My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
We still have snow on the ground and expecting more snow tonight and tomorrow. We are already seeing a few snowflakes falling as I post this. The sunrise was a beautiful red as I started out the door. It does not last long as this was only a minute or two later. Thinking about all of you on the east coast as it looks like nasty stuff your way.
The first bus arrives at 7:02 am when it is quiet, dark, cold and empty. The second bus arrives 30 minutes later and will be crowded. This will look different next week when we change our clocks back. Still not sure I like this time change.
It took some study time to understand the issues on our ballets but I’m done and turned my ballet in. Voted!
“Surrender is the ultimate sign of strength and the foundation for a spiritual life. Surrendering affirms that we are no longer willing to live in pain. It expresses a deep desire to transcend our struggles and transform our negative emotions. It commands a life beyond our egos, beyond that part of ourselves that is continually reminding us that we are separate, different and alone. Surrendering allows us to return to our true nature and move effortlessly through the cosmic dance called life. It’s a powerful statement that proclaims the perfect order of the universe.
When you surrender your will, you are saying, “Even though things are not exactly how I’d like them to be, I will face my reality. I will look it directly in the eye and allow it to be here.” Surrender and serenity are synonymous; you can’t experience one without the other. So if it’s serenity you’re searching for, it’s close by. All you have to do is resign as General Manager of the Universe. Choose to trust that there is a greater plan for you and that if you surrender, it will be unfolded in time.
Surrender is a gift that you can give yourself. It’s an act of faith. It’s saying that even though I can’t see where this river is flowing, I trust it will take me in the right direction.”
I took several images of this young student waiting for the bus at the transit center on campus. At first I thought she was reading the college newspaper that’s in her hand but realized she was on her phone. She came and sat down behind me on the rock bench oblivious to much of her surroundings. I do not believe she was aware of me so I was able to take a half dozen shots. Nor can she hear anything around her. As I watched, it dawned on me she was sitting where they had glued those chocolate candy bars that I posted an image of a few weeks ago. They’ve removed the candy bars but the glue is still there and it’s tacky. I had to smile because I am very much like her in that I can get lost in my thoughts or my phone and not be present to the moment.
As I walked up to get on the bus I noticed these Hershey candy bars laid out on the rock bench. Were they free? No one was around. I’m well aware that placing chocolate out in the open is a temptation for many people, myself included! But this scene was even more tempting because it was not just a single candy bar but motherload of eight. Now being a compulsive Hersheys candy bar thief I quickly checked around for any eyewitnesses. Seeing no one around I reached for one, knowing very well I was about to take two or more.
However, something stopped me from taking them. The instant I touched them I began to laugh at the situation. What stopped me and caused me to laugh was discovering they were cleverly “glued” to the rock bench. I took this image then looked to see if I was secretly being watched and quickly got on the bus. I’m still laughing at myself.
A couple images from yesterday’s snowfall. We received about 4 inches and now have to deal with the cold.
