~
nature in full bloom
summer heat, resplendent life
chill lakeside moments
~
I recently visited another local lake called Lake Wilson. It’s been so hot that being near water is soothing, yet, also oddly tortuous since most of our local lakes do not allow swimming. It reminds me again of how much fun I had in Madison, WI where there were several lakes around town easily accessible by the bike trails. This was ideal for me, being able to bike, swim, play, and enjoy town all safely and easily on my bike.
I’ve been struggling both to keep my spirits up and to find inspiration to write. Instead of forcing myself to write, I’m going to give myself permission to write less, post less often, and/or post photos only.
And it’s good to remember, we’re worthy of love no matter what we accomplish or don’t.
Blessings, Brad
writing to freedom 
Yes. We ARE worthy of love no matter what we do or don’t accomplish. Your photos are sublime ā and always inspire me to take a deep breath and sloooow down for a moment. If writing poetry or prose to accompany them is too challenging right now, please bring on more of Brad’s photos! And I agree about lakes/ponds in which one is not allowed to swim ā so “oddly tortuous…”
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Thank you for the heart smiles this morning Will. I’m delighted that you find my photography sublime. to embracing more love, š§”
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Beautiful photos, Brad and you are worthy, my lovely. No measurements are needed. ā¤ xXx
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Thank you for the kind support Jane. I know this yet get caught up in performance pressures. š§”
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We all do it to ourselves, Brad. It takes loving frends who are in the same boat to gently say ‘You can just be’… ā¤ Xxx
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Yes, thanks for being a good friend. š
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Yes you are worthy my friend… and you are love. Whatever you feel called to do or not do is perfect. With Autumn here, perhaps the fall colors will be inspiring, but it’s also a perfect time to just surrender and be. Sending hugs and appreciation for you.
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Thank you for kind and heartwarming support. Perhaps I’ll surrender to the perfection of my life as it is? š§”
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Like they sayā¦ Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. š And Iām always excited to see the places youāve been.
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Thank you Michele. š
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Youāre welcome š
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Brad, your first reflective photo is stunning and a lovely haiku. Best to not force, just allow and hopefully enjoy. āØ
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Thank you Michele. I agree and appreciate the reminders. š
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You are welcome.
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Hi Brad,
Beautiful pictures. I never swan in a lake, and would love to, and hope to.
I am sorry you are not feeling that great. Do what brings you joy!
But with that said, I know that sometimes I have to force myself to do things I don’t feel like doing, such as exercising, writing, etc. And once I do them, my spirits are immediately lifted.
What about writing about what is troubling you?
I am sending you blessings and love! ā„ā„
ps. don’t disappear from here, you would be sorely missed. š¦
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Thank you for the kind support Ana. Writing has become a chore rather than a joy. I keep going mostly for our community and the connections. Yes, sometimes we need to push and sometimes let go. The trick is knowing which is most appropriate! Hugs…š§”
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I honor you for owning the emotional space youāre in without any judgment but acceptance of what is. Youāll find your groove. And yes we are worthy of love š Love the photos
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Thank you Dee. You understand the main theme of my post! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos too. š
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ššš½š
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Wow thatās a beautiful lake
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Thank you Quentin!
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Stunning photos, Brad and it looks so welcoming for a swim! We have several smaller lakes nearby that do not allow swimming which is frustrating during heatwaves. Iām sorry youāre feeling low at the moment and you do right to listen to yourself, write and post when able. We are always here, wishing you well. Take care.
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Thank you for understanding about the writing and swimming Annika. I appreciate you.
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The flow will come Brad. You are exactly where you need to be right now š
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Thank you Val. š
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So beautiful and serene š„°
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Thank you! š
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Captivating pictures so well taken, Brad. Lovely poem and yes take your time. Do what you like and the flow will come in its own way. Do not push anything. Lovely post.
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Thank you Kamal.
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Welcome Brad š¤š¤š¤
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During seeing the nature, lakes,greenery, blowing water,you remember your friends/ partner as well as past?
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Not often, but good suggestion.
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Your pictures are lovely, Brad. I hope you feel more inspired soon. I always find autumn a little hard. I don’t like winter.
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Thanks Robbie. This year, I’m relishing autumn after a long and record hot summer.
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Aww, Brad. You take care of yourself by whatever means necessary. If that means writing less and not worrying about posting, then that is what you must do. I hope you go for some more walks and find little morsels of beauty and magic. Your photos and poem are gorgeous, by the way. Lots of love to you, Brad. šHNS
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Thank you for the sweet and kind support Tanya. I’d love to find the magic again. To more beauty and magic. š HNS!
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Yes, itās important to give ourselves permission to rest. Our culture has taught, for too long, that we are worthless if weāre not busy all the time. Enjoy your rest, Brad!
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Agreed Julie. It’s more subtle for me, feeling the internal pressure to keep writing, posting, and connecting, yet now feeling the desire or inspiration to do so.
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You are worthy of love, Brad. Always. And remember to love yourselfā¤
Beautiful photos, taken through loving eyes.
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Thank you for the kind support Natalie. I know, but don’t always feel it or treat myself that way.
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Sending love and warm wishes your way Brad. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and content in the moment, thatās really all we can do. š
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Thank you Miriam. š„°
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Power full
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Thank you.
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A beautiful spot, Brad. I’ll bet the trees are starting to turn a bit, now. And how much we blog is entirely personal. Follow your heart. ā¤
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Thanks Diana. Not much color except brown, green, and too much heat.
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We’ve entered the rainy season. It will come your way too.
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Yes, please send it over!
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Your photos are stunning. For those of us that live in areas where trees are not prominent, your captures sooth my soul….so peaceful!! As to you pulling back a bit….let it come when it does…no need to force it, as when it does come, trust me your posts are inspirational!!
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Thank you for the kind words and support Kirt. I’m touched that my photos and posts can sooth your soul. That is motivation to keep on!
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Such a beautiful lake and resonating words!
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Thank you Shreya and welcome.
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The photos you are sharing offer such rich silence and beauty of the moment. Permission to write less or less often – I need that so often.
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Thank you for understanding. š
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