Where Does Inspiration Come From?

Tiny angel decorating a heart-shaped jewellery container

a gift from my grandson.

Inspiration is not something that can be forced.

Sometimes it comes through something we may see.

It grows and unfolds within us in moments we do not choose at all.

We look and look and cannot see..

and yet the treasures lie within

waiting to manifest themselves.

Inspiration can be as elusive  as a shadow on the wall.

Fascinating and yet fleeting.

Being in nature is certainly inspiring

as we observe the beauty all around us in the tiniest detail

like this lovely lichen on a tree trunk.

Flowers inspire me to take photographs and stimulate my creativity

Their fresh bright colours are especially welcome during the winter months.

Pansy rescued from my window-box just as it was starting to snow.

It could be said that inspiration is rather like the growth of a flower,

starting from a tiny seed in the earth

which grows and is nurtured and blossoms

and cannot be contained

It simply has to come into being.

***

The ancient Greeks thought that inspiration came from the Muses.

The Muses are the inspirational goddesses of Literature, Science and the arts 

in Greek Mythology.

They were considered the source of the knowledge embodied in the poetry,

lyric songs and myths that were related orally for centuries in these ancient times.

Boxing Day

When my brother and I were younger.

Boxing Day was the day we had to write our thank-you letters

for the Christmas presents we had received.

It was also a day to relax with no hassle in the kitchen

as there were always enough delicious leftovers to see us through the day.

Today, my daughter and grandson came over for lunch

and to exchange presents.

I seemed to spend the whole morning in the kitchen

but the meal was good  and  made all the work worthwhile.

It's traditional to make mince pies over Christmas

and they are served warm, fresh out of the oven.

When I was on my own again,

there was all the washing up to see to.

I do not own a dishwasher.

That job seemed to go on for a long time.

Now I'm getting used to the contrast of having visitors over

and getting back into routine of being on my own again.

I don't dislike the solitude

as it enables me to really be me

to get in touch with who I really am at my core.

However, I do enjoy the company of other folk too

and sometimes it's really nice to be invited 

and not always be the hostess!

I do notice that many people prefer to be invited rather than invite,

have you noticed that too?

So on this Boxing Day,

I shall put up my feet, pick up some handiwork

and look at a recorded film.

I also have a new book to start

which is waiting for me on my bedside table!

I hope that you are enjoying a more peaceful aftermath of Christmas.

It feels so good, doesn't it?

Wherever you are

A shining star on my window

reminding me that from today

the days are getting longer!

A new wreath has been created and put on my door

to welcome all who come my way.

May the sparkle I have woven in,

bring the sparkle back to someone's eyes.

and may the softness of the yarn

offer some softness in a passing moment.

This angel  brings me music the whole year round

and just now, I like to listen to Christmas carols

as I prepare traditional treats.

Some home-made mincemeat made for mince pies

to be eaten from Christmas Eve onwards!

Time to take a break with a warm drink.

Won't you join me?

Wherever you are

Whatever your circumstances

Whatever your beliefs

May you be at peace with this moment

Just as it is.

For those whose families are scattered

and cannot be together,

My special thoughts go out to you.

Merry Christmas

Wherever you may be!