Every Day Beauty
Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10:12AM 
Home at last...with lingering memories of St. Maarten. A beautiful Island that offers me peace and quiet and such beauty...but not all of it's beauty is in the flowers, beaches and fauna...I love the beauty of the people, the customs they keep, the simple lives they live. When I'm driving through the neighborhood streets, I ponder how it must be for them. There is a lot of poverty there on the Island but still the people are pleasant and they have such respect for themselves in the most simplest of ways...today I just want to share a few moments of the basic beauty that is everywhere if we slow down and look...and the people...oh but that's for another post...
My Friday Finds...on a grey Saturday morning...as I sit in the beauty of my Maine house...
Laundry day...and a very unique way of hanging outside...lots of laundry hangs outside on the Island but I love how creative this hang job was done...work with what you have to get to where you want to go...
The Loo Loo girls...along the streets are many barbecue grills. Small business's so to speak..You walk the streets and just sample all that is offered...I can still smell the chicken and ribs...
Colors on the beach from children's green pails to aqua ocean water, to mountains rolling along the edges of eternity. Blue skies, white fluffy clouds like marshmallow fluff...and people of all shapes, sizes and colors. I sit in my chair and watch the world go by as I dig my toes into sand that feels like brown sugar.
Breathe, just breathe. Take it all in in slow motion...There is something for everyone. It might not be the bright lights of Broadway but it's the bright lights that remind you...to slow down.
Day's End.. the most beautiful time of the day for me...I never tire of the display of color in the sky, often reflected on the oceans foam...I am remind each evening of how fortunate I am and the gratitude I feel for all the beauty that surrounds me in both big and small ways..it is the gifts of nature that I cherish most.
My Island beauty Leon...who gave me back my confidence and joy. There were days in the past two years when I wondered if I would ever ride again...some would say I shouldn't still but for me, this is what life is about...doing what you love, living to the fullest. Sometimes we have to stop and listen and take care...I did all of that but now...I know where I stand and I'll take my chances of living a full life...The joy of riding, the trust of a being much bigger than you, I find strength in him and he carries me gently. It's a powerful feeling to be up there...and it's an enormous gift to take back your life...on your own terms...swimming in the Caribbean ocean with a horse is like therapy and oh I just love the beauty of this...it doesn't get much better.
Enjoy your week ahead...find the beauty, and just live your life.
"One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you can't change."
Reader Comments (9)
You, my friend, are a true and natural "draw me into the story" writer! What a beautiful, beautiful post! Your words are powerful, perfectly describing each photo with true and deep feelings! That sunset made my heart rate drop, just looking at it. AND seeing you on a horse, IN water! Awesome!! That looks like such fun! The best photo I've seen of laundry hanging out - on a chain link fence - I Must try that on mine! LOL. Everything would be gone in two hours! Tee hee! Have a wonderful weekend dear friend!! xx
Beautiful Cheryl I felt I was really seeing the beauty through your eyes. Have a great weekend.
Such a beautiful comment Beverly...thank you so much...It felt so good to feel good again and St. Maarten is one of those magical places that just steals your heart, especially when you have had a winter like this one...my general spirit is to live life...and laugh...so glad I'm back to doing that...LOL
Viv whenever and wherever you visit...you always make me smile...thank you for stopping by and being so supportive.
oh, Cheryl ...
I literally sit on the edge of my chair when I visit your flickr site in anticipation of your naturalness for blogging.
It's so wonderful to feel comfortable in our minds and bodies, especially after so many ups and downs through the years.
I can't get my eyes off the photo with the horses . . . I was under the impression horses didn't like to go in water! But how
soothing for them and their riders! Your words are full of inner strength and peace here. This difficult winter has been a great one
for hibernating with our thoughts and character. So glad you are back in Maine. Our afternoon guests were entranced with the book I
made for R with our Maine memories . . . all because of YOU, dear friend! People just can't believe we can meet such incredible souls
online! tee hee . . . we know! LUV to you and your dear hubby and family. I hope you are considering a writing retreat where you can really focus
on what you truly do best . . . bring others into your inner circle of love and life. Thanks for all you share.
Beautiful. I am oh so happy for you!
Lovely post and I love to see photos from different lands.
That sunset photo is breathtaking..but oh my goodness on a horse in the ocean - that's a dream..
HUgs
Lovely post and I love to see photos from different lands.
That sunset photo is breathtaking..but oh my goodness on a horse in the ocean - that's a dream..
HUgs
Oh this is a heart- and soul- warming post, Cheryl! I love seeing and hearing some of what you experienced in St. Maarten and having been there I recognize some of the scenery. I love your reflections too, especially about riding. I adore that last image. It is you doing what you need to do. Sometimes others won't understand our choices but we make them away -- we reflect responsibly and then do what is right for us. Go girl. Live life to the fullest. No regrets. Love your example. xo