Summer

A fun tall structured display of pink and red petunias with a fern or yucca at the top. It looks like a celebration of blooms. Every step forward, celebrate, as that’s an expression of thanks. Every glimmer of hope, give thanks. Gratitude is where it’s at!

#gratitude
Celebrate everything now.

“You can feel it in your soul that you're being prepared for something special. A new version of yourself is coming to life. Many new beginnings, celebrations, changes, discoveries, realizations, and growth are all happening for you right now.”
Idil Ahmed

A winter scene of bare trees and snow covered ground. A tree trunk has been cut, giving the optical illusion of an owl, symbolic of wisdom.

#gratitude
Age is but a number, oh, the nuance of that wisdom. May this be one of your best days ever!

“Don't ever let anyone tell you that you're too old or too young to do something. Life is about the journey, not the destination, and every moment is an opportunity to start over."
Sophia Loren

Yellow pin cushion flowers planted along a walkway. We often feel like we are symbolically human pin cushions, being poked with a barrage of new bad news each and everyday. The accumulation of these jabs is felt. Today, go outside, help a neighbour, small bits of joy help.

#gratitude
Kindness is in low supply on the world stage, but look for kind souls, and be kind. Building up of local kindness surely helps us all cope.

"My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness."
Dr. Maya Angelou

A cumulus cloud which gives the optical illusion of movement in a circular motion. Symbolic of the energies of those who came before us and the effects they have on us today.

#gratitude
Happy #InternationalWomensDay
We are all strengthened by our mothers, our grandmothers and all the women before us who created light in this world.

"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women."
-Maya Angelou

Here is a red variety of kalanchoe. It’s known for its resilient nature, while it prefers direct sun and drying out between waterings, it will do its best to survive in spite of less than ideal conditions. Here it’s planted outside, directly in the ground. But due to its perseverance, it’s a popular houseplant.

#gratitude
We search for peace in the world and in our lives. Perseverance, resilience and strength are what we all need to cope with the news-filled days. Peace to all.

"Not knowing when dawn will come, I open every door."
Emily Dickinson

Six goats stand at a fence. Animals have an uncanny way of coaxing smiles from those around them.

#gratitude
Darkness every where, everyday.
Look for light, every where, everyday.
Intend to find light.

"A seed neither fears light nor darkness, but uses both to grow."
Matshona Dhliwayo

A stone retaining wall along a dirt path. From the bible, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone" (John 8:7) Hatred gets us nowhere.

#gratitude
Passionate loathing only leads to anger, sickness, and destruction, whether for you or for those around you who need to cope with hatred. Hatred leads to hurting yourself in the end.

“There is no graceful way to carry hatred."
Alice Walker

A boulevard garden alive with vibrant colours. Various shades of red anchor the bed, which is complimented by purple, orange and yellow blooms. Coincidentally, today marks the Holi celebration. The festival of colours represents an opportunity to rid ourselves of bitterness and embrace colour. I’ve seen it described as, “hues of love, splashes of joy,”and “let the colours speak louder than words.”

#gratitude
Light over darkness is revisited with today’s quote. By choosing colour/hope, joy is free to grow.

“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors - it's how you combine them that sets you apart.”

Wolfgang Puck

A small waterfall where the water runs freely only feet away from solid ice which has frozen in the shape of water falling. Side by side two opposing forms of water. And with the hope of warmer temperatures, we know the water will run freely once again.

#gratitude
We witness good & bad forces daily, maybe conscious intention of good helps on some level. It certainly can’t hurt.

“I want to live in a world where harm is not systemic, where love organizes society, where the earth is respected, and where life is valued above all else.”
Yung Pueblo

A snowy boot print is next to a twig which is in a perfect Y shape. Faith in the universe/God still brings about questions, however, knowing a higher power is in your corner instills comfort.

#gratitude
Confidence and ‘inner knowing,’ as I refer to it as, has always been my aim. I like this wording better. When you know and resonate with God/the Universe, who can be against you?

“Walk into the room like I sent you… cause I did.
-God”

Matt Gottesman

A formal garden. In the centre a low hedge circles a stone water fountain. In the foreground and background are separate gardens. They too are encircled by a low hedge while red tulips are blooming in uniform rows. The green grass completes this spring scene of new growth and the new season upon us.

#gratitude
March was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. It is also symbolic of spring & new growth ahead.

“March is a line in the sand of the old.
A new chapter. A chance to begin again and rise to the occasion of creation. March is hope. And hope is much needed right now.”

Donna Ashworth

Dark clouds cover most of the sky. The sun breaks through the outline of smaller clouds promising the storm is over, and that the tough day has ended. Tomorrow is always better when times are tough.

#gratitude
Just as the sun shines after a storm, persevere after setbacks.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it."
Maya Angelou

The red branches of a dogwood bush stand straight and tall in front of a forested area. Some snow covered logs rest on the ground. A peaceful winter scene. The sun illuminates leaves, which have not fallen, despite the amount of snow on the ground.

#gratitude
Is it the fresh air, the hint of sunshine, or the simple smile from a stranger which most revives the soul? …being outside.

“It is never a waste of time to be outdoors, and never a waste of time to rest, even for a few hours.”
May Sarton

Thank you! 🤗

A decoration, more aptly enjoyed in the summer, but here in the winter, it appears to be a large petal-like cup filled with snow. Also, it indeed appears as if some snow ran over and lays at the base of the garden ornament.

#gratitude
Ask the questions, look for the answers. This is life. I hope your cup over flows with wonderful, abundance and love today.

“The more you quench your thirst for wonder, The more you drink from the cup of life.”
Ancient proverb

The light shines on this grouping of different varieties of sweet potato vines. The burgundy, lime green and chocolate coloured plants all glow with a little extra beauty in this picture.

#gratitude
Foster that light within you. It will show the way.

“LIGHT
be a seeker of light a keeper of light extinguish the dark with the might of that bright”
Donna Ashworth

A single pink balloon flower. The buds appear as balloons before they open into star-shaped flowers.

#gratitude
The electromagnetic force surrounding your heart is stronger than the one around your brain. An open heart is powerful.

“An open heart isn't naive.
It's discerning, present, and doesn't operate from fear-based scripts.
It can guide you in a way the mind never could.”
Cory Muscara

A close up picture of green lichen on a tree. A rounded scar appears where, seemingly, a branch was cut long ago, from this wound two new leaves appear. Maybe the new growth won’t resemble what was once there, but it might just be even better.

#gratitude
Prove them all wrong, transform every ill word into strength. Imagine it all, because that’s what helps.

“Never, ever, let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. Prove the cynics wrong. Pity them for they have no imagination. The sky's the limit. Your sky. Your limit.”
Tom Hiddleston

A light amber coloured chrysanthemum plant. The circular layering pattern of the petals symbolizes for me how there is beauty, synchronicity and symbolism around us. We only need to look.

#gratitude
Ultimate physicist, Albert Einstein recognized the link between the beauty of the known and the magical bliss of the unknown.

“The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. It is the power of all true science.”
Albert Einstein

The sun casts an interesting pattern on the cement, through the shadow of a tree’s canopy. Interpretations abound, from nothing or to a cherished memory or simple bliss.

#gratitude
Explore those nudges, and remain curious. The Universe wants the best for you.

“What you're obsessed with... isn't random…
That's not a distraction.
That's direction.
Your curiosity isn't chaos. It's divine. Follow it. It's trying to lead you somewhere your logic can't.”
Matt Gottesman

A mid-afternoon, dark blue, winter sky, while the sun shines through near-transparent clouds. Is the picture light or heavy? Hopeful or gloomy? Perspective matters.

#gratitude
Letting the energy settle helps things look less dire, while gratitude helps build good energy.

"Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed."
Dr. Maya Angelou

A single blue magic columbine bloom. The regal purple colour is a standout bloom.

#gratitude
Today the joy of accountability seems possible. A timeline is ahead of us, but joining together in prayer, will ensure justice and fairness. This now is our duty. Light over dark forces, always.

"The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step."
Lao Tzu

A beautiful patch of orange lilies. However, for me, the bloom facing the sky, and absorbing the sun’s rays the most, is the stand-out bloom. It is my focus.

#gratitude
An open heart aids an open mind, and that truly is where the power to make a difference can be found.

"Opening the heart and revealing the golden self within is the aim of an inner alchemy that changes us and can help change the world."
Michael Meade

A beautiful brown horse stands at a gate. Listening to the nudges from the Universe should feel like fun and not stir up stress. Know it, and believe it—especially today! 🌑🧧🐎

#gratitude
Happy everything today!🐎

On this special day, the message returns to that innate tug. Trust the fun.

"I don't have to manufacture my destiny. I follow my internal tugs, I trust my passion, I seek the fun, and I let my greatest best case scenario charge towards ME."

Haley Hoffman Smith

A monarch butterfly lands on a purple coneflower or purple echinacea bloom. People are typically familiar with one or the other name, when they see a patch of blooms such as this grouping. And just as today’s message suggests, we may be known differently, in different situations, but we must remain true to ourselves.

#gratitude

The way we see ourselves, and the way others perceive us, may align, or may differ depending upon the day. However, knowing one’s true self will always strengthen you in the end.

"We have to dare to be ourselves, however, frightening or strange that self may prove to be."
May Sarton

Orange lantana blooms boldly sticking out among ivy plants. Tucked in behind the ivy, is a crimson fiery-red Mandevilla, blooming brightly, but laying low. This pic suits today’s quote well.

#gratitude
The pull will be perplexing to others, and most assuredly, no words will satisfy the doubters.

“The world will call it unrealistic, unfocused, even obsessive.
But that's how every meaningful thing beings... with a quiet pull you can't explain.”
Matt Gottesman

Snow melted into a tiny heart shape on the sidewalk. I hope you see glimpses of love and feel loved-not just today, but everyday.

#gratitude

I hope everyone feels loved and appreciated today! ❤️

“You don't need to worry about love. It is all around you, every day, in every moment. It can reach you at your best and it will meet you at your worst. …
There is no reason to believe that love cannot find you.”
Déjà Raed

Two horses in a field grazing during the mid-morning.

#gratitude

This AM☀️I counted my glimpses- little notices of the Divine.

“Each morning I think of one thing
I'm grateful for. It might be the sound of rain or the smell of coffee.
Gratitude is not about the grand
events-it's about noticing the small mercies that keep you alive inside.”
Maya Angelou

A single sunflower growing through a fence. The multi-colours of yellow and rust are a dramatic ombré design. It’s also known as a ring of fire sunflower, it attracts and supports pollinators.

#gratitude
This message applies to family, personal and work relationships. Helping someone to thrive, helps everyone.

“Our collective strength lies in our ability to work together, breaking down barriers and fostering environments where everyone can thrive."
Robin Washington

A child’s fairy garden. Painted stones lead to a door and windows attached to the trunk of a tree. The planning, the imagination and the sight for all to see = bliss.

#gratitude

Today, I’m drawing on past small joys, and promises of tomorrow to guide me toward gratitude for today.

“The magic in your childhood wasn’t because you were a child, it was because you were living in the present.”

@librarymindset.bsky.social