Everyday miracles and magic

If I take the Wings of the Morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;  even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.  Psalm 139:9-10

We are never truly alone.  This sculpture comforts me in a way I cannot describe.  The longing for serenity, peace and calm, for me, is always to be found in nature and art.  When the two come together...magic happens!

I heard this yesterday...take a deep breath...that is a gift..that is a blessing.  As I thought about these words,
a quote from Albert Einstein lodged in my mind:  " There are only two ways to live your life, one is though nothing is a miracle, the other is though everything is a miracle."    I am choosing to focus on every day magic and miracles rather than just muddling through life.

a few simple magical moments...

watching my husband make repairs on the screened porch
while the dog tilts his head and follows him around, sniffing the paint.

a hug around the knees resulting in an almost tackle from granddarlings that are excited to see you.

friends that "get you"

angel food cake, sliced strawberries, blueberries and cool whip that a dear man prepares for you.

lots of hugs and kisses!

swinging to the call of birds, the humming and buzzing of insects, the tink, tink, tink of the chains on the swing.

what calls to you right now, what simple joys make you happy?

Inscription for a Garden Gate

Pause, friend, and read before you enter here

This vine-clad wall encloses holy ground.

Herein a mellowed garden dreams

away the years,

Steeped in serene, sweet light

and muted sound.

Herein tranquility and peace abide,

For God walks here at cool of

evening-tide.

Pause, friend, and strip from out your heart

All vanity, bitterness, all hate;

Quench, for this hour, the fever of your fears.

Then, treading softly, pass within this gate.

There, where the ancient trees wait

hushed and dim,

May you find God and walk awhile with Him.

Pearl Council Hiatt

Anna Hyatt Huntington selected this poem to be used at the gate of Brookgreen Gardens in 1959.  It was written specifically for Brookgreen in homage to its splendid avenue of live oak trees. 

I recently spent a beautiful morning admiring the oaks, the floral bounty, the wildlife, the many fountains and sculptures of Brookgreen Gardens.  I also took a meditative stroll through the labyrinth.  If you have plans to visit coastal South Carolina, I highly recommend this beautiful, serene garden.  Brookgreen also has an extensive aviary and butterfly house.  The entry fee allows you to come to the gardens all week.  A very good deal for $12.00