Friday, September 11, 2009

Just Breathe



I know I've been remiss about posting lately -- feeling a little burned out. We've had a rough few weeks with my in-laws' health starting to really go south, and a few of the normal speed bumps of every day life, like my son losing his cell phone.




I've been trying to find a little balance in my life, and at the same time thinking long and hard about what's really important to me, especially in the face of daily reminders of the fleeting nature of our lives. And today, of all days, should be a time for reflection.




So I've been taking some time to enjoy nature, to take some long walks in the park with my husband, and to remember that there is more to life than blogging.

And to just breathe.

32 comments:

  1. Mary your photos are beautiful and such a beautiful place to walk. We did the same as you this afternoon we went for a 2 hour walk together. Special times.
    Sometimes we do let blogging take over - I think we all need a little break every now and then
    Today we all remember those who lost their lives and those left behind. 9/11 is remembered world wide.
    Alison

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  2. I can empathise with you as I have had a similar situation and feelings. Thank you for that beautiful walk and reminder to take time out. God Bless x

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  3. Praying that God meets you in your time of pondering and need for strength as you give care
    and mental energies to your family members.

    Your photos are perfect.

    Blessings,
    Becky K.

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  4. Mary,
    Thank you for providing this green oasis as a breathing space, a place to reflect on life and think about what is really important.
    Merci beaucoup.
    Maggie @ Normandy Life

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  5. Beautiful photos,of course. The verdant green and sparkling water aer so peaceful. I think taking time off and rethinking priorities, and just breathing, is the only way to keep our busy lives balanced.

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  6. Your pictures and your words really say it all. Today was the perfect time to share them.

    Carol

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  7. Mary, I think that many of us have been feeling the same about blogging. What begins as it should, becomes another thing to do and it shouldn't - but those thoughts sneak in when we aren't aware. There is NO need for us to feel this as an obligation, but a retreat to share the goodness of our lives with one another - through words and/or just a simple photo that touches our heart on that specific day. I've been reflecting too :)

    These are absolutely beautiful, thank you for sharing one of your walks with us.

    ♥ Heather

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  8. What a delightful place that would be to have in your back yard, honey. I truly understand what you are talking about. We all get those feelings from time to time. Like when hubs drags me off to the "wilds of Idaho" to camp and I'd much rather stay home and craft or decorate OR sleep in my very own bed(!) and eat wood without dirt in it. Yep, I understand these things.......
    xoxo,
    Connie

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  9. Truly. It's nice to refocus on the really important things of life every now and then.

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  10. I can so relate to where you are right now. I feel the same way about my blog and have neglected it, not really inspired to say or share much these days. Perhaps it is a season we go through. I certainly do love your beautiful photography though. I sure miss that daily dose of inspiration :)

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  11. Beautiful photos. I think like anything, blogging has its seasons and reasons. For me, blogging is a way to record my thoughts and feelings about what is happening in my world. Enjoy your day!

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  12. Lovely photos and lovely sentiments.

    May God's love, peace and strength surround you at this time.

    Hugs ~ FlowerLady

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  13. beautiful post in thought and sight, wishing you and your family the best...

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  14. A perfect post on this day as we remember and reflect on the amazing human spirit's ability to overcome.

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  15. What a gorgeous stream. Must have been quite a peaceful walk. My husbands parents are going thru the same thing. Both sets of their parents are having one health crisis after another. I feel for all of them and wish I were closer to help out. Hang in there. ((Hugs))
    http://www.minivanlife.wordpress.com

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  16. Wonderful post. Each picture - each thought. Perfect

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  17. You are right. Life is much much more than blogging ... and housework ... We need to surround ourselves with whatsoever is lovely ... as you have. Lovely scenery, lovely people, lovely circumstances.

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  18. Wonderful reminder. Thank you. And I hope all turns out well for you.
    Wish more people would take a walk and breathe.

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  19. That is the good thing about blogging, it is yours to do with. I don't think that anyone puts any expectations on other bloggers. I don't. If I don't see anything new on blogs I follow, I just say a prayer no one is sick and just keep on. Enjoy the time away and it will come to you when it is right. blessings
    QMM

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  20. Mary, I think there are a lot of us out here that are rethinking our blogging....Many have come to realize they don't need to post everyday and it is not necessary to feel like you have to visit all the blogs. This blog is yours...use it when and how you wish to....

    Beautiful pictures.

    Barbara

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  21. This sure is a nice place to relax and reflect. It looks peaceful, the water seems calming, and nothing can beat a breath of fresh air.

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  22. I agree with Barbara and recently took almost 2 weeks off. It felt really good. Trying to keep up with everything can be exhausting and demanding.

    Myself I try to post only every few days. I figure that way people are more likely to stop by then if I post every single day.

    Enjoy the cooler weather Mary!

    Sharon

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  23. Blogging is just way of sharing it and I'm so glad you do. I've been remiss as well but when you've been doing it as long as we have, you begin to wonder. I do enjoy coming here and it's so good to have 'met' you.

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  24. Those ARE the most peaceful and relaxing photos!! We need some big prints of them!!

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  25. Blogging shouldn't become a job, it should be fun and relaxing. . .It is a way to connect with people and share life, ideas, talents, and thoughts! You definitely have the talent thing going on, love your pictures, they are beautiful, but don't pressure yourself in times of stress! We will be waiting right here in cyberland, until things calm down for you! Take care and lol!

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  26. Always more to life than blogging. But I find, in my own personal life, that blogging brings the importance of things to the forefront of my mind.
    Brenda

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  27. I need to do that today... to remember that there is more to life than bloggin! Thank you, MB

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  28. Mary, wonderful reminder. And though I'm glad you are taking a breather, I'm also glad you posted this.

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  29. Amen...and Thank-you...I found this to be one of the most touching posts...and your photos did invite me to reflect...

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  30. Beautiful post Mary...the pictures and the words that ring so true. Your words bring me back to one of my favorite quotes

    "When I find my focus and keep my balance....I find that all is right with my world."
    Thomas Kinkade

    Thank you for always inspriring me....with your beautiful nature pictures....nothing can compare to God's handiworks, his creation. God Bless you, and may the blessings of God always chase you down.
    Big Hugs,
    Queenie

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  31. Sometimes we don't know what we need and what you need finds you. Thank you for the pictures and the words. A sweet respite.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!