Brooksie

early04.jpg
Originally uploaded by The Canary Murder Case

I have an interest in the Jazz Age, and nobody epitomizes it more than Louise Brooks. She came from the Midwest and conquered New York, starring in the Ziegfield Follies when she was barely 20. Then she left for a career in the movies, and she made some strikingly original ones during the Silent Era. She had a fresh, natural style of acting that stood out from the hammy, stage-trained actors of the era. She lived life to the fullest during the Jazz Age, with stops in New York, Berlin, Paris, and London during the manic 1920s. Poor choices and a difficult disposition derailed her acting career, but she lived long enough to become a respected movie critic in her old age. Look at her picture and you see a woman who still seems so modern, even 80 years later.

Purple beauty

Purple beauty
Originally uploaded by Jay364

I try to spend part of every day dreaming. It's important to give your mind the material of your dreams, so it can go to work and make them come true.

Autumn colors

Autumn colors
Originally uploaded by Jay364

Sometimes you just have to stop and take a look at the glory that's all around you. There are masterpieces right under our noses, and we miss them. We rush around focused on our daily tasks, but we miss so much beauty that's waiting to be perceived. The Autumn leaves will fall soon; take a look at them in all their glory, while they're still on the trees.

Enjoy the ride

Originally uploaded by Mere unwound

Remember the feeling of being a child and going on a Ferris wheel? The initial scary feeling inside, when you go up, up, up, and then the exhilaration, the sheer joy, of getting to the top and seeing for miles and miles? Then the giddy feeling of going around and around, the breeze in your face and the world blending into a multicolored whirl? The way you laughed and laughed, and reveled in the motion and color?

Wouldn't it be nice to have that feeling today? Why not?

Urban Angel

Urban Angel
Originally uploaded by fullofheart

What if angels really did exist, and they were living in your neighborhood? They may be there, but you just don't see them, because you're expecting white robes and Breck hair and a gauzy light around them. Who's to say they don't have neon wings and tattoos? Who's to say they're not standing right next to you, waiting to be asked to do something special?

Look closely

gardenias silhouette
Originally uploaded by Ms Twinkle Toes

There is poetry everywhere. Beauty is blooming all around us. There are amazing, wonderful, miraculous things happening right under our noses. If you stop right now and take a look around you, and really focus, you'll see the most amazing sights. All you need is an attitude of appreciation, gratitude, and wonder. Once you have that, you'll see miracles everywhere.

The Moment

Lonely!
Originally uploaded by khalid almasoud

It's so important to stop Time every once in awhile and relish the Now. To take a moment and appreciate it for its beauty. Our lives pass in a whirl of activity, a restless striving to achieve our goals, and we don't stop to appreciate those jewel-like moments that each day is made up of. Be aware of the beauty that is all around you, every moment of the day. Don't let it all pass in a blur. Take time to step out of your daily dance, and revel in the stillness and the eternal beauty of the Now.