Have you ever been so moved by beauty that you cried?
That’s what happened to me on Labor Day, (a day celebrated in the U.S.) when Paul and I took a bike ride around Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park. Perhaps I was more sensitized after our spat a few days before when his motorboat billowed black fumes and came to a halt. Our abandoned trip to visit friends brought out the worst in both of us.
Long talks and inner reflection resulted in renewed commitments and respect.
When we reached the flat rocks of Schoodic Point, the waves and spray reminded us
that open hearts can change old habits and patterns of being together.
When I saw this view I felt my whole chest expand.
At the end of our ride, fog lifted, spilling light over lobster boats in Prospect Harbor like the French Impressionist paintings of Signac or Seurat. It would have been a great ending to Labor Day. But there was more…
On our way home rain fell from one part of the sky, while sun gleamed in another.
We looked for a rainbow. Within moments we saw this:
Glory be to God
for wild places,
for the breath of tides
and weather’s graces,
for the evening sky
with red in places.
Glory be to God
for beauty’s sweet embraces.
Meaning making is a form of primordial self-care.
May your willingness to labor through conflict and pain be rewarded with connection to beauty and meaning.
Eileen and Paul . . . those of us who understand, know that spending time in the natural world tends to wash away our concerns and bad moments. Your photos are stunningly beautiful — and when I saw Paul once again looking young and vibrant after his operation, the photos spoke for themselves. You two are blessed with light shining again on you both from the heavens.
Sometimes we forget — but we shouldn’t. If we have that love that so many long for and never receive, we have been given the greatest gift of all. It is like a cake that you must not cut into, try never to nick or mar . . . as even after you talk it out and things are so much better, it is difficult to forget those moments. In looking back, they are minor in the scheme of things happening in our worlds. . or so I think. The smarter and wiser of us can turn the things that — in the end – are minor around. . but do it together. I have a marriage where we laugh — laugh a lot when we contemplate that flat tire – that is temporarily – throwing our plans off for a few hours — “What did we do to deserve THIS?” is followed by absurd or even racy comments that can change our shock of the moment into something small said that serves to bind us together.
Those photos of Maine alone are enough to bring us into another world, more beautiful than much of the Midwest. I have soaked them in, enjoyed them, and more than anything, loved seeing Paul healthy again . . . and this year, this is the best blessing i can believe. What a wonderful man he is !!! And you, Eileen, who thinks in the deepest fashion – waking up our own spirits and making us think deeply as well — and that is so good!!! Hugs to you both, Joan
Thank you Joan, for your kind words, and encouragement. We do not take our blessings lightly. But revel in the light around us.
Hugs to you too, Eileen
I am speechless, breathing deep into my core as if some new understanding is emerging. Thank you for sharing all of this. Love, peace and light to all, Hinda
So glad this served as inspiration Hinda.
La Shana Tova – May it be a sweet New Year for you and your family.
Love, Eileen
Fantastic! Beautiful photos, beautiful thoughts.
So glad to know you are tuning in Jean!
Thinking of you as we are soon to have the memorial for Richard. I’m glad you knew him, if only a little.
Love, Eileen
Eileen–Riding a bike is always good for the soul. Lovely piece!
Spoken by one who knows! Thanks for reading my blog!
So uplifting, heart-warming and life-affirming! Your writing and pictures touch a deep place within. They bring you, and your readers, right to the site—in majestic Maine and within our hearts. Nature is an elixir, a balm, a healer and heart-felt friend. She will transform and excite; replenish and renew–naturally, holistically, lovingly. Acadia looks gorgeous. I can only imagine the beauty ’round every bend. How enchanting! To commune with Nature, to savor, enjoy and participate in the natural grace that surrounds you: mountains, greenery, trees, forests, wildlife, sand and sea. The glorious rainbow is God’s way of saying, rejoice in every moment! Beauty and meaning-making IS a form of primordial self-care. Thank you for sharing your “rainbow connection” with us. You and Cole Porter: “It’s De-Lightful, its De-licious, it’s De-LOVELY!”
Yes, beauty is uplifting, upending, appearing anew!
Thanks as always for your warm responses.
Purringly, Eileen