Today in Melbourne was one of those glorious days when the sun was shining and the perfumed spring blossoms made the world feel alive and full of promise. Yet despite all that my well felt dry. How can the world feel so gray when all around the sky is blue?
Then out of the blue a girlfriend rang, shifting my focus, forcing me to take a step back. She shook me out of my down mood and helped me realise that I have some of the best things in life. Despite my sadness and a heavy heart, a feeling of being utterly drained and a lack of motivation (even for writing and reading lately) she reminded me of what I have.
They’re all free and they’re right in front of me.
I have them all.
So I stopped and I focused. And I looked up … and within my small world my favorite lemon scented gum tree suddenly towered like a guardian in my backyard. Later in the afternoon I went out and photographed my daughter on her horse.
And this short poem was born.
Like a towering trunk that stretches to the sky
and the blossoms that whisper to an evening mist.
chattering birds that sing and soar up high
and a long fulfilled lovers kiss.
Like the eye of a steed
that sees into the soul
a reflection of ourselves in need
to make us whole.
Hope in all of its forms
in nature, beast and flower
a friend and kind word
to strengthen and empower.
No longer dry
is the well and my cup
so long as love lives on
there’s hope in looking up.
Sometimes all it takes is a step back and a look upwards to realise there’s always something to be grateful for. No matter how little or how big. Shifting the focus and having the right attitude helps everything fall into place.
Tomorrow, as well as giving more hugs to the people around me, I think I need to go out and give my lemon scented gum tree a big hug.
May we all live in hope and light whenever days seem less than bright.
And may we continue to enjoy the journey, whatever road and path we’re on and whoever we’re with.
Lovely and very true. Concentrating on counting my blessings today!
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Good for you Diane. Have a great one. xo
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That is so lovely. I could see your reflection in the horses eye in the first photo. That was awesome.
Glad you are shaking off the doldrums, and gray clouds.
Big hugs to you.
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Thanks Wendy, have to admit I didn’t even notice my reflection until I went to post the photo. So much for being mindful! 🙂
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Maybe more mindful than you think, as it came out in your lovely poem.
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It did indeed, thanks Wendy.
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beautifully said-I love the poem!
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Thank you!
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The reflection in the horse’s eye is wonderful. Enjoyed your post with the beautiful words and pictures.
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Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed.
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Nature always inspires!
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As you well know! Your camping photos at Maine were amazing.
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Thanks Miriam. I’m getting better at this photography thing! 😉
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You sure are. When’s the next camping trip?
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I may not camp again this season, it was 38 degrees one morning, but a few day canoe trips maybe before winter really sets in. Many rivers and streams that are easy to paddle in the fall. Heavy white water in the spring!
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Fair enough. Well, enjoy those day canoe trips while you can.
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My sleeping bag is a 3 season, good to about 40 degrees. I may do 1 more single night beside a river as its always warmer close to the waterline, and bring a blanket or two!
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That sounds nice. I’m hankering to get away again.
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It’s an itch that’s sometimes hard to scratch!
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So true.
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This poem is beautiful. So well written, and I love how your pictures exemplify your inspiration!
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Glad you enjoyed it Mack, I put it together so quickly. Thank you.
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A lovely poem. I hope you are feeling steadier.
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I am today, thanks.
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How wonderfully pleasant, Miriam. Like I said earlier, your friends and family are lucky to have a wonderful person like you in their lives. So they should count their blessings too 🙂
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You’re so kind, thank you. 🙂
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Thanks for our beautiful and wise friends 🙂
And thank you for even in the middle of your sorrow being able to offer us such a beautiful post .
Turtle Hugs ❤
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Oh, Turtle, such kind words. Thank you. I’m trying to lift myself so if I can maybe lift others too it’s a bonus. xo
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You are 🙂
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Thank you for these beautiful reminders. I often fall into that pity trap myself. Thank you for sharing this, Miriam! ❤️
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My pleasure Tiffany. Hope life is treating you well. xo
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Yes, mostly looking up! Sometimes treading water.
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Know the feeling.
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Sounds like a great plan to me………….xx
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Thanks Brooke xo
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Love your poetry. Adore your words. As long as love lives there is hope in looking up. BRAVO.
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So glad you enjoyed, thank you kindly. xo
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xo
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So lovely to find a bit of joy in the day. Wishing you lots and lots more joy and hugs and happiness.
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Thanks Marie, I wish the same to you as well. Enjoy the rest of the week. xo
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My mum was the one to tell me to make the most of what’s around us. And it’s true, the more we’re content in the little things, the happier we are. 🙂 Glad to see you find comfort in the beauty around you. Your words don’t fail your emotion. Have a nice day! Hugs!
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Your mum was a wise woman Cheryl, who obviously taught you well. 🙂 Hope you have a great day yourself. Hugs back. 🙂
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Beautiful poem and images to match. Twas a productive day I’d say. 🙂
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It was indeed Maverick, thanks.
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What a touching poem! And so true, as well. Sometimes it is hard to appreciate what we have, especially after a profound loss. I’m so glad your friend called and lifted your spirits enough that you were able to “look up.”
And I really enjoyed the photos of your daughter’s horse, too!
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Thanks Ann, yes my girlfriend rang at just the right time. And Merlin’s quite the character. Keeps her out of trouble! 🙂
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So beautiful. I woke up upset. And then read this. It’s just what I needed to hear and it helped me. Thank you!
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I’m sorry that you woke up upset but glad that my post was able to help, even if only in a small way. Hope your day picks up. Take care.
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🙂 🙂
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We have so much to be thankful about.
First and Foremost is to Thank GOD for giving you a New Day.
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Yes, so very true Cattie.
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Beautiful poems, photos and post itself. There is so much of warm feelings in these few passages, that I was inspired to hug my cat ❤ Even if she is a naughty scratchy animal)))
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Oh haha! Well I hope she didn’t scratch you!
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Beautuful positive post
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Thank you so much.
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You’re missing mum❤️
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Yes, I am. xo
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Me, too. It’s weird not to ask about her. I miss asking and hearing that you kissed her cheek for me…
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I know, heavy sigh. I miss doing all of that …
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Hugs, sweetie. 💖
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More hugs!🌷
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Bigger hugs!!!!!💜
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Feel hugged??? 💗💗💗
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Oh my …. I feel so incredibly warm and loved and hugged, thank you my friend. 🙂 You’ve put the biggest smile on my face. 🙂
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Yay!!!!!🎉🎉🎉
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Wish I was standing in your back yard with you.
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Oooh, not tonight Jess, it’s 11pm right now, it’s dark and windy and a storm is about to brew. We’re expecting the heavens to open tonight … hmm, that’s an interesting metaphor to use at the moment isn’t it? 🙂
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Maybe a big storm will set you “free”. Sometimes we need it to storm like crazy. Just to see the rainbows that follow…
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That’s a nice thought Jess. 🙂 As it turned out the storm didn’t eventuate. Prediction is that it will come today … who knows? Nature is strange.
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It wasn’t supposed to rain here today and it did! 💦⛈
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So weird … but that’s been my life lately! Big hug 🙂
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Hugs, darling!
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Sometimes it takes a reminder. Because it’s easy to forget how blessed we are (or many of us) taking life’s many aspects for granted. And, yes, the best things in life are for free. Inspiring post. Thank you.
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And thank you Otto for your lovely comment.
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A nice uplift
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Thanks Derrick.
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Oh, wow! What a beautiful poem. And that photo of the reflection in the horse’s eye? Breathtaking!
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Oh, thanks so much. I didn’t even notice the reflection myself until I went to post the photo! Have a great day Jade. 🙂
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Ultimate truth paired with amazing photography! 🙂
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Thank you so much.
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I just came across your blog and am so glad I did! Your pictures are beautiful and your poem made the crappy start to my day turn around and helped me remember all my blessings 🙂 so thank you!
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Hey Anna, sorry to hear you had a rotten start to the day but glad my post helped a bit. Hope your day’s picked up since then. 🙂
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Very inspiring and heartfelt post, Miriam.
Those flowers are lovely…and your poem is touching.
I could always feel how you pour out your heart into your posts…
I am glad that you’re trying to feel better and remind yourself to be okay everyday…I know it could be difficult.
Know that it is okay to still be sad, or cry and feel pain…just remember you have family and friends who loves you and care for you and are always here for support.
I pray that you’ll find healing over time…sending you my hugs and love…
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Oh Nina, aren’t you beautiful. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Yes the pain is till raw and I often cry and feel sad, but I know it’s okay and normal and that time will help to heal. And having blogging friends like you is a comfort and helps more than I thought possible … Hugs and love right back. xo
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I can feel your sadness thru what you write…I know no words can remove that pain away right now but I am glad and contented to know you find comfort in us, your blogging friends…
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Oh yes, I most certainly do Nina. ♥
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☺💛
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I agree Nina! There is so much love in Miriam’s post. We can give her a big virtual hug together! 🙂 Blessings
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Aren’t you sweet Debbie. Feeling very warm and surrounded by good friends. xo
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This is one of the great things that I love in the blogging community… Having supportive and caring people from all over the world! 🙂
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Absolutely ♥
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YES! I agree Nina. 🙂 Big smiles your way, and hugs.
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Thank you Debbie! I hope that you enjoy your weekend! Blessings your way ☺
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Thanks so much Brigid. And sorry for the late reply, I just found your comment in my Spam folder. Hope you’re well.
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Hello Miriam! I think you mistyped your message for Brigid to me 😊 Sorry for the late reply, I was out of town with family ☺ I hope all is well with you…
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Gremlins in the system again … or maybe not. Anyway, hope you’re well Nina. 🙂
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I am, thank you! Belated Happy Mother’s Day! 😊
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And to you too. 🙂
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Happy Mother’s Day, Nina!! Hugs! ❤
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Thank you Debbie! 😊💕 Sorry for the late reply…I was out of town celebrating birthdays with family! 😊
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That’s ok, Nina! Happy happy birthday to all! And hey, feel free at any time to contribute a post for Forgiving Fridays (you can do it any day during the week). Just include a pingback to my most recent post! e.g., here’s the latest FF post: https://forgivingconnects.com/2017/05/12/todays-forgiving-fridays-an-honest-look-at-myself
Blessings to you, Nina ❤
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I will Debbie. I would love to contribute… as soon as I find time to sit on writing, I will! ☺ God bless! 💗
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Great Nina! Sounds good. So excited. God bless you too my friend. ❤
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Miriam, this is gorgeous.
I am giving you a virtual hug from NY. And I’m happy to join you to hug your gum tree too. You are never alone.
Loving and Light and much solace and grace,
Debbie
ps – horses can be so healing. I used to go to a peace ranch in Santa Barbara called Windermere! Each horse has a quality of peace. ❤
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Oh yeah, horses are definitely healing and grounding to be around.
Thanks for the virtual hug Debbie … from me and my beautiful big gum tree! xo 🙂
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Beautiful poem and message. A good reminder too to count our blessings. It’s so easy to focus on the negatives! Love the horses too. Thank you Miriam 🙂
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You’re most welcome Judith. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend. 🙂
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That photo of the reflection in the horses’ eye is fantastic. On days that we are low, taking a step back, breathing in and looking at the small blessings that surrounds us does instill hope. Beautiful message Miriam 🙂
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I’m so glad you enjoyed, thanks Jackie. 🙂
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Lovely indeed !
Also pls do check my blog I am a new starter
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Thank you and yes I will!
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Miriam, it seems that any time I am feeling down I come across one of your posts and am inspired. Thank you! And I hope that tomorrow brings you joy!
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I’m so glad Susan. Thank you for your lovely comment. Hope you’re doing well. xo
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I love your poem and the photo of the horse’s eye!! I know you commented on my photo on Instagram about the fact that we’d both taken a similar photo but I’ve only just got around to checking yours out. I hope you can continue to look up and realise there are people looking out for you. 🙂
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Oh Debbie, you’re so sweet. What a nice thing to say, thank you. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend. xo
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Hi Miriam, I missed this post in my reader earlier. I love the horse’s eye photo and the photo of the lemon scented gum. You have done a great job with the poem. Have a good week with lots of those hugs,kisses, friends and special family times. Louise
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Thanks so much Louise. Hope you have a great week ahead too. xo
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Once again, Ms. Miri, your pictures are lovely. Sometimes it takes something very small to remind us what we have and more importantly, what matters. Oh, to have more clarity more often!
My dad has been gone now for 10 years, but I suddenly felt his presence last evening when listening to my son describe his own world views, knowing how much my father would have loved to hear his grandson’s thoughts. The feeling of “It’s all gonna be OK” swept over me and I smiled (my son is about to embark on a world adventure and this momma is uneasy). I don’t believe they ever leave us, our parents. That is one of those free things you speak of. ❤
Hang in there sweet friend. ❤
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Oh Karen, I have tears in my eyes as I write this. You’re so right, they never really leave us, a part of them lives on always. Such a bond, how can it be truly broken.
Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean a lot. And to you my friend I wish you the very best, as your son embarks on his adventure. Such exciting times for him but I can totally understand your uneasiness. You’ll both be fine. xo
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❤
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Have learned to find beauty and be happy with the simple things around me. I know that some days are more difficult than others, but we can’t let they take us down. Glad your friend called and reminded you of what is important. Hugs to you!
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Thanks so much, you’re quite right about being happy with the simple things, Elizabeth. I try every day. Hugs back. xo
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Oh Miriam what a glorious poem so heartfelt and strong. Sending love and strength your way. Keep inspiring us and looking up. 😌
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I’ll try my best Nicole. Thanks for being there. Always love getting your comments.
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That eye. Oh Miriam. Captivating post.
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Thanks Nikki.
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I had missed this post earlier so thanks to Nikki for adding you to her Posts of note. Your poem is beautiful and photo’s amazing. I am having trouble getting on with today, my dear dad is unwell and at 95 that is never a good sign. Your poem was comforting and I appreciate you sharing it. I may be able to get out of my pjs now.
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Hi Barbara, thanks for your kind words but I’m sorry to hear about your dad. It’s such a worry when they get older isn’t it, I hope he’ll be ok? Take care and hope your day picks up. xo
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It is oh so hard to find those moments when grieving Miriam – I think you are very brave and I admire your capacity to look to the good in life when all seems lost. A breath of fresh air and a beacon of light to us all xx
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Thank you Hayley, so much, for your kind words. Sometimes I don’t feel so brave, but I do try … xo
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And also – know that it is ok to feel down given the circumstances… There will be days when it’s easy and days when it’s tough – and that is all ok. We’re all here to support you xx
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Yes, you’re right, Hayley,and I had one of those tough days today, but I know it’s normal. Thank you, I appreciate your friendship and support. xo
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❤️ xx
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Great post Miriam, and that reflection in the horse’s eye…..are you kidding me with that shot.
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A fluke I think!
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Such a positive article… sooo encouraging & true… i especially loved the picture of the eye of the horse ❤❤❤ sooo expressive ❤
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That’s Merlin, my daughter’s horse, he’s an amazing animal. Thanks Maja. xo
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He is beautiful ❤
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