The funniest gull sauntered up to me yesterday as I was sitting quietly alone on the beach.
It was as if he wanted to tell me something.
I am still trying to figure out what that was!
He stayed for a good while, even tried to nibble my toes.
Then he flew gracefully down the beach along the line of grasses until he disappeared in the distance.
A blessing or a curse?
Did I smell like fish?
Or was I in desperate need of a close encounter with a magical creature?
You've heard of armchair gardeners?
I am an armchair winter person.
I love snow!
Photograph shot from the old Dusty Miller Inn, looking down Bradford Street, in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
This solid chair, situated in a garden beneath a huge live oak tree is made up of trillions of bouncing molecules, just like you and me.
Sometimes we feel as grounded as a boulder.
Other times scattered as the northern lights.
Most days fall somewhere in between.
Having unshakable faith that life is unfolding exactly as it is meant to do is difficult at times,
but worth whatever effort it might take to arrive there.
So, sit, and be grateful for who you are, no less than the moon and stars and the mighty live oak tree,
and solid as a rock.
Photograph taken at the Cummer Museum and Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida
"Hello, Dottie, would you like some tea?
You know, you don't need the name tag anymore, everyone knows you now.
Oh, you like it. Yes, it is very nice. It lends the air of the traveller to you.
You look pleased this morning.
They take good care of you here, don't they?
Would you like to go for a walk later?
Snowing?
No, not here. We're in Florida, remember?
It is cold today, but not snowing.
Ring me later and we'll go for a walk.
No?
Ok, maybe tomorrow.
Do I hear that sound?
Yes, that's the train whistle.
Yes, it is lovely. I know that you love the train.
Well, I'll stop by again tomorrow. You stay warm until then.
Ring me if you need anything.
Ta ta!"
Dottie is seen here at Southern Lights Candle Shop, in St. Augustine, having tea with friends.
I would like to take this time and space to thank you!
Thanks for following me, for subscribing to my posts and for reading my blog.
It means the world to me.
Truly!
Laine
(the troubadour who can't sing, or play the banjo for that matter,
but who loves to write and share her photos!)
Photo by Vicki Johnston
2012
The year of changes.
Earth changes, shifts in consciousness, access to other dimensions, mind boggling catastrophes.
None of that matters.
Real change comes from the heart.
When the heart listens and loves, everything changes.
Everything.
So, have a Happy New Year celebration and keep an eye out for those changes of heart.
They just might make you feel really great!
All the very best of everything in 2012!
In some Florida yards, nature provides her own idea of ornaments.
And…they're edible!
A beautiful sunset.
A man walks barefoot at the edge of the tide with the help of two canes.
A warm end to December in St. Augustine.
How did you feel the day after Christmas?
Maybe a little like this guy?
He's in the middle of a mock battle and seems to be taking a breather.
It's a good week to do that. Step outside of time, and breathe.
Sure there's still plenty that has to be done – people to visit, dinners to prepare, battles to be won, and work too –
but just a moment for yourself, out of the fray.
It's a good week to do that,
before the new year sweeps you away.
Flamingos Seen Over Marsh in St. Augustine South on Christmas Morning!
Welcome home!
Gleanings From Living Long
Lainesblog Thinking Out Loud 