ON VALENTINE'S DAY, February 14th, the pretty candles that were Christmas gifts finally were lit to decorate the table that was set for our dinner. Perhaps it was the glow of the multiple flames in single hearts that illuminated memories of loved ones lost too soon and unexpectedly over the years due to illnesses.
The next day there was news of an asteroid hurling uncomfortably close to the earth reminding us that the world as we know it could randomly end. A few hours earlier on the same day a large
meteor exploded over a small Russian town injuring hundreds of people.
Sometimes it seems as if all life has been sent on a perilous journey pieced together with only a wing and a prayer. Thankfully, we don't often think about the vulnerabilities, especially when fully present and in the moment.
There is wonder and a sense of oneness with the universe to savor: bare feet stepping on grassy floors, toes wiggling in the gritty sand of mysterious shores, sunsets dissolving like lemon drops into oceans, rain tap tapping on roofs as we drift among the stars on a green globe that never stops revolving. From the gentle swoosh of a bird's wing to the mean surprise of a bee's sting … each wink in time is a
Valentine. (February sunset, 2012, Kwomais Park.)
Planets and people will crumble into dust. The stubborn ideals we treasure for both good and evil will fade into mist and our struggles and glories melt into insignificance. Although there is no use in dwelling on the fact that existence could be snuffed out like a flame in an instant, the possibility does beg for perspective, humility and a wholehearted leap into the here and now.
As an unknown author once said,
“Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.”
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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms
"Being alive is the special occasion". So true!
ReplyDeleteI love that quote...we all need to live consciously of the moment..
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes we do forget.
Jen
"especially when fully present and in the moment."...that's the ticket. Such a truly serene and wonder filled place, the Now.
ReplyDeleteThis was a brilliant post! Very thoughtful and creative and perfect for me right now. Thank you so much!! xx
Very thoughtful and thought provoking post. Well said and beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful, wise post and so true, indeed!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, the beauty and the wisdom of your world!! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine day.
Wow, that sunset is stunning.
ReplyDeleteSuch a love-filled post and wonderful photos too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sky!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI’m struck in awe with the stunning changing colors on the sunset sky. Being a part of it is surely a moment to have a sense of oneness with the universe. "Being alive is the special ocasion." and every today is a gift.
ReplyDeleteMaking the most of each day is an excellent motto to live by and witnessing such sunsets as in your picture must enhance anyone's day.
ReplyDeleteI agree that being alive is indeed a special occasion. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI, too, was awed by your photos and your wisdom, Penelope. That sunset! It quite literally took my breath away and the words under it were pure poetry. I also loved imagining your pleasure as you placed the candles on the table for a Valentine's Day meal and the quote by an unknown author was new to me. Being alive to feel the beauty in this post is indeed a special occasion that I treasure.
ReplyDeleteThe older I get the more I appreciate the fact that I have the chance to do things. And I try to do them!
ReplyDelete