Finding Beauty Wherever You Are

After going on a Caribbean cruise and returning to frigid, snowy weather in northern Ontario, it seems only natural that a person might feel somewhat let down and a little nostalgic for warm temperatures and pristine turquoise waters. Sorry to disappoint all the winter haters, but last week as I was driving down the highway on a blue sky, -26 degree celsius morning, I felt a sense of elation and awe (and quite frankly a little surprise) as I looked out the window and was drawn into the rugged natural beauty that surrounded me. I felt as if I were a part of  it, and, ( perhaps I should only be sharing this part with my therapist) I must say, it was like getting a great big hug from Mother Nature herself!
The towering rock cuts bordering both sides of the highway ( formed from blasting through tons of rock) seemed even more impressive than usual, perhaps because they were softened by layers of snow that seemed to have been painted on with a brush. Artistic swirls and powdery white waves of snow hung gracefully over the edges of the rocks, transforming them into pieces of art. I was also mesmerised by the giant frozen waterfalls that hung motionless, their strong, frigid grip securing them safely against the ancient walls of granite. It was as if the water's momentum had been magically halted in order to sculpt these massive, icy, moments in time.
I would have liked to have taken a photograph, but there was no safe place to stop, and I did not want to actually become one with the nature. I have included a picture that is similar to what I saw, ( taken at the French River ) but not quite as spectacular as what I saw along the highway.
As I continued to drive that morning, I was reminded that there is beauty to be found everywhere. We are immersed in it whether we are on a Caribbean beach, the city streets of Toronto, or a northern Ontario highway... often, it's just a matter of acquiring the right perspective, and taking the time to open our eyes and hearts so we can appreciate what is in front of us.
So my fellow travellers, wherever you are on this beautiful planet, ( especially if you are not thrilled to be there at this moment ) I hope you discover the beauty that's waiting to give you a hug!

Beauty 

turquoise blue waters,

  pink quartz

kissed by the sun,

flower petals

smooth metals,

sculpted each one...

painted canvas

painted skin,

 painted sky,
up above, 

thus

beauty is found

 in all things
made with love...

pbowman

For the Love of Friends

Throughout our lives we meet a lot of people, and if we are fortunate, we make a lot of friends. Like wine, some become our favourites right away, others take awhile to appreciate, still others get better and better with age.
Just recently my partner and I had the opportunity to make some new friends who we instantly liked and felt at home with. Like old souls meeting up after a long absence, we felt a comfort and and kinship with them that defied logic and kindled a familiar feeling of belonging in our hearts.
It got me thinking about friendship in general, and it occurred to me that whether our friends have been longtime companions, or are new sparks of light in our lives, they are invaluable gems that faithfully inspire and support us on our journeys. They are the people who pick us up when we fall down, become our cheerleaders, our voice of reason, our clowns, our companions, and our sounding boards. Friends are a lifelong source of joy, comfort and unconditional love. Unlike family, they choose us...even when we are broken, even when we have nothing to give back.
During my sixty odd years of life ( and they have been odd...) I have always been able to rely on my friends to help me navigate through the shadows as well as celebrate the light. In retrospect, it seems as if they have had an almost magical quality, always appearing just when I needed them the most.
So this Valentine's Day, I want to thank all my friends, old and new for your love. Thank you for supporting me, for encouraging me, laughing with me, crying with me, and believing in me.  As I get older, I have an even greater appreciation for this bond we call friendship, it has been a guiding light in my life, and a safe haven for my heart. My deepest gratitude, dear friends, you mean the world to me.

It is our friends

who answer the call

of our weary hearts,

who understand without words,

who see inside the darkness

and  help bring us back to the light...

it is our friends
who inspire joy,
and unconditional love,
who sing the same song,

 and share this magical bond

of kindred souls...

pbowman