Last week was a tough one.
My BS filter malfunctioned and the normal stuff that doesn’t usually bother me came rushing in and left me overwhelmed by life’s nonsense. When this happens I have to go into Emergency Shutdown Mode. This includes among other things, turning off the TV, not reading any news websites, and I am strictly forbidden to be exposed in any way to anything involving politicians. Instead I must partake in a steady diet of rationalism and pragmatism.
Saturday was grey and rainy, perfect for my first day of recovery. I found a great book and curled up in my big comfy chair and read the day away. Sunday brought much warmer weather and sunny skies. After a morning with my book, I decided to get out and enjoy some fresh air. With the Photo Challenge in mind I grabbed my camera, a sure sign my optimism was returning, and as soon as I opened my front door, and took my first step, I saw a little baby bud on our Azalea.
A flower. Totally and completely lacking in pretense.
A flower. Totally and completely lacking in guile.
Like my book, and my ban on the world, that little bud was so refreshing.
With one look I knew my optimism was restored.
When I came back inside, just to confirm my suspicion, I checked out some news websites. My blood pressure didn’t rise and I didn’t go into even the slightest of rants. My BS filter was indeed repaired and I was ready for another week.
I am once again moving forward.
May you all have properly working BS filters and thus a truly wonderful week. 
For more Forward check out Weekly Photo Challenge here.
lovely lovely lovely
how far are you in the book?
Thank you. Just about to start Chapter 5. And you?
I found myself an electronic copy, and haven’t started it yet. As much as I am an avid reader and as much as I approve of digital reading materials, there is something really uninviting and qualitatively un-fun about reading something on a computer screen. I’m old school, I guess.
It’s just an excuse though. I am really scattered lately.
No excuses necessary. This book club is chill, girl! Besides I am an old school paper booker myself, nothing like the feel of it in my hand, the motion of turning a page and then once finished, seeing it on the shelf like a dear old friend! In time, meanwhile, trust me, it’s a good read!
Ahhhhh…. thank you for the image. Thank you for the words…
Ahhhh…. thank you for the comment, always so nice to have you stop by! Have a great week my friend.
Nice capture and a good way to rechargeā« My Forward effort: http://lmkazmierczak.blogspot.com/2013/02/ordinary-wordsmax-forward.html
Thanks for stopping by and I applaud your forward effort. It’s good we can speak out and share our ideas!
Lovely!! I often find that I desperately reach back for the simpler things in life to restore my balance. Or as you aptly called it, my BS filter. And usually it is nature that brings back the balance. There is complete honesty in nature – it makes me feel safe.
Thanks Estelle. And Yes! nature is so very balancing and for us to properly enjoy and hear its message we are required to slow down, look and listen. I love getting quiet, not just through an economy of words, but physically as well. After I took this photo I sat down on my front steps and simply watched and listened to the birds, the plants and the breeze. All have restorative powers. Thanks so much for stopping by and reminding me of the “honesty in nature”!
I really enjoy reading your posts. Stopping by is a pleasure for me.
Such kind words, the kind of words that help making writing easier. Thank you so much.
Simply beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful week! Brighter days ahead!
Thank you Becky! I do too!
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Oh yeah!