Passion

"Three passions have governed my life:

The longings for love, the search for knowledge,

And unbearable pity for the suffering of [humankind].

Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.

In the union of love I have seen

In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision

Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge.

I have wished to understand the hearts of [people].

I have wished to know why the stars shine.

Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,

But always pity brought me back to earth;

Cries of pain reverberated in my heart

Of children in famine, of victims tortured

And of old people left helpless.

I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot,

And I too suffer.

This has been my life; I found it worth living."

Bertrand Russell

On Love

A really good perspective on love... Thanks Rebecca!

"Being in love is a good thing, but it is not the best thing. There are many things below it, but there are also things above it. You cannot make it the basis of a whole life. It is a noble feeling, but it is still a feeling. Knowledge can last, principles can last, habits can last; feelings come and go. But, of course, ceasing to be "in love" need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense, love as distinct from "being in love," is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by will and deliberately strengthened by habit... reinforced by (in Christian marriage) the grace which both partners ask and receive from God. "Being in love" first moved them to promise fidelity... this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run. Being in love was the explosion that started it."

C.S. Lewis

The Dream

One day, I hope to own my own business... an event planning business. I want a cute, little shop in the middle of a big city. I want to turn dreams into reality. Cheeseball... I know. However, there is so much more to it than that. Everything, down to the smallest detail, requires careful planning and consideration.

While planning an event seems a nightmare to some, it sounds like an adventure to me. My perfectionist, Type A personality may have something to do with that... just a guess. The thought of working with others to create an artistic vision and watching that vision come to life sounds, to say the least, fab. I decided this would be a great location to post images of inspiration. Hopefully, they'll give me ideas for the future.

Etsy

My friend Rebecca introduced me to this fabulous little website called Etsy. Check it out! I really enjoy looking at the artwork and have discovered I have a strange fascination with trees. The pictures below are by Amy Giacomelli (brush name Natalia Sky) and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/.

"In the Limelight" By: Amy Giacomelli/Natalia Sky

"White Tulips" By: Amy Giacomelli/Natalia Sky

"Here Comes the Sun" By: Amy Giacomelli/Natalia Sky

One

Every one of us has purpose. Many are unsure of their purpose while others, like myself, feel a strong sense of certainty regarding why we're here. When I was young, the world convinced me that having an open mind conflicted with my faith. As I've gotten older, I've realized that isn't the case.

It's hard to explain the feeling that consumes me when people are put down for their race, sexuality or personal beliefs. My heart breaks for those who are outcast because society considers them different. God created each of us, and we are equal in his eyes. He loves us unconditionally despite our sinful nature. It's hard for me to comprehend why we struggle with showing others that love.

"How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually “off the mark” because we can’t see inside the person, or we don’t have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning reactions to people."

Rock On

Adam Lambert is amazing. FYI.

Smile

Despite last year's heartache, I have so much to be thankful for. I've come to believe that through darkness, we realize what our priorities are. We gain the confidence to be who we are. I have no clue what lies ahead, but I do know that I'm not alone. I find peace in knowing my life is not in my hands. I have a new found joy for the simple things and am going to make the most of the 'here and now' instead of worrying about tomorrow.