Tuesday, October 09, 2018

Tuesday Thoughts With A Large Cup of Tea

photo: pixabay.com

Can you believe it? It's been snowing and we woke to winter ... again. Not just a sprinkling, but about three to four inches. Our autumnal decorations look oddly out of place. And, the migrating juncos seem a little confused as they half-heartedly poke around in the snowfall. The chickadees aren't fazed as they dee-dee-dee from tree tops -- they know the ropes as does the cute downy woodpecker who heads straight for the suet hanger. A flock of house sparrows are having a huge choral sing in the mock orange shrubbery. What's a little snow to them.

I was going to say we are not amused -- it's far too early for snow -- even in northerly Canada. Still, my eyes that are ever on the lookout for something beautiful to light upon sees that it's all so very pretty, even if it is early October. I’ve half a mind to turn the calendar and just imagine it's November already. My brother in Ontario says it's +28C (82F) today where he lives. I don't think he was rubbing it, but I do wonder if we are living in the same country!



"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places
where other people see nothing."

~ Camille Pissarro

* * * 

For days I've been mulling about what to share in this new post. I couldn't seem to get myself out of the way so that I could hear the voice of my heart. You see, I've been feeling the woes of the world pressing in. Most days, I can shuck it off, but there are days when the darkishness seems to settle in on the inside. I'm not sad for anything in my own life as life is good and things are fine -- I laugh, I sing, I enjoy my food and the books I'm reading. It's just some days all the 'out there' stuff blares so loud and obnoxious from every news channel and social media outlet (even though I keep those to a minimum), it's hard to look beyond and remember that everything is not going to hell in a hand basket.

I've learned over the years that it's okay to let ourselves feel that way sometimes. We don't always need to jolly ourselves out of an emotion. If that's how we feel on a day, let's feel it. Pay attention to it. Sometimes we do need to feel the woes of others, otherwise we might lose our empathy and compassion. And sometimes we need to mourn what we feel is being lost in a world gone mad (at least as we see it) or when we see something that truly is not right or decent.

But then comes a moment when we know we must leave it. We must leave the care of it, the stress of it. For me, that often comes after I say a little prayer for grace for whoever needs that extra tenderness and strength. Then, I let peace settle, as I look with hope and anticipation that all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well. I also go in search of a little beauty. And, ever since I first read this quote by Blaise Pascal on Sandra's blog, I remind myself of it often: "In difficult times carry something beautiful in your heart." Oh yes, that helps ... very much.

And, when I go to bed at night as I'm settling down, I whisper a good night prayer and try to remember this line by William Lyon Phelps: "Let the walls of your mind be filled with many beautiful pictures...".




* * *

In a recent chat with my sister, we decided that what we need is an antidote for the 'crap' that spreads. I looked up the definition in Merriam-Webster to clarify...
ANTIDOTE, noun 1. a remedy to counteract the effects of poison, as in she needed the antidote for the snake's venom. 2. something that relieves, prevents, or counteracts, as in reading can be an antidote to boredom.
My focus zoomed to that second definition, in particularly the first phrase: something that relieves. I don't know what to do about counteracting the effects of the big ugly stuff that's let loose in our world. I'm grateful there are many people are out there who are doing things that will counteract, alleviate, prevent. Yet, I feel small in my own offerings to the world, so that phrase 'something that relieves' gives me hope that there is something I can do.

I can't heal the sorrow but maybe I can give people a reprieve from the things that push them down. Maybe it's a small window in time that lets in a tiny ray of light in a dark moment. A kind gesture, a friendly smile, a helping hand, a few thoughtful words that say you're not alone. Because we hear those suggestions said so often, it's easy to dismiss them. We can feel jaded, maybe even bored by them, but in truth they still are worthy gestures, no matter how clichéd or small they feel. They are the signs that remind us nice ordinary goodness goes on around us every day. And we can be participate in our own way.

I took in a writers' panel at the local library a couple of weekends ago, and the discussion was on Writing Truth. A favourite author and poet Shawna Lemay, one of the panelists, said something that really stood out for me. As writers it's our responsibility to tell the truth and to tell our own truth in our own way and our own time. She referred to herself as being a white, middle-class woman, privileged in so many ways. Even so, she recognized that, like anyone else, she must own her own life and write from that place she lives in.

As she spoke those words, I realized that I had been holding my breath, for I have often felt that and have wondered what I had to share from my life as a woman who has always had more than enough of life's good gifts -- food, shelter, warmth, friends, love, good jobs, good bosses, freedom and choices, opportunities. I've never had to crawl back up from the bottom of my life or personally experience life threatening disaster or illness. Can I still write about my own life and offer it as a gift to a hurting world ... as a reprieve, a momentary relief, an antidote for someone's hardship?

Maybe my little gains in wisdom or victories over struggles are too small to share. Shawna's words settled something in my heart. Yes, I too have something to offer. She said on her blog recently, "You might think that your own truth is too small, but we need all the truths. All of our truths are connected. And there is room for all of them."

No, we might not be able to 'do' anything to make the bad stuff or the mean-spirited people go away. But we can continue to stand in our places and speak truth, beauty, kindness ... We can continue to say and do things that for a moment add cheer and push away darkness.

My sister kindly said that she sees my writing here on this blog as an antidote. When ugly tries to take over out there, she says It's A Beautiful Life stays the course and keeps reminding readers to find the beauty and think on these things. I'm grateful for her kind words -- and the kind words of others who also speak into my life -- it gives me the courage to reach out from my corner of the world. 

Peace Rose giving her summer farewell with one last blossom

"There are souls in this world which have the gift
of finding joy everywhere -- and of
leaving it behind them when they go."

~ Frederick Wm. Faber


* * *

Which brings to me to something else, which if you'll give me a moment, I'll make the connection. My sister and I had the dee-light-full opportunity to see Paul McCartney in concert when he was in Edmonton, Alberta last weekend. What a thrill it was to be in the same place, along with over 17,000 other fans, where this well-loved musician performed old familiar songs as well as new ones from his latest album. It was so much fun to join in when he invited us to sing along -- Hey Jude, we know the words, the melodies, and have hummed them many times over the years. Na,na,na,na,na,na,na What a feeling of connection and togetherness as our voices raised to the roof. In those moments, that's when I realized so many of those wonderful songs that we have sung or hummed for decades are just as relevant and hopeful today as they ever were. What a legacy!


Since the concert, Sis and I have been listening to some of his music from other concerts and sharing links to interviews on YouTube, just trying to hold onto the magic a little while longer.

There's so much about the man I don't know, as I haven't closely followed him throughout his career although I liked him, especially as one of the Beatles. It was when I watched the Carpool Karaoke YouTube that went viral during the summer that I knew I had to be at his concert.

Paul told the story of how Let It Be came about. You've probably heard it, but it was new to me. His mom had passed away when he was young and years later he had a dream where she came to him. He was kinda worrying about things and in the dream his mom said it would be okay and to just let it be. I was so touched by that. In another interview, he said that he felt it was like a miracle to experience that dream. He never forgot his mother's words to him ... "let it be, speaking words of wisdom, let it be."

For all his fame, Sir Paul seems such a humble man, a man who continues to share his love of music with people around the world. And in the end, I realize Paul, doing what he loves best, is bringing his own gift of the antidote to the uglies of the world, teaching us how to take a sad song and make it better. Thanks, Paul!


* * *

Guess what! I don't feel that heaviness anymore. Writing about it here knowing you are going to read this has relieved that pressure. And, even though it's still winter outside my window, I feel the joy bubbling up. Which means I think I've done my job today. On that sweet note ...

I wish you a beautiful, beautiful day,

With love,
Brenda
xx





34 comments:

  1. A beautiful post about how life can be affected by external forces. We can love and cherish our own and those close to us and protect whoever comes into our circle. That is our gift. We cannot change the world just our tiny piece of it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Winter may be coming too early for you,but the beauty is priceless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, With all that beauty it seems such a shame to waste it complaining that it came too soon. B xox

      Delete
  3. Hi Brenda~

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts! I have to agree that this world can get a little harsh, bitter and mean, and sometimes it's very hard to just sort out the muck. I love the quote you shared, "Let the walls of your mind be filled with many beautiful pictures...". What a gentle way to go to sleep at night.

    I think it's a good thing for all of us to stop and evaluate our lives. What we choose to share about ourselves tell the world a lot about us. I choose to just be me, no pretenses, I just put it all out there, in hopes that it might make someone else smile, or cry, or...whatever. I like that about your post, they are real and from your heart.

    I love Paul McCartney! What a beautiful story about the song, Let it Be. Many years ago, I wrote my senior, end of year paper in my literature class on, The Beatles. I don't remember reading that story, I love it, thanks for sharing. I'll bet the concert was wonderful!!

    I have had a sad week, lots of losses in my life the last little while, and you have made me smile!

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a lovely reply. Thank you!

      What fun you must have had writing that paper for your literature class, Barb! Yes, yes, the concert was wonderful. I'm still humming the songs.

      I am sorry to hear of your time of sadness and losses in your life. I hope you will find many comforts and the strength to help you through these days.

      Brenda xox

      Delete
  4. PS - Your photos were delightful! Here in Idaho, we had snow in the foothills today, I guess it's that time of year!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I always come away from your posts feeling uplifted, dear Brenda.
    And I can't believe that you have snow! We have a delightfully sunny day here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm imagining your sunny day over there in your beautiful Cornwall. My heart always lifts when I see you!
      Brenda xox

      Delete
  6. Thanks for the timely reminders, Brenda. Oh, and by the way, yes I was rubbing it in. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha... I didn't really think you'd miss an opportunity (wink) to bug your sisters.

      Delete
  7. Oh, my goodness, Brenda - this is a powerful read. My first introduction to your beautiful writing and blog, was just after one of the terrible tragedies in our world, several years ago. You had written something just as inspiring after such hate, and I have followed you since that day.

    Your beautiful blog is truly an antidote to the daily dose of dreadful which somehow we always seem to receive. And, I do believe it connects like-minded souls together in our own little community - maybe that is what we must have in order to survive. You certainly do your part to pull us together and lift us to a better place.

    Thank you for the mention of my blog, which is my humble way of trying to offer a bit of beauty among all the ugliness.

    You have a marvelous gift, and keep writing what is in your heart. It is not only our little community that needs you, the world does too.

    Love to you my friend,
    Sandra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra, you are a cheering section most excellent! Your words lift me up today and set me in a place of light and joy. Thank you!! Brenda xox

      Delete
  8. Beautiful thoughts for a dreary day. Thank you Brenda ! I love all your pretty pictures,and I really love the yellow Peace rose.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Beautiful Mom, Thank you for your lovely words here and on Messenger. You've been my cheering section all along and I'm so grateful. Yes, that Peace Rose outdoes herself every season. She really is quite beautiful. Love, Brenda xox

      Delete
  9. Lovely post, as always, and truly antidotal! You are most certainly fulfilling your mission of finding beauty and sharing it with the world. Keep on keeping on:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Brenda, you do indeed inspire to look for beauty in a world that has gone mad and is filled with chaos! Philippians 4:8 tells us to do that very thing. You are ministering to so many with your stories and posts.

    I must say I am glad it's not us that got the snow! It will be here soon enough and it's not my favourite season at all. We're having dreary skies and rain all week and I'll take that over snow in October.

    Love your quotes and you know I use quotes a lot myself.

    Sir Paul McCartney was my favourite Beatle too and I've never seen him in concert. It must have been a wonderful treat. Personally, we like Sir Barry Gibb who is a good friend of Paul's. He too is a humble man and he's all about family. I like that about him. The Bee Gees have written some of the best love songs out there and I'm a romantic at heart. ;-)

    Your tea with the leaf in it is very attractive and makes one want a cuppa. You are an artist! Thank you for your lovely post and have a beautiful week!

    Blessings and hugs,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandi, thank you so much for your beautiful comments. Lovely to get your feedback. Brenda xox

      Delete
  11. You have a wise sister! Yes, It's A Beautiful Life, has always been my safe place. A place where I can get inspired, even in a dark and demonic world. Truth and showing the beauty found in it, is what I look for. Your words and pictures are MY antidote. So, take a deep breath and let it out! Don't hold it anymore, pour your heart out to us. We love your truth!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Christine. You are lovely! Your comments are so appreciated. Brenda xox

      Delete
  12. I never thought I'd be running the A/C in October, but it's been so hot and humid over the last few days. My dad was a Beatles fan so I grew up listening to Paul McCartney's tunes. I may have to adopt "Let it be" as my mantra. Thanks for another beautiful and insightful post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, you must live out east, same region where my brother was happy to report it was +27 today. I'm grateful I don't have to deal with the humidity. I'll take the snow any day. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Margie! B xox

      Delete
  13. thx for sharing...i love paul's song let it be...got me through a divorce decades ago and brought peace. a great message for all and all ages.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Appreciated your own story of how Let It Be made a difference during that time of your life, Lin. Thanks so much. Brenda xox

      Delete
  14. Another lovely and thoughtful post from your desk, Brenda. Turning our eyes to the beauty of the world we live in (beauty that comes in so many forms - snow, colour, music, reading) helps us focus on the Giver of beauty, and there we find wholeness. Now "let it be" is playing in my head; not a bad thing at all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lorrie! Yes, focusing on the Giver of beauty, where we find wholeness. So true!! Brenda xox

      Delete
  15. I'm with your sister - your blog is most certainly an antidote. I always leave your beautiful space feeling serene and inspired. You have a real gift, Brenda.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my gosh, Brenda. Please don't send the snow down here yet. Yowsers. I can identify 100 percent with your lovely post. There are days when a heaviness fills my heart and soul and I need to scramble to find the light again. But, usually, I do. It is important for us to be lights in the world, I think. There is already enough darkness and bad news, that's for sure. But there is so much good, too! Love the phrase "Let it be." That's a good one. So glad you got to hear Paul. Brenda, thanks for your sweet visits and comments, too. Sincerely, Susan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hopefully no snow your way, Susan, until it's the right season.

      Oh yes, I agree, there is so much good in our world. It's keeping our eyes fixed on these good gifts and being lights in the dark places.

      Brenda xox

      Delete
  17. Dear Brenda - you probably will never realize until the other side of this life how many lives you have touched with your goodness and wonderful posts...I am one for sure. We can never apologize for our blessings...we can only share them with others and that is what you do sweet friend. Hugs! O my goodness snow...I am so not ready.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Debbie, you really nailed it ... 'we can never apologize for our blessings, we can only share them with others'. Beautiful! Thank you. Brenda xox

      Delete
  18. What a wonderful post. I can't believe you have snow already! Stay warm.

    ReplyDelete

To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo