What Does The Word Mean - Part VII

"I know all those words, but that sentence makes no sense to me."

Matt Groening

Have you ever thought those words as you are reading? I ran across this quote and thought of David Whyte's book Consolations: the solace, nourishment and underlying meaning of everyday words. This is a book I am reading with an online group, Adventures In Seeing, led by Kim Manley Ort. We read his thoughts on a word, form our on opinions, and then taking or finding a picture to illustrate the word.

Sometimes Whyte's thoughts confuse me. He likes to use a lot of words in his sentences. For example one sentence I read had:  93 words, 2 colons, 10 commas, and 1 period. That makes it just a little complicated for me to follow. I have to break down the sentence phrase by phrase and then sometimes I just don't understand what he's trying to say. It has definitely been a mental challenge for me, but oddly enough, I like the challenge. I don't always agree with Whyte. He can be negative and I'm not, so I do my own research even on the simplest of words. His definitions usually make me think of the word in a way that I haven't before. 

Here is the next six words in this project, my thoughts, and my pictures to illustrate them. Enjoy!

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PAIN

If we open ourselves to pain, we open ourselves to being compassionate and caring when others suffer.

"Suffering produces perseverance,

perseverance, character,

and character,

hope."

Romans 5:3-4

* * * * *

PARALLELS

Webster's definition of parallel is: (1) extending in the same direction, everywhere equidistant and not meeting (2) very similar and often happening at the same time. A synonym for the word parallel is companions: one that is closely connected with something similar. 

As I thought about the definition of parallel and its synonym, I thought of our group at Adventures in Seeing. We are a group who are closely connected with our passion for photography. We are walking parallel paths, but sadly we will probably never meet, just as two parallel lines never intersect. I have been encouraged and inspired walking this parallel path with so many talented friends.

* * * * *

PILGRIM

Who am I?

I am a pilgrim who is on a journey from the moment I was born till the day I will die. What lies ahead is unknown, a mystery, a pathway leading through highs and lows. I am trying to take this pilgrimage slowly, moment by moment, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, but trusting that God knows what is ahead and strengthens me for the journey.

"What lies ahead is often unknown.
But keep traveling."

Lailah Gifty Akita

* * * * *

PROCRASTINATION

The word "procrastination" often brings negative thoughts. But, as David Whyte says "What looks from the outside like our delay; our lack of commitment; even our laziness may have more to do with a slow, necessary ripening through time and the central struggle with the realities of any endeavor to which we have set our minds." Sometimes it might be to our advantage to sit back, think things through, and complete the task at a later time, much like this tulip that unfurls its petals slowly and at the right moment.

* * * * *

REGRET

I have a tendency to say "I won't regret this" or "I don't regret that," when in all honesty I have regrets. Regrets can be like prickly thorns that spear me when I'm most vulnerable or I can acknowledge them, learn from them, and grow.

* * * * *

REST

"To rest is not self indulgent, to rest is to prepare to give the best of ourselves, and to perhaps most importantly arrive at a place where we are able to understand when we have already been given."  David Whyte

colors of blue and green

sounds of water and birds

feeling wind and sunshine

smelling flowers and damp earth

These things slow my breathing and my mind. In nature I find rest.

* * * * *

I've recently discovered through a friend's blog a new word that describes me - logophile. A logophile is someone who loves words. I do love words. I like to read them, write them, and study them. I also enjoy this project of taking pictures to illustrate them. Let's see, we've studied words from A through R. I wonder what R through Z will bring. I hope you come back to find out!  

Be Still - Weeks 39, 40, & 41

Although my days have gotten a little busier, I have managed to sneak in a little time for photography. I especially didn't want to get behind in the Be Still exercises. Finding time to put together a post has been another matter. Finally the opportunity came, a rainy afternoon.

Week 39

The exercise included 

glass, light, airy, and shades of white

I have a small collection of glass jars and bottles that I choose three from. Then, I added a few buttons tumbling out of the jar and a piece of lace in the background. Very simple, but that was the look I wanted.

Week 40

Our exercise was to make something that we could use in the next week's exercise. I looked through my Pinterest boards wanting something springy. Since my time is limited I was also looking for something easy and fast. I decided to create a couple of simple little paper birds, gathered my supplies, and began to create.

Week 41

This week's assignment was to photograph what we made three different ways. 

First, I brought in some blossoms from my flowering plum tree. They are such pretty, delicate blossoms.

I embellished a small nest with blossoms and stuck a couple of limbs in a bottle.

Next, I covered three books with scrapbook paper, added one of my grandmother's doilies for the background, and picked a bunch of daffodils "for you."

And, lastly, just for fun I took these little sweeties outside. They are not very stable on those paperclip feet, so the breeze kept blowing them over. It became a race between me and the wind.

I finally got one I was fairly happy with.

Then we just wandered around the yard together

checking out the spring colors.

I loved the "make something" exercise and because I love these little birds, it was easy to photography them.  I definitely needed the time outside enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of spring.

A quick update on my mom. She is now in a rehabilitation center. I'm not sure she'll regain much use of her right leg and arm. There is a little movement, but not much. Her speech has improved each day and we are so grateful for that. Things can still change, nerves can heal and that's what we're praying for. I want to thank each of you for you thoughts and prayers. You're each very special to me!