as it was so short, and I wondered if it was finished. But I believe at this point it is perfect. Of course I may change my mind eventually.
It was created as a mantra to go back to in times of need….it says it all for me. The yellow roses here are from my garden and represent ‘Happiness‘.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up, Poetry Pantry, for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about life’s happiness. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2017. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
I was reading a wonderful book, which inspired me to write a stream of consciousness poem in one minute this summer…staying in the moment. So I went out after a rainstorm, sat on my step, breathed in and observed for one minute (OK 3 minutes) and wrote my thoughts and observations from the heart.
The pictures here are of bees going crazy for my native Summersweet bush flowers this summer…it has a dreamy scent.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up, Poetry Pantry, for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about nature speak. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2017. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
I had not written much since last August due to a shoulder injury and due to a need to travel inward….a self-imposed time away. But on a sunny day in early April when I began my new journal habit, this poem flowed forth trying to break the ice damn that had built up. It was how I was feeling sitting in my garden waiting for it to wake up….and hoping my creative juices would do the same.
The pictures above is of my early spring pond a bit muddy, and below my later spring pond full of life and water lilies.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up, Poetry Pantry, for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about muddy waters. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2017. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
This poem came streaming out of me after I finally let go of my fears and attended a writer’s conference. I knew this was going to be a big step towards fulfilling my destiny, and that once I entered, and crossed the threshold, there was no turning back!
The pictures here are hummers visiting the garden this year…they represent pure bliss and joy!
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up, Poetry Pantry, for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about taking back a life. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2017. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
This poem is a remembrance for my Aunt Mary who passed away July 3rd. A dear friend said to me that dwelling on missing her would only bring sadness and depression….but celebrating her light would bring me solace and peace. I liked that idea and this poem came to me the next day. You can read my tribute post to my aunt here.
I am joining Poets Unitedfor their Poetry Pantry linkup. July 12th was my 3rd blog anniversary….what an amazing 3 years of creativity it has been.
The picture at the top is of my Aunt Mary with a few sweet peas, snapdragons and lavender. The vase below is more of these same sweet flowers.
I leave you with a another image about an extra-ordinary life. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2017. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
It has been almost a year since I have written here on this blog….since I injured my shoulder and had to listen to my body and really rest which meant no writing or gardening (I am right handed and the injury was to my right shoulder). I learned to be more left- handed….and it has been a good rest. I have discovered much about myself and my journey while away.
I had no clue when and how I would return to this blog and writing poetry. But the day my beloved Aunt Mary passed (July 3rd) I wrote a blog post on my other blog and 3 poems. This poem is one of them. It seems the floodgates are open again. This poem is based on my interpretation of a quote I used on my tribute post to my aunt. It captures my essence and my purpose these days and how much Aunt Mary has influenced my life. I hope you enjoy it.
… so this is for us. This is for us who sing, write, dance, act, study, run and love and this is for doing it even if no one will ever know because the beauty is in the act of doing it. Not what it can lead to…
~Charlotte Eriksson
I am joining Poets Unitedfor their Poetry Pantry linkup. The roses here have been blooming in my garden for weeks in honor of my Aunt Mary Rose.
I leave you with a another image about creating. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2017. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
“You have to be burning with an idea, or a problem, or a wrong that you want to right. If you’re not passionate enough from the start, you’ll never stick it out.” ~Steve Jobs
Recently, I took part in a week-long Photo Quest (#celebrateARTlife ), put together by Whitney Freya. I find when I take part in photo challenges, I really reach deep inside and touch my creative soul. So I was excited to participate.
Each day we were given prompts, and then asked to look at the symbolism of our subject. I liked the idea of the symbolism, as it revealed much about me, and where I am on my journey.
Initially, I posted these photos and narratives on my Facebook Page, but I wanted to combine them and post them here too, where I like to showcase what I am creating. I hope you enjoy the Photo Quest as much as I did…..
On Day 1, we had to post a picture of a favorite piece in our house that has special meaning for us. I chose my Garden Water Maiden statue. Here is what I wrote about this photo:
As a long time gardener, she has special meaning for me. I feel she symbolizes gardeners like myself who cherish the land and the critters who live there. She has made her home in my house for a number of years.
And the water jug she carries symbolizes healing water.
Water also symbolizes friendship and love connecting us to the world. It is vital for life, and is a feminine element. Water is also the element of emotion, purification, intuition, mysteries of the self, compassion and family. Water seems to be the perfect symbol for me now as I work on healing and connecting. And we could all use a bit more healing with cleansing water in the world!
On Day 2, I had to take a picture of my favorite color at the moment. I was surprised with my choice:
Right now pink is catching my eye. I don’t have much pink in the house, but I have a few key pieces like this lovely rose quartz box that belonged to my mother-in-law. It is special and means a lot to me.
Pink has special significance for me right now too. It has very special meanings that are an important part of my healing journey. Pink represents unconditional love, hope, compassion and nurturing. Pink is intuitive, and shows kindness. And pink can signify good health. What a luscious color in my world right now.
Day 3 we had to take a photo of a shape or pattern that was catching my eye. I thought it would take a while to zero in on one, but I noticed my shape right away:
It seems stars are shining for me at the moment. This one is of particular significance; a gift from a dear friend in NM.
Stars have wonderful symbolism and shine the light on our self-reliance. They also symbolize navigation; for me it is navigating a new path with retirement and writing. Stars seem to be guiding my way to my passion and dream, and suggesting I take some bold steps. And this particular star has the Native American lizard symbol on it, also significant for me right now as it represents healing and survival.
Day 4’s prompt was perfect for me, as we had to take a photo of a flower that was most attractive at the moment. I wasn’t sure what flower I would choose until I went into the garden:
Echinacea purpurea, also know as coneflower, is a native wildflower growing throughout my garden smiling on me every day.
It is a special flower as it represents Strength and Health.And it is said that Echinacea helps remove whatever is holding you back allowing you to let go of stagnate energy.It also supports transitions to new ways of doing things.You should use Echinacea when your self-image is beginning to change, but you haven’t completely become your “new” self.
It is interesting that this flower is capturing my attention as I continue on my journey of retirement, change and healing.A good flower to keep around me!
On Day 5, we had to create a mandala with materials found inside or out. I had so many ideas, but when I happened on these materials:
I thought about flower petals and stones outside.But it was hot and humid, so instead I noticed some California poppy petals curled and dried on my little bench indoors.I gathered some little stones and some live petals from a hydrangea flower in a vase, to add to the mandala.
I am combining materials from the indoors with outdoors for my mandala.And if you look closely you will see both live and dead materials.The live or current ringing the past.And there is much pollen left in those long dead petals, which seem to represent my past life.These seem to say to me that I have learned so much from my past, and it has propelled me to my current place now.
I also found working with such small materials to represent the minimalism and mindfulness that I am adopting these days.All in all, this seems to be a pretty significant mandala that I created today.
Day 6 had us displaying our sacred space. I have one inside and one outside, so:
I thought I would show a peek at the altar in my sacred space indoors.It holds many cherished memories and mementos.It is where I go to relax, to meditate, to read and reflect.
The picture is one of water lilies to remind me of my pond and cleansing water.The bowl is from a friend filled with last year’s rose petals….the parts of me I am letting go.The cloisonné bell was a present from my parents that was given to me in my former life as a teacher.In the right hand corner you can see a bit of the Georgia O’Keeffe comparative stamps given to me by a dear friend and a picture of my dad.And the vase of fresh white flowers represents my outdoor sacred space, my garden.White is significant as it symbolizes light, goodness and safety.
I painted this sacred space a bright vibrant green, a very significant color as green is the color of life, renewal, nature, and energy.It also represents growth, fertility and environment. All the feelings important to cultivate in my sacred space.When I enter there, I have the feeling that I am home.
Finally on Day 7, we had to take a selfie of ourselves doing something we love. What a way to end the quest, with the most challenging prompt:
Those who know me well, know I do not take selfies, but I certainly am up to the challenge.I decided to take a picture of myself doing something I have loved to do since I was very young….reading.I spend hours a day reading for pleasure.And my favorite spot is in my sacred place in my rocker next to the window.
This summer I have been reading more self-help, motivational books that have helped me connect to my inner source.And this personal growth is coming out in my creative self especially through my writing and poetry….and now in my photography with this challenge.
This is our last day of the photo challenge, and I am feeling a sense that I will miss this creative time as it has energized me.But I am sure I will stay connected through my creative endeavors in some way.I want to thank Whitney Freya for a most marvelous adventure!
What creative quests have you been on lately?
********
Special Note:
The echinacea in the mosaic and at the top of the post were the rest of the photos I took for Day 4. it was hard to choose from all these fabulous shots of an amazing native plant that grows all throughout my garden. You can learn more about echinacea in my garden post.
The photo below is another perspective of the mandala I created.
I leave you with a few additional words about creativity and my inner fire. I welcome you to download this photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2016. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
“I believed then – in a deep, easy way that is impossible for me as an adult – that there was more to this world than meets the eye. Trees had spirits; the wind spoke. If you followed a toad or a raven deep into the heart of the forest, they were sure to lead you to something magical.”
~Jennifer McMahon
When we had the pond built, almost 20 years ago, we had high hopes that lots of critters would visit or make a home there. And we have seen our fair share of critters come to the pond….frogs, insects, turtles, snakes, birds….and the list goes on. The most consistent visitors making a home, in the pond, has been the frogs laying many eggs every year (see picture above).
But my favorite, yet elusive, visitor to the pond has to be the toads. Although we hear the toads, we only see them from time to time as toads are generally nocturnal. The American toad (Anaxyrus americanus, formerly Bufo americanus) is the species of toad found here. They love areas with moisture and plenty of insects…..which is exactly what you will find in our garden.
We heard the toads again in early April, and they seemed quite close each night calling with that amazing long, trilling sound. So imagine my surprise when we saw them not soon afterward…..
I was so surprised because we had never seen two at once, and certainly not in this amorous embrace. Of course in this position it was quite evident that the large rust colored toad was the female and the smaller the male. The female makes her home just outside the fence in a small garden we have, and we see her burrowing herself in for the winter, or uncovering herself as spring warms the ground.
We see the smaller male toads here and there, in the garden and pond and even some tiny young toads. But we have never seen the making of those little toads. Not wanting to intrude on these two, I took pictures and quickly left them alone.
It is interesting to note how the mating ritual takes place. Males go to shallow ponds, and call to females. When the female arrives, the male actually grabs or hugs her (the lady must be willing if the smaller male can grab the female twice his size) until she discharges her eggs. As the eggs come out, the male fertilizes them by discharging fluid with sperm onto the eggs. I actually witnessed her continuing to push out two long strings of eggs looking like a necklace of black pearls. See them draped all along the vegetation above.
If you look closely, you can see the eggs are covered with a jelly like substance in long tubes. The toads found the perfect spot for the eggs; shallow water with vegetation near the irises that had not bloomed yet.
Like frogs, once the toads lay the eggs they leave them to develop on their own. Eggs begin to hatch in a few days. The process can take up to 10-12 days before the eggs become tadpoles, and then they fully develop into toads in about 2 months time. American toads usually survive only a year or two in the wild although we have seen the large female here for a few years. Most tadpoles don’t survive very long becoming food for snakes, and frogs.
You can see the development of the eggs above over a 10 day period. We have not seen the toads yet, but they should be emerging sometime this month we hope.
Here are some additional facts about the American Toad:
Toads don’t cause warts, but the American toad produces a toxin that can be harmful if swallowed, or if it gets in your eyes. So be careful if you handle toads. We leave them alone.
When the tadpoles are ready to leave the pond they emerge usually in groups.
Tadpoles have several ways to keep predators at bay. They swim close together in schools, and stay in very shallow water that is thick with vegetation. We have lots of that especially around the cattails so perhaps we will have several surviving toads emerging soon.
Special Note: I wrote a poem about our toads and you can find it here….Ode to A Toad. The picture at the end of the post is of our House Wren feeding its babies recently. The wrens have fledged, but we still hear the Wren’s song in the garden.
What wildlife lessons are you learning as summer begins?
With this wildlife story, I am joining in the meme Wildlife Wednesday hosted by Tina@My Gardener Saysthat happens the first Wednesday of every month, and with Saturday’s Critters hosted by Eileen@Viewing nature with Eileenthat happens every Saturday. I am also linking in with Michelle@Rambling Woods for her Nature Notes meme. It is a great way to see what is happening in nature around the world every week. Please check out all these great blogs.
I leave you with another thought about studying nature. Feel free to download the photo and share.
All original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-16. Any reprints or use of content or photos is by permission only.
Do you talk to the bees? Well I do. I wish them a good morning, with the sun’s first rays. And as I do, I give a wide berth to these buzzing teenagers, slow to wake. They can be ornery, you see. And if aroused, you might feel the sting of their wrath if they are still trying to sleep on their flowery beds. They require a soft voice, and gentle touch. Needing time to stretch their wings and get their bearings, they drink in the moment. They linger over their first sip of nectar or sniff of silky pollen passion. But once tasted, they move from plant to plant leaving their mark. Letting all know, “I have been here”.
I love to go into my garden and start the day by watching the bees sleeping on flowers. And I talk with them as they are just beginning to wake. Thanking them for being part of my garden sanctuary, and pollinating the flowers bringing us abundance. They remind me to savor the beginning of the day, and live in the moment.
The pictures here are of those spring bees that wake early in the garden season, and do their spring dance bringing me indescribable joy. This haibun poem is in honor of these precious bees, who are under assault from chemical warfare.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about talking to the bees. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2016. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
“Who will free me from hurry, flurry, the feeling of a crowd pushing behind me, of being hustled and crushed? How can I regain even for a minute the feeling of ample leisure I had during my early, my creative years? Then I seldom felt fussed, or hurried. There was time for work, for play, for love, the confidence that if a task was not done at the appointed time, I easily could fit it into another hour. I used to take leisure for granted, as I did time itself.”
~Bernard Berenson
Many days I felt like this. Hurried, hustled and bounced about. Feeling time was running out, and I had accomplished little. And even after I ticked everything off my To Do list, more was added instantaneously. Never time for leisure, relaxation or rest.
I always dreamed of a safe haven away from the flurry of life….where I could go to get away even for 5 minutes to regain my sanity. And when I thought about this place I saw the ocean or a meadow….flowers or a beach. Each of these images are healing for me, and immediately ease my pain and renew my soul.
So when I designed the bones of my garden, I imagined flowers and water there in a special spot…and with it the sound of water. It was clear that a pond would be the perfect spot to have water and flowers. And that pond had to have a waterfall, so I could have the healing sound of water nearby, especially since I don’t live close to the ocean.
It was easy to decide where to place the pond….as close to the house as possible so we could have easy access, and hear the water flowing over the rocks. Where I could sit on a large rock at its edge and look out over the garden of my soul…my sanctuary!
And once created, this place took on a magic all its own. I discovered that my sanctuary was also a safe haven for others who wanted to share it with me. They didn’t talk, they just hung out with me in the moment….they were my quiet solitude companions that added their song to sing me to sweet solitude and peace.
I am of course referring to the frogs, toads, birds and insects who also call the pond their home, and their sanctuary. They bathe here, and give birth here. And some have made this place their home too. We commune and talk, but mostly we just sit in peaceful meditation marveling at how incredibly beautiful this place can be.
I look forward to every spring when we put the pump back in, and the pond stirs to life. To see the tadpoles and frogs awake. And the lily pads start forming on the surface, knowing the flowers will be along soon. To watch the reflections in the water. This is my heaven on earth….my special haven for healing.
Have you ever created a sanctuary for yourself?
********
Special Note:The pictures here are of my pond in its first year of bloom. While it is a bit overgrown these days, it is still my sanctuary, and beloved habitat for so many who share the garden with me.
I will be taking a week off, and will have another post next Thursday, the 26th! It is a special day for me….
I leave you with a few additional words on creating a sanctuary. I welcome you to download this photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2016. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
April springs are unique and special. The weather shifts from cold and rainy to warm and sunny, even within the same day….trying to settle. This year it has been very unsettled. The blooms continue to pop up more and more throughout the garden decorating garden beds throughout….much like presents with bows.
The flowers here are pretty spring bulbs known as, Chionodoxa, or Glory of the Snow.
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog.
I leave you with a few additional words about April spring. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2016. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
“What a joy it is to feel the soft, springy earth under my feet once more, to follow grassy roads that lead to ferny brooks where I can bathe my fingers in a cataract of rippling notes, or to clamber over a stone wall into green fields that tumble and roll and climb in riotous gladness!”
~Helen Keller
When spring gets into full swing….where the flowers are coloring the landscape, and the warm breezes drift around me carrying intoxicating scents….I am calmed, I am rejuvenated, I am healed.
And it isn’t just in spring….it is anytime I am in nature really. I have a strong need to be here where I can observe a special world that moves to its own slow rhythm and pace. Being surrounded by the constant noise of machines and voices, the smell of exhaust from engines, the bright light of screens, and the endless push, push, push to get things done, I need a place to go where I can feel a healing balm descend on me body and soul. Where I am reminded to breath slowly….to look and listen…to take in the world around me with every sense I can muster.
But there are rules when I enter nature’s world….and these rules must be observed if we are to get any healing effect from it. You must surrender to this world in silence….open up your eyes and ears. Breath deep, and drink in every smell. Feel the temperature, the air and light on your skin. Be there in the moments that present themselves. And for heaven’s sake, bring no electronics with you…well maybe a camera from time to time to capture a bit of it. We cannot notice this special world when we are engaged in looking at a screen or talking to another person. This is a world to enter alone. To give ourselves to fully.
Recently, I have been keeping a digital journal of Moments of Fulfillment in my garden. Moments I am beginning to write down in a journal and on my other blog, monthly. The moments that bring light and lightness to my heart. Where I feel at home, and at peace. Let me show you a few of these moments that have been a healing balm for me this spring.
When a sky, this color, presents itself, you must capture the moment in your mind as you sit and gaze on it….just by looking at its magnificence I am instantly calmed. And the tears that well up in my eyes, at its miracle, match the raindrops still on the branches of the tree.
Sitting on the Wall Garden, I can watch the first pollinators roll around in the crocus pollen…they are drunk and high with their first drink of spring. And the high is catching.
The tiniest of bulbs are now popping up all over the garden. And because the landscape is so bare, you can’t help but notice them…..in blues…..
And pale pinks….nestled in and among the new growth and spent debris of last year’s garden. Hardly noticeable sometimes unless you stop and look closely. Even getting down on hands and knees. Sometimes I will even lay upon the earth and stare at their beauty.
There are surprises around every corner. A clump of dried grass is so much more upon closer inspection. The thought of new life, or life that never came to be. Pondering the mystery brings me solace.
And visiting nature after a refreshing rain can bring its own special beauty.
One of the most incredible sounds is the sweet song of the spring birds. Calling to each other. Whistling a tune. They just seem so happy, that each time I hear their songs, I break into a smile that lights my heart. For me there is no better healing balm than nature…whether in my own garden, or in a park across the street, or a nature center across town.
Where do you find solace and healing?
********
Special Note:The pictures here are of the recent early spring in my garden.
I leave you with a few additional words the healing power of nature. I welcome you to download this photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2016. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
One of the first bulbs to bloom, early in my garden, are the snow crocus pictured here. They shout spring with splashes of color all over the garden. Wishing everyone a joyous Easter!
I am joining in with Poets Unitedfor their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Please visit to read some more wonderful verse.
I leave you with a few additional words about first spring crocus. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2016. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.
So when I designed the bones of my garden, I imagined flowers and water there in a special spot…and with it the sound of water. It was clear that a pond would be the perfect spot to have water and flowers. And that pond had to have a waterfall, so I could have the healing sound of water nearby, especially since I don’t live close to the ocean.
