August feels like it’s on speed dial. This is a random selection of my posts from timeless August from the archives. I’ve lumped some together. Sometimes the links actually will open up to the original, but not always what still stands out after all these years is how timeless they are.
All the photos are from the archives, but some are actually quite recent.
Posted by Layla Morgan Wilde at 8/30/2011 11:29 PM | View Comments (6) | Add Comment
After walking the labyrinth recently, which I call meditation in motion, I walked past this sculpture of the Virgin Mary, her gold crown gleaming. The reflections invited reflection on reality and illusion. Perhaps it’s all illusion and it doesn’t matter. During the moment of quiet reflection, the feeling of peace was all that mattered.
I recently saw the film The Tree of Life and thought it beautiful and brilliant in its mind-blowing glory. On a more literal level, I love trees; the bigger the better.
With hurricane Irene barreling her way towards us, I can’t help but think about all the trees mowed down in previous storms on our property, and wonder about the fate of the remaining ones. Given the precarious nature of nature this weekend, I’ll be probably not be blogging this weekend but leave you with this quote de jour.
“A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease.”
~John Muir
I love this tree which felt like leaning against an old elephant; rough, bristly, wise and pulsing with rooted energy. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever met a tree I didn’t like which is more than I can say about some people…
Posted by Layla Morgan Wilde at 8/26/2011 2:22 AM | View Comments (9) | Add Comment
The other day a friend was talking about the magic of her fragrant moonflowers blossoming. “Really?”, I said thinking about the translucent, ruffled silk flowers I’d photographed the other day. White blossoms as big as dinner plates.
Could these paper thin blooms be moonflowers? In the early evening light of the magic hour, I felt mesmerized by their beauty. I didn’t think to smell them. Moonflowers are from the morning glory or datura family and poisonous.
No matter, these beauties are safe to look at and besides, I’d fallen under their spell.
Posted by Layla Morgan Wilde at 8/24/2011 1:11 AM | View Comments (3) | Add Comment
I could not find the original image but found this and montage and secret selfie.
The final countdown begins today for our third blogoversary in a week and the end of August.
Let’s face it, summer is coming to an end. To celebrate a new cycle and the never ending cycle of life, I’ll be posting all thing round this week.
This year, with the exception of lawn cutting and some trimming, I let nature take over in garden and grow tangled and wild with interesting results.
Instead of manicured mania, I conjectured: what would happen if I let this or that grow without weeding or pruning? One surprise from the experiment was founding these tiny weed flowers no bigger than my thumbnail. On closer inspection, they displayed intricate detail and beauty. Maybe they aren’t even weeds?
If Mondays are 1/7th of your life, are you raring to go or feeling blah? Don’t just sit there. Expand your view and sail to new horizons. Have a beautiful Monday and week.
By trusting the process (and life) to unfold organically, I ended unexpectedly at a beach the other day. I’m surrounded by creative people who often lament that projects aren’t seen to fruition, or wonder what their purpose in life is. Not everything we do or create will be a success but nothing is in vain. Every experience has value that isn’t always apparent until after the fact.
Waves don’t stop crashing to the shore, the sun will rise again, wildflowers will die but will return next August to remind us it’s end of summer again. Every end brings a new beginning. So what else is new? Nothing but everything.
Posted by Layla Morgan Wilde at 8/18/2011 10:13 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment
I spent a relaxing day at the beach yesterday playing hooky from the million little obligations called life. No social media, email or cell phone calls or texts (okay two short ones).
Sometimes we need to break away and not make waves. Sometimes we need help to make waves. Knowing when to unplug is the biggest gift we can give ourselves.
When I returned back online, I found no catastrophes waiting. In fact, the world got along just fine without me. I’d even found out I’d won a little contest. When we take a break from the things we think we can’t live without, we actually find more life.
This August series continues tomorrow.
