Looking Up

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.

free things

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.

20160906_144519.jpg

Like the eye of a steed
that sees into the soul
a reflection of ourselves in need
to make us whole.

20160907_152033.jpg

Hope in all of its forms
in nature, beast and flower
a friend and kind word 
to strengthen and empower.

20160907_180010.jpg

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.

20160907_151328.jpg

Save


140 thoughts on “Looking Up

  1. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

        1. 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? 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  4. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. 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…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. 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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. 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…

        Liked by 1 person

        1. 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…

          Liked by 1 person

  6. 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. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  7. 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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  8. 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. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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

      Liked by 1 person

  9. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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

      Liked by 1 person

  11. 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

    Liked by 1 person

      1. 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

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.