Faith is Freedom

Photography by FitzPicz
Photography by FitzPicz

“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.”

Rabindranath Tagore

I spent last weekend with some good friends. We braved the winter weather of snow and slush. The sun came out briefly before the rain began and gave us something to smile about. It wasn’t a much warmer place, but it was a good place none the less.

I had alot of time to think and rest. Sometimes I find the only way to get inspired is to get out of town. Truly it seems that when I am an hour or more from my own home, my brain starts to relax. It begins to think of new ideas for just about anything, and creative ways to market my business. Without my usual responsibilites for those few days, I can feel free to read, walk, nap or socialize without worrying about what’s for dinner or anything else!

FitzPics
FitzPicz– Beautiful

I’m back home now. Though it is still cold and snowing on and off, I know winter is almost over. In a few weeks I will walk to the back of my field and snow drops will be peeking up through the tiny bits of snow under the trees. I will count the days until Easter and look forward to my church services and a pascal dinner at my aunt and uncle’s. Those snow drops will be only the beginning. After that will be daffodils, tulips, and forsythia. I will know what a spring breeze feels like again. I will wait for the days to get warmer and longer.

FitzPicz
FitzPicz

Last month I wrote about having a different attitude about winter. So far it has seemed to work. I’ve never been fond of this season and the weather for the last two months has given me its best. But I’ve survived! Here’s what’s contributed to my tiny bits of gratitude and happiness, and kept me in an upbeat mood.

The birds in my backyard. They are here daily and are stunning. Red, blue, black and white. Just gorgeous. The photos I’m featuring today were taken by a friend of my cousin. John is actually from Kentucky but it feels like he is next door to me. The cardinals in flight are simply beautiful. Bird watching has given me pause for gratitude every day. Thank you John for allowing me to showcase your photos!

My friends and family. I make a point to get out at least once a week for lunch with a friend. It isn’t expensive. We do hamburgers or salads and chat it up. There is nothing that can replace a warm friendship with another woman. Nothing. Especially one that you truly love. And I’m thankful for my phone friends as well. I have those too and my God those women are awesome. And family? Well, it goes for the saying that when I am surrounded by my family, I’m in a magnificent place.

So here we are. It is almost March. Hopefully, spring will come a bit early and lighten us all. If not, so what? Faith is freedom. Faith is believing that spring will come and soon enough we’ll be sitting outside, enjoying a cool beverage and a warm breeze!

Thank you FitzPicz
Thank you FitzPicz

It's nice to share. Thank you.

10 Replies to “Faith is Freedom”

  1. Awesome pictures! I am happy you have found a way to survive this brutal winter y’all are having. I think Cassie might belong up there…it hit 40 degrees and she wanted to wear her bathing suit top, shorts and flip flops! Ha ha. She forgets she’s a TEXAN and wears a JACKET at 70 degrees! Spring has always been my favorite time of year no matter where I have lived. It’s the season of rebirth. I have noticed that it is getting light just a little earlier and staying light just a little later…spring is just around the corner!
    Enjoy your day!

  2. Yes, it’s getting lighter earlier here in Texas, too. And I love that. Though I will admit most of our winter has been like spring. Soon they will make us turn the clocks ahead and it will be dark here until almost 7:30-8 am. Not looking forward to that, never do. Beautiful photos. The birds are such sweet reminders of endurance.

    Your winters have been brutal lately. Funny, because, though I love Spring, I know that it is a reminder of our long, brutal summers. I’ve lived in Texas for so many years, but I’m still a 4 seasons girl. I don’t think that will ever leave me.

    Enjoy the promise of a new day,
    Marianne xo

    1. Marianne, we will be turning the clocks ahead soon too. I don’t like the darkness in the morning but I do love the longer days.
      I have two other friends in Texas and both have remarked on the long hot summers. I don’t think I could take it any hotter than it has been getting here the last few years.
      Oh well, let’s enjoy the coolness then for as long as it lasts.
      xo Joanne

  3. Lovely post and pictures, Joanne. Just what I needed. We got another snowstorm that closed schools yesterday, and early tomorrow is the only “window of opportunity” to begin the 650 mile drive to stay with my mother. I’m dreading this long drive when the weather can change quickly, but your ‘faith is freedom’ and examples reminded me that once I’m there I can relax and enjoy the change of pace and just being with those I love. Thank you.

  4. Good Morning Joanne, I love your early Sunday morning posts! I always feel inspired for the rest of the day! The pictures are beautiful….I love the little blue bird with the white breast! The branch he is perched on looks so delicate and weak, however he looks so comfortable and confident perched there. ( he has faith )!. Here’s to brighter sunshine and longer days of daylight as we approach a new month. I actually love this time of the year & the anticipation of spring. Thank you for sharing today

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