Sunday 9 July 2017

Soul Searching ...

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else
is the greatest accomplishment
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson          

Time is fleeting.  But I haven't been wasting my time over the past few months even though I haven't been writing about it.  My days have slowed down and I have taken the opportunity to observe, take stock and find what is important.  Just as you would use a camera to capture a moment in time, I would normally write about it; to instil it in my memory; but you can't possibly remember everything or even photograph it all.  And so I realised that I cannot possibly, in my mind, join in with everything on 'social media' - I tried at one time - but found that by doing so I was actually missing out on other things that were more important to me.


Not sitting at the computer for several hours a week gave me more time to read; to reflect; to meditate; and just to be.


I have been indulging my love of art; not painting myself, but looking at art and wondering why particular pictures inspire and draw me in - with unexpected results.  Something I had let lapse over the last few years.


So, no, I haven't been wasting my time, just looking in different directions.

The Journey 
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
‘Mend my life!’
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognised as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.
Mary Oliver

Till next time.
Elaine

30 comments:

  1. Nice to see you blogging again, even if it's just a little visit.
    Amanda xx

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    1. Thanks Amanda - funny thing but I was only thinking about you today - spooky😮

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  2. So glad to hear from you Elaine. I do miss you. I only blog and can't imagine doing all of the other sites too. One would be at the computer for far too much precious time. As I age, I figure I have about 15 years left and it bothers me; it is that niggling feeling in the heart and mind that doesn't go away. I have to keep busy as I sit like a slug. It is far too hot and humid to go outside and I can't function in heat. ;)

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    1. I know exactly what you mean Donna and it is a scary thought - I'm finding getting back into blogging harder than I thought - I'm afraid my heart just isn't in it any more - we'll see

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  3. What a lovely post....oh...those sweet little ducklings! Sometimes we have to pay attention to what is important to us, glad you are doing that and enjoying yourself doing what pleases you. Always good to see a post from you though.xxx

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    1. Thank you - if you read between the lines I'm struggling a bit with things at the moment but trying to find my way through all the murk that goes on in my head - but thanks for the encouraging words

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    2. Here's to you finding your way through. I hope all is well soon, take good care of you!xxxx

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  4. I know exactly what you mean, having had time away from the computer and social media - just dipping back in at the moment - I have really appreciated what else I have been able to do - or not do - in life. Hope that all is well with you and that you will enjoy your time online or not as you feel is right for you. Keep going and just do what is right for you!

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  5. I think an answer for me is when you don't feel like doing something don't unless it is something that you absolutely have to. There seems to be less people visiting blogs at the moment so I just don't write a often. Gardening blogs are perverse as when there is more to write about there is less time to write.

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    1. Blogging does seem to be diminishing somewhat - I suppose there is always something new around the corner. You are right of course - no point in anyone forcing themselves to do what they don't feel like doing. Anyway we'll see what happens.

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  6. A most enjoyable post and lovely pictures. xx

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  7. Wonderful to have spent time reflecting upon what is important to you and indulging in "me" time.

    Your opening quote reminds me fondly of a recent visit to Ralph Waldo Emerson's house, The Old Manse, and his final resting place at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts. I just know you would have enjoyed it.

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    1. Hello CD
      Nice to see you again - me time is very important to me just now - just going with the flow. Yes I am sure I would have enjoyed visiting The Manse.

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  8. We all go through periods of needing time to self. Especially when there are so many things that take us away from self. By all means take all the time you need. Those that follow will be here and most important you will feel better and have so much more to give to your own life.

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  9. Your webspace here looks lovely. But I am glad you have been enjoying rich days. I love to read what you share, and see your photographs, it's always a treat. But I'm happiest knowing you are happy, rambling your rosebanks :-)

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  10. Don't do too much soul searching Elaine, it can be a little destructive to well-being. Just be. It is nice to have some time to oneself, I appreciate that too, and the blogging gets me down sometimes and I long to be free of it. But I also find it incredibly hard to break away from some of my blog friends, the ones I feel quite close to. I wish for the days of the old-fashioned penfriend where we actually wrote letters and exchanged real news instead of lashing out with opinions.

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    1. Thanks for the wise words Rachel - of course you are right and I will try to be less introspective - I miss some of my blogging friends too more than I thought I would - must try and pull myself together👍🙂😢

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  11. Oh yes, a million times YES! I may have to quote you on my next blog (a link too would only be fair). Love this post xx

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    1. Thank you Carrie - I felt the poem said exactly what I have been feeling - happy you liked the post

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  12. I didn't realise that you were back in Blogland Elaine .... I'm so sorry that I haven't commented ...... I have been a bit lax with my comments on blogs lately .... too much going on in my real world !!! I was sad that you left blogging so it's really good to see you back. Wonderful photographs as always and a joy to see. Just do what you want to do Elaine and post now and again ..... that's what I do !!!! XXXX

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    1. Not quite back yet Jackie and please don't apologize for not commenting you couldn't be any worse than me at the moment- I do feel as though I have abandoned everyone, well, those that are left anyway. Thank you for stopping by - much appreciated X

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  15. Beautiful pictures, especially those ducklings.

    All the best Jan

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