Tag Archives: encouragement

The Sense and Scents of Renewal

Posted on April 15, 2020 by Virginia

“You drown not by falling into a river, but by staying submerged in it.”  Paulo Coelho It’s hard amidst a global pandemic to take a timeout for renewal. Our hearts are crushed by daily news of increasing COVID-19 death tolls. … Continue reading →

Posted in Life (in general), Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Life is Difficult (a poem by Virginia : )

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Virginia

Virginia is not one for writing much poetry (an occasional poem puts in an appearance here @ Roses in the Rubble, usually written by others?) but last week this poem came scribbling out while lunching out, so this week I … Continue reading →

Posted in Life (in general) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Quickie Quotes: Living in the Here & Now

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Virginia

“Life is a gift to be grateful for & not a property to cling to.” Henri Nouwen “The real enemies of our lives are the ‘oughts’ and the ‘ifs.’ They pull us backward into the unalterable past and forward into the … Continue reading →

Posted in Quotes, SNAPSHOTS & WHATNOTS | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Snapshots & Whatnot: Colorful Journey(s)

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Virginia

Traipsing around Venice with friends on a cold November day (during an unforgettable trip to Italy) we took a boat out to the fishing island of Burano. On a dreary day this island lifted droopy spirits as everywhere we looked … Continue reading →

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Courage Grooves: Growing Beyond our Fears

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Virginia

“There comes a time in all of our lives when it’s time to take stock of what was, what is, and what can be. Don’t hold on to stuff that prevents you from becoming who you can be.”  Maria Shriver … Continue reading →

Posted in Bookshelf (BOOKS), Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Snapshots & Whatnot: Flowery Flexibility

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Virginia

The dictionary defines flexibility as “the quality of bending easily without breaking” and “the willingness to change or compromise.” Last week I noticed my brother’s coneflowers in their potted homes on the deck seemed to flexibly adapt during days (& … Continue reading →

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Snapshots & Whatnot: Navigating Hope

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Virginia

Sometimes when tough stuff wears us down, it may be challenging navigating our lives back (or onward) into hope-filled grooves. Today here’s a ‘how to’ lesson from water. “Water does not resist. Water flows… water always goes where it wants … Continue reading →

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Scattering Seeds (quickie quote!)

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Virginia

Quickie quote today also presents a challenge –  do we have courage to continue scattering seeds of hope even when the wind gets fierce? ”I must set my face to the wind & scatter my handful of seeds. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

08 March: Papa…& the GIFT of Tears

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Virginia

Today is March 8th. Previously I have posted about International Women’s Day (click here to read last year’s International Women’s Day: A Photo Journey), but March 8th is also the day my precious Papa died. As faithful readers know, my … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Life (in general) | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Vales & Valleys (a poem by Virginia : )

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Virginia

On this late Advent weekday, here’s another go at a poem Virginia shared here six years ago. As our valleys descend into the deepest night, the Light of Christ is bright with love to guide us on our way. VALES … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments