Nurturing Thursday – KindSight

With gentle reflection … What have we learned?

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Frequent Contributors to
Nurturing Thursday:

Laurie’s Notes
Wightrabbit’s Blog
Crowing Crone Joss
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Pocket Perspectives

_____________________________________

What is Nurturing Thursday, you ask?

In this amazingly competitive society of ours, how many of us truly feel good about ourselves? How often do we extend to ourselves … the same courtesies, considerations, nurturing, forgiveness and understanding we would a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger?

Our culture tells us we need to be special and above average to feel good about ourselves. Yet, it is not possible for all of us to be above average at the same time. Don’t we usually know of someone richer, more attractive, “more together” or successful than we are? Even if we discount the material aspects and consider the more spiritual facet, don’t we know of those who seem more at peace, more aware or living in the moment. Even when we do manage to feel a strong sense of self-esteem or self-confidence, we are not able to consistently hold on to it. For most, our sense of self-worth bounces around like a ping-pong ball, rising and falling strongly tied with our latest success or failure.

In an effort to eliminate labeling ourselves as “good” or “bad”, and clearly accept ourselves with an open heart … to treat ourselves with the same kindness, caring, and compassion we would show to a good friend … I would like to incorporate more self-compassion and self-kindess in my life.

To “give this planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy” … I am dubbing Thursdays as Nurturing Thursday … a spin-off of the suspended Occupy Blogosphere started by Amy of SoulDipper.

If any of my readers are interested in joining the nurturing, I applaud and welcome you to do so … the more the merrier!!

 

 

For previous Occupy Blogosphere posts: Blogospheres

For previous Nurturing Thursday posts: Nurturing Thursday

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© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

Ruby Tuesday – 36

 

 

 Sedona, AZ

 

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This tree is another expression of the trees observed along the borders of Sedona’s energy vortex;** twisted in mesmerizing shapes and directions!

Little did we realize the treasure to discover as we investigated the interesting ravine along its side.  The last two photographs were taken under the tree — literally!  These photos reflect the tree’s roots!

** Note: in the Sedona region -
the plural of vortex is vortex,
rather than vortices!

For previous episodes of  Ruby Tuesdays

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© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

Ruby Tuesday 2

Monday Mellow Yellow – 51

Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden

For previous photos:
Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden
Chauvin, Louisiana

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Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden

Kenny Hill, a bricklayer by day, and self-taught artist by evening and weekend, created over 100 pieces of sculpture out of cement and wire mesh. He was a private man, and the folk art pieces he created were not meant for anyone’s eyes but his. It is said he denied interviews and photographs. Not much is known about him, other than he started working on this folk art world in 1989 – 1990. He began transforming his shaded bayou environment into a mesmerizing chronicle of the world as seen through his eyes. There is a profound mixture of Biblical reference, with bright Cajun colors and stark black, with evident themes of pain, inner struggle, conflict between good and evil. A message of salvation is intertwined throughout the pieces. He has figures of black and white, male, female, a child, soldiers as well as many self-portrayals. All of the pieces are guided, supported or lifted by various versions of angels. Some of the angels seem celestial, some inviting while others seem daunting. Towards the back of the garden is the most prominent piece in the garden … a lighthouse. It is 45 feet tall, composed of 7,000 bricks, with figures clinging to the outside: cowboys, soldiers, angels, God, and Hill himself.

In January 2000, after having a disagreement with the local parish (one speculation), Kenny abruptly left the site and area. When visitors discovered his absence they found a hand painted message above the kitchen sink: “HELL IS HERE, WELCOME.”

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For previous  Monday Mellow Yellows and Mandarin Orange Monday

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© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

The Monday tradition …

 Monday Mellow Yellows

Yellow is by far … my favorite color … followed by orange.

I enjoy the weekly boost of yellow and orange — so I continue with Monday Sunshine.

Why not join in the sunshine fun?

Sunday Trees – 79

Historic Savannah, GA

 

For previous episodes of  Sunday Trees

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© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

MIA

To my followers and readers:

I apologize for a dramatic decrease in postings and interactions …

In the past couple of months I have been faced with so many challenges, so much information; the steps of our journey are advancing at such a rapid pace, I cannot seem to get a solid, secure handle on it.  This is keeping me at an arm’s distance from delving into my creative sanctuary.   My creativity in writing or painting is totally muddled.    I wake up in the middle of the night or pause a moment in the day with a fraction of wording trying to surface, yet I cannot grasp it well enough to continue.  I know the muse is not on strike, but where is she hiding?

For those who may not know, my mom has been recently diagnosed with terminal lung cancer that is inoperable and untreatable.  This is a hard “pill” to swallow being that she is so independent, sharp-minded and young at heart.  She is not a typical 92+ yrs old individual.  Her claim to the universe and God is “I am going to beat this”!!  While my sister, brothers and cousins support this mind-set … the doctors are not moving down the same page with us.  They are stating information in a more clinical manner – in such a way that is enough to deflate anyone’s optimism.  We are accepting and aware of her condition and the rapid speed it is progressing, but we also are very mindful … only God knows our expiration date on earth.

In  whatever time we have left, I want to make the most of the time with my mom.  I also want for her to remain as comfortable as possible.  She has projects she wants to complete for herself and for her family.

Balancing these wishes for her, juggling my Texas life with my Louisiana life … balancing my earthly with my divine purpose … my journey at the moment is staying with the NOW, while attempting to balance those emotions that are ricocheting all over the place.  I do not want to have any regrets in the process.  I want to come full circle … forgiveness to seek and provide – roads to repair – to express those unsaid words and feelings,  while learning stories, sharing memories … all whilst  staying connected to what is ultimate and precious in my spiritual life — my Divine connection with God — relying on faith and trust He will carry me through it all.

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© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

Nurturing Thursday – Beautiful You

Are you listening … Do you hear me yet?

_____________________________________

Frequent Contributors to
Nurturing Thursday:

Laurie’s Notes
Wightrabbit’s Blog
Crowing Crone Joss
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Pocket Perspectives

_____________________________________

What is Nurturing Thursday, you ask?

In this amazingly competitive society of ours, how many of us truly feel good about ourselves? How often do we extend to ourselves … the same courtesies, considerations, nurturing, forgiveness and understanding we would a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger?

Our culture tells us we need to be special and above average to feel good about ourselves. Yet, it is not possible for all of us to be above average at the same time. Don’t we usually know of someone richer, more attractive, “more together” or successful than we are? Even if we discount the material aspects and consider the more spiritual facet, don’t we know of those who seem more at peace, more aware or living in the moment. Even when we do manage to feel a strong sense of self-esteem or self-confidence, we are not able to consistently hold on to it. For most, our sense of self-worth bounces around like a ping-pong ball, rising and falling strongly tied with our latest success or failure.

In an effort to eliminate labeling ourselves as “good” or “bad”, and clearly accept ourselves with an open heart … to treat ourselves with the same kindness, caring, and compassion we would show to a good friend … I would like to incorporate more self-compassion and self-kindess in my life.

To “give this planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy” … I am dubbing Thursdays as Nurturing Thursday … a spin-off of the suspended Occupy Blogosphere started by Amy of SoulDipper.

If any of my readers are interested in joining the nurturing, I applaud and welcome you to do so … the more the merrier!!

 

 

For previous Occupy Blogosphere posts: Blogospheres

For previous Nurturing Thursday posts: Nurturing Thursday

______________________________________________

© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

Ruby Tuesday – 35

Von Trapp Family Cemetary
Von Trapp Family Lodge
Stowe, Vermont USA

 

The Trapp Family Lodge is an Austrian-style mountain resort located on 2,400-acres in Stowe, Vermont, United States.  The lodge is managed by Sam von Trapp, the grandson of Maria, the singing governess made famous by “The Sound of Music,” along with his father Johannes von Trapp.

For previous episodes of  Ruby Tuesdays

______________________________________________
© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

Ruby Tuesday 2

Monday Mellow Yellow – 50

Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden

For previous photos:
Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden
Chauvin, Louisiana

———————————–

Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden

Kenny Hill, a bricklayer by day, and self-taught artist by evening and weekend, created over 100 pieces of sculpture out of cement and wire mesh. He was a private man, and the folk art pieces he created were not meant for anyone’s eyes but his. It is said he denied interviews and photographs. Not much is known about him, other than he started working on this folk art world in 1989 – 1990. He began transforming his shaded bayou environment into a mesmerizing chronicle of the world as seen through his eyes. There is a profound mixture of Biblical reference, with bright Cajun colors and stark black, with evident themes of pain, inner struggle, conflict between good and evil. A message of salvation is intertwined throughout the pieces. He has figures of black and white, male, female, a child, soldiers as well as many self-portrayals. All of the pieces are guided, supported or lifted by various versions of angels. Some of the angels seem celestial, some inviting while others seem daunting. Towards the back of the garden is the most prominent piece in the garden … a lighthouse. It is 45 feet tall, composed of 7,000 bricks, with figures clinging to the outside: cowboys, soldiers, angels, God, and Hill himself.

In January 2000, after having a disagreement with the local parish (one speculation), Kenny abruptly left the site and area. When visitors discovered his absence they found a hand painted message above the kitchen sink: “HELL IS HERE, WELCOME.”

———————————–

For previous  Monday Mellow Yellows and Mandarin Orange Monday

______________________________________________

© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

The Monday tradition …

 Monday Mellow Yellows

Yellow is by far … my favorite color … followed by orange.

I enjoy the weekly boost of yellow and orange — so I continue with Monday Sunshine.

Why not join in the sunshine fun?

Sunday Trees – 78

Cherry Blossoms
Macon, GA
USA

In addition ~~
Happy Mother’s Day to all
mothers, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers
regardless whether your children
have two legs or four with fur!!

 

For previous episodes of  Sunday Trees

______________________________________________

© by rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

6 Word Saturday – 5-11-13

Nights without sleep create long days

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For previous 6WS

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© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

Nurturing Thursday – Your Message

What message are you sending to others?

_____________________________________

Frequent Contributors to
Nurturing Thursday:

Laurie’s Notes
Wightrabbit’s Blog
Crowing Crone Joss
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Pocket Perspectives

_____________________________________

What is Nurturing Thursday, you ask?

In this amazingly competitive society of ours, how many of us truly feel good about ourselves? How often do we extend to ourselves … the same courtesies, considerations, nurturing, forgiveness and understanding we would a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger?

Our culture tells us we need to be special and above average to feel good about ourselves. Yet, it is not possible for all of us to be above average at the same time. Don’t we usually know of someone richer, more attractive, “more together” or successful than we are? Even if we discount the material aspects and consider the more spiritual facet, don’t we know of those who seem more at peace, more aware or living in the moment. Even when we do manage to feel a strong sense of self-esteem or self-confidence, we are not able to consistently hold on to it. For most, our sense of self-worth bounces around like a ping-pong ball, rising and falling strongly tied with our latest success or failure.

In an effort to eliminate labeling ourselves as “good” or “bad”, and clearly accept ourselves with an open heart … to treat ourselves with the same kindness, caring, and compassion we would show to a good friend … I would like to incorporate more self-compassion and self-kindess in my life.

To “give this planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy” … I am dubbing Thursdays as Nurturing Thursday … a spin-off of the suspended Occupy Blogosphere started by Amy of SoulDipper.

If any of my readers are interested in joining the nurturing, I applaud and welcome you to do so … the more the merrier!!

 

 

For previous Occupy Blogosphere posts: Blogospheres

For previous Nurturing Thursday posts: Nurturing Thursday

______________________________________________

© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013

Mysteries

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© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013