catnipoflife

Observe life at its best, Listen to life’s songs, Embrace life’s bounties, Breathe the breath of life, Savor life to its fullest!

Waterfalls

[This is actually a repeat post from catnipoflife’s sister site Awakenings that was featured last spring. The addition of the animated falls makes you feel like you are there. Feel its power, relish in its beauty as the waterfall takes on all your emotions and appeals to your senses! A HUGE thank you goes to Mary Helen Ferris (greatpoetrymhf) who surprised me with the beautiful animation that makes you feel you are right there experiencing the awesomeness of the waterfall!]

Something awesomely powerful and totally action packed IS at the same time oh-so relaxing. What is this two-sided coin?

The waterfall.

   From Imgur

It energizes. It mesmerizes. It spiritualizes. It epitomizes.

It can even colorize with a spectrum of rainbow colors appearing in its mist. It is awe-inspiring, breath-taking and powerful all in the same moment. It is in the forefront of electricity and the backdrop for relaxation. It is the epitome of nature, the diamond in the rough.

Embrace the Past…

Before the invention of electricity, river waterfalls were used to move turbines, which powered mills that could grind wheat into flour far faster than any human hand. Its power became the mechanical basis for generators which could create electricity from the motion of falling water, the birth of hydroelectricity.

Empower the Present…

Yet, its sights and sounds can be completely mesmerizing taking the mind on an incredible journey into the world of imagination.

Waterfalls are the background for fairy tales and an all-time favorite in real life. They carry with them an aura of romance, a hint of magic whether rippling over a rocky rivulet or splashing playfully while descending rocky steps. Even when a brook babbling through a forest encounters a rocky riverbed, the result is nature playfully showing off one of its finest moments.

Enrich the Future…

May the waterfalls of life be the forces that lift your heart relinquishing thoughts of daily stress and drama. Let the meditation begin…

What do you feel at the sights and sounds of a waterfall? There is a World of Waterfalls waiting to be explored and enjoyed!
 
“Think of your life as a waterfall; it may come crashing down at some point, it may have it’s ups and downs, but in the end, it will continue to flow.” —Author Unknown
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Empty Nest

Each of us at some point in time has hoped for that perfect (well, almost perfect) Kodak moment: the moment when the extraordinary appears right before our eyes. To have that happen to the novice of novice photographers is indeed PRICELESS!

I have seen pictures and watched videos of tiny baby hatchlings but NEVER experienced such a sight up close and personal. I spotted the bird nest as I was in the midst of completing yard work, specifically edging around one of the Crepe Myrtles in our front yard. My camera broke some months back and I was told it could not be repaired. So, I quickly ran into the house and grabbed my SmartPhone. (Don’t you just love the name of these newfangled phones!)

Needless to say, I knew the bird nest wasn’t going anywhere since it had already endured days upon days of wind and rain thus enough time to get Mr. SmartieSnap. Of course, I thought I was only getting a picture of a nest.

Here are the results:

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

Occasionally in the outdoors
One discovers a bird nest
Fascinating in its craftsmanship
Where speckled eggs gently rest

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

 Collected mud, sticks or dried grass
Are readied for the begotten
Woven against a soft lining
Of fur, feathers, hair and cotton

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

Intricacy of design
Built by two feet and a beak
Becomes nature’s protector
From that which predators seek

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

Cradling of such a small nest
Rests in the crook of a branch
Simple but awe-inspiring
Like dawn at a Western ranch

Hatchling

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

Tiny little hatchlings
Eager to fly on their own
Chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp
Letting their presence be known

Baby birds flop out of the nest
Landing abruptly on the ground
Mother bird stands close by watching
In case danger might be around

Baby_Bird1

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

Baby_Bird2

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

Once grown, flying on their own
Mother knows she did her best
Does SHE now somberly mourn
Facing life with an empty nest?

Empty_Nest

© 2013, Sharla Lee Shults

©2013 catnipoflife

©catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

“Empty is a negative word. Replace it with peaceful, calm or relaxed.” —Joi Sigers (Author, b. 1978)

A little something extra from one much more professional than I. . .live and learn!

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Farms in the Valley

See on Scoop.itcatnipoflife

The Blackstone Valley has always been a farming community. Although it was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, the farms have always been here too. People, after all, need to eat and where the ground is fertile and apple orchards thrive, families will farm.

Summer has come, right on time. It usually shows up just around Memorial Day and that will be here this weekend. The cows are serene. The chickens and horses are content and peaceful. The corn is coming up green and it looks like a good crop is on the way. Soon we’ll have fresh local produce and our air will be full of the scent of things growing from the earth.

Sharla Shults‘s insight:

What could possibly be more indicative of the catnipoflife than a visit to the farm? No better place to observe life at its best, listen to life’s songs, embrace life’s bounties, breathe the breath of life and savor life to its fullest!

See MORE gorgeous pictures on teepee12.com

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Stop and Smell the Flowers

StopandSmell

“Walk among the wilds, gaze at the sky, understand nature and feel the spirits as they pass you by.” ~SLS

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Papa walked along life’s rocky path
Where no flowers lay beneath his feet
Tired and weary bones from toil and pain
Found rest only during winter’s sleep

 End of day brought Papa home
To Mama waiting at the door
With a faint-hearted smile he entered
Then wanted to leave no more

 No dust, grime, or smell of sweat
Not a place drab and dreary
Sweet fragrances of lilac and roses
Made the air bright and cheery

 Mama’s laugh made Papa smile
Ending the drudgery of the day
Early morning sun came too soon
Once again finding Papa on his way

 He stopped and smelled the flowers
Along side the dusty road
On the way home he picked a few
To lightened his heavy load

 A tradition handed down…

 Mama worked hard each day
Some days ready to explode
Papa brought Mama flowers
To lightened her heavy load

©2009 Remembering
Sharla Lee Shults

“Lighten the heavy load each day, stop and smell the flowers, maybe pick a few along life’s narrowing way.” ~SLS

11 Comments »

Nature’s Doorway

Nature’s Doorway video poem was created and posted last year but sometimes repeat performances are called for at just the right time! After viewing the video, take a few moments to step outside and enjoy all the beauty around you!

Have a blessed day!

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Wildlife and Nature

The epitome of catnip is the enjoyment of wildlife and nature – observed, listened to, embraced, breathed, and savored. A visit to Autumn Sunshine today unveiled breathtaking views of wildlife, nature and the great outdoors. As Autumn put it so graciously, “We need to take time and think about it, and thank Mother Nature!”

I encourage you to visit Autumn Sunshine for inspiration. She is a wonderful writer with a heart full of sunshine ready to lift your spirits and bring on a smile!

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Sunday Savorings

There is no advance notice for inspiration. It comes within a moment’s time without notification, without hesitation. It comes from near, it comes from afar: As close as one’s backyard, as faraway as across oceans and continents. catnipoflife is blessed with many wonderful followers across many divides, each of whom presents his or her perspectives on life, experiences of life, joys, sorrows and personal reflections.

Today while visiting press-inside, I was inspired by the video, Danube Delta, Romania: a unique region in Europe – where one still may find, at least in certain places, untouched wild nature, unaltered by civilization. Not only did it provide so much beauty of the country but it was set to background music by Enya. By truly listening to the lyrics of Enya’s music, you will understand the catnip of life!

Enjoy and marvel in the wonders of nature within a world of endless possibilities!

so much beauty

so much beauty
outside as well as within
waiting to be explored
inviting you to begin

looking and listening
reaching for touch
laughing, singing
enjoying so much

away from the noise
the hustle, the stress
knowing inside and out
when moments need rest

abiding in the heart
deepening in the soul
waiting for the time
to unleash and behold

©2013 catnipoflifeSharla Lee Shults

©2013 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

DanubeDeltaDanube Delta & Dobrogea

17 Comments »

Reflections on a Rainy Day

Rainydayreflections

Touch of Catnip: Rain, please stop, so I can go outside and play!

The view outside
Emanates expression
Dour, eerie, solemn
Poetry in motion…

Winds of winter
Bite and sting
Whips of nature
Dance and sing

Rain’s pounding pelts
Soulfully align
Promising a rainbow
Traces of sunshine

Birds in flight
Soar above ground
Moments of fear
Thunderous sound

Barren trees, broken limbs
Silhouette the plight
Beaten, battered, torn
Well into the night

Morning view outside
Emanates expression
Ghostly resonance
Poetry in motion…

©2013 catnipoflifeSharla Lee Shults

©2013 catnipoflife
Sharla Lee Shults

12 Comments »

Beautiful Animals and Birds

Of course catnipoflife is not just about cats. It is about life and the joys found within all its beauty: the sights, the sounds, and yes, even the smells. We go about our daily routines sometimes not even noticing the little things that keep life in balance. A new bud on an old flower, a breath of fresh air, the wisp of the wind, a raindrop that quenches the thirst of the tiniest insect.


There is so much surrounding us that is truly amazing. Take the time to simply look around…

Beautiful animals and birds from Murvakonda Shailaja
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The Glass Winged Butterfly

Greta_oto You can see through window panes, glass doors, shards of crystal, precious gems but have you ever thought about seeing clearly through a butterfly’s wings? Well, you can! The Glasswinged Butterfly (Greto oto) has translucent wings, very unique, very delicate. In other words, its wings become windows.

one thinks all has been seen
then a butterfly comes into view
a marvel of nature
you can see right through

clear through its wings
to the leaves or ground
wonders of nature
always abound

Glass Winged Butterfly from worldTC
Having enjoyed the slideshow, now feast your eyes upon the video!
Related Article:
The Call of the Pen: Our Transparency
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