Beyond Beauty & Divinity

When Parents die, nothing is the same anymore. We can no longer be children, we will no longer feel carried away by their hugs, kisses and words of encouragement. It seems like life is getting harder because their protective love is no longer there. When parents are no longer with us, we are orphans and that is hard regardlss of age. Even though you created your family, the face of your parents is ingrained in you for eternity. All people, even if we are adults, have this living child inside us who wants to be protected all the time by his parents. Turning to their unconditional love whenever necesary, but when they are gone, that option is no longer possible...

Gary Larson

“I AM MAKING A HOME INSIDE MYSELF"
A shelter of kindness where everything is forgiven, everything allowed—a quiet patch of sunlight to stretch out without hurry,
where all that has been banished and buried is welcomed, spoken, listened to—released.

A fiercely friendly place I can claim as my very own.
I am throwing arms open to the whole of myself—especially the fearful, fault-finding, falling apart, unfinished parts, knowing
every seed and w**d, every drop of rain, has made the soil richer.

I will light a candle, pour a hot cup of tea, gather
around the warmth of my own blazing fire. I will howl
if I want to, knowing this flame can burn through
any perceived problem, any prescribed perfectionism,
any lying limitation, every heavy thing.

I am making a home inside myself
where grace blooms in grand and glorious
abundance, a shelter of kindness that grows
all the truest things.”
-Julia Fehrenbacher -

Painting: Karla-M Bardz

With thanks to Archaeology for the Woman's Soul for excavating this gem!

Patience visited me
And it reminded me
That good things take time to come to fruition
And grow slowly with stability

Peace visited me
And it reminded me
That I may remain calm through the storms of life
Regardless of the chaos surrounding me

Hope visited me
And it reminded me
That better times lay ahead
And it would always be there to guide and uplift me

Humility visited me
And it reminded me
That I may achieve it
Not by trying to shrink myself and make myself less
But by focusing on serving the world and uplifting those around me

Kindness visited me
And it reminded me
To be more gentle, forgiving and compassionate toward myself
And those surrounding me

Confidence visited me
And it reminded me
To not conceal or suppress my gifts and talents
In order to make others feel more comfortable
But to embrace what makes me me

Focus visited me
And it reminded me
That other people’s insecurities and judgements about me
Are not my problem
And I should redirect my attention
From others back to me

Freedom visited me
And it reminded me
That no one has control over my mindset, thoughts and wellbeing
But me

And love visited me
And it reminded me
That I need not search for it in others
As it lies within me.

- Tahlia Hunter

CHANGE THE WAY YOU SEE
I don’t have crow’s feet,
I have happy happy memories of laughing with friends until the tears flowed.
I don’t have frown lines,
I have the marks of my frustration and confusion, which I battled through, smiling in the end.
I am not going grey,
I have shimmering highlights of wisdom, dashed throughout my silver hair.
I don’t have scars,
I have symbols of the strength I was able to find, when life got tough.
I don’t have stretch marks,
I have the marks of growth and the marks of motherhood. My womanly evolution.
I am not fat,
I bear the evidence of a life filled with abundance, blessings and good times.
I am not just forgetful,
I have a mind so full of stories, memories and moments there is scarce room to hold much else.
I am not old,
I am blessed, with a life of great length, something not everyone can say.
Don’t change the way you look my friend,
change the way you see,
change the way you see.
©Donna Ashworth
Art by the FABULOUS Lisa Aisato ❤️

Don't leave anything for later.
Later, the coffee gets cold.
Later, you lose interest.
Later, the day turns into night.
Later, people grow up.
Later, people grow old.
Later, life goes by.
Later, you regret not doing something...
When you had the chance.

Life is a fleeting dance, a delicate balance of moments that unfold before us, never to return in quite the same way again.

Regret is a bitter pill to swallow, a weight that bears down upon the soul with the burden of missed chances and unspoken words.

So, let us not leave anything for later. Let us seize the moments as they come, with hearts open and arms outstretched to embrace the possibilities that lie before us. For in the end, it is not the things we did that we regret, but the things we left undone, the words left unspoken, the dreams left unfulfilled.

- Toshikazu Kawaguchi,
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
(2015)

[Image: Elfin Song (1912) by Anglo/Australian illustrator Florence Emma Harrison (1877-1955).]

Poetry, Tea and Me

HOW TO RESPECT YOURSELF IN 2024

1...Stop looking for who is not looking for you.
2... Stop begging.
3...Stop saying more than necessary.
4...When people disrespect you, confront them immediately.
5...Don't eat other people's food more than they eat yours.
6...Reduce how you visit some people, especially if they don't reciprocate it.
7...Invest in yourself. Make yourself happy.
8... Stop entertaining gossip about other people.
9...Think before you talk. 80% of how people value you is what comes out of your mouth.
10... Always look your best. Dress the way you should be addressed.
11... Be an achiever. Get busy with your goals
12...Respect your time.
13... Don't stay in a relationship where you don't feel respected and valued. Walk away.
14... Learn to spend money on yourself. That's how people will learn to spend on you.
15... Be scarce sometimes.
16...Be a giver more than a receiver.
17...Don't go where you are not invited. And when invited don't overstay your welcome.
18...Treat people exactly the way you want to be treated.
19... Except they owe you money, two call attempts is enough. If they value you they will call you back.
20...Be good at what you do.

STAY BLESSED🙏❤️

EYA Oliver Uchenna®️

If you feel like giving up, read this:

1. This is a Phase.
Tough times are just a phase. They don't last forever. Life is a cycle of highs and lows. Remember, this too shall pass. You're in the middle of the storm now, but clear skies are ahead. Hold on.

2. You Are Stronger Than You Think.
Never underestimate your resilience.

- You've survived 100% of your bad days.
- Inside you, there is an inner strength.
- Your potential is greater than any problem.

Remember, you're stronger and more capable than you believe.

3. Small Steps Count.
Progress isn't always a leap forward. Sometimes it's tiny, almost imperceptible steps. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Celebrate every bit of progress. Slow and steady can still win the race. Keep moving forward.

4. Remember Your 'Why'.
Think back to the reasons why you started. Reconnect with your motivation and your goals.

5. Failure is a Stepping Stone.
It's okay to fall but it's important to rise again. Every setback brings learning opportunities. Remember, every great success story involves overcoming obstacles. Keep going. Your story is being written.

6. Practice Self-Care.

Self-care is essential, especially during tough times.

- Eat nutritious food
- Exercise regularly
- Get adequate sleep
- Connect with loved ones
- Engage in activities that bring joy.

It’s not selfish, it's survival. Your well-being matters.

7. It's Okay to Ask for Help.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

- Reach out to friends, family, or professionals
- Open up about your struggles
- Seek support when you need it

Strength isn't just about enduring in silence. It's also knowing when to ask for help.

To my friends and readers, Fight for yourself. No matter how difficult it becomes, never let yourself give in. After some time, your spark will eventually return. You will come out happier, healthier, and wiser. We are in this together.

I am the daughter
of a daughter.
Who is the daughter
of a daughter.
Who is also the daughter
of a daughter.
Some of us are mothers
but all of us are daughters,
all birthed through lines
that weave back to
that First Mother.
All connected from
the very beginning.
All connected in the now.
Mothers,
Daughters,
Grandmothers,
Great Grandmothers,
Great Great Grandmothers.
All daughters born from
One. Original. Egg.
from
One. Original. Woman.
So why the separation?
Why the animosity toward each other?
Why the arguing and fighting,
back-stabbing and lack of support?
The next time you see another woman,
look in her eyes and see the
Ancestral Lines – the lines of women –
that lead back to you.
Where are we going Mother?
And how will we get there Sister?
By staying connected Daughter
and allowing for difference.
For we are each one,
after all,
all Daughters
of Daughters
of Daughters
of our
One Mother.

- Arlene Bailey

"The most important thing in all human relationships is conversation, but people don’t talk anymore, they don’t sit down to talk and listen. They go to the theater, the cinema, watch television, listen to the radio, read books, but they almost never talk. If we want to change the world, we have to go back to a time when warriors would gather around a fire and tell stories." ~Paulo Coelho

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low but the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many failures turn about
When we might have won had we stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
You can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit ..

Edgar A Guest ✨

Credit to unknown artist

PEACE

When the world outside is in disarray and chaos abounds, it is vital that you live the life you dream of in your own little bubble. Make the world you want. Kindness, love, patience, acceptance and care. Throw it around like confetti and create the world you will not see on the news. You cannot fix the world or change everyone’s mind but you can BE the peace you seek. And it is beyond vital that you do. It spreads like ever increasing ripples outwards and will find those like-hearted souls you need to reach. When the world is in unrest, be the peace you seek.

Donna Ashworth
Art by Paul Groocock

I no longer force people to stay. I let people leave; I let them lose me or forget me. I allow people to decide where they want to place me because it's their right to choose who they want to be part of their lives.🩶❤️‍🩹

You can mute, unfollow, unfriend, or block me if you want to, and I will not be offended about it. As I grow every day, I realize that my existence will not always be appreciated by everyone. Sometimes, I can be the problem too, from the perspective of others. So if you think that not being around with me will give you more peace of mind and healing, I will not bother asking you to stay. I completely understand that I am not everyone's cup of tea, and some people can even misjudge me personally.🩶❤️‍🩹

I also believe that detachment is sometimes a form of blessing in disguise. It's a blessing that the ones who don't value my presence voluntarily leave, because, to be fair, I also do not reserve a seat for people like them at my table. 🩶❤️‍🩹

The only people I need in my life are those who understand, accept, and love me as I am.💜💞

Things I would tell my younger self ;

The playbook of life cannot be written in advance, nor can its lessons be imparted through whispers from the future.
Each joy, each setback, each serendipitous twist of fate is a brushstroke on the canvas of your becoming. Some days will be tough, and you might feel like the world is against you, but remember, it’s those very moments that will forge your resilience, spark your creativity, and lead you to discover the depths of your own strength.
You are already a force to be reckoned with ..a truly badass soul.
Embrace each experience with open arms and an open heart, for they are the very essence of your story ..

Jasmine Rice 💫

How are you? I was wondering if you still have time to take care of yourself. Let me remind you that you don't have to push yourself hard, you're doing good. I am proud of you. You can still do your daily task even though you don't feel okay. It's okay, darling, keep going. Don't force yourself too hard if you're already tired, you also need rest. You also need time to breathe. You need strength for your everyday fight. Don't be disappointed with yourself and please stay strong. I love you, stranger. Let yourself be healed. ♥️♥️♥️

"When you hurt good-hearted people, they won't scream, they'll keep their pain inside.
They will gently and silently drift away never to return. They won't stop being good, they'll never trust you again. This is exactly when you lost them.”

To love for the sake of being loved is human,
but to love for the sake of loving is angelic ..

~ Alphonse de Lamartine ~

Artist Credit : Laurel Bleadon - Maffei

A wise old man was asked by a young boy, "What is the most valuable thing in life?"

The old man replied, "It is not money, nor is it fame or power. The most valuable thing in life is time."

The boy was puzzled. "Time?" he asked. "Why time?"

The old man smiled. "Because time is the one thing that we all have in equal measure, but it is also the one thing that we can never get back once it is lost. Every moment we waste is gone forever. Every moment we use wisely is a gift to ourselves and to others."

The boy thought about this for a moment. "But what about money?" he asked. "Can't we just buy more time with money?"

The old man chuckled. "No, my young friend," he said. "Money can buy us things, but it cannot buy us more time. And even if it could, what would be the point of having all the time in the world if we did not have the wisdom to use it well?"

The boy nodded, beginning to understand. "So, how can I make the most of my time?" he asked.

The old man smiled again. "That is a question for the ages," he said. "But here is a hint: the key to making the most of your time is to use it to make a positive impact on the world around you. Help others, learn new things, pursue your passions. And always remember, every moment is a gift. Use it wisely."

From that day on, the boy made a point to value every moment of his time, and to use it to make the world a better place. And he lived a long and happy life, filled with purpose and joy.

゚

♥️Everything You Love will probably be Lost, but in the End, Love will Return in another way 🌹

At 40, Franz Kafka (1883-1924), who never married and had no children, walked through the park in Berlin when he met a girl who was crying because she had lost her favourite doll. She and Kafka searched for the doll unsuccessfully.
Kafka told her to meet him there the next day and they would come back to look for her.
The next day, when they had not yet found the doll, Kafka gave the girl a letter "written" by the doll saying "please don't cry. I took a trip to see the world. I will write to you about my adventures."
Thus began a story which continued until the end of Kafka's life.
During their meetings, Kafka read the letters of the doll carefully written with adventures and conversations that the girl found adorable.
Finally, Kafka brought back the doll (he bought one) that had returned to Berlin.
"It doesn't look like my doll at all," said the girl.
Kafka handed her another letter in which the doll wrote: "my travels have changed me." the little girl hugged the new doll and brought the doll with her to her happy home.
A year later Kafka died.
Many years later, the now-adult girl found a letter inside the doll. In the tiny letter signed by Kafka it was written:
"Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way."
Embrace the change. It's inevitable for growth. Together we can shift pain into wonder and love, but it is up to us to consciously and intentionally create that connection.

Time to Bloom Beautiful Soul 🌷

I’ve learned….
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve learned….
That when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned ….
That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.

I’ve learned….
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve learned….
That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned….
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned….
That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way.

I’ve learned….
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve learned….
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned….
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve learned….
That life is like a roll of toilet paper.
The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned….
That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned….
That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned…
That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned….
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned….
That when you plan to get even with someone,
you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned….
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned….
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned….
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned….
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned….
That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned….
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned….
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned….
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I’ve learned….
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned….
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned….
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned….
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

I’ve learned….
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

~ Andy Rooney

~ Art by Nino Chakvetadze

The MATH of JESUS

Just a reminder for those today who need extra reassurance:

It’s not your responsibility to feed the 5,000 and perform the miracle—

your responsibility is to bring the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish to Jesus… and then HE feeds the 5,000 and provides the miracle.

You may be in a situation right now where you need a miracle.

You’re overwhelmed, tired, lost, exhausted, sad, and frustrated.

You don’t know what you’re going to do to feed your 5,000, and all you have are 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.

God says to you today, “Perfect. That’s all I need. Bring me what you have, and I’ll provide the miracle.”

It’s never our responsibility to provide the miracle.

It’s always our responsibility to provide the EFFORT.

Whether feeding your 5,000 means going back to school, providing for your family, being a single mom or dad, battling mental or physical illness, taking care of a loved one who is sick, dealing with grief, struggling with a faith crisis, seeking an answer to prayer, or just trying to make it one more day — Jesus understands.

He’s there.
He loves you.
He WANTS to provide the miracle for you.

Simply bring Him what you have, and He’ll multiply the remainder.

Keep going!
CTTO