I am here, drinking in the tiny smidgeons of extra light we find waiting at the window in the morning, that deepening blue that seems to draw the dawn into it impatiently, soaking up the light, making a promise.
It does the heart good to open the door and let the breeze in, let the little ones out, to not have to hear myself say repeatedly throughout the day, 'Close the doooor!!!' To have a window open and for it to be pleasant.
There is still a nip in the air, and we've had a lot of wind and rain, but take a little wander around the garden and there are crocuses hiding in the grass, and the rose bushes are covered in tiny green buds, and children dashing past and oh, yes, it does the heart good.
And I give thanks.
Because I do find this time of year the hardest. It's when I want to walk away from this old house of ours, from the cold and the endless upkeep and repairs, from the hours spent driving, and the way my time is eaten into.
But everyday brings something magic that still catches me unaware, (even if only this view from my window) as though for the first time ever, and holds me there, at the beginning of joy once again.
And although I am still struggling to find the time and the inspiration to blog, it has not escaped my awareness that blogging is my magnifying glass to magic.
And that is worth more than I can say!
24 comments:
Yes, a magnifying glass... helping us to see out and in and understand the way everything weaves together to hold our lives in a sweet embrace of awareness...for the good, the difficult, the miraculous moments the fill our days and nights.
so beautiful Ciara...so good to read your writing and see the world through your eyes.
Oh my goodness, that sky in the first photo is Magnificent, with a capital M (didn't like to capitalise the whole word!).
And your words, Ciara, are so beautiful.
I find the same feelings re this old house of ours, draughts etc. Got a quote for a porch that certainly doesn't speak recession!! So I'm looking forward to more sun-heat in the day, and yes, I can feel it already!
I love your description of blogging as the magnifying glass to magic, Ciara. I feel the same way. Take care and continue to find momentary joy in the little things. Susan
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the scenes of the children playing through your window. And the sky in the first one is truly beautiful.
I understand how hard it can be, this period before spring. Here in Maine it is still the dead of winter--and will be for more than a month--but we had a brief thaw on Valentine's Day, so I went walking in it, trying to soak up as much sun and soft air as I could. Now we're back to the freeze, but that one day gave me almost enough hope to make it to April! :)
I understand, too, the pull in other directions, and yet I am linked more and more to the online world as a means of making a living. When I lost my teaching job last year I felt like my life was over. The way I lost it was so horrible and so wrong--and it completely changed my life. Now the only way I know how to survive anymore is to write. I've always written, but the purpose, focus, and scope are shifting in ways I couldn't have predicted.
I'm glad that you are still blogging, but that is because I am a selfish creature who loves coming to visit you here. You have certainly showed me much magic.
xo Gigi
I am also torn between two worlds...some moments I only want the warmth of the fire and a mug of tea in the studio and then it changes, like the weather, and I go out to seek the first snowdrop flowers and make plans for the garden!
One of the pleasures of blogging is being able to read how the world turns for you and yours. Lovely writing, Ciara.
It is a heart gladdening that this whiff of spring brings isn't it?
And your blog is a magnifying glass to magic for many, me included.
I am reflecting much on how blogs are views through someone in particular's eyes and heart. A way of seeing that only they can achieve. That's why sharing it like this is so special. And I am delighted every time you put something here, but fret not about the obligation :)
Much love to you all from Devon where spring is singing its first notes too xx R
Lucky, lucky children, to have those swathes of ground to run through. You sound as though you need a warm fire and a hot brandy and a small bunch of snowdrops by your side.
I wish I could get my photos to come out this well. I'm slowly upgrading to better cameras; can't afford a DSLR, but I'm one step away. Anyway, I've been lurking, and these photos make my days, so thank you.
I love your blog. it bring a bit of magic into my world.
Those clouds in the first photo are inspiring :)
I like that metaphor of blog as magnifying glass. Life is full of so much beauty, just waiting for us to notice it and appreciate it.
That is the most wonderful photograph, the blue sky with clouds, the dramatic black hills, you have an artist's eye.
J'aime beaucoup ton Blog et tes photos. je suis venue en Irlande l'année dernière et j'ai beaucoup aimé. Bon courage!!!!bea
If we have to wait a bit between magnifying glasses to magic (which is a great description of your blog!) then we are all the better for the joy it brings when you post some poetic thoughts and dreamlike photos. I wish I could own a magnifying glass like yours...xo
It definitely looks like spring there...here...not so much...
I think so many of us feel the same at the tail end of Winter. Like giving up. But then things turn green and we keep on turning.
Think of how many people think of your blog as their glimpse into magic!
I know I do!
xo
Oh, dear readers! Without fail, every time, I am humbled by your comments. Each and every one of you strengthens my resolve, my commitment to blogging. Thank you all, for taking the time to read and comment, truly, it means everything to me. C x
hey ms lovely ciara, spring is nearly here and all soon all will be better and next week is midterm ALREADY and hopefully you can put your feet up off that accelerator and do some more of that magical magnifying that you do so well....the shades of blue in that sky are amazing...on another note entirely .....did anyone ever tell you that your the spitting image of annie mac....
A very magic sky, incredible photo! Growing up in Wisconsin, this always was a difficult season- the slush grey coldness which seemed to drag on till April. A creative time though and very good for planing projects and getting lost in books.
I love this post. No matter that the posts are few and far between when each one is so beautiful. xxx
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I keep getting a glimpse of this on my dashboard and must add another comment...Your sky is so lovely! You could easily call this one "When Irish skies are smiling"!
The first photo caught my breath! And it looks as tho springs renewal is slowly catching on.Your heart touches mine:).
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