“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts…There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” – Rachel Carson
There is some fretting hereabouts; too much rain, not enough sun, cool weather, stiff winds, etc. All true – but, then there are those “repeated refrains of nature” that slow us down, still our souls, give us pause to cast away our worries.
I have been fascinated lately with the way Mother Nature bends the water , the trees, the floral tones of flower petals and pine needles.
We are often frustrated with the cool, cloudiness of our recent days , yet, it is this coolness that has kept a long, sustained performance of daffodils and tulips, apple blossoms and bluebells.
Spring has been more of a slow waltz than a jitter bug. I find myself enjoying the tempo this year, with some gentle dips in the winding paths I dance upon, and Mother Nature wearing her softer, more subtle shades of green and purple and blue. I marvel at the bend of light in water and the slow turn of the earth as I find myself reveling in “the repeated refrains of nature”.
Love these watery places and bending light dancing on the surface is beautiful. Oh… and the lilacs, I remember lilacs. . (We have water, we have bending light, but we decidedly do not have lilacs. Thanks for sharing yours.)
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Thank you, Sallie. I’ve been captivated by this spot for several days. We have had a lot of rain, so, the river will return to its banks soon – then, I’m back to the lilacs.
There is a park in a town not too far from here that has a park filled with lilacs. Right now it is in great bloom. 🙂 You are most welcome, Sallie.
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The waltz is such a beautiful dance and lilacs are my favorite flowers. Your writing is beautiful Penny. I am so glad you take the time and share it with us.
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Oh, Gerlinde, your kind words are a perfect and welcome way to end my day. Thank you.
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I love that Rachel Carson quote, and the beautiful observations in your post about ‘the slow waltz of spring’. This was a gentle pleasure to wake up to this morning. Thank you.
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Here I am, Juliet, now ending my day way up here and appreciating your words of kindness. Thank you.
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I love this post! It’s beautifully written and the pictures are real yet surreal at the same time with the beauty of God’s creation. They are calm and refreshing and peaceful and capture the feel of standing there. I, too, have fely enjoyed this absolutely beautiful spring and it’s slower pace. I don’t like rushing into the summer heat too soon. Great qoute as well.
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Thank you for your thoughtful and very touching words, Katy. They mean a lot to me.
It is a good thing to move slowly through spring. We are of like minds on this, for sure, so, here’s hoping for a slow and lovely Mother’s Day for you.
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Love this reflection on nature, Penny, and the lovely photos. It has been lovely to see the daffodils and tulips. And the clouds have been spectacular.
Everyone is mulching away in my neck of the woods.
Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
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The clouds really have been spectacular. So dramatic with dark thunder clouds mixed inside blue sky and sunlight. Today (Sunday) is absolutely gorgeous, if a wee bit cool, but, the sun is out, family is coming over, and I’m a happy camper.
Mulching away here, too, L. Marie, and weeding . . . that NEVER ends. 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words.
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You found just the right words to describe the idyllic scenes you have found. The quote is one for the commonplace book. Haven’t seen our baby ducks yet but I am watching. Have a fantastic Mother’s Day and a splendid week!
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Thank you, Marilyn. I hope you are having a good weekend as well. It is a gorgeous day here, if a bit chilly, but the sun is out and most welcome.
When I copied this Mary Oliver quote, I was thinking of you and that you would appreciate it, too.
Let me know when the ducklings appear. I haven’t seen any as yet hereabouts, but, there are lots of goslings just about everywhere. They are so cute.
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Enjoyed several of your posts…great blog… Thank you
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Thank you for taking the time to stop by, Joe, and to comment. I appreciate it.
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[…] gets an electric shock. I want to see or read something that makes me feel good about life. Like this blog post from Penny over at Life on the Cutoff or this post from Andy over at City […]
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People have a tendency to long for the attributes of the next season, without fully immersing themselves in the beauty of the one they’re in. Great photographs, coupled with poetic writing.
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Indeed, they do, Andy. I try to find beauty in the season I’m in, although today I wouldn’t mind seeing the sun.
Thank you for your generous words.
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So beautiful, Penny! You know, while I was sick, I sat outdoors every chance I could find, and just listened to the birds, watched the squirrels, focused on the beauty around me and I was so content just to sit and enjoy. It was really instrumental in my healing, I’m sure!
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Outdoors; often the remedy for what ails us. 🙂 A small benefit of being “laid up” is the opportunity to sit and smell the roses.
It sounds like you are on the other end of this nasty bug, my friend. Here’s to sunshine and birds and getting back to feeling chipper.
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Beauitful!
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Thank you for commenting – and for stopping by. Penny
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