Monday, February 6, 2012

It's Not Coffee in My Cup

Take a Word Challenge - Coffee
February 6, 2012


It's Not Coffee in My Cup by Teri H Hoover



Maybe it should be...



Like the image I created for the Take a Word Challenge   there are an incredible number of layers in life. I am blown between blessings and things that don't feel that way. But just when I think the source of  connection and love has left me to my own sad devices, a blessing (or several) lands in my lap.  Last Friday I was intent on walking my grumpiness into the side walk. I was sure that I would not see even one small observation that I could write into a small stone. And then it happened - a posse of garbage cans. I kid you not. A line of garbage cans and their shadows took me into a small observation- which became my writing for that day -(over on my other blog.)  Finding something to "observe into words"  has become a way to step outside myself - just long enough snap a photo  and  type some words into my phone. Or in this case I had to circle back around to take the photo- because I was too grumpy to think I would really write about garbage can shadows.      

February 3, 2012- Small Stones
not a happy camper  by  Teri H Hoover

Lurking on the side walk
The shadow of a garbage-can-bully
I sidestep his vain attempts to dispose of my foul mood.

 
Blacksburg, Va - Feb 3, 2012
On my return reinforcements await.
The posse scoffs at my resolve.


  Blacksburg, VA- Feb 3, 2012

Note-
What is even better is arriving home I see that my mail basket is stuffed with a parcel with my name on it. It is a book promised to me by a friend who thinks this book of fine bits will be just what I need. The square book fills my hands but barely. The thickness is light as a feather in my hands- I like this book already for not feeling like it will be too heavy. The name of the book is  A Promise of a New Day ~A classic book of Daily Meditations by Karen Casey and Martha Vanceburg .   

And if that was not enough I then popped in on my friend Sharon's blog,  "One Woman's Life in Maine" to read her oh so perfect post on "Shift Happens".  She talks about the ups and downs of living for 36 years with your spouse.  And while it has only been 31 years at my house her words rang in loud and clear- and  I thank her for her perfect  words. Thank you Sharon-. 

"Sometimes we wait longer than I thought possible.

Sometimes things shift in a way I couldn't have imagined before it happens.

Life comes back." 



 
So I continue to walk everyday, even when I feel bad... or especially when I feel bad. Movement gives me perspective and I can come back to the layer of blessing. Humbly back into seeing beyond. 
 

14 comments:

  1. i love your garbage cans, and I'm glad you took a photo of them :) Hope you're feeling better!

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    1. Judy- The garbage cans are certainly not one of my favorite images... but alas beauty blooms where it can... so to speak. :-)

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  2. So much honesty is this post. I was taking a break from walking on the treadmill, for the very same reasons you mention, when I saw that you'd posted. These are the sights and thoughts I miss by taking my walks in the family room:)

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    1. As you know Sharon- walking brings me back around with all new insights.

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  3. I too love the cans with their shadows.....and good for you for walking even when you don´t feel like it......whenever I don´t feel like exercising but then DO...I really feel like I have done more than just exercise....love this post!!

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    1. Cynnie- You inspire me in so many ways - it is good to know that your creativity gets a boost from exercise. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. So good to find someone who takes the time to see...and then creates beauty from the ordinary. Your coffee collage and your garbage can photos are both extraordinary. Keep striving to live outside your shutters it isn't always easy I know. So glad you enjoy my music it is one of my great loves and joy connections.

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    1. Hey Annie- I am very thankful to have your comment. "Keep striving outside your shutters"- may just be the perfect quote!

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  5. I like both your words and your image. I like the inspiration you found in the shadows of the garbage cans.

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    1. Hey there George- it is hard to believe I have taken to finding inspiration in garbage can shadows... but it is true. I visit you blog for beautiful images- and am always amazed.

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  6. Just don't serve me my coffee in a garbage can! I want fresh grounds every day. Not second or third day old. :)

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  7. Along with a cup of coffee your piece makes a colourful & cheerful start to any day, Teri, love it!

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  8. The layered images created a cheerful coffee time. I'll keep three Ls in mind. Recently I always feel hesitant to go outside because of the intense cold, but once start walking, I become free and comfortable and find something new. I like your attitude to find something special or something beyond in mundane daily life. The images of garbage cans with their shadows is interesting with your words.

    Yoko

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  9. Ah, Teri, your talent with words equals your talent with photography. I love your coffee cup full of valuable things, I love your thoughtful words about layers....and I love the garbage can posse! I'm so glad you participate in our challenges!

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