Monday, April 9, 2012

Inspiration

"I have dreamed in my life, dreams that have
stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas;
they have gone through and through me, like wine
through water, and altered the color of my life."
                        ~Emily Bronte


   I have had many dreams in my life, some which have stayed with me over the years, and others that have faded over time. Dreams fuel our actions and give us courage. What inspires our dreams? It can be something small, something life-altering, someone's words, a chance encounter, or an unexpected glimpse into something new and surprising. I have always been inspired by words - they have a kind of magic for me because they have the power to create something vivid and alive, whether that is a feeling or an image, an association with the past, or hopes for the future. I have always loved the beauty of language. My Mum kept a diary in her twenties. It was typical of most diaries chronicling the events of her life, but the last quarter of the book was devoted to her favorite quotes from stories, articles, philosophers, prophets, and poets. I used to love to read this section of her diary - not only for the quotes themselves, but because I knew she loved them and had chosen them throughout her life as the words that inspired her. I copied my favorites down in my own journals and sometimes wrote the ones that inspired me the most on little pieces of paper that I would put around my room. When I went to university I chose to study words in all their forms. I learned how much I loved poetry, essays, and stories, and I began to write words of my own. I still collect beautiful quotes (I use them here!), I love books, I write poetry, and I dream and dream and dream. Here are a few random photos I took the other day - pretty things in my room and the pages of a book that I have with beautiful quotes. I suppose you could say that this is my dreaming place - the place where inspiration begins! Something new today as well - I am including an original poem that I wrote entitled "Wallflower" after the pictures and a little sketch I did recently.

I am linking with these blog parties:
Masterpiece Monday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday










































(Click to see larger version)

Drawing and Poem by Jennelise

12 comments:

  1. Breathtaking pictures and a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing... ~Stacy~

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  2. Absolutely beautiful post! The photography is amazing...so crisp and lovely!!
    You have some gorgeous pieces and they are displayed so pretty!
    Blessings,
    Doni

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  3. You have many talents, Jennelise. And the written word is indeed a powerful thing. With regard to words less dreamy, yet completely significant, it's somewhat heartwarming (in the world of internet, Kindles, etc.) to learn that they can't fill orders fast enough (to the tune of nearly $1400 U.S. dollars) at Encyclopedia Brittanica for the last printed edition of that time-honored, longed-for-in-every-home set of encyclopedias. Nostalgia, certainly. But there's nothing like the simple act of taking a book off of a shelf, turning a paper page, curl up in a comfortable chair with good light, and read of a far-off destination in time or place. I wish I was one of the lottery-ticket holders so that I, too, could get in on those 800 or less (& counting) remaining volumes before they disappear. You're too young to know about Encyclopedia Brittanica, although I assume they existed in Canada as in the States but, there was a time in my childhood, even average wage-earning parents endeavored to purchase the multi-volume encyclopedia set that was the esteemed Brittanica. It was almost too comprehensive for younger kids but, in large part, became an asset to the family home just like the family car or a nice piece of art.

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  4. Beautiful, beautiful post, your words and your images are just lovely. Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my blog.

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  5. Enjoyed your post ~ your words and photos are just beautiful ♥

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  6. I knew you were a poet in your heart and visual art gifts, but your poetry in words is just as exquisite!
    Please post more, sweet friend, just marvelous...
    I love this post. I'm a collector of journals, poetry, and quotes as well. Such treasures.
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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  7. I love roses your page is gorgeous...
    Come and see me if you get a chance.

    Cindy

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  8. Thank you for your visit and well wishes!

    Your blog gets ever prettier!!

    hugs and happy thoughts sent your way!

    Dana

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  9. Thank you for visiting my blog! You have a beautiful blog and I've so enjoyed looking at all your gorgeous photos! Hope you're having a lovely day!
    Cheers!
    Holly

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  10. Hi Jennelise,
    Another gorgeous and inspiring post! You have such style and flair,
    .....sigh. I love it all, the poem is amazing!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  11. Inspiring quotations tucked into the lovely photos. My first time visiting - I will return.

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  12. Hi Jennelise! So nice stopping by to visit with you here at your beautiful blog. It really is one of the prettiest places I have seen. Every post is filled with the prettiest photos and vignettes. Lovely.

    Kindly, Lorraine

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