Beauty in the Ordinary

This is not about being brilliant, or extraordinary, it's not about wanting to be famous, or making headlines, or trying to impress...this about sharing a 'gift' each day with the world...to lift the spirit of people when they read this blog, to show them the beauty in the ordinary.
"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Raold Dahl

Tuesday, November 13, 2012



As I zero in on the three-year mark of writing this blog, I'm taking time to think about it's purpose.

Beauty in The Ordinary.

It's an attitude that is so easily mocked.  It can appear trite and sycophantic but for me, it works.  Just taking the time to balance each bad thought with a good one, gets me through the day.



Right now, given present life-circumstances, it would be so easy to fall into despair.  I feel like I'm sitting in the eye of the hurricane.  Not just because of Rudy's health, there's a lot of other rubbish stuff going on too.

But still, no matter how much I list the Bad Things, there's always a counter balance in the Good-Things column.



Just yesterday, I woke in a testy, irritated mood...feeling the weight of my world on my shoulders.  And then I received a text message from my neighbour saying "meet me out front."
And there she was, with her happy sunny face, saying "Let's put up Christmas lights!"



It was an unusually warm November day, so it absolutely made sense to do it then before the cold winds of winter start blowing.

Given my mood, it would have been so easy to grumble and complain and go back indoors, but I choose to let myself be swept up in her infectious enthusiasm and lo and behold within moments, the bad mood was blown away.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is the only power we have every day is how we choose to react to circumstance.  



I choose Beauty.

and thank you coffeepearlsand poetry 
for all your beautiful photos.

30 comments:

  1. You still managed to write a beautiful, positive and uplifting post. Finding beauty in everyday ordinary things is a wonderful thing and something to treasure. I hope things will soon get better for you... xo

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    1. I guess the point is Mademoiselle, that even in the dark times there is good stuff too...and that's where we need to focus. Things are better!

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  2. Life tests us at times, and the test can seem much bigger than we ever imagined being able to handle. It always leaves me with the surprise of just how strong we are.
    I like your neighbour - she's a good friend and a smart lady.

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  3. "don't let the bastards grind you down j"
    X

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    1. Just looking at your chicken header every day makes me smile John. LOL!

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  4. Well said, and done, Jacqueline. I always wake happy in the mornings, and I claim that it's a 'choice' that I make. But it's not always so easy, especially with someone close to you who is not well. When you're feeling a bit low, try singing that Monty Python classic 'Always look on the bright side of life'. It cheers me up even to think of it!

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    1. Made me laugh out loud just thinking about it Cro!

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  5. And know also, dear wise, smart, intuitive Jacqueline, that each moment of focus on the beautiful/positive/hopeful/good is thousands of times more powerful than any of the dark thoughts we may find in our days. You have such an excellent "map." You have chosen wisely.

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  6. Well it certainly beats the alternative HA!

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  7. You are so on target her Jaq...when one of those moods strikes me, all I have to do is go outside, go sit at Peet's coffee, wander around an outdoor shopping mall, go see some autumn trees...anything outside to catch a glimpse of beauty. Thx for sharing. Laurel

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  8. it is so much harder to swim upstream against the current,to be pulled away and drown is easy,you are a strong lady and I think swimming upstream is what you do best.My thoughts are with you and Rudy every time I open up my computer to check blogs.Blessings from our home to yours and keep strong.

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    1. You are a sweet spirit Carole and I love your wonderful thoughts. We feed off of them and are forever better because of them. Thank you dear heart.

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  9. Dear Jacqueline

    Thank you for this uplifting post. Even one small act of kindness like your neighbour showing up and suggesting putting up the lights made all the difference.
    It is not always easy to forget our problems and reach out to others.

    To many more days of brightness
    Helenxx

    PS. The image of the church is beautiful

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    1. One of my favs too Helen. She is a peach indeed! Love her to bits!

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  10. Glad putting up the Christmas decorations brightened your mood. Seems early for them but I am off to the Parkinson's Christmas party in a couple of hours.

    I hope lots more Happy things come your way over the Christmas period.

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    1. I know you have more than your fair share too SH. Hope the party is a blast (and that you blog about it!). Blessings to you and yours over Christmas too.

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  11. I think that life is all about choices and J, you made the right one. Love your pictures xx

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  12. Oh, I am sorry you are not happy, Jacqueline, and I am also extremely sorry for my crass comment the other night. I hope you can forgive me for that, but I totally understand if you can't. Stay happy.

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  13. We can all use a little help from our friends when life takes a swipe at us. You have a good neighbor.

    Better days are ahead.

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    1. I think it's more about seeing the Better in the day that is here Sock'em.

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  14. A very beautiful post Jacqueline...I too choose beauty...what a lovely, delightful neighbour you have.
    I love reading your posts they have such a grace about them.
    Enjoy your day.
    Catherine
    xx

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  15. Thanks Catherine...just back from your Pinterest site...beautiful!

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  16. I'm with you Sis, but I do believe it's important to honour the dark side of ourselves that's how we grow, it's just not good to stay there too long. Tom your a good man!

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  17. Believe me Sis...over the past few months I have definitely honoured my dark side...happy to be letting it go.

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  18. I think that spending time outdoors and with friends (what a wonderful neighbor you have!) during dark times is important. It's easy for one's thoughts to turn towards despair when you're in the middle of serious life issues. Nature always helps me to be in the present moment and that seems to relieve anxiety. Friends help share the load, which makes it lighter. I hope you continue to find moments of beauty to refocus on! :)

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  19. Thanks Jennifer...Mother Nature knows best

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Go on...make my day...

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