Friday, August 14, 2009

Beacons

Sometimes I think I struggle. And it's true, I do. All humans have struggles. But our struggles are relative. So after a long working day it's good--no, it's a blessing--to enjoy a glass of wine, a backyard garden and good literature. Literature, in a variety of forms (reading it, writing it, discussing it) is my recharging fuel. Good friends and wine never hurt, either.

Everyone needs that thing that fuels them. (Maybe you recharge with music or a football game or a workout.) Last night while we discussed writing and literature, lights twinkled in the bushes and candles flickered on the window ledge and I was renewed.

I wasn't the last to leave. I walked home feeling fortunate, having forgotten whatever struggles I thought I may have had. Behind me, the voices of my friends spilled into the darkened street and saw me safely home.

24 comments:

Dina said...

This post in itself recharges me. Thanks for saying it, blessed Petrea.

Laurie Allee said...

Sounds like a lovely night.

Shell Sherree said...

Just brought a little tear to my eye, you did. Thanks, Petrea.

West Coast Grrlie Blather said...

So lovely and homey, this photo. And within walking distance of home!

Italo said...

Petrea, thank you. Nice, and true, post. I'm lucky too. Nice photo. ciao italo.

Petrea Burchard said...

Yeah. I went stomping over there all tired and everything, and I strolled home feeling like royalty. Sometimes you just have to stop thinking about what's missing and look around at what's there. Wow.

Escapist said...

Struggle !!!! Hmmmm lot about to think for ..........
My enteryin my room recharges me ,when im back to home after hectic day from site........




jooliieeessss:-)

Lori Lynn said...

Beautiful.
LL

TheChieftess said...

Made me want to curl up in that chair with a glass of wine and join the conversation!!!

Unknown said...

well said and am glad you found some peace with words, friends and oh yeah, a little wine!

elizabeth said...

Oh, that's lovely. I've just moved and am in the midst of chaos- unpacking, sorting, things and boxes *everywhere*. That chair-outside-with-a-book is my goal!

Your post reminds me that I need to invite friends over, whether I'm unpacked or not. :-)

Desiree said...

Gorgeous shot!

Petrea Burchard said...

What elizabeth says, about being "in the midst" of chaos, may be what I was trying to get at. Regardless of what's going on in my life I feel a little of it each day. I think a lot of people do, especially right now. So it's especially important to go to that spot (interior or exterior) and do that thing that makes you feel grateful.

And yes, elizabeth, invite friends over. No sense waiting until everything's perfect because it's never going to be, so there's no sense waiting. I believe that's how Yogi Berra would put it.

Margaret said...

Well, everyone has said it. Lovely.

wv: encharim

Jane Hards Photography said...

Looking a round at what's there is right, though I am as guilty as the next person of not doing so.

Virginia said...

Well I just told Laurie was feeling a tad emotional still and you just ripped it! What lovely, lovely words and the photograph was perfect. Merci. Sniff.
V

pasadenapio said...

That made me stop and think about how I need to slow down.

Cafe Pasadena said...

Slow down, read your email, and leave Citihall earlier, PIO.

USelaine said...

A heartening post indeed, with every kind of beauty.

Petrea Burchard said...

We could probably all slow down, Ann, or most of us. It's the old "stop and smell the roses" adage. In fact, my neighbor's got some nice-looking roses that I just noticed this morning. They must have been there a while.

marley said...

Oh Petrea, what a lovely photo and post. The last fews lines are just wonderful.

Ms M said...

Simply lovely photo and post.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you Marley and Ms. M.

Natalie DeJohn said...

Gorgeous photo! So serene. It's true, we all need a space where we can truly relax and be at peace and look at our struggles realistically. Thanks for this.