All I really want is
a gentle
 |
| via |
and
simple world
 |
| via |
where
you and I can occasionally
 |
| via |
to simply
feel human again.
 |
| via |
But the nature
of this world is a landscape
of
 |
| via |
upon which the noise of doubt
muffles the voice
muffles the voice
that's fighting just for
you. 
The Battle Fields
are
rife with peace
are
rife with peace
only when you listen
for your name
in
the rain.
Do you hear it?
Oh Anita you are hearing from God. This is so timely, so real. One of my favorite posts. Well I think I say that every post!!! You speak so much to the heart of the matter in what you create here. Be encouraged, have faith, you are a writer, you are an artist, you are a lover, you are a giver, you are.... xxo Kerrie
ReplyDeleteWow you read my mind! So much static in the world right now. I just want simple peace! You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteKarolym
Anita,
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. I saw the girl with the apple on my blog and said, "Oh, she just posted" and rushed over to see this gentle, lovely post of yours. The pictures go perfect with the story. 1 + 1 = Love......I love that, and have never seen it before! And the deer is so sweet.
All I want is a gentle and simple world too. You are my soul sister, and I am enlightened every time I come and visit with you. You are the wind beneath my wings.
Love,
~Sheri
A gentle and simple world sounds ideal.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you and your students as I read this sweet post about acquiring a new language. The author is my young neighbor, 19 years old, who is going to college in Istanbul this school year.
http://taracolleenmcdermott.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/a-breakup-with-english/
http://taracolleenmcdermott.wordpress.com/2013/10/02/a-breakup-with-english/
I feel washed with beauty.....
ReplyDeleteSuch tender and lovely thoughts.
In this world
it is
always a
battlefield
isn't it?
Let's not forget what is real and true.
and let the rain wash over us.
Literally happening here.... and when the sun comes out
it's like a bright present.
And the rain is a gift too.
I love that you notice all these things and can put it into words quite elequantly.
~ Violet
Anita... what a beautiful and poignant post...
ReplyDeleteWe are all in your shadow when it comes to expression... you have an extraordinary gift.
Thank you... xv
Dear Anita, how can it be that each of your posts is as good as the last? Your words and pictures are so powerful.
ReplyDelete‘Where you and I can occasionally be caught up in a blink with nature’ – I love that.
Thank you for reminding me to listen for my name in the rain. Hugs xx
Oh another beautiful post you even make the rain look beautiful and magical. A great start to my day.
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Oh Anita...you have sung beautifully to me this morning....Rumi and Enya what a delight...thank you.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
xx
Hello Anita,
ReplyDeleteYour poet's voice has returned, yes? How are you? And how is the new school year faring for you? And your poetry class?
Yes, I do here my name in the rain and I do, generally, have faith that through the turmoil one can catch a glimpse of a rainbow.
Hugs,
Stephanie
Oh que oui chère Anita j'entends ta ravissante voix, et surtout je sens tes magnifiques mots remplis de poésie, cela fait du bien de t'entendre de nouveau tu as pu un peu t'échapper du quotidien pour nous envoyer une rafale de poème que l'on distingue parfaitement malgré la résonnante pluie...Merci ma douce Amie et au plaisir de te lire
ReplyDeleteFrench kiss
Nélinha
This brought tears to my eyes... Dear Anita, how I have missed your poetry. Just beautiful and God centered and real.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ann
This is a great thought dear Anita
ReplyDeleteLove as always from your Dutch friend
Mapi
Dear Anita, Beautifully done. Gorgeous insight.
ReplyDelete"Doubt", there's a word I wrestle with more than I would like. I try to tame it constantly. I know in my life when I have tamed the doubt that is when the most positive things have happened. It's a word like "Faith", all too transient and hard to hang on to. A beautiful post Anita, food for thought to enter the weekend. Hope you have a doubtless weekend :-)
ReplyDeleteDi
xoxox
Lovely to see you back and to see you are writing again. We miss you. Marvellously magical Anita. Have a fabulous Friday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
I'm simply amazed that your words always seem to sing so beautifully - always echoing through my day.
ReplyDeleteOh it is these days. So much strife and insecurity. No one knows any longer if their lives and livelihood are safe. It is hard to find peace in such a world. When people feel this way, most are less kind and giving and nurturing to others and themselves. We must try to find our own separate peace within ourselves and fight the madness from the inside out. Be strong and believe.
ReplyDeleteHello Anita....we should all listen to our inner voices in these turbulent times we are living in. I yearn for simpler times! Just checking in with you my friend. Taking one day at a time. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Patti
Dearest Anita, this is why I love your blog. Because poetry like this, while it may have absolutely no market value in our America, our world, no power to impress the current cult of political demagoguery that afflicts our country, and that would surely write it off as useless for the purposes of political brainwashing, poetry like this, with your perfect picture and music choices, take me -- for -- one -- brief -- moment -- to a place called human. I love you so much.
ReplyDeletePowerful, Anita. I was just transfixed with the picture of the wounded angel. What would happen if we all just loved one another simply because we are humans and connected deep inside? May our difference not destroy us.
ReplyDeleteI live in God's perfect place for listening to the rain.
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful and healing post. Timed to perfection.
w/L
Dearest Anita....oh yes if I be still and really listen I'm sure I would hear my name...What a beautiful post....and yes I agree with Pam @ over 50....what would happen if we all just loved one another....can you imagine that....there would be just love and beauty and kindness towards each other.....Bliss!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful weekend dear friend.....Dzintra xo
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely...a prefect message as I start my Friday. We are blessed in so many ways! I will share with you my early morning writings in my journal...
ReplyDeleteWe do not have to know the future to have faith in God-we have to have faith in God to be secure about the future.
Have a blessed day dear one. xoxox
Dear Anita,
ReplyDeleteYou my friend, are a quiet but powerful source.. Your words and images have touched my heart.. It is so good to see you here once again..
bisous!
Dear Anita, thank you for your visit earlier today. I'm sending love and good wishes your way. Barbara xx
ReplyDeleteThe standard by which blogs are judged is raised to new and higher levels with each and everyone of your posts! So well done!
ReplyDeleteYes i do....darling.......i am speechless what a post.....love you my dear friend from far away...and so close in my heart every day....love love love ...xxx !!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Anita,you just know the right thing to say,you are a blogger for peace,love,life, and beauty,xx Rachel
ReplyDeleteMy dear one, you have done it again, and I am misty-eyed...you have touched my heart and soul, as you always do...and like no one else can....
ReplyDeleteI have missed your magic so much. And miss YOU so much! Stunning, simple, gorgeous....I want that simpler world...I do I do.
May our collective human Faith shine on...
Your (multi-layered, multi-dimensional) art speaks and sings...and do we ever hear it, my darling friend and sister...
Amen to dear Ruben's message too.. :)
LOVE YOU!!! Thank you for elevating the day....bless you, dear one...what a gift you are....
A big, tight hug to you and Ruben...
- Irina
Hello Anita, Thank you for spending your lovely words on us this beautiful first week of October. How perfect your words and pictures invoking what so many of us feel but have not expressed as eloquently, as you have here.Yes, we hear and hope. We must not to succumb nor forget that which our Lord has given us to keep us human.<3
ReplyDeletePerfect post. Loved the pics and header.
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful post and images!
ReplyDeleteLauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
Anita dear- Pure...touching....heartfelt...such beautiful inspiration. Yes, listening for my name in the rain....that is the peace to shut out all the static. I know that your time is precious, with teaching and inspiring your students as well as encouraging and commenting on other blogs. You are a gift and thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeletexx, Heather
Gorgeous words and images Anita. I would love to be a guide to nature, to take one by the hand and introduce them to what they have been missing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post Anita. The images, music and words are timely. Especially with fall now upon us an the hectic holidays fast approaching, I long to go back to simple. A time where things were a bit less complicated.
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt, we are all of one nature striving to live with it.
ReplyDeleteI do often see my name in the rain personal meaning to how I hear it.
Staying true and close to what my vision is for my future rings loud and clear in your message.
You write with hope, grace and beauty.
Inspiring ones heart is your stamp.
Bisous
Xx
Doré
Yes, it needed to be said, to be voiced. I think when Hearts of Light give their attention to something like this, they can affect it, with their Light, if we think on it, as loving beings, we can change it. That's why it needs to be observed, spoken of, and written about, so we can see it and pay attention. Love it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post with a lovely message. Thank you for sharing! I hope you're having a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteTruly beautiful Anita, many people hurt others with their words and acts, withough even thinking of the long term damage; and that it could be an angel on earth with us standing side by side.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Velvet Pumpkins Giveaway!
This is beautiful, Anita.
ReplyDeleteIt hit home for so many reasons...as you know.
We live in a terribly cruel world with equally cruel people.
I have never experienced such greed and envy as I have in the last few years.
It sadly changes the way you perceive LIFE.
I pray for better days ahead...
How lucky, though, to have a wonderful family... and to be blessed with such beautiful friends like you.
Thank you
xo
Thank you Anita. A beautiful reminder that rain is beautiful. I live in Portland, Oregon where sometimes it feels like the rain never stops. Now I can feel the rain with a new perspective and listen for my name. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is simply beautiful Anita!
ReplyDeleteDear Anita,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful words, thoughts and images with us.
Truly is always great to come and visit you.
Wishing you a happy weekend,
Sending hugs
Carolyn
Such beauty you share sweet Anita ~ truly.
ReplyDeleteI have always love Enya ~ her music ,
the musical arrangements in her songs ...resonates deep with me.
I marveled in the video you shared of "In the rain".
I also am so in awe of the words you share along with the tapestry of amazing photos you put together.
Such a beautiful way to start the morning. Thank you.
With complete Sincerity,
Willow
xoxo...
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful when a person we've never met, but whose words or images touch us inside, enough to send us immediately to do something that creates a new serenity or beauty right in their own space? Your posts have done that for me. I love when that happens! But it is such a blessing that something I put out there in word or picture has been cause for some pleasure or thing of beauty for someone else! MAGIC !!
ReplyDeleteAre You getting My messages?My computer is acting up in all this wind coming over the pass.
ReplyDeleteI guess not...what I was trying to tell you was.....Yes I do hear it in the rain,in this loud roar of wind and in the waves of His magnificent ocean,My all time favorite the stillness of the forest and....... even in this chair ; ) love and hugs-Denise
ReplyDeleteYes :) listening in the rain.. such a BEAUTIFUL song Anita and your visuals are always thought provoking, ethereal .. and always take readers some place else and challenging us to think out of our little bubbles that we float around in. Such a gorgeous and spiritual post Anita. Have a wonderful weekend!! xxleslie
ReplyDeleteYour header is gorgeous!
DeleteDear Anita...beautiful again....I hear your message...you are searching, searching.....I think all of us can connect on this level....
ReplyDeleteRemember the journey is the true lesson....N.xo
Dearest Anita, your new post is beautiful! Yes, life is a battlefield in a way - we constantly come up against things and people and wonder, why this must happen. That is why, i quiet place inside is so much needed - and art. It transforms and heals. Thank you for coming to my chocolate post today - your yoghurt and cherries sound so good - with cocoa - hmmmmm! xox
ReplyDeleteThis post is really beautiful & I love your blog name. I just followed you- if you're interested I'd love it if you could follow me too :) Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteaclassystateofgrace.blogspot.com
YES I do...most marvelous post ever...thank you.
ReplyDelete~ We hear each and every time we come to say hello, beautiful post as always, dear friend! hugs Maria x
ReplyDeleteBonjour ma belle Anita,
ReplyDeleteJ'étais à Nice aujourd'hui ...
Petit à petit l'automne s'installe et déroule son manteau de mélancolie ...
Mais en début de journée c'était encore l'été ... paradoxe !!!
Gros bisous
Marie-Ange
Anita,dear!
ReplyDeletehow can I describe my feelings here by...?!
You touched me again and again,you are so wise and beautiful person!
Thank you for this extraordinary beautiful post!:)
Wishing you blissful new week,
Hugs,
***Violetta***
Greetings, Anita~
ReplyDeleteThank you for this gentle reminder. Raise your words....not your voice!! Thank you, and amen!!! I hope you have settled into your school schedule, and have a great batch of students. Happy Sunday!!
xo
Loi
hi Anita! My name is a strange name to others. Many spell it wrong, many say it wrong (esp children) and many confuse it with other names that sound similar; Janae, LaRae or Marnae. But one thing that ALWAYS happens. When I am in a crowd and someone says "Hey", I ALWAYS look up, because I think it is my name being said. Urgh! LOL
ReplyDeleteOur names are us! Ours names are so much an integral part of us and our lives. Our names are never to be without us nor we are not to be apart from our name. We are given a name at birth and it is engraven on stone when we die. It goes with us to Heaven or it is repeated in infamy in Hell. We are to live so our name is our best reflection of what we want to be and will be in the hereafter.
Thank you for bring that topic to my awareness. Thank you for writing my friend! Thank you for being a friend to me and many. ♥
Anita,
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always so mindful and beautiful. Wishing you lovely poetry.
Karen
Oh Anita
ReplyDeleteI am really one who hopes that someday love will rule our world.
Wonderful post
I love how you express your feelings through images and poetry.
You are truly gifted to share beautiful thoughts.
Beautiful Anita.
ReplyDeletePeace, be still. I can hear His voice in the midst of all the other noise.
His whispers bring calm.
Love to you gentle friend xo
All my heart,
Deborah xoxo
Magnificent!
ReplyDelete........................
You are amazing, Anita!
All I really want is a gentle and simple world... and ability to hear my name in the rain... I will write your poem down and put it on my desk to constantly remind myself that in the midst of all the noise in the world, I will still be calm in my soul and choose to remain human. Thank you for all these breathtaking images! And thank you for your always inspiring words on my blog! I am extremely late, since I have been missing my blogging time lately (beside my daily work and family engagements, I also volunteer in Art Gallery of Ontario). Thinking of you, my dearest friend
Dear Anita, raining here today...so will be listening. What a beautiful piece you've written! And so many hearts you touch. Hope you're enjoying the beginning of fall and your new class. And keep reaching into your heart for these beautiful words. So lovely!
ReplyDeleteDear Anita,
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed this post. At first I thought: 'Only in Heaven' but then I changed my mind. It isn't only in Heaven that such a state can exist. If we were all much kinder things would be different.
Kindness all ways and every way, that is the key.
Kirk
Alas my dear, the real world is filled with embattled angels; ( and what a marvelous photo that is). How we long for a world of peace and serenity, but only in God's world will it be possible... except in our own little space, where we can make the world whatever we wish it to be.
ReplyDeleteHi beautiful Anita!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow was your weekend?
How is school?
This is once again- a wonderful post with a powerful message!!!!!
I love your photos!!!!!!
My husband & I began watching the new show on ABC- Sleepy Hollow. It's a modern take of Washington Irving's story with a twist. "Icabod Crane" somehow winds up in present day Sleepy Hollow but there's all sorts of stories lines and twists going on. We are hooked!!!!!
Wishing you a fabulous week!!!!
Love and Hugs,
Shannon
Hello my dear...Yes...I so agree...
ReplyDeleteI hope you aren't having any battlefields in your life right now. Ugh!
I MISS YOU!!! You are so sweet to always stop by and see my posts...I have neglected so many blog friends lately and I feel bad about that. But, I think of you and treasure your sweet friendship!!!
Love to you!
Heidi
Anita, I don't see an email to respond directly to you, so I will answer as best I can...I use drywall sealer paint from a Home Depot to paint my furniture...it gives that chalky consistency I want, like gesso, without the cost....sand your piece lightly first, or seal it with Zinzer...two coats of the sealer paint is best...it gives the old world finish I want...then antique the piece with a colour wash...I use craft paint...Americana, Charcoal Grey...diluted to a very thin consistency, so you can wipe it off, except where you want it to build up...then distress it with light sanding, then varnish with a satin water based varnish...the colour on the walls is Benjamin Moore Cake Batter...Aura..it is not as grey as it looks..the photos are poor...I rushed to get it up on time, but promise better ones this Thursday...
ReplyDeleteBonjour from Paris, Anita...what a lovely post, as always! xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Anita! Thanks for stopping by this morning! I know you are busy with teaching. Hopefully your are enjoying it:)
ReplyDeleteYes.. the pumpkin does appear a little pink. There is a local farmer that created this blend. At first I wasn't sure I liked them but decided to buy one and now I love it!
Enjoy your day!
great post honey, i really love the photos!
ReplyDeletexx
Awesome and sensitive post! ♥
ReplyDeleteOh my dear there are battlefields in our minds, in the world, in the family, etc. I hope that you are not fighting any battles now a days. I have had you and Rueben on my mind.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself dear friend. Thank you for always spreading your light and love!
xoxo Elizabeth
The header looks magical in Nowhere... Merci dear friend!
ReplyDeleteMy sweet friend Anita, here is the most magical place in blogland............your thoughts are like shining stars and it is such a joy to visit you here! Thank you so much for all this beauty and have a wonderful week,
ReplyDeletelove and hugs, Jade
Dearest Anita,
ReplyDeleteIt is is always so lovely to visit you. I've been thinking about your new adventure quite a bit as I enter my own adventure for the year. We have been so busy! Please say hello to Ruben. I will try to call this weekend.
Hugs!
Nancy
Dearest Anita, thank you for coming to my fashion post today and for your sweet commit! Fashion illustration is something i'm getting into right now - as a light counterpart to painting on canvas. It is fun - yet it takes some discipline too, as every approach to art does. Nobody knows that better than you! Each post of yours is do carefully put together and feels like a poem. Have a happy evening dear one! xox
ReplyDeletehi Anita, friend sweet sweet! I love the photo in your banner this time. I am such a sucker for pitchers, tea kettles and anything that resembles them. I collect them. Did you know that? I have a Pinterest board just dedicated to pitchers. hahahaha
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you. Just wanted to drop by and say hi and happy great day to you!! ♥
Bonjour!
ReplyDeleteBebe has sent out the invitations to the Halloween Ball.. Pumpkin and PI said they would not miss it..
Wait till you see the guest list.. teeee
Hi sweet friend....just coming by to see how your week is going. Teacher convention starts tomorrow....so it will be a busy 2 days. The weekend is just around the corner...enjoy! xox
ReplyDeletewow!
ReplyDeletethat was lovely.
do i hear my name...in the rain?
sometimes i think i do!
gosh, i am so busy i never get
to visit anybody, but i see you
have visited me, and i do love
your notes...school is a wonderful
thing, knowledge is a wonderful
blessings, time...now where is
that mischievous fellow these
days??? xoxo Eden
Beautiful images, beautiful words. Sometimes the battle fields are too loud with gunfire to hear peace shouting your name but when you do hear it makes it all the more special. M xx
ReplyDeleteAnita, I've missed your beautiful posts and you!! I have been busy busy busy but happy. Love you. xo
ReplyDeleteI always head over here with a smile Anita, especially when I see a new post. :) First, this song is so beautiful, one I have loved for a long time, so haunting and filled with beauty all at the same time. Yes, this world is a battle field, no question... and yet... one day at a time, we have been promised that each need would be met, even on the days that we struggle with trusting, when all around us life seems unbalanced and out of whack. Truth remains. God IS...
ReplyDeleteOh thank you about my hair! I am needing to cut it, already. Good thing I'm doing it myself. lol Have a great day my friend and tell me how you are doing? Your blog is so popular still. I hope you can keep it going as your year progresses! ♥
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by to see your "gentle" post again. I think I needed it today hehehe. The picture of the lady with the red apple is so mysterious, I love it.
ReplyDeleteHave a sweet day, dear.
Love,
~Sheri
I can always count on your heart-felt, beautiful posts to make my day! Thank you, Anita!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful, albeit humanitarian post of peace and loveliness. Bless you, sweet soul ~
ReplyDeleteCarmen
Another beautiful work of art in words and pictures Anita. I just know you are having the time of your life with poetry at the moment. Lots of London love. Paul. X
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! xx
ReplyDeleteBonjour my dear friend,
ReplyDeleteMerci! I knew you would remember her.. I am the Fairy Godmother? teeeeehee Oh yes, please draw something for Nowhere, you know Bebe and I will be there.
p.s. The song was for you
See you soon
La nature produit sa propre musique, le vent et la pluie produisent des sons uniques et comme chantait Claude Nougaro : La pluie fait des claquettes... Belle soirée !
ReplyDeleteyou and I
ReplyDeleteoccasionally
caught up
in a blink
blogging
I am in such a wonderful Flow these days .......
I am seeing how wonderful and amazing life is as it is
I understand now why good and bad have to be here both
to us to learn what we have to learn
From the bad we can learn the good .
Even better because we know both sides ......
A battlefield sounds bad and is bad
but also on a battlefield magic happens
Bad things and bad people have to be there too ......
So we can learn and .....learn to feel for them too
so they can be better too .......
It is what you wrote .....
we have to listen .........We can hear it ........
Happy weekend Anita
Bebe is missing again... She packed her bags and left a note. ~Mum, off to play in the rain~ so I thought she might be here... If you see her please send her home..
ReplyDeleteI hear it Anita, I hear it! As always it is a beautiful pleasure to visit your poetic pages. You fill my head with the most wondrous imagery for me to carry to my dreamscapes. Wishing you a week of smiles and fun.
ReplyDeleteX
The picture of the loving hands on Sunline's head brought tears to my eyes! I do the same with the horse of my heart and the perils of the battlefields go away. Fond greetings from a fellow Disapproving Rabbits follower...
ReplyDeleteMERCI dear friend, for fixing Nowhere.... and thank you so much for coming over to meet the Mouse Inspector and leaving such encouraging words for me... You are the best!
ReplyDeleteAre we having fun or what?
bisous!