At the end of the day, let there be no excuses, no explanations, no regrets.
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. This photo represents only part of my Mom’s hillside fairy garden, getting lush and green in early summer. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from her digital camera.

To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with. ― Mark Twain

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. A soft blue sky, taken before leaving for work one morning No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from my smart phone.

One of the most spiritual things you can do is embrace your humanity. Connect with those around you today. Say, “I love you”, “I’m sorry”, “I appreciate you”, “I’m proud of you”…whatever you’re feeling. Send random texts, write a cute note, embrace your truth and share it…cause a smile today for someone else…and give plenty of hugs.
― Steve Maraboli

 

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. It was sent to me by a good friend who happens to spend his days outside as a postal carrier. These lovely mimosa blooms were found along his delivery route. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from his smart phone.

Forget yesterday – it has already forgotten you. Don’t sweat tomorrow – you haven’t even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift – today.
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

 

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. I found these lush azaleas on a lunchtime walk around the capital grounds in Richmond, VA. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from my smart phone.

There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, Morrel, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of life.
Live, then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget, that until the day God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words, ‘Wait and Hope.”
― Alexandre Dumas

 

 

 Below is the original photo used to create this image. Caught these glorious crepe myrtles backlit by bright morning sunshine heading out to work. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from my smart phone.

I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.
― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. This photo represents only part of my Mom’s hillside fairy garden, getting lush and green in early summer. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from her digital camera.

You won’t understand what I mean now, but someday you will: the only trick of friendship, I think, is to find people who are better than you are—not smarter, not cooler, but kinder, and more generous, and more forgiving—and then to appreciate them for what they can teach you, and to try to listen to them when they tell you something about yourself, no matter how bad—or good—it might be, and to trust them, which is the hardest thing of all. But the best, as well.
― Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

 

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. I was in heaven when I took a lunchtime walk around the capital grounds in Richmond, VA and found this vibrant flower bed. It was hard to focus in on just a few blooms, so you’ll probably see more of these in future posts. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from my smart phone.

Your heart just breaks, that’s all. But you can’t judge or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.
― Audrey Hepburn

 

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. It was sent to me by a good friend who happens to spend his days outside as a postal carrier. These lovely mimosa blooms were found along his delivery route. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from his smart phone.

Even if you cannot change all the people around you, you can change the people you choose to be around. Life is too short to waste your time on people who don’t respect, appreciate, and value you. Spend your life with people who make you smile, laugh, and feel loved.
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

 

 

Below is the original photo used to create this image. A soft blue sky, taken before leaving for work one morning No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from my smart phone.

If you love a flower, don’t pick it up.
Because if you pick it up it dies and it ceases to be what you love.
So if you love a flower, let it be.
Love is not about possession.
Love is about appreciation.
― Osho

 

 

 

 

 

 Below is the original photo used to create this image. Caught these glorious crepe myrtles backlit by bright morning sunshine heading out to work. No special lighting or retouching, just a snap from my smart phone.