The Tree of Light

It is that time of year again for the Rotary Clubs annual ‘Tree of Light‘, where people are invited to sponsor a light on the tree in memory of a loved one, or a cause that is dear to them. The monies that are raised are given to various charities, the choices are different each year.  Telford Hospice, Telford and Wrekin Young carers, Headway Shropshire and Alzheimer’s Society are the 2013 choices for my local Rotary clubs.

The name and symbolism of the ‘Tree of Light’ reminds us that there can be light and hope even in bleak circumstances.  The main aim of the ‘Tree of Light’ is to serve the public and the community which is at the heart of the Rotary organisation whose motto is ‘service above self”.

This post is in memory of my father, you can find a more detailed post about the ‘Tree of Light’ and why it means so much to me here.

Cloisters

52 Photos Project – Gallery 47 – Light

A Light Exists in Spring

A light exists in spring
Not present on the year
At any other period.
When March is scarcely here

A color stands abroad
On solitary hills
That science cannot overtake,
But human nature feels.

It waits upon the lawn;
It shows the furthest tree
Upon the furthest slope we know;
It almost speaks to me.

Then, as horizons step,
Or noons report away,
Without the formula of sound,
It passes, and we stay:

A quality of loss
Affecting our content,
As trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a sacrament.

by Emily Dickinson

The ‘light’ gallery can be found here.

52 Photos Project – Gallery 42 – Hearts

This weeks theme is an obvious choice for this time of year with February 14th the date for love, just around the corner.

But what is love and what does it mean?

Here are some thoughts from some inspirational people:

• When one has fully entered the realm of love, the world – no matter how imperfect – becomes rich and beautiful – it consists solely of opportunities for love.
• Take away love and our earth is a tomb.
• The law of love could be best understood and learned through little children.
• Whether humanity will consciously follow the law of love, I do not know. But that need not disturb me. the law will work just as the law of gravitation works whether we accept it or not.
• Love draws forth love.
• As love grows in you, beauty grows too.  For love is the beauty of the soul.

So what do you think love is?

PS: The ‘Hearts’ gallery can be found here.

52 Photos Project – Gallery 37 – Softly Fade Away

This week’s prompt was “Leaving one year behind and going into the next“.

The last few years have always presented difficulties for me even though I have always cast out the old year with it’s problems and tried to bring in more positive outcomes for the incoming New Year.

This year for some reason I felt quite different over the Christmas/New Year period and I still feel quite different despite some complications and irritations that re-surfaced over the Christmas period and into the New Year.

This photo was taken on a failed mission to deliver Christmas presents three years ago on Christmas Eve. It was the last Christmas I spent with my father before he passed away.

The memory of visiting that lake shrouded in mist always brings a smile to my face 🙂

More photos on the theme can be found here.

The Case of the Flickering Lights!

Yesterday, when I turned on one of the upstairs lights it started to flicker and I thought that the bulb had gone, so I switched the light off. When I turned it back on nothing happened and I was about to get another bulb when I realised that all the upstairs lights had gone out…

The downstairs ones and all the sockets still work but the upstairs ceiling lights either don’t come on at all or flicker madly when switched on. The electrician can’t come until Monday so for now the upstairs is illuminated with desk lamps!

After that minor irritation it was a nice surprise to have an impromptu invitation to visit friends for board games and maybe a glass of wine or two.

Night Light

Happy Christmas :-)

52 Photos Project – Gallery 35 – Roads I Travel

The prompt for this weeks gallery was ‘roads i travel’.

I always try to find the road that leads me to light, understanding and happiness.

Finding that road is always a challenge…

More inspiration can be found in the ‘roads i travel’ gallery.

The Tree of Light

We are now on the count down to Christmas and I am wondering where the year has gone…

I am also reminded of the Rotary Clubs annual ‘Tree of Light“, where people are invited to sponsor a light on the tree in memory of a loved one, or a cause that is dear to them.  The monies that are raised are given to various charities, the choices are different each year.

The name and symbolism of the ‘Tree of Light’ reminds us that there can be light and hope even in bleak circumstances.  The main aim of the ‘Tree of Light’ is to serve the public and the community which is at the heart of the Rotary organisation whose motto is ‘service above self”.

You can find a more detailed post about the ‘Tree of Light’ and why it means so much to me here.