Grateful for Beauty
In the wake of the utter devastation in Haiti last week, I found myself silent. I didn’t want to get on the computer, check emails, read blogs, edit photos…silent. It all seemed so frivolous to me, especially blogging about a fantastic vacation. And for some reason I also couldn’t stop thinking about the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in Louisiana and how many families are still without homes four years later. In our own country. It’s heartbreaking to say the least.
When I finally did feel up to checking my overflowing inbox I was surprised by how many emails I received from readers telling me how they enjoy seeing beauty on my blog. Beautiful green gardens, lush scenery, vibrant blue skies and I realized that it can be comforting in times of woe. Readers from Norway, Australia, Singapore even Nigeria and Afghanistan who took the time to send me a note. Wow. Humbling.
The spirit of human kindness abounds even among global tragedy. Perhaps we are all looking for a bit of comfort and beauty to soothe our aches. And if it can be something as simple as a photograph from a vacation, a shot of an afternoon spent with friends, a picture of a birthday cake then it should be embraced.
And this week as support and donations are being sent to our favorite charities to help those affected, my heart is filled with gratitude for all that I’ve been given. And today I choose to be thankful for even the smallest glimpse of beauty.
If you would like more information regarding the Haitian people please follow my friend Rebecca Sower’s blog. She just returned from a mission trip there and has started a new blog celebrating the women who make beautiful handcrafted items. It’s called Haiti By Hand.
18 Responses to “Grateful for Beauty”
Is this Santa Barbara? Gorgeous Pictures! Hugs!
love the court house pictures – and State Street! great – now I’m homesick!
Yes, it’s Santa Barbara. Photos of the Courthouse and State Street.
If you climb up the tower of the Courthouse you can see 360 degrees around Santa Barbara. So lovely!!
Smiles, H
Beauty is healing. And in the midst of Haiti’s devastation, I pray that the beauty of the human soul will triumph.
Thank you for sharing the beauty found in your corner of the world.
Lorrie
We do what we can, and then we have to live our lives. Our city got many of the Katrina evacuees. I remember sitting in traffic and watching the many buses bringing them into the shelters. It was terrible. I went through my house and garage and looked for fans and anything they could use to take to them.
Brenda
Beauty brings us hope. Amidst the devastation, we need to have our minds uplifted so we can help dream a positive future for those waiting.
Your posts are always so beautiful and we need them, thank you Heather.
I agree it’s hard to post anything happy on our blogs right now …. but we have to…don’t we? We need beauty and joy …and hope!
You hit it on the head…”if it can soothe our aches”. We have to carry on. There is a time for silence and mourning, but we can’t forget the beauty of life as long as we have it.
xoxo
Jane
Just before reading your blog I had said to my husband that I keep feeling guilty for having creature comforts as we watched the evening news. The news has been paralyzing in some ways and blog reading has helped tremendously in helping me feel normal. No doubt the world is reminded to be grateful for our blessings.
I know how you feel. After watching to episode on 60 minutes where a Dr. insisted the reporter come with him to see a scene that was horrible. Bodies being scoop by a bulldozer and loaded into a truck for mass buriel. I broke down crying, hearing the Dr. say these people will never a burial with their families and prayer. Can you imagine if that was someone in our family? It seems like nothing really matters. I feel like a Queen in my home with a roof over my head, a comfortable bed to sleep on and food in my stomach. NONE of us have to complain of anything. Yes, I agree, seeing pictures of nature is soothing, and welcomed after so many heartbreaking telecast from Haiti. Do try to enjoy yourself! You work hard and are deserving of a nice vacation. You will appreciate it 10 fold, I know.
Yes, it helps very much seeing beauty around when a tragedy is happening. Thank you for your words and for the link.
Muchos cariños, Heather
Maria Cecilia
hi there heather….love your pics of sb….our business is just down the road from the court house….isn’t it a beautiful city…
can’t wait for you to come up to santa ynez and take pics here…it is such a sweet little town to enjoy…amazing today with all the rain…
would love to head up to san fran….when are you going???? will be going to dc with my 8th grade son, for class trip, in Feb. which would be the only time i couldn’t join you….
don’t know what you are doing January 30th, but there is a fundraiser for santa ynez high school, on the Saarloos grounds, in los olivos, ya know, the “sideways” movie was filmed there…it is an art show with all local painters. sculptors, jewelry, handbag makers…and such
anywho…we will be there…if you are passing through…you know you always have a place to bunker down…ta for now, jules
What a sincere and heart felt blog! Thank you……….
Beauty is right! I’m new to your blog and went, way, way back…there is just so much inspiration here. Really lovely.
H~ I do appreciate seeing the beautiful pictures because some days are very grey here in North Idaho or I should say some weeks upon weeks are grey so the splash of green is a gentle reminder that spring is just around the corner! Blessings, Kimberly P.S. Love the picture of you and the man. 🙂
Ahhhh, Santa Barbara. My favorite place.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and dilemma in the face of the Haitian and Katrina disasters. It is difficult at times to determine what is good and right to do in these times. But I agree that it gives comfort to know that there is still beauty in the world and that brings hope that we can go on and we can continue to help and be an inspiration to those who need it.
Love seeing the Marburger Farm Antique Show shirt your hubby was wearing! And of course, I Santa Barbara. Wish I could move there and soak in all the beauty every day!
~ Blessings,
Victoria in Texas
love your new profile picture and this one of you and hubby is great! You look like you have lost weight…way to go!
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