Our Own Backyard
Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 3:06PM 
I've mentioned a few times that I began 2010 with Simple Abundance as my trusty companion. If I could, I would be quoting that book for the next year. I feel like every page I read is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights; a guide to living life as it should be lived. Authentic. Joyful. Grateful. Simple. Lovely. Abundantly. I won't quote it every day, I promise, but I am eager to share the wealth.
As the wise and wonderful Sarah Ban Breathnach says, "...within each one of us lies a wellspring of abundance and the seeds of opportunity...We all have an acre of diamonds waiting to be discovered, cherished, and mined...Your own opportunity for personal success, authentic happiness, and financial serenity is as close as your own backyard."
What have you discovered in your own backyard this week? Share your gems.
Reader Comments (20)
it's one of my favorite books. i read it every year :)
I love inspirational books. I will have to check that one out!
Here's my BSM
that title is surely on my list!
in my yard are winter weeds thriving..swaying to life's beat in black and white
love that quote, tracey. words to live by, for sure.
younger siblings BSM
I love Simple Abundance. I wouldn't mind if you quoted it everyday...it all bears repeating and reminding! My BSM this week is technically out our balcony, into the front yard - not the back, but we rediscovered the sunny days this weekend.
I always find my backyard to be a source of inspiration. Very nice!
We found a bowling alley, not quite in our back yard, but in our neighborhood!
Literally, I would have to say my 4 year old discovered the great joy of snow in the backyard this past week. I discovered that the manual settings on my camera may not be too far out of reach. And I wish I could squeeze a few inspirational readings in amidst the organizational learning. ;)
I second the motion to quote the book all you want! Just from that one alone...it's a perfect book to have!
I am adding that book to my must read list. My shots aren't from my own backyard, but from a nearby park.
Much Needed Fresh Air
I just recently went back to my copy of Simple Abundance. I purchased it last year and, like you, could quote from it all day long...but my commitment faltered a bit. I'm hoping this time around I can stay the course. I also loved Julia Cameron's 'The Artists's Way' :)
My very 1st best shot monday: http://bekkah.squarespace.com/blog/2010/1/25/the-gaps.html
Turkeys! Yes, I have lots of turkeys stroll my backyard. And deer. Once a fox. And recently two spooky coyotes at night. And I'm in suburbia, though the border of town. Love the shot. And LOVE the book. I read through it at least three years in a row back in the 90s I think. I was recently realizing that through that difficult and many parts unhappy time in my life, the book tilled the soil, sewed the seeds and began germinating the abundance within that I enjoy today. It is definitely in my top three favorite and most meaningful books. I got a little undated SA flip calendar and carried it around in my car a couple of years, also. My BSM is open to critique. I'm a hardened journalist. I want to learn from keener, much more talented eyes than mine here. I want to hear how I can be better at this. I'm humble where photography is concerned, at least::
Just what I needed today - thank you.
My best shot is not quite from our backyard - it took a little driving. But it's close.
Okay. I tried REALLY hard to make a hyperlink. Consulted with someone even. Pfff. I put in the code and it vaporized. Unlinked but dang it, here it is:
http://leisahammett.typepad.com/the_journey_with_grace/2010/01/winter-austerity-poetry.html
My backyard is pretty-much a white-out today, but I did find something to share.
Such a lovely quote.
This was in my backyard:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmsheldon/4272005758/
Our backyard rosemary is so hearty. It poked up through the recent snow, and made it through the harsh cold snap (and into lasagna the other night!). Our rascal puppy bumbles in and out of the back door all day, and usually smells of rosemary. This is my simple pleasure ... a puppy smelling of rosemary. Helps me overlook the muddy paw prints on the kitchen floor. (Sorry, no pic to share ...)
Went trolling my backyard this weekend too, since there was finally a break in the rain! :) Loved this view of my dad's rose arbor that creeps over the side gate.
i'll have to check that book out.
my best shot for the week
i'm also on this journey (though not reading it every morning as I should be. playing a lot of catch up). I love it. It is amazing and beautiful and so... well... helpful :)
beautiful shot, tracey :) xo
Me too! Me too! I've been reading Simple Abundance every day since January 1... I am trying so hard to embrace every word and truly open my heart and soul to every page. I know what you mean about wanting to quote it all... my blog is filled with revelations every day!!
With that book and lovely women like you, Andrea Scher and Kelly Rae Roberts, I am filled with love every day. Thank You!