All posts tagged photography

Legacy of Joy

Sony Cyber-Shot. Self-portrait in front of a mirror. {Ok, WordPress, I’m trying.}

My dear readers,

WordPress asked all bloggers to write a post about what inspires us to blog. They wanted photos of us doing those activities. At first I was hesitant. I am far more comfortable behind a camera than in front of it. The other hesitation is my wish to maintain a measure of privacy. I confess the global world of blogging still intimidates me. But I will do my best to strike a balance with both.

WordPress encourages us to write and click. To write about EVERYTHING. To take pictures of EVERYTHING. I’m not a great writer but I love words in the form of quotes, with a dab of writing here and there. I love words that resonate healing, words that echo affirmation in the soul, words that bring joy.

I add photography and sometimes if I get lucky the pictures seem to coordinate with the quotes. Total creative fun.

Capturing another glorious sunset using the amazing iPhone camera. HDR settings, of course.

Capturing another glorious sunset with an iPhone.

Why do I blog? The biggest reason is my family—past, present, and future. And second, the multitude of friends throughout the years that have enriched my life, which now include you. I’m inspired by what makes me smile, that gives me a break in this hectic wild ride we call life and just inhale some gladness. I share to decrease sadness and increase joy … for everyone.

In addition, I hope to preserve a place that leaves words and pictures of my faith, footsteps, philosophy, and focus. WordPress says don’t hold back. But if I didn’t this would be a book. So here goes—in the most succinct I can be.

My mom and dad, both in heaven. Dad—the kindest, most generous man on the planet. Mom—organized, thrifty, clean. Together they gave me the best upbringing one could imagine. I miss them terribly. They were taken so soon. This blog honors their memory.

My parent’s wedding

My sweet grandmother. You lived two doors down from me. How could I ever forget the overnights and morning tea? Jumping on your bed and nighttime prayers? Your fluffy, down pillows? Your gift of sewing. You designed and made all the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses in the photo above. My family says I’m so much like you and I think that’s pretty cool.

My siblings. Amid the rivalry we emerged strong and united to this day. If I needed you at my side today, you would be there. {Dear brother, I’ll never forget when you drove cross-country to bring my Christmas presents.} In losing our parents so soon maybe we don’t take for granted the gift of each other.

Me peeking around for some candid shots at a family event. {Nikon D60 DSLR}

My husband. Wise, smart, funny, kind, philosopher, wizard. You give to everyone the most prized of possessions—your time. Cares for and watches over me with tenderness, patience, and love. Comes to my rescue for everything. Pulls over at a moment’s notice to let me capture another exquisite never-to-be-seen shot. Keeps my gas tank full. So much like my dad.

Taking me up the hill the easy way, after a long sled ride down.

My children. Joy beyond belief. Each finding your way. Each blessed with kind and generous hearts. I know without a doubt that whatever path you choose, it will be done with the highest integrity. Where do I even begin?

A summer job for oldest daughter. She loved it {farm girl}

A summer job for oldest daughter. {Farm girl}

My grandson—I delight in this crazy notion called “grandparent love”. It is wondrous and enchanting. He is a ray of sunshine in my life.

The grand having a grand time in the mud.

My life-long faraway friends. Glenda, Debbie, Janna, Mary Beth, Peggy, Nancy, Lisa. We just pick up from where we left off.

Morning coffee on the back porch with a friend

My near friends. When I moved here you soothed my homesickness and the pain in losing my mother shortly after my arrival. We share the deepest parts of our lives, the heartaches and joys. You know who you are and I love the richness and trust we share.

My very shy friend. Yes, she's under there!

My very shy friend. Yes, she’s under the umbrella!

The day job. I work with exceptionally talented people in a very narrow field of medicine. I was stretched to learn a most demanding skill and with tenacity and a lot of prayer I did. And I get to do some really neat stuff that cares for very sick patients. Witnessed a few miracles, too. Every time I walk across the parking lot to begin my day I thank God for my legs and that I get to do what I do. At the end of the day I get to leave and go home. Those who are sick have to stay and wish they could go home.

Steve's stuff. He taught me how to use these—not easy.

Stuff I use at the Day Job—not easy to learn.

God. Sunrises, sunsets, flowers, nature bursting forth with color, light, and wonder. Majestic painter and creator you are. You are a very present help in time of need. Your Word, living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword guides me. Apart from you I can do nothing.

Winter sunset out my backdoor. Hand painted by God. Incredible.

And this is just the introduction to my inspiration for the wonderful world of blogging. It’s a peek into my life “in focus”—behind the camera, behind the words. Relationships are my greatest inspiration. And these are but a few. Blogging is a place where I can sort of “hang my heart” in honor of all of them.
As I press on may I leave a legacy of joy.
Peace,
Alexandria

This is just a photo-op. Serious photographers know you can’t take a picture of the moon without a tripod and special lens. I’m posing with the Nikon D60 with stock lens. Like I said, a photo-op to show me taking a picture. It was a beautiful backdrop, full moon rising. One of these days …

All photos taken with Nikon D60 DSLR with AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G lens, Sony Cyber-Shot, or iPhone. Photos of me were taken by my family, except the first—taken by me. 🙂

Other interpretations of the Challenge and related articles:

Things We Want You To Remember
Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (eof737.wordpress.com)
Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration
Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (nenskeifacestheworld.wordpress.com)
inspiration (riperedberries.wordpress.com)
Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (chrisbreebaart.wordpress.com)
New post Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration (thebeltanedaily.wordpress.com)

20 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on November 30, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Enjoy Life, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged blogs about faith, Blogs about joy, Christianity, family, friendship, God, inspiration, inspirational blogs, inspirational quotes, joy, photography, quotes, Special Photo Challenge: Inspiration

Posted by Alexandria Sage on November 30, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/11/30/legacy-of-joy-special-photo-challenge-inspiration/

Christmas Gift Suggestions

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, patience.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

~ Oren Arnold

Related articles:
Weekly Image of Life: Happy Holidays

13 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on November 25, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in In All Things Do What Is Right First, Remember--You Are Loved--No Matter What, Stay Close with Those You Love

Tagged beautiful wreaths, Christmas, Christmas and holiday season, Christmas decor, christmas joy quotes, Christmas quotes, christmas reflections, Christmas thoughts, Christmas thoughts photo, Christmas-gift-suggestions, holiday decorations, holidays, photography, quotes, red christmas wreaths, sage Christmas decorations

Posted by Alexandria Sage on November 25, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/11/25/christmas-gift-suggestions-2/

Thanksgiving Reflections

“Before you go out into the world, wash your face in the clear crystal of praise. Bury each yesterday in the fine linen and spices of thankfulness.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

“The man who has forgotten to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

“Every breath is a battle between grudgery and gratitude. Give thanks…and you win joy.” ~ Ann Voskamp

“O God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry. When I have work, help me to remember the jobless. When I have a home, help me to remember those who have no home at all.

When I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer. And remembering, help me to destroy my complacency, bestir my compassion,

And be concerned enough to help—by word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted. Amen.” ~ Samuel F. Pugh

Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

Peace,

Alexandria

Related articles

26 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on November 23, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Be Content With Who You Are, Enjoy Life, Stay Close with Those You Love, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged blogs about thanksgiving, holidays, inspiration, inspirational quotes, photography, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving prayers, Thanksgiving quotes, Thanksgiving reflections, thanksgiving reflections for meetings, Thanksgiving thoughts, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Thankful

Posted by Alexandria Sage on November 23, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/11/23/thanksgiving-reflections/

Love = Infinity + Beyond… | Weekly Photo Challenge: Geometry

“Love does not consist in gazing at each other
but at looking together in the same direction.”

~ Unknown

This is my second interpretation for the Weekly Photo Challenge: Geometry theme.

Can love be bound by lines, shapes, or circles? Mmm … maybe. Isn’t it two souls bound together toward a common purpose, a shared existence, despite the shapes, lines, and hairpin turns of life?

And let’s not forget—though love defies science, isn’t it a formula with a slight touch of chemistry?

Just one “angle” and just for fun,
Alexandria

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/weekly-photo-challenge-geometry/

6 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on November 7, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Remember--You Are Loved--No Matter What, True Love Is...

Tagged enjoy life, friendship, fun, inspirational quotes, love, nature photography, photography, postaday, postaday 2012, Weekly Photo Challenge: Geometry

Posted by Alexandria Sage on November 7, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/11/07/love-infinity-beyond-weekly-photo-challenge-geometry/

The Beauty of a True Friend | Weekly Photo Challenge: Love

“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.”

~ Charlotte, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

This is my second entry in the Weekly Photo Challenge for January 25, 2013. The theme is love. This is one of my absolute favorite quotes on friendship.
We’re all just a bit of a mess, aren’t we? Vulnerable and fragile? Transparent and forgiving? Filled with love, filled with faults. Yet the bonds of friendship intertwine beautifully with enduring love. We love amid the mess.

For more posts on this theme visit this link.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Love

14 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on November 5, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Remember--You Are Loved--No Matter What, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged Charlotte's Web, E.B. White, enjoy life, friends, friendship, fun, joy, love, photography, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly photo challenge: Love

Posted by Alexandria Sage on November 5, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/11/05/the-beauty-of-true-friend/

Moon Escape Far and Near

Yes, I went to Rome. Yes, I witnessed this breathtaking full-moon rising, with the Colosseum in all its night glory. So yes, I was there the night of this photo. But no, I did not take it. But yes, I was with the photographer who did.

His name is Dan Pope. We traveled to Rome with he and his wife, long-time friends, celebrating anniversaries. Dan is well-known for his stunning photography, but also his kind and generous heart. While Dan went at it with his professional equipment, the rest of us savored the surreal night, coupled with a perfect July evening temperature.

And now bring time up to one month ago and my backyard. With help from Wenjie Zhang on how to photograph the moon, I set up the tripod and camera settings exactly as he recommends. I did not have as powerful a lens as he but I was very pleased. Aside from cropping this photo is unedited.

As to what the full moon brings out in me, it’s just one word–joy. I don’t morph into anybody different, nor have the desire to be anyone more … or less. Let’s just say I become more fully who I am. With a full moonscape turning my yard into an enchanted forest, how can I not?

Daily Prompt: Full Moon–Nighttime

11 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on October 27, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Enjoy Life

Tagged Colosseum, Colosseum moon, Dan Pope photography, full moon photography, Full moon rome, Italy, moon photography, night photos of the Colosseum, photography, photography of Rome, Roma night, Rome, travel

Posted by Alexandria Sage on October 27, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/10/27/full-moon-nighttime/

The Kaleidoscope Collide

I wonder if flowers could talk or had human emotion or had the ability to reason, would they dwell in prejudice against the color of another flower? Would they judge and resent, even hate one another because of the color of their petals? And not just the color that separates them, but the different varieties?

The hydrangea differs due to differing acidity. The daisies in the photo below have colors that are man-induced. These colors do not naturally occur in nature. They were “created”. Not the flowers but the colors. Why did someone do this? Doesn’t it add to their brilliance, bring a smile to our face, and increase our joy?

Aren’t we awestruck and delighted by the very nature of their differences? Their color and composition is completely at the mercy of their maker. They cannot help what color they are. But do we complain? Do we harbor resentment because of the multitude of color?

Then why do we do this with the greatest stain on humanity?
All of us know deep within our hearts that racism is wrong. Yet, we are all racist. All of us. Just admit it. It was taught and modeled before us. Children are not born racist. They are taught racism.

It’s okay to admit it but we must go further. We must fight it. We must fight it within ourselves and we must fight it outwardly. But how is this done?

Think of the recent Olympics. For a wondrous moment every nation was at peace. We watched the very best athletes parade into the stadium and what a sight it was! Did it not take your breath away to see the vast array of different cultures, different colors both in costume and skin?

Did any of us have a racist or prejudiced bone in our body during those wondrous seventeen days? I theorize the Creator’s original intent may have been what we witnessed at the Olympics. Why would He be so risky as to create his image-bearers in different colors? Perhaps it was meant to bring joy, to rejoice, to bring color to the world. Just pure joy.
He created everything and said, “It was good.”

So if nature teaches us to appreciate, even delight in the of the myriad of color, can we not do more to appreciate rather than spurn the different skin colors?
After all, it’s all just a matter of a mere .012% melanin.

This is written in response to the Daily Post Weekly Writing Challenge titled “A Splash of Color”.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/weekly-writing-challenge-a-splash-of-color/

This is also a response for the Story Challenge Letter “R” posted on FlickrComments. “R” for Racism.
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/story-challenge-letter-r/

Photo of Olympics 2012 Parade of Nations courtesy of Zemanta.

8 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on October 22, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Devotionals, The Truth Shall Set You Free

Tagged articles about prejudice, articles about racism, Christian blogs, Christian devotionals, Christianity, devotional writing, DPChallenge, human skin color and DNA, love, nature color, philosophy, photography, postaday 2012, prejudice, racism, thoughts

Posted by Alexandria Sage on October 22, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/10/22/the-kaleidoscope-collide/

Weekly Photo Challenge | Silhouette

The Weekly Photo Challenge theme this week is “Silhouette”. Some of you have seen this already. Forgive me for reposting as I now realize WordPress wants a current post rather than a revision of a previous.

This photo is of a sunset I took in February. Winter is my least favorite season but sunsets like these provide rich arrays of color to remind me that all seasons possess their own beauty. The bare branches allowed a view of the sunset not possible in warm seasons. The crisp air and humidity with slight cloud cover allowed a mixture of hues that danced their way into evening sleep. The graceful curves of the tree branches wove a beautiful pattern as if adorning the sky in a great big hug.

These reminders make the barren season bearable when I am impatient for spring. This one is worth clicking on for a larger view.

Enjoy … again.
Peace,
Alexandria

Here is the Weekly Photo Challenge link for “Silhouette”
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/weekly-photo-challenge-silhouette/

Other interpretations:
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/weekly-photo-challenge-silhouette/
http://hamburgundmeehr.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/weekly-photo-challenge-silhouette/
http://ayearinmyshoes.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/wordpress-photos-challenge-silhouette/

I am entering this as my “best shot of 2012” on the following site:http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2012/12/02/your-best-shot-2012/

16 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on October 21, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged Art, dailypost, fun, inspiration, nature, peace, photography, postaday, postaday 2012, thoughts, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette

Posted by Alexandria Sage on October 21, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/10/21/weekly-photo-challenge-silhouette/

A Sliver of Joy | Weekly Photo Challenge: Happy

A favorite hang-out | Pink fountain for a good cause. Cheery mums galore.

Favorite weather | Autumn hints, cleansing rain, cloud-break.
Lingering mist.

Favorite time | Post-breakfast desertion. Kids safe at school. Sigh …….

A slice of time,
A shy, favored friend.
A Sliver of Happy.

“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.”
~ Joseph Campbell

“A friend is one to whom you may pour out all the contents of your heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.” ~ Unknown

“Find the joy in your life. Laugh hard, laugh long, and laugh loud. There is something that brings joy to each of us. Find out what it is for you and work hard to get more of it.” ~ Stephen Deal

__________________________________________________________________

Referring articles:
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2012/10/05/weekly-photo-challenge-happy/
vimeo.com/stevedeal (Twenty minutes on decreasing sadness, increasing joy)
https://thoughtfulpaper.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/weekly-photo-challenge-happy/

12 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on October 5, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Enjoy Life, Just For Fun, Stay Close with Those You Love, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged enjoy life, finding happiness quotes, friendship, fun, how to find happiness, inspiration, love, photography, postaday, postaday 2012, relationships, Stephen Deal, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Happy, Weekly Photo Challenge: Mine

Posted by Alexandria Sage on October 5, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/10/05/a-sliver-of-joy-weekly-photo-challenge-happy/

Weekly Photo Challenge | Big

There it stands. There it has stood. Stood through rain, storm, tornado, ice. You name it. It has withstood. And it remains. It’s right down the road from me—a real eye-catcher. You can’t miss it. It gets your attention. And gets you to thinking.

Sometimes I wish it could talk, just like the Ents in the Lord of the Rings. What stories would it tell? I ho-hum drive by it all the time, and wonder.

It’s sheer mass may have withstood two wars—the one my country fought to gain its independence from tyranny and tax. But I know it must have been there for the other—the one where my country was so split it set us brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor.

Yes, we came together and united again. But at a very high price. I pray that never happens again but I fear it might. And it breaks my heart. But I must be strong, for the tree bids me be. It sets the bar.

Yes, this tree has stood through history. I’ve driven right by it in the midst of terrible storms and winds I thought would lift me away. Storm after storm I wondered if upon my arrival the tree would be split. Would it still be there? Would its strength withstand ripping winds and ice-laden boughs. Yes, every time it has.

To another part of me it’s become a faithful friend—a wave in the road, a nod of tipped branch, signaling my way home. Sometimes I just have to stop and spend a little time, looking closer.

I remember our first acquaintance of such.
And to my surprise I discovered the secret of its strength. It was not just one trunk bearing all the weight. Upon closer gaze I noted what sprung from its base. It was not just one tree. It branched out to three. For though the tree looked solitary, nothing could be further from the truth. The three massive trees wove into one.

Three huge, strong-beyond-strong, massive trees, intertwined from one expansive foundation.

One large, massive tower of strength. Strength that withstood storm and gale, war and peace, generation to generation. And the tree is one. The three unite, forming a stature rising to the sky, towering above the countryside, providing shade from heat, tenacity through storms, even a home for birds nests. A home—the tree is a home.

I hope my country—my fellow Americans, my neighbors, my family—can take a lesson from the tree.
Because I’m staking something big on it.

For you see, there’s someone else riding below its branches.

Our future.

Peace,
Alexandria

“Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong.“
~ Winston Churchill

“The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual – for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.”
~ M. Scott Peck

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12

Referring article:
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/weekly-photo-challenge-big/

Other entries for the Weekly Photo Challenge: Big
http://francineinretirement.wordpress.com/
http://esengasvoice.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/weekly-photo-challenge-big/
http://aysabaw.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/big-and-twisted/
http://joyandwoe.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/weekly-photo-challenge-big/
http://imexcited.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/weekly-photo-challenge-big/
http://eof737.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/weekly-photo-challenge-big/
http://chrisbreebaart.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/weekly-photo-challenge-big-1/
http://theretiringsort.com/2012/10/13/so-big/

19 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on September 23, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Leadership, The Truth Shall Set You Free, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged Art, Civil War blogs, inspirational quotes, Lord of the Rings, nature photography, philosophy, photography, politics, postaday, quotes, Revolutionary War blogs, thoughts, tree metaphors, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Big, Winston Churchill quotes

Posted by Alexandria Sage on September 23, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/09/23/weekly-photo-challenge-big/

In a World Gone Mad … Words That Heal, from an Anglican Parish Priest

Need Some Space?

A quiet place?

Space for
Reflection … Repose … Reposition … Respite … Release?
Space …
for Peace?

Expanse … Solitude… Space.
My soul needs to breathe.
What about yours?

With a world in turmoil, my soul needed some breathing and it came to my Inbox the other day. I just had to share it.
I am reblogging a post, with permission from the author, Simon Marsh, an Anglican parish priest from North Western England. The link is below, titled “SOME SPACE”.

Simon’s words washed over my soul with eloquence and elegance.
A message for a world o’ hurt.

Does your soul need a place to breathe?
There is a place … that always has space …
for you.
Thank you, Simon, for saying what I could not.

Peace,
Alexandria

http://simonmarsh.org/2012/09/13/some-space/
by Simon Marsh

5 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on September 15, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Devotionals, Take Care of Yourselves - Body and Spirit

Tagged a world gone mad, Christianity, devotional writing, God, inspirational blogging, peace, personal survival, photography, religion, Simon Marsh, spirituality, thoughts, words that heal, world peace

Posted by Alexandria Sage on September 15, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/09/15/need-some-space/

The Weekly Photo Challenge | Sheer Joy Merge

So I’ve had a few questions as to what exactly is the “Weekly Photo Challenge”.
Since I’m getting quite a collection under that category I’m guessing an explanation is due. WordPress bloggers, you may disregard this for obvious reasons. You are considered an “Insider”. But I’d like to hear comments about what the Photo Challenge means to you.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Blue

For the rest of you, the Weekly Photo Challenge, by virtue of its title, may be self-explanatory. But for others, here’s the inside scoop.
The staff at WordPress came up this idea to stimulate creativity for those of us who handle a camera, be it the most humble cell phone camera—which is becoming not so humble anymore—to the most advanced, light years ahead of most.

Create

The Weekly Photo Challenge has just ONE rule.
Your photo must capture the one-word theme put out by WordPress. That one word is let out of the bag every Friday. I am stunned at how many are off to a running start. They answer the call with lightning speed. If you want to see some breathtaking photography drop by any Photo Challenge.
You will see some of the most incredible art.

Together

Me? Well, I’m just a bit different.
Let’s just say my right brain must be awakened slowly. I churn over things. I think. I ponder. As I’ve said before, most of my creative thought takes place in front of a sink. A light or visual catches my eye and I’m out the door, camera dangling, in a vast array of attire, all very incidental and unplanned.
It’s a good thing I live in the country.

Sun

Another thing—I don’t publish every theme.
I’m so busy with the day-job, chasing kids and pets, home creating, garden-keeping, and squeezing in a number of avocations that mine are a bit more random and, albeit … late. I usually have an idea but it sits on the back-burner until I can attend to it. But the great thing is …

WordPress bloggers are the most forgiving and patient of folks. I am humbled they still visit, even if I am two weeks late!

Friendship—The All-Time Favorite … naturally

I’d be honored if you’d hang out a bit at my Weekly Photo Challenge ~~category~~ place.

I hope you enjoy my visuals. They’ve been exceptional fun to create.
As for me, I eagerly catch many others that post and am impressed at the creativity that extends to a summit beyond my vision.

Purple

I find it all to be inspirational and quite simply— fun.
Sheer joy.

What about you?

Inside

“There is something that brings joy to each of us.
Find out what it is for you and work hard to get more of it.”
~ Stephen Deal

Movement

27 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on August 18, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Enjoy Life, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged Blogs about joy, flower photography, inspirational quotes, photography, postaday, quotes, quotes about enjoying life, quotes about fun, quotes about joy, quotes by Stephen Deal, Visual Poetry, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Merge

Posted by Alexandria Sage on August 18, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/08/18/the-weekly-photo-challenge-sheer-joy-merge/

How Does Your Garden Grow? | Weekly Photo Challenge: Growth

“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”
~ George Washington

The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice.
~ George Eliot

“We become taller when we bow. We become lowlier when we instruct.”
~ G.K. Chesterton

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”

~ Albert Einstein

Photos by Katarzyna.

20 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on August 15, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in The Truth Shall Set You Free, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged freedom, G.K.Chesterton, gardening, human-rights, inspirational quotes, liberty, philosophy, photography, postaday, quotes, quotes by Albert Einstein, quotes by G.K. Chesterton, quotes by George Washington, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Growth

Posted by Alexandria Sage on August 15, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/08/15/weekly-photo-challenge-growth/

“Remember … Make Hay When The Sun Shines” from the Guest Author

His voice echoes in my mind as if it were yesterday. It was a simple statement with more wisdom than my young ears could discern at the time. “Remember … make hay when the sun shines.” I was just a kid having fun on his farm. He was my grandfather—a farmer with only a third-grade education, but a man from whom flowed endless wisdom. All you had to do was listen.

In a superficial sense I knew about hay. You had to cut the grass while it’s sunny so it dries well and won’t be musty when you bale it later. As I grew to be a man, new realities dawned and the simplicity of that statement bore deeper meaning.

First, there is the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities you’ve been given. Before our modern era, a farmer’s hay in the barn was like money in the bank. The stored hay would feed your livestock. The healthy livestock then supplied food for your family. Storing extra food and hay in the barn meant you were prepared for potential problems. You never knew when it was going to be a long, cold winter or a hot, dry summer. Again, this preparation kept the livestock alive and provided for your family.

Today our lives are different. I don’t need hay or a barn, but the principle is unchanged. The opportunities to make money varies at different times in our lives and we should seize on them. Sometimes the economy is booming and we have the good fortune to work and store extra by having a supply of money in savings—“hay in the barn”. When the sun shines and opportunity avails, it’s important to take advantage of it.

The Bible’s Old Testament tells the true story of a man named Joseph. With God’s guidance, he led the Egyptians to save during seven bountiful years so they could survive the predicted seven years of drought. It worked and the people survived. Like my grandfather, God has given us an example of the need to save during the good times. Again we see the principle—saving during sunny days created extra resources.

We should follow these examples. Lean times will always come but with preparation you will be ready. The trend of the current time is to allow our standard of living to rise during good times and rarely put “hay in the barn” for hard times to come. Whether you’re a farmer in Western North Carolina, an Egyptian, or anyone else—you must force yourself to save.

I’m not an alarmist but facts today point to an impending economic storm. In the face of any disaster you will need three things: a faith life to support you in the midst of the storm, money in the bank (hay in your barn) to keep your family alive in the immediate aftermath, and an education to help you rebuild.

I’m encouraging you to be prepared. I hope you’re storing hay in the barn—the storm is on the horizon. Are you ready?

Thoughtfully,
Steve

5 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on August 4, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in "My Thoughts" The Guest Author's View

Tagged disaster preparedness, economics, history, history of the ancient Egyptian drought, how to save, lessons from farming, nature photography, philosophy, photography, quotes about saving, Stephen Deal, the principle of saving, the story of Joseph, thoughts

Posted by Alexandria Sage on August 4, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/08/04/my-thoughts-remember-make-hay-when-the-sun-shines/

Procrastination—Today’s Latest Cure

‘Twas a lazy Sunday afternoon and the great doze had settled in. Ahhh … perfect. Time to cozy into the chair and succumb to restful dreams. Flip footrest up … yawn. As I sauntered into luscious sleep a nagging thought gradually meandered in, disturbing my blissful state. Oops. Didn’t I promise myself, no matter what, curtains were to be hung in two rooms this weekend? The curtains culminated the completion of my decorating adventures in them. Therefore, this was a pivotal moment!

Every weekend my honey and I resolve to complete one home project. The project usually involves a trip to our favorite store, Lowes, to buy some new gadget or flowers or rake to make our simple existence seem a bit more lavish. Sometimes we just dream about a project, which still affords a sense of achievement. This weekend it was curtains but since he got a strange crick in his neck we decided he would direct and I’d do the work. Usually I direct and he does the work. (Hmm … that didn’t come out right.) Anyway … back to the curtains and the disturbance.

“Oh my, not now!” My eyelids grew heavy, weakening my resolve. Alas, I was stealthily approached by the procrastination bug— that old varmint! “Promises, promises … not now … later … another day,” it whispered, threatening to chomp.

Ahhh … but how many times had I told myself that? I have to confess, too many times! The curtains and rods were purchased nearly a month ago. Capturing valuable space in my sanctuary, they were an eyesore with every step past them. The relentless self-talk began.

“Oh, but I work tomorrow. I need my rest! What time is it anyway?”
“Still plenty of time. Be honest now.”
“Oh, but the husband has a crick in his neck. No way can he get on ladder and drill holes for me.”
“Umm…I believe you can use a power drill and climb a ladder. He can direct, y’know.”
“What??? I’ve never put my hands on a power drill!”
“Well, it’s high time you learned, isn’t it? Wasn’t that the plan?”
“Ugh. Don’t give away my secret of feigned helplessness! Yes, I know. Too well, I know!”

Flip footrest down! And up, go I. First, one step. Then, another. Wow—a beginning.

Then the commence of my familiar, forlorn call. In my most humble-ever-damsel-in-distress-voice I weakly cry, “Hon…eeeey? Guess what.” “Yes, dear. What?” “Remember that promise I made myself that you said you would help me with but you can’t do the work because you have a crick in your neck but I said you could direct me and you said maybe you could?” “Yes, dear.” “Well, I think that time is NOW.” And I, astute at reading his mind, immediately halt his thinking—“Gee, I’d hoped she’d forgotten. Shoulda offered her a trip to Lowes.”

Flip footrest down! (The lucky dog has one in his man-cave.) And I think, “Oh, it’s wonderful to have a man who can read a woman’s mind!” So with crick in neck, me on a ladder with levels, ruler, pencils, and power drill, I, for the very first time in my life, drilled my first hole. I handled that little monster with command … and respect. With the adrenalin rush on board, five rods and five sets of curtains plus two hours, done!

All this to say, when you sense the procrastination bug you can nip it with a for-sure cure. And that can be done in one, ever-so-miniscule-but-very-significant, step. One step. Try it. It really works!

Later in the week, I finished an upstairs room completely solo. I’m on a roll! And my husband knows the perfect next gift for me—my very own power drill. I feel a rush coming on just envisioning that next trip to Lowe’s!

“The cure for procrastination is one small step.”
~ Alexandria Sage

“The only difference between try and triumph is a little bit of umph.”
~ Unknown

“I’ve always been in the right place and time. Of course, I steered myself there.”
~Bob Hope

This is an article in response to the Daily Prompt with a theme of “Procrastination“.
I’d written this awhile back but return to it repeatedly when I need some motivation to take that “small step”. Works for me! 🙂

17 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on July 21, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Beginnings, Enjoy Life, In All Things Do Your Very Best, Just For Fun

Tagged DIY, DPChallenge, habits, humorous writing, inspirational quotes, photography, quotes by Bob Hope, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey, time management, writing

Posted by Alexandria Sage on July 21, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/07/21/procrastination-todays-latest-cure/

Weekly Photo Challenge: Movement | Unapologetically You

“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you.”

~ Steve Maraboli

9 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on July 8, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Enjoy Life, Just For Fun, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged authenticity, Children, family, inspirational quotes, nature, photography, postaday, quotes, quotes about authenticity, relationships, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Movement

Posted by Alexandria Sage on July 8, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/07/08/weekly-photo-challenge-movement-unapologetically-you/

Weekly Photo Challenge | Love, With Borders

“Love consists in this–that two solitudes protect and border and salute each other.”
~ Rainer Maria Rilke , “Letters to a Young Poet”

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
I Corinthians 13: 6-7

This is one my entries for the Weekly Photo Challenge for January 25, 2013. For more entries click on the following link. I have a new post in the works for this theme but for now I hope you enjoy this. It is one of my personal favorites. The photos were a glorious accident.
Peace,
Alexandria

Weekly Photo Challenge: Love

23 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on June 27, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Remember--You Are Loved--No Matter What, Stay Close with Those You Love

Tagged Art, Christianity, flower photography, gardening, inspirational quotes, love, photography, quotes, quotes about love, rainer maria rilke, relationships, rilke letters to a young poet, spirituality, truth, Weekly Photo Challenge

Posted by Alexandria Sage on June 27, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/06/27/love-with-borders/

Weekly Photo Challenge: Create | Portraits of Success

When I saw this week’s Photo Challenge my thoughts turned immediately to my previous “Portraits of Success” photo of child’s chalk creations. I have reposted with some added thoughts and photos. Enjoy, contemplate … create.

Children have an insatiable desire to create, to dream. What better way to adorn a front porch than with these beautiful child drawings? Don’t children provide a continual delight with constant surprises of the creative urge? We smile, we laugh, we delight. We are captivated, enchanted.

But there is deep within us a simultaneous lament, an angst that pains the delight. We look bare-faced at ourselves. Life progressed and the weight of the world gradually nudged out the child—and the dreams, drowned in the cares of life, swirled in a whirlpool down the drain. The child within seemed to disappear. Then we become bearers of children and begin a quest, and cultivate to make it different for them.

But should we do no less for ourselves? Should we not reclaim the artist, the child within? For the artist within leads to one of our Creator’s intentions for us—joy. Sheer joy.

A twenty-something picks up a brush for the first time and discovers a wondrous gift

The insatiable desire to create was given by the Creator to feed our dreams throughout life and create, create, create into adulthood—to keep us, in the words of Steve Jobs—”hungry and foolish”—and become all we were intended to be. And we can find our “adult work” through nourishing the artist within. Our work will not seem like work. In a sense, it can even seem like play. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.” Children are risky and lavish as they create. They are not gripped with insecurity, fear, or hesitation that bounds we adults.

A great-grandpa that knows how to stay a child and builds something delightful.

As grown-ups we must practice the art of creation and reclaim our childlike wonder. We must be intentional this time because we have lost our natural inclination to do so. Keep creating, keep looking, keep finding. After all, our Creator has the same insatiable desire. Look at the intricate beauty He presents to us everyday, everywhere—touches of heaven. Let us mimic Him.

Chalk is a great place to start!

Thoughts on this, please?
Peace,
Alexandria

Other thoughts on this:

https://simplysage.org/2012/01/22/nourish-joy/

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 NKJV)

“To laugh often and much—to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children—to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends—to appreciate beauty—to find the best in others—to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition—to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

8 Comments

by Alexandria Sage on June 24, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Enjoy Life, Weekly Photo Challenge

Tagged Art, Christianity, enjoy life, family, fun, fun things to do with kids, joy, photography, postaday, spirituality, the secret of success, Weekly Photo Challenge, Weekly Photo Challenge: Create

Posted by Alexandria Sage on June 24, 2012

https://simplysage.org/2012/06/24/weekly-photo-challenge-create-portraits-of-success/

Welcome—”My Thoughts”–The Guest Author’s View

Hello,
My name is Steve
and I am a thinker.

Years ago I had a professor who blocked off one hour a day to just sit and think. He said it was the most productive time of his day. Imagine what most would think of that—no noise, no talking, no devices. Just time … alone … thinking. Our minds are amazing organs but we use such a small fraction of their power. It is the equivalent of having an iPad solely for the purpose of checking email.

On occasion I’m going to share my thoughts with you. Some might think it arrogant to write down their thoughts for others to read and in a way it may be. But I hope you’re taking time to think about what is going on in the world around you. I worry that many never stop to think. A population that doesn’t stop to think is much easier to rule over. No matter what your background, I doubt you’re really interested in being ruled.

I didn’t call this place your thoughts but in no way do I exclude you. You are currently free to have your own. My intentions are not to force you to formulate opinions that agree with me or any one person. Though you may draw some new conclusions about life or become more firm in your own convictions, my greater intent is to help you pause and reflect or have a discussion. If I am successful in doing that, I think we will all be better off.

Thoughtfully,
Steve