Day 218: Community of St John the Baptist, Mendham

 "To the solemn graves, near a lonely cemetery, my heart like a muffled drum is beating funeral marches" - Charles Baudelaire

Project 365: #218

This is the most beautiful cemetery for solace and reflection at the convent of St John's. A time to reflect our own mortality, and how short our actual time is here on earth. Reminding us to make the most of each moment, as only we have the choice to do. And here, to reflect on all those who have gone before us, trying their best to do good in the world by dedicating their lives to God and his service, through orphanages and schools, and serving those in need. May we be inspired by their dedication and commitment to have a real and living faith.

Day 217: Tower of hope

 "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness" - Desmond Tutu

Project 365:  #217

We have been welcomed to an amazing church community at St Mark's, and enjoyed special time together, making us feel like we belong somewhere, and giving us some direction. We are so grateful, as without this, we would probably be lost. Even though this tower on the grounds of the St John's convent serves a a cellphone mast, it is a beacon of hope that can be seen from far away. Looking up it reminds you who is actually in control, and who to place your faith and trust in! It is important to belong to a community, so that we can see the light of hope when it seems like all around use is in darkness.

Day 216: Bench with a view

"The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it" - Chris Pine

Project 365: #216

I have often noticed this garden bench on the corner of main street. I often wonder why it is there, and then realize that it is maybe to create a rest-stop for the weary, or even for those needing some perspective. Sometimes it is just good to sit back and watch the world drive by. Take a step back, sit down and admire the view, or watch the traffic! We have no control over most situations, even though we would like to think we do. We do have a choice how we view our situations, and with faith  it is easier to be positive and gain some perspective in the right direction if we just sit down for a few minutes and count our blessings, or the cars going by!
 

Day 215: Watch your step

 "I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four" - Yogi Berra

Project 365: #215

What better place to rest on a Friday afternoon, a cosy, sunny spot after a hectic week! If only I were a cat! Campbell has discovered the best places in the afternoon sun. This can be a little treacherous for those wanting to use the stairs, as he is well camouflaged and does not budge.  Best watch your step, you never know what or who may be in your path, so tread carefully wherever you go!

Day 214: Yellow school buses

"In North America, more than half of all children travel to school by bus" - Zac Goldsmith

Project 365: #214

When I was growing up and reading books by authors like Richard Scarry, steeped in American traditions and way of life, all I could do was imagine what it was like. There were lots of similarities to how I grew up, and also lots of differences. There was a national pride that was visibly noticeable in the drawings that was very moving; there were obvious seasons, which were fascinating, and almost incomprehensible, especially fall and snow in winter; and of course, there were yellow school buses, that took everyone to school and home again. Well, I rode the school bus for the first time tonight. It was "Back-to-School" night (a little delayed) at school this evening, which is basically en-mass teacher conferences to explain what is going on in class. It is very well supported by parents, so parking is at a premium. So, you have to park miles away, and the bus fetches you! It was fun, and am pleased I can tick it off my bucket list! It has been hard to judge how school is really going from the girl's feedback, and although their grades translate that they are coping well with the transition, it was good to spend some time with their teachers, and see what the new school system is all about. I was actually blown away, the teachers are passionate, and dedicated, and I left feeling that despite all the hardships that have come with moving, this school and teachers have so much to offer. I am hoping that the girls are not too overwhelmed and busy to notice this, and can be grateful for opportunities that come in disguise.

Day 213: Christmas minions

"Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery - there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair" - Rick Warren

Project 365: #213

Hay-bale minions in Christmas hats! This joyful minion was a fall-minion a couple of weeks ago, but has undergone a transformation for Christmas, just as the nursery has. As the growing season is pretty much over, the nursery has become a Christmas market. A good, innovative idea to stay in business for as many months as possible through the seasonal year. Transformation is essential to journey through all the ups and downs of life, so that when we are in the deep valleys, we can transform, and successfully negotiate the way up to the mountain tops to enjoy and benefit from the view.

Day 212: Sodden paths

"My sorrow, when she's here with me, thinks these dark days of autumn rain are beautiful as days can be; she loves the bare, the withered tree; she walks the sodden pasture lane" - Robert Frost

Project 365: #212

My running trail could be depressing in the grayness of dark days, but as soon as the sun peeps through the clouds, everything is lit up and comes alive. The rain-watered grass coming alive as the green shines through,  and all along the path are signs of busy life as squirrels and chipmunks collect as many nuts and seeds as they can before winter, scampering up the trees with mouths full. The stream is clogged with fallen leaves, amazing ecosystem that will eventually provide detritus and nutrients for teeny-tiny organisms, everything revolving in full circle., nothing wasted. It would be awesome if we could live life completely sustainably, only using what we need, and be satisfied with enough and not needing excess.