Summer slips into autumn almost unnoticed; the body hugging warmth acquiesces to an insipid invasive damp that clings to our lungs.
One minute the green of July and August, then with the next blink there is the hint of the golden copper of October. However, leaves fail to create the usual heart-tugging, breathtaking display. Rather there is an inhaled gasp of surprise. Already? When? When did the trees hearken to winter? When did the leaves scatter and clutter the paths, the lawns?
A life lived indoors … hospital, home, caring, worrying. Fears threaten to crumble the mind, spirit, soul. A battle of chaos and peace ensues.
Some flowers grace us with their presence; their resilience reminding us to remain likewise unyielding. Yes, do bend with the circumstances but do not break.
Outside the storm wreaks its path across the country; its disturbing dissonance a reflection of us all. Swirling of winds, lashing of horizontal downpours, so violent and ferocious; anger captured at its peak. Roads turn into streams; in awe and impotence, we gaze from the security of our homes, behind the safety of glass windows, reinforced from outdoor threats. In a bubble of us … bubble of loneliness, separated from loves, friends precious lives. Aching for ourselves, more so for our children. Wisdom of years gives scant comfort, neither to the young nor to the old. It just IS!
Yet!
Glimpses of unadulterated joy crash without expectation upon us. A song catches us unawares, soul swoops, memories gather like swallows, building momentum before taking off in a glorious flight. Laughter, yes, it still exists, reverberates in the pit of our bellies following the initial sudden gusto of giggles; chuckles which so delight we cannot help but prolong the moment. All else is forgotten.
Note: The extract of my morning pages was written early November 2020 when pen and paper reconnected for me for the first time in a month. Morning pages are advocated by Julia Cameron in her ‘An Artist’s Way” and “the idea is to wake up, open your morning journal, and write three pages of longhand of any thoughts that come out of your head. Julia Cameron created this approach to journaling as a way for people to unleash their creativity”. I can highly recommend her book!
Annika Perry 
You have transported me to Autumn here…..”when did the leaves scatter…”. A profound sentence, Annika “A battle of chaos and peace ensues.” The crux of how I feel. Your description of “bubble”…..brings tears.
Funny how you should mention “song” since I was just listening to your son’s music. Makes me feel transported and happy. I have read ‘An Artist’s Way’ a few times and I used to journal. It also took away time from me…….difficult to explain. I may begin again. A powerful post, Annika, sharing how many of us are feeling about life this year.❤️
Erica, bless you for your wonderful comment and it’s so lovely to see you back! It means a lot with your heartfelt and thoughtful words. It is strange how I came to share what was written for my own personal journal but rereading it I realised how it reflected what so many of us are going through. I love how you mention certain elements of the writing that touches you deeply … bubble is exactly how we are living. A bit easier for us adults perhaps, for my son rather constraining as he was just heading out into his own life. Patience is needed in huge amounts, especially as we are now in months of lockdown again.
Thank you so much for listening to Sammy’s music and for sharing it further as well as this post with such lovely introductions.
Take care, my dear friend! hugs xx ❤️
Patience is a good word, Annika. I am at a loss for words about all that is going on with (what I shall not name – I don’t want to give it more power). Very scary reading about the U.K. and our planet. I am trying to stay in the moment, count my blessings, try not to worry about the things I cannot change………you know, the usual. Thank you for sharing the good. You are a bright part of my life, Annika, in more ways than you may realize ❤️
Annika, you’ve written some powerful, personal words here. I loved reading them. One of the by products of the Covid isolation for some of us has been the time to notice and feel the seasonal changes in nature. Well done.
Thank you so much, Pat and it means a lot that you’ve enjoyed reading my post. How true that we have felt, noticed and appreciated nature more than ever this year … I remember saying to my husband in Spring as we started our daily hour walks that we would for the first time ever see the seasons of the local area during a whole year – now winter and we have done exactly that. Usually, we are away quite a lot. Nature has so much to teach us and often it was the biggest solace of my day!
Hola Annika, Thank you for reading my post. I have just read your beautiful piece. You encompass so much in your wise words. Here’s to Peace, Hope and Love.. A Happy Christmas and a much better… New Year. Hugs Joy xxx
Joy, thank you so much for your lovely comment … I am glad you found it beautiful and wise – I’m honoured indeed. It means a lot that my initial private scrawlings have touched others and you.
Wishing you a very peaceful Christmas. Yes, may 2021 be so much better … even a smaller return of togetherness would mean so much to us all. hugs xx ❤️
You’ve captured so much in your words Annika, so much depth, emotion, truth and beauty in life’s moments. I can remember reading this book and doing Morning Pages many years ago. I remember what a nice and very contemplative way it was to start each day. Thank you for this beautiful share Annika. I hope you’re keeping well. Sending lots of love and good wishes. xx🙏
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Miriam! 😀❤️ I didn’t realise what I had written until afterwards if that makes sense and I’m happy you see so much in the piece. The morning pages create that kind of peace and magic – and it’s great you’ve read the book and written morning pages as well. I realise I must be one of the last to ‘discover’ her book and the early writing really set me up for the day … although I often ‘cheated’ and wrote them in the afternoons etc.
We are all well, thank you, just trying to keep the spirits up with the latest round of restrictions and news of new variant of the virus particularly here in the South East of England. I’m working on Keeping Positive but it takes a hammering for a moment or two at times! Take care and look forward to joining you on more travels on your blog! xx
Hey Annika, glad to hear you’re well. Thinking of you in your lockdown and can totally understand. We had six months of intense restrictions here in Melbourne. Please don’t believe everything you read or hear about this virus. Everything is orchestrated to induce fear. Stay in your heart space and positivity my friend. Sending lots of love. xx
Beautiful words and photos..thanks for sharing
Thank you so much, Manoj!
Superb
Thank you, Shayan!
Beautiful pics
Thank you!
I’ll never make an artist, Annika! I wake up, reach for the kettle then wallow in the solace of my blog for a while. Well, usually till a husband materialises, and often beyond that 🙂 🙂 But your description fits the year very well. I hope the anxiety for your loved one is safely behind you.
Jo, I have a feeling you wallow as you wake perhaps, but not after that! Your busy life and walks are evident from your blog … and that is in itself creative. 😀 I wrote this piece from the heart and not intended to share at all but realised so many of us are experiencing these emotions this year … I hoped it could help us all to share here and to see the laughter and joy is still there, just latent for a while. Thank you, yes, things are a lot better and I feel ‘nomal’ – whatever that is for now – and looking forward to Lucia this weekend and then preparing for Christmas! All presents bought online which is a record! Have a lovely weekend! xx
Oh, yes, I relate so much to what you write here. And the lows – isolation, hospital, doctors, worry, fear – and then the extreme joy – walking outside with crunchy leaves, then crunchy snow, a beautiful song, a loved one recovers and enjoys all the sweets one can bake. 🙂 And oh yes, writing each day wakes us up to those joys and tucks away the shadows for another day. ❤
Bless, your lyrical comment reaches straight into my heart, Pam! 😀 I love how “writing each day wakes us up to those joys and tucks away the shadows for another day” – that’s just me, how my days are lived! We just have to keep tucking those shadows away until they are obliterated!
It means so much to me that you can relate to this, although I so wish for you that the hopsital part was not part of your life… it is extremely traumatic and I feel for you. Yet, just so, those small things in life, in nature ground us more than ever, refreshes the soul, reminds us that we are living!
Wishing you a relaxing weekend with laughter, my dear friend! hugs xx❤️
I wish the same to you. Here, chilly cloudy shadows forecast for the weekend weather, so I’ll chase them away with some story-writing. 🙂 And our 12-year-old darling granddaughter will perform in her dance company’s Nutcracker Saturday. No audience allowed, so we’ll watch it “streaming.” May we all carry on as best we can, and on our toes! xo ❤
“Bend with the circumstances but do not break!” What a precious reminder, Annika! I find myself free in writing when I write longhand. The pace allows me to go deeper inward to touch my thoughts and feelings. I do feel like being confined in a 5 miles radius bubble. It’s the memory and photos that remind me of the larger world. I’m grateful for the technology that helps me see some of the familiar faces. Thank you for sharing!
Miriam, it is fascinating the difference between writing on a keyboard or long-hand and how true that it allows us to connect deeper with our thoughts and emotions. At first I thought I could ‘cheat’ and write on the keyboard but the book was very adamant that this was not allowed and as the course developed I relished scribbling away in my notebook (just wish there were less scribbles as some is no illegible!) It means a lot that you liked that sentence – something I keep telling myself! We often talk about the freedom modern technology has given us, to connect with others from afar or near, yet I’ve found over the months that this is best via posts, writing and not so much speaking. Talking to my son the other day he said it’s almost too hard to ‘talk’ with his friends via facetime etc as it reminds him, them all, what they’ve lost out on this year.
Wishing you a lovely weekend, Take care, xx
Dear Annika, thank you for sharing your heartfelt thoughts and everything that is in this lovely post. Stay safe. Hugs on the wing!
Teagan, it is always a bit unnerving sharing one’s thoughts but it felt right when it is something that affects us deeply everyday … I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you! Wishing you a lovely weekend and keep well! xx ❤️
The caption bound me here… Such a nice post & the more beautiful is it’s caption…💝
Thank you so much, Nafis. The title of the post came to me as I took the reflection photo of the small lake and trees on a walk – and by the end had mentally sketched a poem! 😀
I enjoyed reading your beautiful prose, Annika! Wishing you and your family a joyful and peaceful winter season. ❤
Lavinia, thank you so much for reading and your lovely comment – it means a lot. December seems to be speding past but I’m enjoying preparing for Christmas and seeing all the lights outside – helps lifts the spirits! Wishing you joy as the festive season preperations begins. Take care xx ❤️
Reblogged this on B +Ve !!.
Many thanks for the reblog!
Most welcome!
Beautiful thoughts and photography…
Debasis, thank you and so glad you enjoyed my post and I appreciate you sharing it. 😀
It’s a pleasure to read and share your post! 🙏
Just wonderful, Annika! Thank you for this beautiful post.
Ahhh … Jennie, it’s wonderful you enjoyed my post so much! Thank you! 😀🙏
You are welcome! 🙂
Such a nice write-up! Wonderfully depicted. The images are great.
Thank you so much, Aradhana! 😀 I enjoy taking photos and using them to accompany my posts when possible!
Yeah, I understood that as I try to do the same as much as possible 🙂🙂
I always thought that morning pages were scribbles but yours are poetic and beautiful and also sad in a kind way. I enjoy so very much your presence on WordPress. You enrich my life. Thank you, Annika.
PS. Your photos are lovely.
Carol, to your first point, all I will say it you haven’t seen the rest of my ‘scribbles’!! 😀I liked how the morning pages are not beholden onto anyone, there is the freedom to write anything, often with the use of prompts and within parameters which were incredibly liberating. I did feel my writing develop along the way which was good. Bless, thank you so much for your wonderful comment and it means so much and I likewise feel enriched by your presence, posts and friendship here. hugs xx❤️
Annika, I don’t know if I have gremlins in my laptop or what, but for some reason I had to re-subscribe to your blog. I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t seen this post on Twitter. Anyway, I’m on the run at the moment and have bookmarked it to read tomorrow. I will return! 🙂
Not those pesky gremlins at play again, Jennifer! This keeps happening to me all the time … I’m glad you caught sight of my post on Twitter! Hope you’re having a lovely Tuesday and that the fog has lifted for you. Look forward to your return! xx
I’m back!
Annika, your prose and photography are lovely, and a welcome antidote to these strange times. Thank you.
I wholeheartedly agree with you in that we must find joy wherever we can, in spite of the pandemic. Music, films, books, and art of all genres are of great comfort to me, and I can’t forget to mention glorious nature, even with the winter months creeping in. And I have to mention Vivian. She gives us a much-appreciated measure of contentment each and every day.
And laughter! Yes, we need that wherever we can find it. Sometimes it is the best medicine. 🙂 ❤
Bless, thank you so much, Jennifer! Your words mean so much to me. You yourself paint a wonderful and vivid image of your life and joys … it is fascinating how we more than ever have learned the need for the creative intellectual stimulation as well as the cosy emotional comfort elements in our lives. As for nature … a big resounding yes!! Ahh… Vivian is adorable and looks such a character, I’m glad she’s there to give you comfort and teach you how to really relax!😀 I’ll have to suffice through your posts of her! Take care and wrap up warm when out in the depths of winter …plus can’t wait for more photos of your landscape! Always a treat and delight. hugs xx
You and your family take good care too, Annika! ❤
A lovely journal entry, Annika. Yes, there is reason to smile, laugh, and rejoice in all the seasons of our years and lives. I loved An Artist’s Way though I don’t journal in the morning anymore. I still take the artist’s vacations! And a lovely quote from John O’Donohue. Have a happy, healthy holiday season, my friend. ❤
Diana, you probably remember that you were the one to recommend John O’Donohue’s book to me and it’s well-thumbed now and still by my bedside!😀 Thank you so much!
It’s amazing how many have read and worked through An Artist’s Way and I think I will be intermittently writing the pages, feels good to be back with them for now. As for the vacations, these proved a bit tricky during lockdown but realised I just needed to use my imagination and adapt them according to my resources! 😀 I’m glad you still get to take them and you’ve reminded me not to stop them just because I’ve finished the book! Wishing you a lovely, special and safe start to the festive season. xx ❤️
I do remember recommending John O’Donohue. He continues to be one of my favorite authors, and I’m so glad that his book struck a chord with you. ❤ ❤
And I should revisit An Artists Way since it's been a while. I went through it with a women's group (years ago), and it was so rewarding to meet and discuss our reactions and discoveries. Thanks for the inspiration. Merry Christmas, my friend. ❤
Journaling is a good way of keeping writing, Annika. How are you and your family? I haven’t seen much playing from Perry lately. I’ve been on Instagram less so that may be why.
I totally agree, Robbie! Journaling is a great way to ensure one writes on a regular basis and who knows what nuggets are created along the way! The book is superb in that there are a lot of prompts that causes one to look at life in the present, past and future, reassessing all the time! I made quite a few changes to my routine to give myself the space and almost permission to write more!
Thank you, we are all well now! That’s so sweet of you to notice Sammy’s absence from youtube, Robbie. He’s hard at work on his university course work – up to ten hours a day! I can’t wait until the holidays myself when he will have time to play the piano again and release music. Have your son and his friends come up with a name for the band yet? How are the rehearsals going?
Sorry, Sammy, brain wobble moment. I am glad he is working hard, it pays off in the end. Greg worked incredibly hard and achieved year averages of over 90% in four subjects [out of six]. He achieved 80% averages for his two languages. I always worked very hard at my academics and it has paid off in my life and career. Michael has started the band and the boys have practiced over Zoom. It is quite funny to watch. Ben is only ten and gets very excited. I don’t know about a name. I’ll ask him. Good luck with your writing, Annika. I’d like to see another book from you.
I love your musings on thoughts on life through your morning pages Annika. It’s been so long since I’ve done morning pages. Good reminder. Keep the joy and stay safe. We’re hopefully nearing the finish line. ❤
Debby, it is interesting how many have/are doing morning pages – I think I came late to the idea! 😀 I fear I am not diligent enough to do them full time, they lapsed under difficult circumstances, but are definitely something I will return to now and then. Glad you liked my musings – I was a bit shy to share at first but it felt right. Yep, it feels some light and excitement here in the UK (just wish the numbers were far lower). hugs xx❤️
I know what you mean about shy sometimes writing about our feelings and surmisings, but it’s who we are. Keep the faith and keep safe until the vaccine gets into circulation. Then hopefully, the world can get on with living. ❤ ❤
I’ve been doing morning pages again for the last 2 1/2. A lot of good ideas come out of it as well as clarity. Have all of Julia Cameron’s books. Love the quote by John O’Donohue. He’s a favorite. This was a beautiful poem.
Marlene, how great that you are so committed to the morning pages and how wonderful they can become a rich source of writing material. I am happy to be back to them for now. Books?! I have to check out her other ones? Are there any you would particularly recommend? Oh yes, John O’Donohue is incredible … another recommendation I came across on WP and it’s a book that lives on my bedside table. His writings reach into the core of our existence and lives!
John O’Donohue was the first poet that made me realize I could actually like poetry. 🙂 I’m working my way through “A Vein of Gold” geared toward older people. Just never enough hours in a day. There are many good books she’s put out. I did the workbook connected to “The Artist’s Way” We had a class with 10 women in it for 12 weeks, I think.
I particularly appreciate the following paragraph:
Glimpses of unadulterated joy crash without expectation upon us. A song catches us unawares, soul swoops, memories gather like swallows, building momentum before taking off in a glorious flight. Laughter, yes, it still exists, reverberates in the pit of our bellies following the initial sudden gusto of giggles; chuckles which so delight we cannot help but prolong the moment. All else is forgotten.
In the midst of this horror we’re living through in the US, there are these moments . . .
Liz, thank you for re-quoting the paragraph … it’s always humbling and surprising! I feel so much for you all in America, horror is the word and it baffles me how many don’t seem to see it. Or maybe that is just the way it comes across? In the UK it’s not good either but no comparision. Take extra special care xx
You’re welcome, Annika. That paragraph just sang! Horror is exactly the word for America right now. The pain, suffering, scores of deaths every day are beyond comprehension.
I was thinking I liked the stream of consciousness style of these musings Annika, that give them a real sense of power. These are very eloquent morning pages – I did try it for a while some time ago, but didn’t produce much of worth – but then I’m not a morning person! I’m glad that the difficult year you’ve had is easing a little and we get to read you again 🙂
Ahh … thank you for your lovely comment, Andrea and your sweet words at the end. It is good to be back and I’m brimming with ideas and trying to keep up with them!😀
I do love writing in a stream of consciousness way and have done ever since childhood when encouraged by a superb teacher in primary school. Wow! I l’m so happy ou see power in my words – I hoped it was there but one always doubts.
Haha! As for morning pages, I must admit I often write them any time during the day I can grab 20-30 minutes for myself. During the summer this was sometimes before dinner, out in the sun as my husband cooked dinner or even last things at night! I felt very daring breaking Julia Cameron’s ‘rules’!😀 Maybe that would be something that would work for you?
Always a good thing to break the rules sometimes 🙂
How wonderful to read this post at the beginning of my day. We have entered a new reality, one that will test our courage and resolution and our desire to live boldly. While we seek certainty, we are at our best when we face uncertainty. This past year, I have read three books that spoke to the idea of isolation, of solitude, of loneliness. Books have an amazing way of clarifying ideas. This is a quote that I have kept close this year. It comes from “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles: “He had said that our lives are steered by uncertainties, many of which are disruptive or even daunting; but that if we persevere and remain generous of heart, we may be granted a moment of lucidity—a moment in which all that has happened to us suddenly comes into focus as a necessary course of events, even as we find ourselves on the threshold of the life we had been meant to lead all along.” Thank you for this post – it will be with me in the week ahead.
Thank you for sharing the Armor Towles quote, Rebecca. I find that it’s the generosity of heart that’s the most important for us to persevere in the face of adversity.
An you, my dear friend, have an abundance of generosity!!!
As do you!
Bless you for your wonderful comment, Rebecca and sharing with us such an amazing quotation which immediately offered me intense clarity and peace. One I’ll be saving. I just wish we could all have learned the wisdom how our lives should be lived without such a cost. And, I’ve read other posts about this, one can only hope lessons have been learned, that we have all grown during these times.
It means a lot that my words have touched you today, Rebecca and that they will stay with you. I hadn’t thought of them leading one to live life more boldly yet that is exactly how I feel … there is a new resolution within me and many others no doubt. Let us see what this new world will look like! Hugs xx
Excellent and captivating pictures, Annika. Such a lovely read. The quote was so truthful. A great post.
Kamal, it is wondeful that you found so much within my post – a piece that wasn’t at all intended for publication seems to have reached so many and that means so much to me. John O’Donohue writes in ‘quotes’ – an amazing and inspiring author. This is one image of a selection I make for calendars for my family and friends.
Reflections that resonate… straight from one heart into another! You write beautifully Annika, sounds like poetry.
Bless … thank you so much, Balroop!😀 That means a lot to me … I love that my writing sounds like poetry. xx
A poignant piece we can all relate to, Annika… Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely, Bette … I was first a shy to share here but thought it was something that touches us all. Hope you’re having a lovely Sunday. xx
Wishing you the same, Annika! 🎄💕xo
Twere I to do life all over again, I would spend it in nature. Love post. Please, stay safe and healthy.
Jacqui, the rich gifts of nature cannot be overstated and I feel I couldn’t live without being surrounded by it! The walks this year have been soothing and healing and having grown up on the edge of the moors I count myself very lucky indeed. So glad you like the post … and trying very hard to stay safe and healthy. You take extra special care too! xx
Songs catch us unawares, yes, even in these restricting times.
To cheer myself and my readers, I resurrect memories of travelling.
It is amazing how songs are an inherent part of our souls and can transport us to any moment in the past, to any emotion related to it! Thank goodness for its gifts. Ashen, I love your idea of resurrecting your travel memories to share and look forward to popping over to read. I’ve ‘travelled’ so much this way during this year! 😀
Thank you for sharing this poignant post, Annika. It covers such a range of emotions that we are all feeling. And the photos are amazing! Take care and best wishes for a happy holiday season!
Thank you so much, Jan! At first I was concerned if it was too raw but all written from the heart and like everyone my emotions are on a huge swing scale at the moment. I’m glad you liked the photos too – the single rose flowered until late November and the one raindrop remaining on its petals reminded me of a teardrop. Keep safe and well! xx
Anything that comes from the heart is NEVER wrong, Annika! Thank you for sharing.
❤️🤗
Annika, Thank you for sharing your beautiful and uplifting words and images. Take care and stay safe. P.S. I read Jill’s Second Chance Romance novel and agreed with your wonderful review. Have a wonderful week!
Natalie, thank you so much for reading and for your great comment! Yeah, I’m glad you enjoyed Jill’s book so much and felt my review rang true. btw. I really appreciate the mention on your latest post and will pop over to answer fully tomorrow. Thank you! Hope you’re having a lovely 2nd Advent and wishing you joy and light in the week ahead as well. xx
A beautiful gift to share with us, Annika! Thank you so much. Blessings across the miles. xo
A joy to be able to share here, Natalie … not that it was ever the intention when writing it but realised it summed up the fluctuating emotions we are all experiencing at the current time. Wishing you all well. hugs xx
A lovely post, Annika – and lovely photos. I used to do morning pages and don’t really know why I stopped. Maybe it’s time to go back to them to jolt my creativity back to life.
Thank you so much, Mary! It was with trepidation I decided to share this extract of my morning pages but felt they spoke of us and to us – it wonderful so many feel the same. I love choosing photos and gives me a good excuse to while away the time looking through them! At first, I was very precious with the morning pages and followed the routine religiously for four months – when things got too much for me I did stop for a month. It’s good to be back writing them again (although often not in the morning!) and I’ve promised not to beat myself up when I lapse again! Mary, I hope you’re doing okay and have some good news … I’ll head over to check your blog tomorrow. hugs xx
Not much in my morning pages was fit to share! But, there were nuggets there when I read them back after a few months. I see the oncologist tomorrow (today, now) morning so the blog post will be late afternoon/early evening. Not expecting to sleep much tonight 🙂
Thinking of you so much, Mary! Hope you managed to get a bit of rest and I’ll check in later. Hugs xx ❤️❤️
Beautiful. What a great way to start the morning. Have a blessed day!
Ahh … Melissa, that’s so kind of you to say, thank you so much!😀
Hi. What are winters like where you live? Do you get much snow?
Neil, being the UK winters are incredibly varied. Last year very mild and rainy, this year already one-half day of snow which melted within a few hours (alas!) On the whole, cold, very very damp and dull… thank goodness for all the Christmas lights outside houses! What about winters for you? I’m imagining metres of snow??
We’ve had winters with loads of snow. But you never know: Last winter there was virtually no snow.
As a decades long-term Morning Pages doer, I say: this is right – on and a good ‘share’. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into that very personal space.
Welcome back
peace
Wow! Laura, that is impressive and inspiring! A whole decade of morning pages – I love doing them but as soon as something untoward happens I seem to lapse – exactly at the time when I need them most! Your commitment is incredible – I bet it would feel wrong to start the day any other way for you. I pick it up for longer periods of time and hope to become equally long-lasting for them. Julia Cameron’s book (along with daily walks) got me through the first lockdown! Thank you for the lovely welcome back and good to be here. Keep safe and well! xx
Wonderful post and so true. Wishing you health and happiness during this holiday season and a much better 2021 for all of us. 2020 has s**ked.
Pat, thank you so much! Yes, may we all have a much better 2021 – I remember the New Year’s celebration of the new decade very well, and was so excited and felt lots of anticipation for the next ten years. Oh well … we’ve all had to learn patience, perseverance and true understanding of each other. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and light … keep safe and well.
Such a beautiful and hopeful post, Annika. Yes, life does go on and your gorgeous photos are a reminder. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your Morning Pages. I love Julia’s books. Wishing you and your family a peaceful second Advent.❤️
Ahhh … thank you so much, Jill and I’m glad the hope shines through in my writing! 😀 As always it’s a treat to look through my photos for some to fit the post. Yeah! Another Julia Cameron fan! Do you still write the morning pages? I must admit I try to every day but not successfully and often during the day! She would probably say it doesn’t count and I know why! Now, you wrote books! Are there more by her? I’ll have to check this out!
Wishing you a peaceful and magical 2nd Advent filled with light as well, my friend! My mother and I baked her special cake today so imagine I’m sending a slice over for your and yours. Take care. Hugs xx❤️
Wonderful post Annika and very uplifting in these present circumstances. Love the photo’s too as they perfectly match the mood of the piece.
Mike
Mike, I’m glad you found the post uplifting as I wanted to finish on a positive note and how the light is always there, we just have to let it reach our hearts! 😀 It’s great you like the photos and I enjoy searching through my images for something that will fit the words. Have a lovely 2nd Advent!
Wonderful words! Thanks for sharing. The sudden bursts of joy. Love it. Take care and stay safe.
Ahh … thank you so much, Darlene! 😀 Yes, those bursts of joy moments are precious and ones to treasure; particularly these days! Keep safe, my friend! Love & hugs xx ❤️
💖
In a bubble of us…Thank you, Annika. It feels like you’ve written this especially for me. Because all things you mention in your piece I have experienced, first hand. Yet I know I’m not unique as many people have gone through the same, this year. But as you so eloquently puts it, “Glimpses of unadulterated joy crash without expectation upon us.” something to relinquish, pause to acknowledge the moment and give thanks.
This was a beautiful read. And thanks for the introduction to An Artist’s Way.
Khaya, yes, to pause, and to give thanks! 😀 Those small moments which before we might have taken for granted now hold extra richness, meaning for us. Your comment touched me deeply and as you’ve written on your blog, it means so much to know we are reaching out to others, understood and can share reflections, articulate emotions, thoughts. Thank you so much for reading, your thoughtful insight. Even if we are all experiencing the same event, how we react is different, if minutely so. I loved reading The Artist’s Way, full of quotes alongside each page and each chapter concentrating on various topics/themes. A rewarding book indeed. Take care. xx
Annika, you fill me with awe and joy as I read this post. Words flow like a pure
river. Words of natural beauty, of sorrows of now imbedded.
Still, the increasing avalanche of uplifting words glitter and shine.
Your last paragraph is breathtaking. I do laugh freely as I read it.
Your words give us wings and hope.
The pictures a visual accompaniment of pleasure.
Miriam
Miriam, heartfelt thanks for your beautiful and poetic comment! 😀❤️ It’s wonderful that you see so much within my writing here and the my ‘words give us wings and hope’. Wow! This means so much to me! Yeah! Glad you can laugh along with the last paragraph… just want I felt and wanted to convey!
Wishing you a blessed 2nd Advent, my dear friend! Xx
Oh, Annika, how moving and with such eloquent and heartfelt words to describe our crisis from the inside. Outside it seem there are too many clumsy words like ‘lockdown’ but you make it a retreat with all the difficulties of that ‘ long night of the soul’ before we come through to be safely with all of our family and friends.
Georgina, bless you for your wonderful and touching comment. I’m happy if I can offer another perspective on these hard days … finding the laughter bubble up inside me now and then is like an epiphany… I feel overjoyed this still survives in me, in us all! I hope you and your family are all keeping well. Are you back in the U.K. for now? Take care and wishing you a lovely 2nd Advent. Xx
Yes, back and being with new grandchild. All is quite good except for the constant concern over this virus.
Quite … life can be good inbetween the worries. Glad you’re back and ahh, with your new grandchild. Enjoy and you all keep safe and well. xx
A beautiful post. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lynette! 😀
Beautiful thoughts and images.
Norah, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post … it’s fun to try and find photos to match the mood of the writing!
You did well.