I find these verses both humbling and humorous (dark humor, perhaps, but…). We humans try to control everything–even the Earth. Holding on, grasping, gripping, seizing, taming, manipulating, controlling. When the real truth is we cannot even control ourselves.
A much-belated Happy Earth Day to you, too, Cheryl. I love both your Mom’s quote and that of Clara Pinkola Estes. I have been aware of her as a writer for so long, yet haven’t read her yet. So many books, so little time! I love all your photos – so rich and heartwarming, as nature is. Just a lovely post overall – thank you for taking the time to put it all together. Our Earth sure does need us. I believe every word to the positive helps.
Great advice from your mum! I wish I’d being given that little ditty, but I know now. Happy Earth Day to you, Cheryl. You have a lovely connection with nature which seems to encapsualte the little things, unseen, as well as the showy display. I’ve found myself more interested in using the virtual means of face to face and I’ve registered with Zoom, which I’ve heard of so much now. Not road tested it yet, but will get around to it. The poem is astonishing for the times it was written in. I hope we learn, but I fear those with the power to change things, and driven by their need for personal gain, are the ones who won’t be interested in learning, then mother nature will have to teach more and more lessons until they get the message.
I think you’re right, Lynne. Right now, it seems that Mother Nature is “just preaching to the choir.” There will certainly be more lessons to learn. And my hope is those in power soon are replaced by those who are guided by community and love, not greed and fear.
Happy Belated Earth Day Cheryl. Thank you for sharing those wise words and beautiful images and that bit of wisdom about taking no shit – I could have done with that phrase growing up I think 🙂
Ah, a Northern Parula. I wonder if I’d be so lucky as to have them in the northern states. If not, at least you shared that beautiful photo. Spring seemed to have an early start in March (when we’d usually have snow) but it’s been feeling more like March this April with snow flurries on Tuesday. Glad it hasn’t gotten too hot for your outdoor adventures. Enjoy!
As usual, there are so many things in your post that speak to me, Cheryl. Emerson, an increased appreciation for our mother’s as we grow older and for technology (the ability to stay connected via Zoom), feeling fortunate to have your own save haven via garden retreat, NPR (although I’ve reduced listening time and balance them out with other media sources), and your absolutely stunning photos. That bird, for instance, on your header — did you take that photo? It speaks so much of gentleness, and the brilliant flowers are spectacular — a collage of why I love gardening so much. As gardeners, we have so much to be grateful for and even more so during times like this. Warm wishes to you and yours for enjoying a real spring — my favorite season of the year.
Thank you! Yes, I took all the photos. The bird is a Northern Parula. So beautiful! I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw him. That was my first sighting of one and I enjoyed researching to find out exactly what species he was. We’ve had a glorious spring here in NC. Hope you’re having a nice spring. Be well.
We’ve given the Earth a nice break … while I want to be freed from isolation, I love what has happened with animals and plants and sea and air across the globe. I will not enjoy watching it be filled up with people and pollution again. Love your photos and message today.
Thanks, Lexi. I love hearing all the news of nature bouncing back in our absence. Although I wish no harm to anyone, I wish we could work together to consciously create this rewilding on a permanent basis.
I enjoyed your post – the poems, the prose, and the photographs; but couldn’t really get on with the radio link. Is that a thistle that looks like a mandala?
I like your mother’s line! I also think Ms. Estes has it right. We can only change or affect what is in our purview. I think doing what you can locally can change a community and that community can change a county or a state. Or you change a life or make someone think differently and they are able to do the same–and of course it all has an inner effect as well. Goodness, I’m getting philosophical here, but so be it. I hope your Earth Day was satisfying!
Thanks, Lisa. I think you’re right. I was (kinda) whining today about feeling like I’m not doing my part for the environment beyond tending my little plot of earth. A woman in the virtual group said, oh sure you are! She said, “You may never know the ripple effects that go out from planting pollinator gardens, inviting wildlife in, feeding the birds, and creating a beautiful garden for others to enjoy as they walk by.” That really gave me pause to think. I guess activism can start small and at home.
Beautiful, all of it! I love the CPE quote. Is it from “Wolves”? Would love to check out some of those little-trod trails with you when we get to the Other Side. xo
Ha! I like your mom’s take on life 🙂 Personally I will be most happy when we people awake every day with a full heart and the consciousness to bless our earth. Emerson’s poem was insightful and prescient wasn’t it. I remember reading it in college and not understanding the fullness of it – but having a ‘feeling’ that he knew something I didn’t yet . I think those have always been my favourite moments when reading -oh, new thoughts, there’s something here for me to learn. And still I love the lone image ‘the earth laughs in flowers’ …… The Great Pause continues – I’m glad to read you are enjoying the online life – me too ❤
I remember reading that poem years ago and a great aha! rang out. It was not the sweet little jingle that I thought it was. And yet, I also like the simple phrase the earth laughs in flowers, too. Both/and works for me. My mom was quite a woman, Pauline. It is only as I grow older that I’ve begun to understand her. Thanks for always reading and commenting ❤️
Très jolie 💘
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A much-belated Happy Earth Day to you, too, Cheryl. I love both your Mom’s quote and that of Clara Pinkola Estes. I have been aware of her as a writer for so long, yet haven’t read her yet. So many books, so little time! I love all your photos – so rich and heartwarming, as nature is. Just a lovely post overall – thank you for taking the time to put it all together. Our Earth sure does need us. I believe every word to the positive helps.
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Thank you, Jeanne. Nature sure does need us right now and more than ever.
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Great advice from your mum! I wish I’d being given that little ditty, but I know now. Happy Earth Day to you, Cheryl. You have a lovely connection with nature which seems to encapsualte the little things, unseen, as well as the showy display. I’ve found myself more interested in using the virtual means of face to face and I’ve registered with Zoom, which I’ve heard of so much now. Not road tested it yet, but will get around to it. The poem is astonishing for the times it was written in. I hope we learn, but I fear those with the power to change things, and driven by their need for personal gain, are the ones who won’t be interested in learning, then mother nature will have to teach more and more lessons until they get the message.
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I think you’re right, Lynne. Right now, it seems that Mother Nature is “just preaching to the choir.” There will certainly be more lessons to learn. And my hope is those in power soon are replaced by those who are guided by community and love, not greed and fear.
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Happy Belated Earth Day Cheryl. Thank you for sharing those wise words and beautiful images and that bit of wisdom about taking no shit – I could have done with that phrase growing up I think 🙂
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Thanks, Andrea. Yes, mom was one of a kind and did not take any shit! I fully got on board with the motto in my late 40’s, not that long ago. 🙂
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Ah, a Northern Parula. I wonder if I’d be so lucky as to have them in the northern states. If not, at least you shared that beautiful photo. Spring seemed to have an early start in March (when we’d usually have snow) but it’s been feeling more like March this April with snow flurries on Tuesday. Glad it hasn’t gotten too hot for your outdoor adventures. Enjoy!
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As usual, there are so many things in your post that speak to me, Cheryl. Emerson, an increased appreciation for our mother’s as we grow older and for technology (the ability to stay connected via Zoom), feeling fortunate to have your own save haven via garden retreat, NPR (although I’ve reduced listening time and balance them out with other media sources), and your absolutely stunning photos. That bird, for instance, on your header — did you take that photo? It speaks so much of gentleness, and the brilliant flowers are spectacular — a collage of why I love gardening so much. As gardeners, we have so much to be grateful for and even more so during times like this. Warm wishes to you and yours for enjoying a real spring — my favorite season of the year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes, I took all the photos. The bird is a Northern Parula. So beautiful! I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw him. That was my first sighting of one and I enjoyed researching to find out exactly what species he was. We’ve had a glorious spring here in NC. Hope you’re having a nice spring. Be well.
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We’ve given the Earth a nice break … while I want to be freed from isolation, I love what has happened with animals and plants and sea and air across the globe. I will not enjoy watching it be filled up with people and pollution again. Love your photos and message today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lexi. I love hearing all the news of nature bouncing back in our absence. Although I wish no harm to anyone, I wish we could work together to consciously create this rewilding on a permanent basis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed your post – the poems, the prose, and the photographs; but couldn’t really get on with the radio link. Is that a thistle that looks like a mandala?
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Thanks very much, Derrick. Yes, that’s a native thistle, although I’m not sure which one.
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I like your mother’s line! I also think Ms. Estes has it right. We can only change or affect what is in our purview. I think doing what you can locally can change a community and that community can change a county or a state. Or you change a life or make someone think differently and they are able to do the same–and of course it all has an inner effect as well. Goodness, I’m getting philosophical here, but so be it. I hope your Earth Day was satisfying!
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Thanks, Lisa. I think you’re right. I was (kinda) whining today about feeling like I’m not doing my part for the environment beyond tending my little plot of earth. A woman in the virtual group said, oh sure you are! She said, “You may never know the ripple effects that go out from planting pollinator gardens, inviting wildlife in, feeding the birds, and creating a beautiful garden for others to enjoy as they walk by.” That really gave me pause to think. I guess activism can start small and at home.
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yes!
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Happy Earth Day, Cheryl, and thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and positive spirit. Stay well and stay safe ❤️
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Thanks so much, Marie. Stay well, too! ❤️
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Beautiful, all of it! I love the CPE quote. Is it from “Wolves”? Would love to check out some of those little-trod trails with you when we get to the Other Side. xo
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Editors! 🤣 The quote is from Letter to a Young Activist During Troubled Times. It’s great. Read it here: https://www.mavenproductions.com/letter-to-a-young-activist
And yes to walking!!!
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Paul Harvey would probably say: “Good Day”.
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Good day.
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Ha! I like your mom’s take on life 🙂 Personally I will be most happy when we people awake every day with a full heart and the consciousness to bless our earth. Emerson’s poem was insightful and prescient wasn’t it. I remember reading it in college and not understanding the fullness of it – but having a ‘feeling’ that he knew something I didn’t yet . I think those have always been my favourite moments when reading -oh, new thoughts, there’s something here for me to learn. And still I love the lone image ‘the earth laughs in flowers’ …… The Great Pause continues – I’m glad to read you are enjoying the online life – me too ❤
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I remember reading that poem years ago and a great aha! rang out. It was not the sweet little jingle that I thought it was. And yet, I also like the simple phrase the earth laughs in flowers, too. Both/and works for me. My mom was quite a woman, Pauline. It is only as I grow older that I’ve begun to understand her. Thanks for always reading and commenting ❤️
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Happy Earth Day! I used it in my poetry prompt today. I will be happy when we all can meet again, but until then…see you on the radio 😀
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Can’t wait to check it out. 🙂
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Beautiful photos
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Thank you. You probably recognize most:)
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I love your mother’s line! Stay well on our delicate lovely earth!
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Haha! Thank you so much. Same to you, Cathy.
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Happy Earth Day, my friend!
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Thanks so much, Michelle! 🌸💚🌏
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Happy Earth Day, Cheryl! Beautiful photos.
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Thanks and thanks for stopping by! 🌸🐦🌏
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Happy Earth Day to you, too! 🙂
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Thanks! 🌸 🌏
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