Friday's Blurbs

This hasn't been the best week. Nothing in particular went sour; it's just been sort of a blah week: a definite lack of inspiration. However, I have such a fabulous weekend planned that I simply will not allow the blahness of the week to trickle into the weekend. Tonight is the trolley tour in the South Main Arts District with Brittany and her sister and Sarah. Tomorrow is Into the Woods at Playhouse on the Square. Oh and the farmer's market is Saturday Morning. Not to mention the weather is by my standards, perfect. Also, Sarah is finally living in Memphis so there is pretty much no excuse for me not to be in good spirits.

I've also come across yet another amazing photographer which undoubtedly brings a smile to my soul!

Rachel Whiting's website.

Elle Moss: Vintage Inspired Photography

Elle Moss on Etsy.

White

only one

“the things you want are always possible; it is just that the way to get them is not always apparent. the only real obstacle in your path to a fulfilling life is you, and that can be a considerable obstacle because you carry the baggage of insecurities and past experience.”

~ les brown



Image found on Etsy in thePhototZoo shop.

thePhotoZoo

I experience spurts where I find art and photography that I fall in love with instaneously. Here are some recent treausures that I've happened upon. All found on Etsy in thePhotoZoo shop.

For Brittany

My lovely friend Brittany commented on how she liked a photo in one of my previous postings. Here are some similar photos that I think she may like as well. Thanks Brittany for being the inspiration for this posting.







These are all by Irene Suchocki. I discovered her brilliant work on Etsy. Where else? Thanks Irene!

Rachel in Memphis

You and me

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

Some I took

Staying True

It's time for a bird blog. This one is entirely dedicated to bird artists. I haven't posted anything bird related recently, but my fondness of birds remains steadfast.






These paintings are by Rachel Austin.

Just a Glimpse

I like to think. I think a lot. I'd say that typically the process is a beneficial one, but there have been instances that indicate otherwise. Anyhow, I'm only going to address the beneficial facets of my thinking today.

It's always inspiring to discover a new perspective on life. Granted I know that I'm without a doubt not the first person to ever think about life from a particular perspective. Maybe one day I'll actually discover one that has never before been manifested to another soul, but until that glorious day I will remain a life perspective thief.

So, life is not as it was intended to be. And i have a sneaking suspicion that this is a sentiment shared by many. This is also an unfortunate truth of which I've been aware for a significant amount of time. However, until recently I don't think I've fully grasped it. There have been painful experiences in my life (don't worry I'm not going to make the mood too somber) and within in the past year I've realized that what these experiences have taught me is irreplaceable. They've given me a greater appreciation for the gifts that God has given me. And what's so incredible is that he gives everyone different gifts in varying forms. It's like he knows each one of us personally and chooses what gifts suit each one of us best. And guess what, he does know us personally! Lately I've just had such a grateful heart that through these gifts from him I'm able to see a glimpse of life as it was meant to be. In this life, the pain and heartache will not cease, but due to God's unending grace life is actually SOMETIMES as it was meant to be. It's done. It's finished. The price has been paid. I think I'm finally understanding why we are supposed to praise him even in our darkest moments. I'm not in my darkest moment right now, but I'm undoubtedly praising him right now for my darkest moment. I am no longer anticipating the day that everything in life falls in place because it already is in place. It might not be in the place that I want it to be, but it's in the place that God intends for it to be. When I allow this truth to freely flow through me, I have such a peace about life that I actually feel that my life is where I want it to be.

If you can't tell, lately I've received more than one glimpse of life as it was meant to be. Funny thing is it's not one particular event or person through which I've seen this. And that's perfectly fine with me :)

All of these photos are by Alicia Bock. I am in love with her work.