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when I come home filthy, covered in mud, bleeding from my brush with thorns and other sharp things of nature and smelling of the earth that I was crawling around on. There are few things in this life that renew … Continue reading
changed my life, as well as the lives of many, many others. Five years ago, my youngest niece was born with Down’s Syndrome. She was a tiny, fragile thing who looked as though she would break with the slightest touch. Her fragility, however, was short lived. Before we knew what hit us, Gracie was not only growing and thriving, but had managed to wrap everyone who met her around her sweet little finger. The first time she smiled at me, tears filled my eyes. The first time she called me Nini, I cried. The first time she put those precious little arms around my neck and lay her head on my shoulder, I lost it completely.
The fact that Gracie has Down’s Syndrome is irrelevant to everyone who meets her. Her charismatic personality and over-the-top laughter make it impossible to see anything but the beautiful spirit she exudes. She laughs. She loves. She thrives. She plays. She cries. She gets mad. She is everything she’s supposed to be, but because of that little, bitty, extra chromosome, she is so much more.
Just by being herself, she is an encourager. It is simply not possible to be in Gracie’s presence and not feel a sense of love and acceptance. It was evident from the start that she was one of God’s special gifts. She is blessed in a way that makes her appear larger than life. Her very being commands attention without ever saying a word and people migrate to her, surround her, find solace in her. She is, without doubt or reservation, a formidable weapon against everything negative.
She possesses an innate ability to turn lives around with her genuineness. She is guileless in everything she does, having no agenda or premeditation. Her sense of self is unrivaled and her confidence unwavering; that, in itself, is a testament to the strength and beauty that is part of what makes her who she is. There are many things I would change in my life were I given the chance to do so. Gracie is not one of them.
March 21 is Down’s Syndrome Awareness Day and the purpose of this post is as much to help raise awareness as it is to sing the song of Gracie. I am more than I was before she came into my life, but not nearly as much as I will be in another five years. My life changed, for the better, the day she was born and I will never be the same.
To read Watching Gracie Grow, click on the photo below:
Posted in a photographer's heart, believer, blessings, blog, courage, cry, Down's Syndrome, Down's Syndrome, Photography, emotions, Encouragement, from my heart, God, Gracie, Life, love, photographer, Photography, strength, Time, words
Tagged beautiful, beauty, blog, courage, Down's Syndrome, emotions, encouragement, gina minton kearns, gina minton kearns blog, Gina Minton Kearns Photography, God, life, love, photographer, photography, strength, words
from a musical journey that altered the perception I have of music and, perhaps more importantly, the percipience I have of myself.
A few months ago, I was introduced to the musical genius of Gustav Mahler. I was taken aback by the way his music touched me, moved me and the joy that it brought to my soul. The profound effect that it had on me was, however, inexplicably isolating; moreso, in some ways, than the other eccentricities that keep me balancing just on the cusp of the world around me.
I had a burning desire to share the brilliance and excitement of it. I found, though, that I could no more explain the way it touched my spirit than I could the way that words and images fill me up. After a time, I spoke of it less and less and held the wonder of it inside myself like a caged bird. I spent many nights lying in bed thinking of it and praying that when the morning dawned, comprehension of its magnitude would become evident.
I made plans to attend The Cleveland Orchestra for their performance of Mahler’s First Symphony and thought I would go mad waiting for the day to arrive. Having listened to tens of dozens of hours of his compositions, I was, in my mind, prepared for what I would experience; I wasn’t even close.
From the first bars, I was riveted. The music soared through the grand concert hall, covering me with a power that I simply wasn’t expecting. Hearing it performed live was like nothing I could have imagined. It moved me so esoterically that I wondered, at times, if I would lose control completely and be asked to leave. I was overcome with emotion and was left, by the end of the concert, beautifully, wonderfully, unimaginably drained.
For a time, I was unable to speak more than a few words about it as it swirled and churned inside me, weaving itself into the very core of my being in a way I didn’t realize was possible. At some point during this time, I was reminded that to fully understand music is to have no real understanding of it at all. It is its own language and changes even as it stays the same.
I ascertained that sharing the overwhelming impact it had on my life was irrelevant for even if I could put my thoughts into words, the intimacy I shared with the music was mine alone. I was, in that singularly, enlightening moment, set free from my own expectations. I knew then that I didn’t need anyone’s understanding of my perception of the music or how it moved me or touched me or sustained me.
I was, in an instant, irrevocably changed for the better and for that, I am thankful.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise ~ Psalms 98:4
Posted in being myself, bible verse, blog, Cleveland Orchestra, emotions, excitement, feelings, friends, from my heart, God, Gustav Mahler, joy, Life, life experiences, music, Photography, Time, travel, words, worship
Tagged beautiful, beauty, blog, blogger, emotions, excitement, gina minton kearns, gina minton kearns blog, Gina Minton Kearns Photography, God, life, photographer, photography, travel, words
when the cloud that surrounds me, taking me perilously close to a state of chaotic madness, lunacy, insanity; call it what you will, lifts. It is a bit like going through a thick, consuming fog bank, unable to see in front, behind or on either side, left with only the senses (which are already stretched to the breaking point), to navigate. Then, at the moment when I have reached what I perceive to be the pinnacle of hurt and disillusionment , the fog dissipates and nothing but clear, wonderful skies, stretch into the distance. These are the days I live for.
I am thankful for many things, but when the fog lifts and I realize I have cleared another hurdle … well, I am especially thankful for these times. They aren’t easy, not for myself nor those who suffer along with me by simply being close to me in one way or another. It seems that those I trust most carry the greatest burden. I could apologize, but I have found that apologizing for who I am is a useless and undermining endeavor. I am who I am and other than trying to live a more Godly life, I wouldn’t change a thing. If an apology were needed, then I would have, obviously, been confiding in the wrong people; instead, they humble me with their tolerance.
I am thankful that each day brings me closer to that which I strive to be. I don’t know, exactly, what I will be when I grow up, but I know, whatever it is, it will be wonderful.
Isaiah 40:31 ~ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Amen.
Posted in a photographer's heart, believer, bible verse, blessings, blog, cry, disallusionment, dreamer, dreams, emotions, facebook, family, friends, God, Life, life experiences, mental illness, Photography, strength, tears, Time, words
Tagged blog, chaos, courage, craziness, emotions, encouragement, faith, family, fear, fog bank, friends, gina minton kearns, gina minton kearns blog, Gina Minton Kearns Photography, God, life, words
I’ve felt like singing most of the time. I have to admit, while I really like the way I feel, I am perplexed by it. I can’t say, for certain, that I have ever felt as I do now. Happy, but in a normal way. Exuberant, but in a normal way. I have the ability to keep a thought in my head and to make sense when I’m talking; even if it is only to myself.
I find myself smiling for no particular reason and being excited over simple things; like coming home at the end of a long day. I find that irritations come less frequently and the ability to reason and converse like a human being is functioning properly. It feels pretty good, actually. The joyous feeling of contentment that I didn’t have to work for; a quietness within myself that I didn’t expect.
I prayed for a peace in my mind. It is so difficult sometimes, to focus on the most basic of tasks, but complex and comprehensive ones come easy. I don’t feel that way tonight. In a way, I feel like I am seeing my life, with few responsibilities and much freedom, for the first time. I don’t know how long this feeling will last or if it will ever come again … but I am hopeful.
There has been a change of some kind, though at the moment, I can’t put my finger on it. Something uprooted? Something planted? I don’t know. What I do know is that I am not the same as I was a few days ago; I am less fearful and that in itself makes me stronger than I was before. I don’t know what happened, but whatever it was, I prayed for it. I thank God for His faithfulness.
Posted in bipolar, blessings, blog, contentment, dreams, emotions, God, happiness, happy, Life, life experiences, Pentaxian, photographer, Photography, Southwest Virginia, Time, VA, words
Tagged beautiful, blog, contentment, courage, emotion, emotions, encouragement, excitement, faith, fear, feelings, gina minton kearns, gina minton kearns blog, Gina Minton Kearns Photography, God, greeting cards, happiness, happy, Scott County Virginia, Southwest Virginia, strength, words, worship
the old man is snoring. I don’t know if he is snoring or not, but I have always been told, since I was but a wee child, that he was. Rain. Something that folks in the East, Northeast and Midwest have had a fair share of this year and, it’s only January. It’s easy to start hating rain, I suppose. I know that it has thwarted a few things that I would have liked to do, but in order to appreciate it, one must look past the present situation of inconvenience and saturation to the beauty and bounty that water from the Heavens provides.
Rain is essential to all living things on the earth. It fills up the creeks, rivers, lakes, wells, streams and it gives lifesaving water to the trees that I so adore. I can only image the conversation the trees must be having, among themselves, at this very moment; knowing that their roots are full to capacity and there is excess to aid in the dry times that are bound to come. They must be ecstatic even though there will be some, as in the human element, that will fall under the pressure that the reality of life deals them. We, as the trees, begin to die the minute we are born. This is a fact.
It is easy to decide that rain is a bad thing, but I love it. I love the sound of it, the feel of it on my skin, the taste of it on my tongue. It is such a beautiful thing, that which pours from the clouds. It is true that, at times, rain decides to exhibit its power and influence; filling waterways well past their spilling points. I don’t discount the damage it can do if it decides to go on a full-out tirade and at the same time, I watch, in amazement, at just what it is capable of. A single raindrop, on its own, has little impact, but when paired with millions of others falling steadily; well, the result is astounding.
While under normal circumstances, without tornadoes, hurricanes or other brutal natural occurrences, rain is just …. well, it’s just rain. Water that falls from the heavens and makes a sound that nothing else on earth can make. How many people who will read this blog post will have a CD or some recording of a thunderstorm or rain for relaxation or meditation? It is food for thought, anyway.
This is where the idealistic photographer steps in. Yes, it can sometimes flood, but through the lens of my camera, it is astounding. The wonder of nature as it shows its power is a beautiful thing. Don’t get me wrong, I wish for no harm to anyone, but if it is going to happen anyway, I want to be a part of it. It is during these times, when Mother Nature decides she is going to show off, that I am truly sorry I have a day job. It takes everything I can muster not to pick up my camera, head out to anywhere and everywhere and say “to hell” with my job.
Reality, however, has a way of kicking me in the head and reminding me that it is prevalent in my life. I, at times, hate reality and feel that it picks on me purposely just to remind me that I don’t have nearly as much control as I think I have. What reality doesn’t realize, however, is that I’m not the one in control and it is picking on the wrong being. When my experience and wisdom is cooked proper, don’t doubt for a minute that reality will have little bearing on where I will be or what I can accomplish.
In the meantime, I will listen to music that soothes me while the rain falls with torrential force and know that, when tomorrow dawns, if I am blessed to live, it will be a wonderful day; rainy or not.
Isaiah 55:10 ~ For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Posted in bible verse, blog, creation, earth, facebook, faith, feelings, from my heart, God, Life, life experiences, Mother Nature, music, nature, Nature Photographer, Pentax, Pentaxian, Photography, rain, Time, words
Tagged beautiful, beauty, blog, creation, day job, excitement, faith, flooding, gina minton kearns, gina minton kearns blog, Gina Minton Kearns Photography, God, God's creation, life, nature, Pentax, photographer, photography, rain, Through the Eyes of the Spirit, words
seem to be the catchwords these days. There are, at any given time, several bugs going around that are contagious, HOWEVER, due to the unusually warm weather this winter season, the bugs (and not just the flu ones) are winning the war. It’s funny how, when someone is sick, all the lessons they learned as a child (such as covering their mouth when they cough) just fly out the window. I have been coughed on, spit on, puked on and, as of today, hit on (though that is, unfortunately, not contagious hahaha).
I never really intended on being a nurse, but for some odd reason, I seem to have a knack for it. I am not a people person. Might as well admit it. Through the harsh experiences in my life that God had decided I needed to face, however, I have been given an arsenal of ways to relate to people facing crisis.
I still wake up every morning wishing I could spend the day looking for photographs to take, but that is not the turn my life took. I went to school and studied things that grossed me out on many, many levels and, got kicked out of the OR by a very irritated surgeon; at some point, though, was able to actually practice (mostly without gagging) what I had learned. I hate germs, hair and skin cells. They make me want to run for cover, so I ask myself over and over why I became a nurse. The answer is one that doesn’t please me, but the truth is often a bitter pill to swallow; I became a nurse because I didn’t have the nerve or courage to be what, in the depths of my soul, I wanted to be.
Ironically, there is a survey that everyone in the place I work has to fill out. Thankfully, we don’t have to put our names on it because one of the questions is “do I get to do what I do best every day”. The answer is no. I don’t get to photograph nature and life and I do not, on any level, consider making a note in a patient’s chart using medical jargon and words that I am pleased to not only know the meaning to, but know how to spell (such as costochondritis, hyperemisis and macrocytosis), writing. But even so, I don’t discount the sheer magnitude of the moment when someone who is in need says to me “you have put my mind at ease” or “I am thankful for you”. Those times almost (not completely, but almost) make me feel guilty for not wanting to be a nurse for the rest of my life.
I have, more than once, as any of my friends can tell you, been in a position where I needed to have my own mind put at ease. As recently as the last two days, if I am to be honest. I find that I treat patients the way I want my parents to be treated and often spend more time than I should trying to fix an unfixable problem. Doing so is like hitting my head against a wall again and again, but I simply don’t have the mindset to do something halfway. All or nothing, whether I love it or not, is just the way I roll. It is a blessing to know that, along the way, I can give back what has been given to me; that I can relate, even in the really bad stuff, and give someone a bit of peace by letting them know that I understand. And, too often for my own comfort, I do understand. It is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I can bring some peace to a single, solitary soul, and a curse because I often wish, without guile, that I were anywhere but where I am at the moment.
Knowing that I am relevant in peoples’ lives doesn’t cure the wanderlust or the need to write or the need to see or the need to photograph. Those things make me who I am and whether I am face to face with the flu bug or dodging vomit, or squinting my eyes shut as someone coughs directly in my face, it doesn’t change what I want to be. Just because I am good at what I do to earn a paycheck doesn’t mean that I want to keep doing it. I’ve been saying that for over twenty-five years and my reality, though sometimes skewed by moments of insanity, hasn’t changed. In my heart, I am a photographer and writer and that will not, even if those particular desires are never fulfilled, change. I still have my trail shoots. I still have my blog. I still have my dreams. I still have my faith. While I will continue to do what I do as long as I must do it, there is so much more I want to experience. Being an optimist, I have no doubt that the chance will come. Being a Sagittarius, I am just stubborn enough to wait for it. Being a follower of Jesus, I have the faith and patience to wait. Being a nurse, I at least know that, while I am waiting, I am accomplishing something that matters to someone.
So all of that being said, I remind everyone to wash your hands several times a day, change your clothes the minute you get home and for Heaven’s sake, don’t eat or drink after people; that is nasty even when you are well, even when it is people you love dearly. Remember, germs don’t care who you are, they are just glad when you are gullible enough to bring them into yourself, so protect yourself and run when necessary. Be well, be safe and follow your dreams, no matter where they may lead. I certainly intend to.
Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Posted in blog, collapse, compassion, contagious bugs, contentment, courage, dreamer, dreams, Encouragement, facebook, feelings, flu, follower of Jesus, friends, from my heart, God, help, hope, Life, life experiences, love, nurse, Photography, Sagittarius, spiritual healing, story, strength, strong in body and mind, Time, trail shoots, words
Tagged blog, contagious, contagious bugs, courage, dreamer, dreams, emotions, encouragement, flu, friends, gina minton kearns, gina minton kearns blog, Gina Minton Kearns Photography, God, life, nurse, photographer, spiritual encouragement, strength, wishes, words
I’ve gone to Carolina. Yes, it is true that James Taylor may have said it in a song … and yes, it is true that I spend much of my dream time there … and yes, it is true that there is no place on earth I would rather be than on the pristine, protected beaches of the Outer banks. All true. All real. I have been toying with the idea for the past couple of years to take a trip there and maybe, if the chance arose, to spend another night, unnoticed of course, in an alcove in the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. That is a story for another day, though.
Tonight, as I was designing custom greeting cards for requests, which I rarely do, but just felt in the mood, I came across some old photos of the Outer Banks. There are many places I have been in my life and have enjoyed each and every one of them, but none of them have had such a hold on me as the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I can’t really pinpoint what it is about that little slice of land that calls to me as a siren … beckoning me to come and stay, to live and frolick in the white sand and play in the lighthouses. It even makes me want to ride a horse on the beach and I can think of nothing I would like less than to ride a horse. They terrify me on a level that is second only to spiders, but in that place, at that time, I would do it; and do it willingly.
There is something about the Outer Banks that seems to belong to me. It’s not mine, not really, but in my heart, I feel that I belong there. I feel that there is a place reserved just for me. That sounds a bit conceited, but what, in the life of a dreamer, doesn’t. When someone dreams about something they want so desperately, are they not at the center of the dream? I have never been accused of having an ego and would agree with that non-accusation. But I do have a very vivid imagination and there is nothing that I can’t conjure in my mind. In my dreams, things always go my way, always end up as I wish they would and there is always a very handsome, very tall, five-o-clock shadow man just waiting for me to arrive.
While dreams are fine and dandy, plans are another thing altogether. I’m not much of a planner, but more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of person. I find great pleasure in getting in my convertible, putting the top down and simply ending up somewhere, wherever it may be. Plans were made to be broken, deadlines were made to be missed and life was made to be lived. It I didn’t have to work to put my daughter through college, I would have been gone already.
It always seems to perplex folks that I want to experience New Orleans in the middle of summer with the stench that comes from the heat rising from the Mississippi, but how else can I experience it in the purest sense than then. Or to sit on a frozen lake in North Dakota in the middle of January. Who in their right mind, unless they live there would want to do such a thing? Me. I want to. Again, how else can I experience the reality? I don’t want to be a tourist just passing through these places I dream of. I want to be part of what makes it what it is even when it is not pleasant. I want to experience a Minnesota Winter, a San Diego Spring, a Washington State rainy season, the miles of sunflowers in Kansas (and a tornado, if I’m lucky) and to see the whole of Texas.
Then there is Austria, Ireland, Germany, Italy and India just to name a few. There are so many places I want to see that it is depressing to me to know that I will never be able to see them all before I die. I care not for the big cities. Those are a dime a dozen. I’m for the homely places with grandmothers cooking dinner, vineyards in the moonlight, mountains beneath a veil of fog. I am about life as it happens. We are, none of us, all that different. We live, we love, we dream, we hope, we aspire for something more. I just want to see it for myself. God willing, it will happen. Otherwise, I will remain, for all of my life, a dreamer, with dreams that are so much bigger than my reality. I can think of worse things than being a dreamer, however, being one with great faith in an awesome God, I look forward to seeing my dreams fulfilled. I can wait. I have waited. And in the end, the reward will far outweigh the waiting. Of that, I am certain.
Posted in Beach, believer, blessings, blog, courage, daydreamer, dreamer, dreams, earth, emotions, Encouragement, equine, facebook, faith, feelings, from my heart, God, hope, Life, life experiences, Pentaxian, Photography, strong in body and mind, Time, travel, words
Tagged austria, beauty, blog, creation, emotions, excitement, faith, five o'clock shadow, germany, gina minton kearns, gina minton kearns blog, Gina Minton Kearns Photography, grace, greeting cards, handsome man, ireland, italy, life, love, mountains, nature, new orleans, north dakota, photographer, photography, spiritual encouragement, strength, texax, Through the Eyes of the Spirit, travel, words, worship
nearly has me giddy. It has been over two months since I have been out in the wild with my pentax, hiked a steep and winding mountain trail, sat on my favorite rock or stood in front of the falls. I find that I am in serious withdrawal from the beauties and bounties of being alone in the midst of nature. But the waiting is about to end. After multiple injuries that kept me in a state of suspension on level ground, I am at the cusp of being released to return to my normal, weekend warrior activity.
The bone doc shakes his head at me each time I speak of climbing narrow mountain trails, scaling over rocks, holding onto trees to keep from falling backwards on steep paths and standing inches from the edge of a cliff just to get a vertical shot; he doesn’t understand that those things are as much a part of my life as the air I breathe. He doesn’t understand that it is part of what sustains me. They make no sense to him and why, after all, should they. I am part of distinct breed and we know what makes us tick whether anyone else does or not.
I long for it and longing is a very strong emotion. I find myself thinking of the magnitude of loss that not having the hikes and jaunts every weekend have brought me. No, it is not like losing a loved one or dear friend. It is more like losing a cherished lover. The envelopment of the wonder of nature is so complete that I feel untouchable when I am in the midst of it, held in the beauty and silence and soothed from every negative thought. The silence of human voice combined with the chatter of nature is so alluring. Setting up the tripod for long exposure shots, zooming in on a bloom, rock, leaf or whatever may catch my eye, is intoxicating to me; yes, I long for it.
It doesn’t matter what the good doctor has to say tomorrow. I have been doing my own Physical Therapy and my shoulder is strong and ready to take on whatever comes my way. I have already waited far longer than I wanted to. I have exercised to way too many aerobics videos, practiced yoga until I can put my foot around my neck and into the opposite ear, lifted weights and performed hundreds of lunges and squats to keep my body strong. I hate it. Every single moment of it. I don’t want to try to keep up with some bimbo that does things that make no sense and, regardless of how limber I am, I can only stretch so far. I feel that I am well on my way to being a contortionists and warn my friends that they should not be surprised if they open a box and I am in it.
I have made an executive decision that I don’t really care, one way or the other, what the doc says tomorrow. I am going into the mountain on Saturday. I am going on a trail shoot and see what January in the mountains has to offer. I have missed it more than I have the missed my dearest friends that I have neglected to keep in touch with. Not great for their egos, but I’ve never lied to them before, why start now. I think they know anyway; know that they take a back seat to the chance to get into the wilderness and see what waits for me there. It’s why they are my dearest friends. They understand me and, inexplicably, like me anyway. Plain and simple.
While I still have a little soreness, the backpack will be a challenge. But challenges don’t scare me, they inspire me. So I’ll fill it up with water, toast-chee crackers, nekot cookies, a first aid kit, a few of my favorite lens filters and deal with it. I’m already so excited about the adventure that everything else has suddenly become obsolete. It just proves what I have said all along … I have a selfish bent. And this Saturday, I’m playing the “me” card. I have few responsibilities, when it comes to everyday weekend life, so being able to go where I please, when I please, for however long I please, is priceless.
Now to turn a complete 360 and change the subject entirely; I took out my Christmas tree tonight. It was the first tree I have had in many years and the only one that has ever belonged solely to me. I was apprehensive about putting one up at all. I just didn’t want the past to become more a part of my future than it already is. But I put it up, decorated it with only lights, and enjoyed it for over three weeks. I now look out the unobstructed window and, with a regret I never imagined, miss my tree. If I could have found a way to sustain it, I may have kept it up for months. So soothing and comforting were the fading and blinking lights. I don’t know for certain that I will have a tree next year as I doubt I will ever be as enamored as I was this year. Taking back to myself what I had lost to sorrow, disappointment and plain disillusionment was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. And I owe my dear friend, Missy, along with her young son, for picking out my perfect tree. Many thanks in this shoutout to her and TAS.
Tomorrow is another day, and if I am blessed to live until then, I will embrace it and take it in as best I can. My daily work has become a burden to me as I find my thoughts everywhere but where they should be. It takes an enormous amount of concentration (which I am not know for), dedication, which I can handle and people skills that though, I have a knack for, can’t find the passion that should be there. In my heart, I am a photographer and writer; I am a nurse because I have bills to pay. It didn’t start that way, but it’s how it ended up. Anxiously awaiting Saturday when I will immerse myself in the beauty of winter. I can barely sit still thinking about it. That, in itself, speaks volumes. That, in itself, defines a huge part of me. My drummer, my march. Selfish? Yes, on some level. Regretful? Not a chance. Bring it on. I am willing and able. No other requirements are necessary. Praising God as I go and thank Him for all that He shows me. I am blessed beyond anything I ever thought possible. Yeah.
Isaiah :12 ~ For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
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whosoever they belong to. I have dreams; big ones. Great big ones. But that doesn’t make my dreams any more important than someone else’s. I find that, while of course, I would like to see my most cherished, life-long dreams come to fruition, I don’t mind waiting. While I’ve waited, I’ve seen the dreams of my family and friends come true.
I once told a friend, truthfully, that I wanted their dreams to come true even moreso than I did my own. It is as true now as it was when I said it. I want those I love to have the things they wish for on falling stars. The things they hope for. The things they pray for. I know, in my heart, that the things I long for will be granted to me. I have never doubted that a moment will come that will open all the locks and change my life forever. I am known for my optimism, that is true, but I want to be known for my faith. It isn’t because I’m optimistic that I know my dreams will come true (though a bit of “half-full” doesn’t hurt), it is because I believe the promises made by a faithful God.
There are places I’ve seen so clearly in my mind that even without going there yet, I know what I will find when I do. The clarity of my sleeping dreams is, at times, disturbing. They are often more real than I am comfortable with. But, I digress.
As I get older, I find more things that I really want to know. I’ve been studying Spanish and the piano, and if nothing happens, I will start art classes next month. I cannot draw. At least, not yet. But there is that hope again. Hope that I can put onto paper what I see in my head. I think that being able to do so would help while I’m waiting for my own dreams to come true. I am certain. I am thankful. I am anxious. I am blessed. I am rambling. I am, mostly, an open book. I speak my mind. I am true to myself. I am a Sagittarius. I am me.
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him ~ Jeremiah 17:7
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A Photographer's Heart 