“I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now and live in it forever.” ~ Suzanne Collins
Good morning, beautiful souls. Have you ever seen something so wonderful or enjoyed a moment so magical that you wish you could “freeze it and live in it forever?” I have. In the wee hours of one winter morning, crossing over the mountains from Virginia into West Virginia, the trees had been frozen and looked as though someone had hung diamonds on their velvet green branches. A memory that will remain with me forever. I treasure that memory, as we have not had winter, as of yet, here in North Central West Virginia. Although, mom always said, “Beware of February.”
For me, January is the perfect month for reading good books. These past few weeks, I’ve been reading, “A Train In Winter,” by Caroline Moorehead (please see note at the end of this post). It is a factual account of life in France during Hitler’s reign of terror and is about the brave and beautiful souls who were part of the French Resistance. These men and women of all ages were so amazing, not only for their bravery but because of how in the middle of such horror, they were able to see the beauty in the smallest of details. I began to think about the ‘Wonder of It All,’ and the beauty of the human spirit. I can tell you for certain, it gave me pause for much self-reflection. I wondered if I could possibly ever do what these people did if life found me in such a situation? Could I possibly be so brave, could I see the beauty around me amidst such horrors and in the simplest of things? I pray I never have to know the answer.
“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” ~ Anne Frank
I have given much thought to the people in my book and how they wept over new-fallen snow, a smuggled loaf of fresh bread or a single wildflower. In thinking of them today, I hope to inspire you not to ever, even for a moment, take for granted the beauty in your life and all that remains in our world. So, I hope you will enjoy following me into ‘The Wonder of It All.’
“There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.” ~ William Sharp
“Iced blue gaze and breathless beauty, the frozen world embraced.” ~ Unknown
“Wherever man exists, he finds the need to redesign, to recreate the world. A more beautiful world, purer, sweeter smelling and more colorful. A garden is probably the spot where the hopes for civilization are best captured. In fact, man defines himself by his garden.” ~ Gary Snyder
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved and appreciated beauty. Growing up in West Virginia, one is surrounded by beauty at every turn, so it is hard not to notice. And, of course, I had a mom who made certain I was aware of the splendor we were blessed to enjoy. With all my heart, I believe the beauty of our world and the beauty that shines in each of us is what keeps us sane. Especially, during difficult times.
Palace Gardens at Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England
Peonies, really are the “Queen of the Garden.”
Lavender fields, Provence, France. A magnificent sight to “freeze and live in forever.”
“What a beautiful world God, in His loving kindness to His creatures, has given us! What a shame that men endowed with reason and knowledge of right should mar His gifts.” ~ Robert E. Lee
“The more often we see the things around us ~ even the beautiful and wonderful things ~ the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds ~ even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less.” ~ Joseph B. Wirthlin
“Our generation has inherited an incredibly beautiful world from our parents and they from their parents. It is in our hands whether our children and their children inherit the same world. We must not be the generation responsible for irreversibly damaging the environment.” ~ Richard Branson
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” ~ Audrey Hepburn
Photo by, Jack Cardiff, 1956
In closing, one of the most beautiful things on earth is the beauty of the light that shines in every person. Audrey Hepburn is a lovely example of the brilliant light within. There are a few things you may or may not know about this beautiful, brave, and talented woman. Born in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium, Hepburn spent her childhood in Belgium, England, and the Netherlands. After the Germans invaded the Netherlands in 1940, Hepburn began using the name Edda van Heemstra, because her English-sounding name was considered dangerous. Beginning in 1945, she studied ballet with Sonia Gaskell. Training, which would serve her and others well.
In order to raise money for the Dutch Resistance, she began dancing at recitals given in houses with the windows and doors closed. These events were high risk and guards were posted outside to notify those inside of approaching Germans. She also secretly delivered the Oranjekrant, a Resistance newspaper. She would stuff them in her socks and wooden shoes, get on her bike and deliver them. The “knowledge she was not alone” must have provided her great courage, necessary to accomplish her tasks.
Audrey Hepburn survived these terrible times and as the world knows she went on to become a wife, mother, and famous film star. She shared her light and talents with the world.
“Magic, indeed, is all around us, in stones, flowers, stars, the dawn wind, and the sunset cloud; all we need is the ability to see and understand.” ~ Doreen Valiente
Dear friends, I hope you have enjoyed following me into ‘The Wonder Of It All.’ Perhaps you may pause from time-to-time, pay extra attention to all the beauty in your corner of the world, and especially notice the beautiful light which shines in those you love.
Know, I am wishing you a glorious day!
And…
May you have a moment or moments so wonderful, you will want to ‘freeze them and live in them forever.’
Amour,
Sandra
Images: via tumblr
Note: A Train in Winter, by Caroline Moorehead is a remarkable story of women and others. And, their unbelievable courage working with the French Resistance in occupied France. Moorehead interviewed many of the forth-nine women who returned to France after their time in Auschwitz.
Audrey Hepburn was, is, always will be, one of my favorite actresses and human beings. Lovely inside AND out. And these photos are breathtaking. Oh, that canoe in the snow! The ice crystals. Each and every one — loved the deer, too. What a beautiful way to begin my morning, settling in with something lovely. The book sounds fabulous. I’m fascinated and humbled by the courage of the resistance. I’ll add it to my list.
Dear Jeanie, many thanks for your most kind words. Audrey Hepburn was an amazing lady, there is a beautiful white tulip named for her, she dug and ate tulip bulbs to survive during the war. Such courage. Jeanie, I feel you will enjoy “The Train In Winter.” And it is followed by Moorehead’s book – “Village Of Secrets.” Thank you again, and I am happy you enjoyed the post. Great day and weekend to you!❤
Sandra, what a lovely way to start my day with your beautiful images, quotes, and personal sentiments. I have many memories that are frozen in time. God is so good to bless us with His beauty, we simply must open our eyes and observe a male cardinal wearing his bright red attire, a stunning sunrise or sunset, and oh so many moments that take my breath away. Thank you for always sharing kindness and beauty.
I will add the book to my list. Last year, I read many books about World War 2, the horrors in Europe. Happy Thursday my friend❤️
Dear Pam, thank you. You are always so kind. I believe you will enjoy the book, I have to read it in little amounts at a time as it is heartbreaking – but the truth of the entire horror is heartbreaking.
Wishing you a lovely day and weekend ahead, dear friend.❤
Friend Sandra, I am impressed to read and reread your post. Thousands of things you say are wonderful have come to me. In this publication of yours is “the friendly side of life” …
I will tell you something that will clarify the motive of my blog “The friendly side of life” … for this look at chapter 1 of the blog, that is what motivated me to write it and you will better understand everything I have edited. . . since then.
Everything communicates with what you tell us in this publication. His look at things, his exquisite feeling towards nature … is impressive. I think I’ve never been so close to everything you say.
You are a privileged soul because you know SEE THE world, things, everything around you … What a wonder!
I loved reading you, I really enjoyed … A big hug, dear friend.
Dolores
Dearest Maria, what a blessing and joy are to me. I believe Maria, you too, see the world and everything around you. I know your part of the world must be exquisitely beautiful. I can thank my dear mom for teaching me to see beauty, that was a marvelous gift she passed along to me. I look forward to reading your beautiful blog, as I know we were two souls meant to meet. Maria, know how much I thank you for your beautiful words. Sending you much love and big hugs.❤❤
Wonderful post! Peaceful and beautiful!Hugs,dear Sandra!
Thank you, Maristella. Lovely day to you, my friend.❤
Sweet Sandra, what a beautiful post to start my day with! Your photographs are beautiful along with the thoughtful words. The photograph with the deer and blue jay spoke to me. It reminded me of something beautiful I saw while washing dishes. Outside my window was a deer eating out of my bird feeder joined by pretty red cardinals. I have many lovely images and memories etched in my heart, and I find that when I’m upset, stressed, or tired they provide me great comfort. Enjoy these winter days, dear friend!!!
Dear Shannon, the blessings of beauty we carry in our hearts are a beautiful gift. Just as you are to me, my sweet friend. I am happy you enjoyed the post. Have a beautiful day and weekend ahead.❤
Such a beautiful post! Beautiful images and hearing about your book.
It is good to see beauty. Even on a cold rainy day like today the winter silhouettes of the trees are beautiful. I had the pleasure today of seeing the beauty in a six week old baby. Such
joy!
Blessings to you today.
Many thanks, Bonnie. You did have a special blessing, getting to see a new baby. Wishing you a lovely day and weekend, my friend.
Beautifully written and accompanied with great photos! Andre Van Damme, Charleston Ballet’s founder, danced as a soldier during WWII, taking great risks to pass along information among troops through his stage costumes. WV was very fortunate to have him all the years we did. Sandra, there’s hardly a day goes by when the sun is shining that I marvel at the beauty of our sunrises through our windows in our loft. They are like daily gifts, and I have so many photographs, just for the wonder of it all. Thank you for this post today.
Dear Rita, many thanks for your kind words. There were so many during the war who did such acts of bravery. We might not be where we are today if it had not been for such souls. I know you must see beauty at every turn through the wonderful windows in your loft. And the fact you know it is a gift, makes it more beautiful, for it is appreciated by you. Wishing you a happy Friday and weekend.❤
Every photo, every quotation, and of course, your own beautiful words all add up to another wonderful post. Thank you Sandra for gracing our world with your take on life and how we should live it.
Brenda xox
Thank you, Brenda. Your kind words mean more than you can imagine. Have a wonderful day and weekend, dear friend.❤
I love your blog! Thank you for visiting mine. Frost on the trees is one of my favorite things about Winter. No frost today just a lot of sun and warm air that we are grateful for after a week long Deep Freeze!
Chy
Chy, thank you as well for visiting me. We have warm weather as well, snow on the way for tomorrow. Have a beautiful day, and I do hope you will visit me again soon! ❤