This has been a tough time for many, making adjustments endlessly, with the shifts and changes in the alternating lockdown world. Taking solace in the natural world provides time for new ways of thinking, and gives the certainty that the cycles of Nature are there for us, when everything else is uncertain. Keep strong and stay safe!
copyright imogencrest 2020
Some thoughts on the latest extremes of weather, and the terrible events Australian territories have been enduring in the past week. The hot wind of the past two weeks burned the leaves on plants city and country alike. It was a real worry to see healthy plants sizzling in the conditions, unable to do anything about them, due to this hot wind. However, this week a fine show of new green shoots arrived, against the odds. The weather is cooler, though still summer heat, but there is still relief. It didn’t seem there would be any, in the thick of the wildfire period, which devastated the nations’ soul. Prayers went out to all concerned, locally and around the world, and this tree then is a symbol of rebirth, as everything gradually heals with love and time. Blessings also to the people of the northern climates, who have been stricken with such an excess of water as has made life very difficult for them. I hope things improve for everyone as time goes on. Truly a land of extremes, these weeks have tested everyone completely, and compassion has shone through, just like the persistent green foliage coming through.
(copyright Imogen Crest 2009.)
Uplifting and inspiring, this anthem “If Everyone Cared” from the group “Nickelback” courtesy of You Tube, pays homage to some amazing people who have done a lot to lift the collective spirits. People might think there is nothing they can do, but it appears the opposite is true. This clip pays homage to these amazing people, particularly Bob Geldof, whose work has been a real inspiration to Heather Blakey, Soul Food Cafe’s creator, because they were able to create positive change. The lyrics are brilliant and say some profound things. Certainly enough to lift the spirits.
(Note: Copyright on this material rests strictly with the creators of the media shown.)
All Nature seems at work. Slugs leave their lair—
The bees are stirring—birds are on the wing—
And Winter slumbering in the open air,
Wears on his smiling face a dream of Spring!
And I the while, the sole unbusy thing,
Nor honey make, nor pair, nor build, nor sing.
Yet well I ken the banks where amaranths blow,
Have traced the fount whence streams of nectar flow.
Bloom, O ye amaranths! bloom for whom ye may,
For me ye bloom not! Glide, rich streams, away!
With lips unbrightened, wreathless brow, I stroll:
And would you learn the spells that drowse my soul?
Work without Hope draws nectar in a sieve,
And Hope without an object cannot live.
– Samuel Taylor Coleridge (composed 21st February 1825)
Oh, they have robbed me of the hope
My spirit held so dear;
They will not let me hear that voice
My soul delights to hear.
They will not let me see that face
I so delight to see;
And they have taken all thy smiles,
And all thy love from me.
Well, let them seize on all they can: —
One treasure still is mine, —
A heart that loves to think on thee,
And feels the worth of thine.
“SARK is a sparkler who jump-starts the creative process. Her ideas are user-friendly, innovative, and pragmatic.” -Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way
Write and share what’s in your heart! Let SARK show you how. Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper is your non-judgmental witness, resoundingly supportive friend, and practical guide to the craft of writing and storytelling. For anyone who knows that a writer lives within them but doesn’t know how or where to start; for writers who need new ways to work past their blocks and be reinspired; for anyone who loves SARK’s wise words and art, Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper will help start the ink flowing and keep it going.
Soul Food Feature
SARK’s new book features, amongst other things, the work of Heather Blakey at the Soul Food Cafe. If you are a fan of Soul Food or just want to learn more about writing, make sure to pre order a copy of your book today!
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 08/27/2008)
“Art is not tame, and Nature is not wild, in the ordinary sense. A perfect work of man’s art would also be wild or natural in a good sense.”
“Let the wheel spin out,
Till all created things
With shout and answering shout
Cast off rememberings…”
Attribution: Philip Larkin (1922–1986), British poet. “All catches alight.”
“I turn my head to sky rains falling,
wash the wounds of numbness from my soul.
Turn my heart in tides of fierce renewal,
where love and rage run whole.
Come drink deep.”
Attribution: Carolyn McDade (20th century), folk–singer and hymn-writer. Worship Comes Alive. “Come Drink Deep,” l. 6-10 (1991).
Heather’s post for Darryl’s birthday was chosen within a week of her own for Featured Blog for the Temple. This is wonderful, Heather. A great tribute.
(copyright Imogen Crest 2007.)
Lighting a candle at the Temple for the people of Peru.
(copyright Imogen Crest 2007.)
On the following day of Lori’s post picked up by Portugese WordPress, English WordPress have captured the post made giving the news, with Temple of Solace again appearing as “Featured Blog”. Fantastic. This follows Heather’s post for Bo being featured a little earlier this month. The Temple is proving a place where people want to gather.
(copyright Imogen Crest 2007.)
Portugese WordPress have given accolades to Lori’s post on grief. Like the accolades for Heather’s post for Bo, the Temple of Solace been listed as a “Featured Blog”. Congratulations, Lori!
(copyright Imogen Crest 2007.)
On Saturday the 11th August 2007, southern hemisphere time, Heather’s “Wintered Womb” post for Bo was featured blog for WordPress in English Language (above), and then in Spanish (below). Here are the shots of the selection, showing the Temple and what it offers, as well as a great post and image from Enchanteur. We are all really proud. (Imogen)
(copyright Imogen Crest 2007.)
Some words of wisdom…
Loss and Gain
“When I compare
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
Little room do I find for pride.
I am aware
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
Has fallen short or been turned aside.
But who shall dare
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Temple of Solace 