Tuesday, March 10, 2009

everyday

A good friend recently told me that I am forever the optimist. It was a lovely compliment...and I think that more often than not it's true. But I will have a day like today...when the gray skies and the rain seem to go on forever; when the newspaper headlines scream out at me about joblessness and the continuing decline of the economy; when I feel overwhelmed at work and aching for a vacation that I just can't take....and I can feel my optimism tugging to be let go. And while it would be easier to let it float away, carried off by these forces that are out of my control, I instead I dig in my heels and hold on...



I hold on by seeing something beautiful each day.



I hold on by warming myself with thoughts of the amazing friends and family I have in my life.



I hold on by creating every day...by writing, by falling in love with photography.



And I hold on with the love of one great dog....a dog who reminds me, with her capacity for joy, what a wonderful and magical world I live in.



And those are things that the rain can't wash away, that the media can't twist around with fear, that the sinking dollar can't drag down, that a heavy workload can't bury. Those are the things that lift me up...everyday.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rainy days, the news etc. do tend to get us down but all we need to do is look around at our many blessings. Something as simple as the wag of Sophie's tail makes us smile!

Kathy said...

Great post, all it takes is thinking positive and appreciating what you do have rather than what you don't have. We are very lucky indeed to have the love of our families and our pets.

RURAL said...

It is harder to think like that, but in the end it is so worth it.

Great post.

Jen

Maria said...

Very inspirational post, beautiful pictures, thanks

Joanne said...

The power of a camera, and a journal, and a faithful furry friend ... all three help us to "see" the beauty around us.

Robynn's Ravings said...

Beautifully said...oh so true...the important things, the VITAL things...

Pam said...

Thank you... I needed this post today.

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Beautifully put....and I get lost in your photos, as always...thanks for the smile :o)
And thank you for voting for us!

Jan said...

She is amazing as always.

Becky said...

Pets are so valuable in our lives, they can get you through most anything. I'm so glad you and Sophie have each other and let's not forget Elora in this too.

Libby's Library said...

These may be your best photos yet. Thank you for the inspiring words. I'll try to keep them in mind when I'm just "hanging on"!

The Write Girl said...

Hey Andrea,

Amen! Lovely post and sentiment. Your blog is full of optimism. Family, friends, furry companions, writing, and photography warm our hearts and renew our faith day after day. : )

Hilary said...

Beautiful post, Andrea. Lovely shots and matching sentiment.

Tatersmama said...

How very beautiful!
I get a "quote for the day" in my inbox every morning, and today's quote was :

“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
Jimmy Dean

Great words to live by, aren't they?

betty said...

loved the last picture of Sophie, such a great shot!

betty

Delwyn said...

These are great photos and fine sentiments.It's good to have soul nourishing backup.

Bagman and Butler said...

Wonderful feathers...and a good way to hold on. Seeing something beautiful every day.

Sharon said...

And I thank goodness for people like you who don't give in...who always try to be positive. I believe that if we give in to all the bad in the world, it will win and we simply can't let that happen!

gigi said...

Yesterday was one of those kinds of days for me as well. I just needed to hold on. This to shall pass, I kept telling myself.
This morning is a whole new day and it's starting to feel like spring. I just can't believe how great your pictures are, beautiful!

SusanD said...

Wonderful post and photos. Blessings, Susan

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Your post is so uplifting today. Thanks, I really enjoyed it.

septembermom said...

Good for you and your optimism! It is so tough to have a bright outlook these days. You're right to focus on the beautiful in our lives. Wonderful pictures again!!

Suldog said...

Holding on is often where it's at, unfortunately. But, that you've managed so many ways to do so is wonderful.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Wonderful optimism..I might have sent some snow your way..hope you like it..I will try to keep the below zero temps from the deep freeze all to myself. Great photos! You have such talent! :)

Mason Dixie said...

What a great post. thank you for sharing your wonderful photos. =)

Clive said...

Thank you for stopping by our blog earlier. We love your photos especially the last one of Sophie! The little man will enjoy that in the morning
lots of woofs - Clive and gang

pam said...

Wonderful and uplifting.

Miss Lizzy said...

Dear Andrea,
Sophie is a lovely dog and I think your photographs are stunning! Nice to meet you and thank you for stopping by my blog.
I've been overwhelmed with work, so your message was a timely reminder!

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Lovely inspirational post and photos. Woof! Sugar

Barry said...

I was loving the bull rushes the best until I saw the close up of Sophie! What a beautiful dog!

Anonymous said...

What an inspiring post - with stunning photos! I really enjoyed reading this.

Carolina said...

A very positive post! Being positive and having the ability to putting things in perspective are very important qualities to have. They make life so much easier.

Ed said...

Well said,well photographed...:-)

Country Girl said...

Great post, I am with you girl. I too am an optimist. You are also a great. I am not just have lots to say! :) ~Kim

Girl Tornado said...

All beautiful photos, but I esp like the one of Sophie running away from you. What an awesome photo.