To All The Souls

Greetings readers. When I was a boy, playing with my friends in fields full of wild flowers, we knew why their petalled faces would follow the sun. In my imagination back then, flowers were like souls in heaven… always standing in perfect beauty, and bathed forever in glorious light.

This field of sunflowers from last August evokes those memories – and I feel that All Souls Day is the best day to share it. With loving wishes and gratitude to those who have gone before us, may we follow them with grace, knowing one day we will be reunited.

Until next time…

Photography ©Amanda Moloney.

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An Inner Sun

Hello there, readers. I hope you find yourselves in fine fettle this day. The above pics were taken a few days ago, during Amanda’s second visit to The Stratford Butterfly Farm, Warwickshire. 

Throughout the months of winter, I am confined to my bed for the greater part of every day. Counting bare branches on the rain drenched chestnut trees standing tall outside the house. Grounded, like a caterpillar – anticipating fondly that day when the sun will smile kindly again upon our northern climes. Summer brings the promise of improved mobility, and although I can’t without difficulty leave the confines of our house, the garden is my patch of eden. Here I spend the long, warm days, counting numberless leaves on branches attired – until the sun must travel south again. Optimism is an inner sun, whose yellow rays will rouse our frozen wings to life.

We are all born, like the caterpillar, with the capability of becoming something extraordinary, and beautiful.*

Until next time, strive to be happy. Amras.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

— Helen Keller

* https://amras888.wordpress.com/2018/09/29/divine-elegance/

Photography ©Amanda Moloney.

Reminders

 

Greetings, and top of the day to everyone. The above pics are reminders of a truly great summer, just passed. All too soon the land must sleep, as though dead – and all will dream of spring. The first eight pics were taken in our garden by me. Amanda took the others whilst out and about. All these pics were taken in July, except the sun seen shining through leaves; which belongs to the next paragraph. Please enjoy.

The beauty of the natural world soothes the soul, and calms the mind. When I stand beneath our tallest leafy tree, in silence, and warm Autumnal sunbeams dance merrily across my face – then, above all else, I know that I am standing in the light of our Creator’s love for all. I hope you feel this way too.

Until next time, peace – and may you enjoy many more days of warmest sunshine.

 

‘Tis hard for man to rouse his spirit up–

It is the human creative agony,

Though but to hold the heart an empty cup,

Or tighten on the team the rigid rein.

Many will rather lie among the slain

Than creep through narrow ways the light to gain–

Than wake the will, and be born bitterly.

But he who would be born again indeed,

Must wake his soul unnumbered times a day,

And urge himself to life with holy greed;

Now ope his bosom to the Wind’s free play;

And now, with patience forceful, hard, lie still,

Submiss and ready to the making will,

Athirst and empty, for God’s breath to fill.

~ George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul.

Long Clusters

“In memory of the spring now passing, I drew the long clusters of wisteria that move like waves.” 

(Masaoka Shiki)

I hope you are finding peace within today. When recovering slowly from painful health issues, I find many things quite difficult to do. These include writing. So, please bear with me, and I will publish two sister posts to this one in short order. Meanwhile, here are a few words from a fellow countryman: May your neighbours respect you, troubles neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you.

Photography ©Francis Moloney.

On the Western Elevation

Cheers. We’re back again, while the going is good. Here are pics taken on the hill behind our house. Everything looked its best, and the sun was shining, for a change.  On the other hand, as sad as it is that so many trees are no more, due to disease, it is good to know that they were sacrificed to help preserve this ancient forest for future generations to enjoy.

Until next time, go in peace.

For no one has seen God at any time, but if there is anyone who represents God, it is the man who speaks His word. God is seen in the one who glorifies Him. But if our hearts are closed, even if we wait for a thousand years for the messenger to show himself, we shall never find him.

Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan

 

 

 

Photography ©Amanda Moloney.