What I have been enjoying during this August break is not only the beautiful photos being shared, but the resonant quotes posted everywhere. I am reminded daily of the brilliance of the human mind, the compassion of the human heart, and the likenesses of our human spirits...
so thank you...
xx oo
"You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
call to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things."
~ Mary Oliver
Nature is incredible. Beautiful images and words. Thanks for sharing MJ.
ReplyDeleteThat poem was beautiful! And that tree; with the spanish moss hanging all over...so romantic.
ReplyDeleteI adore Mary Oliver and the pictures are just beautiful.xx
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through the August Break.
ReplyDeleteI really love participating in this too.
The blog world continually amazes me.
Your photos are fabulous. Really, quite stunning. I have to tell you that from the posts that I scrolled, every book that you quoted is one of my favorites. I recently finished The Book Thief and The Help and loved them. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Pride Prejudice are some of my ultimate favorites. I will be stopping by again soon.
Cheers,
Leah
Speaking of resonant quotes - Mary Oliver's words are absolutely, achingly beautiful. Your images complement them so well, too. That spider's web is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gorgeous photos! And that quote, lovely MJ.
ReplyDeletemary oliver. sigh. i'd like to have sat with her for a few cups of coffee.
ReplyDeletethat oak and those clouds - fantastic! so glad you're seeing so much beauty around you.
I've been reading a lot of Mary Oliver again recently. Book loads. So much goodness in there. Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteoh yeeeaaa. love that one.
ReplyDeleteit's a long time goodie.
Oliver is brilliant.
As are you!
C
I, too, am loving all of the beautiful quotes, poems, and little bits - and so many gorgeous photos! Your first two photos - I love the sun shining through the trees, it's so warm.
ReplyDelete"the world offers itself to your imagination"
I love Mary Oliver.
Wow, amazing photos. Those first two are especially captivating.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated by your last shot. It is amazing how nature can create these patterns and shapes.
ReplyDelete"You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves." This is just beautiful.
beautiful images!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post MJ! Your photos are so exciting! Mary Oliver is my dad's favorite poet!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are stunning and your words are uplifting!!
ReplyDeleteyour heartfelt words + your gorgeous photos always refuel my soul! i love stopping by to get a dose of inspiration.
ReplyDeletei had stumbled on the mary oliver poem about a couple months ago, and the second time reading it is every bit as magnificent as the first...such a poetic way to say be gentle with yourself + you are loved. :)
Oh that is lovely....
ReplyDeleteThose clouds took my breath away...
ReplyDeleteRonnie xo