Dare To Believe

… in your dreams. Don’t hide them away. Set them free and make them come true.

… in yourself – be  true to yourself even if you do not conform to those around you.

… in the calming power of nature - let it’s beauty wash over you and soothe your soul.

 

… in the secrets that will be revealed when a flower unfolds.

… in the power of words.

… in the joyful sound of children’s laughter.

… in the purity of true love.

Scorching Days and Balmy Nights

My mind has been going round in circles trying to write something intelligent and interesting. But it is so hot that sitting at the keyboard is really a huge effort. It is not only hot, but very humid. We had a great summer up to two weeks ago, with plenty of cool breezes and very pleasant days. But now, it seems as if the wind itself is keeping away for fear of being scorched. There is not even the slightest breeze to lift the curtains and bring us some relief. The only sensible thing to do is go and cool off in the sea.

Or sail off into the sunset on a beautiful yacht – preferably to cooler climes. Places like Antarctica currently spring to mind …

 

Ruby Tuesday: Past Its Heyday

I wondered how many thousands of feet have made their way up these worn steps.

I wondered what caused the damage to the wood.

I wondered whether the faces that looked out of this window were joyful or tearful.

I wondered how many journeys this carriage has made.

I wondered how many meetings and partings took place in the stations it passed through.

    

I wondered and marvelled at its beauty even though its paintwork is slowly flaking away and its wood is rotting to pieces.

Once upon a time this must have formed part of a bright and colourful train. It was the first time that I saw a carriage painted bright red.

It reminded me of James in the Thomas the Tank Engine series. James – always so proud of his bright coat of red paint. I wondered if in years to come James would end up like this train too …

Hope you enjoyed my entry for this week’s Ruby Tuesday. For more ruby red images from all over the world, please visit Mary at Work of the Poet.

Photos taken last June at the Eureka Springs Railroad Station Museum in Eureka Springs (Arkansas)

A Visit to St Charles

When my husband and I lived in St Louis (MO) we loved to visit historic St Charles. The town was founded in 1769 by Louis Blanchette. In 1804, Lewis and Clarke set off on their westward journey from St Charles. It was also the first state capitol of Missouri between 1821 and 1826.

On a hot afternoon last June, we stopped in St Charles on our way to northern Missouri. We did not stay there for more than an hour, but, as always, the charm of the place worked its magic on us. It is always hard to decide what we love most about  it: the unique shops and boutiques or the quaint old houses.

The stores alone are worth a visit – each store specializing in something different. Like this store selling spices and herbs.

Or this one selling teas and tea-pots.

I so wanted to go in and explore all the little shops – especially the ones selling antique and vintage items. Sadly, we did not have time. So I went around taking as many pictures as I could until my batteries died on me.

I loved the architectural details of some of the houses.

And the unusual shop signs.


I loved the flowers and parks.



And this white picket fence.

But most of all, I loved this baby-blue house.

And you? What did you like most about St Charles?

Sometimes

Sometimes it feels good to sit on the dock and just dream.

Sometimes its liberating to stop talking and just listen…

… to the whispering of the trees

and the gentle lapping of the water.

Sometimes just being aware of every breath is humbling.

Sometimes taking the time to dream reminds us of who we are and where we are going.

Sometimes letting go of everything and marvelling at the beauty around us, gives us the strength to carry on.

Because sometimes, just sometimes, the sound of silence echoes with the symphony of the universe.   

And magic des happen at moments like these … sometimes …

All photos taken at Table Rock Lake, Lampe, MO

Simplicity

Most days we get so caught up with day to day living, with the hectic rush that has become our life that we fail to stop and appreciate the little things. The simple things. The things which colour up our life and lift out spirits. For in the midst of all the chaos, there is beauty beneath our feet.

Wildflowers from southern Missouri.

Just a short post today – to make your lives less hectic :)