Alive

The morning sun is shining

twin jewels blazing in my eyes

as I bask in the light that reaches to me

I welcome the rays that pour from the skies.

The tree limbs sway in a gentle breeze

casting shadows that flitter across my face

I feel so alive, like I was meant to be

here and now in this shining place.

Bursts of exuberance emit showers from within

and a twinkling sound of joy proceeds from my heart

my body alive and warm with the power of love

I knew I was born for this from the start.

The smile that spreads across my glowing face

speaks the volumes I cannot conceive to say

I pray that heaven receives this blessing in return

this love that visits and energizes me today.

Let me not utter a discouraging word

or quench this radiant spirit that joins me

but like a river let the life flow out of my pores

I hear the spirit say ‘yes’ and I agree.

Soaking in the brilliance of the sun

I give thanks and welcome the god of life

happy are those who draw him inside

and for peace and happiness exchange their strife.

Haiku

Rosy colors pierce the early morning’s dawn

opening my window for a closer look

the birds’ happy songs greet my ears.

After the storm

A true to life event, a sensory poem where I attempt to convey my deep joy and emotion in a memorable moment I had with nature.

The atmosphere was electrified

from the intensity of the passing storm.

A light rain falling, so softly

like the petals of a rose

and the air smelled pristine

of new earth

fresh and clean.

The clouds were dark

and menacing

but lined in silver

as a white sun

broke through an opening

and shined it’s vivid light

upon the earth.

The raindrops reflected the light

and sparkled like white crystals

as it fell with such grace

from the heavens.

The shadows cast on the ground

were as of the night

of a full moon

accentuating and animating

every shrub and tree.

The contrast between

light and dark

was stark

but breathtaking in the

beauty of it’s harmony,

light and shadow creating together

a surreal and otherworldly scene.

And as I stood in the midst

of this natural wonder

I let my senses take over

letting them grow and reach out

as far out as they would go,..

and my soul was caught up

in admiration and surprise,

taken in absolute awe.

I was elated

wrapped up in a cocoon

of magic and reverie

as my mind, body and soul

answered mother nature

in her spectacular beauty.

I was helpless

to sound out a word

that would be sufficient enough

to convey the peace

and tranquility I was a part of,

so I gave myself over

to the sublime perfection

of the moment,

to the scene before my eyes.

And the instant I did this

I was lifted high in flight

on the wings of joy

soaring on a perpetual wave of bliss

that lasted until my head

rested upon my pillow

and sleep carried me away

with lovely dreams

in the night.

~ Celeste ~

Sweetly basking in grace

Cool breezes wash over my skin

whipping strands of hair around my face

evening sunlight sparkles in my eyes

my soul is sweetly basking in grace.

Fuchsia sunbeams dance on the water

cottony clouds float by up above

my attention shifts to a small Oak tree

the beautiful sounds of a perching dove.

I close my eyes and deeply breathe in

sweet, fresh air clearing my mind

exhaling, I let go of the day’s heavy burdens

released up to him I leave them behind.

Visions of rainbow sparkles of light

in endless colors they glow

my imagination now taking flight

childlike wonders through them I know.

My heart beaming in gratitude

upon the mountain my voice I raise

a melody for the joy of eternal love

the winds carry far my song of praise.

~ Celeste ~

The Reaper and the flowers

I want to share a favorite poem of mine with you today. This is so beautiful and touching, and reminds me of my late mother…hope you enjoy…

There is a Reaper whose name is Death, 

And, with his sickle keen, 

He reaps the bearded grain at a breath, 

And the flowers that grow between. 

 

“Shall I have nought that is fair?” saith he; 

“Have nought but the bearded grain? 

Though the breath of these flowers is sweet to me, 

I will give them all back again.” 

 

He gazed at the flowers with tearful eyes, 

He kissed their drooping leaves; 

It was for the Lord of Paradise 

He bound them in his sheaves. 

 

“My Lord has need of these flowerets gay,” 

The Reaper said, and smiled; 

“Dear tokens of the earth are they, 

Where he was once a child. 

 

 “They shall all bloom in fields of light, 

Transplanted by my care, 

And saints, upon their garments white, 

These sacred blossoms wear.” 

 

And the mother gave, in tears and pain, 

The flowers she most did love; 

She knew she should find them all again 

In the fields of light above. 

 

 

O, not in cruelty, not in wrath, 

The Reaper came that day; 

‘Twas an angel visited the green earth, 

And took the flowers away. 

 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Birthday reflections and blessings….

Today I turn 34, and as I sit reflecting back on my life, the good and the not so good, I am finding something positive in everything. It is never too late to mentally review and recall past memories, especially painful ones, and find something good that came from it. We can help ourselves along in the healing process in this way, going back in time to touch a younger version of ourselves with the present knowledge we have gained, embracing ourselves as a child, accepting, relearning, and practicing self forgiveness….I know these things work because I have done them.

So I wanted to share some positive words of encouragement with you today, and pass along my own birthday blessings and wishes to you. I could not think of a better way to celebrate and share the love!

So, here they are, a few of my favorite quotes, poems and photos for you to enjoy. Everyone have a great day and be blessed and prosper in all you do.

Namaste.

To realize

 The value of a sister/brother

 Ask someone

 Who doesn’t have one.

 To realize

 The value of four years:

 Ask a graduate.

 To realize

 The value of nine months:

 Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

 To realize

 The value of one month:

 Ask a mother

 Who has given birth to a premature baby..

 To realize

 The value of one week:

 Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

 To realize

 The value of one minute:

 Ask a person

 Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

 To realize

 The value of one-second:

 Ask a person

 Who has survived an accident.

 Time waits for no one.

 Treasure every moment you have.

 You will treasure it even more when

 You can share it with someone special.

 To realize the value of a friend or family member:

 LOSE ONE.

 Remember….

 Hold on tight to the ones you love!

 Our world is special because YOU are in it-

We all hit a time when we’ve lost hope and need someone to put their arms around us and say, “I’ve got you right now. I won’t let you face this alone.

Bear Hug!

  Whatever our hands touch -
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture
On doorknobs, dishes, books.
There’s no escape.
As we touch we leave our identity.

Wherever I go today
Help me leave heartprints!
Heartprints of compassion
Of understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter
Or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Send me out today
To leave heartprints.
And if someone should say,
“I felt your touch,”
May they also sense the love
that is deep within my heart.

~ author unknown ~

IN REMEMBRANCE

Serene and beautiful and very wise,

Most erudite in curious Grecian lore,

You lay and read your learned books, and bore

A weight of unshed tears and silent sighs.

The song within your heart could never rise

Until love bade it spread its wings and soar.

Nor could you look on Beauty’s face before

A poet’s burning mouth had touched your eyes. 

Love is made out of ecstasy and wonder;

Love is a poignant and accustomed pain.

It is a burst of Heaven-shaking thunder;

It is a linnet’s fluting after rain.

Love’s voice is through your song; above and under

And in each note to echo and remain. 

II 

Because Mankind is glad and brave and young,

Full of gay flames that white and scarlet glow,

All joys and passions that Mankind may know

By you were nobly felt and nobly sung.

Because Mankind’s heart every day is wrung

By Fate’s wild hands that twist and tear it so,

Therefore you echoed Man’s undying woe,

A harp Aeolian on Life’s branches hung. 

So did the ghosts of toiling children hover

About the piteous portals of your mind;

Your eyes, that looked on glory, could discover

The angry scar to which the world was blind:

And it was grief that made Mankind your lover,

And it was grief that made you love Mankind. 

III 

Before Christ left the Citadel of Light,

To tread the dreadful way of human birth,

His shadow sometimes fell upon the earth

And those who saw it wept with joy and fright.

“Thou art Apollo, than the sun more bright!”

They cried. “Our music is of little worth,

But thrill our blood with thy creative mirth

Thou god of song, thou lord of lyric might!”.

 

O singing pilgrim! who could love and follow

Your lover Christ, through even love’s despair,

You knew within the cypress-darkened hollow

The feet that on the mountain are so fair.

For it was Christ that was your own Apollo,

And thorns were in the laurel on your hair. 

JOYCE KILMER

 

REMEMBER TO SMILE, AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

The Life and Rebirth of the Eagle

About a year ago, my brother sent me this story via email. And today I just stumbled across it again on youtube, where it has been set to a lovely video with beautiful music.

This is the real , heart wrenching and inspirational story of the magnificent Eagle. This knowledge was new to me, and I cried when I first read it because it touched my heart so deeply. Their story symbolizes the choices, changes and pains we experience in our own lives, and there is something for all of us to learn from it. I believe nature speaks to everyone if we take time to listen to her voice.

And her voice through the life of this creature speaks loud and clear. As you watch and listen, I hope you will be as encouraged and blessed by it as much as I am. Enjoy.

Illuminate the darkness

“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it.”

Whenever we hear the word ‘darkness,’ usually we relate it to something negative or sinister. And indeed there are abominations that lurk in the dark, but we are not speaking of that now.

We can think of darkness as a huge space or span of time for potential substance, substances of good things that we have the power to fill, to mold and shape, at will.  Like a huge, empty

canvas that is void of all light, a naked void longing for something tangible. The possibilities of what we can create with our actions, thoughts, and words are endless.

If we are fearful of this darkness, do we fill up this space with avoiding and fear? We can use our time here on Earth in much more productive manners and create a world that would end

the suffering of our species, bringing love and light to where there was none. I could not think of a better motivation to do good with all we have been given. Yes, the darkness awaits us.

But it is an opportunity to make it something beautiful with our own magical lights, turning the void into a living beating heartbeat of life, filling it with purpose and intellegence and

compassion; all things useful. The darkness then serves the greatest opportunity and purpose than any other thing in this life, and I am thankful for this gift, this trust we are given to

multiply and grow, to build and flex our spiritual muscles, to hone our uniqueness alongside a higher calling.

~Perfect love casts out all fear, 1 John 4:18~

Written by Celeste

Speak to the darkness

“I would hurl words into this darkness and wait for an echo, and if an echo sounded, no matter how faintly, I would send other words to tell, to march, to fight, to create a sense of hunger for life that gnaws in us all.” ~ Richard Wright ~

Love this quote…..it speaks to my own desires

Face the sun

Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.
Helen Keller

 

image by 00AngelicDevil00

SET ME FREE

SET ME FREE

image by Nyaminyami

Take me up to the highest peak

and let me take that daring leap.

Falling fast and falling free

my wings burst open to carry me.

Soaring high into the sun

this journey of mine has just begun.

With wind on my face

and beauty in my vision,

I will never regret

this joyous decision.

Breathtaking sights

the tears fill my eyes;

happiness fills my heart,

my soul with surprise.

Sun kissed water glistens

from a magical waterfall,

a liquid veil of diamonds

my heart it has enthralled.

Majestic mustang racing

at the sight my heart beats wild

these graceful creatures remind me

of my spirited inner child.

My eyes behold the glory

of velvet forests green

wildlife scurrying to and fro

adding interest to the scene.

Endless vibrant colors

the enchanted flowers yield

giving blankets of grace

for rolling hills,

variety to the fields.

As the sun is setting gently

warm hues emblazen the sky

a jewel of shining silver appears

the moon is coming alive.

All around about me

and everywhere I turn

the twinkling stars shine happily

through blackest night they burn.

The Earth is a wondrous treasure

a gift of love to man

her voice is full of wisdom

her lessons understand.

She speaks to all who listen,

her yolk easy to bear

she comes to us a mystery

a wealth of beauty to share.

And as I close my journey

I think on all I’d learned

I want to be found worthy

to speak all I have heard.

written by Celeste

Lake Erie Rainfall

This is an extraordinarily beautiful piano piece. One of my favorites.

 

Mother Nature’s Child

Note: This is another poem written in my mid twenties. It speaks of my life growing up as an only child in my grandmother’s care in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the lasting impact of that life lived in so much harmony with nature out there in that beautiful country. I had the song ‘Country Roads’ by John Denver going through my head with memories of childhood and home at the time I wrote this. So I built the rhythm of this poem around the first two lines of the melodic verse of the song. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNPki1WVZdw —> Country Roads by John Denver

MOTHER NATURE’S CHILD

I wasn’t raised by humans, made from flesh and blood,

my mom and dad were nature, the life that was around me.

You took in this orphan, taught me all I knew,

made me part of your family, and watched me as I grew.

I still see the mountains, every time I close my eyes,

From them my heart learned courage, I still reach for the skies.

They also taught to me, the secret of true strength,

forever as my fortress, never would I faint.

And I remember too, the lessons of the trees,

they taught me of patience, in every kind of weather.

And also how to stand, and how to welcome change,

they showed me how to grow in grace, and still remain the same.

And I won’t forget the way, the birds would sing to me,

and how a song could carry me, and let my mind be free.

While watching them spread wings in flight, I learned to be care free,

to stop and lay my burdens down, and enjoy the life in me.

My creek was a special place, I learned of rest and peace,

I learned how to laugh and play, it’s joy still flows through me.

I’ll always appreciate, those healing waters in my soul,

Guilt and shame are washed away, it’s pureness makes me whole.

The vast array of flowers, give unceasingly their love,

they helped me see my own gift I’d been given from above.

Oh  Mother Nature, and Father in the Sky,

thank you for your teachings, in me they stay alive.

written by Celeste.

EMBRACE OF NIGHT

Note: This is one of my earlier writings, which I wrote in my mid twenties. I was in a thoughtful state of enlightenment this day and I really enjoyed writing this one. My heart and mind were so connected and full of emotion that I felt like mere words were not going to be adequate enough to express the passion and revelation that was coming to me. I am sure a lot of you writers know exactly what I am speaking of. In the end, this work is the result of that special day. Your thoughts and comments are welcome and appreciated. I hope you enjoy it. Love and Light, Celeste.

EMBRACE OF NIGHT

             A moonlight walk in the cool of the night

gentle breezes wash over me,

they ebb and flow around me

refreshing my soul and ushering in

newness of life.

Playfully, eagerly,

they beckon me to accept their invite

to share in the life giving freedom

and invigorating bliss;

unhindered energy rapturing me

leading the way out of captivity

loosening the mortal bonds that limit me;

angry bonds that delight in heavy hearts

now whisked away to answer to one greater

leaving me full of peace.

With freedom to savor this special night

I am swept off my feet with awe and delight

and wholly taken by every moment

my heart full of joy and ecstasy.

And as I walked,

a rush of wind danced through my hair

and through every blade of grass

and through every tree.

Then through the rustling of the leaves I hear

a voice whispering my name,

soft and deliberate.

I release myself into an utter abandonment

giving myself freely

to the glorious tides that have enticed me,

effortlessly,

into a complete union in sync

with the symphony of grace

by which they so longingly draw me.

I cannot resist

I do not want to try

I want the moment to last forever.

Warm springs burst forth inside of me

melodies in my heart singing sweetly

my spirit spreading wings and taking flight.

Freely of myself I give

I want to be wholly taken.

They freely and wholly take me,

in rapture,

beyond anything I could dare to ask.

Themselves do they freely offer

the joy of their glory to me

they want to be wholly received

and I receive them entirely into myself

and we are all in heavenly places.

They long to know me,

and yearn to please me;

and my desire is for them

and to fulfill their wanting and joy.

Pure love do they desire

delightful and savage intimacy to share.

As do I.

I cannot help myself.

I do not want to be helped.

Nothing more is needed,

nothing else compares.

I would spend all of eternity here

this glorious place of bliss

forever a willing heart

to be hopelessly lost

in this fiercest of loves;

Divine spirits and human hearts as one……

Now grounded in earthly planes

once more I recall the night.

It seemed like a dream,

but I know better.

Tonight I had partaken in

an exceedingly precious gift of light,

Alas, I found it only in the embrace of night.

~ Celeste ~

Photograph by Alex Cherney, TWAN

Into the darkness peering

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.”

~Edgar Allen Poe~

Photograph by Thomas Kurat, TWAN