Perspective

Today was one of those days when at first glance everything seemed beautiful, but then the persistent wind picked up. Garbage, tree limbs, shingles and unknown other debris is being blown hither and yon. A fine layer of dust has settled on everything. Its easy to allow the 'stormy' climate to affect ones mood. Its almost easier to be short with others, bitter and hurt. In reality a different perspective can change the tone of the day.

"Fairy tales, are more than true. Not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be defeated."
G.K. Chesterton

Often it is simpler to succumb to the tone established by those around us. It takes strength of character to actively choose to rise above the waves of negativity that roll in around us. Today has been a monumental struggle for me. The day started on the sourest of notes and things haven't impoved much since. I don't honestly know that things are really all that bad, but rather my perspective today is very narrow.

The only way to keep my head above the waves is look beyond myself, keep my eye on the shore, and keep swimming. The day wasn't filled with roses, but there was sunshine and dandelions. Dandelions, though a bit of nuisance, are quite happy little flowers, and if it weren't for dandelions and tulips, there wouldn't be any spring flowers this year.

"The miracles of nature do not seem miracles because they are so common. If no one had ever seen a flower, even a dandelion would be the most startling event in the world."
~unknown

One has to consider the strength and persistence of a dandelion. It grows prolifically in shade and in light and I believe it to be the most despised of all flowers. In fact, it has crossed over from a flower to dreaded weed, but it continues to grow and prosper regardless of the unfavorable moniker. You can mow your lawn today and rid yourself of them, but there will be new ones tomorrow.

Imagine how sad the world would be without dandelions. I think back as a child how many times I wished upon the feathery puff of a dandelion that was ready to scatter its seeds. Those tiny little white feathers intrigued and delighted me. They drifted on the breeze and carried my dreams into the sky. Just like your never too old to build a snowman, have a snowball fight, blow bubbles, have a water fight, your never too old to wish on a white, feathery dandelion!

The Arrival of Summer

Summer has arrived! I am quite certain it crept in under the cloak of darkness last night. I am overjoyed to look up and have the sun kiss my face and clear blue skies overhead.

Summer is a season of guiltless little pleasures. Pleasures that can't be experienced at any other time of the year. For instance, running through grass bare foot, each blade gently tickling your feet. The cool spongey feeling caressing the sole of your foot. The air is filled with that decidely summer smell. Its difficult to explain, but so easy to experience. Its a time when you crave fresh berries, tomatoes, watermelon and cool glass of lemonade.

But more than all this, summer is a season of commraderie. Back yard bbq's filled with laughter and merriment, afternoon fishing trips, picnics, days at the lake . . . the possibilities are limitless. Good times with great friends and peaceful times with loved ones. Its almost like stolen moments that must be enjoyed to the fullest and made to count!

Allow me to raise my glass to a summer filled with friends (new and old), adventures, trips off the beaten path, and who could forget pleasant libation and delightful sustenance!

Take my Breath Away

This evening turned out to be absolutely beautiful. Nature is caught somewhere between spring and summer. The leaves have emerged on the trees and blossoms richly perfume the evening air. The city is busy with so many taking advantage of the last few hours of sunlight. I myself found myself drawn to a special corner of the city.

I drove to Freeman Park this evening, walked along the path as the quiet whispers of evening soothed me. The sun began to sink beyond the horizon and the sky was filled with opulent hues of pink and blue and some soft tangerine. I couldn't help but smile, especially as my mind was instantly permeated with pleasant memories of a nearly perfect moment so long ago. . .

It had rained that day and the evening was soaked with the heady scent that follows such a cleansing. The lights were softened by the moisture in the air and the grass glistened. The clouds slowly vanished and revealed the dark canvas of the sky dotted with twinkling lights. Then the moment that stole my heart and took my breath away, he asked me to dance.

It replays in my mind, the edges of the memory softened as though there's a special filter on the lense of my minds eye. The moment was perfect. I don't remember the song, and I don't know how long we danced. But I remember that for a few minutes all was right. I felt so secure in that moment, so cared for and protected. I guess in some ways I have lived part of my fairy tale.

The Beginning

This blog is born out of necessity in my life to take to delight in simple things. The word Praeclarus is latin for excellent, beautiful and striking. The world around us is filled with excellent, beautiful and striking elements, one just needs to endeavor to find them and enjoy them.

Its easy to get caught up in the whirlwind that is life. Eagerly rushing through the days, working to pay bills, watching the seasons come and go through a pane of glass, whispering to that still, quiet voice deep inside that tomorrow there will be time for enjoyment. Yet when tomorrow arrives, the time seems spent before the day has even started.

I used to make it a point to witness every sunset, as there will never be another like it. This was a daily ritual of mine and it brought me such delight to gaze upon the rich colors of the skyscape. I realized as I was driving to my sister's house this evening, I haven't witnessed a sunset since November. The time sure slips away.

I digress, the purpose of these random musings is to document the little things that count in my daily interactions. I am hopeful that by focusing on the positive and embracing the inspiration freely given to me that somehow I will change and that my inner cynic will disappear.